FTMO vs E8 Markets: A Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing the right proprietary trading firm can significantly impact your trading career. This detailed comparison between FTMO and E8 Markets highlights key differences in evaluation processes, funding options, trading platforms, and more to help you make an informed decision.
FTMO
- Evaluation Fee Range
- €89.00 – €1,080.00; $89.00 – $1,080.00
- Profit Split
- 80%
- Max Total Funding
- $200,000.00
- Trading Platforms
- MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader
E8 Markets
- Evaluation Fee Range
- $33.00 – $1,980.00
- Profit Split
- 80%
- Max Total Funding
- $150,000.00
- Trading Platforms
- MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5
Key Metrics Comparison
This table compares the facts currently shown for each firm side by side.
— means a supported value is currently not available on WhichPropFirm for that field. It does not mean zero.
| Metric | FTMO | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Split | 80% | 80% |
| Evaluation Fee Range | €89.00 – €1,080.00; $89.00 – $1,080.00 | $33.00 – $1,980.00 |
| Activation Fee | $0.00 | — |
| Data Platform Fee | — | — |
| Evaluation Steps | 2 | 1 – 3 |
| Profit Target | 10% | 6% – 10% |
| Daily Drawdown | 5% | 4% |
| Max Drawdown | 10% | 3% – 8% |
| Min Trading Days | 4 | 0 – 1 |
| News Trading | No | Yes |
| Scalping | Yes | Yes |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Yes | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 |
| Payout Methods | Bank Transfer, Crypto | Rise Pay, Plane, Wire Transfer |
| Headquarters | Czech Republic | United States |
Evaluation Process
FTMO employs a two-step evaluation process consisting of a Challenge and a Verification stage. Traders must achieve a 10% profit target within 30 days for the Challenge and 60 days for the Verification, maintaining a maximum daily drawdown of 5% and an overall drawdown of 10%. E8 Markets offers multiple evaluation paths, including a two-step E8 Classic process with an 8% profit target, a lower daily drawdown limit of 4%, and a max drawdown of 8%. The E8 One path is a single-step evaluation, providing a faster route to funding.
Trading Rules & Restrictions
FTMO maintains stricter trading rules by prohibiting news trading and weekend holding, which may limit some trading strategies but ensures risk management. They do permit scalping and the use of expert advisors, offering flexibility for intraday traders. E8 Markets, on the other hand, allows news trading and weekend holding, catering to a broader range of trading styles, including those who prefer holding positions over weekends or trading on news events.
Profit Splits & Payouts
Both FTMO and E8 Markets offer an 80% profit split, rewarding traders generously for their performance. FTMO processes payouts monthly, while E8 Markets provides bi-weekly payouts, which can be more appealing for traders seeking more frequent access to their profits. The payout methods also differ, with FTMO offering a variety of options such as bank transfers and cryptocurrencies, whereas E8 Markets primarily uses Rise Pay and Plane.
Platforms & Tradable Markets
FTMO supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade, catering to traders familiar with these popular platforms. E8 Markets expands its offering with Match-Trader and TradeLocker in addition to MT4, MT5, and cTrader, providing traders with a diverse range of platforms. Both firms offer mixed instruments, allowing access to forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Account Sizes & Scaling
FTMO provides an impressive maximum funding of $2,000,000, allowing traders to scale their accounts significantly over time. E8 Markets, while offering a lower initial maximum of $1,000,000, provides a structured scaling plan, enabling traders to grow their accounts based on consistent performance. This makes E8 Markets appealing for traders looking for a clear path to increase their trading capital.
Strengths & Weaknesses
FTMO
Strengths
- Higher maximum funding up to $2,000,000
- Diverse platform offerings including DXtrade
- Allows scalping and the use of expert advisors
- Structured evaluation process with clear targets
Weaknesses
- No news trading or weekend holding allowed
- Monthly payout frequency may not suit all traders
- Higher evaluation fees compared to some competitors
E8 Markets
Strengths
- Allows news trading and weekend holding
- Multiple evaluation paths including single-step option
- Bi-weekly payout frequency
- Lower daily and max drawdown percentages
Weaknesses
- Lower maximum funding compared to FTMO
- Limited payout methods
- Higher initial evaluation stage difficulty with 8% target
FAQs – FTMO vs E8 Markets
Which firm is better overall, FTMO or E8 Markets?
FTMO is better suited for traders seeking higher funding and a more structured evaluation process, while E8 Markets offers flexibility with news trading and more frequent payouts, making it ideal for traders looking for a diverse trading environment.
Which firm is better for beginners, FTMO or E8 Markets?
E8 Markets might be more beginner-friendly due to its lower profit target and flexible trading rules, including the allowance of news trading and weekend holding, giving new traders more room to adjust their strategies.
How often are payouts processed by FTMO and E8 Markets?
FTMO processes payouts monthly, which may suit traders looking for regular monthly income, whereas E8 Markets processes payouts bi-weekly, appealing to those who prefer more frequent access to their funds.
What payout methods do FTMO and E8 Markets offer?
FTMO provides diverse payout methods, including bank transfers and PayPal, while E8 Markets primarily uses Rise Pay and Plane, which could limit options for some traders.
How does customer support compare between FTMO and E8 Markets?
Both firms provide robust customer support, but the availability and responsiveness may vary. FTMO is known for prompt service, while E8 Markets is praised for personalized support, catering to trader needs.
What educational resources are available at FTMO and E8 Markets?
FTMO offers comprehensive educational resources, including tutorials and webinars, while E8 Markets focuses on providing tailored support and resources for individual trader growth, though specific offerings might differ.
Can I trade news events with FTMO and E8 Markets?
FTMO does not allow news trading, restricting trades during major news events, while E8 Markets allows it, providing more flexibility for traders who trade on news-driven volatility.
What platforms and instruments are available with FTMO and E8 Markets?
FTMO offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade, while E8 Markets provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, and additional platforms like Match-Trader and TradeLocker. Both firms offer mixed instruments, including forex and commodities.
What's the maximum funding I can get with FTMO vs E8 Markets?
FTMO offers a maximum funding of $2,000,000, significantly higher than E8 Markets' maximum of $1,000,000, making it a better choice for traders aiming for large account sizes.
How do scaling opportunities compare between FTMO and E8 Markets?
FTMO provides a straightforward scaling plan with large maximum funding, while E8 Markets offers structured scaling based on consistent performance, providing clear growth paths for traders.
How difficult are the evaluation processes at FTMO and E8 Markets?
FTMO's evaluation requires meeting a 10% profit target over two stages with specific drawdown limits, while E8 Markets offers multiple evaluation paths with varying difficulty levels, including an 8% target for their classic path.
What are the evaluation costs for FTMO and E8 Markets?
FTMO's evaluation fees range from $89 to $1,080, while E8 Markets' fees range from $33 to $1,100. Neither firm offers refunds, so traders should consider these costs when choosing a firm.
How do profit splits compare between FTMO and E8 Markets?
Both FTMO and E8 Markets offer an 80% profit split, ensuring traders receive a substantial portion of their earnings, but the payout frequency differs, with FTMO offering monthly payouts and E8 Markets offering bi-weekly payouts.
What are the profit withdrawal rules for FTMO and E8 Markets?
FTMO allows profit withdrawals on a monthly basis through various methods, including bank transfer and cryptocurrency, while E8 Markets offers bi-weekly withdrawals primarily through Rise Pay and Plane.
Which is Better – FTMO or E8 Markets?
Both FTMO and E8 Markets offer unique advantages, making it crucial for traders to assess their priorities, such as funding size, trading flexibility, and payout frequency, to choose the firm that aligns best with their trading goals.