Finding the Right Trading App
Choosing a trading app is like picking a cricket bat—some are great for beginners, others suit aggressive players.
With dozens of options in India, which one is best for stocks(shares), mutual funds, or intraday trading? Let’s compare the top apps based on fees, features, and ease of use.
Best Trading Apps in India (2024), Or What I like 🙂
🥇 1. Zerodha Kite
Best for: Active traders & technical analysts.
✔ Pros:
- Lowest brokerage (₹20/order for intraday & F&O).
- Advanced charting (TradingView integration).
- Trusted brand (India’s largest discount broker).
❌ Cons: - No mutual fund SIPs on Kite (use Coin by Zerodha separately).
- ₹200 AMC for Demat after 1st year.
🥈 2. Groww
Best for: Beginners & mutual fund investors.
✔ Pros:
- Zero brokerage for stocks (delivery only).
- Super simple UI (great for new investors).
- Free direct mutual funds (no commission).
❌ Cons: - Limited research tools (not ideal for traders).
- Higher charges for intraday/F&O.
🥉 3. Upstox (RKSV)
Best for: Low-cost futures & options (F&O).
✔ Pros:
- Free equity delivery trading.
- Good mobile app with basic charting.
- Flat ₹20 per order for intraday/F&O.
❌ Cons: - Customer support delays.
- No SIP in stocks (only MFs).
4. Angel One
Best for: Research-driven investors.
✔ Pros:
- Free stock recommendations & research reports.
- Good for swing trading.
❌ Cons: - Higher brokerage (0.25% for delivery).
- Cluttered interface.
5. ICICI Direct
Best for: Traditional investors needing hand-holding.
✔ Pros:
- Bank integration (easy fund transfers).
- Strong research & advisory.
❌ Cons: - Expensive (0.5% brokerage).
- Outdated app design.
Comparison Table: Key Features
| Feature | Zerodha | Groww | Upstox | Angel One | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery Charges | ₹20/order | Free | Free | 0.25% | 0.5% |
| Intraday/F&O Charges | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | 0.05% |
| Mutual Funds | Via Coin (Free) | Free (Direct) | Free (Direct) | Regular + Direct | Regular (High commission) |
| Demat AMC | ₹200/year | Free | Free | Free | ₹500/year |
| Best For | Traders | Beginners | F&O Traders | Research Lovers | Traditional Investors |
How to Choose the Right App?
✅ For Beginners:
- Groww (simplest UI, free mutual funds).
- Zerodha Coin (for direct MFs + stocks).
✅ For Active Traders:
- Zerodha Kite (best charts, low fees).
- Upstox (cheap F&O trading).
✅ For Long-Term Investors:
- Groww/Zerodha (low-cost SIPs + stocks).
❌ Avoid If:
- You want full-service advice (ICICI Direct is costly).
- You need advanced algo trading (try FYERS instead).
Hidden Charges to Watch For
✔ Demat AMC (₹0–500/year).
✔ Transaction charges (₹5–15 per sell order).
✔ GST on brokerage (18% extra).
Final Verdict
- Best Overall: Zerodha (low cost + great features).
- Best for Beginners: Groww (easiest to use).
- Best for F&O: Upstox (flat ₹20/trade).
