Best Trading Demo Accounts in the UK (2025 Guide)
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best trading demo accounts available to UK traders to give you a clear idea of which demo account suits your style, whether you’re brand new to trading or brushing up on a new strategy.
Pepperstone
Demo Account Score: 4.8/5
73.7 % of retail CFD accounts lose money.
IG
Demo Account Score: 4.7/5
69% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Trading 212
Demo Account Score: 4.5/5
When investing, your capital is at risk
eToro
Demo Account Score: 4.3/5
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Demo Accounts in the UK?
The best demo accounts in the UK include Pepperstone, IG, Trading 212, eToro, XTB, Plus500, and CMC Markets. Each offers risk-free practice, realistic trading environments, and tools to build confidence before moving into live markets.
How do the Brokers with Demo Accounts Compare?
| Rank | Broker | Demo Length | Virtual Funds | Markets Covered | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pepperstone | 60 days (non-expiry with live funded account) | Unlimited (on cTrader/TradingView) | Forex, Commodities | Active forex/CFD practitioners | |
| 2 | IG | ~30 days (expires after 30 days) | £10,000 | Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs | Active/pro traders testing real markets | |
| 3 | Trading 212 | Unlimited | £50,000 | Stocks & ETFs | Beginner long-term investors | |
| 4 | eToro | Unlimited (~£78k in virtual funds) | £78,600 | Stocks, CFDs | Social traders | |
| 5 | XTB | Unlimited | $100,000 | CFDs, Forex | Serious active traders |
Pepperstone – Top Pick for Forex Demo Trading
Pros & Cons
- Great execution speed and spreads
- Access to industry-standard trading platforms
- Realistic forex and commodity simulation
- Demo access expires after 30 days
- Limited product range beyond forex
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How Realistic Is the Demo Compared to Live?
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Does the Demo Help You Build Discipline?
Pepperstone’s demo closely mirrors live conditions with accurate spreads, execution speed, and leverage settings. This realism makes it easier to test strategies in an environment similar to real markets, particularly useful for forex and CFD traders.
Yes. With stop-loss, take-profit, and margin tools available, the demo helps traders practise safe habits. It encourages discipline in trade sizing and strategy testing, preparing users for the transition into live trading where mistakes carry financial consequences.
73.7% 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.
IG – Great for Pros Testing Real Markets
Pros & Cons
- Realistic market conditions
- Professional tools and charting
- Backed by a trusted, FCA-regulated broker
- Demo expires after 14 days
- Not beginner-friendly
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How Realistic Is the Demo Compared to Live?
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Does the Demo Help You Build Discipline?
IG’s demo provides access to real market prices and advanced analysis tools, giving a close match to live conditions. It’s one of the most realistic environments available, though execution and emotional pressure still differ from trading with real capital.
Yes. The demo’s wide range of features allows traders to practise risk controls like stop-loss orders and portfolio balance. However, the lack of emotional stakes means discipline learned here must be reinforced when switching to live accounts.
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.
Trading 212 – A Great Entry Into Investing
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited demo access
- Clean, intuitive layout
- Great for stock and ETF investing
- No CFDs or complex assets in demo
- Limited appeal for active or technical traders
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How Realistic Is the Demo Compared to Live?
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Does the Demo Help You Build Discipline?
Trading 212’s demo mirrors its simple investing app, offering commission-free trades on stocks and ETFs. It’s a realistic simulation for beginners learning long-term investing basics, but it doesn’t fully reflect live risks like slippage or wider market spreads.
Yes. The simplicity makes it easier for beginners to practise consistent investing habits, like buying regularly and managing positions. However, it doesn’t expose users to the stress of volatile markets or more complex trading strategies.
Trading and investing involve risk. The value of your investments can go up or down, and you may lose all or part of your capital. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
eToro – Best for Beginners and Social Traders
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited access with a generous virtual balance
- Beginner-friendly layout
- Social trading for passive learning
- Limited advanced charting tools
- Less suited to technical or high-frequency traders
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How Realistic Is the Demo Compared to Live?
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Does the Demo Help You Build Discipline?
eToro’s demo mirrors the live platform, including copy trading features. It’s realistic for learning how copy portfolios behave, but execution speed and emotional stakes differ from trading with real money in volatile markets.
Partially. The demo lets beginners test strategies and practise copying traders safely. However, relying too heavily on copy trading without risk awareness can limit the development of personal discipline and independent decision-making.
CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
XTB – Powerful Platform for Active CFD Traders
Pros & Cons
- Realistic trading environment
- Excellent for CFD and forex testing
- Strong in-platform educational resources
- Less appealing to passive or stock-only investors
- No access to traditional share investing tools
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How Realistic Is the Demo Compared to Live?
-
Does the Demo Help You Build Discipline?
XTB’s demo simulates real spreads, margin use, and order execution, giving a strong reflection of live CFD conditions. Traders can test advanced tools, though risk is still missing without real financial exposure.
Yes. XTB’s demo includes margin, stop-loss, and risk tools, encouraging traders to practise structured strategies. The platform also helps develop habits like monitoring portfolios and managing exposure effectively.
72% 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.
Plus500 – Simple Demo for CFD Traders
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited demo with automatic fund reset
- Easy-to-use, beginner-friendly platform
- Wide range of CFD markets
- Limited tools for technical traders
- No MetaTrader or advanced platform support
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How Realistic Is the Demo Compared to Live?
-
Does the Demo Help You Build Discipline?
Plus500’s demo offers accurate market pricing, but its simplicity doesn’t fully reflect live trading challenges. While good for testing basics, it lacks depth in research and advanced charting.
Yes, but only at a basic level. Traders can practise using stop-losses and testing strategies, but the limited platform means it won’t prepare users for more complex, multi-market trading situations.
80% 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.
CMC Markets – Ideal for Advanced Charting
Pros & Cons
- Professional-grade platform
- Huge range of instruments
- Excellent charting and technical features
- Complex interface may overwhelm newcomers
- More time required to learn the platform
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How Realistic Is the Demo Compared to Live?
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Does the Demo Help You Build Discipline?
CMC’s demo mirrors real-time spreads, advanced charting, and order execution. It’s one of the closest reflections of live trading available, making it particularly valuable for advanced technical traders.
Yes. The platform encourages careful planning with its detailed charting and risk controls. Traders can build disciplined strategies, though emotional control still needs testing in live markets.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail CFD accounts lose money. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
How Did We Select the Best Demo Accounts?
We assessed UK demo accounts on usability, realism, risk tools, and market access. Our goal was to highlight platforms that genuinely prepare traders for live conditions, helping both beginners and experienced users practise effectively in a safe, simulated environment.
How Intuitive Is the Platform?
We focused on whether platforms are intuitive across both desktop and mobile. A quality demo allows users to practise trading without being held back by complicated layouts or unnecessary distractions. An easy-to-use platform helps traders focus on developing strategies rather than troubleshooting technical issues.
How Realistic Are the Trading Conditions?
Demo accounts were reviewed for how closely they matched live spreads, execution speeds, and leverage. Realistic conditions help traders test strategies under pressure and transition smoothly to real markets, avoiding the shock of different performance when switching from demo to live.
What Risk Management Tools Are Included?
The best demos provide stop-loss, take-profit, and margin settings. These tools encourage users to develop disciplined trading habits, helping them control risk before moving into live environments where mistakes can cost real money. Strong risk features set reliable demos apart from weaker ones.
How Wide Is the Asset Range?
We compared access to forex, shares, indices, and commodities. A broader demo offering lets traders explore multiple strategies and asset classes, while limited access may restrict skill development. Versatility ensures users can practise across the markets that fit their trading style.
Do Demo Accounts Really Prepare You for Live Trading?
Demo accounts are a valuable training tool, but they cannot fully replicate live conditions. They provide realistic pricing and risk tools, helping traders practise strategies safely. However, they lack the emotional pressure of risking real money, which is the hardest part of trading.
Conclusion: Which Demo Account Should You Try First?
The best demo depends on your goals. Pepperstone and IG suit traders seeking realistic forex and CFD practice, while Trading 212 or eToro work well for beginners. CMC Markets is ideal for advanced charting. Start with one that mirrors your trading style.
Seamless Trading Across Platforms
- Low Spreads and Fast Execution
- Multiple Account Types
- Advanced Trading Platforms
73.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
FAQs
Are demo trading accounts really free to use?
Yes, demo accounts are completely free to use. Reputable UK brokers like eToro, IG, and Trading 212 offer them with no obligation to deposit real money.
How long can I use a trading demo account?
It depends on the broker. Some, like eToro and Trading 212, offer unlimited access, while others, like IG and Pepperstone, limit usage to 14–30 days.
Do demo accounts use real market data?
Most quality demo accounts simulate live market conditions using real-time pricing. However, execution, spreads, and slippage may differ slightly from live trading.
Can I practise forex trading with a demo account?
Absolutely. Brokers like Pepperstone, IG, and XTB offer forex-focused demo accounts with access to real-time currency markets and professional platforms like MT4 or cTrader.
Is an FCA-regulated broker necessary for demo trading?
While demo trading doesn’t involve real money, using an FCA-regulated broker ensures the platform is trustworthy — and makes the transition to live trading safer.
Can I open multiple demo accounts with different brokers?
Yes, and it’s actually a good idea. Trying out several platforms helps you compare features, trading tools, and ease of use before choosing one to go live with.
Do I need to verify my identity to open a demo account?
Most brokers don’t require ID verification for demo access. You can usually sign up with just your name and email address.
References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – How to check a trading platform
- IG Group – IG Demo Account
- eToro – Virtual Portfolio Explained
- Pepperstone UK – Forex Demo Account
- XTB UK – Open a Free Demo Account
- Trading 212 – Practice Investing Risk-Free
- The Times (UK) – How to Start Trading Shares in the UK
