Free. Instant demo. $100,000 virtual cash. Charles Schwab’s paper trading runs through thinkorswim paperMoney, its practice mode inside the thinkorswim platform. Here is an honest side-by-side of JagSim and Schwab paper trading. JagSim is not affiliated with Charles Schwab. Paper trades on either side are virtual money only.
Both let you practice with virtual money. The biggest practical differences: JagSim runs in the browser with nothing to install and keeps permanent signed-in portfolios. Schwab’s paperMoney is strongest if you already use, or plan to use, the thinkorswim platform and want practice that mirrors that full desktop workflow. For a deeper look at that mode, see our vs thinkorswim paperMoney page.
| What matters | JagSim | Charles Schwab (thinkorswim paperMoney) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, no credit card | Free to practice with a login |
| Signup required? | No for demo (/try). Free account optional to save | Yes, a Schwab / thinkorswim login (paperMoney runs in the thinkorswim platform) |
| Starting virtual cash | $100,000 | Large, adjustable virtual balance in paperMoney (per Schwab docs) |
| Platform | Browser, nothing to install | thinkorswim desktop, web, and mobile; Schwab web and app |
| Stocks & ETFs | Yes, real tickers on live charts | Yes, mirrors thinkorswim live tools |
| Crypto | Yes, BTC & ETH, including weekends (virtual) | Check Schwab for current crypto-related product availability |
| Market data | Real-time prices from Tiingo | thinkorswim markets real-time-style practice data (per their product) |
| Best for | Fast, no-install browser practice and permanent portfolios | Practicing inside Schwab / thinkorswim before trading real money there |
| Real money / broker? | No, simulator only, not a broker | paperMoney is simulated; Schwab is a brokerage |
Facts checked against JagSim’s live product (August 2026). Schwab and thinkorswim details describe the publicly documented products and may change on their site.
Schwab offers thinkorswim, and paperMoney is thinkorswim’s paper-trading mode. If that is what you are comparing, our dedicated vs thinkorswim paperMoney page goes deeper on that specific tool.
Yes, both are free ways to practice with virtual cash. JagSim also gives you a live demo with no account and no card, then an optional free signup when you want a permanent portfolio and leaderboard rank.
Yes. Open the free demo, search a ticker, and place practice orders immediately. Schwab’s paperMoney typically requires a Schwab or thinkorswim login and the thinkorswim platform.
JagSim uses real-time market prices and is not a broker. You cannot deposit, withdraw, or lose real cash on paper trades. Schwab’s paperMoney is also virtual money only, practice inside their platform, not live fills for your paper account.
Choose JagSim if you want a fast browser desk, free tryout, stocks plus crypto, and a portfolio that stays with you. Choose Schwab’s paperMoney if you already use thinkorswim (or plan to) and want practice that matches that platform’s live workflow.
This page is an independent comparison published by JagInsights LLC (JagSim). It is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with The Charles Schwab Corporation, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., or their affiliates. Product names, including thinkorswim and paperMoney, are trademarks of their respective owners.
JagSim is a free paper-trading simulator by JagInsights LLC. Simulated trading with virtual money only, not real securities, not real money, and not investment advice. Always verify competitor features on the publisher’s own site before deciding.
Paper trading on JagSim is free forever — $100,000 in practice money, real-time prices, and no card to start. Pro adds Coach Jag’s guided walkthroughs, the deep Intel on your book, Intel Tape, and multi-chart layouts. Or $49 a year.