Start simulated stock trading: 7 excellent skill training platforms in 2025

Why Should You Practice Trading Before Entering the Real Market?

Entering the stock market for the first time can be intimidating because novice investors are unsure if they can handle market volatility. Don’t worry—there’s a better way — using stock market simulation programs to practice before going live.

These programs offer virtual opportunities by using real market data, but you trade with virtual money, allowing you to learn trading functions, understand market fluctuations, and build confidence before risking your own funds.

Stock Market Simulator: Meaning and Purpose

Stock Market Simulator or virtual stock trading programs are tools that simulate real trading experiences. You execute buy and sell orders with actual stocks available in the market at real-time prices, but only with (Demo Money).

The benefits of these simulators include:

• Practicing various trading strategies without risking real capital
• Understanding trading methods and familiarizing yourself with trading platforms
• Testing automated trading systems (EA) before live deployment
• Building readiness for quick decision-making in rapidly changing markets

7 Trading Platforms You Should Know

Main Features Comparison Table

1. Mitrade: Practice CFD Trading with Full Features

Mitrade has its own proprietary platform with an easy-to-use interface. Besides trading via the website, you can also use mobile and desktop applications.

Advantages:

• $50,000 virtual funds for 90 days of practice
• Trade forex, US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, gold, and digital assets
• Includes Stop Loss and Trailing Stop for risk management
• Quick account setup with no fees

Disadvantages:

• Limited to Mitrade’s platform only

2. eToro: The Real Deal for Long-term Stock Investment

eToro is designed for regular investors looking for US stocks and ETFs from around the world. Over 2,400 stocks and about 250 ETFs are available.

Advantages:

• $100,000 virtual portfolio for free
• Buy stocks and ETFs with no commission
• Listed on 17 international stock exchanges

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for those who prefer in-depth technical analysis

3. Click To Win: Supported by the Stock Exchange of Thailand

The Stock Exchange of Thailand developed Click To Win for general investors to practice trading stocks and futures with real data and a market atmosphere similar to actual trading.

Advantages:

• 5 million THB capital per market
• Real-time prices for Thai stocks and derivatives
• Uses STREAMING software familiar to Thai traders

Disadvantages:

• Stock data limited to the Thai market only
• Data resets every 3 months

4. Libertex: Zero Spread for Light Trading

Libertex is a CFD platform offering a special feature — trading without spreads, ideal for short-term trading strategies aiming for quick profits.

Advantages:

• Unlimited time demo account
• CFD with 0% spread and zero commission starting from the first trade
• Supports MT4
• Educational content for users

Disadvantages:

• Limited to CFD trading
• Not many markets available

5. AvaTrade: An Established Platform with MT4

Founded in 2006, AvaTrade has served over 200,000 traders. It is regulated and globally recognized.

Advantages:

• Free demo account with easy setup
• Upload Expert Advisors (EA) for automated trading
• Familiar MT4 interface

Disadvantages:

• Only 21 days trial period

6. Robo Forex: High Leverage for the Brave

RoboForex offers a simulator to test strategies and EAs in real-time market conditions with leverage up to 1:2000.

Advantages:

• $100,000 virtual funds for 90 days
• Access to 12,000 stocks via StocksTrader
• Max leverage 1:2000
• Risk-free system testing

Disadvantages:

• Limited currency options, restricting trading diversity

7. Interactive Broker: Professional Tools

Interactive Broker provides advanced analysis tools including Volatility Lab, Probability Lab, Market Scanner, and Options Strategy Lab.

Advantages:

• Diverse and powerful trading tools
• Access to market data for all instruments
• Easy transition from demo to live account

Disadvantages:

• Demo accounts are deleted if inactive over 30 days
• Complex interface even in demo mode

Features to Look for in a Trading Practice Program

When choosing a stock market simulation program for practice, ensure it has these features:

1. Realistic Market Simulation — Stock prices should move genuinely, reflecting market changes.

2. Portfolio Creation — You should be able to freely select stocks and build a personalized portfolio.

3. Real-time Trading — The system must process buy/sell orders quickly.

4. Reporting and Analysis — Provide data on investment results, profit/loss, and trends.

5. Flexible Settings — Adjust starting capital, duration, and fees as needed.

Benefits of Using Stock Trading Simulation Programs

Trade Immediately, No Long Preparation Needed

You don’t need to manage real portfolios or risk your money. Just log in, select stocks, and start trading—zero risk.

Use Real Market Data to Trade Globally

Some simulators use actual market prices from worldwide markets, giving you experience similar to real trading and learning from real scenarios.

No Money Needed to Practice

Real investing requires substantial capital for worthwhile returns, but with simulation programs, you don’t need any money at all.

Learn Through Practice, Not Just Theory

Reading books is valuable, but doing real trading deepens understanding. Simulators allow you to execute buy/sell actions as if real, even with virtual funds.

Test Automated Trading Systems Before Using Real Money

Decision speed is crucial in trading. If you’re not familiar with the platform, you might press wrong buttons and lose money. Practicing with automated systems (EA) helps build confidence and skill.

When Is the Right Time to Practice with Real Money?

There’s no fixed timeline; it depends on your preparation. However, ensure you meet these conditions:

Knowledge and Education: Do you understand market basics, can read charts, and know about indicators?

Risk Awareness: Do you accept that trading involves risks and potential loss of funds?

Trading Plan: Do you have a clear strategy and rules for entry and exit?

Money Management: Do you know how much to risk per trade to avoid total loss?

Emotional Stability: Can you make decisions based on analysis rather than fear or greed?

Summary

Stock Trading Simulation Programs are essential tools for novice investors to practice safely and for EA developers to test systems. Although not all brokers offer free demo accounts, most do, with varying limitations. The common benefit is building confidence and understanding how platform functions work before trading with your own money.

Our view: Spend time with simulation programs wisely. The more you practice, the more you gain a sense of security in the market and the better prepared you are for the next steps.