Ever felt that rush of excitement hearing about a hot stock, immediately followed by the paralyzing fear of losing your hard-earned money? You’re not alone. The stock market can feel like an exclusive club with a high price of admission. But what if you could walk the trading floor, make deals, and learn the ropes without risking a single dollar?
That’s exactly what a stock market simulator allows you to do.
These powerful tools, also known as “paper trading” accounts, give you a virtual bankroll to buy and sell real stocks at real market prices. It’s the perfect practice ground to build confidence, test strategies, and learn from your mistakes—completely risk-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 5 best stock market simulators for beginners in 2025. While many investors are familiar with the basics of Google Finance, the platform is evolving far beyond a simple stock tracker. For those just getting started, our complete guide to using the platform is a great place to begin
What is a Stock Market Simulator and Why Should You Use One?
A stock market simulator is a program or app that mimics the real stock market. You’re given a set amount of virtual cash (say, $100,000) and can use it to trade stocks, ETFs, and sometimes even options and futures, just as you would with a real brokerage account.
For any beginner, using a simulator is a non-negotiable first step. Here’s why:
- Risk-Free Education: Learn the difference between a market order and a limit order without the costly lesson of a bad trade.
- Strategy Testing: Want to see if your “buy low, sell high” strategy actually works? A simulator is your lab. Test different approaches and see what fits your style.
- Emotional Training: While it can’t fully replicate the stress of using real money, a simulator helps you get used to market volatility without the panic.
- Platform Familiarity: Many simulators are attached to real brokerages, allowing you to master their trading platform before you deposit your first dollar.
The 5 Best Stock Market Simulators for Beginners
We’ve analyzed dozens of platforms to find the best virtual trading accounts based on realism, educational tools, and ease of use.
1. Investopedia Stock Simulator
- Best for: Absolute beginners focused on learning the fundamentals in a competitive environment.
- Description: Investopedia is a household name for financial education, and its simulator is a cornerstone of that reputation. It’s a straightforward, web-based platform that allows you to join public investing challenges or create your own private ones with friends. This gamified approach makes learning fun and engaging.
- Key Features:
- $100,000 in virtual cash.
- Trade stocks and ETFs listed on major U.S. exchanges.
- Compete in public games to see how you stack up against other traders.
- Integrated with Investopedia’s vast library of educational articles and tutorials.
- Pricing: 100% Free.
2. Thinkorswim paperMoney by Charles Schwab/TD Ameritrade
- Best for: Serious beginners who plan to become active traders and want to use a professional-grade platform.
- Description: Thinkorswim is one of the most powerful and respected trading platforms in the industry. Its simulator, paperMoney, gives you access to the exact same set of advanced tools, charts, and research that real-money traders use. The learning curve is steeper, but mastering it prepares you for the real deal like no other.
- Key Features:
- Extremely realistic trading environment.
- Access to advanced charting tools, technical studies, and market scanners.
- Practice trading complex assets like options, futures, and forex.
- Seamless transition to a live trading account with the same platform.
- Pricing: Free, though you may need to open a (free) brokerage account to get unlimited access.
3. HowTheMarketWorks
- Best for: Students, teachers, and beginners who want a gamified and highly educational experience.
- Description: As the name implies, this platform is designed to teach you how the market works. It’s used in thousands of high school and university classes. It features built-in lessons, achievements, and contests that guide you from basic concepts to more advanced trading strategies.
- Key Features:
- Large educational center with articles, videos, and glossaries.
- Personalized contests you can set up with your own rules.
- Real-time quotes and charts.
- Tracks your progress and ranks you against other players.
- Pricing: Free.
4. Webull Paper Trading
- Best for: Mobile-first beginners who appreciate a modern, clean user interface.
- Description: Webull has become incredibly popular for its user-friendly mobile app and commission-free trading. Their integrated paper trading feature is just as slick. It allows you to practice trading stocks, ETFs, and options with a hefty virtual portfolio, all from the convenience of your phone.
- Key Features:
- Excellent mobile app experience.
- Start with $1,000,000 in virtual funds.
- Practice trading both U.S. and international stocks.
- Easy to switch between your paper and real trading accounts.
- Pricing: Free with a Webull account.
5. Wall Street Survivor
- Best for: Competitive beginners who learn best through structured courses and contests with prizes.
- Description: Wall Street Survivor combines a robust stock simulator with a comprehensive learning curriculum. You can take courses, earn “Surivor Points,” and enter fantasy stock leagues that sometimes offer real cash prizes. It’s a great way to stay motivated while you learn.
- Key Features:
- Structured educational courses on investing and personal finance.
- Free and paid stock market competitions (some with cash prizes).
- Beginner-friendly interface and a strong community forum.
- Offers a “Top 100” list to see how the best players are investing.
- Pricing: Free for the basic simulator and courses. Premium features are available.
How to Choose the Right Stock Simulator for You
Can’t decide? Ask yourself these questions:
- What’s Your Goal? If you just want to learn the basics, Investopedia or HowTheMarketWorks are perfect. If you’re serious about day trading, start with Thinkorswim’s paperMoney.
- How Do You Like to Learn? If you love games and competition, Wall Street Survivor will keep you engaged. If you prefer a clean mobile app, go with Webull.
- What Broker Might You Use? If you’re considering opening an account with Charles Schwab or Webull, it makes sense to learn on their native platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you make real money with a stock market simulator?
No. You are only using virtual money, so you cannot make or lose real money. However, some platforms like Wall Street Survivor host competitions with real cash prizes for the top performers.
Are stock market simulators accurate?
Yes, they use real-time or slightly delayed data from actual stock exchanges. The trades are executed based on real market prices. The only thing they can’t simulate is the real human emotion of fear and greed that comes with risking your own money.
How much virtual money should I start with?
While many platforms give you $100,000 or more, it’s wise to only use an amount that is realistic for your future investment plans. If you plan to start investing with $5,000, try to grow a $5,000 virtual portfolio. This makes the practice more realistic and valuable.
The Bottom Line: Start Practicing Today
The journey to becoming a confident investor doesn’t start with a risky bet; it starts with a solid education. Stock market simulators are the single best tool for getting that education without the tuition fee of market losses.
Pick one of the simulators from this list, create your free account, and place your first virtual trade today. You have nothing to lose and a world of knowledge to gain.
