Here are some of the top stock trading apps in India (2025), ranked by popularity, features, and user-friendliness. All of these platforms are SEBI‑registered and widely used among investors and traders:
Top Trading Apps
1. Zerodha Kite
- Best for: Low-cost trading & both beginners and experienced traders
- Brokerage: ₹0 on equity delivery; ₹20 per executed intraday & F&O order.
- Why choose it: Minimalist interface, advanced charting (via TradingView/ChartIQ), GTT order support, and educational tools like Varsity.
- Limitations: Limited advisory services and slower customer support during peak times.
2. Groww
- Best for: First‑time and long‑term investors
- Brokerage: ₹0 on equity delivery; ₹20 per trade for intraday/F&O.
- Why choose it: Clean and intuitive interface, seamless onboarding, zero maintenance fees, strong mutual fund offering, educational content.
- Limitations: Lacks advanced trading and charting tools for active traders.
3. Upstox Pro
- Best for: Active & tech‑savvy traders
- Brokerage: ₹0 on equity delivery; ₹20 per intraday/F&O trade.
- Why choose it: Fast trade execution, customizable charts, TradingView integration, universal instrument search, and low brokerage.
- Limitations: Interface may feel complex for beginners; occasional app glitches.
4. Angel One (formerly Angel Broking)
- Best for: Investors who need advisory and research support
- Brokerage: ₹0 on equity delivery; ₹20 for intraday/F&O trades depending on plan.
- Why choose it: AI-powered recommendations via ARQ Prime, research reports, voice search features, and multi-asset access (stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, insurance).
- Limitations: Heavier UI and advisory services may incur additional fees.
5. 5paisa
- Best for: Budget-conscious traders looking for low fees
- Brokerage: Flat ₹20 per order across segments; some plans offer lower rates.
- Why choose it: Offers algo trading, auto‑invest, mutual funds, insurance, research tools, and portfolio analytics—all at low cost.
- Limitations: Customer support isn’t always prompt; research tools less robust than full-service brokers.
6. ICICI Direct Markets
- Best for: Investors who value integrated banking & advisory services
- Brokerage: ₹20 per order (may vary by plan); higher for F&O.
- Why choose it: Seamless 3‑in‑1 integration (bank, trading, demat), strong research, personalized guidance, and multi-asset support.
- Limitations: Higher brokerage; more complex fee structure.
7. HDFC SKY (HDFC Securities)
- Best for: Existing HDFC Bank customers who want convenient integration
- Brokerage: ₹20 per intraday/F&O order; no AMC and zero account opening fee initially.
- Why choose it: Live quotes, voice search, IPO access, portfolio tools, and banking ease
- Limitations: Higher brokerage than discount brokers; advanced tools may overwhelm novices.
8. Dhan (emerging option)
- Best for: Options traders and advanced strategy users
- Brokerage: Typically flat, competitive fees; options-focused tools
- Why choose it: Includes options strategy builder, margin calculator, free API access, and TradingView charts.
- Limitations: May be overwhelming for beginners.
🧠 Community Mentions
- Users often pair platforms, e.g., using Zerodha for equities and Groww for mutual funds
- Some mention alternatives like Shoonya by Finvasia (zero brokerage after a one-time fee, AI‑based analysis), though it has a smaller user base.
📊 Overview Table
| Platform | Equity Delivery Fee | Intraday & F&O Fee | Ideal For | Strengths |
| Zerodha Kite | ₹0 | ₹20 | Low-cost traders | Fast, advanced charts, minimal UI |
| Groww | ₹0 | ₹20 | Beginners & long-term investors | Clean UI, mutual funds, educational tools |
| Upstox Pro | ₹0 | ₹20 | Active/technical traders | Customizable charts, fast execution |
| Angel One | ₹0 | ₹20 | Research & advice seekers | AI insights, voice trading, multi-assets |
| 5paisa | ₹20 | ₹20 | Budget-conscious traders | Autosave, algo trading, comprehensive tools |
| ICICI Direct | ₹ ₹20+avg | ¥higher | Full-service brokerage users | Research-backed, banking integration |
| HDFC SKY | ₹20 | ₹20 | HDFC account holders | IPOs, voice search, portfolio overview |
| Dhan | ₹20+option friendly | ₹20 | Options/strategy traders | Strategy builder, margin tools, APIs |
✅ Which App Should You Choose?
- For a budget-friendly, easy‑to‑use platform, start with Groww or Zerodha Kite.
- For advanced trading features and charting, consider Upstox Pro, Dhan, or Zerodha.
- If you want research, advisory, or full banking features, explore Angel One, ICICI Direct, or HDFC SKY.
- Looking for lowest-cost trading with automation tools? 5paisa is a solid choice.
🔍 Final Notes
- Market leadership: As of late 2024/early 2025, Groww leads with over 25% market share among NSE users, followed closely by Zerodha (~16%) and Angel One (~15%)
- Active user base growth: Groww has surpassed 11 million clients by April 2025.
- Broader trend: Indian retail trading has surged, especially among millennials and Gen Z, with platforms making trading accessible via mobile and low fees.
