13 Best Trading Apps in India

The Indian stock market is growing rapidly. Today, more than 9.5 million active traders use mobile trading apps to invest and trade.
But here’s what many don’t realise: choosing the wrong trading app can cost you thousands. Hidden charges, poor execution speeds, and limited features can destroy your returns before you even start building wealth.
So which trading app actually deserves your money?
After testing dozens of platforms and analysing their features, charges, and performance, this comprehensive guide will help you pick the perfect app for trading based on your specific needs and investment goals.
Why Choosing the Right Trading App is Important?
India’s online investment platform market exploded from $114.7 million in 2022 to an expected $362.2 million by 2030. That’s a massive 15.5% annual growth rate.
Why this explosive growth? Mobile trading democratized investing. You no longer need lakhs of rupees or a dedicated broker. Many trading apps let you start with just ₹10.
But not all apps are built equally. Poor platform choices lead to:
- Higher transaction costs eating your profits
- Delayed order execution during crucial market moments
- Limited investment options restricting your portfolio growth
- Weak security putting your funds at risk
The right app, however, can accelerate your wealth-building journey significantly.
Features to Consider in Good Trading Apps
After a lot of testing and looking at user feedback, the following features set great apps apart from bad ones:
Hidden Fees: It can badly affect your long-term returns. The best trading apps are upfront about all their charges.
Fast Order Execution: The market is volatile, so things need to happen quickly. Delays during busy trading times cost money.
Intuitive User Interface: Beginners might get confused due to confusing navigation. A clean design that helps you trade with confidence.
Bank-Grade Security: Two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and biometric login protect your investments.
Comprehensive Investment Options: Stocks, mutual funds, IPOs, derivatives, and commodities in one platform save time and effort.
Live Market Intelligence: Alerts, real-time data, and analysis tools help you make better choices.
Quality Educational Resources: Learning materials help beginners stay away from mistakes that cost a lot of money.
List of India’s Best 10 Trading Apps
Based on features, user experience, charges, and reliability, here are the top trading apps that actually deliver results:
1. Zerodha Kite – The Advanced Trader’s Choice
With 7.6 million active clients, Zerodha revolutionised discount brokerage in India. It’s the best trading platform advanced traders trust.
Standout Features:
- Zero brokerage on equity delivery trades
- Advanced charting with 100+ technical indicators
- Seamless integration with Coin (mutual funds) and Varsity (education platform)
- Rock-solid reliability during market hours
- API access for algorithmic trading
Complete Pricing Breakdown:
- Equity Delivery: Absolutely free
- Equity Intraday: ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
- F&O Trading: Flat ₹20 per executed order
- Account Opening: ₹300
- Annual Maintenance: ₹300 (first year free)
Note: Numbers may vary depending on the type of account you have.
Perfect For: Active traders and serious investors who need professional-grade tools without premium pricing.
2. Groww – The Beginner’s Choice
Groww dominates the market with 23.4% share and 9.5 million active users. It transformed complex investing into something anyone can understand.
Key Strengths:
- Incredibly simple, clutter-free interface
- Comprehensive educational content for beginners
- Zero brokerage on equity delivery
- Quick, paperless account opening
- Excellent mobile app performance
Pricing Structure:
- Equity Delivery: Free
- Equity Intraday: ₹20 or 0.1% (whichever is lower)
- F&O Trading: Flat ₹20
- No account opening charges
- Free annual maintenance
Perfect For: Beginners who want to start investing without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Upstox – Recommended for its Speed
Backed by Tata Group, Upstox prioritizes execution speed and competitive pricing.
Key Features:
- Ultra-fast order execution (crucial during volatile markets)
- Zero brokerage on equity delivery
- TradingView and ChartIQ integration for advanced charting
- Digital account opening in minutes
- Strong mobile app performance
Pricing Details:
- Equity Delivery: Free
- Equity Intraday: ₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
- Options Trading: Flat ₹20
- Free account opening and AMC
Perfect For: Active traders who prioritize speed and low-cost execution.
4. Angel One – The Research Powerhouse
Angel One combines low-cost trading with comprehensive research and advisory services.
Standout Features:
- Free investment advisory and research reports
- Auto-invest facility for mutual funds
- Customizable dashboard and watchlists
- Wide range of investment products
- Strong customer support network
Pricing Breakdown:
- Equity Delivery: Free
- Intraday and F&O: ₹20 per executed order
- Free account opening
- ₹500 annual maintenance (waived conditionally)
Perfect For: Investors who want research-backed recommendations and guidance.
5. HDFC Securities – The Banking Integration Specialist
HDFC Securities offers seamless integration with India’s largest private bank.
Key Advantages:
- 3-in-1 account (savings + demat + trading)
- Smart order routing across exchanges
- Comprehensive research and market insights
- Bank-grade security and reliability
- Easy fund transfers from HDFC accounts
Pricing Structure:
- Higher charges compared to discount brokers
- Premium for integrated banking services
- Various plans based on trading frequency
Perfect For: HDFC Bank customers who prefer integrated financial services.
6. Rupeezy – The Options Trading Expert
Rupeezy specializes in options trading with advanced tools and features.
Specialized Features:
- Advanced strategy builder and option strategies store
- Sophisticated option chain analysis
- Combined ledger for seamless multi-segment trading
- 5x margin trading facility
- F&O scanner and research tools
Pricing:
- Equity Delivery: Zero brokerage
- Intraday: ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
- F&O: ₹20 per trade
- Competitive margin rates
Perfect For: Options traders who need specialized tools and strategies.
7. 5paisa – The Cost Minimizer
5paisa offers predictable flat pricing across all segments. It is one of the best trading apps popular among investors for its range of investment options, free research, blogs and educational resources.
Key Features:
- Flat ₹20 brokerage on every trade type
- Robo-advisory services for automated investing
- Pre-built investment packs for specific goals
- Coverage across stocks, mutual funds, and insurance
Pricing:
- Universal ₹20 flat fee per trade
- No surprises or variable charges
- Free account opening
Perfect For: High-volume traders who want predictable costs.
8. ICICI Direct – The Security-First Platform
ICICI Direct provides conservative investors with bank-backed reliability. One of the oldest full brokerage services offering free research, equity trading and advisory services.
Security Features:
- Best security protocols
- 3-in-1 account facility
- Comprehensive investment options
- Trusted ICICI Bank backing
- Excellent customer support
Perfect For: Conservative investors who prioritize safety over cost savings.
9. Motilal Oswal – Best in Research
Motilal Oswal excels in detailed research and long-term wealth creation. It offers multiple investment avenues, user-friendly design and AI trading tools.
Research Advantages:
- Access to 30,000+ detailed company reports
- Stock SIP facility for systematic investing
- Personalized investment recommendations
- Long-term wealth creation focus
- Expert market insights
Perfect For: Long-term investors who value in-depth research and analysis.
10. Kotak Securities – The Professional’s Platform
Kotak Securities offers advanced tools for serious traders.
Professional Features:
- Advanced analytics and charting tools
- Lightning-fast trade execution
- Comprehensive research reports
- Secure, stable platform
- Professional-grade trading tools
Perfect For: Experienced traders who need institutional-quality tools.
11. Dhan – The TradingView Integration Specialist
Dhan app stands out with cutting-edge technology and deep TradingView integration for serious chart-based traders.
Key Advantages:
- Direct chart trading with TradingView integration
- Options Trader app for specialized F&O strategies
- Up to 5x intraday margin facility for enhanced buying power
- 50% discount on brokerage for female customers
- Advanced order types including Flash Trade and Iceberg Plus
Perfect For: Tech-savvy traders who rely heavily on advanced charting and TradingView for technical analysis.
12. INDMoney – The Global Investment Gateway
INDMoney changes the way people invest by giving them easy access to both Indian and international markets from one trading platform.
Key Benefits:
- Invest in both Indian and US stocks from one unified app
- Fractional US stock ownership starting at just $1 (₹84)
- Zero commission on US direct trades via NSEIX platform
- Complete net worth tracking across all global investments
- Competitive currency conversion rates for international transactions
- SIP facility for US stocks starting at ₹100 monthly
Perfect For: Investors who want to spread their money around the world and have access to US stock markets along with Indian investments.
13. m.Stock – The Zero Brokerage Trading App
With their unique lifetime pricing model, m.Stock by Mirae Asset offers the complete zero brokerage solution.
Key Advantages:
- No brokerage fees for lifetime on all trading segments (₹999 one-time plan).
- Pay Later (MTF) facility with competitive rates starting at 6.99%.
- Margin pledging facility available on 700+ stocks.
- Real-time tick-by-tick market data for precise timing.
- Advanced charting with a wide range of technical indicators.
Perfect For: High-volume active traders who want to eliminate brokerage costs entirely and maximize their trading profits through zero-fee transactions.
How to Choose Your Trading App: Decision Framework
Your ideal trading app depends on your specific situation. Here’s how to decide:
Complete Beginners (Never traded before)
Recommended: Groww or Zerodha
Why: Simple interfaces, extensive educational content, low costs, and strong support systems.
Active Day Traders (Multiple trades daily)
Recommended: Zerodha Kite or Upstox
Why: Advanced charting tools, fast execution, API access, and professional-grade features.
Research-Driven Investors (Want expert guidance)
Recommended: Angel One or Motilal Oswal
Why: Comprehensive research reports, investment recommendations, and market analysis.
Options Strategy Specialists
Recommended: Rupeezy or BlinkX
Why: Advanced option chains, strategy builders, specialized tools, and competitive F&O pricing.
Conservative Bank-Backed Preference
Recommended: HDFC Securities or ICICI Direct
Why: Bank-grade security, integrated services, and established trust.
How to Get Started with Trading Apps: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to start using mobile apps for trading? Follow the below step-by-step proven process:
Phase 1: Preparation (Week 1)
- Define Your Goals: Short-term trading or long-term investing?
- Assess Risk Tolerance: Think how much can you afford to lose?
- Choose Your App: Based on this guide’s recommendations
- Gather Documents: PAN card, Aadhaar, bank details, signature
Phase 2: Setup (Week 2)
- Download Official App: From Play Store/App Store only
- Complete KYC Process: Upload required documents
- Verify Your Account: Usually takes 1-2 working days
- Add Bank Account: Link your primary savings account
Phase 3: First Steps (Week 3-4)
- Transfer Small Amount: Start with ₹1,000-5,000
- Explore Platform Features: Understand order types and tools
- Practice with Watchlists: Track stocks before buying
- Make Your First Trade: Start small to learn the process
Phase 4: Growth (Month 2+)
- Increase Investment Gradually: As you gain confidence
- Diversify Holdings: Don’t put everything in one stock
- Learn Continuously: Use educational resources regularly
- Develop Trading Strategy: Based on your goals and risk tolerance
Critical Mistakes to Avoid While Trading through Mobile Apps
Avoid below costly errors that trap new investors:
- Trading Without Understanding: Learn platform basics before risking real money.
- Ignoring Hidden Charges: Read and understand the fee structure of trading apps in detail.
- Emotional Decision Making: Stick to your strategy during market volatility.
- Overtrading: More transactions don’t guarantee higher profits.
- No Risk Management: Always set stop losses and position limits.
- Following Tips Blindly: Do your own research and analysis.
- Inadequate Diversification: Don’t put all money in one stock or sector.
Quick Comparison of Trading Platforms
| Platform | Best For | Delivery Brokerage | Key Advantage | Monthly Users |
| Zerodha Kite | Active traders | Free | Advanced tools & reliability | 7.6M+ |
| Groww | Complete beginners | Free | Simple interface | 9.5M+ |
| Upstox | Speed-focused trading | Free | Fast execution | 1M+ |
| Angel One | Research-driven investors | Free | Expert insights | 2M+ |
| HDFC Securities | Bank integration | ₹20 | Security & reliability | 500K+ |
| Rupeezy | Options specialists | Free | Advanced F&O tools | 300K+ |
| 5paisa | High-volume traders | Free | Flat ₹20 pricing | 1.5M+ |
| ICICI Direct | Conservative investors | Varies | Bank-backed safety | 1M+ |
| Motilal Oswal | Long-term wealth building | Varies | In-depth research | 500K+ |
| Kotak Securities | Professional traders | Varies | Advanced features | 400K+ |
What are the Brokerage Charges of the Best Trading Apps in India?
Online stockbrokers help investors to trade through trading apps for a negligible brokerage fee. The top ten trading apps in India have the following brokerage fees.
| Trading App | Equity Delivery Brokerage Charges | Equity Intraday Brokerage Charges | F&O Futures Brokerage Charges | F&O Options Brokerage Charges |
| 5 Paisa | Rs.20/trade | Rs.20/trade | Rs 20/trade | Rs 20/trade |
| Zerodha Kite | Nil | 0.03% or Rs. 20/executed whichever is lower | 0.03% or Rs. 20/executed whichever is lower | Rs. 20/executed |
| Groww | 0.05% or Rs. 20/executed whichever is lower | 0.05% or Rs. 20/executed whichever is lower | Rs. 20/executed | Rs. 20/executed |
| ICICI Direct | 0.55% | 0.05% | 0.05% | Rs.95 |
| Angle One | No brokerage up to ₹500 or the first 30 days. Lower of ₹20 or 0.03% /executed after | No brokerage upto ₹500 for the first 30 days then lower of ₹20 or 0.03% /executed | ₹0 brokerage up to ₹500 for the first 30 days ₹20 per executed order after | ₹0 brokerage up to ₹500 for the first 30 days ₹20 per executed order after |
| Motilal Oswal | 0.20% | 0.02% | 0.02% | Currency and Equity- Rs. 20 |
| Upstox | Lower of ₹20 per order or 2.5% | Lower of ₹20 or 0.05%/ executed | Lower of ₹20 or 0.05%/ executed | Rs. 20/executed |
| Dhan | Nil | Lower of ₹ 20 or 0.03%/executed | Lower of ₹ 20 or 0.03%/executed | Rs.20/executed |
| INDMoney | Rs.20 or 0.05%/executed | Rs.20 or 0.05%/executed | Rs.20/executed | Rs.20/executed |
| Mstock | Zero brokerage fee for a one-time charge of Rs.999 | Nil | NIl | NIl |
Documents Required for Opening an Account with a Trading App
The following documents are required to open an account on a trading app.
Documents for Proof of Identity | Documents for Income Proof | Documents related to Bank Accounts | Documents for Address Proof | Additional Documents |
|
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
The Indian stock market offers tremendous wealth-building opportunities for informed investors. But success requires the right trading platform, proper education, and disciplined execution.
Don’t wait for perfect market conditions or complete knowledge. Start with small investments, learn from experience, and gradually build your expertise and portfolio.
We have listed the best trading apps you can choose with great trust and start your trading journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Trading involves short-term strategies to optimise returns on an ongoing basis. Investing is a focused long-term approach to building wealth and capital growth.
The right strategies, risk mitigation techniques and adequate knowledge about the market trends can help in earning profits.
You can suffer substantial capital losses while trading due to a lack of adequate financial knowledge, emotional decisions and financial market volatility.