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Day Trading Simulators

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James Barra
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Written By
James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
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Edited By
Jemma Grist
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Edited By
Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
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Fact Checked By
William Berg
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William Berg
William contributes to several investment websites, leveraging his experience as a consultant for IPOs in the Nordic market and background providing localization for forex trading software. William has worked as a writer and fact-checker for a long row of financial publications.
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Updated
Jun 13, 2024

A free day trading simulator replicates real-time market conditions, allowing traders to practice strategies in a risk-free environment. Similar to demo accounts, no deposit is required and virtual funds are provided. We have tested free trading simulators and listed them below with full reviews.

To list the best day trading simulators in 2025, we took into account:

  • The assets and markets you can practice trading
  • How closely the simulator mirrors live market conditions
  • Whether there is a backtesting engine with access to historical data
  • The quality of the broker’s live account if you switch to real-money trading

Brokers With The Best Day Trading Simulators

These are the top 10 simulators for day traders with paper funds:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
    Go To FOREX.com
  2. 2
    NinjaTrader
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Cheque
    USD
    Go To NinjaTrader
  3. 3
    Interactive Brokers
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
    Go To Interactive Brokers
  4. 4
    eToro USA
    Invest $100 and get $10
    Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    $100
    $10
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
    USD
    Go To eToro USA
  5. 5
    Pocket Option
    50% Deposit Bonus
    Ratings
    2 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    $50
    $1
    MISA
    Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos
    Web, MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCash, Airtel
    USD
    Go To Pocket Option
  6. 6
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
    Go To IQCent
  7. 7
    RedMars
    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    €250
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    CySEC, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
    MT5
    Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR
    Go To RedMars
  8. 8
    OANDA US
    CFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
    OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
    Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To OANDA US
  9. 9
    Moomoo
    Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
    Ratings
    4.7 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    $0
    $0
    1:2
    SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer
    USD, HKD, SGD
    Go To Moomoo
  10. 10
    Plus500 US
    Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
    Trading with leverage involves risk.
    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    $100
    0.0 Lots
    CFTC, NFA
    Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
    WebTrader, App
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Mastercard, Visa
    USD
    Go To Plus500 US

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
  2. NinjaTrader - NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
  3. Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
  4. eToro USA - eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
  5. Pocket Option - Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.
  6. IQCent - IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands. The brand continues to offer a range of unique account types with bonuses and perks, including payout boosts, TradeBacks and free rollovers. With 100+ assets, around-the-clock trading and 98% payouts, the firm is popular with aspiring short-term traders.
  7. RedMars - Launched in 2020, Cyprus-based RedMars offers competitive spreads on more than 300 instruments and leverage up to 1:500. Three accounts are available - Standard, Pro and VIP - serving a range of budgets and experience levels, with a fast and fully digital account opening process.
  8. OANDA US - OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
  9. Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
  10. Plus500 US - Plus500 is a well-established broker that entered the US market in 2021. Authorized by the CFTC and NFA, it provides futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. With a 10-minute sign-up, a manageable $100 minimum deposit, and a straightforward web platform, Plus500 continues to strengthen its offering for traders in the US.

Day Trading Simulators Comparison

Day Trading Simulators Comparison
Broker Free Trading Simulator Trading Platforms Instruments
FOREX.com logo
✔ MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
NinjaTrader logo
✔ NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
Interactive Brokers logo
✔ Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
eToro USA logo
✔ eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
Pocket Option logo
✔ Web, MT4, MT5 Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos
IQCent logo
✔ Online Platform, TradingView Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RedMars logo
✔ MT5 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
OANDA US logo
✔ OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
Moomoo logo
✔ Desktop Platform, Mobile App Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
Plus500 US logo
✔ WebTrader, App Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.

Cons

  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
Visit FOREX.com
FOREX.com Review

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC

Cons

  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
Visit NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader Review

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$100
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
  • The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.

Cons

  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
Visit Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers Review

eToro USA

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

eToro USA Quick Facts

Bonus OfferInvest $100 and get $10
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformseToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade$10
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free
  • The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
  • eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC

Cons

  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
  • There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
Visit eToro USA
eToro USA Review

Pocket Option

"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Pocket Option Quick Facts

Bonus Offer50% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos
RegulatorMISA
PlatformsWeb, MT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$50
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The web platform shines for its straightforward design and usability that will appeal to beginners looking to speculate on popular financial markets in a few clicks
  • Extremely fast and smooth sign-up process that takes less than 2 minutes
  • Well-funded traders who deposit $1000+ can qualify for a 2%+ payout boost, more tradable assets and exclusive perks

Cons

  • The maximum binary contract length of 4 hours is restrictive for longer-term trading strategies. Alternatives like Videforex offer binaries up to 1 month
  • Despite offering competitive payouts up to 92%, binary brokers like IQCent offer higher returns up to 98% based on tests
  • Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders
Visit Pocket Option
Pocket Option Review

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorIFMRRC
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The broker offers up to 98% payouts on binary options, which is more than alternatives like Pocket Option, only offering up to 92%
  • CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD
  • The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies

Cons

  • IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders
  • The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts
Visit IQCent
IQCent Review

RedMars

"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RedMars Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
RegulatorCySEC, AFM
PlatformsMT5
Minimum Deposit€250
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
  • RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading
  • Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests

Cons

  • With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
  • The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
  • While RedMars' spreads are within industry averages, they don't offer a significant edge over the cheapest day trading brokers we've personally used, notably IC Markets
Visit RedMars
RedMars Review

OANDA US

"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

OANDA US Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsOANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • There's a strong selection of 68 currency pairs for dedicated short-term forex traders
  • The proprietary OANDA web platform continues to deliver a highly competitive charting environment, including 65+ technical indicators powered by TradingView
  • Beginners can get started easily with $0 minimum initial deposit

Cons

  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
Visit OANDA US
OANDA US Review

Moomoo

"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Moomoo Quick Facts

Bonus OfferGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
RegulatorSEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
PlatformsDesktop Platform, Mobile App
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$0
Leverage1:2
Account CurrenciesUSD, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • It is reassuring that Moomoo holds licenses with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), among others
  • The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
  • There are reduced options contract fees from $0.65 to $0

Cons

  • There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
  • There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
  • It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
Visit Moomoo
Moomoo Review

Plus500 US

"Plus500 US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills."

Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer

Plus500 US Quick Facts

Bonus OfferWelcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsFutures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
RegulatorCFTC, NFA
PlatformsWebTrader, App
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.0 Lots
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Plus500 US excels for its low fees with very competitive day trading margins and no inactivity fees, live data fees, routing fees, or platform fees
  • Plus500 is a publicly traded company with a good reputation, over 24 million traders, and a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls, instilling a sense of trust
  • The straightforward account structure, pricing model and web platform offer an easier route into futures trading than rivals like NinjaTrader

Cons

  • Although support response times were fast during tests, there is no telephone assistance
  • The proprietary platform is user-friendly but lacks advanced technical analysis tools found in third-party solutions like MetaTrader 4
  • Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
Visit Plus500 US
Plus500 US Review

How We Compare Brokers With Trading Simulators

To rank the best day trading simulators, our experts considered:

Investment Offerings

Most day trading simulators offer access to stocks and forex. However, the top programs also provide other assets and instruments, including commodities, cryptocurrencies, and futures.

We prefer providers that offer access to a wide range of markets. Not only does this provide portfolio diversification opportunities, but it also means you don’t need to open several paper trading accounts at different firms.

Entry Requirements

The top brokers provide free access to their day trading simulators, which will serve most beginners. This also comes with the advantage that you can effectively test an online broker before upgrading to a real account.

Alternatively, experienced traders may prefer to trial ideas through a paid service that offers richer market data and more advanced tools. TraderSync is a good option here.

The user-friendly software offers custom playlists whereby you can quickly replay various trade setups. It also offers data on daily returns, total profits, total losses, returns from going long and short, and the net overall profit or loss.

TraderSync day trading simulator overview report

Platform Features

The quality of the trading platform or app where you will simulate trades is an important consideration.

We look at the breadth of technical analysis tools, such as charts and indicators.

Our team also note that many investors are interested in automated trading. So, we consider whether there is access to a free simulator on MetaTrader 4 (MT4) – industry-leading software that comes with Expert Advisors (EAs).

Having said that, beginners may prefer a no-frills day trading simulator from a broker like TradeNation.

This easy-to-use program walks you through the basics of setting up a day trade, from using margin to risk management parameters:

Results from TradeNation day trading simulator

How you access the simulator service is also key. The best brokers offer a simple browser-baed solution, while other firms offer platforms that can be downloaded on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Alternatively, there may be mobile apps available for Apple and Android devices.

Simulated Market Conditions

Our experts assess how well the simulator mirrors true market conditions.

Good providers offer accurate and realistic pricing spanning a variety of markets as well as sufficient historical data for backtesting.

Based on our tests, the top firms offer upwards of 4 years of historical information with level 2 market data.

Live Account Conditions

A day trading sim is a great place to start, but many traders will eventually want to upgrade to a real-money account. With this in mind, our team evaluate the live trading conditions available at providers.

In our experience, the best brokers offer an accessible minimum deposit of <$500, tight spreads with low to zero commissions, and around-the-clock customer support to help new traders get started.

We also favor brokers authorized by tier-one regulators, such as the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Australian Securities & Investments Commission. This is a good indication that a brokerage can be trusted.

Final Thoughts

A day trading simulator is one of the best ways to improve your trading skills. After spending time in a fake trading account, you can then switch to a live account with real money.

With this in mind, day trading simulators should not be treated as a game, but rather a tool to build confidence and test trading concepts.

Also, remember that there is no guarantee that strategies which are successful in a simulator will make money in a real account.

FAQs

What Is A Day Trading Simulator?

A day trading simulator works like a demo account, allowing traders to test and refine strategies using virtual funds.

The best programs closely replicate live conditions and also offer a backtesting engine, so traders can simulate strategies using historical data.

How Do Day Trading Simulators Work?

Day trading simulators use market data to create a trading environment that is similar to live conditions. As a result, clients can test out strategies using both real-time information and historical data.

Most brokers with day trading simulators do not require a deposit to access the test environment. Upon sign-up, you will receive a sum of virtual funds to practice trading stocks, forex or another product. This is typically in the range of $10,000 to $100,000.

What Is The Best Day Trading Simulator?

Our experts have reviewed, compared and listed the best day trading simulators with full reviews.

To rank the top simulators, we considered the assets you can practice trading on, the quality of the trading software, the amount of virtual money available, and any joining requirements.

Should I Use A Day Trading Simulator?

Day trading simulators offer several advantages. Primarily, they provide a risk-free environment to test new strategies. Beginner traders can build their confidence and develop good trading habits, while seasoned investors can trial new trade setups.

The best trading simulators are also available outside of core trading hours, allowing you to backtest ideas on the weekend, for example.

What Are The Risks Of Day Trading Simulators?

Day trading simulators cannot replicate the emotions you feel when trading with real money. As such, a day trading sim will not expose you to the same level of pressure, which can lead to over-confidence in paper trading mode.

Often, simulators will not account for all the costs that come with live trading. For example, sims rarely include slippage, which is the difference between the expected price and the actual execution price.

Finally, a strategy may work when you backtest it against historical data, but there is no guarantee it will work going forward with real money.

Are Day Trading Simulators Free?

Many brokers offer free day trading simulators. For example, eToro provides free access to its stock market and forex trading simulator for all traders that register an account.

There are even trading sims where no login details or sign-up is required, available from brokers like TradeNation. However, in our experience, these normally offer fewer features and tools.

Article Sources

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