Explore the features and pricing of leading trading simulators to find the best fit for your trading style and goals.

Trading simulators help traders practice without risking real money. This article compares TradingSim and Forex Tester Online, focusing on their features, pricing, and suitability for different traders. Here's a quick breakdown:

• TradingSim: Stock and futures simulation with 11,000+ symbols, advanced market replay tools, and risk management features. Pricing starts at $33/month.
• Forex Tester Online: Multi-asset backtesting for forex, metals, and exotic assets. Offers custom indicators and advanced order management.

Choose the platform that aligns with your trading goals: TradingSim for stock-focused traders, and Forex Tester Online for multi-asset strategies.

Forex Tester Online: Trading Simulator for Advanced Backtesting

1. TradingSim Core Features

TradingSim offers a highly realistic trading experience with access to over 11,000 symbols from Nasdaq, AMEX, and NYSE, along with two years of detailed tick-by-tick data.

Advanced Market Replay System

The platform's market replay system allows traders to refine their skills with key controls:

• Trade anytime with pause, play, and fast-forward options.
• Access Level 1 data to monitor buy and sell activity.
• Analyze trades in detail using Time & Sales data.

Technical Analysis Tools

TradingSim enhances its replay system with a comprehensive set of tools for technical analysis:

Dr. Brett Steenbarger, a well-known trading psychologist, highlights TradingSim's focus on education:

"What I've long liked at TradingSim is the focus on learning trading–and doing that in safe ways where we can't trigger and traumatize ourselves."

These tools integrate smoothly with TradingSim's risk management features, creating a well-rounded trading simulation.

Risk Management Features

To further enhance the simulated trading environment, TradingSim includes tools for managing risk:

• Customizable Account Balance: Adjust your virtual capital to experiment with different position sizes.
• Multiple Asset Classes: Trade stocks, options, futures, and forex.
• Real-Time Performance Analytics: Monitor your trading metrics and outcomes as you go.

For $37/month, the Premium plan provides access to delayed live data and extended historical data, with all data fees included.

2. Competitor A Functions

While TradingSim provides a variety of stock symbols and risk management tools, Forex Tester Online (FTO) focuses on forex and exotic asset markets, operating as a browser-based simulator.

Asset Coverage

FTO supports a range of asset types, including:

This variety is complemented by its technical tools, catering to diverse trading needs.

Analysis and Testing Tools

The platform integrates several features to enhance trading strategies:

• Custom Indicators: Build personalized technical signals.
• Expert Advisors (EAs): Automate and test strategies with ease.
• Advanced Order Management: Perform tick analysis, position doubling, and order reversals for deeper insights.

Data and Analytics Features

FTO offers tools for managing and analyzing trading data:

• Historical Data Access: Test strategies and scenarios using extensive historical data.
• Analytics Integration: Export trading history, performance reports, and leverage data for detailed reviews.
• Educational Tools: Combine theoretical learning with practical trade-testing features.

Regular Updates

FTO rolls out monthly updates tailored to forex traders, which include:

• Resizable charting options
• New technical indicators
• Additional trading symbols
• Enhanced leverage customization

These updates are designed to meet the specific needs of forex traders, ensuring FTO remains a focused and reliable simulation platform.

Direct Platform Comparison

This section highlights the main features of two trading platforms.

Core Platform Features

Here's a quick look at the tools and functions each platform offers:

Specialized Capabilities

Each platform stands out in its own way. TradingSim excels in providing a focused simulation setup for stock and futures traders. Forex Tester Online offers advanced simulation controls and supports multiple asset types, making it ideal for diverse trading strategies.

Cost Breakdown

TradingSim

• Equities package: $300/year
• Futures package: $300/year
• Combined package: $432/year
• Includes a 7-day free trial

Forex Tester Online: Contact for pricing

Platform Strengths

Each platform has its own set of advantages:

TradingSim

• User-friendly interface
• Comprehensive stock and futures data, including Level 1 and time/sales

Forex Tester Online

• Multi-asset strategy testing
• Advanced backtesting with precise controls
• Detailed performance analytics

Recommendations by User Type

Here’s a breakdown of platform options tailored to different trading experience levels.

Beginner Traders

If you're just starting out, TradingSim's Pro plan ($33/month) is a great choice. Its user-friendly design and educational tools make it easy to learn the basics.

Intermediate Traders

For traders with some experience, advanced tools become essential. Consider exploring Forex Tester Online for its robust backtesting capabilities and flexible trading scenarios.

Professional Traders

Experienced traders often require more sophisticated tools. Here are some platform recommendations based on specific needs:

Day Traders

Day traders need tools that prioritize speed and accuracy. TradingSim's Premium plan is an excellent option, offering tick/second charts, Level 2 data, and near-real-time sessions. These features are designed to sharpen decision-making in fast-paced markets.

Long-Term Investors

For those focused on long-term strategies, simplicity combined with effectiveness is key. TradingSim provides core technical analysis tools and reliable charting options, making it ideal for testing long-term ideas without unnecessary complexity.