Most Customizable Prop Firms: E8 Markets vs Competitors

E8 Markets ranks as the most customizable prop firm for 2025, offering adjustable profit targets (6-18%), drawdown limits (4-14%), and payout splits (80-100%) through their E8 One account builder.

Most prop firms lock you into fixed evaluation structures—8% target, 5% drawdown, 80% split, take it or leave it. E8 lets you dial in risk parameters that match your strategy, then prices the evaluation accordingly.

After testing E8's customization against six other firms, the flexibility is real, but it comes with complexity and higher costs if you push the settings too far. For traders who know exactly what they need and are willing to pay for precision, E8 One is the best tool available. For traders who just want a standard path to funding, simpler firms might be a better fit.

Quick heads-up: This article is based on my real experience with E8 Markets and the info available when I published/updated this. Things change in prop trading — rules, payouts, promos, all of it.

For the absolute latest, check E8 Markets´s website or their help center.

What "Customizable" Actually Means in Prop Trading

Most prop firms sell evaluations with fixed rules: hit this target, stay under this drawdown, pass the challenge, get funded. The structure is the same for every trader. You choose account size (50K, 100K, 150K), but the rules don't change.

Customization means you get to adjust the rules themselves—profit targets, drawdown limits, payout frequency, profit splits. Some firms offer minor tweaks (choose between 1-step or 2-step, pick your profit split percentage). E8 takes it further, giving you sliders to adjust nearly every variable on E8 One accounts.

Why this matters: Not every trader has the same risk tolerance or strategy requirements. A scalper might want a lower profit target with tighter drawdown control. A swing trader might want higher targets with more breathing room. Customization lets you match the evaluation structure to your approach instead of forcing your trading into a one-size-fits-all box.

The tradeoff: Customization adds complexity. You have to understand what settings actually benefit your strategy, and you need to balance flexibility against cost—because more aggressive customization drives evaluation prices higher.

E8 Markets: Full Breakdown of Customization Options

E8 offers two levels of customization: moderate (across most account types) and extensive (on E8 One specifically).

E8 One: The Most Customizable Account in Prop Trading

E8 One is a 1-step evaluation where you control profit targets, drawdown limits, and payout splits. Here's what you can adjust:

Profit Target: 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 15%, or 18%Drawdown Type: Intraday (checked continuously) or End-of-Day (checked at 5 PM EST)Drawdown Percentage: 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, or 14%Payout Split: 80%, 90%, or 100%

Each adjustment changes the evaluation cost. Lower targets and higher drawdown allowances reduce the price. Higher targets and tighter drawdowns increase it. The E8 One customization tool on their site shows live pricing as you adjust sliders.

Example: Conservative vs Aggressive Customization

Conservative Setup (Fast Funding):

• 6% profit target
• 10% EOD drawdown
• 80% payout split
• Cost: ~$200 for 50K account

This setup minimizes evaluation difficulty and cost. You only need $3K profit to pass, and 10% EOD drawdown gives you massive breathing room for intraday swings. The 80% split means you keep less per dollar earned, but you get funded faster.

Aggressive Setup (Maximize Earnings):

• 12% profit target
• 4% intraday drawdown
• 100% payout split
• Cost: ~$500 for 50K account

This setup optimizes for long-term earnings but makes the evaluation much harder. 12% target means you need $6K profit, and 4% intraday drawdown leaves almost no room for losing trades. The 100% split means you keep every dollar you earn once funded, but getting there is significantly more difficult.

My take: Most traders should bias toward conservative settings. The goal is to get funded, not to create the perfect evaluation on paper. I've seen too many traders customize themselves into impossible challenges because they wanted to maximize the payout split or prove they could hit 18% targets. Start with 6-8% targets and 8-10% drawdown. Get funded. Then scale up.

E8 Signature, Classic, Track: Limited Customization

E8's other account types (Signature, Classic, Track) don't offer the same level of customization. You can choose account size and payout split (80%, 90%, 100%), but profit targets and drawdown rules are fixed per account type.

E8 Signature: 6% target, 4% EOD drawdown, 35% best day rule. No customization beyond size and split.

E8 Classic: 8% Phase 1, 4% Phase 2. Fixed structure. You can upgrade payout split, but targets and drawdown don't change.

E8 Track / Track 1:1: Progressive targets (8-4-4% or 5-5-5%). Fixed rules, customizable split only.

If you want full control, E8 One is the only option. If you're okay with fixed structures and just want to choose size + split, Signature/Classic/Track work fine.

FundedNext: Runner-Up in Customization

FundedNext offers several account models with different structures, and within some models, you get to choose between evaluation types.

Evaluation Path Choices

Stellar 1-Step: Fixed 10% target, 5% daily / 10% max drawdown. No customization, but it's a fast path.

Stellar 2-Step: 8% Phase 1, 5% Phase 2. Fixed structure.

Consistency Models: Choose between 10% consistency rule or no consistency rule (affects pricing and payout schedule).

Express: Instant funding with no evaluation—pay higher upfront cost, trade immediately. This isn't customization in the traditional sense, but it gives you optionality around whether you want to do an evaluation at all.

FundedNext doesn't let you adjust profit targets or drawdown percentages the way E8 One does. Instead, they offer multiple pre-built account types, and you pick the one that fits. It's more like choosing from a menu than building your own meal.

Profit Split Customization

FundedNext offers 80%, 90%, or 95% profit splits on some account types. The split affects pricing—higher splits cost more upfront.

My take on FundedNext: It's the second-most flexible firm after E8, but the flexibility is less granular. You're choosing between preset models rather than adjusting individual parameters. For traders who want options but don't need complete control, FundedNext works well. For traders who want to dial in exact profit targets and drawdown limits, E8 One is better.

FTMO: Minimal Customization, Fixed Structure

FTMO is one of the most established firms, but customization is not their strength. You get two choices: Challenge or Rapid.

FTMO Challenge: 2-step evaluation. 10% Phase 1, 5% Phase 2. 10% max drawdown, 5% daily drawdown. 80% split (upgradeable to 90% after passing). Fixed structure, no adjustments.

FTMO Rapid: Same profit targets and rules, but you skip the verification phase and go straight to funded after passing Phase 1. Costs more, but it's faster.

That's it. You choose account size (10K to 200K), you choose Challenge vs Rapid, and you're done. No profit target adjustments, no drawdown customization, no payout split options during the evaluation.

Why FTMO Doesn't Need Customization

FTMO's logic: Their evaluation structure works. It's proven across thousands of traders. They've optimized the 10-5% targets and 10/5% drawdown structure to balance difficulty and firm profitability. Offering customization would introduce complexity without clear value.

For many traders, this is fine. FTMO's rules are fair, the targets are achievable, and the firm has a strong payout track record. If you don't need customization and you just want a reliable path to funding, FTMO's fixed structure is an advantage, not a limitation.

My take: FTMO is the opposite of E8 One. E8 gives you maximum flexibility but expects you to know what you're doing. FTMO removes all decisions and says "here's the structure, pass it or don't." Both approaches work—it depends whether you value control or simplicity.

The Trading Pit: Multi-Asset Flexibility, Limited Rule Customization

The Trading Pit offers forex, futures, and crypto accounts like E8, but customization is limited to account size and payout split.

Evaluation structures:

• 1-Step: 10% target, 6% trailing max drawdown, 3% daily drawdown
• 2-Step: 8% Phase 1, 5% Phase 2, same drawdown rules
• Instant Funding: Skip evaluation, pay higher fee, trade immediately

You can choose 80%, 90%, or 100% profit splits, but you can't adjust profit targets or drawdown percentages. The Trading Pit's value is multi-asset access and aggressive scaling plans (up to $2M allocation), not customization.

Where Trading Pit Wins

If you're trading forex, futures, and crypto across multiple accounts and you want a firm that lets you scale aggressively, Trading Pit is competitive. But if you need to customize evaluation parameters to match your strategy, E8 One offers more control.

Apex Trader Funding: Futures-Only, Zero Customization

Apex is a futures-focused firm with zero customization. You choose account size (25K, 50K, 100K, 150K, 250K), and you trade the Rithmic Trader or Tradovate platforms. Rules are fixed:

• Rithmic PA: $1,500 profit target per 50K, $2K max loss. One-step, fast funding.
• Rithmic: 6% target, 3% trailing drawdown. One-step.
• Evaluation: 8% target, 4% trailing daily / 6% max loss. One-step.

No drawdown adjustments, no profit target sliders, no payout split options. Apex's first $25K is 100% profit, then drops to 90%. That's their angle—simplicity and high initial payout, not customization.

My take: Apex is for futures traders who want straightforward rules and fast funding. If you're comparing Apex to E8, the decision isn't about customization (Apex has none)—it's about whether you value platform flexibility (Apex offers Rithmic/Tradovate, E8 uses proprietary platform) or multi-asset access (E8 offers forex/crypto, Apex is futures-only).

Comparison Table: Customization Across Firms

When Customization Actually Matters (And When It Doesn't)

Not every trader needs customizable evaluations. For some strategies, fixed structures work fine. For others, customization is the difference between passing and failing.

Strategies That Benefit from Customization

Swing trading with wider stops: If your strategy holds positions for multiple days and uses wider stop losses, EOD drawdown is critical. Intraday drawdown will breach on normal intraday swings, even if your position is profitable by end of day. E8 One's EOD drawdown option (explained here) lets you trade multi-day setups without constant intraday monitoring.

Lower-frequency setups: If you only see 2-3 high-quality setups per week, a 10% or 12% profit target could take months to hit. Dropping the target to 6% cuts your timeline in half and reduces pressure to force trades. E8 One lets you dial down targets to match your setup frequency.

High win-rate, small-target strategies: Scalpers and range traders with 65-75% win rates often hit consistency rules (best day can't be more than X% of total profit). E8 One doesn't have a best day rule on most configurations, which removes a major obstacle for high-frequency traders.

Strategies That Don't Need Customization

Standard day trading setups: If you're trading ES with 10-15 point targets and 5-7 point stops, most prop firm structures work. A 10% profit target on a 50K account is $5K—you'll hit that in 2-4 weeks with consistent execution. FTMO's fixed structure is fine.

Momentum or breakout strategies: These strategies typically have lower win rates (40-50%) but larger reward-to-risk ratios. The consistency rules at most firms don't hurt you because your losing days balance out big winners. You don't need to customize drawdown or targets—just pick a firm with reasonable trailing drawdown (FTMO, FundedNext, E8 Signature all work).

Short-term position trading: If you're holding overnight but closing within 2-3 days, EOD drawdown helps but isn't essential. Most firms' standard trailing drawdown structures accommodate short-term holds. You might benefit from customization, but it's not make-or-break.

My take: Customization is most valuable for swing traders and traders with very specific risk profiles. If you're day trading with standard risk management, the added complexity of E8 One probably isn't worth it. Go with Signature Forex or Classic, get funded, and move on.

The Hidden Cost of Over-Customization

E8 One's pricing scales with how aggressive you set the parameters. The most expensive configurations can cost 3-5x more than conservative setups. If you're not careful, you'll pay a premium for flexibility you don't actually need.

Pricing Impact Examples (50K Account)

Baseline (6% target, 10% EOD drawdown, 80% split): ~$200

Moderate (8% target, 6% EOD drawdown, 90% split): ~$350

Aggressive (12% target, 4% intraday drawdown, 100% split): ~$550

The aggressive setup costs nearly 3x the baseline, and the evaluation is significantly harder (12% target with tight drawdown). Unless you have a proven edge and you're confident you can pass that structure, the extra cost isn't worth it.

I've seen traders over-customize—they think "I want 100% split and I can handle a 12% target, so I'll max out everything." Then they fail the evaluation, lose $550, and have to start over. Meanwhile, someone who paid $200 for the conservative setup passes in three weeks and starts earning.

The lesson: Don't pay for customization unless you're certain it improves your odds. Start conservative, get funded, then scale up with additional accounts if you want to push boundaries.

Strategic Customization Tips

If you're using E8 One or any customizable account, here's how to set it up intelligently:

Tip 1: Prioritize EOD Drawdown Over Profit Split

EOD drawdown fundamentally changes how you can trade. It allows intraday swings, removes the need for constant monitoring, and makes swing trading viable. A 100% profit split is nice, but it doesn't change your ability to pass the evaluation.

My recommendation: Set EOD drawdown first, accept 80% or 90% split, and adjust other variables second. The split is something you can always upgrade later (many firms let you pay to increase your split after funding). EOD drawdown is baked into the evaluation—you can't add it later.

Tip 2: Lower Targets > Higher Drawdown Limits

You'd think 14% drawdown gives you more safety than 8% or 10%. In practice, if you're hitting 12-14% drawdown during an evaluation, your risk management is off and you're probably failing anyway.

Lower profit targets make evaluations faster and reduce the number of trades you need. Fewer trades = fewer opportunities to mess up. I've passed multiple E8 One accounts with 6% targets and 8% drawdown. The tighter drawdown forced discipline, and the lower target meant I was funded in 2-3 weeks instead of 6-8 weeks.

Tip 3: Test Your Settings in Replay First

Before buying a customized evaluation, run your strategy through replay or sim with the exact profit target and drawdown limits you're planning to use. See how long it takes to hit the target, how close you come to breaching drawdown, and whether the structure actually fits your trading.

If you're consistently hitting drawdown in sim, don't buy that evaluation—you'll fail. Adjust your settings, test again, and only purchase once you're confident.

Tip 4: Don't Customize Just to Customize

E8 One gives you sliders and options because different traders need different things. That doesn't mean you need to adjust every variable. If the default 8% target and 6% drawdown work for your strategy, leave them. Customization for the sake of it just adds cost and complexity.

I've run accounts with zero customization beyond account size, and I've run fully customized setups. The pass rate was higher on the simpler accounts because I wasn't overthinking the structure—I just traded.

Who Should Choose Customizable Firms

Customization is valuable for specific trader profiles. If you fit one of these descriptions, E8 One or FundedNext are worth considering:

Swing traders: You need EOD drawdown. Fixed intraday structures will breach on normal multi-day holds. E8 One's EOD option is the cleanest solution.

Lower-frequency traders: If you only trade 1-3 setups per week, you need lower profit targets or longer evaluation timelines. E8 One's 6% target option cuts your time-to-funding significantly.

Traders with proven edge in specific risk parameters: If you've been trading your own capital with 1% risk per trade and 8R average winners, and you know you can hit 10% profit with 6% max drawdown, customize to match that. Don't guess—use data.

Traders managing multiple accounts: If you're planning to run 3-5 prop accounts simultaneously, customization lets you diversify evaluation difficulty. Run one conservative account (fast funding), one moderate account (balanced), and one aggressive account (high payout). Spread risk across structures.

Who Should Skip Customization

If you're new to prop trading, don't start with E8 One. The customization options will overwhelm you, and you'll second-guess every setting. Go with a fixed structure (FTMO, E8 Signature, FundedNext Stellar) and learn how prop evaluations work before adding customization complexity.

If your strategy works fine with industry-standard rules (8-10% targets, 5-6% drawdown), you don't need customization. You're paying for flexibility you won't use. Pick a firm based on payout speed, platform quality, or support—not customization.

If you're trying to customize your way around poor risk management, it won't work. No amount of drawdown flexibility will save you if your position sizing is off or you're overtrading. Fix the trading first, then worry about account customization.

FAQ: Customizable Prop Firms

What is the most customizable prop firm in 2025?

E8 Markets (E8 One account) offers the most customization, with adjustable profit targets (6-18%), drawdown limits (4-14%), drawdown type (EOD or intraday), and payout splits (80-100%). You can configure nearly every evaluation parameter to match your strategy.

Can I adjust profit targets on FTMO?

No. FTMO uses fixed structures—10% Phase 1, 5% Phase 2. You can choose between Challenge (2-step) or Rapid (1-step), but profit targets and drawdown rules don't change. FTMO's value is reliability and simplicity, not customization.

Does FundedNext let you customize evaluations?

FundedNext offers multiple account models (Stellar 1-Step, Stellar 2-Step, Express, Consistency models) with different structures. You choose the model that fits, but you can't adjust profit targets or drawdown percentages within each model. Customization comes from picking the right model, not adjusting parameters.

What's the difference between E8 One and E8 Signature?

E8 One is fully customizable—you adjust profit targets, drawdown, and splits. E8 Signature has fixed rules (6% target, 4% EOD drawdown, 35% best day rule). E8 One costs more but offers control. Signature is simpler and faster to set up. If you don't need customization, Signature is the better value.

Is customization worth the extra cost?

It depends on your strategy. If you're a swing trader who needs EOD drawdown, customization is worth it—EOD fundamentally changes what you can trade. If you're a day trader with standard setups, customization adds cost without clear benefit. Start simple, get funded, then experiment.

Can I change my profit split after getting funded?

Most firms let you upgrade your profit split after funding by paying a fee. E8 allows split upgrades on funded accounts. FTMO upgrades from 80% to 90% after your first withdrawal. Check each firm's policies—split upgrades are common, but they're not automatic.

What's better: lower profit target or higher drawdown?

Lower profit targets are better for most traders. A 6% target means you're funded faster with fewer trades. Higher drawdown (10-14%) sounds safer, but if you're hitting that much drawdown, your risk management needs work. Prioritize speed to funding (lower target) over extra cushion (higher drawdown).

Does The Trading Pit offer customizable evaluations?

No. Trading Pit has fixed evaluation structures (10% 1-step or 8-5% 2-step). You can choose payout split (80-100%) and account size, but profit targets and drawdown rules are set. Trading Pit's angle is multi-asset access and aggressive scaling, not customization.

Can I use E8 One for futures trading?

E8 One is forex and crypto only. For futures, you'd use E8 Signature Futures or E8 Model 1. E8 Signature Futures has fixed rules (6% target, EOD drawdown, intraday-only trading). There's no customizable futures account at E8.

What happens if I customize settings too aggressively and fail?

You lose the evaluation fee and have to repurchase. If you set a 12% profit target with 4% intraday drawdown and fail, you're out $400-$500. Before buying, test the settings in replay or sim. Only purchase configurations you're confident you can pass.

Is EOD drawdown available on all E8 accounts?

EOD drawdown is available on E8 Signature (forex, crypto, futures) and E8 One (if you select it). E8 Classic and E8 Track use trailing intraday drawdown. If you need EOD, choose Signature or customize E8 One to include it.

Can I run multiple customized accounts with different settings?

Yes. Many traders run 2-3 accounts with different customization levels—one conservative (fast funding), one moderate, one aggressive (high payout). This spreads risk and lets you test which configurations work best for your strategy. Just manage the cost—multiple accounts add up quickly.

Does Apex Trader Funding offer any customization?

No. Apex has fixed structures based on the account type you choose (Rithmic PA, Rithmic, Evaluation). No adjustable profit targets, drawdown limits, or splits. Apex's first $25K is 100% profit, then 90%—that's their differentiator, not customization.

How much does E8 One customization affect pricing?

Significantly. Conservative setups (6% target, 10% drawdown, 80% split) cost around $200 for 50K. Aggressive setups (12% target, 4% drawdown, 100% split) can cost $500-$600 for the same size. E8 One pricing scales with difficulty and payout generosity.

Should beginners use customizable accounts?

No. Start with fixed structures (FTMO Challenge, E8 Signature, FundedNext Stellar). Learn how prop evaluations work, pass one or two accounts, then experiment with customization if you see specific needs. Customization adds complexity that beginners don't need.

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