Executive Summary: Core Identity
- E8 Markets: The Flexible Innovator. Aims to provide faster, more accessible funding paths with modern features like on-demand payouts and highly customizable challenges. It’s built for speed, choice, and trader-centric flexibility.
- FTMO: The Established Institution. The industry benchmark for prestige and reliability. It employs a rigorous, standardized process designed to identify consistently disciplined traders for long-term partnerships. It is the “gold standard.”
Company Details
| Company Details | E8 Markets | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | November 2021 | September 2015 |
| CEO | Dylan Elchami | Otakar Suffner |
| Headquarters | Dallas, USA & Prague, CZ | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.3/5 (2,641+ reviews) | 4.8/5 (22,500+ reviews) |
Program Structure & Key Features
| Feature | E8 Markets | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Program Flexibility | 5 Unique Programs (2-Step, 3-Step, 1-Step) | 1 Standard Program (2-Step Only) |
| Best for | Traders who want options, speed, and flexibility | Traders who prefer a proven, structured path |
| Maximum Account Size | $400,000 | $200,000 |
| Scaling Plan | ✅ (After each payout) | ✅ (Every 4 months, 25% increase) |
| Free Trial | ✅ | ✅ |
Trading Rules & Objectives (Evaluation Phase)
| Trading Rules/Objectives | E8 Markets (E8 Classic) | FTMO (Evaluation Program) |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Profit Target | 8% | 10% |
| Phase 2 Profit Target | 4% | 5% |
| Maximum Daily Loss | 4% | 5% |
| Maximum Loss | 8% (Scaleable up to 14%) | 10% |
| Minimum Trading Days | No Minimum Trading Days | 4 Days (in each phase) |
| Maximum Trading Period | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Leverage | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:100 |
| News Trading | Allowed (during evaluation) | Prohibited |
Funded Account & Payouts
| Feature | E8 Markets | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| First Payout | 8 Calendar Days (Classic/Track) On-Demand (E8 One) 7 Days (E8 Pro) | 14 Calendar Days |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly, Weekly, or On-Demand | Bi-weekly |
| Profit Split | 80% (Customizable 40%-100%) | 80% up to 90% |
| Minimum Withdrawal | None | None |
Trading Instruments & Platforms
| Feature | E8 Markets | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto | Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Crypto |
| Stocks Trading | ❌ | ✅ |
| Broker | Virtual Markets & Tier-1 Liquidity Provider | Tier-1 Liquidity Provider |
| Platforms | MT5, cTrader, MatchTrader, TradeLocker | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade |
1.Company Background & Reputation: Trust & Track Record
| Aspect | E8 Markets | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | November 2021 | September 2015 |
| CEO | Dylan Elchami | Otakar Suffner |
| Headquarters | Dallas, USA & Prague, CZ | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.3/5 (From 2,641+ reviews) – “Excellent” | 4.8/5 (From 22,500+ reviews) – “Excellent” |
| Community Sentiment | Highly positive, praised for quick payouts, responsive support, and modern platform. | Overwhelmingly positive, seen as the most trustworthy and professional firm with a proven, long-term track record. |
Deep Dive Analysis:
FTMO’s significantly longer track record (founded 2015 vs. 2021) and immense volume of stellar reviews give it a clear, undeniable edge in proven trust and stability. They have publicly verifiable payouts totaling hundreds of millions of dollars to traders. E8 Markets has built an excellent reputation quickly and is considered very trustworthy, but FTMO’s historical data provides greater confidence for traders who prioritize security and historical performance above all else.
2. Funding Program Options & Structure: Choice vs. Standardization
This is one of the most significant differentiators between the two firms.
| Aspect | E8 Markets | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Programs | 5 Distinct Programs | 1 Core Program |
| Program Types | – E8 Classic: 2-Step Evaluation – E8 Track: 3-Step Evaluation – E8 Track 1:1: 3-Step (1:1 DD) – E8 One: 1-Step Evaluation – E8 Pro: 1-Step (Profit Cap) | – Evaluation Program: Standard 2-Step Process |
Deep Dive Analysis:
- E8 Markets’ Variety: This is E8’s biggest strategic advantage. They cater to diverse trader psychologies and goals.
- For the Impatient/Highly Skilled: The E8 One (1-step) offers the fastest route to a funded account.
- For the Risk-Averse: The E8 Track 1:1 has equal profit target and drawdown (5%), which many find psychologically easier to manage.
- For the Traditionalist: The E8 Classic is a direct, but easier, competitor to FTMO’s model.
- For the Consistent Grinder: The E8 Pro enforces consistency with its daily profit cap and minimum trading days.
- FTMO’s Simplicity: FTMO offers one, well-understood, and respected path. There is no confusion about which program to choose. This “one-size-fits-all” approach is part of their brand identity, ensuring every funded trader has passed the same rigorous test. It’s a badge of honor.
3. Evaluation Process & Trading Objectives: The Path to Funding
This is where the practical differences in philosophy become most apparent.
| Objective | E8 Markets (E8 Classic) | FTMO (Evaluation Program) |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Profit Target | 8% | 10% |
| Phase 2 Profit Target | 4% | 5% |
| Maximum Daily Loss | 4% | 5% |
| Maximum Loss | 8% (Scaleable up to 14%) | 10% |
| Minimum Trading Days | None | 4 Days (in each phase) |
| News Trading | Allowed during evaluation | Prohibited at all times |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed | Not Allowed (on standard accounts) |
| Drawdown Type | Equity-Based (E8 Classic) / Balance-Based (E8 Track) | Balance-Based |
Deep Dive Analysis:
- Difficulty & Speed: E8 Markets is objectively easier and faster to pass. Lower profit targets (8%+4% vs. 10%+5%) and no minimum trading days mean a skilled trader can potentially pass in a matter of days without the pressure of having to trade on specific, non-consecutive days. FTMO’s 4-day minimum in each phase forces a demonstration of consistency over time.
- Drawdown Type: This is a crucial differentiator.
- FTMO’s Balance-Based Drawdown is static. Your starting balance sets the absolute loss limit, which does not change as your equity grows. This is generally considered more trader-friendly as it gives you a fixed “safety net.”
- E8 Classic’s Equity-Based Drawdown is dynamic. Your loss limit moves up as your profit increases, but also down if you incur a loss. This can feel more restrictive as a winning trade can “raise the floor” on your stop-out level. *Note: E8’s Track program does use a Balance-Based drawdown, which is a major plus.*
- Flexibility: E8 allows news trading and weekend holding, accommodating more trading styles (e.g., news scalpers, swing traders). FTMO’s rules are stricter and designed to minimize risky trading behavior and ensure risk management is the top priority.
4. Funded Account & Payouts: Getting Paid
| Aspect | E8 Markets | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| First Payout | Very Fast: – 8 days (Classic, Track) – 7 days (Pro) – On-Demand (E8 One) | 14 Calendar Days |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly (Classic, Track), Weekly (Pro), On-Demand (One) | Bi-weekly |
| Profit Split | Standard 80% (Customizable from 40%-100% at sign-up) | Starts at 80%, can scale to 90% |
| Scaling Plan | Faster & Simpler: Account size increases after each profitable payout. The profit is split, and the capital is added back. | Slower & Methodical: Account size increases by 25% every 4 months if performance targets are met. Profit split rises to 90%. |
| Minimum Withdrawal | None | None |
Deep Dive Analysis:
- Payout Speed: E8 Markets is the undisputed winner. The ability to request a payout on the same day you make a profit (E8 One) is a game-changer for many traders and a significant competitive advantage.
- Profit Split Potential: FTMO has the higher ceiling. While E8 offers a customizable split upfront, FTMO’s path to a 90% split is a powerful long-term incentive for consistently profitable traders. E8’s scaling is more frequent and aggressive in terms of capital growth, but FTMO’s combines capital growth with a higher profit share.
- Scaling Philosophy: E8’s scaling rewards short-term profitability and allows for rapid growth. FTMO’s scaling is a long-term career partnership model, focusing on proven, sustained consistency over quarters.
5. Trading Conditions & Instruments
| Aspect | E8 Markets | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Leverage | Up to 1:50 (1:30 on E8 One) | Up to 1:100 |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 5, cTrader, MatchTrader, TradeLocker | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, DXtrade |
| Instruments | Forex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptocurrencies | Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrencies |
| Broker Partner | Virtual Markets & a Tier-1 Liquidity Provider | A Tier-1 Liquidity Provider |
Deep Dive Analysis:
- Leverage: FTMO offers more power with 1:100 leverage, which can be important for certain strategies (though it also increases risk).
- Instruments: FTMO provides a wider array by including Stocks (CFDs), which is a significant advantage for traders who want to diversify beyond the standard offerings.
- Platforms: Both offer a great selection of modern platforms, ensuring a high-quality trading experience for all preferences.
6. Education, Support & Additional Features
| Aspect | E8 Markets | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Blog, Market Analysis, Trader Interviews | Extensive FTMO Academy, Blog, Webinars, Market Analysis |
| Trader Dashboard | Professional and detailed | Professional and detailed |
| Customer Support | Live Chat, Email, Discord, Telegram | Live Chat, Email, Phone, Discord, Multi-language |
| Unique Perks | Free Trial, Customizable Rules | Trading Psychologists, Premium Programme, Performance Coaches |
Deep Dive Analysis:
FTMO invests heavily in trader development and support. Access to trading psychologists and the exclusive Premium Programme for top performers creates an ecosystem aimed at building a trader’s career, not just funding them. The multi-language support and phone line underscore their global, institutional approach. This level of holistic support is currently unmatched in the industry. E8’s support is praised for being quick and effective but is more focused on operational issues rather than trader development.
Final Conclusion: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose E8 Markets if:
- Your priority is the fastest possible path to a funded account and your first payout.
- You are frustrated with minimum trading day requirements and want to trade at your own pace.
- Your strategy relies on news trading.
- You prefer having multiple program options to match your exact risk tolerance and style.
- You want to trade a larger initial account size ($400k).
- You highly value the ability to customize your challenge rules (drawdown, profit split).
Choose FTMO if:
- Trust, reputation, and long-term stability are your highest priorities.
- You value a rigorous process that proves your consistency over multiple days and don’t mind the 4-day minimum rule.
- You want the potential to earn a 90% profit split and be part of an exclusive premium program.
- You trade or want to trade Stocks in addition to other instruments.
- You would benefit from world-class educational resources and psychological support.
- You value the prestige and career development opportunities of being with the industry leader and original benchmark.
In essence, the choice is between E8 Markets’ modern efficiency, flexibility, and speed versus FTMO’s proven prestige, comprehensive trader development, and rigorous structure. Both are excellent, top-tier prop firms, but they serve slightly different trader needs and philosophies.
