Website Reviews
Mobile Apps
Trading Robots
Top Rated Forex Sites
#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall
Editors Summary
Pocket Option offers many excellent features to new and existing traders. When you check-out the various account types, you will see that they work with traders of any level – newbie, beginner, experienced, master etc. This site is so easy to use, and while CySEC does not license them, they have good feedback online and tick all of the boxes of a trusted broker. We love the ease of use and no-frills approach which is replicated with a great user experience.
#2 - IQcent: Best Free Demo
Editors Summary
It is clear to see that IQcent mean business and that their all-around offering to traders is making them a serious competitor in the digital options market place. From their easy to use trading platform to the fact that they offer such good withdrawal terms, you can't help but feel that this broker is going to capture the market, quickly. With a base in London, reputable licensing, an acceptance of US customers they tick all the boxes when it comes what traders want.
#3 - Raceoption: Best Mobile App
Editors Summary
Raceoption, while a relatively new broker, tick all of the boxes when it comes to trading. They are competitive and offer all of the things that you would expect. Benefits include an excellent mobile trading platform, welcome and deposit bonuses and a good support system. There are phone numbers available in many languages, alternatively, you can send a message with your details, and someone will get back to you.
Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.
Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.
Why Trade Using a Demo
While the principles of Forex trading are not complicated, there are elements of trading that you must get used to before committing your funds. If you are new to selling and think it's as simple as bidding on a currency pair then you need to do some more research. Using a demo account should be a priority for all new traders, but why?
Get Familiar With Trading
If you have never placed a trade before how do you know where to start? A demo platform allows you to find your way around and practise trading in a virtual trading environment before you have to start trading with your funds. You can get used to the different functions, the various charts, data and commands and what it feels like to place trades.
Try a New Platform
If you are an experienced trader, you may feel you don't need to use a demo account. However, each Forex trading platform has a different layout, some more simple than others. It can take a while to get familiar with a platform, work out the functionality and what you need to do to execute useful trades. At least trading with virtual funds allows you to practice before you start trading with your own money.
Choosing The Right Broker
Often it can come down to a choice of two brokers, both of which meet your needs. Using a demo account is usually free, only requiring an email address and no deposit. If that is the case it may be worth testing both brokers to see which one fits you best.
Testing New Currency Pairs
If you have been used to trading one specific pair, or a few pairs, and you want to try something new, then the demo platform is the perfect place to start. You might decide that you want to try a new strategy but without the risk. Practising on the demo platform will allow you the freedom to try new things.
It is easy to sign up to a demo account. Shortlist the websites that tick all of the boxes for you then try those that offer a free demo platform before you make a deposit. Once you have carried out several trades you can decide if this is the platform for you.
Different Types of Accounts
Demo accounts vary greatly; therefore, it is essential for traders to test them before they enter the live trading environment. Some demo accounts offer a simple layout. A more simplified design focuses on price quotes. Others use integrated platforms which include aspects like charting and news.
Generally the information is all squeezed onto one screen for users to try and disseminate the information. If you like your facts, figures, analysis and as much information as possible, then you may prefer a more integrated platform. If you want to see the quote prices and simple reporting then you may prefer a simplified version.
While the demo platform doesn't cost anything to use, you may be required to deposit before being allowed access to it. In this respect the demo accounts are dependent on the Forex brokers that provide them. Some brokers ask for a deposit as low as $5 while others require a minimum of $250.
These funds are not at risk while you are using the demo platform, but you do need to ascertain whether a deposit is required before you open an account. There are also various stipulations on how long you have to use the funds and big differences in the number of funds available. Generally the amounts range from $10,000 - $50,000.
Demo Account Trading Tips
There are many tips that will help you with trading on a demo account, and that will enhance your trading experience. For a start it is advisable to place at least 20 demo trades on a platform before committing any of your funds. This way you get used to the platform before you risk your own money.
Also, try trading different pairs. Perhaps you will make 20 trades on one specific pair, then try another 20 on a further pair. This way you will start to see a pattern and find out if one is more successful than the other for you. Another critical piece of advice is to understand the terminology and different aspects of training. There are specific questions that you should be able to answer before you start trading live:
- What is a limit order, and how do I place one?
- How do I set a stop and can I set both limit and stop beforehand?
- Does the platform offer fixed or variable spreads?
- What unit sizes can I trade in?
These questions aren't complicated but are a part of everyday Forex trading. In addition to this, there are a few other things you need to know the answer to. Some of these questions will only become apparent once you begin trading. Beware that virtual trading takes place in a simulated environment so prices etc. won't be live but will be close to the real thing. The biggest tip is to practice until you stop making the mistakes that you don't want to make once you start trading on the live platform with real money.
Using a demo account should be a priority for all new traders, but why?
Find The Right Practice Broker
The best way to find the right demo platform to try is to firstly select a shortlist of brokers that tick all of the boxes that are important to you. Let's say you want a Forex broker that you can trade with on the go, and then you need to ensure that they offer an excellent mobile trading platform. You might also be keen to get a good bonus. You want to choose a reputable broker as well.
Finding a broker on your own that offers all of this can be difficult. It can be trying hard to find the time to conduct all of this research. That is where we come in. We use several criteria to rate and review all of the various brokers. We then present our findings with you based on these criteria. If you want a broker that offers everything you are looking for, and a good demo platform then take a look at our recommendations, prepare a shortlist later try the various demo platforms.
Now be careful that the broker doesn't require a deposit to use the demo platform. If you want to try a couple before you start, you need to ensure that you aren't going to be charged for the privilege. After all the idea of demo trading is to get you used to a platform before you start trading live with your own money.
Our Review Rating System (More Info)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Forex demo accounts free to use?
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Often Forex demo accounts are free to use once you have registered for an account. Many brokers require a deposit before you are given access. This deposit can range from as little as $5 to $250 and beyond.
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Do all brokers offer demo accounts?
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Most brokers have to offer demo accounts to remain competitive if they don't then they are missing out on hordes of potential customers that will spend their money elsewhere.
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Can I use a demo account with no deposit?
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This depends on the broker you choose. While there are some, who don't require a deposit many do insist on at least a small deposit. You can search through our list of brokers to find those that only require a $5 deposit.
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Are all markets and pairs available?
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Again this depends on the particular broker that you choose to trade with. They vary greatly. Some sites offer very few of the significant pairs while others can provide in excess of 300 including the more tropical pairs.
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Do they come with any time restrictions?
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Yes. Many brokers insist that the virtual demo funds are used within a certain period. This can vary but is not unusual to be around the 48-72 hour mark.
Top Rated Forex Site
#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall
Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.
Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.
Jessica has written for us for 5 years and offers a unique perspective due to her having worked in the financial industry internationally. In fact, Jessica has worked in a staggering 8 countries including Germany, China and the USA.
