> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.size.club/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.size.club/docs/compare/prop-firms.md).

# Size vs retail prop-firm challenges

Compare winning a funded account through a Size game with qualifying through a retail prop-firm evaluation.

Size's funded-account path awards the selected account through a game. Retail prop-firm evaluation programs commonly ask traders to meet performance objectives while staying within risk limits.

This comparison concerns online retail funded-account programs, rather than employment at a proprietary trading firm. Programs vary, including instant-access offers that do not use the same evaluation process.

## What changes?

|                        | Size funded-account game                                                 | Retail prop-firm evaluation                                        |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Initial activity       | Enter a trading game for the selected account reward                     | Enter the provider's evaluation program                            |
| Progress condition     | The game's accepted result conditions                                    | Program-specific targets and risk limits                           |
| Time structure         | Timed game stages                                                        | Evaluation structure varies; some have no time limit               |
| Cost                   | The displayed game entry                                                 | Evaluation or access fees vary                                     |
| What the account means | Starting capital stays in the account; eligible profits follow its terms | Live or simulated capital and reward rights depend on the provider |
| After qualification    | Account risk rules and payout split still apply                          | Account risk rules and reward terms still apply                    |

## Choose an evaluation when…

You want to pursue a provider's account program through its trading objectives and risk framework. Read the specific program rather than assuming that every prop firm requires multiple phases, minimum trading days, or live capital.

FTMO is one documented example: its challenge programs use simulated trading and objectives such as profit targets and loss limits. It also advertises an instant-account option, so an evaluation is not universal even within one provider.

## Choose Size's funded path when…

You want the game format as your route to an account reward. Review the selected account and entry first. Winning an account does not make its starting capital withdrawable, and it does not remove the account's later risk rules.

## Want a cash prize instead?

Size's cash-prize path has a different reward. [Compare the options](https://www.size.club/docs) or [start with free practice](https://www.size.club/docs/start/first-game).

### Sources

Reviewed 22 October 2026. Size [account selection](https://www.size.club/docs/funded/choose-an-account) and [payouts](https://www.size.club/docs/funded/payouts); FTMO [What is the FTMO Challenge](https://ftmo.com/en/challenge/) and [How it works](https://ftmo.com/en/how-it-works/). FTMO illustrates one provider; no universal fee, capital, or evaluation claim is made.


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