Best Free Stock Market Simulators

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Best free stock market simulators 2025:

CapTrader: access global markets with robust simulation tools.
Revolut: user-friendly app with seamless stock simulations.
Interactive Brokers: advanced tools for realistic market practice.
Livaxxen: intuitive simulations for aspiring traders.
Collective2: social and automated trading simulations.

Looking to learn about the stock market without risking your money? Stock market simulators offer a safe environment to practice virtual trading while protecting your capital. These platforms are ideal for mastering investment basics and deciding if active trading suits your style. Simulators let you test strategies and hone your skills without financial risk. All you need is an Internet connection to get started. In this review, we highlight some of the best simulators to help you build confidence and knowledge before transitioning to real trading.

Best stock markets simulators comparison

Best stock markets simulators
Broker	Demo	Account minimum	Interest rate	Stocks/ETFs Fee per share basic	Android	iOS	Stocks
CapTrader	Yes	$2000	3.8%	US Stocks: $0.01 per share; min fee of $2, max of 1% of the trade value. EU Stocks: 0.1% of trade value with a min fee of €4 and a max of €99.	Yes	Yes	Yes	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Revolut	Yes	$0	0,15-1%	After exceeding the free trades, the fee is 0.25% of the order amount, with a min fee of £1.00 (or equivalent in other currencies)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Interactive Brokers	Yes	$0	4.83%	$0	Yes	Yes	Yes
Livaxxen	Yes	$500	0	0,10%	Yes	Yes	Yes
Collective2	Yes	$10,000	0	Flat monthly fee, any per-contract fees	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to start using a free stock trading simulator?

Starting with a free stock trading simulator is an excellent way to practice trading skills, test strategies, and understand market mechanics without financial risk. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started:

Choose the right platform

Research simulators. Look for a simulator that aligns with your trading goals—some specialize in stocks, while others include options, Forex, or cryptocurrencies.
Compare features. Evaluate platforms based on tools like real-time data, interactive charts, customization options, and supported markets.
Read reviews. Check user feedback for insights into ease of use and functionality.

Register an account

Visit the simulator's website or download its app.
Provide basic details like your name, email, and a secure password.
Some platforms may require account verification via email.

Configure your account

Set virtual capital. Many simulators allow you to customize the starting virtual balance.
Select trading preferences. Choose the market (stocks, options, Forex) and trading style you want to practice.

Explore the platform features

Familiarize yourself with tools like technical indicators, charts, watchlists, and news feeds.
Use tutorials or guides if provided to understand platform navigation.

Develop a trading strategy

Start with basic strategies. Practice simple buy-and-hold or trend-following strategies.
Test advanced techniques. Experiment with day trading, options strategies, or scalping if you're an advanced user.

Place your first virtual trade

Identify a stock or asset you want to trade using the simulator's market research tools.
Place a buy or sell order and set parameters like quantity, stop-loss, or take-profit levels.
Monitor the trade's progress and learn from outcomes.

Evaluate your performance

Review trade summaries and reports provided by the simulator.
Identify areas for improvement and refine your strategies based on simulated results.

Transition to real trading (optional)

Once confident, consider moving to a live trading account, preferably with the same platform to maintain familiarity.

What to consider when choosing a stock market simulator

Choosing the right stock market simulator is essential for effectively practicing trading strategies and understanding market dynamics without risking your money. Here are key factors to consider:

Realism of simulation

Market data accuracy. The simulator should provide real-time or near-real-time data to reflect actual market conditions.
Order execution. It should simulate real-world order processing, including slippage and order types.

Range of tradable assets

Diverse instruments. Look for simulators that offer a variety of assets like stocks, options, futures, and Forex for a broader experience.

Educational resources

Learning materials. Access to tutorials, articles, and guides can help you better understand trading concepts and platform features.

Analytical tools

Charts and indicators. Advanced charting features and technical indicators are vital for analyzing trends and testing strategies.

User interface and experience

Ease of use. A user-friendly interface makes it easier to navigate and focus on learning effectively.

Community and support

Peer interaction. Some simulators include forums or communities to share insights and strategies.
Customer support. Reliable support can help resolve issues quickly and improve your overall experience.

Cost and accessibility

Free vs. paid options. Decide if you want a free simulator or are willing to pay for added features and value.
Platform compatibility. Ensure it works seamlessly on your device, whether desktop or mobile.

Choose ones that allow you to simulate specific scenarios

When starting stock trading, one overlooked approach is using simulators that replicate real-world conditions, including slippage and execution delays. These tools allow you to experience how market dynamics truly operate. Instead of focusing solely on basic simulations, choose ones that allow you to simulate specific scenarios, such as volatile conditions or sudden price spikes. This helps you practice adapting quickly to unpredictable market changes and refine your ability to make informed decisions based on real-time market shifts.

Another effective strategy is creating custom visualizations of your trading patterns and results. Instead of relying only on broker-provided charts, use platforms or tools that let you analyze your trading performance in detail. For instance, track how your practice portfolio performs each week alongside key events like market announcements or news updates. This approach helps you connect trends with external factors, sharpening your ability to make better trading decisions over time. Pairing this with discussions in trading communities allows you to validate your insights and improve your strategies.

Methodology for compiling our ratings of stock brokers

Traders Union applies a rigorous methodology to evaluate brokers using over 100 quantitative and qualitative criteria. Multiple parameters are given individual scores that feed into an overall rating.

Key aspects of the assessment include:

Regulation and safety. Brokers are evaluated based on the level/reputation of licenses and regulations they operate under.
User reviews. Client reviews and feedback are analyzed to determine customer satisfaction levels. Reviews are fact-checked and verified.
Trading instruments. Brokers are evaluated on the range of assets offered, as well as the breadth and depth of available markets.
Fees and commissions. All trading fees and commissions are analyzed comprehensively to determine overall costs for clients.
Trading platforms. Brokers are assessed based on the variety, quality, and features of platforms offered to clients.
Other factors like brand popularity, client support, and educational resources are also evaluated.

Conclusion

Before you start investing, learn the basics of trading. You can use books, courses, videos, and educational materials to do this. Hands-on experience is also important - stock market simulators help you understand how trades and market mechanisms work. A stock market simulator allows you to trade with virtual capital, watching the market dynamics in real time. It is a safe way to practice your skills without the risk of losing real money. You can create an account through online brokers such as Webull, Interactive Brokers, eOption, TradeStation, or TD Ameritrade. These platforms provide free simulators that you can use without time restrictions.

FAQs

How to analyze trading results in a simulator?

Record all trades, including the date, the selected asset, the volume, and the result. Analyze why the trade was profitable or unprofitable. Pay attention to the drawdown, win rate, and risk-to-reward ratio. This data will help you identify weak points in your strategy and improve it.

How to manage emotions when working with a simulator?

Set rules: set profit and loss targets for each trade. Do not try to "win back" after losing trades. Practice making decisions based on analysis, not impulsive emotions, to develop discipline.

What additional tools are useful to use together with the simulator?

Use economic calendars and platforms with analytical data in parallel. This will help you track news and events that affect the market. This approach will allow you to prepare for real trading in conditions of market volatility.

Can simulators help teach you how to make a living from trading?

This is a good starting point, but the advanced strategies required for professional trading may require more in-depth training than just simulator experience.

Team that worked on the article

Maxim Nechiporenko has been a contributor to Traders Union since 2023. He started his professional career in the media in 2006. He has expertise in finance and investment, and his field of interest covers all aspects of geoeconomics. Maxim provides up-to-date information on trading, cryptocurrencies and other financial instruments. He regularly updates his knowledge to keep abreast of the latest innovations and trends in the market.

Learn about our editorial policies

Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

Scalping

Scalping in trading is a strategy where traders aim to make quick, small profits by executing numerous short-term trades within seconds or minutes, capitalizing on minor price fluctuations.

Day trading

Day trading involves buying and selling financial assets within the same trading day, with the goal of profiting from short-term price fluctuations, and positions are typically not held overnight.

Take-Profit

Take-Profit order is a type of trading order that instructs a broker to close a position once the market reaches a specified profit level.

Volatility

Volatility refers to the degree of variation or fluctuation in the price or value of a financial asset, such as stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, over a period of time. Higher volatility indicates that an asset's price is experiencing more significant and rapid price swings, while lower volatility suggests relatively stable and gradual price movements.