FTMO6 criteria won9.0/10- From
- €499
- Profit split
- 80 → 90%
- Payout frequency
- Every 14 days
- Max capital
- $200K
- Age
- 11 years
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
The benchmark versus the cheaper alternative
FTMO vs E8 Markets
Which one should you choose in 2026? A criterion-by-criterion comparison.
Our pick
FTMO
9.0/10
The original benchmark, the most recognised name in the industry
4 / 5 criteria won out of 5Read reviewVS
Challenger
E8 Markets
8.7/10
Up to 100% profit split and four platforms
1 / 5 criteria won out of 5Read reviewHead-to-head verdict · FTMO
FTMO wins on reputation, support and payouts: it is the most proven prop firm on the market. E8 Markets costs much less ($280 versus €499 at 100K): the best choice if budget matters more than track record.
Full comparison
FTMO6 criteria won9.0/10E8 Markets3 criteria won8.7/10- From
- $280
- Profit split
- 80%
- Payout frequency
- Depends on account
- Max capital
- $1.75M
- Age
- 5 years
- Platforms
- MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, Match-Trader
Choose FTMO if you…
- Want the safest firm on the market
- Are a beginner who wants a static drawdown
- Need multilingual support
Choose E8 Markets if you…
- Are a Forex trader who wants to choose your platform
- Want a split close to 100%
- Are based in the United States
Price at the same account size
Each firm's cheapest challenge for the same account size (public prices without promotions).
| Size | FTMO | E8 Markets | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | $189Instant | $32E8 Pro | E8 Markets |
| 10K | €791-Step Challenge | $68E8 Pro | E8 Markets |
| 25K | €1991-Step Challenge | $120E8 Signature | E8 Markets |
| 50K | €3191-Step Challenge | $160E8 Signature | E8 Markets |
| 100K | €4991-Step Challenge | $280E8 Signature | E8 Markets |
| 200K | €9991-Step Challenge | $798E8 One | E8 Markets |
Rules side by side
What each firm allows, from our checks.
| FTMO | E8 Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| News trading | Restricted when funded (except Swing account) | Allowed in evaluation; banned ±5 min when funded |
| EAs and bots | Allowed | Allowed |
| Weekend and overnight | Swing account only | Depends on account (not on Signature) |
| Time limit | No limit | No limit (E8 One) |
| Consistency rule | 1-Step: best day ≤ 50% of total profit (since 12.10.2026) · Instant: 30% | Best day 40% (funded) |
Criterion by criterion
- Payouts: FTMO 9.4 versus E8 Markets 8.9, edge to FTMO.
- Rules: FTMO 9.0 versus E8 Markets 8.4, edge to FTMO.
- Price: FTMO 7.4 versus E8 Markets 8.6, edge to E8 Markets.
- Support: FTMO 9.5 versus E8 Markets 8.6, edge to FTMO.
- Reputation: FTMO 9.8 versus E8 Markets 8.8, edge to FTMO.
FAQ
FTMO or E8 Markets: which one is cheaper?
At 50K, E8 Markets is cheaper: $160 versus €319 at FTMO (public prices without promotions).
FTMO or E8 Markets: which one pays better?
On our payouts criterion, FTMO scores 9.4/10 versus 8.9/10. Stated speed: 1 to 4 business days at FTMO, $38.9M paid out at E8 Markets.
Which is more reliable, FTMO or E8 Markets?
On reputation, FTMO scores 9.8/10 versus 8.8/10 for E8 Markets. FTMO has been around since 2015, E8 Markets since 2021.
Should I choose FTMO or E8 Markets?
FTMO wins this head-to-head with 9.0/10 in the YourFunding rankings. FTMO wins on reputation, support and payouts: it is the most proven prop firm on the market. E8 Markets costs much less ($280 versus €499 at 100K): the best choice if budget matters more than track record.
