best stock market game reviews

There are dozens of stock market games and financial literacy games out in the market today so it can be hard to find the best one for what you need.

These stock market games are build for a specific type of user. Some are designed for middle and high school classes. Some are designed for college classes and some are for adults looking to learn to invest.

No doubt that people should practice buying and selling stocks before risking their own money. If you are looking for an investing course before you practice trading, here is one of the more popular free investing course for beginners.

There are many stock games out there, each with different strengths and weakness.

That’s why we did the legwork. We love stock games. We try out new ones every month to find the best one for each type of user.

Best Stock Market Games For High Schools – Updated August 2022

Rank Game Features Cost How Accurate?
1 Personal Finance Lab Review offers a real time stock market game
PersonalFinanceLab.com
The Best Stock Game for High Schools! Teachers customize both a stock game and a personal budgeting game for their class. This site is the best overall Financial Literacy Game for Students. Real-time trading of U.S. stocks and real-time portfolio updates and class rankings. In the Personal Budgeting Game students build a budget, have a part-time job, pay bills and manage their checking, savings, and credit card accounts for 12 virtual months. Over 300 built-in lessons aligned to Personal Finance, Business and Economics standards. Live Support for teachers and students.

Also includes cryptos, options and futures if you want them.

Starting at $10 per student but volume discount available for over 50 students. Real-time prices. Splits and dividends are reported.
2 HowTheMarketWorks.com is a free stock market game

HowTheMarketWorks.com

US stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds are included. 40 built-in lessons. Live customer support for Teachers. Integrated tutorials for teachers and students. Free. Supported by ads. Real-time prices. Splits and dividends are reported.
3

Virtual-Stock-Exchange.com

International stocks, ETFs, and currencies. 30 built-in lessons. Integrated tutorials for students. Free. Supported by ads. Real-time stock market game with real time prices for US stocks. Splits and dividends are reported.
4 Investopedia stock game

Investopedia

US stocks, all other features behind a paywall Free, supported by ads, and constant pushes to buy premium features Prices had 15 minute delay. Some (but not all) my dividends were accounted for
5 marketwatch review

Marketwatch

US stocks and mutual funds. No customer support. Free, heavy ads. Prices had 15 minute delay. Dividends were not accounted for.

Best Stock Simulations For Colleges and Universities (Updated August 2022)

Rank Game Features Cost How Accurate?
1
StockTrak.com
International stocks, ETFs, options, futures, future options, forex, cryptocurrencies, built-in lessons, extensive reports, professor resource center, class project ideas, career center with internship postings.
All of these security types make StockTrak.com the best stock game for college students.
$27 per student. Lower with textbook code. Real-time prices. All splits and dividends were reported.
2 WallStreetSurvivor.com has the best stock market game

WallStreetSurvivor.com

US stocks, options, and cryptocurrencies. Some built-in lessons for a fee. Many great reviews like Is Robinhood Safe?. And many great stock ideas pages like their Best Stocks to Buy Now page. Free. Supported by ads. Real-time prices. Splits and dividends were reported.
3 HowTheMarketWorks.com review

HowTheMarketWorks.com

US stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, about 40 built-in lessons, live customer support for teachers, integrated tutorials for teachers and students Free, supported by ads Real-time prices, all splits and dividends were paid
4 investopedia stock game

Investopedia

US stocks. All other features behind a paywall. Free. Supported by ads. Constant pushes to buy premium features. Prices had 15 minute delay. Some (but not all) dividends were reported.
5 marketwatch review

Marketwatch

US stocks and mutual funds. No customer support. Free. Heavy adss Prices had 15 minute delay. No dividends were reported.

Best Stock Simulations For Individuals Who Want To Learn To Trade (Updated August 2020)

Rank Game Features Cost How Accurate?
1 WallStreetSurvivor Review

WallStreetSurvivor.com

US stocks, options, and cryptocurrencies. Built-in courses. This is a free site, with ads, making it a excellent choice for those looking for a solid stock market simulation. Free. Supported by ads. Some lessons have a fee. Real-time prices. Splits and dividends were reported.
2


StockTrak.com

International stocks, ETFs, options, futures, future options, forex, cryptocurrencies. Built-in lessons. Exportable portfolio reports. Built-in investing course. $16.95 per month Real-time prices. Splits and dividends were reported.
3 HowTheMarketWorks.com review

HowTheMarketWorks.com

US stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. About 40 built-in lessons. Live customer support. Integrated tutorials. Free. Supported by ads. Real-time prices. Splits and dividends were reported.
4 investopedia

Investopedia

US stocks. All other features behind a paywall. Free. Supported by ads. Constant pushes to buy premium features. Prices had 15 minute delay. Some (but not all) my dividends were reported.
5 marketwatch review

Marketwatch

US stocks and mutual funds. No customer support. Free. Heavy ads. Prices had 15 minute delay. No dividends were reported.

What Makes the Best Stock Market Simulator?

The top stock market games to help students learn

There are some features that a great stock game absolutely must have to be worth using:

  • A smooth, easy-to-understand interface.
  • Plenty of “Getting Started” resources for newbies.
  • Real-time prices allowed me to know that my contest rankings were legitimate.
  • Excellent support team. Answered both my general and technical questions.

We tested dozens of free stock games every month. We are also looking to find games that rolled out new features and updates quicker.
See All Reviews

P.S. if you are ready to trade real money, I suggest you read Wall Street Survivor’s Motley Fool Review and get some top stock picks.

Stock Market Games for Schools / Free Stock Market Game

The top stock market games to help students learn

The biggest users of stock games are schools. They are heavily used in personal finance and economics classes. Trying to decide what would be the best stock game for your classroom? You will probably need a few more criteria. When we make our reviews, we also look for:

  • How easy is it to get a stock game up and running for a class?
  • Can teacher see reports detailing student progress?
  • How much educational content is available? Does the game cater to a younger audience?
  • Does the game offer webinars, lesson plans, or other school-specific resources?
  • Are they COPPA and ADA compliant?

Stock Market Games for Individuals

Are you are looking for a stock game for your own use? The main concern is usually how easy it is to get started. Another typical issue is if the game will keep you engaged. Many new traders open up their virtual portfolio, place one or two trades, and completely forget about the game. These simulators are just not engaging!

When we search for the best stock market simulator, we look for:

  • Glossary of investing terms.
  • Embedded investing news to keep us updated on our portfolio.
  • Public contests where we have the chance to win cash or prizes.
  • Educational content that we can use to build our investing acumen.

See All Reviews