Best Apps Like Kalshi in 2026: Tested Alternatives & Comparison

I've tested more than 10 prediction market platforms to bring you the best apps like Kalshi in 2026. Below, I highlight the best options, including Polymarket, which offers many of the same great features as Kalshi.

List of apps like Kalshi in May 2026

#1 RATED
Trade $25, Get $35 in Bonus Funds

Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions specified by Kalshi. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Features
  • Low minimum deposit
  • Legal sports trading in most states
  • Exclusive welcome offer
Claim $35
Terms and conditions:
  • All states + DC (excluding Nevada and Washington).
  • Must be 18+
  • Create and verify your Kalshi account.
  • Deposit at least $10 or more.
  • Trade $25+ worth of event contracts with seven days of registering.
  • Receive $35 in bonus funds.
  • Bonus funds cannot be cashed out, must be used to make additional trades.
Features
#2
Deposit $10, Get $50 Trading Bonus

18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading involves high risk and may result in loss of your entire investment. See polymarket.us/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange and clearing organization.

Features
  • Fast withdrawals
  • Sports trading available
  • Good mix of markets
Claim $50
Terms and conditions:
  • All states + DC, must be 18+.
  • Create and verify your Polymarket account.
  • Deposit $10 or more and receive $50 in bonus funds.
  • Bonus funds cannot be cashed out, must be used to make additional trades.
Features
#3
Deposit $10, Get $25 in Trade Credits

Terms and conditions apply.

Features
  • Responsive mobile app
  • Peer to peer trading
  • CFTC approved
Claim $25
Terms and conditions:
  • 21+; new Novig users only.
  • Use the Novig promo code SBRBONUS to qualify.
  • Make a first deposit of $10 or more.
  • Collect $25 in Trade Credits.
  • Some market and pricing restrictions apply to Trade Credits.
  • Trade Credits cannot be applied partially or used on Make Orders.
Features
#4
Trade $50, Get $75

Terms and conditions apply.

Features
  • New prediction market
  • First trade bonus
  • Now available nationwide (excl. NV)
Claim $75
Terms and conditions:
  • 18+; new users only.
  • Use the ProphetX promo code SBR to qualify.
  • Make $50 or more worth of trades within 30 days.
  • Collect $75 in bonus funds (three $25 increments).
  • Unused bonus funds expire 45 days after receipt.
  • Bonus funds can only be used to make additional trades and cannot be withdrawn as cash.
Features
#5
50% First Deposit Match, up to $1,000

Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply.  Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit http://www.ncpgambling.org . NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369) 

Features
  • Quick withdrawals
  • Customer support 24/7
  • Excellent mobile app
Claim $1,000
Terms and conditions:
  • Sign up as a new Underdog customer with the promo code SBRBONUS.
  • Get your first deposit matched 50%, up to $1,000 in bonus funds.
  • Min. deposit is $10.
  • Must be 18+ (21+ in select states).
  • This promotional offer is ongoing.
  • Bonus funds cannot be cashed out directly; must be used to make additional predictions.
  • In CT, HI, ID, IA, LA, ME, MT, WA only: Max. 25% deposit match, up to $250.
Features
#6
Trade $5, Get $100 in Predicts Bonuses

Terms and conditions apply; select states only. 

Features
  • Live in all 50 states + DC
  • New Prediction Market
  • Low-risk bonus
Terms and conditions
  • 18+; new customers only.
  • Bonus available in 18 states ((AK, AL, CA, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, MN, ND, NE, NM, OK, RI, SC, SD, TX, or UT)
  • Must deposit $5 or more.
  • Must make a $1+ trade every day, for five straight days.
  • Collect $20 in Prediction Bonus Funds each day.
  • Bonus funds cannot be withdrawn as cash.
  • Bonus funds expire 24 hours after receipt
Features
#7
Up to $100 Trade Match

Terms and conditions apply. 

Features
  • Top rewards
  • Great Bonuses
  • Referral Options
Terms and condtions
  • New Gemini customers only.
  • 50% first trade match up to $100 in Predict Cash.
  • Predict Cash cannot be withdrawn or transferred. Must be used to make trades.
  • 18+ in most states; terms and conditions apply.
Features
#8
Trade $10, Get $10

Campaign period: Extended. The promotion expires seven days after account verification, and only events settled within this seven-day window are eligible. Each qualifying trade must be worth at least $10 and have a probability below 80%. Trades at or above 80% probability will not count. Trades are counted only after they have settled, and trades placed using rewards are not eligible.

Features
  • Prediction market
  • Sports trading available
  • Margin trading available
Terms and conditions:
  • Campaign Period: Extended
  • The promotion expires 7 days after account verification. Only events settled within this 7-day window are eligible.
  • Each qualifying trade must be worth at least $10.
  • Only trades with probabilities below 80% qualify.
  • Trades at or above 80% probability will not be counted.
  • Trades are only counted once they have settled.
  • Trades placed using rewards will not be counted.
Features
#9
Trade $10, Get $20

Trading in futures involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor.

Features
  • CFTC Registered
  • 33+ million users
  • Award winning app
Claim $20
Plus500 Terms and Conditions
  • 18+ (21+ where required); new users only.
  • Use the Plus500 promo code SBRBONUS.
  • Make a first trade of $10 or more.
  • Receive $20 in Bonus Funds.
  • Bonus funds cannot be cashed out directly or transferred.
Features
#10
$50 Sign Up Bonus

Terms and conditions apply.

Features
  • Supports more than 250 cryptocurrencies
  • Secure trading platform
  • Predict sports, politics, pop culture
Crypto.com Review

Crypto.com is a trusted cryptocurrency exchange and an emerging prediction market platform that offers event contracts on sports, elections, economics, and pop culture. Use fiat cash or crypto to make trades and get paid in real time. 

Features

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-MY-RESET.

Book logo
Trade $25, Get $35 in Bonus Funds

Find your best Kalshi alternative in seconds

I've created this list of the best apps like Kalshi based on specific criteria.

If you want… Use this app
The closest experience to Kalshi Polymarket
Fast live sports trading OG
The best app for crypto users Gemini
Best for beginners FanDuel Predicts
An all-in-one crypto platform where you can also make predictions Crypto.com
A low-risk, high-reward welcome offer Novig
An award-winning mobile app Underdog
Something new with great sports markets ProphetX
Newest prediction market Onyx

Compare apps like Kalshi September 2026

While Kalshi is my favorite prediction market platform, there are numerous reasons I've tried out other apps. In some instances, the odds were better, while in others, a market wasn't available at Kalshi. And in other cases, I really just wanted to change things up.

Here's a table highlighting five of my favorite prediction market apps like Kalshi.

Polymarket OG Novig FanDuel Predicts Gemini ProphetX
⭐ Regulation CFTC CFTC CFTC CFTC CFTC CFTC
πŸ“ Availability All states + DC All states + DC (except NY) 35 states + DC All states + DC All states + DC All states + DC (except Nevada)
πŸ’Έ Min. deposits $10 $10 $10 $5 $10 $10
πŸ’° Fees No withdrawal or maker fees. Smaller contract fees than Kalshi ranging from $0.05 to $1.25 Between $0.02 and $0.04 per contract. 1.49% fee for debit card withdrawals No fee on pre-game straight trades; 0.03 Γ— P Γ— (1βˆ’P) per contract on live straight trades; 0.10 Γ— P Γ— (1βˆ’P) per contract on parlays Up to $0.02 per $1 contract Fixed maker rate of $0.0175 and a taker rate of $0.07 Straight trades are charged a 2% trading fee on net gains per market. Parlay trades aren't charged
πŸ’³ Payment methods Crypto, Visa, Mastercard, virtual fiat accounts Bank transfer, Plaid, debit card, PayPal, wire transfer ACH bank transfers via Trustly Debit cards, Apple Pay, online bank transfer Bank transfer, wire transfer, crypto, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay Bank transfer, wire, crypto
πŸ“± App rating 4.6 (iOS), 4.3 (Android) 4.4 (iOS), 3.9 (Android) 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android) 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android) 4.8 (iOS), 4 (Android) 4.8/54.84.3 (Android)
🌟 Best for Cost efficient trading Live sports trading Low-risk, high-reward welcome bonus Prediction market rookies Crypto transactions Sports markets on a new platform

Top 9 apps like Kalshi reviewed

1. Polymarket - Best overall alternative

The debate between Polymarket vs. Kalshi has been ongoing ever since Polymarket became legal in the US again. This CFTC-approved prediction market app is fee-free for maker orders and doesn't charge withdrawal fees, unlike Kalshi.

One of my favorite things about Polymarket is how crypto friendly the platform is. If you're an avid crypto user, then Polymarket is absolutely worth checking out.

Polymarket is excellent for cost-efficient trading, and if you use SBR's Polymarket promo code SBR, you can deposit $10 and earn a $50 bonus. 

If you're looking for great alternatives to Kalshi and Polymarket, check out SBR's apps like Polymarket page.

2. Novig - Best low-risk, high-reward welcome offer

For a short period of time, Novig operated as both a prediction market platform and a sweepstakes casino. However, the app has since become a full-fledged prediction market app, which is a huge improvement, in my opinion.

While experienced prediction market app users won't have any trouble getting the hang of Novig, they're likely to be disappointed that only sports markets are available. I wasn't able to find political, weather, cultural, or financial markets.

While this may bother some, I recommend checking out the platform to earn one of the industry's best welcome bonuses. New users can use the Novig promo code SBRBONUS to claim a deposit $10, get $25 welcome offer. No trading is required to max out this bonus.

3. ProphetX - Best new platform

If you're looking for something new, then ProphetX is the place for you. While the platform has been around since 2018, it just received approval from the CFTC to operate as a prediction market platform in June 2026.

New traders can use the ProphetX promo code SBR to earn $75 in bonus funds after $50 in trades. While this isn't the largest bonus by any means, it's still a solid amount. It would be nice if the trading requirements were lower, though, since some competing brands only require $10 or $20 in trades before releasing their bonuses. 

ProphetX currently only offers sports markets, but that's likely to change in the near future. I will update this page if markets related to politics, weather, pop culture, or the economy become available.

4. Underdog - Best welcome offer

You can use the Underdog promo code SBRBONUS to unlock the largest prediction market welcome bonus: a 50% first deposit match up to $1,000*. This bonus requires a $2,000 deposit to max out. While that may be steep for many, it's still great to see Underdog willing to dish out such a large bonus, especially in an industry where most welcome offers are under $50.

One of my favorite Underdog wrinkles is the Keep Your Million game. Register at Underdog, and you'll enter the game with a virtual pot of $1 million. You'll be given 20 player prop questions with answers that are either higher or lower. After answering all 20 questions, if any of your original $1 million still exists, you'll be given bonus funds equal to that amount.

*Max. deposit match offer is 25% up to $250 in the following states: CT, HI, ID, IA, LA, ME, MT, WA

5. FanDuel - Best for beginners

FanDuel is bringing its familiar brand to prediction markets with FanDuel Predicts, a streamlined platform available on iOS and Android. If you’ve used another FanDuel product before, the app should feel instantly familiar.

Its clean blue-and-white design and simple, uncluttered layout make FanDuel Predicts especially easy to navigate, giving prediction market newcomers a smooth place to get started.

New users in select states can also score $100 in Predicts Bonuses. Simply make at least one trade of $1 or more each day for your first five days, and you’ll earn $20 in Predicts Bonus funds for every day you qualify. Better yet, there’s no FanDuel Predicts promo code required.

6. Gemini - Best for crypto transactions

If you already use Gemini Exchange for crypto transactions, then using Gemini Predictions will offer a seamless transition for you. To make predictions, you use the same app as Gemini Exchange, which makes it easy to keep all your assets in one place.

Gemini has no trade caps, and it makes liquidity easy to spot, with market volume listed below every event.

I was able to unlock the Gemini promo code and grab $100 in Predicts Cash via a 50% first trade match bonus. Getting up to $100 in bonuses easily makes this one of the best prediction market promos.

If you're already familiar with Gemini Exchange and primarily want to trade crypto, Gemini might be the best alternative to Kalshi for you.

7. OG - Best for live sports trades

There's no doubt that the OG promo code is among the best of any prediction market app. New users can grab $10 in bonus funds after any first qualifying trade of $10 or more.

Of course, a welcome bonus isn't everything, but OG.com backs up its welcome promo with a platform that is loaded with trading options. OG allows users to trade on sports, politics, culture, and economics. Not only does OG allow users to trade on player props, but the platform also covers sports outside of the Big 4, such as golf, various soccer leagues, college athletics, and F1. It also has a dedicated Live trading section, which is great for up-to-the-second market data. 

I also love how straightforward the fees are at OG. While other apps have intense algorithms to determine fees for specific trades, OG simply charges between $0.02 and $0.04 for every contract. While this may be more expensive in some instances than what you pay at Kalshi or Polymarket, it's nice to know exactly what you're paying and why.

8. Plus500 - Best for political markets

If you're looking for a platform that puts economic and geopolitical markets ahead of sports, then Plus500 is for you. While there are plenty of sports markets, there are more political and economic markets available at Plus500 than at most other prediction market sites.

Plus500 is actually a Kalshi-backed platform with clearing through Kalshi Klear LLC. However, fees are worse at Plus500 than at Kalshi. While the $0.01 per-contract commission isn't much, it can add up quickly, especially if you trade in and out frequently.

Without needing a Plus500 promo code, new users can take advantage of a trade $10, get $20 welcome bonus.

9. Crypto.com - Best for crypto availability

As the name suggests, cryptocurrency takes center stage at Crypto.com. Users can fund their accounts with over 400 cryptocurrencies, which is 100s more options than you'll find on most other platforms.

Customer support is available 24/7, and the mobile-friendly platform settles trades almost instantly. The only real downside is that there aren't as many sports markets available as at traditional sportsbooks.

Without a Crypto.com promo code, new users can grab $50 in bonuses for signing up and referring friends.

How Kalshi stacks up to these alternatives

Kalshi is the best-of-the-best when it comes to prediction market apps. However, other apps, especially the eight mentioned above, are closing the gap quickly. Here are the areas where Kalshi is still ahead, as well as the ones where Kalshi is starting to lag.

Where Kalshi still wins

  • No one offers more market coverage than Kalshi. Kalshi allows trading on more than 20 sports and 10 non-sports markets.
  • Excellent user interface. While most of Kalshi's alternatives have great mobile apps, none is as simple to use as Kalshi's.
  • Liquidity is another area where Kalshi has the edge over most competitors. Because Kalshi is so well known in the industry, you'll rarely ever have trouble filling an order, which isn't always the case with some alternatives.
  • Kalshi allows users to contact them and make their own markets. While this is becoming popular at other prediction apps, Kalshi is still the best place to do this.
  • Kalshi offers users lots of variety when it comes to transferring money in and out of their accounts. A lot of apps are very limited, sometimes only offering one or two methods, while Kalshi offers plenty including, crypto, PayPal, bank transfer, and debit cards.

Where alternatives beat Kalshi

  • Kalshi doesn't have any ongoing promotions, unlike some prediction platforms that reward existing users for loyalty.
  • Kalshi's fees tend to be more complicated and sometimes more expensive than competing apps.
  • Kalshi's welcome bonus is $35 after making $25 in trades, which is lower than some competitors'.

State-by-state availability

Kalshi is available in 48 states plus DC. It is only unavailable in Nevada and Washington. Most prediction markets have similar legal status in the U.S., although there are some random differences due to legal battles. It's also worth noting that while Underdog Predicts is unavailable in 15 states, other Underdog products are available in all states except Nevada.

Kalshi Polymarket OG Underdog Gemini ProphetX
Arizona βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
California βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ…
Colorado βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Delaware βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Georgia βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ…
Florida βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ…
Illinois βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Kentucky βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Massachusetts βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Maryland βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Michigan βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Mississippi βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Montana βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ…
Nevada ❌ βœ… βœ… ❌ βœ… ❌
New Jersey βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
New York βœ… βœ… ❌ Limited βœ… βœ…
North Carolina βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ…
Ohio βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Pennsylvania βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Tennessee βœ… βœ… βœ… Limited βœ… βœ…
Texas βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ…

Fee comparison: what you actually pay

While some platforms have very standard fees, Kalshi and Polymarket use complicated formulas to determine how much you owe for each contract you purchase. 

Kalshi uses the following formula to determine the fee for each contract purchased: 0.07 Γ— C Γ— P Γ— (1 βˆ’ P). This means that fees range between $0.07 and $1.75 per 100 contracts, and contracts closer to 50 cents have higher fees than contracts at the extremes.

Polymarket's fee structure is very similar. The formula of Ξ˜ Γ— C Γ— p Γ— (1 βˆ’ p) may not mean much to you, but putting it into simple terms, there are greater fees for contracts priced around 50 cents than there are for contracts closer to $0.01 or $0.99.

OG, Underdog, FanDuel Predicts, and Gemini have elected to go a much simpler route, with fees set at flat rates ranging between $0.02 and $0.07. While simplicity may appeal to some, the fees at Kalshi and Polymarket are often smaller than at these alternatives.

Casino Fee structure
Kalshi Between $0.07 to $1.75 per 100 contracts
Polymarket Between $0.05 to $1.25 per 100 contracts
OG $0.02 per contract and $0.02 to close it early
Underdog $0.02 per contract
FanDuel Predicts Up to $0.02 per $1 contract
Gemini Fixed maker rate of $0.0175 and a taker rate of $0.07
Underdog $0.01 per contract per side (additional fees might apply)

Funding methods & payout speeds

The user experience of a prediction market app is very important, but there are many who would argue that withdrawal speed is even more valuable. After you've earned your money, you'll want to know that you can withdraw it in a timely manner. Here's a look at how long it generally takes for Kalshi and the leading apps like Kalshi to payout earnings via various funding methods.

Kalshi Polymarket OG Underdog Gemini ProphetX
Bank transfer 3-4 business days N/A 1-3 days 1-3 business days 1-2 business days 1-5 business days
Cards Within 1 hour N/A N/A 1-3 business days N/A N/A
Crypto Within 1 hour Instant N/A N/A Instant Instant
PayPal 1-3 business days N/A N/A 1-3 business days N/A N/A

Apps like Kalshi list

I've compiled this simple list of the best apps like Kalshi, including each platform's welcome bonus. If a promo code is needed, you will also find it below.

Platform Welcome bonus Promo code
Polymarket Deposit $10, Get $50 Trading Bonus SBR
Novig Deposit $10, Get $25 in Trade Credits SBRBONUS
ProphetX Trade $50, Get $75 SBR
Underdog 50% First Deposit Match, up to $1,000 SBRBONUS
FanDuel Predicts Trade $5, Get $100 in Predicts Bonuses N/A
Gemini Up to $100 Trade Match N/A
OG Trade $10, Get $10 N/A
Plus500 Trade $10, Get $20 SBRBONUS
Crypto.com $50 Sign Up Bonus N/A
Moon 3.5% Rake Back SBR
Onyx Spend $10, Get $50 SBR
Fanatics Markets Up to $350 in FanCash Trade Matching N/A
Robinhood Between a $5 and $20 stock N/A

How to switch from Kalshi

Switching from Kalshi to a similar app takes no time at all. This is made easier by the fact that you can have accounts at multiple prediction market platforms at the same time. However, if you're ready to move on from Kalshi and make another app the only platform you use, here's a step-by-step guide. 

1. Resolve open positions

The first thing you're going to want to do before you switch to an app like Kalshi is resolve your open trades. This means selling any contracts that are open, or waiting for your open contracts to resolve after an event goes final.

2. Withdrawing funds

There is no way to transfer funds directly from Kalshi to another prediction market app. Therefore, you will need to withdraw any money or crypto in your account before you can use it on another platform. This process looks just like any other withdrawal. Unlike switching from one bank to another, you don't need to close your account. Just withdraw how you always have, and the funds will be added to your preferred payout method.

3. Tax timing

We are not tax professionals, and we cannot offer tax advice. However, when withdrawing, keep your taxes in mind. Because Kalshi is CFTC-regulated and operates similarly to a stock exchange, you will need to pay taxes on any earnings you withdraw. Remember to keep the tax calendar in mind, and reach out to your accountant if you're ever unsure how to move forward.

4. USDC bridging

If you're using crypto, Kalshi supports USDC bridging. This allows you to move USDC from one blockchain to another. While this will still require you to withdraw your funds from Kalshi, you can use your withdrawal to purchase any of the cryptocurrencies supported by the platform.

Are apps like Kalshi legal in the US?

Yes, apps like Kalshi are legal in the US. All the apps we mentioned above are CFTC-regulated, meaning they operate under federal jurisdiction. That enables you to use Kalshi in Georgia, and other states without legalized sportsbook laws. 

That said, there are some similar apps we recommend you avoid. Here's a look at the legality of apps like Kalshi.

CFTC-regulated

These are the main prediction market platforms that operate in the US. CFTC regulation essentially means that an app has gone through all the legal processes necessary to operate in the US, and they continue to hold themselves to the standards of the governing body. CFTC-regulated apps include Polymarket, OG.com, Underdog, Gemini, and many more, and they are the safest options for those looking to get started at prediction market platforms.

Sweepstakes casinos

Sweepstakes casinos aren't CFTC-regulated, and instead, their legality is up to individual states. Because of this, these platforms tend to be available in fewer states than CFTC-regulated prediction market apps, as many state governments attempt to shut them down. 

Still, these sweepstakes casinos are fully legal in the states where they operate, and they offer an excellent alternative to online casinos, sportsbooks, and prediction market apps.

Offshore/decentralized sportsbooks

We recommend that you stay away from offshore sportsbooks entirely. Many have come under fire in recent years for not paying out winnings or shutting down without giving players their money back. These sportsbooks and prediction market apps do not operate legally in the United States, so if anything happens to your money, there's not much that you can do about it. 

Tax reporting on Kalshi alternatives

Disclaimer: We are not tax professionals, and we cannot provide tax advice. The purpose of this section is to simply make you aware of tax reporting with Kalshi and the best prediction market apps like Kalshi. If you have any specific questions regarding taxes, you should reach out to an accountant.

As of June 2026, there hasn't been any guidance from the IRS regarding prediction markets. So while some platforms, such as Kalshi, will provide you with a 1099-B, others won't. Keep track of your earnings throughout the year, as you may need to go in and calculate your total earnings or losses. This could change in the future if the IRS takes a clear stance on how it wants earnings from prediction markets reported.

Section 1256 treats gains and losses as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, no matter how long you actually held your positions. This is much more complicated than a standard 1099, but it may be able to help you save a lot of money in taxes at the end of the year.

If you primarily fund your accounts with crypto, you will still need to report all earnings on the prediction market app like Kalshi that you use, as well as your gains or losses from your crypto wallet.

How we tested and ranked these apps

To determine the best apps like Kalshi, our team of experts spent at least 5 hours on each platform, diving into payment methods, available markets, user experience, fees, and more. Below, I break down what we did and how each category affects our overall rating of each app.

User experience

I consider this to be the most important factor when testing out an app like Kalshi. There is nothing more frustrating than downloading an app and not being able to figure out how to use it. I want simplicity from the moment I sign up through the moment I withdraw my earnings.

Before providing a rating, our teams of experts register with an app, ensuring that welcome bonuses work and there aren't any confusing elements throughout the process. We then deposit real money and make real trades.

For example, when testing Polymarket, I deposited $10 to earn $20 in bonus funds. I then used those funds to trade on the Knicks as NBA champions. As the NBA Finals played out, I was able to monitor the Knicks' odds as they fluctuated with every win and loss. I considered selling my contracts for a profit with the Knicks up 2-1, but I ended up holding on until they won it all.

[Editor's note: This references an older Polymarket bonus. The current amount is $50 for new customers.]

Available markets and liquidity

Having a plethora of available markets is key to the success of any prediction market app. What makes prediction market apps so enticing, aside from their availability in states where sportsbooks can't operate, is the presence of markets that you won't find at standard sportsbooks.

An app will score high if it has plenty of cultural markets, such as awards shows, politics, and the economy, to go along with a healthy number of sports markets. However, having these markets isn't enough. Apps also must have users who fund liquidity and make it so that trades execute, even in more niche markets.

Security and trust

Every app that we recommend is CFTC-regulated, meaning that they have to adhere to strict standards from the US government. If a prediction market app isn't regulated, then we recommend you stay away. 

Payment methods and withdrawal speed

Options are key for transferring funds to and from your account. Some apps are very limited, such as Polymarket, where you can only withdraw via crypto. Since this method might not be ideal for everyone, Polymarket scores lower in this category than Kalshi, where users have plenty of options for both deposits and withdrawals.

However, payout speed is also very important. The apps that we recommend tend to process withdrawals in 1-3 business days, though if you use crypto for withdrawals, you will often see you funds instantly.

Customer support

To score high in customer support, an app must have active customer service reps available to chat as often as possible. Some apps only offer email correspondence, while others offer a live chat but with AI rather than a real person. We look for apps that have human representatives available to assist you with any questions or concerns you have around the clock.

Red flags: apps like Kalshi to avoid

Prediction market apps haven't see the same influx of offshore or illegal operators that we see in the world of sportsbooks. While all of our options above are safe to use, be wary when registering for other platforms and always keep the following red flags in mind:

  • Unregulated platforms should be avoided at all costs
  • Watch for lesser-known platforms with a history of insider trading and market manipulation
  • If you are a US resident, never use a platform that operates offshore, as you won't have any protections should your funds be compromised

Responsible trading

While prediction markets aren't technically considered gambling, you are still risking your money, and there is a chance that you could end up losing funds. Always keep in mind the risks as well as the rewards when trading. If you find that trading on a prediction market platform is no longer enjoyable, and you feel that you have lost control, reach out to one of the many support lines that are available nationwide.

National helplines: 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MYRESET

Apps Like Kalshi FAQs

What is the closest app to Kalshi?

The closest app to Kalshi is Polymarket, as they both have numerous sports and non-sports markets and similar fee structures.

Is Polymarket better than Kalshi?

In my opinion, Kalshi is still slightly better than Polymarket. Polymarket is better when it comes to fees, but Kalshi has many more available markets for sports and cultural events. Still, Polymarket is comparable and worth trying.

Can I use Kalshi and another app at the same time?

Yes, you can use Kalshi and another app at the same time. There is nothing restricting you from using multiple prediction market apps simultaneously.

What apps like Kalshi work in restricted states?

OG.com, Polymarket, Underdog, and Gemini are just a few of the prediction market apps like Kalshi that work in states where Kalshi is restricted.