10 Best Forex Demo Accounts 2023

Forex demo accounts allow you to trade in live market conditions without risking any capital. Not only are demo accounts great for beginners learning their craft, but experienced traders looking to perfect their strategy.

In this guide, fwe reveal the 10 best forex demo accounts for 2023. We cover all important metrics, such as supported forex pairs, the amount of demo funds you’ll receive, time limits, analysis tools, and much more.

List of the 10 Best Forex Demo Accounts 2023

You’ll find the 10 best forex demo accounts for 2023 listed below:

  1. eToro: We found that eToro offers the best forex demo account for newbies and experienced traders alike. It takes seconds to open and you’ll receive $100,000 in virtual funds. eToro’s demo account mirrors live market conditions and there are no time limits. More than 50 forex pairs are supported and you’ll have access to charting tools and technical indicators. eToro is a regulated forex broker, licensed by FINRA, CySEC, ASIC, and FCA.
  2. XTB: XTB is a licensed forex broker that supports dozens of major, minor, and exotic pairs. You can open a free demo account without needing to provide any payment details. You can choose from MT4 or its native trading suite, xStation 5. Both platforms will appeal to technical traders who want access to advanced trading tools. XTB is a commission-free broker with competitive spreads.
  3. Libertex: Libertex also offers $50,000 in demo account funds. You can choose from three trading platforms when opening a demo account. This includes MT4, MT5, and Libertex’s native platform. Libertex offers tight spreads and 0% commission when trading forex. Plus, it offers leverage of up to 1:999. If you decide to upgrade to a real-money account, Libertex has a minimum deposit of just $10.
  4. AvaTrade: AvaTrade is a multi-asset broker that supports forex, options, indices, stocks, bonds, and more. It has a native web trading platform and mobile app, but also supports MT4 and MT5. AvaTrade doesn’t charge commissions and its forex spreads start from 0.9 pips. The AvaTrade demo account comes pre-loaded with $100,000 in virtual funds.
  5. Skilling: Skilling’s forex demo account takes seconds to open and offers $10,000 in practice funds. This regulated broker supports commission-free trading on 73 forex pairs. It also supports other assets, including cryptocurrencies and indices. Skilling’s native platform is user-friendly and it also supports MT4 and cTrader.
  6. Plus500: You’ll get $50,000 in virtual funds when opening a Plus500 demo account. This commission-free trading platform supports a huge range of pairs, not to mention forex options. Plus500 has its own trading suite, which can be accessed online or via an iOS/Android app. Plus500 offers charting tools and custom order types, although its platform is more suitable for beginners.
  7. Forex.com: Forex.com is a global forex broker that supports US clients. Its demo account is funded with $50,000 in virtual funds and it mirrors live market conditions. You can use the Forex.com demo account for 90 days before it expires. US clients have three real-money accounts to choose from, including DMAs (direct market access).
  8. IG: IG is another US-friendly forex broker that offers a free demo account. You’ll get $10,000 in virtual funds and have access to over 80 forex pairs. This commission-free broker offers spreads from 0.8 pips on USD/EUR. The demo account is available on IG’s native platform or MT4.
  9. FXTM: FXTM is a popular forex trading platform that supports MT4 and MT5. You can open a free forex demo account on either of these platforms. There are multiple real-money accounts to choose from too, covering zero-spread and commission-free plans. In addition to forex, you can also trade stocks, indices, and commodities.
  10. Oanda: Oanda is an established forex broker with over 25 years in the industry. It offers competitive trading fees across dozens of forex pairs, and margin requirements are low. Oanda has its own trading suite that comes with advanced technical analysis tools. It also supports MT4. You can open an Oanda demo account without providing any payment details.

Best Forex Paper Trading Platforms Reviewed

Demo accounts are offered by regulated forex brokers that typically support dozens of pairs. You’ll need to ensure the demo account mirrors live market conditions and that it supports your preferred analysis tools.

What’s more, if you’re planning to trade forex with real money further down the line, consider commissions, spreads, and account minimums.

We explore these metrics below, where we review the 10 best forex demo accounts for 2023.

1. eToro – Overall Best Forex Demo Account for Beginners [Supports Copy Trading]

eToro is a user-friendly forex broker that’s ideal for first-time traders. You can open an eToro demo account in seconds; simply enter some personal information and you’ll be given $100,000 in virtual funds. There’s no time limit on the eToro account, you can use it for as long as you want. Moreover, you can switch between demo and real-money accounts at the click of a button.

Most importantly, eToro’s demo accounts mirror the live forex markets. This ensures that when you practice trading, you’re gaining exposure to actual market conditions. eToro supports more than 50 forex pairs, which cover majors, minors, and exotics. It offers leverage of up to 1:30 when trading forex, enabling you to enter much larger positions than your account allows.

etoro forex review

For example, suppose you enter a forex trade worth $1,000. By applying leverage of 1:30, you can multiply your stake to $30,000. In terms of trading tools, eToro has its own beginner-friendly platform. It supports live pricing charts, drawing tools, technical indicators, and market sentiment bars. eToro is also a social trading platform, so you can discuss forex movements with other users.

That being said, there’s no requirement to analyze the markets when using eToro. This is because eToro offers a copy trading tool. Put simply, you can copy the forex positions of an experienced trader. Suppose you invest $1,000 into the trader and they risk 10% of their bankroll on a USD/EUR buy order. In your account, you’ll see a USD/EUR buy order at $100 (10% of $1,000 investment). When the trader closes the position, so will you.

etoro forex review

Copy trading is ideal for gaining exposure to forex without having any prior experience. It’s also ideal for trading forex passively. You can try the copy trading tool via your eToro demo account. If you want to invest with real money, the minimum is $200. However, if you prefer trading on a DIY basis, the minimum deposit at eToro is just $50 ($10 for US/UK clients).

As an added bonus, eToro offers one of the best forex trading apps on the market so you can buy and sell the hottest currency pairs conveniently wherever you are.

When it comes to fees, our eToro review found that it is very cost-effective. You can trade forex pairs on a spread-only basis. Spreads start from 1 pip. Outside of forex, eToro is also one of the best online stock brokers. It supports over 3,000 global stocks and ETFs at 0% commission. Fractional investments of just $10 are supported.

eToro is also one of the best crypto exchanges. You can buy Bitcoin and dozens of the best altcoins, such as Litecoin, XRP, BNB, and Ethereum.

etoro forex review

If you’re new to eToro, you’ll be pleased to know it’s a heavily regulated broker. It holds licenses with FINRA, FCA, ASIC, and CySEC. These tier-one licensing bodies keep eToro in check, ensuring that your money is held in segregated bank accounts. What’s more, you’ll be joining over 30 million other traders at eToro. All in all, we found that eToro is the overall best forex demo account to open today.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
$100,000 No time limit 52 1:30 Proprietary web and mobile trading platforms

Pros pros

  • Overall best forex demo account for beginners
  • Demo accounts take seconds to open and are pre-loaded with $100,000 in virtual funds
  • No time limits on the demo account – use it for as long as you like
  • Supports 52 forex pairs on a spread-only basis
  • Copy trading allows you to paper trade forex passively
  • Regulated by FINRA, FCA, ASIC, and CySEC
  • Popular Islamic Forex Broker

Cons cons

  • Does not support third-party trading platforms like MT4/5

74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

2. XTB – Free Forex Demo Accounts With Leverage of up to 1:500  

XTB offers one of the best forex trading demo accounts for high leverage. Put simply, eligible clients can trade forex with leverage of up to 1:500. This offers $500 worth of trading capital for every $1 staked. Before trading with real money, you can open a free demo account that comes with $100,000 in virtual funds. This tracks the live forex markets, so you’ll be trading real currency exchange rates.

Do note that the demo account is only available for four weeks. Nonetheless, you’ll find 48 forex pairs on the XTB platform. This covers all majors and minors, plus a selection of exotics. All of the forex pairs supported can be traded at 0% commission. Moreover, XTB offers spreads from 1.3 pips on EUR/USD and GBP/USD.

XTB review

When opening a demo account on XTB, you can choose from two platforms. Most traders opt for xStation 5 – which is native to XTB. This is available as desktop software for Windows and Mac. You can also trade via your web browser or the xStation 5 app. All three options come with advanced trading tools and technical indicators. You’ll also have access to custom order types, plus economic news.

Alternatively, XTB is also one of the best MT4 brokers. You’ll be given demo login details after registering with XTB, which you can then connect with MT4. Once you’ve got to grips with XTB and you decide to trade forex with your own money, you can upgrade to a real account. There’s no minimum deposit requirement to meet and you can add funds via a debit/credit card or e-wallet. Your capital is safe, as XTB is regulated by the FCA and CySEC.

XTB review

In addition, XTB is authorized and regulated by KNF in Poland, and its parent company is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. We also like that XTB supports thousands of stocks and ETFs, which can buy and sell at 0% commission. It also supports indices and commodities.  If you need any assistance on your XTB demo account, its customer service team is available 24/5. You can speak to an agent near-instantly via live chat.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
$100,000 Four weeks 48 1:500 Proprietary web and mobile trading platforms, plus MT4

Pros pros

  • One of the best high-leverage brokers for forex trading
  • Free demo account comes with $100,000 in paper funds
  • Supports over 50 commission-free forex pairs
  • Choose from xStation 5 or MT4
  • Regulated by multiple licensing bodies

Cons cons

  • Demo account expires after four weeks

78% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

3. Libertex – Forex Demo Accounts Available on Three Trading Platforms 

Libertex is a popular trading platform that supports dozens of forex pairs. It offers some of the best forex trading fees in the market. You won’t pay any commissions when buying and selling pairs and spreads start from just 0.2 pips.

Moreover, Libertex allows you to trade forex with leverage of up to 1:999.  However, do note that Libertex does not accept US clients, as it specializes exclusively in CFDs. Nevertheless, it supports clients in most other countries. One of the stand-out features of Libertex is that it supports three different trading platforms.

Libertex review

This includes MT4, MT5, and Libertex’s native suite. The latter is available as a web trading platform and mobile app for iOS, Android, and Huawei. All supported devices give you access to real-time pricing charts, technical indicators, and other analysis tools.

Irrespective of which platform you opt for, Libertex demo accounts come pre-loaded with $50,000 in virtual funds. You can use the demo account for as long as you like, as it never expires. If your demo funds are depleted, you can replenish them at the click of a button.

Libertex review

If you want to trade with real money, Libertex has a small minimum deposit requirement of $10. You can switch between your demo and real money accounts at any time.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
$50,000 No time limit 50 1:999 Proprietary web and mobile trading platforms, plus MT4 and MT5

Pros pros

  • $50,000 forex demo account that never expires
  • Replenish your demo funds at any time
  • 0% commission trading and forex spreads from 0.2 pips
  • Minimum real money deposit of $10
  • Leverage of up to 1:999

Cons cons

  • Does not support US clients

Trading in financial instruments is a risky activity and can bring not only profits but also losses.

4. AvaTrade – Trade Major Forex Pairs From 0.9 Pips With $100,000 in Demo Funds        

AvaTrade also offers one of the best forex demo accounts in the market. It takes less than two minutes to get started and you’ll receive $100,000 in demo funds. Although the demo account expires after just 21 days, you can extend it at any time. You simply need to add a new demo account via the AvaTrade dashboard.

What’s more, you have plenty of options when choosing your preferred demo platform. For example, AvaTrade supports MT4 and MT5. It also has its own proprietary web trading platform and mobile app. AvaTrade also offers a separate trading suite if you want to trade forex options. AvaOptions comes as desktop software and supports plenty of options trading strategies.

AvaTrade review

In terms of markets, AvaTrade supports 53 forex pairs. There are no trading commissions to pay and major currencies can be traded from 0.9 pips. AvaTrade also supports leveraged bonds, commodities, indices, ETFs, and stocks. If you’re looking to trade on margin, AvaTrade offers leverage of up to 1:400. Real money accounts require a minimum deposit of $100. No deposit or withdrawal fees are charged.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
$100,000 21 days, but you can extend your demo account at any time 53 1:400 Proprietary web and mobile trading platforms, plus MT4 and MT5

Pros pros

  • Established forex trading platform that’s regulated in nine jurisdictions
  • Trade forex commission-free with spreads of just 0.9 pips
  • Free demo account with $100,000 in paper funds
  • Choose from AvaTrade’s native platform or MT4/5
  • No deposit or withdrawal fees on real money accounts

Cons cons

  • You’ll need to keep extending the demo account every 21 days

Trading CFDs and FX Options entails risk and could result in the loss of your capital.

5. Skilling – Trade 73 Forex Pairs at 0% Commission and No Time Limits on the Demo Account         

Skilling is an online forex broker that’s used by beginners and experienced traders alike. It supports multiple trading platforms, including MT4 and cTrader. Newbies might prefer Skilling’s native platform, which was designed with novice traders in mind. It’s clean and simple to use, although it still comes packed with features. This includes drawing tools and technical indicators.

When you open a demo account with Skilling, you can choose any supported trading platform. You’ll be given $10,000 in paper trading funds and there are no time limits on the demo account. Skilling supports over 1,200 financial instruments, so you won’t be short of trading opportunities. This includes 73 forex pairs across the majors, minors, and exotics.

Skilling review

You can also trade commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, ETFs, and stocks. Trading fees depend on the type of Skilling account you open. Beginners usually opt for the standard account, which offers commission-free trading and forex spreads from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit was recently reduced to €25, making it ideal for those on a budget. The premium account offers spreads from 0.1 pips and you’ll pay a $30 commission for every $1 million traded. The premium account requires a minimum deposit of €5,000.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
$10,000 No time limit 73 1:1000 Proprietary web and mobile trading platforms, plus MT4 and cTrader

Pros pros

  • Supports 73 forex pairs – plus stocks, ETFs, indices, and other assets
  • Commission-free accounts offer competitive spreads of 0.7 pips
  • Premium account comes with minimum spreads of 0.1 pips
  • $10,000 demo account comes with no time limits
  • Choose from Skilling Trader, MT4, or cTrader

Cons cons

  • €5,000 minimum deposit on the premium account

Trading financial products on margin carries a high degree of risk and is not suitable for all investors.

6. Plus500 – Regulated CFD and Forex Broker With $50,000 in Demo Funds 

Plus500 is a regulated CFD and forex broker that supports dozens of currency pairs. You’ll also find other asset classes, such as stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. All of the markets on Plus500 are commission-free. That said, Plus500 doesn’t publish its minimum spreads, so you’ll need to check this before placing orders.

Nonetheless, we found that spreads are typically competitive on major and minor pairs. What’s more, Plus500 doesn’t charge any account, deposit, or withdrawal fees. You can also open a demo account fee-free, which comes with $50,000 in paper funds. You’ll be trading on Plus500’s native platform, available via web browsers and a mobile app. The latter covers Android and iOS.

Plus500 review

The Plus500 demo account provides real market quotes, so you’re trading in live market conditions. There are many trading and analysis tools available on Plus500. This includes customized charts with time frames ranging from one minute to one week. You can also deploy market, limit, stop-loss, trailing stop-loss, and take-profit orders.

We also like that you can set your risk-management orders based on the number of pips. In addition, Plus500 allows you to create watchlists and set up alerts. The latter will inform you when your chosen currency pair hits a pre-defined price. We also like Plus500 for its market insights. This includes financial news and sentiment bars on whether the broader markets are long or short on each currency pair.

You’ll also find education guides, which go hand-in-hand with the Plus500 demo account. When you’re ready to upgrade to a real money account, Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of $100. No deposit or withdrawal fees are charged. Plus500 accepts debit/credit cards, bank wires, and PayPal, Skrill, and Trustly.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
$50,000 No time limit 60+ 1:30 Proprietary web and mobile trading platforms

Pros pros

  • Regulated forex trading platform with free demo accounts
  • $50,000 in demo forex trading funds and no time limits
  • 0% commission on forex, stocks, indices, and other assets
  • Lots of charting and analysis tools – including risk-management orders
  • Leverage of up to 1:30 on major forex pairs

Cons cons

  • Minimum deposit of $100 on real money accounts

Remember that CFDs are a leveraged product and can result in the loss of your entire capital.

7. Forex.com – US-Friendly Forex Broker With Three Trading Accounts to Choose From        

Forex.com is an established online forex broker that’s regulated in multiple countries. This includes everything from the US, Canada, and Singapore to the UK, Japan, and Australia. Therefore, you can trade forex in confidence at this broker. Forex.com offers a free demo account to all users. It comes pre-loaded with $50,000 in virtual funds.

That said, the Forex.com demo account expires after 90 days and it can’t be extended. What’s more, if you opt for the MT4 demo account, this is reduced to 30 days. Nonetheless, this should be enough time to sharpen your trading skills before upgrading to a real money account. Forex.com supports over 80 currency pairs and the demo account mirrors live trading conditions.

Forex.com demo account

Trading fees depend on the account type you open. For example, standard and MT4 accounts are commission-free and come with minimum forex spreads of 1 pip. The raw pricing account offers spreads from 0.0 pips alongside a $7 commission per traded lot. If you’re based in the US, you can also open a DMA (direct market access) account. This offers access to the same forex prices as financial institutions.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
$50,000 90 days (Forex.com’s native platform) or 30 days (MT4) 80+ Depends on the country of residence. Limits are offered in line with the regulatory body you fall under Proprietary web and mobile trading platforms, plus MT4, MT5, and TradingView

Pros pros

  • Regulated in many jurisdictions, including the US, Canada, Singapore, and the UK
  • Multiple account types and trading platforms to choose from
  • Demo account comes with $50,000 in virtual funds
  • Trade more than 80 currency pairs around the clock
  • US clients have access to forex DMA accounts

Cons cons

  • MT4 demo accounts expire after 30 days

8. IG – $10,000 in Free Demo Funds and 0% Commission on all Forex Markets       

IG is a UK-based forex broker that serves clients globally. This includes a US division that’s registered with the National Futures Association and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. As a US client, you’ll be able to open a free demo account for forex trading. This comes with $10,000 in virtual funds. IG doesn’t state whether its demo account comes with an expiry date.

But reports from existing clients suggest it stops working after a couple of months. Nevertheless, we like that you can use the demo account on MT4 or IG’s proprietary trading platform. The latter comes with 28 technical indicators and 19 drawing tools. It also supports custom charts with up to four time frames at any time. IG’s native platform also comes as an iOS and Android app.

IG demo account for US clients

All supported platforms offer access to over 80 forex pairs. IG doesn’t charge forex trading commissions and spreads start from 0.8 pips on majors. Leverage is available but limits depend on the country of residence. For example, US clients are limited to 1:50. UK clients are capped to leverage of 1:30, as per FCA guidelines.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
$10,000 Not stated 80+ Depends on the country of residence. Limits are offered in line with the regulatory body you fall under Proprietary web and mobile trading platforms, plus MT4

Pros pros

  • Global forex broker supporting US clients
  • $10,000 demo account for IG’s native platform and MT4
  • Supports over 80 currency pairs at 0% commission
  • Competitive forex spreads start from 0.8 pips
  • US clients can trade with leverage of up to 1:50

Cons cons

  • Does not state whether its demo accounts have an expiry date

9. FXTM – Unlimited Forex Demo Account Funds for MT4/5  

FXTM is a leading forex broker that offers multiple account types. It also offers some of the lowest trading fees in the market. For example, if you open an advantage account, you can trade major forex pairs with spreads of 0.0 pips. What’s more, commissions start from just $0.40 per trade.

FXTM also offers micro accounts, which come with 0% commission and spreads from 1.5 pips. This account type has a minimum deposit of just $10. That said, you can start off with the free forex paper trading account, which doesn’t require a deposit or any payment details. Moreover, you can choose how much you want to add to your demo account – there are no limitations.

FXTM review

When it comes to trading platforms, you can choose from MT4 and MT5. Both options offer access to dozens of currency pairs that can be traded 24/7. FXTM also supports stocks, indices, and commodities. Finally, FXTM offers lots of educational tools, plus an economic calendar and market insights.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
Unlimited – You get to choose your demo balance Not stated 60+ 1:2000 MT4 and MT5

Pros pros

  • Unlimited demo account balances – choose how much to start with
  • Minimum/maximum demo trades of $1/$1 million
  • Multiple accounts to choose from – including 0.0 spread plans
  • Minimum real money deposit of just $10
  • Supports MT4 and MT5

Cons cons

  • Does not have a proprietary trading platform

10. Oanda – 25+ Years in the Online Brokerage Space  and Regulated in Multiple Countries 

Oanda is an established online broker, with the platform active in the space for over 25 years. It’s regulated in multiple countries, including the UK, Singapore, Canada, the US, and Australia. Moreover, Oanda offers competitive trading fees. For example, beginners can open a spread-only account, meaning no trading commissions.

This offers spreads of 0.6 pips on EUR/USD and USD/JPY. If you’re looking to trade larger amounts, the core pricing account offers spreads from just 0.1 pips. This comes with a $40 commission for every $1 million traded. Either way, you can start off with a free demo account. Existing clients claim that Oanda’s demo account comes with $100,000 in paper funds and there are no time limits.

Oanda forex review

You won’t need to enter any payment details, but you’ll need to provide some basic personal information. In terms of markets, Oanda supports over 70 forex pairs. It also supports indices, commodities, and bonds. Oanda has its own native trading suite, available via web browsers and a mobile app. It also supports MT4.

Demo Account Funds Demo Account Time Limit No. Forex Pairs Max. Leverage Trading Platforms
$100,000 No time limit 70+ Depends on the country of residence. Limits are offered in line with the regulatory body you fall under Proprietary web and mobile trading platforms, plus MT4

Pros pros

  • Heavily regulated forex broker with over 25+ years in the industry
  • Choose from a spread-only or zero-spread account
  • Supports over 70 forex pairs
  • No minimum deposit requirements on real money accounts
  • Demo accounts come with $100,000 in practice funds

Cons cons

  • Zero-spread accounts come with a $40 commission per $1 million traded – which is higher than other brokers

What is a Forex Demo Account? The Basics 

Demo accounts allow you to trade forex in risk-free conditions. Instead of trading with real capital, you’ll be using virtual funds. This offers many benefits, especially to beginners. For example, demo accounts are ideal for learning how the forex markets work. The best forex demo accounts track live market conditions, meaning you’re trading real currency quotes.

As a newbie, you’ll be able to practice using pricing charts, technical indicators, and drawing tools. You can also get a feel for how different order types work, such as markets, limits, stop-losses, and take-profits. This is all without risking any of your own money. After all, it can take many months before you’re proficient at trading forex and making consistent profits.

Demo accounts are also useful for experienced traders who want to perfect their skills. Or perhaps, try out a new trading strategy in a risk-free environment. For example, if a swing trader wants to incorporate scalping into their strategy, demo accounts are ideal. The trader can continue practicing in demo mode until they are ready to enter the real forex markets.

In addition, demo accounts allow you to try a new forex broker out before making a deposit. You can assess key metrics such as average spreads, trading volumes, liquidity, and execution times. You can also assess whether or not the broker’s trading suite is right for your skill set. Just remember – some demo accounts come with a time limit, so you’ll need to check this before proceeding.

Reasons to Use a Forex Demo Account

In this section, we explore some of the core reasons to use a forex demo account in 2023.

Learn How to Trade Forex

There’s a reason why the majority of beginners lose money trading forex – they haven’t spent enough time learning their craft. This is no different from investing in stocks without knowledge of how to research and analyze companies.

With this in mind, forex demo accounts allow you to learn how to trade in a risk-free environment. This starts with the absolute basics, such as understanding how currency pairs work, how to place orders, and how to read pricing charts.

eToro forex charts

After that, you can move on to technical analysis. This means analyzing forex charts with technical indicators and looking for trends and potential trading opportunities. Some of the best technical indicators to start with include the relative strength index (RSI), moving average convergence/divergence (MACD), and Fibonacci retracement levels.

While it can take time to perfect the art of technical analysis, it will eventually pay off.

Testing Forex Signals and Robots 

There are many automated systems that allow you to trade forex passively. This includes forex signals and robots, otherwise called EAs (expert advisors). However, it wouldn’t be wise to use automated trading systems without knowing if they’re actually profitable. Demo accounts are ideal for this purpose.

  • For example, suppose you’re looking to use Learn2Trade, which offers the best forex signals for 2023.
  • You decide to test Learn2Trade’s signals via a demo account for several weeks.
  • At the end of your trial, you can assess whether the signals made money.
  • If they did, and you’re happy with the returns, you can then trade Learn2Trade’s signals with real capital.

The same strategy can be used when testing a forex robot. While you’ll likely need to buy the robot first, you should still test it in live market conditions.

By doing this through a demo account, you won’t lose money if the robot goes on an extended losing run. Forex robots are usually compatible with MT4 or MT5. As such, you’ll need to choose a forex demo account that supports these platforms.

Backtesting a New Forex Trading Strategy 

Forex trading demo accounts are also ideal for backtesting a new strategy. Backtesting is a very important process, as it allows you to evaluate how a strategy would have performed based on historical market data.

You can evaluate the results over your preferred time frame and make adjustments if needed. At no stage do you need to risk any money, as you’ll be backtesting through a demo account.

MT4 backtesting

What’s more, once you’ve completed the backtesting process, you can then test the strategy in live market conditions. Once again, you’ll be using a demo account that tracks real forex quotes. This means you’ll have a solid idea of whether the strategy works.

What’s the Best Forex Demo Account for Backtesting Strategies?

  • We found that the best forex paper trading platform for backtesting strategies is MT4.
  • It gives you access to historical market data via the ‘Strategy Tester’ tool, which you can find under the ‘View’ menu.
  • However, you’ll first need to get some MT4 demo account login details.
  • XTB is a great option here, as it offers $100,000 in demo funds. Plus, it takes just seconds to open a demo account and no payment details are required.

Trialing a New Forex Broker 

There are hundreds of forex brokers in the market. One of the best ways to choose the right broker is by opening a demo account. This will enable you to test the broker extensively before making a deposit.

For example, you test its trading platform to ensure it aligns with your skill set. You can also evaluate execution speeds, meaning the time it takes to execute your order. If you find that it’s taking too long, the broker might not have enough liquidity on its platform.

Demo accounts also allow you to analyze market spreads for the hours you wish to trade. This is important, as forex brokers typically advertise their ‘minimum’ spreads, which might not always be available. Ultimately, you’re not risking anything by using a demo account – so it’s a great way to try a new broker.

Tips on Selecting the Best Forex Demo Account

All forex demo accounts allow you to trade currencies without risking any money. However, you’ll need to consider other metrics when choosing a provider – such as the amount of demo funds you’ll receive and how long the account is valid.

In addition, most forex traders start with a demo account before trading with real money. As such, you always need to factor in what commissions and spreads the broker charges, not to mention its minimum deposit requirement and regulatory status.

Read on for more information on how to choose the best demo account for forex trading.

Size of Demo Forex Trader Account

First, it’s a good idea to check how much the demo account comes pre-loaded with. eToro and XTB, for example, offer $100,000 in virtual capital.

This is more than enough to practice trade without needing to worry about running out of funds. In fact, even if you do run out of virtual capital, you can replenish your demo account at any time.

eToro demo acount $100,000

That said, not all forex demo accounts allow you to replenish your balance. In some cases, once you run out of funds, you won’t be able to use the demo account anymore.

Demo Account Time Frame 

It’s also important to check how long you can use the demo account before it expires. This is because the vast majority of demo forex trading accounts come with a time limit.

For example:

  • XTB gives you four weeks to use its demo account.
  • AvaTrade gives you just 21 days, but you can extend it via your account dashboard.
  • When using an MT4 demo account via Forex.com, you’ll get just 30 days before it expires.

In contrast, the eToro demo account comes without any time limits at all. You can use it for as long as you wish and replenish your demo balance at any time. In fact, you can switch between demo and real money accounts at the click of a button.

What Happens When My Forex Demo Account Expires

  • In most cases, forex demo accounts with a time limit.
  • This averages 30-90 days, depending on the broker.
  • When your time limit expires, you won’t be able to continue using the demo account.
  • That said, some brokers allow you to create a new demo account with a fresh balance.

Live Forex Quotes 

If your chosen demo account doesn’t track real forex rates, it doesn’t serve its purpose. After all, the whole point of using a demo account is to get exposure to the forex markets risk-free.

This means replicating live market conditions like-for-like. For instance, if GBP/USD moves from 1.2609 to 1.2643, you should expect the same from your demo account. You should also expect to see real order books and liquidity levels, not to mention actual market spreads.

Crucially, demo accounts allow you to evaluate whether your skill set and strategy can actually make money. The only way to do this is if the demo account mirrors the same conditions as a real money account. Fortunately, the best forex demo accounts discussed today – such as eToro, XTB, and Plus500, all meet this minimum criteria.

Supported Trading Platforms  

You should also think about what trading platform you want to use with your forex demo account. For example, many online brokers have their own proprietary trading software. Depending on the broker, this might be aimed at beginners or experienced traders.

For example, eToro and Plus500’s native platform is suitable for newbies. Both offer a smooth and clean trading interface that’s easy to navigate. You’ll still have access to trading tools, but they are designed with novice traders in mind.

eToro forex review

On the flip side, XTB’s native platform is suitable for advanced traders. It comes packed with analysis tools and features, including technical indicators and custom charts. Plus, you can download XTB on your desktop device for a seamless trading experience.

Alternatively, many online brokers also support third-party trading suites. XTB and AvaTrade, for example, support MT4. If you want to trade on MT5, Libertex and FXTM are good options. Either way, you’ll be provided with unique login details for MT4/5 by your chosen forex broker.

Can I Use MT4 in Demo Mode Without a Forex Broker Account?

  • The simple answer is no – you can’t use MT4 in demo mode without having a brokerage account
  • This is because MT4 is a third-party trading platform – it doesn’t directly offer trading services.
  • So, when you’re logged into MT4, the forex quotes you see are provided by the respective broker. In other words, MT4 itself does not have access to live forex quotes.
  • Fortunately, it takes just seconds to open a demo account with XTB. You’ll then be provided with your login details for MT4 – no deposit is required.

Trading Tools and Analysis   

Demo accounts are ideal for getting to grips with trading tools. So it’s worth seeing what’s supported before choosing a provider.

For example, eToro offers copy trading tools that allow you to trade forex passively. You’ll get to choose your preferred forex trader and automatically copy their positions.

All of the data eToro shows you, such as past performance and trading results, are updated in real-time. These data points are based on the trader’s activity since joining eToro, so it’s 100% accurate and transparent. This enables you to choose a forex trader to copy in an informed way.

Here’s an example of how eToro’s copy trading tool works:

  •  You’ve chosen a forex trader with a proven track record and decided to invest $2,000
  • The trader allocates 5% of their portfolio on an EUR/CHF sell order. Automatically, you risk $100 on the same position (5% of your $2,000 investment.
  • A few hours later, the trader closes their EUR/CHD position – making gains of 3%.
  • You automatically close the trade too and also make 3%. So, on a $100 position, you passively made $3.

Copy trading at eToro allows you to actively trade forex without any prior experience. You won’t need to do any analysis or research, so it’s completely passive. Best of all, you can use the copy trading tool from your eToro demo account.

If you prefer to take a more hands-on approach to forex trading, you’ll want to look for a demo account that supports technical indicators and drawing tools. Just make sure they’re right for your experience level.

Available Currency Pairs 

You should think about what forex pairs you want to trade before choosing a demo account provider. The availability of pairs will vary from one broker to the next.

In most cases, you’ll have access to all major and minor pairs. Exotic pairs are a lot more volatile, so you’ll need to check what the broker supports. Some of the most popular exotic pairs include USD/TRY, EUR/MXN, USD/SEK, and USD/HUF.

eToro, XTB, and Plus500 offer a good range of exotics. While more risky, their increased volatility offers the chance to target larger profit margins.

Do I Need to Deposit Funds to Get a Forex Demo Account?

  • The best forex demo accounts do not require you to make a deposit. Let alone add any payment details.
  • This ensures that you can test the demo account before making a financial commitment.
  • If you come across a demo account that requires a deposit, you should choose another provider.
  • That said, it’s still worth checking what payment methods the broker accepts. Further down the line, you might want to upgrade to a real money account – which will require a deposit.

Trading Fees and Spreads 

When you trade forex on a demo account – you’re evaluating whether you can make consistent gains in live market conditions. And to assess this effectively, you must incorporate trading fees into your analysis. After all, fees have a direct impact on your return-on-investment.

  • The two most important trading fees to assess are commissions and spreads.
  • The commission is charged when you enter and exit a trade. It’s usually a flat fee based on how much you trade.
  • For example, Oanda charges $40 for every $1 million traded on its core pricing plan.
  • While Skilling charges a $30 commission for every $1 million traded.
  • By paying a commission, you’ll get much lower spreads. For instance, Oanda and Skilling offer spreads from 0.1 pips.

However, if you’re a beginner who’s looking to trade small amounts, a commission-free account will be more suitable. For example, eToro doesn’t charge commissions when you trade forex, but you’ll pay a higher spread of 1 pip.

Ultimately, you’ll want to choose a provider that offers the lowest commissions and spreads – allowing you to trade cost-effectively.

How Long Should I Use a Forex Demo Account?

There’s no set time frame for how long you should use a forex demo account. It really depends on whether or not you feel comfortable enough to begin trading with real money.

For example, if you’re a complete beginner, you’ll likely need to use a demo account for several months. This will enable you to grasp how technical analysis works – a crucial component of forex trading.

Just remember, some forex demo accounts come with time restrictions. This is why we rank eToro as the best forex demo account, as it never expires. You can use it for as long as you need to. Even if you burn through your $100,000 virtual balance, you can replenish it at any time.

Open a Forex Demo Trading Account: Step-by-Step Guide

We’re now going to show you how to paper trade forex.

We’re using eToro for this tutorial, because:

  • eToro is regulated by multiple tier-one bodies, including FINRA and the FCA
  • It takes seconds to open a demo account and you’ll get $100,000 in virtual capital – no payment details are needed
  • You’ll have access to over 50 forex pairs on a spread-only basis
  • eToro offers copy trading tools – allowing to trade forex without any prior experience

Step 1: Open an eToro Demo Account

Visit the eToro website and click on ‘Sign Up’. You will need to enter your name, email address, and cell phone number.

And that’s it – your demo account is open.

eToro registration

Although eToro will ask for some additional personal information and KYC (Know Your Customer) documents, you can do this at a later date. In fact, you do complete these steps once you’re ready to start trading with real money.

Step 2: Switch to Virtual Portfolio 

The next step is to switch your account to demo mode. On the left-hand side of the eToro dashboard, click on ‘Switch to Virtual’.

eToro virtual portfolio

Then, click on ‘Switch to Virtual Portfolio’. You’ll find that your account balance now shows $100,000.

Step 3: Search for a Forex Pair  

Now that you’re in demo mode, you can search for the forex pair you want to trade.

eToro forex trading

In our example, we’re searching for EUR/JPY. Then, click on ‘Trade’.

Step 4: Place a Demo Forex Trade   

You’ll now see an order box for the forex pair you want to trade. First, you’ll need to choose from a ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ order, depending on whether you think the pair will rise or fall.

eToro forex trading

You then need to enter your stake in US dollars. You can also apply leverage of up to 1:30. eToro also allows you to set up limit, stop-loss, and take-profit orders. Simply type in the prices for each order, depending on your strategy.

Click on the ‘Open Trade’ button to place your order. You’ll find the open order in your eToro portfolio. This gives you real-time updates on how the position is performing.

Step 5: Deposit Funds and Switch to Real Portfolio Mode    

You can use the eToro demo account for as long as you want. When you feel ready to trade with real money, click on the ‘Deposit’ button. You’ll need to provide some additional personal information and KYC documents, such as a government-issued ID.

eToro deposit funds

Then, you can deposit a minimum of $50 ($10 for UK/US clients) with a debit/credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer. Finally, click on the ‘Switch to Real’ button. This means you’ll now be trading with real money and not demo funds.

Conclusion

Demo accounts are invaluable if you’re a novice forex trader; you can buy and sell currency pairs without risking any capital. To start practicing your forex trading strategy today – head over to eToro.

It takes seconds to open a free demo account and you’ll get $100,000 in virtual funds. There are no time restrictions on the eToro demo account and you won’t need to enter any payment information.

74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

References

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Kane Pepi

Kane Pepi is an accomplished financial and cryptocurrency writer who has an extensive portfolio of over 2,000 articles, guides, and market insights. With his expertise in specialized subjects such as asset valuation and analysis, portfolio management, and financial crime prevention, Kane has built a reputation for providing clear explanations of complex financial topics. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and a Master's Degree in Financial Crime, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree, which focuses on investigating the complexities of money laundering in the cryptocurrency and blockchain technology sectors. Kane's wealth of knowledge and experience in the field make…