Head-to-head comparison · 2026
AquaFunded vs E8 Markets
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Quick verdict
- AquaFunded is $17 cheaper to get funded on a 50K account ($143 vs $160, activation fees included).
- AquaFunded uses static drawdown and E8 Markets uses end-of-day. Neither trails your open profit during the day.
- E8 Markets pays out faster (first payout in 3 days vs bi-weekly).
- AquaFunded has the higher maximum profit split, 90% against 80%.
Market
Forex / CFD
Forex / CFD
Founded
-
2021
Total cost to funded
Best$143
$160
Eval cost
$143
$160
Activation fee
-
-
Pricing model
One-time
One-time
Challenge type
2-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
Static
EOD
Max profit split
Best90%
80%
First profit
90% split, fee 100% refundable
80% split (Signature)
Payout speed
Bi-weekly
First payout in 3 days
Max account
-
Best$500K
Consistency rule
50% funded
None on eval, 35% funded
News trading
Allowed
Allowed
Platforms
NinjaTraderMT5Match-TraderTradeLockerVolumetrica
cTraderMT5TradeLocker
Strengths & watch-outs
AquaFunded
Strengths
- No minimum trading days on the challenge, can pass in 1 day
- News trading, weekend holding and EAs allowed
- One-time fee, 100% refundable, 90% split
Watch-outs
- Two phases with a high $5,000 then $2,500 profit target
- 50% consistency rule and 3 minimum trading days once funded
- Bi-weekly rewards, leverage drops from 1:100 to 1:50 once funded
E8 Markets
Strengths
- One-time fee, no activation fee
- One phase, can pass in a single day
- First payout possible after 3 days
Watch-outs
- 80% split on Signature, lower than most
- 35% consistency rule once funded
- $1,000 daily pause on the funded account
🐨 Which should you choose?
Choose AquaFunded if you want the lower cost to get funded and a higher profit split.
Choose E8 Markets if you want faster payouts.
Written from our verified data for a 50K account, or the closest size a firm offers. Always check each firm's current terms before buying.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account (or the closest size a firm offers). Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.