Best demo accounts
Demo trading accounts have become an essential tool for Australian investors looking to develop their trading skills without risking real capital. These virtual trading platforms allow you to practice with real-time market data using simulated funds, providing an invaluable learning experience for both beginners and experienced traders testing new strategies.
Whether you’re exploring forex markets, stock trading, or complex derivatives, demo accounts offer a safe environment to understand market dynamics and platform functionality. Here we take a look at the best demo trading accounts available to Australian traders, helping you make an informed decision about where to begin your trading journey.
The main trade-off across the list is usually platform range, instruments, and whether the account is time limited – with some also built for deeper market access, research or advanced tools.
- 20 Brokers shortlisted
- Demo trading
- Trust, Features, Market Access
- April 2026 Latest update
Brokerage, platform features and market access can change. Check provider terms before applying.
Top Australian Brokers
- Pepperstone - Top Australian broker - Read our review
- eToro - Invest in ASX and international shares - Read our review
Compare the top demo accounts
Each broker and trading platform to make our shortlist is a solid choice, but these five each have something a little special. Here's a look at some of the key headline data.
User friendly choice, with an innovative edge, and international reach Best for: Stocks and crypto demo trading Proprietary trading platform, and app
eToro
The eToro demo account is one of the most accessible options for traders who want a simple, visual way to practise investing across multiple markets. eToro’s virtual portfolio is credited with $100,000 in virtual funds, and the demo environment lets users practise with assets including stocks, crypto, commodities, currencies, indices and ETFs. This makes it a strong fit for beginners searching for a free trading demo account, stock demo account, or crypto demo trading account in one easy-to-use platform.
A major advantage of eToro’s demo mode is that it mirrors many of the platform’s real-account features, including market analysis tools, leverage, stop-loss and take-profit practice, thematic portfolios and CopyTrader, which allows users to observe or copy other investors’ portfolios in virtual mode. For new traders, this makes the eToro paper trading account particularly useful for learning portfolio construction, risk control and social trading before committing real money.
Trade more than 2,100 shares across multiple markets Best for: Active CFD trading MT4, MT5, cTrader, or TradingView
IC Markets
The IC Markets demo account is a strong option for traders who want to practise under conditions that closely resemble a professional CFD trading setup. IC Markets states that its demo account is free to open and supports all account types, platforms and products, making it useful for traders who want to compare account structures, platform functionality and execution styles before trading live.
IC Markets is particularly relevant for scalpers, algorithmic traders and experienced forex or CFD traders because the broker promotes raw spreads from 0.0 pips, no requotes, fast execution and a trading environment designed for high-volume traders, scalpers and robots. The broker also allows traders to practise across forex CFDs, commodities CFDs, stock CFDs, index CFDs, cryptocurrency CFDs and futures CFDs, while demo users can add virtual funds through the client area.
Multi-asset CFD trading, with a novel risk management feature. Best for: MT4 demo trading MT4, MT5, or AvaOptions platforms.
AvaTrade
The AvaTrade demo account is a strong choice for beginners who want to practise forex, stocks, indices, commodities, crypto CFDs and other markets in a structured, low-pressure environment. AvaTrade’s free demo account gives traders $10,000 in virtual funds and access to platforms including MT4, MT5, AvaTrade WebTrader and the AvaTrade app, allowing users to compare trading tools, test strategies and build confidence before moving to real-money trading.
One of the main benefits of an AvaTrade practice account is that it introduces traders to real risk-management habits before they risk their own capital. Users can practise placing stop-loss and take-profit orders, while also exploring AvaTrade’s proprietary AvaProtect feature, which is designed to protect a trade from adverse movement for a selected period. For traders searching for a free forex demo account or CFD demo account with risk-management tools, AvaTrade is especially useful as a beginner-friendly training ground. Trusted, award winning forex broker Best for: Forex demo trading MT4, MT5, cTrader, or TradingView
Pepperstone
Pepperstone’s demo account caters to both retail and professional traders with their comprehensive demo offering. The platform provides access to forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies through MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader platforms. Demo accounts come with $50,000 in virtual funds and remain active for 30 days. Pepperstone’s strength lies in their execution speed and tight spreads, making their demo account particularly valuable for testing scalping and high-frequency trading strategies. You can extend your demo account after the 30 days if you ask their support, although that should give you plenty of time to test and decide what you think of it. If you want to keep a demo account active alongside a real account for testing, support will help you.
How we picked these brokers
Methodology
We rated the top Australian demo accounts using a combination of access type, barrier to entry (both financial, and usability), trust rating, and user reviews. With there being a range of assets and brokers for users to try, we selected a few platforms that will appeal to different types of users, from those looking for the best stock broker, to those more interested in trading gold or forex. In the end, different users will naturally prefer one over another, yet the security of funds, and the regulation of the broker should never be in doubt. We put forward a list of trusted demo platforms to try out, with different angles for more active traders, or long term investors.
Why Use a Demo Account?
Demo trading accounts serve multiple purposes beyond simple practice. They provide a risk-free environment where traders can develop and refine their skills while gaining confidence in their trading abilities.
Risk-Free Learning Environment
The primary advantage of demo accounts is the elimination of financial risk. You can experiment with different trading strategies, test various order types, and learn from mistakes without losing real money. This psychological safety net allows for more aggressive experimentation and faster learning curves.
Platform Familiarization
Each trading platform has unique features, layouts, and execution methods. Demo accounts allow you to thoroughly explore these platforms, understanding everything from basic order placement to advanced charting tools. This familiarity becomes crucial when transitioning to live trading, where quick decision-making is essential.
Strategy Development and Testing
Experienced traders use demo accounts to backtest new strategies or adapt existing ones to changing market conditions. You can analyze how different approaches perform across various market scenarios without capital exposure. This testing phase often reveals strategy flaws that might prove costly in live markets.
Market Understanding
Demo accounts provide access to real-time market data, allowing you to observe how different assets behave under various conditions. You can study price movements, volatility patterns, and correlation relationships between different instruments. This market education forms the foundation of successful trading.
Psychological Preparation
While demo trading cannot fully replicate the emotional pressure of risking real money, it helps develop discipline and routine. You can practice maintaining trading journals, following predetermined rules, and managing position sizes – all crucial habits for live trading success.
The Best Demo Trading Accounts
Australian traders have access to numerous high-quality demo trading platforms, each offering unique features and advantages. The following platforms represent the top choices based on functionality, reliability, and educational value. Award winning platforms to consider.
Top picks at a glance
Best stocks and crypto demo account
eToro
App first share trading, with a great crypto offering.
Read review
Best CFD demo
IC Markets
Spread based fee structure, and lightning execution for regular trading.
Read review
Best forex demo
Pepperstone
Strong all-round mix of pricing, quality, and platform choice.
Read reviewOther notable demo accounts in Australia
IG Markets
IG Markets stands out as one of Australia’s most comprehensive demo trading platforms. Their demo account provides access to over 17,000 markets, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers $30,000 in virtual funds and maintains the demo account for 30 days, with extensions available upon request. The platform features advanced charting tools, risk management features, and the same execution speeds as live accounts. IG’s demo account includes access to their educational resources, market analysis, and research tools, making it particularly valuable for intermediate traders looking to expand their knowledge.
OANDA
OANDA offers a sophisticated demo trading environment with access to their proprietary trading platform and MetaTrader 4. The demo account provides $100,000 in virtual funds and remains active for 90 days, with the option to reset funds if depleted. The platform excels in forex trading, offering access to major, minor, and exotic currency pairs with competitive pricing. OANDA’s demo account includes access to their market analysis tools, economic calendar, and position book data.
What to Look For in a Demo Trading Account
Selecting the right demo trading account requires careful consideration of several key factors that will impact your learning experience and preparation for live trading.
Virtual Fund Allocation
The amount of virtual funds provided should align with your intended trading style and learning objectives. Conservative traders might prefer smaller allocations that mirror realistic account sizes, while those testing aggressive strategies may benefit from larger virtual balances. Most quality platforms offer between $10,000 and $100,000 in virtual funds.
Account Duration and Reset Options
Consider how long the demo account remains active and whether you can reset or extend it. Some platforms offer unlimited demo access, while others limit usage to 30-90 days. Longer access periods allow for more comprehensive strategy testing and skill development.
Market Access and Instrument Range
Evaluate the breadth of markets and instruments available in the demo account. Comprehensive platforms should offer access to forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and individual stocks. The instrument range should match your trading interests and provide opportunities for diversification testing.
Platform Features and Tools
The demo account should provide access to the same features available in live accounts, including advanced charting tools, technical indicators, risk management features, and order types. This ensures your demo experience accurately reflects live trading conditions.
Real-Time Data and Execution
Quality demo accounts use real-time market data and realistic execution speeds. Delayed or artificial data can create unrealistic expectations about trading performance and market behavior. Look for platforms that explicitly state they use live market feeds.
Educational Resources and Support
Consider the educational materials and support services available alongside the demo account. Quality brokers provide market analysis, educational webinars, trading guides, and customer support to enhance your learning experience. Understanding the fundamentals of trading vs investing can help you determine which approach suits your financial goals.
Mobile Platform Access
Modern trading requires mobile accessibility. Many traders use leverage in trading to amplify their positions, making it crucial to understand how this works before risking real capital. Additionally, it’s important to distinguish between being a stock market speculator or gambler when developing your trading approach.
