OKX demo trading vs. Nova paper mode: an honest comparison

Many exchanges offer a demo mode. OKX's is a well-known example. Here is how it compares with Nova's paper mode. We make Nova, so we are not neutral; we only use facts from public pages, with a link and the date we checked them.

OKX demo trading (from its public pages)

From OKX's help article What's demo trading and how do I use it? (checked on 30 October 2026):

• Demo trading is a simulated environment with virtual assets, switched on from the User Center or via Trade → Demo trading.
• You can simulate spot, margin, futures and options.
• OKX says demo and live are completely separate: price movements in demo mode have no relation to live market conditions, and demo trades don't touch your real assets.
• You can reset your demo assets after closing all positions and orders.

Nova's paper mode

From the Nova home page and the terms:

• Every account starts in paper mode: virtual money on live prices. Results are simulated.
• The same rules apply in paper and live: a mandatory stop-loss on every order, risk limits that can only be tightened, and a kill switch.
• Going live happens on your own exchange account (KuCoin, Bybit, Bybit EU, Bitget or HTX) with an API key without withdrawal rights. Nova never holds your money. OKX is not supported.
• Live trading in Nova is spot only: no live margin, futures or options.
• Plans: Free (€0, 1 exchange key), Pro (€9.99 per month), Premium (€24.99 per month).

Side by side

• Prices: OKX says its demo prices are unrelated to the live market. Nova's paper mode uses live prices.
• Products: OKX demo covers spot, margin, futures and options. Live trading in Nova is spot only.
• Stop-loss: up to you at OKX; required on every order in Nova.
• Step to live: OKX demo leads to trading on OKX. Nova leads to your own account at a supported exchange.

What paper trading cannot tell you

Any demo is friendlier than reality: real orders pay fees, can slip, and real losses feel different. Treat results as practice, not a forecast. See what paper trading can and cannot tell you and how to calculate your position size.

Create a free account (paper mode). No card needed. Want to trade live on more than one exchange later? See the Pro plan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect OKX to Nova?

No, not at the moment. Nova supports KuCoin, Bybit, Bybit EU, Bitget and HTX for live spot trading.

Can I trade futures live in Nova?

No. Live trading in Nova is spot only.

Do demo results predict live results?

No. Demo and paper trading are simulated. You can lose money when you trade live.