Apps Like Polymarket in 2026: First-Hand Comparisons

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Looking for the best Polymarket alternative? Here's a table to help you decide which app you should try out first.

Apps like Polymarket at a glance May 2026

We've seen an explosion of prediction markets in 2026, with many companies hoping to cash in on "the next big thing" in tech and finance. While Polymarket likes to call itself 'the world's largest prediction market', it's far from the only option available:

*Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Top 4 apps like Polymarket reviewed

1. Kalshi- Best for market variety

If you're looking for the app most similar to Polymarket, Kalshi is the place for you. Kalshi is CFTC-regulated and offers the best market variety. You'll find nearly 20 sports markets and 10+ non-sports markets, which is significantly more than you'll find at Polymarket.

Another major positive for Kalshi is how easy it is to use your bank account for funding your account. All accounts at Polymarket need to use third-party services for deposits and withdrawals, as bank accounts can't be directly linked. This isn't the case at Kalshi, where bank accounts, debit cards, and even PayPal can be used.

The fee structure is very similar at these two platforms, though you will pay slightly lower fees at Polymarket than Kalshi. That said, the Kalshi promo code is easier to obtain, as you can deposit as little as $1 to earn $10 in bonuses. While the Polymarket welcome offer dishes out $50 in bonuses, the minimum deposit for the bonus is $20.

For a more thorough breakdown of how these two giants compare, check out our Polymarket vs. Kalshi page.

2. OG - Best for welcome bonus

Unlocking the OG promo code can land you $100 in bonuses, the most of any prediction market app like Polymarket. Maximizing this bonus comes down to trading, but what I love most is that it is administered in stages. While you'll need to trade $500 or more to earn the entire $100 in bonuses, you can grab $10 in bonuses for trading $10. Trade $100, and you'll receive $25, and trade $250, and you'll receive $50.

Of course, welcome bonuses are only good for the initial part of your journey with a platform, so it's good to know that OG.com has plenty of other perks as well. Fees are low, priced at just $0.02 per contract. If you sell a position early, then there is another $0.02 fee. While these fees can add up, you'll generally find yourself paying less for contracts than at Polymarket, especially for markets priced around $0.50.

Banking methods are another huge perk for OG, as the platform allows for bank transfers, Plaid, debit card, PayPal, and wire transfers. That said, at this time, bank transfers are the only means of withdrawals. Additionally, crypto is not supported, though if you're looking for an alternative to Polymarket, crypto may be the issue in the first place.

3. Underdog - Best for mobile app

Underdog offers a level of variety that other apps like Polymarket can't. This is because Underdog Predicts is relatively new and available in the same app as all other Underdog products, such as Pick'em and DFS. The app works so seamlessly that it has a 4.8/5 rating on both iOS and Android.

If you're looking for an easy-to-navigate app that allows you to purchase Yes or No contracts and also pick Over or Under on player props, then this is the platform for you. Underdog's main focus is sports, but you'll still find plenty of markets related to politics, awards shows, the economy, and business. 

While crypto isn't supported, Underdog offers a slew of other banking methods, including fiat options like debit and credit cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, and PayPal. And with Underdog promo code SBRBONUS, you can grab $50 in bonuses after depositing $10.  

4. Gemini - Best for crypto transactions

Gemini Predictions is the prediction market app of Gemini Exchange, an all-in-one crypto platform that makes it easy for you to trade various cryptocurrencies. If you already use Gemini Exchange, then transitioning to Gemini Predictions will be simple.

Market volume is listed below every event, so you'll never be left wondering how much liquidity there is for markets. Additionally, Gemini doesn't have any trade caps. It also supports plenty of banking methods, a big positive when compared with Polymarket.

However, there are quite a few downsides at Gemini Predictions, including limited markets, and a lack of one of the best prediction market promos. Still, if you prefer using cryptocurrencies, then Gemini Predictions is the best app like Polymarket for you.

Polymarket vs Kalshi: The core comparison

Kalshi and Polymarket are the two largest prediction market apps, which leads to constant comparison between the two. Both platforms have excellent liquidity and are CFTC-approved. However, aside from that, there are a lot of differences between the two apps.

Market availability

Kalshi has the advantage when it comes to market availability, with more than twice as many markets as Polymarket. Not only does Kalshi have nearly 20 sports markets, but it also has more than 10 non-sports categories. Polymarket barely has 10 available markets across both areas.

Fees

Polymarket gets the advantage when it comes to fees, as contracts priced around $0.50 can end up costing nearly $0.50 more per 100 contracts than at Polymarket. The cheapest fees at Polymarket are $0.05 for 100 contracts, while the cheapest fees at Kalshi are $0.07 per 100 contracts. This may not seem like much, but it adds up over time.

Welcome bonus

Kalshi's welcome bonus is easier to obtain, as you can deposit as little as $1 and will earn $10 in bonuses after you make $10 worth of trades. However, Polymarket offers $50 in bonuses, even though you'll need to deposit $20 to get these funds.

State-by-state availability

Polymarket is now available in all 50 states + DC. Kalshi is only available in 42 states. This gives Polymarket a clear advantage in accessibility.

Funding

Kalshi supports bank transfer, debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, and crypto for deposits and withdrawals. Polymarket supports fiat options for deposits, but the platform doesn't allow users to link their US bank accounts. Additionally, users can only withdraw via crypto at Polymarket.

How Polymarket compares to these alternatives

New competition is constantly emerging in the prediction market space, which means Polymarket must continually evolve to remain one of the best platforms in the industry. Here are the key areas where Polymarket surpasses or lags behind the best prediction market apps.  

Where Polymarket still wins

• Polymarket is available in every state, while many competitors are unavailable in some key jurisdictions.
• Polymarket offers deep liquidity on political and geopolitical markets, which is only matched by Kalshi.
• Excellent fee structure, which is often the lowest for 100-contract purchases when compared to other prediction market apps.
• Those who want to use crypto for trading will struggle to find a better option than Polymarket. Polymarket allows users to easily connect their crypto wallets and make fast, blockchain-based transactions.

Where alternatives beat Polymarket

• One of Polymarket's weakest areas is banking methods. Leading competitors offer many more deposit and withdrawal methods. We hope to see Polymarket introduce US bank funding in the future.
• Polymarket doesn't offer ongoing promos or loyalty programs, unlike some alternatives.
• The mobile app isn't as easy to use as other leaders, especially Underdog and Kalshi.
• Polymarket doesn't provide any tax forms, so you'll need to keep track of all your earnings yourself during tax season.

State-by-state availability

Polymarket's availability is unmatched, especially after the waitlist was removed from the platform in May 2026. Now, users can register and immediately start trading in all 50 states + DC.

The following table shows the availability of Polymarket and its top competitors in key states. Underdog is limited, in many states, but it's important to note that Underdog products are available in some capacity in all states except for Nevada.

Fee comparison: What you actually pay

While many of the leading competitors have a set fee for every contract, Polymarket has elected to go a different route. The formula is Θ × C × p × (1 − p), for those who are curious, but to put it simply, this means that contracts incur greater fees around $0.50. Contracts that are closer to $0.01 or $0.99 will incur smaller fees.

This model is very similar to Kalshi's structure, but Polymarket's fees are lower across the board. As you'll see in the table below, the most you'll pay for 100 contracts at Polymarket is $1.25, while the most you'll pay for 100 contracts at Kalsi is $1.75.

Rather than using crazy formulas, OG, Underdog, and Gemini have flat fees priced between $0.02 and $0.07. per contract. While these platforms make the math simple for users, it also generally results in higher fees per 100 contracts, especially for those contracts further from $0.50.

How to switch from Polymarket

Switching from Polymarket to a similar app is generally a fast process, as long as you can quickly resolve any open positions that you might have. While I'll highlight how to resolve these positions, withdraw your funds, and get started on another platform, you don't need to close your Polymarket account before starting elsewhere. Having accounts on multiple prediction market apps is perfectly legal.

Resolve open positions and withdraw funds

To move your money out of Polymarket, you'll first need to resolve any open positions. This means waiting for open contracts to resolve on their own, or selling them early. If there are specific positions you want to replicate on another platform, I recommend checking the price on the new platform to ensure it is comparable to the price at which you're selling. If a position can't be replicated, then you'll need to choose whether you want to close your position or wait until it resolves upon completion.

Once all of your contracts are resolved, you'll want to withdraw your funds. To do this, you need to withdraw USDC from Polymarket to a blockchain network. To get your funds, you'll need to have a USDC wallet. Paste the wallet address and complete the withdrawal. This will cost a standard gas fee, so be prepared for that.

Once you have removed your funds from Polymarket, you can then transfer them from your USDC wallet to your bank account and then deposit them into a new app like Polymarket. Many platforms allow you to transfer crypto funds directly from your wallet, so you can skip this step if you plan to primarily work with crypto.

Sign up for a new platform

Whether you fully remove all of your funds from Polymarket or not, you can sign up for any other prediction market platform available in your state. Keep in mind that you will need to fulfill all know-your-customer (KYC) requirements and provide all necessary personal information before trading. Every platform has different requirements for registration.

Tax timing

Always be aware of taxes when withdrawing earnings. Polymarket doesn't provide tax documents at the end of the year, so be sure to track your own earnings and withdrawals. Remember, if you withdraw winnings from Polymarket and then deposit them at another platform, you will be required to pay taxes on your Polymarket earnings, regardless of what happens to your money at the new platform.

For questions, we recommend speaking with a certified accountant, as we are not tax professionals, and we can't offer tax advice.

Are apps like Polymarket legal in the US?

Yes, apps like Polymarket are legal in the US. However, despite CFTC regulation, it's rare for these apps to be available in all 50 states plus DC. Many states are engaged in legal battles with prediction markets over who ultimately has jurisdiction over them. Therefore, it is important that you research your own jurisdiction to see which apps are available in your state.

Polymarket has had an up-and-down history in the US, but it is now completely legal in every state after receiving CFTC regulation, and the waitlist for the platform was removed in May 2026.

CFTC regulation

Polymarket and other prediction market apps are regulated by the CFTC. This means these apps operate legally in accordance with US government standards. These apps must adhere to strict safety measures and laws to continue operating, which is why we consider platforms like Kalshi, OG.com, Underdog, and Gemini to be the safest options in the space.

Sweepstakes casinos

Sweepstakes casinos aren't CFTC-regulated, but they still operate legally in numerous US states. Rather than using real money, these brands use virtual currencies that don't have value outside the platform. Essentially, players will register, then either earn coins through daily promotions or buy coin packages to quickly stock up. With these coins, users can play games and then withdraw any winnings for real cash prizes.

Offshore/decentralized sportsbooks

We highly recommend avoiding offshore sportsbooks entirely. These types of sportsbooks don't operate legally in the US, which can make it difficult to withdraw winnings. Many of these sportsbooks have scammed players out of money. Once they do, there's really no way to get the money back, since there are no US laws offering protection.

Tax reporting on Polymarket 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 on the best prediction market apps like Polymarket. If you have any specific questions regarding taxes, you should reach out to an accountant.

The IRS hasn't yet issued any guidance for prediction markets. While earnings from prediction markets are taxable, tracking exactly how much taxable income you have can be difficult, as platforms don't have to follow strict US government rules.

Polymarket doesn't send any tax documents, which means that the burden for tracking income falls on your shoulders. Transferring to an app like Kalshi, which provides all users with an annual 1099-B form, can reduce tax stress by outlining exactly what you've earned and what you owe.

Section 1256 is a huge tax win for CFTC-regulated alternatives. All gains and losses are treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, no matter how long you actually held positions for. While this form is more complicated than a regular 1099, it could save you a lot in taxes at the end of the year.

If you're using crypto platforms to fund your prediction market accounts, then you will need to follow tax reporting laws related to crypto. This can be complicated because taxes are handled differently if you transfer money from an app like Polymarket to your crypto wallet rather than your bank account.

How we tested and ranked these apps

Determining the best apps like Polymarket requires significant research and testing. We put in at least five hours on every app we test to ensure a great user experience, thoroughly reviewed the available markets and liquidity, and tested features such as customer support and withdrawal speed.

Here's a look at the criteria that we deem most important when testing and ranking prediction market apps like Polymarket.

User experience

User experience is the most important factor in determining a great app like Polymarket. If an app is sluggish, frustrating to navigate, or full of bugs and glitches, then we won't recommend it. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what amazing features or markets an app has if you can't even use it correctly.

All of the apps that we recommend provide an excellent user experience and are easy to navigate. We want the app to function well, from registration through withdrawal, making it easy to earn bonuses, deposit, make trades, and cash out. 

For example, when I was testing Kalshi, I registered and deposited $10 in less than five minutes. While I could have deposited just $1, I wanted to earn my $10 in bonus funds quickly. Therefore, I traded $10 on the Knicks to beat the 76ers in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs second round, and I was awarded $10 in bonus funds once my contract settled. The entire process was simple, and I never needed to contact customer support for help at any point.

Available markets and liquidity

Having a wide variety of markets is key. No one has more markets than Kalshi, as the app is great for sports and non-sports markets. However, having numerous markets means nothing if there isn't ample liquidity.

Liquidity ensures that your trades will go through. If you want to trade niche markets, prediction market apps need to find other users who will take the opposite side of you. Apps with greater liquidity are more likely to be able to fill your contract.

Security and trust

We only recommend CFTC-regulated prediction market platforms. To operate legally in the United States, platforms must adhere to standards set by the US government. CFTC-regulated platforms have excellent security and have built trust with users over time by paying out earnings and settling all contracts fairly.

Payment methods and withdrawal speed

Polymarket is fairly limited when it comes to available banking methods. However, it's still a great platform. Still, we prefer platforms that offer various banking methods, such as bank transfer, debit cards, PayPal, and crypto. Having numerous options won't make or break an app, but it certainly will help its score.

When it comes to withdrawal speed, we understand that not every method can result in instant cash. However, we want withdrawal speeds to at least meet the industry norm of 1-3 business days for withdrawals and instant deposits. Anything better than that will result in a better grade.

Customer support

Once we join a platform, we ensure that customer support teams are available beyond just AI-powered chatbots. There's nothing more frustrating than having a question and not being able to get an answer. Customer support via email, live chat, phone, or another method is key. If an app only offers AI help or takes more than one day to respond to an email, we dock them points for customer support.

Red flags: Apps like Polymarket to avoid

While the emergence of CFTC-regulated prediction apps in the US is great for those looking to make trades, it's also led to a rise in offshore operators. Offshore operators don't operate under the same legal guidance as US-governed platforms, which means your money is almost completely unprotected. 

Here are some precautions we recommend:

• If a platform is unregulated, avoid it.
• Research platforms to learn about their history of insider trading and market manipulation.
• Don't use an offshore platform if you live in the United States.

Responsible trading

Prediction markets are different from sportsbooks and online casinos, but at the end of the day, you're risking real money when trading. This means that every trade you make at Polymarket could end up costing you money. If you start to feel overwhelmed by the risks of trading, you can set mandatory cool-off periods for yourself or reach out to one of the many nationwide support lines:

1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET