Head to head
E8 Markets vs FTMO
FTMO grades higher overall, 8.4 to 5.7. Across 21 measurable rows, E8 Markets comes out ahead on 7 and FTMO on 10.
Cheap, flexible evaluations undercut by a hidden TrustScore and a discretionary risk cap
Still the benchmark for getting paid, but read the risk clauses before you size up
Key differences
In short
- A $100K evaluation is cheaper at E8 Markets ($280 vs $567 at FTMO).
- FTMO has the stronger payout record (9.3 vs 4.6).
- E8 Markets carries more hidden-rule risk (5.2 vs 2.5), led by: risk team can de-risk an account to 1% per trade or call a random interview.
- FTMO allows more capital ($2,000,000 vs $1,750,000).
- Only FTMO sells 2-step programs.
- TradeLocker, Match-Trader are only available at E8 Markets.
- MT4, TradingView are only available at FTMO.
E8 Markets vs FTMO, side by side
The better value in each row is marked
| Criterion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grade | ||
| Overall score | C5.7 | A8.4 |
| Payouts | 4.6 | 9.3 |
| Transparency | 5.7 | 7.4 |
| Rules & trading conditions | 7.4 | 6.5 |
| Reputation | 4.5 | 9.5 |
| Platforms & execution | 6.9 | 9.2 |
| Support | 5.8 | 8.4 |
| Evidence | ||
| Trustpilot | ≈4.5(estimate; Trustpilot hides this firm's score) (3.3K) | 4.8 (53K) |
| Pass rate | 17.7%Reported | 10%Reported |
| Hidden risk | 5.2 HighHidden risk 5.2 out of 10, High | 2.5 ModerateHidden risk 2.5 out of 10, Moderate |
| Negative recent reviews | 35% | 1.5% |
| Offer | ||
| $100K challenge | $280 | $567 |
| Cheapest account | $32 | $90 |
| Max allocation | $1.8M | $2M |
| Max profit split | 100% | 90% |
| Payouts | On demand for E8 One and E8 Signature once the p… | Every 14 days per FTMO Account (immediate for Supreme… |
| Programs | 1-step | 1-step, 2-step |
| Current offer | 25% OFF· E8PATH | — |
| Company | ||
| Headquarters | Dallas, United States | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Years in business | 5 | 11 |
| Trading | ||
| Platforms | MT5, TradeLocker, cTrader, Match-Trader, NinjaTrader, Tradovate | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader, Tradovate |
| Assets | Forex, Indices, Metals, Energies, Crypto, Futures | Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Energies, Crypto, Stocks, Futures |
| EAs | Allowed | Restricted |
| News trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Weekend holding | Restricted | Restricted |
| Copy trading | Allowed | Restricted |
| Hedging | Restricted | Restricted |
Dallas, United States
Prague, Czech RepublicWhich should you choose?
By trading style
| You are… | Pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Either | E8 Markets: Entry prices from $32-$48 and no time limit help newcomers, but the discretionary review before funding and a possible risk-team interview add uncertainty a first-time challenge taker will not see coming. |
| Experienced traders | Either | E8 Markets: Three drawdown styles, pricing below the usual $400-600 band for $100K, and an explicit 17.7% pass-rate disclosure suit traders who already manage risk tightly and can work inside E8's written limits. |
| Swing traders | Either | E8 Markets: Overnight and weekend holding work on E8 One and E8 Pro, but E8 Signature force-closes every position at 23:00 server time and reopens at 00:15, ruling it out for anyone holding trades through the close. |
| Scalpers | FTMO | Scalping is allowed, but a simulated delay of up to 200 ms plus frequent complaints about slippage and gold spreads hurt short-term edges. |
| EA & algo traders | Either | E8 Markets: Third-party and custom EAs are allowed with generous per-ticket lot and daily request caps, but running a publicly shared or copy-sold EA risks termination under the one-strategy-per-account rule. |
| News traders | Either | E8 Markets: E8 Pro and E8 Signature allow news trading without restriction, but E8 One bars it for 5 minutes either side of high-impact releases once the account is funded. |
Verdicts
E8 Markets verdict
Cheap, flexible evaluations undercut by a hidden TrustScore and a discretionary risk cap
Best for: Price-sensitive traders who want a choice of drawdown style (dynamic, static or EOD) and are comfortable trading strictly within E8's written limits.
Avoid if: You rely on cross-account hedging or a shared/public EA, trade big size on single ideas, or need a firm with a visible, uninterrupted Trustpilot score.
FTMO verdict
Still the benchmark for getting paid, but read the risk clauses before you size up
Best for: Disciplined day and swing traders who risk about 1% per trade idea and value an 11-year payout record over the cheapest fee.
Avoid if: You pass challenges with oversized positions, run copy or group setups across accounts, or need rules that cannot be tightened after you pass.
E8 Markets vs FTMO FAQ
Questions traders ask
Is E8 Markets better than FTMO?
On our grading FTMO scores higher overall (8.4 vs 5.7, grade A vs C). E8 Markets still comes out ahead on conditions. The better choice depends on your style: compare the rules rows above before buying.
Which is cheaper, E8 Markets or FTMO?
At list price a $100K evaluation costs $280 at E8 Markets and $567 at FTMO, so E8 Markets is cheaper. The smallest accounts start at $32 and $90. Discounts change often, so check the offers page.
Which pays out more reliably, E8 Markets or FTMO?
FTMO has the stronger payout score (E8 Markets 4.6 vs FTMO 9.3). E8 Markets pays on demand for e8 one and e8 signature once the profitable-days requirement is met; daily for e8 pro once eligible; FTMO pays every 14 days per ftmo account (immediate for supreme premium traders); futures cycles need 4-5 qualifying days.
Which has fewer hidden rules, E8 Markets or FTMO?
FTMO has the lower Hidden Risk score (E8 Markets 5.2, high; FTMO 2.5, moderate). Each review lists the specific rules behind the score.
Is it easier to pass E8 Markets or FTMO?
E8 Markets: 17.7% (reported). FTMO: 10% (reported). Estimates are a guide to difficulty only; drawdown type and daily loss rules matter as much as the target.
Compare E8 Markets or FTMO with another firm
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