Traders choosing between FTMO and E8 Markets face a decision between an established industry leader and a newer firm with more forgiving challenge requirements. The most significant difference lies in challenge difficulty: E8 Markets offers a 6% profit target with no daily loss limits for $260, while FTMO requires a 10% target with a 5% daily loss cap for $540. This comparison examines how these firms stack up across evaluation criteria, payout structures, and the trading conditions that matter most to prop traders.
F
FTMO
Est. 2015 · Prague, Czech Republic
4.8
40,000 reviews
VS
7 wins
1 ties
6 wins
EM
E8 Markets
Est. 2021 · N/A
4.5
3,200 reviews
Feature
FTMO
E8 Markets
Challenge Price ($100K)
$540
$260✓ Lower entry cost
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
6%✓ Easier to pass
Phase 2 Profit Target
5%
None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation
Max Daily Loss
5%
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
Max Total Loss
10%
N/A
Min Trading Days
4 days
None✓ No minimum
Time Limit (Phase 1)
30 days
No limit✓ No time limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 90%)✓ Higher profit split
80%
FTMO
Pros
+Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)
+Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached
+Strong payout track record — $500M+ total paid to traders
+Performance coaching and FTMO Academy included
Cons
−News trading restricted (2 min buffer around major events)
−Higher challenge prices than most competitors at same account sizes
−Scaling plan slower than rivals (25% increase every 4 months)
−Maximum initial allocation capped at $200K before scaling
E8 Markets
Pros
+Over $69 million paid out to traders since 2021
+Simulated trading environment with no margin calls or deposits required
+Fast payout qualification possible in as little as 3 days
+Multiple markets available: Forex, Futures, and Crypto
+Money back guarantee if unsatisfied before starting trading
Cons
−Payouts are discretionary and not guaranteed
−Limited account size options compared to other firms
−SaaS simulation model rather than live capital trading
−Requires E8's acceptance and licensing of performance data for payouts
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
FTMO suits experienced traders who value stability, reputation, and long-term scaling potential. With 8 years in business and 40,000 Trustpilot reviews at 4.8/5, FTMO offers proven reliability, better payout splits (up to 90%), and superior account scaling. The stricter rules filter for consistent traders who can handle pressure.
E8 Markets is ideal for newer traders or those who struggle with daily loss limits and tight profit targets. The 6% profit target versus FTMO's 10%, combined with no daily loss restrictions and half the challenge cost ($260 vs $540), makes it significantly easier to pass. However, traders sacrifice the reputation and scaling potential that comes with FTMO's established platform.
For most traders, E8 Markets offers the better path to funded status due to its forgiving requirements, while FTMO provides better long-term value once funded. Choose E8 Markets if passing the challenge is your primary concern, FTMO if you want the industry's most respected name.
Choose FTMO if:
→Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)
→Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.