The5ers and E8 Markets both accept South African traders, but they suit different people. This comparison covers the rules, costs, payouts and platforms that decide which firm is the better fit for you, based on each firm’s published terms as of September 2026.
Quick verdict
Choose The5ers if you want a 10% static-style loss limit and long-term scaling. Choose E8 Markets if you want one phase, on-demand payouts and custom settings.
Side-by-side comparison
| The5ers | E8 Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 | 2021 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | United States |
| Evaluation | High Stakes 2-step (10% / 5%), Growth 1-step (10%), Bootcamp 3-step | E8 One 1-step (6%), E8 Signature |
| Daily loss | 5% (High Stakes); 3% (Growth) | 3% (E8 One) |
| Maximum loss | 10% (High Stakes); 6% stop-out (Growth) | 4–14% real-time trailing (E8 One) |
| Consistency rule | 3 profitable days per step (High Stakes) | 40% best day on funded E8 One |
| Time limit | None | None |
| Cheapest entry | $19 ($2.5K) | about $40 ($5K) |
| Profit split | 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes) | 80%, or 90%/100% as a paid option |
| Payout frequency | Every 14 days | On demand once eligible |
| Payout speed | 5–8 business days; 3.5% fee on cash methods | Reported within 1–3 days |
| Platforms | MT5 | MT5 and others; futures on Tradovate |
| EAs | Check current terms | Check current terms |
| Our rating | 4.0 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
Evaluation rules and drawdown
The5ers offers High Stakes 2-step (10% / 5%), Growth 1-step (10%), Bootcamp 3-step, with a daily loss of 5% (High Stakes); 3% (Growth) and a maximum loss of 10% (High Stakes); 6% stop-out (Growth). E8 Markets offers E8 One 1-step (6%), E8 Signature, with a daily loss of 3% (E8 One) and a maximum loss of 4–14% real-time trailing (E8 One).
The biggest practical difference is the drawdown. The5ers uses a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits, while E8 Markets uses a trailing maximum drawdown that follows your highest balance. After a winning run, the trailing limit leaves you much less room for a pullback. Read our guide to trailing vs static drawdown for worked examples.
Consistency rules. The5ers: 3 profitable days per step (High Stakes). E8 Markets: 40% best day on funded E8 One.
Costs
The5ers starts at $19 for $2.5K, while E8 Markets starts at about $40 for $5K. Fees are charged in USD or EUR, so South Africans should expect a card conversion fee on top. Check whether each firm refunds the fee with your first payout.
Profit split and payouts
| Firm | Profit split | Payout schedule | Speed and methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| The5ers | 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes) | Every 14 days | 5–8 business days; 3.5% fee on cash methods |
| E8 Markets | 80%, or 90%/100% as a paid option | On demand once eligible | Reported within 1–3 days |
Look beyond the headline split: payout frequency, withdrawal fees and consistency conditions decide how much you actually receive and when. Both firms pay in USD (or EUR), so South Africans should compare conversion costs across payout methods.
Platforms and strategies
| Firm | Platforms | Expert Advisors (EAs) |
|---|---|---|
| The5ers | MT5 | Check current terms |
| E8 Markets | MT5 and others; futures on Tradovate | Check current terms |
If you already use MetaTrader or run automated strategies, check that your platform and EA are supported before paying for a challenge.
What it costs in rand
At an illustrative rate of R18 per US dollar (check today’s rate and your card’s foreign transaction fee):
| Firm | Cheapest entry | Approx. in rand |
|---|---|---|
| The5ers | $19 | about R340 |
| E8 Markets | about $40 | about R720 |
Card payments to offshore firms count toward your single discretionary allowance, and payouts arrive in foreign currency that you’ll convert to rand. See how to withdraw prop firm profits in South Africa.
Trading from South Africa
Forex traders get the most liquidity during the London–New York overlap, roughly 14:00–18:00 SAST in the Northern summer and 15:00–19:00 in winter. US index futures are busiest after the New York cash open at 15:30 or 16:30 SAST. Payouts are income for SARS, usually declared through provisional tax: see prop firm tax in South Africa.
Which should you choose?
The5ers gives more room on its High Stakes program; E8 offers speed and flexibility but a trailing drawdown. Payout speed favours E8.
Visit The5ers Read our The5ers review
Visit E8 Markets Read our E8 Markets review
The5ers vs E8 Markets FAQ
Which is cheaper, The5ers or E8 Markets?
The5ers starts at $19 for $2.5K, while E8 Markets starts at about $40 for $5K.
Which has the better profit split?
The5ers pays 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes). E8 Markets pays 80%, or 90%/100% as a paid option.
Which has the easier drawdown rules?
The5ers uses a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits; E8 Markets uses a trailing maximum drawdown that follows your highest balance. Static limits are generally easier to manage.
Can South Africans use both The5ers and E8 Markets?
Yes. The5ers: Yes. E8 Markets: Yes (confirm per track).
Can South Africans use both The5ers and E8 Markets?
Yes. Both firms accept South African residents; confirm eligibility at checkout.
How much does it cost in rand?
At an illustrative R18 per US dollar, The5ers starts at about R340 and E8 Markets at about R720.