Best Demo Trading Accounts in the UK

Demo trading accounts let you practise trading with virtual funds before risking real money.

Leading UK options like IG, eToro, and Plus500 offer live market data, advanced tools, and a smooth switch to real accounts when ready.

All are FCA-regulated, making them ideal for beginners to test CFD and forex strategies in real-time without financial risk.

Quick answer: What are the best demo trading platforms in the UK?

The best demo trading platforms in the UK are eToro, XTB, and Plus500. eToro is ideal for beginners thanks to its social trading tools and copy trading features. XTB offers a professional-grade experience with powerful charting and fast execution. Plus500 provides an intuitive interface for testing CFDs across forex, indices, and commodities.

Best platforms for demo trading ranked

Here’s a quick list of the top demo trading accounts in the UK, selected through expert testing and platform comparison:

Your capital is at risk.

1. eToro – Best overall and for beginners
2. XTB – Best for derivatives trading
3. Plus500 – Best for CFDs
4. IG – Best for professional-grade trading simulations
5. Trade Nation – Best for fixed spreads
6. CMC Markets – Best for spread betting
7. Pepperstone – Best for advanced trading tools

Top accounts compared for UK traders

Below is a comparison of the top demo trading accounts based on four key criteria every trader should evaluate.

Rank	Demo acounts	Virtual funds available	Length of demo account	Leverage available	No. of tradeable instruments
1	eToro	$100,000	Unlimited	Yes	3,479
2	XTB	$100,000	30 days	Yes	5,800
3	Plus500	£40,000	Unlimited	Yes	5,500
4	IG	£10,000	Unlimited	Yes	17,000+
5	Trade Nation	£10,000	Unlimited	Yes	601
6	CMC Markets	£10,000	Unlimited	Yes	12,074
7	Pepperstone	$50,000	30 days	Yes	2,342

Demo trading account reviews

Recent data shows that around 42% of UK adults now invest or trade, up from 36% in 2021¹.

For beginners, choosing the right demo trading account is a key first step in learning how markets work safely.

This guide highlights the best demo trading platforms in the UK, assessed using four main criteria:

• Virtual funds available
• Length of demo access
• Leverage offered
• Number of tradeable instruments

Additional factors such as platform usability, research tools, educational resources, and extra trading features were also considered.

Every platform featured here is FCA-regulated or authorised by an equivalent regulator, ensuring a secure environment to practise trading.

You can read about how we test platforms here.

This article was reviewed by Tobi Opeyemi Amure, a trading expert and writer at Investopedia, Investing.com, and Trading.biz.

1. eToro – Best overall and for beginners

What makes eToro the best demo trading platform in the UK?

eToro is one of the best demo trading platforms for beginners in the UK, offering an intuitive interface and built-in social trading features. Founded in 2007 and FCA-regulated, it allows users to practise trading safely in a trusted environment before investing real money.

How does the eToro demo account work?

The eToro demo account provides $100,000 in virtual funds with no expiry date, giving users unlimited practice time. It replicates live market conditions so you can trade over 2,000 assets across stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Who is eToro best for?

eToro is best suited to beginners and casual investors who want to learn trading in a low-pressure setting. It’s also ideal for those interested in copy trading, as you can follow and automatically mirror professional traders’ portfolios through the CopyTrader feature. More experienced traders may find eToro useful for testing diversified or long-term strategies via Smart Portfolios.

What are eToro’s key features for new traders?

• CopyTrader to mirror successful investors automatically
• Smart Portfolios for simple, diversified investing
• eToro Academy with free educational lessons and tutorials
• Mobile app for Android and iOS with full demo access

What are the pros and cons of eToro’s demo account?

Pros:

• Unlimited demo use with $100,000 virtual funds
• Beginner-friendly setup and layout
• Strong educational and community tools

Cons:

• Limited advanced charting for technical analysis
• Demo profits can’t be withdrawn and may differ from live results

How realistic is eToro’s demo trading experience?

The demo account mirrors live pricing, spreads, and order execution, giving a realistic feel for how markets behave. However, trading without real money removes emotional pressure, so results may not fully reflect live performance. Use it to practise risk management, strategy testing, and order types before switching to a live account.

Overall: eToro’s demo account remains the most accessible, educational, and community-driven choice for UK beginners exploring online trading.

Key rating criteria:

Virtual funds available	Length of demo account	Leverage available	No. of tradeable instruments
$100,000	Unlimited	Yes	3,479

Read our eToro review.

{etoroCFDrisk}% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

2. XTB – Best for derivatives trading

What makes XTB one of the best demo trading platforms in the UK?

XTB has built a strong reputation over more than 20 years as a trusted, FCA-regulated broker. Its demo trading account combines professional-grade tools with accessibility, making it ideal for beginners and active CFD traders alike.

How does the XTB demo account work?

The XTB demo account gives you $100,000 in virtual funds for 30 days, allowing you to practise trading across 5,800+ instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. Users can test real-market conditions with spreads from 0.2 pips and leverage up to 30:1.

Who is XTB best for?

XTB is best suited to active CFD and forex traders who want to explore multiple markets using advanced tools. It’s also ideal for learners looking to combine practice with structured education through XTB’s Trading Academy and live market webinars.

What are XTB’s key features?

• xStation platform with professional charting and quick execution
• Risk management tools like negative balance protection and margin alerts
• Automated trading support for EAs and custom strategies
• Comprehensive education hub with courses, webinars, and tutorials
• Access to MetaTrader 4 and mobile trading apps

What are the pros and cons of XTB’s demo account?

Pros:

• Realistic CFD trading environment
• Fast execution and professional-grade tools
• Excellent in-platform education

Cons:

• Demo access limited to 30 days
• Focused on CFDs, not real share ownership

How realistic is XTB’s demo trading experience?

XTB’s demo closely mirrors live trading with real-time spreads, leverage, and margin usage. It encourages discipline through stop-loss tools and exposure tracking. However, emotional pressure is absent, so results may feel easier than in live trading.

Overall: XTB delivers one of the most realistic and educational demo trading experiences in the UK, ideal for traders who want to test CFD strategies with professional tools before going live.

Key rating criteria:

Virtual funds available	Length of demo account	Leverage available	No. of tradeable instruments
$100,000	30 days	Yes	5,800

73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

3. Plus500 – Best for CFDs

What makes Plus500 one of the best demo trading platforms in the UK?

Plus500 is one of the top demo trading accounts in the UK, offering a seamless, risk-free way to learn CFD trading. Listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and part of the FTSE 250, Plus500 is a trusted, FCA-regulated broker known for its user-friendly platform and transparent trading experience.

How does the Plus500 demo account work?

The Plus500 demo account gives users £40,000 in virtual funds with unlimited access. You can practise trading across 5,500+ CFD instruments, including 70 currency pairs, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies. The account requires only an email and password to open, with no fees or credit card details needed.

Who is Plus500 best for?

Plus500 is best for beginners and casual CFD traders who want to learn how markets work without time limits or financial risk. The platform’s simplicity and clear interface make it ideal for practising order placement, leverage use, and stop-loss settings before switching to a live account.

What are Plus500’s key features?

• Unlimited demo use with automatic balance reset
• £40,000 virtual funds for realistic practice
• Access to 5,500 CFD instruments and 30:1 leverage
• Simple account setup with no hidden costs
• Plus500 Trading Academy with free guides and tutorials

What are the pros and cons of Plus500’s demo account?

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly and easy to navigate
• Unlimited demo duration with auto fund reset
• Large range of CFD markets

Cons:

• Lacks MetaTrader or advanced charting tools
• Limited analytics for experienced traders

How realistic is Plus500’s demo trading experience?

The demo mirrors live market pricing, spreads, and order execution, making it useful for learning trading basics. However, it doesn’t fully replicate emotional pressure or complex strategies. It’s designed for skill-building rather than simulating professional trading conditions.

Overall: Plus500 offers one of the most accessible and realistic demo accounts for UK beginners. Its unlimited duration, clean interface, and wide asset range make it a reliable choice for practising CFDs before investing real capital.

Virtual funds available	Length of demo account	Leverage available	No. of tradeable instruments
£40,000	Unlimited	Yes	5,500 (CFDs)

Read our Plus500 review.

4. IG – Best for professional-grade trading simulations

What makes IG one of the best demo trading platforms in the UK?

IG is one of the UK’s most established trading platforms, operating since 1974 and regulated by the FCA. It offers one of the most realistic demo trading experiences, mirroring live market conditions with access to over 17,000 instruments, including forex, shares, indices, commodities, and CFDs.

How does the IG demo account work?

The IG demo account provides £10,000 in virtual funds and allows users to practise trading across global markets using professional tools. Traders can test strategies with real-time pricing, spreads, and order execution, giving an authentic feel for market behaviour. The demo account can be renewed, ensuring flexibility for long-term practice.

Who is IG best for?

IG is best suited to experienced and professional traders who want to simulate real trading environments using advanced platforms. It’s also useful for beginners looking to learn technical analysis and order execution in a realistic setup before trading live.

What are IG’s key features?

• Access to 17,000+ markets including forex, shares, and commodities
• Pro-level platforms such as IG’s proprietary platform, MetaTrader 4, and ProRealTime
• Advanced charting tools and technical analysis indicators
• IG Academy with free courses, webinars, and tutorials
• Seamless transition from demo to live trading

What are the pros and cons of IG’s demo account?

Pros:

• Highly realistic trading conditions
• Advanced charting and professional tools
• Backed by a long-standing FCA-regulated broker

Cons:

• More complex for beginners
• Demo access may require renewal after 14 days

How realistic is IG’s demo trading experience?

IG’s demo provides one of the closest simulations to real-market trading available. It uses live pricing data and authentic spreads, allowing users to test strategies and order execution under professional conditions. However, as with all demos, the absence of emotional pressure can make trading appear easier than it is in reality.

Overall: IG’s demo account is perfect for traders seeking a professional-grade platform with access to thousands of markets, real-time data, and advanced analysis tools. It’s one of the best options for practising strategy and improving trading discipline.

Key rating criteria:

Virtual funds available	Length of demo account	Leverage available	No. of tradeable instruments
£10,000	Unlimited	Yes	17,000+

Read our IG review.

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

5. Trade Nation – Best for fixed spreads

What makes Trade Nation one of the best demo trading platforms in the UK?

Trade Nation is a trusted, FCA-regulated broker founded in 2014, known for offering one of the most transparent and beginner-friendly demo trading experiences in the UK. Its platform provides a secure, easy-to-use environment ideal for learning the fundamentals of trading without financial risk.

How does the Trade Nation demo account work?

The Trade Nation demo account includes £10,000 in virtual funds with unlimited access, allowing users to practise trading across 600+ instruments, including forex, indices, and CFDs. It mirrors live market conditions and features the same clean interface and pricing transparency as the real platform.

Who is Trade Nation best for?

Trade Nation is best for beginners and intermediate traders seeking a simple, educational, and low-cost entry into trading. Its demo account is perfect for practising strategies, exploring risk management, and gaining confidence before transitioning to real-money trading.

What are Trade Nation’s key features?

• FCA-regulated and backed by strong global oversight
• No minimum deposit and no fees for inactivity or withdrawals
• £10,000 virtual funds with unlimited access
• Educational hub with tutorials, platform guides, and videos
• Responsive customer support for both demo and live users

What are the pros and cons of Trade Nation’s demo account?

Pros:

• Unlimited demo use and realistic trading environment
• Excellent educational content and learning tools
• Low fees and strong customer support

Cons:

• Limited range of advanced trading instruments
• No live webinars or community trading tools

How realistic is Trade Nation’s demo trading experience?

The demo accurately reflects live trading conditions with real-time market pricing, spreads, and leverage. It’s particularly effective for testing strategies and understanding how positions behave under market movement. However, as with all demos, the lack of emotional pressure can make outcomes appear easier than in real trading.

Overall: Trade Nation is one of the best UK demo trading platforms for beginners, combining strong regulation, unlimited practice, and high-quality educational support in a straightforward, cost-effective package.

Key rating criteria:

Virtual funds available	Length of demo account	Leverage available	No. of tradeable instruments
£10,000	Unlimited	Yes	601

Read our Trade Nation review.

75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

6. CMC Markets – Best for spread betting

What makes CMC Markets one of the best demo trading platforms in the UK?

CMC Markets, founded in 1989 and FCA-regulated, offers one of the most advanced and comprehensive demo trading accounts in the UK. Its Next Generation platform provides professional-grade tools, real-time data, and access to over 12,000 trading instruments, covering CFDs, forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.

How does the CMC Markets demo account work?

The CMC demo account includes £10,000 in virtual funds with unlimited access, letting users practise trading under realistic market conditions. With spreads, leverage (up to 30:1), and full charting functionality, the experience closely replicates live trading performance.

Who is CMC Markets best for?

CMC Markets is best for experienced or technically minded traders seeking a professional environment for strategy testing. The platform’s wide instrument range and sophisticated analytics make it ideal for traders who rely on advanced charting, sentiment data, and pattern recognition tools.

What are CMC Markets’ key features?

• Access to 12,000+ instruments across multiple markets
• Next Generation platform with advanced charting and custom layouts
• Pattern recognition scanner and price projection tools
• Client sentiment data and risk management controls
• 24/5 customer support and extensive educational hub via CMC Learn

What are the pros and cons of CMC Markets’ demo account?

Pros:

• Huge asset range and realistic trading conditions
• Professional-level charting and analytics
• Unlimited access and strong educational tools

Cons:

• Complex interface for beginners
• Some advanced features restricted to live accounts

How realistic is CMC Markets’ demo trading experience?

CMC’s demo account mirrors live spreads, market depth, and order execution, offering one of the most realistic simulations available. It’s highly effective for developing structured, data-driven strategies, though beginners may find its tools overwhelming at first.

Overall: CMC Markets provides a top-tier demo trading platform for traders seeking realism, advanced analytics, and unlimited practice. Its professional tools and learning resources make it a standout choice for both developing and refining trading skills.

Virtual funds available	Length of demo account	Leverage available	No. of tradeable instruments
£10,000	Unlimited	Yes	12,074

7. Pepperstone – Best for advanced trading tools

What makes Pepperstone one of the best demo trading platforms in the UK?

Pepperstone is a leading FCA-regulated forex and CFD broker, known for its tight spreads, fast execution, and access to professional trading platforms. Founded in 2021, it has quickly built a strong reputation among both beginners and advanced traders looking for realistic market simulation and cost-effective trading.

How does the Pepperstone demo account work?

The Pepperstone demo account provides $50,000 in virtual funds for 30 days (extendable upon request). It allows you to trade 2,300+ instruments, including 180+ forex pairs, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies. With leverage up to 30:1 and execution speeds around 30 milliseconds, the demo closely mirrors live trading environments.

Who is Pepperstone best for?

Pepperstone is best for forex and CFD traders who want to practise strategies using professional-grade platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. It’s ideal for those focused on technical analysis, algorithmic trading, or testing strategies in a fast, ECN-style environment.

What are Pepperstone’s key features?

• $50,000 virtual balance for realistic trading simulation
• Access to MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms
• Tight spreads and lightning-fast execution
• Leverage up to 30:1 on CFDs and forex
• Educational academy with expert-led tutorials and guides

What are the pros and cons of Pepperstone’s demo account?

Pros:

• Highly realistic forex and CFD trading environment
• Access to industry-standard trading platforms
• Excellent execution speed and spreads

Cons:

• Demo expires after 30 days (extendable)
• Limited market range compared to multi-asset brokers

How realistic is Pepperstone’s demo trading experience?

The demo replicates real ECN trading conditions with accurate pricing, execution speed, and margin settings, helping traders test strategies effectively. It includes stop-loss, take-profit, and margin tools to develop disciplined trading habits. However, like all demos, it lacks the emotional aspect of real trading and offers fewer asset types than broader investment platforms.

Overall: Pepperstone’s demo account is one of the best choices for forex and CFD traders in the UK. It combines advanced tools, fast execution, and strong educational support, making it an excellent environment to build confidence before trading with real capital.

Virtual funds available	Length of demo account	Leverage available	No. of tradeable instruments
$50,000	30 days	Yes	2,342

How to choose the best demo trading account in the UK

Selecting the right demo trading account depends on your goals, experience level, and the type of markets you want to explore.

Alongside the key factors used in our rankings, here’s what to compare before choosing a platform:

1. Broker reputation

Choose a regulated broker with a proven record of transparency and reliability. Always confirm FCA authorisation and review customer feedback to ensure strong security, fair pricing, and trustworthy fund handling.

2. Platform features

Look for a user-friendly platform that mirrors live market conditions. Key features include real-time price feeds, interactive charting tools, technical indicators, and fast order execution. The closer the demo feels to live trading, the more valuable your practice will be.

3. Asset selection

A good demo account should offer diverse asset classes such as forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, and crypto. Broader access helps you test strategies in different markets and develop a well-rounded trading approach.

4. Realistic market conditions

Pick a demo that provides accurate pricing, leverage, and spreads. Realistic execution speeds and volatility will prepare you for how trades behave in actual market environments.

5. Account duration and limits

Check for unlimited demo access or flexible extensions. Some brokers restrict demo duration (e.g., 30 days) or virtual funds, while others offer ongoing access with automatic balance resets.

6. Educational resources

The best demo trading platforms include training academies, webinars, and tutorials on trading psychology, technical analysis, and risk management. These resources help beginners learn faster and reinforce good trading habits.

7. Customer support

Ensure the broker provides responsive customer support for both demo and live users. Access to quick help can make your learning experience smoother.

8. Seamless transition to live trading

If you plan to trade real money later, choose a broker where you can easily upgrade from demo to live. This ensures a smooth transition without needing to relearn platform tools or settings.

9. Customisation and automation

Advanced traders should look for customisable dashboards, alerts, and API access to test algorithmic strategies or integrate trading bots. These tools are vital for realistic and scalable practice.

Bottom line: Choose a demo trading account that aligns with your trading goals and experience level. Use it as a safe, structured way to build confidence, master risk management, and refine your strategy before investing real capital.

How do demo trading accounts function?

Demo trading accounts simulate real trading environments using virtual funds, typically ranging from £10,000 to £100,000.

They operate on the same platforms as live accounts, providing access to live or slightly delayed market data so users can practise trading strategies safely.

When you place a trade, the demo system follows the same logic as a real account — processing orders, applying spreads, calculating margin usage, and updating profit or loss based on current market movements.

However, these trades don’t reach external liquidity providers; results are generated algorithmically within the broker’s internal system.

Execution speed, chart performance, and order management all mirror live market conditions, giving users a realistic sense of timing, volatility, and platform behaviour.

Key metrics such as unrealised profit/loss, leverage exposure, and risk-to-reward ratios are tracked automatically, helping traders develop discipline, analyse results, and refine strategies before switching to real-money trading.

Why do I trade better on a demo account?

Many traders perform better on a demo trading account because there’s no real financial risk. Without the emotional pressure of losing money, decisions are based purely on logic and analysis rather than fear or greed. This creates ideal conditions for testing strategies, practising discipline, and learning how markets behave.

Demo accounts also provide unlimited practice opportunities. You can reset virtual funds, test multiple setups, and experiment with leverage or position sizes without long-term consequences. This helps build technical confidence and familiarity with charting tools, indicators, and order execution.

However, it’s important to recognise that psychological factors change in live trading. Real money introduces emotional stress, which can lead to hesitation, overtrading, or poor risk management. The goal of demo trading should be to develop a consistent, rule-based approach that you can transfer confidently into a live market environment.

In short: You trade better on a demo because emotions are removed, allowing clear decision-making. The key is learning to maintain that same discipline once real capital is at stake.

What is the best demo trading app UK?

The best demo trading app in the UK is eToro, thanks to its beginner-friendly interface, $100,000 virtual balance, and unlimited access. The app mirrors real market conditions and includes social trading features, allowing users to copy top investors and learn strategies in real time.

Other strong options include XTB, known for its advanced charting on xStation, and IG, which offers professional-grade tools for experienced traders. All are FCA-regulated, providing a secure and realistic way to practise trading before risking real capital.

What are the pros and cons of demo trading accounts?

Demo trading accounts are one of the safest and most effective ways to learn trading, but they have both strengths and limitations. Understanding these helps you use them strategically before moving to live markets.

Pros

• Confidence building: Develop consistency and emotional control before trading with real funds
• Risk-free learning: Practise trading strategies without risking real money.
• Realistic conditions: Experience live pricing, spreads, and chart movements similar to actual markets.
• Skill development: Improve order execution, technical analysis, and platform navigation.
• Access to multiple assets: Trade forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto in one place.
• Performance tracking: Review profit/loss, risk ratios, and strategy outcomes to refine techniques.

Cons

• Execution differences: Slight variations in slippage, liquidity, or spreads can occur in live markets.
• No emotional pressure: Without real money, you don’t experience the psychological stress that affects real trading decisions.
• Overconfidence risk: Consistent demo success may create unrealistic expectations when switching to live trading.
• Limited duration: Some brokers restrict demo access (e.g. 30 days).

Bottom line: Demo trading accounts are essential for learning and strategy testing, but results achieved in practice mode may differ from live trading performance once real emotions and financial risks are involved.

What instruments can be traded in demo accounts?

Most demo trading accounts in the UK give access to the same range of instruments available on live platforms, allowing you to practise in realistic market conditions.

The exact selection depends on the broker, but typically includes:

• Forex: Trade major, minor, and exotic currency pairs such as GBP/USD or EUR/JPY.
• Stocks and Shares: Simulate buying and selling global company shares or stock CFDs.
• Indices: Practise trading benchmark indices like the FTSE 100, S&P 500, or NASDAQ.
• Commodities: Explore price movements in gold, oil, silver, and agricultural assets.
• ETFs: Test portfolio strategies across diversified exchange-traded funds.
• Cryptocurrencies: Learn how digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum move in volatile markets.
• Bonds and Treasuries (on select platforms): Experience fixed-income instruments in a simulated setting.

Some advanced platforms, such as IG and CMC Markets, also include spread betting and CFD trading across thousands of markets, offering leverage and short-selling practice.

In short: A good demo account lets you trade multiple asset classes under near-live conditions, helping you build experience across markets before investing real capital.

Final thoughts

Demo trading accounts are the safest way to learn trading and test strategies without risking real money.

The best UK platforms, such as eToro, XTB, and IG, offer realistic simulations, educational tools, and FCA-regulated safety.

Use a demo account to build confidence, practise discipline, and understand market behaviour before moving to live trading.

When ready, transition gradually and apply the same strategies that proved consistent in practice.

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Sources:

1. https://www.finder.com/uk/investment-statistics ↩︎