In This Article
Prediction markets — platforms where users trade contracts that pay out based on real-world events — have grown dramatically in popularity through 2026. These platforms combine elements of financial trading and event forecasting, letting traders put real money (or crypto) on outcomes ranging from elections to sports and economic releases.
While Polymarket is one of the most recognized prediction markets globally, several alternatives have emerged that cater to users with different goals, regulatory needs, and trading preferences.
1. Kalshi — Regulated Event Trading Powerhouse
Best For: US-based traders, institutions, and users looking for legal protection Key Features: Federally regulated, diverse contract selection, cash settlement
Kalshi stands out as perhaps the most legitimate and regulated alternative to Polymarket. It is a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)-regulated exchange, giving users in the US a legally compliant venue to trade event contracts — something that many decentralized prediction markets cannot offer.
Why Kalshi Is a Top Choice
Regulatory Compliance: Kalshi’s federal oversight makes it attractive to institutional traders and US users who prefer clear legal protections.
Wide Market Range: Users can trade on politics, economics, weather, pop culture, and more.
Real Dollar Trading: Contracts settle in USD or stablecoins, providing a familiar financial experience for traditional traders.
With massive trading volume growth — exceeding $1 billion in daily trades on events like the Super Bowl — Kalshi’s adoption continues to expand fast.
2. PredX / Myriad — Emerging All-Around Market Platforms
Best For: Diverse market exposure and multi-purpose forecasting
Platforms like PredX and Myriad have been called competitors in the broader prediction market ecosystem. Unlike Polymarket, which is primarily crypto-native, these platforms often blend prediction markets with broader market discovery tools that appeal to both retail and experienced traders.
What Sets Them Apart
Multiple Event Types: Beyond traditional outcomes like politics and sports, these platforms may offer broader categories.
User-Friendly Interfaces: Designed to attract both novice and seasoned prediction traders.
Broad Competition: Compete directly with Polymarket and Kalshi by offering alternative market mechanics and liquidity profiles.
While not always as liquid as Polymarket or as regulated as Kalshi, these platforms appeal to users looking for flexibility and a wider variety of market formats.
3. PredictIt — Political Prediction Specialist
Best For: Political event forecasting
PredictIt is a go-to destination for traders interested specifically in political outcomes. It has long been recognized as one of the most established prediction markets focused on government and election results.
Standout Features
Political Focus: Concentrated on national and international political races and public policy questions.
User Base: Attracts users who want deep coverage of elections and leadership changes.
While PredictIt doesn’t compete with Polymarket on broad crypto-based markets, its niche appeal for political forecasting makes it a valuable alternative for specific traders.
4. Robinhood & Traditional Brokerage Prediction Markets
Best For: Traders who prefer familiar brokerages with integrated market access
In 2026, traditional brokerages like Robinhood and other major platforms have dipped into prediction markets by offering event contracts alongside conventional financial products.
Why Consider Them
Familiar Interface: Users already trading stocks and crypto can access event futures without learning a new platform.
Integrated Tools: Benefit from technical analysis tools and portfolio tracking all in one place.
These offerings aren’t pure prediction markets in the strictest sense, but they still provide event contract trading that resembles Polymarket mechanics.
5. Crypto.com & Sports-Focused Prediction Platforms
Best For: Sports and entertainment event markets
Apps like Crypto.com and platforms linked with traditional sportsbooks (e.g., Fanatics Markets, Underdog) offer prediction markets targeted at sports outcomes rather than macro or political events.
Highlights
Sports-Centric Markets: These platforms excel at offering contracts on leagues like NFL, NBA, and more.
Low Fees & Wide Access: Often integrated into existing apps you might already use for crypto or sports.
They appeal to bettors and prediction traders whose primary interest lies in sports forecasting instead of broader event categories.
Final Thoughts
When exploring alternatives to Polymarket in 2026, consider your specific goals:
Regulation & Legal Safety: Platforms like Kalshi are unmatched for US regulatory compliance.
Market Variety: Global, decentralized options still thrive for crypto-native forecasting.
Niche Interests: Political forecasting (PredictIt), sports markets (Crypto.com), or reputation forecasting (Metaculus) offer distinct advantages.
Integrated Financial Tools: Brokerage-based prediction markets blend traditional trading with event outcomes.
Overall, these alternatives provide robust choices for traders, researchers, and curious participants.
