Blue Guardian vs E8 Funding

Comparative Overview

In the competitive world of proprietary trading, retail traders are presented with a multitude of options. Selecting the right prop firm is a decision that can significantly affect their trading flexibility, potential earnings, and growth as a trader. In this comparison, we delve into two well-known players in the industry: Blue Guardian and E8 Funding.

Account Potential and Profit Sharing

Blue Guardian boasts a significant initial account cap of $400,000, which can be scaled up to a massive $2,000,000, thereby presenting an attractive proposition for traders aiming for high growth. Coupled with an 85% profit share and an exceptional Trustpilot rating of 4.8/5, it is clear why this firm is a top contender. On the other hand, E8 Funding offers a commendable maximum of $1,000,000 on its ELEV8 account, with an 80% profit share and bi-weekly payouts. Both firms provide a high leverage of 1:100, but Blue Guardian edges out with minimal evaluation goals and a slightly better rating from users.

Trading Conditions and Support

The ability to hold positions overnight and during weekends, as well as engage in news trading, is a critical factor for traders looking for flexibility in their strategies. Both Blue Guardian and E8 Funding support these trading approaches. Blue Guardian has a slight advantage with a comprehensive user interface and diverse trading tools, which are a boon for traders keen on having a variety of options at their fingertips.

User Experience and Trial Options

While E8 Funding has a 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating, it distinguishes itself by offering a free trial and unlimited retries, which is a significant consideration for new traders seeking to test out the platform without financial commitment. However, it's essential to note that Blue Guardian, despite lacking a free trial, maintains a higher overall rating, which suggests a positive user experience across its customer base.

Costs and Drawbacks

A crucial aspect for any trader is the cost of trading, which can erode profits if not managed well. E8 Funding reportedly has slippage issues and high commission costs, which could deter traders with high-frequency strategies or those trading on thin margins. Additionally, a 5% max daily drawdown can be restrictive for aggressive traders. Meanwhile, Blue Guardian requires a mandatory 5 trading days for Elite Guardian, which may be seen as a constrictive rule for some traders.

Funding and Withdrawals

Both firms offer credit/debit card and crypto deposits, providing some flexibility for funding. However, Blue Guardian provides a broader selection of withdrawal methods, including bank wire transfer and using Deel, expanding the convenience for users to access their funds.

Account Variability and Currency Options

Blue Guardian offers multiple account sizes ranging from $10,000 to $200,000, catering to different levels of traders. E8 Funding, while not specifying account sizes, does offer accounts in multiple currencies (EUR, GBP, USD), which may appeal to traders looking to avoid conversion fees.

Trading Instrument Range

Fortunately for traders with either firm, the range of tradeable instruments is similar and quite comprehensive, including commodities, crypto, forex, indices, and metals. This extensive list ensures traders can diversify their portfolios and explore various markets.

Conclusion

Retail traders and potential users must weigh these pros and cons in light of their trading styles, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Blue Guardian, established since June 2019, may appeal to those looking for a higher initial cap, exceptional user feedback, and a robust set of tools. E8 Funding, though newer to the scene with its November 2021 incorporation, offers a tantalizing free trial, simpler scaling options, and multi-currency accounts. Ultimately, the decision rests with individual preferences, with both firms offering compelling propositions to the discerning retail trader.