As India’s financial landscape becomes increasingly digital, mobile trading apps have gained immense popularity among new and seasoned investors alike. These apps provide a seamless way to invest in various financial markets, such as stocks, commodities, derivatives, and even mutual funds, making it easy to manage portfolios and track performance anytime, anywhere.
Choosing the right trading app depends on factors like user interface, brokerage fees, customer support, and research tools. Here’s a look at the top 10 trading apps in India for 2024, each offering unique features suited to different types of investors.
Comparative Table of Top 10 Trading Apps in India
App Name | Brokerage (Equity Delivery) | Brokerage (Intraday) | Key Features | Best For |
Zerodha Kite | Free | ₹20/order | Advanced charting, clean interface | All user levels |
Upstox Pro | Free | ₹20/order or 0.05% | Real-time data, 100+ indicators | Active traders |
Groww | Free | ₹20/order | Zero maintenance, educational resources | Beginners |
Angel Broking | Free | ₹20/order | API integration, smart research | Intermediate investors |
ICICI Direct | Varies by plan | Varies | Multi-asset trading, robust research | ICICI account holders |
5paisa | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | Low-cost, advisory services | Budget-conscious traders |
HDFC Securities | Varies by segment | Varies | Research reports, secure platform | HDFC Bank users |
Sharekhan | Varies by plan | Varies | Extensive analysis tools, reliability | Experienced traders |
Motilal Oswal | Typically higher | Typically higher | High-quality research, multiple assets | Advanced investors |
Paytm Money | Free | ₹15/order | Beginner-friendly, free delivery | New investors, budget-conscious |
1. Zerodha Kite
Overview: Zerodha Kite is widely regarded as one of India’s top trading apps, with a strong reputation for simplicity and robust performance. It’s part of Zerodha’s discount brokerage model and is free for equity delivery, making it popular among investors seeking low-cost solutions.
Features: Advanced charting, live streaming quotes, over 100 indicators for analysis.
Brokerage: Free for equity delivery; ₹20 per order for intraday and F&O.
2. Upstox Pro
Overview: Upstox Pro is known for its powerful yet user-friendly interface. The app is backed by leading investors, making it a credible choice among traders and investors. Upstox Pro stands out for its range of order types and technical tools.
Features: Advanced charts with 100+ indicators, customized watchlists, and low fees.
Brokerage: ₹20 per trade or 0.05%, whichever is lower for all segments.
3. Groww
Overview: Originally a platform for mutual fund investments, Groww has expanded into stock trading with a straightforward interface that’s ideal for beginners. Its intuitive design, combined with zero charges for equity delivery, makes Groww an attractive option.
Features: Simple navigation, zero account maintenance fees, extensive tutorials.
Brokerage: Free for equity delivery; ₹20 per order for intraday trades.
Use Groww brokerage calculator to calculate the total charges on your investment.
4. Angel Broking
Overview: Angel Broking offers a full-featured app with a range of services, from stocks and mutual funds to commodities. Its smart API integration and extensive research reports are ideal for investors who like to make data-driven decisions.
Features: Smart Money platform, extensive advisory reports, real-time data.
Brokerage: Free for equity delivery; ₹20 per order for intraday.
5. ICICI Direct
Overview: Known for its trustworthiness and wide range of services, ICICI Direct integrates seamlessly with ICICI Bank accounts, allowing for easy fund transfers. The app offers research-based investment advice and a strong trading ecosystem.
Features: Access to research reports, real-time data, and multi-asset trading.
Brokerage: Varies based on plan; often higher than discount brokers but provides additional services.
6. 5paisa
Overview: 5paisa is a budget-friendly trading app that offers one of the lowest brokerage fees, attracting investors on a tight budget. It also provides various research and advisory services to guide investments.
Features: Comprehensive advisory services, portfolio analysis, and low-cost options.
Brokerage: ₹20 per order for all segments, regardless of trade size.
7. HDFC Securities
Overview: HDFC Securities, backed by HDFC Bank, offers a secure trading platform that caters to both novice and advanced investors. It is well-suited for HDFC Bank account holders who benefit from easy integration and fund transfers.
Features: Easy dashboard navigation, in-depth research and market insights, and multiple investment options.
Brokerage: Varies across trading segments, but is typically higher than discount brokers.
8. Sharekhan
Overview: Sharekhan is a veteran in the Indian stock trading space and offers a well-rounded app with advanced tools and in-depth research for experienced traders. It provides a broad range of investment options beyond stocks, including mutual funds, commodities, and bonds.
Features: Charting tools, research reports, market insights, and educational content.
Brokerage: Typically higher than newer discount brokers, but worth it for advanced features.
9. Motilal Oswal
Overview: Motilal Oswal’s trading app caters to those who want a premium trading experience with high-quality research and insights. It’s popular among seasoned investors for its strong research support and comprehensive data.
Features: Real-time analysis, detailed research reports, asset variety.
Brokerage: Higher than discount brokers but competitive within full-service brokers.
10. Paytm Money
Overview: Paytm Money has quickly gained traction as a trading app for beginners and budget-conscious investors. Known for its low-cost structure, it offers a seamless onboarding experience and access to multiple investment options.
Features: Simplified interface, instant onboarding, free equity delivery.
Brokerage: ₹15 per order for intraday trades; free for delivery.
Choosing the Right Trading App
Each of these apps caters to different types of investors. Here’s a quick guide on how to choose the best app for your needs:
- Beginners: If you’re just starting, apps like Groww and Paytm Money provide simple, intuitive interfaces and low fees, making them ideal for first-time traders.
- Low-Cost Trading: 5paisa and Zerodha Kite are excellent for those looking for low-cost trading options, as they charge minimal brokerage fees while offering quality trading tools.
- Comprehensive Research: For investors who rely heavily on market research, Motilal Oswal and ICICI Direct provide detailed insights, reports, and real-time data.
- Active Traders: If you trade frequently, Upstox Pro and Angel Broking offer a range of tools for real-time data, quick order execution, and multiple charting options.
Final Thoughts
The best trading app for you depends on your specific requirements, such as ease of use, costs, and access to research. Each app in this list brings unique strengths, so be sure to assess your investment goals before making a decision. Whether you’re an experienced trader or a novice, there’s an app on this list that can help you navigate the stock market confidently and efficiently.