Head-to-Head Comparison

E8 Markets vs Aqua Funded

An honest, data-driven comparison to help you pick the right prop firm. We compare drawdown rules, challenge costs, profit splits, trading conditions, and more — no bias, just facts.

E8 Markets

4.5

Fast-growing prop firm offering competitive pricing and flexible evaluation. Popular for their lower entry costs and trader-friendly rules.

Visit E8 Markets

Aqua Funded

4.3

Emerging prop firm offering up to 100% profit splits and refundable challenge fees. Supports 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step evaluations with accounts up to $400K.

Visit Aqua Funded

Side-by-Side Comparison: E8 Markets vs Aqua Funded

Metric

E8 Markets

Aqua Funded

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

Profit Split

80/20 → 100%

90/10 → 100%

Challenge Cost

$40 - $1,998

$45 - $1,899

Trading Period

Unlimited for both phases

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

1:30 (Forex), 1:15 (Indices/Metals)

1:100

Instruments

Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Account Sizes

$5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K, $400K, $500K

$5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K, $400K

Scaling

Scale up to $1M with consistent performance

Account scaling based on consistent profitability milestones

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

Allowed

EA / Bots

Allowed

Rating

4.5/5

4.3/5

The Verdict: E8 Markets vs Aqua Funded

The best choice depends on your trading style, risk tolerance, and goals. Here's our breakdown by trader profile:

Best for Beginners

E8 Markets

E8 Markets offers lower entry costs, making it easier for newer traders to get started.

Best for Aggressive Traders

E8 Markets

E8 Markets provides 8% max drawdown allowance, giving aggressive trading styles more breathing room.

Best for Long-term Scaling

Aqua Funded

Aqua Funded offers better scaling potential: Account scaling based on consistent profitability milestones.

Best for Overall Value

E8 Markets

E8 Markets earns 4.5/5 in our analysis, with a strong balance of rules, cost, and trader experience.

E8 Markets Pros & Cons

Lower challenge fees

Unlimited trading period

Lower profit target (8%)

Wide range of account sizes

Fast payout processing

Lower max drawdown (8%)

No weekend holding

Lower leverage than FTMO

Newer firm with less track record

80/20 profit split only

Aqua Funded Pros & Cons

Up to 100% profit split achievable

Refundable challenge fees

Multiple evaluation formats

Accounts up to $400K

Unlimited trading period

Relatively new firm

Building track record for payouts

Community still growing

Some plans have tighter daily drawdowns

Consistency rules on some challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, E8 Markets or Aqua Funded?

It depends on your trading style. E8 Markets offers 8% max drawdown and a 80/20 → 100% profit split, while Aqua Funded offers 8% max drawdown and a 90/10 → 100% split. E8 Markets has a higher overall rating at 4.5/5.

What is the cheapest option between E8 Markets and Aqua Funded?

E8 Markets challenges start at $40 - $1,998, while Aqua Funded starts at $45 - $1,899. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.

Can I use EAs or trading bots with E8 Markets and Aqua Funded?

E8 Markets allows EAs/bots. Aqua Funded allows them. Always verify the latest rules on each firm's website.

What are the drawdown rules for E8 Markets vs Aqua Funded?

E8 Markets has a 8% max drawdown and 4% daily drawdown. Aqua Funded has a 8% max drawdown and 5% daily drawdown. Use our free Drawdown Calculator to find your safe lot size for either firm.

How long do I have to pass the E8 Markets vs Aqua Funded challenge?

E8 Markets gives you Unlimited for both phases. Aqua Funded gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 1 and 3 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, E8 Markets or Aqua Funded?

E8 Markets offers a 80/20 → 100% profit split, while Aqua Funded offers 90/10 → 100%. Higher profit splits mean more of your trading profits go to you.