Best paper trading apps for beginners (2026)
We track 5 simulators for beginners. They are ordered by how completely their details are verified from provider pages, not by quality or payment.
Of these, 4 are listed as free (Investopedia Stock Simulator, HowTheMarketWorks, InvestGame, Wall Street Survivor), 2 use real-time or live data at least partly (HowTheMarketWorks, InvestGame), and 1 can be used without a brokerage account (InvestGame).
The most completely documented options here are Investopedia Stock Simulator (price: Free; data: Delayed; game owner sets delay (default 20 min); starting balance: $100,000 default; custom games $1,000-$1,000,000); HowTheMarketWorks (price: Free (ad-supported); classroom plans $10/student (grades 6-12), $25/student (university); data: Real quotes; some real-time, some delayed 15-20 min; US orders fill at real-time bid/ask; starting balance: Practice cash changeable via support; custom contests any amount/currency); InvestGame (price: Free; data: Real-time (per site); starting balance: $10,000).
How to choose: decide first whether you need the same market you will trade for real (e.g. NSE F&O vs US stocks), whether delayed quotes are acceptable for your style (they are fine for long-term practice, poor for day trading), and whether the app forces you to open a brokerage account. Each linked listing shows its sources so you can confirm the details.
| Simulator | Assets | Data | Price | Account | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investopedia Stock Simulator | stocks, ETFs, options (buy only, no writing) | Delayed; game owner sets delay (default 20 min) | Free | Free signup, no financial info | Visit site |
| HowTheMarketWorks | stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds | Real quotes; some real-time, some delayed 15-20 min; US orders fill at real-time bid/ask | Free (ad-supported); classroom plans $10/student (grades 6-12), $25/student (university) | Free account; teachers create private contests | Visit site |
| InvestGame | stocks, crypto, forex | Real-time (per site) | Free | Account (browser) | Visit site |
| Wall Street Survivor | stocks | unknown | Free stock game; paid courses | unknown | Visit site |
| Stradr | stocks | unknown | unknown | unknown | Visit site |
FAQ
What is the best paper trading app for beginners?
It depends on your market and data needs. The most completely documented options in our dataset are Investopedia Stock Simulator, HowTheMarketWorks, InvestGame. Compare data delay, price and account rules in the table above.
Which paper trading apps for beginners are free?
Listed as free: Investopedia Stock Simulator, HowTheMarketWorks, InvestGame, Wall Street Survivor. Some 'free' simulators require a funded or approved brokerage account; see each listing.
Which have real-time data?
Real-time or live data (at least partly): HowTheMarketWorks, InvestGame. Check each listing for delays on specific markets.
Can I paper trade without opening a brokerage account?
Yes, these need no brokerage account: InvestGame.
Comparisons on this list
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Information only, not financial advice. Simulated results do not predict real results. Features and availability change and vary by country; check the provider's site. Sponsored or affiliate links, if any, are labelled.