No matter what, a demo is the base for trading that allows traders to understand the trading platform, understand the market and practice trading strategy using different indicators. Whereas micro accounts are the best for developing the right psychology required for trading.
The main difference working in a demo account without involving emotion, although traders face big losses in a demo account, no feel regret because only use fake money, to build better psychology trading, and start micro accounts giving more real experience.
For micro or cent accounts I think it is normal to use 0.1 micro-lot, but for lower risk can use 0.01 micro lot, maybe not all broker offer this minimum position size of 0.01micro lot.
Reasons we have these varied options, so if you are not greedy as a newbie, you would definitely want to start with a micro account after practicing for a reasonable amount of time in demo trade.
In forex, crypto CFD, maybe more than 69% or higher people losing money, many account crash less than the sixth month, it suggested to the newbie at least spent time in demo more than six months. However, maybe the broker offers a demo with limited time.
If you open a micro/cent account then you are allowed to trade at an even lower lot size like 0.01. Those types of accounts are intended for learning as you practise your knowledge on a live account with lower risk than a standard account. Profit shouldn't be your priority at this stage.
In the learning stage, traders can test various trading strategies, losing money in a cent account is not too big money if still get fail, but if want to be risk-free, indeed demo account is free without any risk.
yes i agree with you , losing money in a cent account can be little bit expensive but this is really a powerful way to acquire good knowledge and experience.
If I had to choose one, I would have chosen a demo account as it helps you stand in the live market. You will in any way be risking money in the live market but it is important to know how to execute a trade before you have to do that in the live market.