P
Loading
E8 Markets vs Topstep
The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
At a Glance
4.7 / 5.0
Trader Satisfaction
4.5 / 5.0
80%
Profit Split
90%
$2.4M
Max Allocation
$0.1M
$138
Challenge Fee (Starting)
$49
Key Differences
1
Trust Score: E8 Markets leads with a 4.7/5 TrustPilot rating (1,876 reviews) vs Topstep's 4.5/5 (3,892 reviews).
2
Entry Cost: Topstep starts at $49 — 64% cheaper than E8 Markets's $38.
3
Profit Split: Topstep offers up to 90%%, keeping more money in your pocket compared to E8 Markets's 80%%.
4
Drawdown Mechanics: E8 Markets uses trailing (8%) while Topstep uses balance-based (static) (3%). Static/balance-based drawdowns are generally considered safer.
5
Evaluation Path: E8 Markets uses a 1-Step evaluation model, while Topstep offers a 2-Step path. Fewer steps generally means faster access to funded capital.
6
Daily Loss Limit: E8 Markets allows a 5% daily loss vs Topstep's 2% — more room for volatile trading sessions.
7
Trading Platforms: E8 Markets uniquely offers cTrader, Match-Trader, Platform 5, TradeLocker. Topstep uniquely offers TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Quantower.
8
Maximum Capital: E8 Markets scales up to $2,400,000, 16x more than Topstep's $150,000.
Deep Dive: Rules & Policies
News Trading: E8 Markets: Allowed (Evaluation). Restricted 5m before/after (E8 One Funded).. Topstep: Allowed without restrictions.. Both firms have nuanced news trading policies — always check the specific rules for your account type before placing trades around major announcements.
Weekend & Overnight Holding: Swing traders take note — E8 Markets allows weekend holding, meaning you can carry positions through Friday close into Monday open. Topstep requires positions to be closed before the weekend. This is a dealbreaker for multi-day position traders and macro-driven strategies.
Algorithmic Trading (EAs): Both firms permit EAs with conditions. E8 Markets: Allowed (with unique strategy).. Topstep: Allowed (API access, no manipulative tools).. Always verify that your specific EA complies with the firm's terms of service.
Commission Structure: E8 Markets charges FX/Metals: $0 (Standard), $5/$6 (Raw). Crypto: $35/lot.. Topstep charges See: intercom.help/topstep-llc/.../commissions. Lower commissions compound into significant savings over hundreds of trades — especially for high-frequency scalpers.
Consistency Rule: Both firms enforce consistency rules but with different thresholds. E8 Markets: 40% (E8 One), 35% (Signature).. Topstep: 50% (Combine only).. Understand these limits before you trade — exceeding them can invalidate your evaluation.
Tradable Instruments: E8 Markets uniquely offers CFD, Forex, Metals, Indices, Energy, Crypto trading. Topstep uniquely offers Futures trading. If you trade specific asset classes, make sure your firm supports them before purchasing.
Payout Processing: E8 Markets processes payouts in 1–2 business days via Plane or Riseworks, while Topstep takes 1–3 business days via Wise, ACH, or Wire Transfer. Faster payouts mean quicker access to your hard-earned profits — an important factor for full-time traders who depend on this income.
Scaling Potential: E8 Markets scales up to $2,400,000 (requiring Each profitable payout increases your account balance and trailing/static drawdown buffer profit per tier), while Topstep caps at $150,000 per account (up to $750,000 across 5 accounts) (requiring Dynamic daily scaling plan tied to your Express Funded Account end-of-day (EOD) balance per tier). If your long-term goal is managing large capital, the firm with the higher ceiling offers more growth runway.
Inactivity Policy: E8 Markets: 60 days.. Topstep: 30 days (Express Funded).. Be mindful of these policies — an inactive account can be terminated, and you would forfeit your challenge fee and any unrealized progress.
Who Should Choose Which?
Budget-Conscious Traders
→ Topstep
Starting at just $49, Topstep offers the lowest barrier to entry — ideal if you want to test the waters without risking a large upfront fee.
Visit TopstepSwing & Position Traders
→ E8 Markets
E8 Markets allows weekend holding and has a trailing drawdown — both essential for multi-day strategies that need room to breathe.
Visit E8 MarketsSafety-First Traders
→ E8 Markets
With a 4.7/5 TrustPilot rating and 1,876 verified reviews, E8 Markets offers the strongest track record and payout reliability.
Visit E8 MarketsHigh-Frequency Scalpers
→ E8 Markets
E8 Markets offers zero-commission trading on select instruments, saving scalpers significant costs over hundreds of daily trades.
Visit E8 MarketsProfit Maximizers
→ Topstep
Topstep's 90%% profit split means you keep more of every dollar you earn — the difference compounds significantly over time.
Visit TopstepCapital Scaling Traders
→ E8 Markets
E8 Markets scales up to $2,400,000 — giving you the highest possible ceiling for growing your funded capital over time.
Visit E8 MarketsThe Final Verdict
Our expert conclusion based on the data
When choosing between E8 Markets and Topstep in 2026, the decision comes down to what matters most to you as a trader. E8 Markets holds a TrustPilot rating of 4.7/5 across 1,876 reviews, while Topstep sits at 4.5/5 with 3,892 reviews. Both firms are legitimate and pay traders, but they serve fundamentally different trader profiles.
On pricing, Topstep offers a significantly lower barrier to entry at $49 compared to E8 Markets's $38 — that's roughly 64% cheaper. However, cheaper doesn't always mean better value. You need to weigh this against the profit split, drawdown rules, and payout reliability.
A critical difference lies in their drawdown mechanics. E8 Markets uses a trailing drawdown at 8%, while Topstep uses a balance-based (static) drawdown at 3%. Understanding this difference is crucial: trailing drawdowns follow your equity high watermark, while static/balance-based drawdowns give you more breathing room.
Our Recommendation: If your priority is trust and track record, go with E8 Markets. If your priority is affordability, Topstep is the better entry point. For maximum earnings per trade, Topstep wins with a 90%% profit split.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E8 Markets better than Topstep in 2026?+
It depends on your priorities. E8 Markets has a stronger reputation with a 4.7/5 TrustPilot score. However, Topstep is more affordable at $49. For most traders, E8 Markets is the safer choice, but Topstep offers better value for those on a tight budget.
Which is cheaper, E8 Markets or Topstep?+
Topstep is the more affordable option, with challenges starting at $49 compared to E8 Markets's $38.
What is the profit split at E8 Markets vs Topstep?+
E8 Markets offers up to 80%% profit split, while Topstep offers up to 90%%. Topstep lets you keep more of your earnings.
What type of drawdown do E8 Markets and Topstep use?+
E8 Markets uses a trailing drawdown (8%), while Topstep uses a balance-based (static) drawdown (3%). Static and balance-based drawdowns are generally considered easier to manage than trailing drawdowns because they don't chase your equity high watermark.
How many evaluation steps does E8 Markets require vs Topstep?+
E8 Markets uses a 1-Step evaluation model, while Topstep uses a 2-Step model. Fewer steps generally means faster access to live funded capital.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with E8 Markets and Topstep?+
E8 Markets: Allowed (with unique strategy).. Topstep: Allowed (API access, no manipulative tools).. Always verify your specific EA is compliant before purchasing a challenge.
What trading platforms do E8 Markets and Topstep support?+
E8 Markets supports cTrader, Match-Trader, Platform 5, TradeLocker. Topstep supports TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Quantower. Both offer professional-grade execution suitable for serious traders.
Which firm has better payout speeds, E8 Markets or Topstep?+
Both firms process payouts reliably. E8 Markets pays via Plane, Riseworks. Topstep pays via ACH, Bank Transfer, Wise. Check each firm's payout schedule for the most up-to-date processing times.