GameStock vs. thinkorswim.
paperMoney is a pro-grade simulator. GameStock is where practice becomes a competition.
Used by 100K+ players
Partners & press
Quick answer
Is GameStock or thinkorswim better for you?
thinkorswim is Schwab's trading platform, and its paperMoney simulator gives $100,000 of virtual buying power across stocks, options, futures and forex. Non-clients get a 30-day guest pass. GameStock turns practice into free or paid tournaments, 1v1s and leagues with friends, and lets you buy stocks or rip packs where available.
By the GameStock team · Last updated
Side by side
GameStock vs thinkorswim, feature by feature.
| Feature | GameStock | thinkorswim |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Investing and competing: tournaments, 1v1s and leagues | Advanced active trading |
| Access[2] | Yes: Free app with free and paid competitions | Partly: Schwab clients; 30-day guest pass for others |
| Paper trading[1] | Yes: Free competitions and paper trading | Yes: paperMoney, $100K virtual |
| Competitions with real prizes | Yes: Core product: entry fee and prizes shown before you join | No: No competitions |
| Play against friends | Yes: 1v1s and private leagues of up to 24 friends | No: Solo practice |
| Markets[1] | Live stocks, crypto, perps and futures | Stocks, options, futures and forex |
The verdict
Which one should you use?
Choose GameStock if…
- You want practice that doesn't expire after a 30-day guest pass.
- You want free or paid tournaments with prizes shown before you join.
- You want 1v1s and leagues with up to 24 friends.
- You want a mobile-first app rather than a desktop workstation.
Choose thinkorswim if…
- You want professional options and futures tools.
- You're a Schwab client and want a simulator that mirrors live trading.
- You want to practice forex alongside stocks and options.
Why paperMoney users add GameStock.
Practice with a scoreboard
Every GameStock tournament shows its market, rules, schedule, entry fee and prize structure before you join.
No account required to compete
Download GameStock and enter a free competition, without opening a brokerage account first.
Head to head
Go 1v1 against a player at your level, or start a league with up to 24 friends.
Players said it best.
“This is by far my favorite stock trading app. The stock trading tournaments and the head to head matchups against friends are what make this app stand out from the rest. Elite app fr”
“I’m extremely impressed with Gamestock and have won many tourneys. Daily fantasy sports meets the stock market for an exciting new way to participate in the markets.”
“Honestly one of the funnest trading games out there you can trade against your friends with a million dollars and see who’s the best trader awesome”
“To be honest, GameStock is indeed impressive at how they make trading to be competitive. Was thrilled at how easy it was to join a fast-paced stock-trading tournament today and had a good score on the rankings. Would keep using this app for as long as it lasts because this is definitely what I’ve been waiting for all this while.”
“This platform is fire. What I love most about GameStock is how it turns trading into a genuine game. The tournaments are fast-paced and keep you on your toes, which has actually helped me understand market movements a lot better. The rewards system is fair, and the whole experience feels very rewarding. It’s rare to find an app that is this addictive while still being high-quality. Highly recommend gamestock!”
Alternatives
Best thinkorswim alternatives.
GameStock
The paperMoney alternative where practice is a competition.
Webull
Free paper trading with unlimited virtual funds.
TradingView
Charting and free solo paper trading on web and mobile.
GameStock vs thinkorswim FAQs
Sources
- thinkorswim paperMoney, checked 28 October 2026
- thinkorswim Guest Pass, checked 28 October 2026
thinkorswim is a trademark of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. GameStock is not affiliated with or endorsed by thinkorswim. Competitor details come from the public sources above and may change; check them before you decide. Nothing here is investment advice. Availability of stocks, packs and paid competitions depends on your location.