Head-to-Head Comparison

E8 Markets vs TopStep

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

TopStep

4.5

One of the original futures prop firms with a proven track record. Offers a structured Trading Combine evaluation and path to live funded trading with real capital.

Visit TopStep

Side-by-Side Comparison: E8 Markets vs TopStep

Metric

E8 Markets

TopStep

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

Profit Split

80/20 → 100%

90/10

Challenge Cost

$40 - $1,998

$49 - $149/mo

Trading Period

Unlimited for both phases

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

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

Full contract leverage

Instruments

Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Account Sizes

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

$50K, $100K, $150K

Scaling

Scale up to $1M with consistent performance

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

EA / Bots

Allowed

Not Allowed

Rating

4.5/5

The Verdict: E8 Markets vs TopStep

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 more forgiving drawdown rules, 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

TopStep

TopStep offers better scaling potential: Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital.

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

TopStep Pros & Cons

Established since 2012 with proven track record

Path to real live funded account

Low monthly subscription cost

EOD trailing drawdown (not intraday)

Weekly payouts available

Futures only (no forex)

50% consistency target required

Daily loss limit on some platforms

Intraday trailing drawdown on PRO accounts

No automated trading bots

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, E8 Markets or TopStep?

It depends on your trading style. E8 Markets offers 8% max drawdown and a 80/20 → 100% profit split, while TopStep offers 4% max drawdown and a 90/10 split. TopStep has a higher overall rating at 4.5/5.

What is the cheapest option between E8 Markets and TopStep?

E8 Markets challenges start at $40 - $1,998, while TopStep starts at $49 - $149/mo. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.

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

E8 Markets allows EAs/bots. TopStep does not allow them. Always verify the latest rules on each firm's website.

What are the drawdown rules for E8 Markets vs TopStep?

E8 Markets has a 8% max drawdown and 4% daily drawdown. TopStep has a 4% max drawdown and 2% 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 TopStep challenge?

E8 Markets gives you Unlimited for both phases. TopStep gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 1 and 5 trading days respectively.

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

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