10 Best Trading Apps in India for 2025 – Comprehensive Review
The Indian trading landscape has evolved dramatically with the rise of user-friendly trading apps. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, choosing the right platform can significantly impact your trading experience and success. In this comprehensive guide, we review the top 10 trading apps in India for 2025, comparing their features, fees, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction to Trading Apps in India
The advent of technology has democratized investing in India, making it accessible to millions of new investors. Trading apps have transformed how Indians participate in financial markets, offering:
- Zero or low brokerage accounts
- User-friendly interfaces for beginners
- Advanced charting tools for experienced traders
- Access to multiple asset classes (stocks, mutual funds, commodities, etc.)
- Real-time market data and news
- Educational resources for learning
With so many options available, selecting the right trading app depends on your specific needs, experience level, and trading style.
Quick Comparison Table
| Trading App | Best For | Brokerage Fees | Account Opening Fee | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | Overall Experience | ₹20/trade or 0.03% | Free | 4.8/5 |
| Groww | Beginners | Zero on delivery | Free | 4.6/5 |
| Upstox | Active Traders | ₹20/trade | Free | 4.5/5 |
| Angel One | Research & Advisory | Zero on delivery | Free | 4.4/5 |
| 5paisa | Low Cost Trading | ₹10/trade | Free | 4.2/5 |
| Paytm Money | Paytm Users | Zero on delivery | Free | 4.1/5 |
| ICICI Direct | Full-Service Trading | 0.55% | ₹0 | 4.3/5 |
| Sharekhan | Research Tools | 0.50% | ₹0 | 4.2/5 |
| Kotak Stock Trader | Bank Customers | 0.50% | Free | 4.2/5 |
| m.Stock | Zero Brokerage | Zero on delivery | Free | 4.0/5 |
How to Choose the Right Trading App
Selecting the best trading app depends on several factors:
- Your Experience Level: Beginners should look for simple interfaces and educational resources, while experienced traders may prioritize advanced charting tools.
- Trading Frequency: Active traders should consider brokerage costs, while long-term investors might prioritize research tools.
- Asset Classes: Ensure the app supports all the investment types you're interested in (stocks, mutual funds, commodities, etc.).
- Cost Structure: Understand all fees involved - brokerage, AMC, transaction charges, etc.
- Platform Reliability: Look for apps with minimal downtime, especially during market hours.
- Customer Support: Check the availability and quality of customer service.
- Additional Features: Consider educational resources, research reports, screeners, and other tools.
Zerodha
Zerodha is India's largest stockbroker and a pioneer in discount broking. Founded in 2010, it revolutionized the industry with its low-cost model and technology-focused approach. Zerodha's Kite platform is widely praised for its clean interface and powerful features.
Key Features:
- Advanced charting with more than 100 technical indicators
- Multiple order types (Cover, Bracket, After Market, etc.)
- Integration with trading tools like Streak, Sensibull, and Smallcase
- Educational initiative (Zerodha Varsity) with comprehensive modules
- Direct mutual fund platform (Coin) with zero commission
Pricing:
- Account opening fee: Free
- Equity delivery: Zero brokerage
- Intraday, F&O, Currency: ₹20 per executed order or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
- Account maintenance charges: None
Pros:
- Extremely competitive pricing
- Robust and reliable trading platform
- Excellent educational resources
- Wide range of integrated third-party tools
- Strong reputation and trust factor
Cons:
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- No dedicated research team or advisory services
- Limited offline presence
Best for: Traders and investors of all levels who value low costs and a reliable platform.
Groww
Groww started as a mutual fund investment platform and expanded into stock trading. Its simple, intuitive interface makes it extremely popular among first-time investors. The app focuses on demystifying investing with educational content and a beginner-friendly approach.
Key Features:
- Clean, minimalistic interface optimized for mobile
- Straightforward navigation and easy order placement
- Integrated direct mutual fund platform
- Educational content in simple language
- Watchlists and portfolio tracking
Pricing:
- Account opening fee: Free
- Equity delivery: Zero brokerage
- Intraday, F&O: ₹20 per executed order or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
- No hidden charges or account maintenance fees
Pros:
- Extremely user-friendly, especially for beginners
- Zero brokerage on delivery trades
- Seamless mutual fund investing
- Good educational content for new investors
- No minimum balance requirement
Cons:
- Limited advanced features for active traders
- Web platform not as robust as mobile app
- Basic charting tools compared to specialized platforms
Best for: Beginners and investors who prefer a simple, straightforward platform.
Upstox
Upstox is a leading discount broker known for its advanced charting tools and competitive pricing. The platform caters well to active traders with its Pro web platform and feature-rich mobile app. With over 4 million users, Upstox offers a reliable trading experience backed by Ratan Tata.
Key Features:
- Advanced charting with over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools
- Multiple trading platforms (Upstox Pro Web and Mobile)
- Real-time market data and news
- Basket Order, Cover Order, and BO/CO Modifiers
- Integration with algorithmic trading platforms
Pricing:
- Account opening fee: Free
- Equity delivery: Zero brokerage
- Intraday, F&O, Currency: ₹20 per executed order
- No account maintenance charges
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Advanced charting and tools for active traders
- Fast order execution
- Good customer support
- Backed by reputable investors
Cons:
- Occasional glitches in the mobile app
- Limited research and advisory services
- Charting can be complex for beginners
Best for: Active traders and those who need advanced charting tools.
Angel One
Angel One (formerly Angel Broking) offers a blend of technology and advisory services. Its Smart Money platform provides research-based recommendations alongside self-service trading tools. With over 20 years of experience, it serves more than 4 million clients.
Key Features:
- Smart Money platform with research and advisory
- ARQ powered investment engine for personalized recommendations
- Multiple trading platforms including Angel BEE and Angel Eye
- In-depth research reports and market analysis
- Educational resources for investors
Pricing:
- Account opening fee: Free
- Equity delivery: Zero brokerage
- Intraday, F&O: ₹20 per executed order
- Demat account annual maintenance charge (AMC): ₹0 for first year, then ₹300 per year
Pros:
- Strong research and advisory services
- User-friendly platforms for beginners and advanced traders
- Good educational content
- Offline support through branches
- Free equity delivery trades
Cons:
- Higher charges for non-equity segments
- AMC after first year
- Platform can feel cluttered with information
Best for: Traders and investors who want a blend of technology and advisory services.
5paisa
5paisa is a discount broker offering some of the lowest brokerage rates in the industry. The platform provides a comprehensive suite of investment products and tools at competitive prices. Part of the IIFL Group, it combines technology with accessibility.
Key Features:
- Low-cost brokerage model
- Robo-advisory services for portfolio management
- Multiple investment products (stocks, mutual funds, bonds)
- Trading platforms: 5paisa Trader Terminal and mobile app
- Research and advisory services
Pricing:
- Account opening fee: Free
- Equity delivery: Zero brokerage
- Intraday, F&O: ₹20 per executed order or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
- Demat AMC: ₹0 for first year, then ₹300 per year
Pros:
- Low brokerage charges
- Comprehensive product portfolio
- Robo-advisory for automated investing
- Good customer service
- Regular trading ideas and recommendations
Cons:
- Platform can be complex for beginners
- Customer support can be improved
- Mobile app not as intuitive as competitors
Best for: Cost-conscious investors and traders.
Paytm Money
Paytm Money leverages the Paytm ecosystem to offer a seamless investing experience. The platform focuses on simplicity and integration with the popular Paytm wallet and payments bank. It's designed for millennials and first-time investors.
Key Features:
- Integration with Paytm ecosystem
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Direct mutual funds with zero commission
- Stock trading with zero brokerage on delivery
- Portfolio tracking and insights
Pricing:
- Account opening fee: Free
- Equity delivery: Zero brokerage
- Intraday, F&O: ₹10 per executed order or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
- No account maintenance charges
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Paytm
- User-friendly app
- Zero brokerage on delivery trades
- Low intraday and F&O charges
- Good for beginners
Cons:
- Limited advanced features for traders
- No web platform initially (now available but still basic)
- Limited research tools
Best for: Paytm users and beginners looking for a simple investing experience.
ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct is a full-service broker offering research-based advisory services alongside its trading platform. It's known for its comprehensive research reports and investment ideas. As part of ICICI Bank, it offers seamless banking integration.
Key Features:
- Research reports and investment ideas
- Advisory services from experts
- Multiple platforms (web and mobile)
- Wide range of investment products including IPOs
- Integration with ICICI Bank accounts
Pricing:
- Account opening fee: ₹0 (but with margin money)
- Equity delivery: 0.55% brokerage
- Intraday: 0.055% brokerage
- Demat AMC: ₹300 per year
Pros:
- Strong research and advisory
- Trusted brand with offline support
- Wide range of products
- Seamless banking integration for ICICI customers
- Quality research reports
Cons:
- Higher brokerage compared to discount brokers
- Additional charges for various services
- Platform can feel outdated compared to newer apps
Best for: Investors seeking research-based advisory and a full-service broker.
Kotak Stock Trader
Kotak Stock Trader is the trading platform from Kotak Securities, integrating seamlessly with Kotak Mahindra Bank accounts. It offers a balanced approach with both self-service and advisory options. The platform caters to all types of investors.
Key Features:
- Seamless integration with Kotak Bank accounts
- Research and advisory services
- Multiple order types and advanced charting
- Mobile and web platforms
- Access to IPOs, mutual funds, and other investment products
Pricing:
- Account opening fee: ₹0
- Equity delivery: 0.50% brokerage
- Intraday: 0.05% brokerage
- Demat AMC: ₹300 per year
Pros:
- Easy banking integration
- Good research support
- Trusted brand
- Multiple investment options
- Offline branch support
Cons:
- Higher brokerage than discount brokers
- Platform may not be as advanced as some competitors
- Additional charges for premium services
Best for: Existing Kotak Bank customers and investors who prefer a full-service broker.
m.Stock by Mirae Asset
m.Stock offers zero brokerage on equity delivery trades, making it attractive for long-term investors. The platform focuses on simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Backed by Mirae Asset Financial Group, it brings global expertise to Indian investors.
Key Features:
- Zero brokerage on equity delivery trades
- Free Demat account for life (no AMC)
- User-friendly mobile app
- Research reports and market updates
- Integration with Mirae Asset mutual funds
Pricing:
- Account opening fee: Free
- Equity delivery: Zero brokerage
- Intraday, F&O: ₹20 per executed order
- No account maintenance charges
Pros:
- No brokerage on delivery trades
- No Demat AMC
- Simple and easy-to-use platform
- Backed by global financial giant
- Good for long-term investors
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Relatively new in the market
- Customer support still developing
Best for: Long-term investors and those looking to avoid brokerage and AMC.
Conclusion
Choosing the right trading app depends on your individual needs, experience level, and trading style. Here's a quick summary of our recommendations:
- For beginners: Groww and Paytm Money offer the simplest onboarding experience
- For active traders: Zerodha and Upstox provide advanced tools at low costs
- For research-focused investors: Angel One and ICICI Direct offer comprehensive research
- For cost-conscious investors: m.Stock and 5paisa have competitive pricing
- For full-service experience: ICICI Direct and Sharekhan provide advisory services
Remember that the "best" app is subjective and depends on your specific requirements. Most brokers offer demo accounts or virtual trading features - consider trying a few platforms before committing to one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which trading app is completely free?
Most trading apps today offer zero brokerage on equity delivery trades, including Zerodha, Groww, Upstox, and others. However, they may charge for intraday, F&O, and other segments. Some brokers like m.Stock offer completely free equity delivery trading.
2. Can I have multiple trading accounts?
Yes, you can have multiple trading accounts with different brokers. However, you need to ensure that your PAN card is linked properly to all accounts, and you may need to pay maintenance charges if applicable.
3. How do I transfer funds to my trading account?
Most trading apps support UPI, IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS transfers. Many also offer instant bank transfers through partnered banks. The process is typically seamless within the app.
4. Is my money safe with these trading apps?
All SEBI-registered brokers follow strict guidelines for client fund segregation. Your securities are held in depositories (NSDL or CDSL), and funds are kept in separate bank accounts. However, market investments always carry risk.
5. Which app is best for beginner traders?
For beginners, we recommend Groww for its simplicity or Zerodha for its balance of ease-of-use and advanced features when you're ready to expand your trading skills.
6. Can I trade in international markets through these apps?
Some brokers like Zerodha (through partnerships) and ICICI Direct offer international investing options. You'll need to check with individual brokers for specific offerings and costs.