Demo Trading Apps in the Big Comparison: 5 Leading Platforms 2025

Learn risk-free trading – with real market feel? That’s exactly what demo accounts are designed for. Whether you’re interested in Forex, cryptocurrencies, CFDs, or stocks – a solid demo platform should give you access to all markets. In this guide, we introduce five recommended free trading apps and show you how to effectively use professional analysis tools like RSI or stop-loss orders.

Understanding the world of demo trading

Why is a virtual trading account indispensable?

Beginners often face the same question: How do you start trading in Forex, stocks, or cryptocurrencies without risking real money? The answer lies in systematic preparation. A demo account functions as a training ground – here you learn the fundamentals:

• Opening and closing positions
• Understanding trading fees and their impact
• How leverage (Leverage) works
• Correctly interpreting candlestick charts
• Handling order types like stop-loss or limit orders
• Applying indicators like RSI and MACD in practice

The key advantage: you develop emotional resilience. Experiencing losses and gains without risking real capital trains the psychological aspect of trading – often the most challenging part for beginners.

Simulation instead of real capital

A quality demo account allows you to test your trading ideas without fear. You can try different approaches:

Are you interested in fast day trading, or do you prefer building positions over the longer term? Do you like the classic cryptomarket, or are you tempted by Forex trading? How does your strategy perform in bullish or bearish markets?

All these questions can be answered free of charge before you invest real money.

Which trading style suits you?

Before choosing an app, clarify the following points:

Mobile trader – You are constantly on the go and prefer smartphones. You need a fast, intuitive app with full functionality (Order types, live charts, real-time data).

Desktop-oriented analyst – You like working on multiple screens and diving deep into technical analysis. MetaTrader or similar platforms with extensive customization options are your standard.

Strategy tester – Your focus is on systematic testing. You need comprehensive data, backtesting features, and a variety of analysis tools.

Platform choice depends on your personal style. In the next section, you’ll find the top candidates for 2025.

The 5 leading demo trading apps at a glance

1. Mitrade – €50,000 virtual starting capital

Market segments: Forex, commodities, indices, stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies

With over 3 million users worldwide, Mitrade has quickly established itself. Access to the demo account is free of charge and only requires a short registration. The platform exists as a desktop version and a mobile app.

The special feature: user-friendliness meets professional functions. You learn intuitively how to use risk management tools like trailing stops or stop-loss. The virtual account with €50,000 allows for extensive training sessions. Whether you want to trade gold, oil, silver, exotic currency pairs, global indices (S&P 500, NASDAQ) or Bitcoin – everything is possible. Notably: here you also learn the king of financial trading – CFD trading.

Regulation: Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), License 438/23

Advantages:

• Multiple regulation (ASIC, CySEC, CIMA, FSC)
• Fee-free commission structure
• Proprietary trading platform with advanced analysis features
• Forex trading in demo mode
• Fast order execution

Disadvantages:

• No MetaTrader 4/5 support
• No social or copy trading

2. XTB Broker – €10,000 demo capital

Market segments: Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies

Like Mitrade, XTB is one of the established players in the Forex and CFD segment. Its proprietary platform xStation 5 works web-based and on mobile devices. Compared to Mitrade, the demo capital is smaller at €10,000, but XTB also offers technical analysis tools and real-time market data.

The broad range of instruments allows you to explore different asset classes. The fee structure can seem complex for beginners – another reason to get familiar with the platform in demo mode first. Still, XTB regularly ranks among the top 5 providers in the EU.

Regulation: KNF (Poland), BaFin (Germany)

Advantages:

• Reputable regulation by EU authorities
• xStation 5 with extensive analysis tools
• Wide range of asset classes
• Cost-effective fee structure

Disadvantages:

• Only €10,000 demo capital
• No MetaTrader 4 support
• Inactivity fee after 365 days
• Withdrawal fees under €200

3. Capital.com – Modern demo platform for advanced traders

Market segments: Comprehensive asset spectrum

Capital.com presents itself as one of the most modern trading platforms ever. Browser and app offer full functionality. The demo version is slightly simplified but provides good access to core features.

The user interface impresses with clarity and intuitive operation. For experienced traders, integration of MetaTrader 4 and TradingView is a big plus. With over 75 technical indicators and real-time data, you can make well-informed decisions. Beginners should be patient – the tool variety can be overwhelming.

Regulation: CySEC, FCA

Advantages:

• Regulated by recognized authorities
• User-friendly platform
• Integration of MT4 and TradingView
• AI-powered analysis functions
• Competitive spreads

Disadvantages:

• Minimum deposit €250 (Bank transfer)
• No MetaTrader 5 support
• Limited multi-charting
• Slightly reduced demo version

4. Skilling – €10,000 demo focusing on user-friendliness

Market segments: CFDs, Forex, cryptocurrencies, indices

Since 2019, Skilling has positioned itself as a reliable broker. Customers appreciate the user-friendly platforms and efficient customer service. CySEC regulation and membership in the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) provide additional security.

For absolute beginners, the complexity may initially seem daunting. Basic understanding helps. Skilling offers a proprietary platform and access to MetaTrader 4. Deposits and withdrawals are generally fee-free (first withdrawal per month free, additional costs €12.50). The minimum deposit is €100.

Regulation: CySEC

Advantages:

• CySEC-regulated
• 1,000 tradable instruments
• Multiple trading platforms (MT4, cTrader)
• Fee-free first withdrawal per month

Disadvantages:

• Relatively young company (shorter history)
• Fees from the second withdrawal
• Limited educational resources for beginners
• No MetaTrader 5 support

5. Plus500 – €40,000 virtual capital for extensive testing

Market segments: CFD-focused, diversified offering

Plus500, founded in Israel, has developed impressively since its IPO over a decade ago. Deposits and withdrawals are generally fee-free (first five withdrawals per month free). The minimum deposit is €100.

The demo account offers solid features: live prices, market news, various chart types, and a range of indicators. The interface is a matter of taste, but the platform diversity compensates for it. Customer reviews highlight quick account opening, while some criticize the lack of MetaTrader support.

Regulation: FCA, CySEC

Advantages:

• FCA and CySEC regulated
• €40,000 demo capital
• Balanced technical analysis tools
• Easy onboarding
• User-friendly for beginners

Disadvantages:

• No support for external platforms (MT4/MT5)
• Inactivity fee after three months
• Limited educational materials
• No telephone customer support

Practical entry: How to use a demo account professionally

Registration in 2 minutes

Getting started is simple:

1. Visit the registration page
2. Select your country
3. Confirm via email
4. Done – you can start trading immediately

The main interface elements (example Mitrade)

The demo account interface typically contains four core areas:

Left sidebar (Instrument management): Shows your favorite markets (Gold, EUR/USD, NAS100, AUD/USD) with current changes in percent. Mini-charts provide quick overview hints. Use the “Add” button to track more markets.

Central chart zone (Technical analysis): This is your analysis hub. Here you see price movements as candlestick charts, lines, or other formats. You can add indicators (RSI, moving averages, Bollinger Bands) and identify key patterns like trends, support, and resistance levels. Tip: In the demo, you can experiment risk-free – nothing real is at stake.

Right section (Trading parameters): Here you set leverage (e.g., 2x), lot size (e.g., 0.01 lots), and automatic targets like take-profit and stop-loss. This is especially important for CFD trading, where leverage can mean huge gains or total capital loss.

Data area (Market overview): Shows current price, daily open, high, low, close (and percentage changes at a glance.

) The RSI: An entry indicator explained

The Relative Strength Index ###RSI( is one of the most popular indicators for beginners:

Function: RSI measures the speed and magnitude of price changes on a scale from 0 to 100.

Interpretation:

• Over 70 = Overbought )possible correction ahead(
• Under 30 = Oversold )possible rebound coming(
• Values 30-70 = Neutral zone

Practical use: RSI helps you identify better entry and exit points. It indicates the relative market momentum without overwhelming you with complex jargon.

) How to incorporate technical indicators

1. Click on “Indicators” in the top chart toolbar
2. Search for the desired indicator ###“RSI”(
3. The indicator will automatically appear below the main chart
4. You can combine multiple indicators )MACD, Bollinger Bands, etc.(

Tip for beginners: Start with RSI. Once you master it, expand your toolkit with MACD or Bollinger Bands.

The psychological dimension: training emotions

An often underestimated aspect of demo accounts is mental preparation. How do you react psychologically to losses? Can you stick to a strategy disciplined, even when everything seems to go against you in the short term?

In the demo, you train these skills:

• Watching DAX reactions to new employment data
• Understanding crude oil movements amid geopolitical tensions
• Analyzing Bitcoin prices and their impact on altcoins

You learn to understand these movements not only rationally but also emotionally – the foundation for disciplined action in a real account later.

Checklist: Which demo platform suits you?

Pitfalls and hidden hurdles in demo accounts

Not all free offers are truly free. Watch out for:

Time limits: Some accounts expire after 30 or 60 days. Problematic if you want to test strategies long-term.

Limited features: Not all tools are active in demo mode. It’s worth asking which features are missing.

Hidden fees: The demo itself is free, but some features or switching to live trading may incur charges.

Unrealistic conditions: Spreads or execution speed can differ between demo and live accounts.

Insufficient support: Good customer service helps beginners. Check if support via chat, email, or phone is available.

Conclusion: Strategic practice without risk

A demo account is not just a toy – it’s a professional training tool. You achieve the best results through:

1. Systematic learning: Understand the basics )Candlestick charts, order types, indicators( step by step.
2. Repeated practice: Conduct at least 50-100 simulated trades before going live.
3. Journaling: Document your trades, thoughts, and results. This helps develop pattern recognition.
4. Emotional control: Learn to accept losses and not forget gains. Discipline is more important than luck.

With the five platforms introduced here – Mitrade, XTB, Capital.com, Skilling, and Plus500 – you have excellent options to develop these skills. Each platform has its strengths. Which one suits you?