Entering the world of stock trading can be overwhelming—emotions run high, decisions feel urgent, and losses can pile up fast. In fact, most new traders lose money in their first year. But there’s a smarter way to learn: paper trading with a stock market simulator.
A stock market simulator allows you to trade using virtual money under real market conditions. You can test strategies, place orders, and analyze results—without risking a single dollar of real capital. It's an essential tool for both beginners and experienced traders looking to refine their approach.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 9 best stock market simulators available today. Each platform offers unique features tailored to different trading styles, from day trading and swing trading to long-term investing and algorithmic strategies.
Why Use a Stock Market Simulator?
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why paper trading matters.
Simulators help you:
- Build confidence without financial risk
- Test trading strategies in live market environments
- Learn how to manage emotions like fear and greed
- Understand order types, execution, and position sizing
- Backtest historical data to evaluate performance
Whether you're preparing for real-money trading or refining an existing strategy, a high-quality simulator is invaluable.
👉 Discover how virtual trading can accelerate your learning curve and build real skills.
1. TradingView – Best for Active Traders
- Best for: Day traders and swing traders
- Platforms: Desktop (web-based)
- Cost: $16.95/month (after 30-day free trial)
TradingView stands out as one of the most powerful charting platforms on the market—and its built-in Bar Replay feature doubles as a robust trading simulator.
With Bar Replay, you can:
- Rewind time to any historical date
- Apply technical indicators and drawing tools
- Simulate long or short entries using visual markers
- Track stop-loss and take-profit levels
This tool lets you "replay" price action bar by bar, testing your entries and exits as if you were live trading. Over 150 hours of practice in this mode have significantly improved my own decision-making precision.
While not free, TradingView Essential offers tremendous value for serious traders who already use the platform for analysis. Plus, the interface is intuitive, fast, and highly customizable—making it feel like a natural extension of your trading workflow.
For those committed to mastering technical analysis, this is a top-tier choice.
2. eToro – Best for Beginners & Mobile Users
- Best for: New investors practicing on a real brokerage
- Platforms: Desktop and mobile
- Cost: Free demo account with $100,000 virtual funds
eToro offers a fully functional Demo Account that mirrors its live trading environment. This makes it ideal for beginners who want to experience what real investing feels like—from placing trades to watching portfolio fluctuations.
Key benefits:
- Trade stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies
- Access social investing features like CopyTrader
- Interact with a global community of investors
- Use mobile app for on-the-go practice
Unlike some simulators that feel detached from reality, eToro gives you a true brokerage experience—complete with order execution speed and interface quirks you’d encounter with real money.
If you plan to trade primarily from your phone, eToro is one of the best options available.
👉 Start practicing today with a realistic trading environment designed for real-world success.
3. thinkorswim (by Charles Schwab) – Best for Advanced Features
- Best for: Traders seeking powerful tools and realism
- Platforms: Desktop and mobile
- Cost: Free with account registration
thinkorswim has long been the gold standard among active traders. Its free paperMoney simulator provides access to:
- Real-time market data
- Options, futures, forex, and stock trading
- Advanced charting and strategy backtesting
The platform supports complex strategies like multi-leg options trades and algorithmic setups. While there’s a steep learning curve, the depth of functionality justifies the effort.
Even better: The mobile app delivers a surprisingly smooth experience, allowing serious practice on the go.
Just note—you’ll need to open a Schwab account to access it, which may not appeal to everyone. But if you’re serious about trading, this platform is worth considering.
4. TradeStation – Best Free Simulator with Real Brokerage Integration
- Best for: Active traders wanting seamless transition to live accounts
- Platforms: Desktop and mobile
- Cost: Free
TradeStation offers a professional-grade simulator that replicates its live trading interface exactly. This means every button, order ticket, and chart behaves the same—making the shift to real trading much smoother.
Features include:
- Unlimited virtual funds
- Real-time data
- Full backtesting capabilities
- Support for stocks, options, and futures
It’s also a top choice for developers interested in building algorithmic trading systems, thanks to its robust API and scripting language (EasyLanguage).
As one of the most respected brokerages for active traders, TradeStation ensures your practice translates directly to performance.
5. Moomoo – Best for Mobile Traders & International Markets
- Best for: Young or mobile-first traders
- Platforms: Desktop and mobile
- Cost: Free
Moomoo, backed by Futu Holdings, is gaining traction in the U.S. due to its sleek design and user-friendly tools. Its Paper Trading feature supports:
- U.S., Hong Kong, and China-A shares
- Stocks, ETFs, options, and futures
- Real-time data and social learning tools
Moomoo shines for mobile users who want a modern, gamified experience. It also offers promotions like free stocks upon signup—adding extra incentive.
If you’re learning on your phone or interested in global markets, Moomoo deserves strong consideration.
Honorable Mentions
6. MarketWatch Games
Perfect for students or educators. Create custom investing games and compete with friends or classmates. Great for introducing kids to finance.
7. NinjaTrader
Ideal for futures traders. Offers advanced charting and simulation tools with no cost for simulated trading.
8. HowTheMarketWorks.com
A beginner-focused educational platform with games, lessons, and a simple-to-use simulator.
9. Pilot Trading
Caters to algorithmic traders with built-in signals and a realistic simulator to test strategies risk-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is paper trading?
A: Paper trading is the practice of buying and selling securities using virtual money in a simulated environment. It helps traders develop skills without financial risk.
Q: Can I make real money with a stock market simulator?
A: No—simulators use virtual funds. However, the experience gained can improve your ability to earn real profits when you begin live trading.
Q: Are stock market simulators accurate?
A: Most top platforms use real-time or delayed market data, so price movements are realistic. However, slippage and emotional pressure aren’t fully replicated.
Q: How long should I paper trade before going live?
A: Aim for at least 3–6 months of consistent, disciplined practice across various market conditions.
Q: Is TradingView worth paying for?
A: Yes—if you rely on technical analysis. The Bar Replay feature alone makes it a powerful training tool for active traders.
Q: Which simulator works best on mobile?
A: eToro, thinkorswim, and Moomoo all offer excellent mobile experiences with full simulation capabilities.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Tool for Your Goals
Stock market simulators are more than just games—they’re critical training grounds for future success. Whether you're testing technical strategies on TradingView, practicing order flow on TradeStation, or learning socially on eToro, each platform offers unique advantages.
The key is consistency. Treat your paper trades like real ones: journal your decisions, review outcomes, and refine your process.
👉 Take the next step in your trading journey—practice smart, trade confidently.
No matter which simulator you choose, remember: the goal isn’t just to win virtual money—it’s to build discipline, knowledge, and resilience that will serve you when real capital is on the line.
Start today. Practice often. Succeed sooner.