Roundup · Updated 2026

Best free day trading simulators in 2026

Five simulators worth your time — ranked honestly. We built NQ Replay, so it tops the list for NQ / MNQ futures. If you trade other markets, one of the alternatives below is probably a better fit.

1. #1

   NQ Replay

   Free NQ / MNQ futures replay with ICT overlays

   Pros

   • + Actually free — no card, no install
   • + 10+ years of 1-minute NQ / MNQ data
   • + Auto Killzones, FVG, Order Blocks, PDH/PDL
   • + Built-in $50K prop-firm challenge
   • + Works on iPad Safari with touch SL/TP

   Cons

   • − Only NQ / MNQ (no FX or crypto)
   • − 1-minute bars, no tick data
   Try it free
2. #2

   TradingView Bar Replay

   Multi-market chart replay if you already pay

   Pros

   • + Every market imaginable
   • + Industry-standard charting

   Cons

   • − Intraday replay locked to paid plans
   • − No purpose-built simulated trading
3. #3

   thinkorswim OnDemand

   Full desktop replay for Schwab account holders

   Pros

   • + Realistic order flow
   • + Great for equity & options practice

   Cons

   • − Requires Schwab account
   • − Desktop only, no iPad
4. #4

   NinjaTrader Market Replay

   Tick-level order-flow drill

   Pros

   • + Tick-by-tick precision
   • + Deep platform features

   Cons

   • − Needs data subscription
   • − Windows-first, heavy install
5. #5

   FX Replay

   Forex-focused bar replay

   Pros

   • + Great UI for FX pairs
   • + Journal built in

   Cons

   • − Paid plans only
   • − Not built for futures