E8 Markets vs City Traders Imperium Side-by-side breakdown — fees, rules, payouts, and our verdict

E8 Markets and City Traders Imperium both show up on most "best prop firm" shortlists, but they are built for different traders. E8 Markets scores 4.8/5 on our review and has been paying traders since 2021 (5 years); City Traders Imperium scores 4.4/5 and has been paying traders since 2018 (8 years). The table below puts every rule side by side — this intro is the short version.

On entry cost, E8 Markets charges from $40 and City Traders Imperium charges from $39 for its standard evaluation. The profit split is Up to 80% at E8 Markets versus 80% base, up to 100% at City Traders Imperium — but a bigger split only matters if the payout actually arrives, so weigh it against the payout-speed row. The drawdown models differ: E8 Markets uses trailing, City Traders Imperium uses static (evaluation); trailing (instant). That single rule changes how much room you really have on a losing day, so check the "Drawdown Explained" guide if the distinction is new to you.

E8 Markets allows weekend holding and City Traders Imperium allows it. If your strategy carries positions across the weekend, that alone should decide this comparison for you.