Here is the definitive comparison between E8 Markets’ E8 Classic and FTMO’s Evaluation Program.
FTMO is the “Premium Brand” – Best for traders who want the highest leverage and most established reputation.
E8 Markets is the “Flexible Powerhouse” – Best for traders who want easier targets and no time constraints.
Critical Decision Factors
1. Profit Targets – E8 Markets Wins Significantly
| Phase | E8 Markets | FTMO | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 8% | 10% | E8 Markets |
| Phase 2 | 4% | 5% | E8 Markets |
| Total | 12% | 15% | E8 Markets by 20% |
Verdict: E8 Markets requires 20% less total profit – This is a massive advantage.
2. Time Constraints – E8 Markets Wins
| E8 Markets | FTMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Days | No Minimum | 4 days per phase |
| Maximum Days | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Flexibility | Complete freedom | Restricted |
Verdict: E8 Markets allows you to pass in one day if you’re skilled enough. FTMO forces you to wait.
3. Leverage – FTMO Wins
| E8 Markets | FTMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Leverage | 1:50 | 1:100 |
| Benefit | Standard | Double the trading power |
Verdict: FTMO offers significantly higher leverage for strategies that need it.
4. Drawdown – Both Excellent
| E8 Markets | FTMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Loss | 4% | 5% |
| Max Loss | 8% | 10% |
| Drawdown Type | Equity-based | Balance-based |
Verdict: FTMO has slightly better drawdown terms with balance-based calculation.
Complete Feature Comparison
| Feature | 🚀 E8 Markets | 🏆 FTMO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Target | 8% | 10% | 🚀 |
| Phase 2 Target | 4% | 5% | 🚀 |
| Total Profit Required | 12% | 15% | 🚀 |
| Minimum Trading Days | None | 4 days per phase | 🚀 |
| First Payout | 8 days | 14 days | 🚀 |
| Leverage | 1:50 | 1:100 | 🏆 |
| Daily Loss | 4% | 5% | 🚀 |
| Max Loss | 8% | 10% | 🚀 |
| Drawdown Type | Equity-based | Balance-based | 🏆 |
| Profit Split | 80% | 80-90% | 🏆 |
| Scaling | Compounding | +25% every 4 months | 🏆 |
| Max Account Size | $400,000 | $200,000 | 🚀 |
| Price ($100k) | $588 | €540 (~$585) | Tie |
| Trustpilot | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 | 🏆 |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes | Tie |
Strategic Recommendation
Choose E8 Markets if you are:
- Focused on passing quickly with easier profit targets
- Want maximum flexibility with no minimum trading days
- Need faster first payout (8 days vs 14 days)
- Want access to larger accounts ($400k vs $200k)
- Prefer tighter risk management (4%/8% vs 5%/10%)
Best for: Traders who want the easiest and fastest path to funding.
Choose FTMO if you are:
- An experienced trader who needs high leverage (1:100)
- Value the most trusted reputation in the industry
- Prefer balance-based drawdown for easier risk management
- Want higher profit split potential (90% vs 80%)
- Don’t mind the 4-day minimum and 14-day first payout
Best for: Traders who prioritize leverage and reputation over ease of passing.
The Bottom Line
For 70% of traders: Choose E8 Markets
- The easier profit targets + no minimum days combination is too powerful to ignore
- You’re much more likely to actually get funded
- Faster payouts and larger maximum account sizes are significant benefits
For 30% of traders: Choose FTMO
- If you absolutely need 1:100 leverage for your strategy
- If you value balance-based drawdown above all else
- If you want the industry’s most proven track record
Final Decision Matrix
Answer this question:
“What’s more important – having the best chance to GET FUNDED, or having the best conditions ONCE funded?”
- GET FUNDED = E8 Markets (easier targets, no minimum days)
- BEST FUNDED CONDITIONS = FTMO (higher leverage, balance drawdown)
Most traders should focus on getting funded first. Therefore, E8 Markets is the recommended choice for the majority.
The Only 4 Numbers That Matter
| Metric | 🟢 E8 Markets | 🔵 FTMO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Profit Needed | 12% | 15% | 🟢 E8 by 20% |
| Minimum Trading Days | 0 | 8 total | 🟢 E8 by 100% |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:50 | 1:100 | 🔵 FTMO by 100% |
| First Payout Wait | 8 days | 14 days | 🟢 E8 by 75% |
The Simple Truth
E8 Markets is objectively easier to pass. The combination of lower profit targets and no minimum trading days means you have a significantly higher chance of reaching funded status.
FTMO offers better trading conditions once funded, with higher leverage and the industry’s gold-standard reputation.
Who Should Choose Which?
🟢 Choose E8 Markets If:
- You’ve ever failed a challenge at the 8-10% profit target
- You want to trade intensively and pass quickly
- You prefer tighter risk management (4%/8% vs 5%/10%)
- Faster payouts matter to your strategy
🔵 Choose FTMO If:
- Your trading strategy requires 1:100 leverage
- You value balance-based drawdown protection
- Reputation and track record are your top priorities
- You’re willing to accept harder targets for better funded conditions
