Execution differences between a demo challenge and a live funded account
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2026 7:42 pm
Many prop firm evaluations run on demo servers. Funded accounts may also be demo (with the firm paying from its own funds) or connected to a live feed. Either way, execution can differ.
Reported differences:
- Spreads: evaluation servers sometimes have tighter or more stable spreads.
- Slippage: often minimal on evaluation, more realistic on funded.
- Requotes and rejects: rare on evaluation, possible on funded.
- Execution speed: can vary.
Why it matters:
- A strategy that passes the evaluation thanks to perfect fills might struggle on the funded account.
- Scalpers with tight targets are most affected.
What to do:
- During evaluation, record spread and slippage as if live.
- Add a cost buffer to your evaluation results before assuming the funded account will match.
- If possible, ask the firm about execution conditions on funded accounts.
Have you noticed a difference between your evaluation and funded execution?
Reported differences:
- Spreads: evaluation servers sometimes have tighter or more stable spreads.
- Slippage: often minimal on evaluation, more realistic on funded.
- Requotes and rejects: rare on evaluation, possible on funded.
- Execution speed: can vary.
Why it matters:
- A strategy that passes the evaluation thanks to perfect fills might struggle on the funded account.
- Scalpers with tight targets are most affected.
What to do:
- During evaluation, record spread and slippage as if live.
- Add a cost buffer to your evaluation results before assuming the funded account will match.
- If possible, ask the firm about execution conditions on funded accounts.
Have you noticed a difference between your evaluation and funded execution?