Apps Like Kalshi: Best Alternatives and Prediction Market Platforms in 2026

What’s the latest from apps like Kalshi?

Best apps like Kalshi by category

While Kalshi might have the most brand power, there's a growing list of options for enthusiasts, with plenty of complementary prediction market promos. Explore the best alternative prediction markets below: 

Top prediction market platforms

• Polymarket - Best for liquidity
• ProphetX - Best for exchange-style trading
• Novig - Best for sweepstakes
• OG.com - Best for advanced trading tools
• Crypto.com - Best for crypto
• FanDuel Predicts - Best for beginners
• DraftKings Predictions- Best for familiar app experience

What is Kalshi?

Kalshi is a prediction exchange where you trade simple yes/no contracts on real-world events across sports, politics, economics, pop culture, breaking news, and more. It’s comfortably the most widely used prediction market app in the U.S., accounting for 90% of trading activity, with sports markets the most popular by some margin.

Is Kalshi completely legal? Yes, so for a full breakdown, check out our Kalshi review, then head over to our Kalshi promo code page to learn how eligible new customers can claim the 'Up to $500 in Bonuses' sign-up offer with the promo code 'COVERS'.

Kalshi vs other prediction apps

Kalshi is the best prediction market app in the U.S. for good reason, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its downsides.

Where Kalshi stands out

• Regulated at a federal level: Kalshi is CFTC-approved, operating as a legal exchange rather than a gray-market platform.
• Broad U.S. availability: Kalshi is widely accessible, but availability is not uniform across every state or contract category. State regulatory disputes and product-specific restrictions can affect what an eligible user is able to trade, so confirm the markets available in your location before registering.
• Strong liquidity: Major events tend to attract steady volume, which means tighter pricing and a smoother trading process.
• Simplified trading: Kalshi does a great job of streamlining the trading process for beginners, and you can place trades with just a few taps.

Where alternatives may be a better fit

• Trending or niche markets: Some competitors have better coverage of niche markets, such as crypto movements or alternative culture.
• Crypto-based trading: Crypto is available on Kalshi, but it’s converted to USD before trading. So, you’re not actually trading or holding positions with crypto, compared to actual crypto platforms.
• Ongoing promotions: Kalshi currently offers the 'Up to $500 in Bonuses' sign-up offer, but some competitors provide a broader range of recurring promotions for existing customers.

Compare top Kalshi alternatives at a glance

See how the top Kalshi alternatives stack up. To learn more about two of the industry-leaders, dive into our exhaustive Polymarket vs. Kalshi guide page.

	Polymarket	Crypto.com	OG.com
Compare	Pin	Pin	Pin
Welcome bonus	Deposit $10, Get $20 Bonus	Unlock $50 Bonus	Trade $10, Get $10 Bonus
Promo code	COVERS	Use unique link	Use unique link
Best for	Global liquidity	Crypto users	Advanced trading tools
Key differentiator	Largest global user base and deepest markets	Trading with crypto on the platform, rather than converting it into fiat	Global, trading-focused environment
States available	All states + DC (Excluding Nevada)	All except AR, AZ, CT, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, NV, NY, OH	All states except NY and AZ

Best apps like Kalshi

What's better than Kalshi? Kalshi may be the market-leading prediction market platform in the U.S., but it’s not the only show in town. Does Kalshi have competitors? Yes, each of the seven Kashi alternatives below brings something different to the table and is worth checking out in their own right. 

Polymarket - Best Kalshi alternative

My expert analysis

Polymarket is officially available across the U.S. via mobile app, and you can jump in using the invite code 'COVERS' to try one of the most buzzworthy prediction market apps of  2026. More crypto-native than most platforms, Polymarket thrives on speed, volume, and real-time reaction to breaking news. From major sporting events to crypto price swings and global headlines, its markets update instantly as sentiment shifts, giving users a live read on where the crowd thinks outcomes are headed.

With simple “Yes” or “No” contracts and a trading experience that feels closer to a fast-moving exchange than a traditional sportsbook, Polymarket is a strong fit for active, data-driven users. If you’re comfortable with crypto and want access to the most dynamic, high-interest markets in the space, it’s one of the most engaging platforms available. I think the $20 bonus is a solid bankroll boost, too.

Flip through our up-to-date Polymarket promo code page to learn about its latest bonuses and promos. Refer to our Polymarket review or our Polymarket vs Kalshi comparison to determine which prediction site is ideal for you in 2026. Consider apps like Polymarket for additional alternatives. 

ProphetX - Best for exchange-style trading

My expert analysis

ProphetX is a strong fit for users who like the idea of Kalshi’s event-contract model but want something more focused on sports, odds shopping, and exchange-style pricing. ProphetX is built around peer-to-peer markets, allowing users to trade against one another rather than simply accepting a line from a traditional sportsbook. That gives users the ability to shop for better prices, take available offers, or post their own odds in a marketplace that feels closer to a sports betting exchange than a standard book.

Compared with Kalshi, ProphetX is more specialized and sports-first. Kalshi offers a broader regulated prediction market experience across categories like politics, economics, weather, and culture, while ProphetX is more directly aimed at users who care about sports pricing, lower fees, and getting the best of the number. Kalshi feels like a general event-contract exchange; ProphetX feels like a sharper alternative for sports bettors who want peer-to-peer pricing without the usual sportsbook middleman.

The ProphetX promo code COVERS
 gives you access to everything you need to fully understand the operator.

Novig - Best for sports-first trading

My expert analysis

Novig is now a federally regulated prediction market focused primarily on sports. Its peer-to-peer model lets users trade against one another rather than against a traditional sportsbook, making it a stronger alternative to Kalshi for users who care more about sports markets and exchange-style pricing than politics, economics, or culture.

Compared with Kalshi’s broad event coverage, Novig offers a more specialized sports-first experience. That makes it a better fit for users who want to trade familiar sports markets through a regulated prediction exchange without navigating Kalshi’s wider range of non-sports contracts.

Learn everything about the Novig promo code 'COVERS100'.

OG.com - Best for advanced trading tools

My expert analysis

OG.com is a strong fit for users who are comfortable with crypto and want a more global, trading-oriented experience than Kalshi.  OG.com offers a crypto-native prediction market where users buy and sell binary “yes” or “no” contracts across sports, politics, and finance. Contracts trade between $0.01 and $1.00 and settle at $1.00 if the outcome is correct, giving the platform a simple format within a more sophisticated digital-asset ecosystem.

Compared with Kalshi, OG.com feels less like a regulated U.S. event exchange and more like an active crypto trading venue. Its emphasis on advanced trading tools such as leaderboards, parlays, and margin-trading functionality gives experienced users more ways to engage, while Kalshi is generally more defined by its regulated structure and straightforward event-contract model.

Our OG promo code page has all the details you need about the sign-up offer.

Crypto.com - Best for crypto

My expert analysis

Crypto.com Sports is a better fit if you want a crypto-specific experience. Unlike Kalshi, where crypto is converted to USD before you trade, everything on this platform is built around crypto, from deposits and pricing to the overall structure. You can get straight into predictions without converting in and out of fiat, as 400+ cryptocurrencies are supported, which is preferred by many who prefer the privacy, security, and speed of crypto.

Size up our Crypto.com review, which covers all the pertinent details about the Crypto referral code offer.

FanDuel Predicts - Best for beginners

My expert analysis

FanDuel Predicts feels very familiar if you’ve used a sportsbook before. The layout, navigation, and overall flow are all similar to what you’d expect from FanDuel, so it doesn’t feel like an entirely new site to understand.

Unlike Kalshi, it leans more into that sportsbook-style experience in how everything is presented, even though you’re still trading contracts rather than placing bets, which makes it easier to pick up if you’re coming from sports betting. It’s also exclusively available via the FanDuel Predicts app, so it’s specifically designed for mobile users.

If you want to explore prediction markets without straying too far from the sportsbook experience, this is a natural fit.

Learn more in our in-depth FanDuel Predicts promo code page or check out a comprehensive Polymarket vs. FanDuel Predicts breakdown. 

DraftKings Predictions - Best total value promo

My expert analysis

DraftKings Predictions currently offers the 'Spend $5, Get $150 in Prediction Dollars' sign-up offer to eligible new customers who complete a first event-contract trade of at least $5, with the DraftKings Predictions promo code automatically applied. It’s a strong fit for existing DraftKings customers and sports bettors who want a familiar way to try prediction markets without jumping straight into Kalshi, Polymarket, or a crypto-first platform like Crypto.com.

Explore our DraftKings Predictions promo code page for details on the markets available in your region, plus much more.

DraftKings responsible gaming  

Event Contract Trading is offered by DraftKings Predictions, a CFTC-registered Introducing Broker and NFA member. Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Market availability varies. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time trade req. Max. $150 issued as Predictions Dollars, which are site credits that are non-withdrawable, single-use, and expire in 1 year. Reward issued as $50 in Predictions Dollars every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: dkng.co/predictionspromo. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET.

How to choose a Kalshi alternative

The right platform comes down to what you value or are looking for as a trader. A few key differences can meaningfully affect your experience, so it’s worth considering the following before you choose from Kalshi competitors:

• Regulatory model: Look for a CFTC license. CFTC-regulated platforms are licensed exchanges, which means better legal protections for U.S. players. Offshore sites can be more flexible with markets or bonuses, but they have less oversight.
• Market depth/Liquidity: Monitor market activity. High liquidity means tighter pricing and easier exits, whereas low liquidity leads to big price swings.
• Available markets: Consider which events you actually want to trade on. Some platforms focus more on politics and economics, while others concentrate on sports or more niche events.
• State availability: Not every platform is available everywhere. Some are restricted by state laws, while others are more widely accessible across the U.S. You may be asking yourself, "Is Kalshi legal in California?" The answer is yes.
• Fees/contract pricing: Different platforms have different policies around trading fees, spreads, and contract pricing. Small differences in user fees can have a bigger impact on your potential profits, depending on how you trade.

CFTC-regulated vs. sweepstakes prediction apps

There are two main models behind prediction apps in the U.S. On one side, CFTC-regulated platforms are legal exchanges under federal law, where users trade event contracts for real money. The model is similar to other financial trading platforms, distinct from sports betting or gambling, where bettors wager against the house.

Sweepstakes prediction apps, on the other hand, are built around trading with free virtual currency and offering prize redemptions, rather than direct real-money trading. The prizes you can redeem are legally considered promotional sweepstakes prizes, again distinct from regular sports betting.

The key difference isn’t just how they work, but how they’re regulated. CFTC platforms operate under federal oversight, making them generally easy to access from anywhere in the U.S. Sweepstakes laws are set by the state, so availability varies by state. This distinction was illustrated in February 2026, when a Tennessee ruling confirmed that federally regulated trading platforms fall under federal jurisdiction, at least temporarily preventing Tennessee from enforcing state gambling laws against them.

For a full breakdown of the top U.S. trading platforms, check out our prediction markets hub.

Covers Expert Analysis

"If you want real-money trading and nationwide access, prioritize CFTC-regulated platforms. Sweepstakes apps can be useful for casual play, but they often come with restrictions on withdrawals and prize structures that limit long-term value."

Christian Stringer, Prediction Markets Editor

Complete list of Kalshi alternatives

How we rate Kalshi alternatives

Learn how we rate sportsbooks

Covers has been rating sports, iGaming, and prediction market platforms for over 30 years. This experience has led us to develop the Covers BetSmart Rating to help ensure you're betting at a safe, legitimate prediction market site. The main factors that go into a prediction market's overall rating are bonuses and promotions, banking and payout speed, key features, security, customer support, user experience, pricing and fees, and much more. These are the core elements that ultimately make or break a prediction market site. We've tested each of these platforms to give you hands-on experience.

Covers BetSmart Rating categories

Now that you know the foundational categories that make up the Covers BetSmart Rating, let's break down each one:

Banking and payout speed

All traders want their earnings quickly, so payout speed is a crucial factor in our evaluation process of the best prediction market sites for withdrawal and deposit options. You also want to have a diverse selection of payment methods to make the process more convenient. The more, the merrier, as they say.

Bonuses and promotions

While a big welcome bonus is always nice, we also verify that the terms and conditions of the most common prediction market sign-up bonuses are fair. We also evaluate promotions for existing customers, such as reload and referral bonuses.

Key features

This is a broad category, but we like to see prediction markets that push the envelope to deliver a fantastic experience. Some of the key features we look for include competitive trading fees, a wide range of market options for major sports, live sports trading, combos, and responsible gambling features.

Security and trust

With real money at stake, you need to know you’re depositing at a site you can trust. Before recommending any prediction market site, we’ll ensure it holds a valid license from the relevant regulators in its jurisdiction. We’ll also ensure the app is safe and secure, protecting your data.

Customer support

If an issue arises, you should be able to have it solved quickly and conveniently by a real person. We appreciate the wide range of options for reaching customer support and how quickly they resolve issues.

Are prediction markets legal in the US?

You may be wondering: Is Kalshi legal in New York and other regions? Yes, prediction markets are legal in the U.S., where they’re regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as federally registered exchanges. Theoretically, this means that each state has no say over whether platforms like Kalshi can operate, and they don't require a gambling license like traditional sportsbooks do, since they are regulated at every level.

However, state regulators have pushed back, especially as these markets increasingly resemble sports betting. Nevada moved to block Kalshi, arguing its contracts should fall under state gambling rules, and the platform was temporarily restricted from offering certain contracts. On the other hand, a similar measure in Tennessee was found to allow Kalshi to continue operating in the state. You can currently access the following, amongst others:

• California prediction markets
• Florida prediction markets
• Georgia prediction markets
• New York prediction markets
• Texas prediction markets

Responsible gambling

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More Kalshi state clarification pages

Other Kalshi state pages, including is Kalshi legal in Georgia, is Kalshi legal in Texas, is Kalshi legal in New York, and is Kalshi legal in Florida, can help showcase how the operator is navigating both legal and non-legal sports betting environments.