Ever wanted to trade without risking a single penny?
You’re at the right place. A demo trading account gives you that exact opportunity to practice real-market strategies with virtual money. Whether you’re new to forex or testing out a new platform, demo accounts are the safest and smartest way to build confidence before investing for real. Sounds good, right?
In this guide, we’ll explore what demo trading accounts are, why they’re important, and how to choose the perfect one for your trading journey. Finally, we’ll list the 15 best demo trading accounts available today, so you can pick the one that fits your needs best.
What Is a Demo Trading Account?
A demo trading account is a simulation of a real trading environment, offered by brokers to help users practice trading using virtual funds. It mirrors live market conditions, allowing traders to analyze price movements, execute trades, and test different strategies without the fear of losing real money.
Most demo accounts include access to the same tools as live accounts, such as charting platforms, order types, and indicators. This makes them valuable learning spaces for beginners and testing grounds for professionals refining their techniques.
Why Use a Demo Trading Account?
A demo account offers more than just practice it’s your stepping stone to understanding the markets. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
- Risk-Free Learning: You can trade with zero financial risk.
- Real-Market Experience: Learn using live market data and price movements.
- Strategy Testing: Perfect for testing new techniques before real use.
- Platform Familiarity: Understand trading tools, order types, and charts before investing.
By using a demo account, you gain both experience and confidence — two things every successful trader must have.
How to Choose the Right Demo Account
Not all demo accounts are created equal. Some mimic real trading better than others. When choosing one, keep these points in mind:
- Duration: Some accounts expire after 30 days, while others are unlimited.
- Market Access: Check if it supports forex, stocks, crypto, or CFDs.
- Trading Tools: Ensure it includes analysis features and indicators.
- Execution Speed: Realistic order execution helps simulate actual trading.
- Transition Ease: The best brokers let you easily switch to a live account later.
Choosing the right demo account ensures that your learning experience is as close as possible to real trading conditions.
Best Demo Trading Accounts 2026:
Here’s a list of the top 15 demo trading accounts in 2025 and 2026:
- XM – Offers a realistic demo with MT4/MT5 platforms.
- AvaTrade – Ideal for beginners exploring forex and CFDs.
- Pepperstone – Advanced tools and lightning-fast execution.
- IC Markets – Best ECN-style demo experience.
- FXTM – Includes FXTM Invest simulator for copy-trading practice.
- Exness – Simple setup with flexible virtual balance.
- RoboForex – Automated and copy-trading friendly demo.
- OANDA – Unlimited demo duration with full charting tools.
- IG Markets – Excellent for stock and forex practice accounts.
- Plus500 – Best for CFD Traders
- eToro – Copy trading demo with $100,000 virtual balance.
- Capital.com – Best for AI-Based Insights
- OctaFX – Mobile-friendly demo for quick practice
- Deriv – Great for Binary and CFD Demo
- Tickmill – Real-market simulation with low latency.
1. XM – Best Overall Demo Trading Account
Overview:
XM offers one of the most user-friendly and flexible demo trading accounts in the industry, making it ideal for beginners and experienced traders looking to test strategies in a risk-free environment. The XM demo account provides access to real market conditions, multiple trading platforms (MT4/MT5), and a virtual balance (up to $100,000), allowing users to practice CFD and forex trading with no financial risk. Traders can open multiple demo accounts and switch between different trading conditions to match their learning goals.
In addition to being a strong choice for demo trading, XM is also known for its globally recognized affiliate and IB program. With over 200,000 partners across 190+ countries, XM stands out for its transparency, advanced tracking tools, multilingual support, and consistent payouts. XM has earned multiple awards, including Best IB/Affiliate Programme in LATAM 2025, Best Forex Trading Platform 2025, and Best Partnership Program in MENA 2024.
Partner Earnings Highlights
- Revenue Share: Up to $80 on FX, $75 on crypto CFDs, and $80 on metals
- CPA Model: Earn up to $1,000 per referred client
- CPL & Hybrid Models: Flexible commission structures
- Sub-Affiliate Program: Master IBs earn 10% of sub-affiliate commissions
- Unlimited Earnings: No commission cap; daily automated payouts (minimum $5)
For traders who want a realistic, zero-risk environment to learn and experiment — and for partners seeking strong earning potential — XM delivers exceptional value.
2. AvaTrade – Ideal for Beginners
Review
AvaTrade’s demo account is designed to help beginners understand trading fundamentals in a safe and supportive environment. It provides access to forex, commodities, and CFDs, allowing users to test various strategies without real financial risk.
The interface is simple yet professional, giving a genuine feel of market operations. With its educational resources and 21-day demo period, AvaTrade makes it easy to explore the basics of technical analysis and trade execution.
Features
- 21-day access to demo account
- Supports MT4, MT5, and WebTrader
- Free access to training resources
- Real-time market data
- Leverage options for realistic simulation
Pros
- Easy to use
- Multiple platform support
- Beginner-friendly environment
Cons
- Limited demo duration
- Fewer advanced tools
- Some regional restrictions
Final Verdict
AvaTrade is a top pick for those starting their trading journey. Its demo account combines ease of use, multiple platform options, and hands-on learning. Although the duration is limited, it delivers a strong foundation for understanding real trading dynamics. Overall, it’s an excellent beginner’s tool for mastering essential trading skills before going live.
3. Pepperstone – For Advanced Traders
Review
Pepperstone’s demo platform is built for experienced traders who demand speed, precision, and real-market simulation. With its ECN-style execution, users can practice scalping, algorithmic trading, and fast order execution in realistic market conditions. The platform supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader, offering advanced charting tools and deep liquidity access.
Features
- MT4, MT5, and cTrader access
- Up to $50,000 in virtual funds
- Lightning-fast execution
- Advanced charting and market depth
- 24/5 support team
Pros
- Realistic ECN trading feel
- Excellent for testing algorithms
- Multiple trading platforms
Cons
- Demo expires after 30 days
- Not ideal for casual learners
- May overwhelm beginners
Final Verdict
Pepperstone stands out as a high-performance demo platform tailored to advanced traders. It provides accurate market conditions, making it suitable for testing automated systems and high-frequency strategies. Though the demo is limited to 30 days, the experience it delivers is unparalleled in accuracy and execution.
4. IC Markets – ECN-Style Demo Account
Review
IC Markets offers a highly realistic trading experience through its ECN-based demo account. It allows users to practice under real-time market conditions with raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips. Traders can experiment with automated systems, scalping, or day trading while experiencing minimal latency and institutional-grade execution.
Features
- Access to MT4, MT5, and cTrader
- ECN-style order execution
- Raw spreads from 0.0 pips
- Supports algorithmic trading
- 24/7 access
Pros
- True ECN environment
- High-speed performance
- Supports auto-trading strategies
Cons
- 30-day duration
- Slight learning curve
- Requires initial setup knowledge
Final Verdict
IC Markets provides one of the most accurate and transparent demo environments available. Its ECN-style execution and tight spreads offer a genuine feel of live trading. Although the demo is time-limited, it’s an excellent resource for anyone serious about mastering technical trading strategies.
5. FXTM – Demo with FXTM Invest
Review
FXTM’s demo trading account includes access to FXTM Invest — a unique copy-trading simulator. It lets beginners observe and copy experienced traders’ moves without any financial risk. Perfect for those who want to learn by example.
Features
- FXTM Invest integration
- MT4 and MT5 supported
- Access to forex, commodities, and indices
- Adjustable virtual balance
- Free educational resources
Pros
- Great for copy-trading practice
- User-friendly interface
- Educational support
Cons
- Limited customization
- Demo expires after 30 days
- Live spreads differ slightly
Final Verdict
FXTM is an excellent choice for those who learn best through observation. The copy-trading demo allows users to follow expert traders and apply similar approaches confidently. While the demo expires after 30 days, it’s long enough to develop practical skills.
6. Exness – Simple Yet Powerful Demo
Review
Exness provides a straightforward yet powerful demo trading environment that caters to both novice and experienced users. It offers real-time price feeds, adjustable leverage, and the ability to set custom virtual balances for strategy testing.
Features
- Unlimited demo duration
- MT4 and MT5 compatible
- Adjustable balance
- Real-time pricing
- Multi-language support
Pros
- No expiration
- Great platform speed
- Simple interface
Cons
- Limited asset options
- Support could be faster
- Interface less modern than peers
Final Verdict
Exness is a highly reliable demo option for traders who value simplicity and long-term accessibility. Its no-expiration feature allows for ongoing skill development and experimentation. While it lacks some of the advanced tools offered by competitors, it delivers excellent speed and usability. For consistent practice and performance improvement, Exness is a solid and dependable choice.
7. RoboForex – Automated Demo
Review
RoboForex’s demo is well-suited for traders experimenting with automation. It allows full access to MT4, MT5, and R Trader platforms, enabling traders to test both manual and algorithmic trading.
Features
- Supports MT4, MT5, and R Trader
- Up to $100,000 virtual balance
- CopyFX for copy-trading
- Real-time spreads
- Customizable duration
Pros
- Great for EA testing
- Multiple platforms
- Copy-trading integration
Cons
- Slightly complex setup
- Interface can be outdated
- Limited educational support
Final Verdict
RoboForex demo is perfect for users exploring automated or copy-trading environments before moving to real funds.
8. OANDA – Best for Long-Term Practice
Review
OANDA’s demo account is among the few with unlimited duration, giving traders unlimited time to practice. It’s widely trusted for its accurate price feeds and detailed analytics tools.
Features
- Unlimited access
- MT4 and web platform
- $100,000 virtual funds
- Advanced charting
- Mobile app support
Pros
- Unlimited usage
- Realistic trading environment
- Easy-to-navigate interface
Cons
- Limited asset classes
- Basic educational materials
- Fewer promotional offers
Final Verdict
OANDA’s unlimited demo access makes it ideal for continuous learning and long-term strategy testing.
9. IG Markets – Excellent for Market Research
Review
IG Markets provides one of the most sophisticated demo environments, perfect for traders who want to explore global financial markets with real-time data. Its simulated platform mirrors the live version almost identically, allowing users to test forex, indices, commodities, and shares without risk. With extensive charting and analytics, it’s a favorite for research-oriented traders.
Features
- $10,000 in virtual funds
- Access to 17,000+ instruments
- Advanced charting tools and indicators
- Educational videos and webinars
- Mobile and desktop compatibility
Pros
- Comprehensive market access
- Highly detailed analytics
- Reliable and regulated broker
Cons
- 30-day demo limit
- Advanced interface may overwhelm beginners
- Fewer educational tools for novices
Final Verdict
IG Markets is ideal for experienced traders who value research, real-time analysis, and a professional-grade demo platform that mimics real trading conditions precisely.
10. Plus500 – Best for CFD Traders
Review
Plus500 offers a simple yet effective demo account ideal for CFD traders who want a realistic environment to practice. It provides an unlimited demo period, so traders can learn at their own pace without pressure. The interface is beginner-friendly and covers thousands of global instruments, including forex, commodities, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
Features
- Unlimited demo duration
- Real-time quotes and charts
- $40,000 virtual balance
- 24/7 customer support
- Available on web and mobile
Pros
- No expiry date for demo
- Quick setup and smooth navigation
- Excellent for CFD beginners
Cons
- No MT4 or MT5 integration
- Limited research tools
- Few customization options
Final Verdict
Plus500’s unlimited demo account is perfect for traders learning CFD trading. Its simplicity, broad asset coverage, and no-time-limit policy make it a practical starting point for all levels.
11. eToro – Social Demo Trading
Review
eToro’s demo account stands out for its unique social trading experience. Users can practice trading while exploring CopyTrader, a feature that allows them to follow and mirror professional traders’ moves. With $100,000 in virtual funds and real-time market updates, it’s a realistic and interactive way to learn trading.
Features
- $100,000 virtual balance
- CopyTrader and Smart Portfolios access
- Real-time market simulation
- Social trading community
- Multi-asset coverage (stocks, crypto, forex)
Pros
- Innovative social learning experience
- Ideal for beginners
- Seamless desktop and app interface
Cons
- Limited chart customization
- No access to MT4/MT5
- Copy trading limited to platform traders
Final Verdict
eToro’s demo account offers more than just practice it provides community-based learning. It’s a great fit for beginners who want to see real trading strategies in action without risking capital.
12. Capital.com – Best for AI-Based Insights
Review
Capital.com’s demo account combines AI-driven insights with an easy-to-use interface. It’s ideal for new traders who want data-backed trading education. The platform provides real-time charts, technical analysis tools, and access to multiple global markets making it suitable for both forex and CFD practice.
Features
- $10,000 in demo funds
- AI-based trading feedback
- Access to 3,000+ assets
- Web, mobile, and desktop versions
- Free educational courses
Pros
- Smart AI-powered suggestions
- Intuitive design for beginners
- High-quality learning resources
Cons
- Small virtual balance
- Limited account customization
- May reset after inactivity
Final Verdict
Capital.com’s demo platform bridges education and execution beautifully. It’s designed for those who want to improve using AI insights and data-driven learning before transitioning to real trading.
13. OctaFX – Perfect for MT4 and MT5 Users
Review
OctaFX offers one of the most popular demo trading accounts for those using MT4 or MT5 platforms. The broker’s demo setup lets traders test multiple strategies, indicators, and trading pairs in a safe environment. It’s fast, accurate, and suitable for forex and CFD enthusiasts.
Features
- Supports MT4 and MT5
- Adjustable virtual funds
- Real-time quotes and execution
- Up to 1:500 leverage simulation
- Access to educational materials
Pros
- Ideal for learning on MT4/MT5
- Customizable settings
- Realistic market behavior
Cons
- Limited duration for demo
- Few non-forex instruments
- Basic user interface
Final Verdict
OctaFX’s demo account is perfect for traders who plan to use MT4 or MT5 in live trading. It’s reliable, accurate, and educational, helping users refine strategies efficiently.
14. Deriv – Great for Binary and CFD Demo
Review
Deriv’s demo account supports a wide range of instruments including binary options, forex, and CFDs. With $10,000 in virtual funds, traders can test both short-term and long-term strategies. The interface is flexible, offering SmartTrader, Deriv MT5, and Deriv X platforms.
Features
- $10,000 virtual balance
- Binary, CFD, and forex trading access
- Multiple platform choices
- Fast execution and real-time pricing
- Educational resources for beginners
Pros
- Ideal for multiple market types
- Beginner-friendly
- Realistic execution simulation
Cons
- Binary trading may confuse newcomers
- Manual reset needed for balance
- Limited advanced chart tools
Final Verdict
Deriv provides an all-in-one demo platform that’s great for experimenting with different financial instruments. It’s especially valuable for users interested in binary and CFD trading.
15. Tickmill – Realistic Professional Demo
Review
Tickmill offers a professional-grade demo account designed to replicate real ECN trading environments. Traders can customize their virtual balance and test strategies with raw spreads and lightning-fast execution. It’s best suited for those testing scalping or automated trading systems.
Features
- ECN-like execution speed
- Access to MT4 and MT5
- Adjustable demo balance
- Live market conditions
- 24/5 support team
Pros
- Realistic ECN conditions
- Great for expert traders
- Reliable broker with solid reputation
Cons
- 30-day demo limit
- Complex setup for beginners
- Requires familiarity with MT4/MT5
Final Verdict
Tickmill’s demo account is one of the most realistic for professional traders. It accurately reflects live market performance, helping serious traders fine-tune strategies before investing real money.
Conclusion
Demo trading accounts are more than just simulations they’re your first step into the world of financial markets. The right platform can help you build confidence, refine your strategy, and understand risk management before using real capital. Whether you prefer the AI-powered tools of Capital.com, the professional edge of IG, or the flexibility of XM and Exness, there’s a demo account for every trading style.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is a demo trading account?
A demo trading account is a simulated trading platform where users can practice buying and selling assets using virtual money, without any financial risk.
Are demo accounts free?
Yes, almost all brokers offer free demo accounts that allow traders to practice under real market conditions with virtual funds.
Can I make real profits with a demo account?
No, demo trading uses virtual funds, so any profits or losses are not real. It’s meant purely for practice and strategy testing.
How long can I use a demo account?
The duration depends on the broker. Some, like IG or Capital.com, offer unlimited demo access, while others may restrict it to 30 days.
Which demo account is best for beginners?
Platforms like XM, AvaTrade, and Capital.com are considered best for beginners due to their simple interfaces, educational content, and risk-free environment.
