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Best paper trading apps for CFDs (2026)

We track 5 simulators for CFDs. They are ordered by how completely their details are verified from provider pages, not by quality or payment.

Of these, 5 are listed as free (eToro Virtual Portfolio, Plus500 Demo, MetaTrader 4/5 Demo (via brokers), Vantage App Demo, IG Demo Account), 1 use real-time or live data at least partly (eToro Virtual Portfolio), and 0 can be used without a brokerage account (none in our dataset).

The most completely documented options here are eToro Virtual Portfolio (price: Free; data: real-time (per TradeAlgo); starting balance: $100,000; support can top up (max $100,000) or reduce (min $2,000)); Plus500 Demo (price: Free; starting balance: Adjustable (Funds Management > Set Demo Funds)); MetaTrader 4/5 Demo (via brokers) (price: Free; data: depends on broker; starting balance: Chosen when opening (deposit drop-down)).

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.

SimulatorAssetsDataPriceAccountLink
eToro Virtual Portfoliostocks, ETFs, crypto, CFDsreal-time (per TradeAlgo)FreeeToro accountVisit site
Plus500 DemoCFDsunknownFreeDemo with no time limitVisit site
MetaTrader 4/5 Demo (via brokers)forex, CFDsdepends on brokerFreeDemo opened in the terminal on a broker's server; no investmentVisit site
Vantage App DemoCFDs on forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, bondsunknownFreeunknownVisit site
IG Demo AccountCFDs, forex, indices, sharesunknownFreeunknownVisit site

FAQ

What is the best paper trading app for CFDs?

It depends on your market and data needs. The most completely documented options in our dataset are eToro Virtual Portfolio, Plus500 Demo, MetaTrader 4/5 Demo (via brokers). Compare data delay, price and account rules in the table above.

Which paper trading apps for CFDs are free?

Listed as free: eToro Virtual Portfolio, Plus500 Demo, MetaTrader 4/5 Demo (via brokers), Vantage App Demo, IG Demo Account. 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): eToro Virtual Portfolio. Check each listing for delays on specific markets.

Can I paper trade without opening a brokerage account?

None of the simulators on this page are confirmed to work without an account.

Comparisons on this list

eToro Virtual Portfolio vs Plus500 DemoeToro Virtual Portfolio vs IG Demo AccountPlus500 Demo vs IG Demo Account

Related lists

US stocksIndia (NSE/BSE)UK tradersAustraliaCanadaglobal marketsoptionsfuturesforexcryptoclassrooms & teachersbeginnersfree paper tradingpractising without a brokerage accountreal-time datafree real-time datamarket replayalgo/API testingmobile

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.