Best Trading App in India 2025:
The Indian stock market has experienced a remarkable surge in participation, with over 100 million unique investors as of 2024, according to industry reports. This growth, fueled by digitalization and increased financial literacy, has made trading apps indispensable for both novice and seasoned investors. For Option Matrix India, selecting the best trading app is crucial to empower clients with seamless, cost-effective, and feature-rich platforms. This article provides an in-depth analysis of top trading apps in India, focusing on key criteria such as brokerage fees, other charges, facilities, Margin Trading Facility (MTF) charges, and app performance. After researching all National Stock Exchange (NSE) brokers, we compare the leading platforms to identify the best trading platform for various user needs.
Importance of Choosing the Right Trading App
Trading apps have revolutionized how Indians invest, offering convenience, real-time market access, and advanced tools at your fingertips. The right app can minimize costs, enhance trading efficiency, and provide valuable insights, while a suboptimal choice may lead to higher fees or a clunky user experience. With keywords like best trading app, cheapest trading platform, zero brokerage app, and best zero brokerage app driving user searches, we evaluate platforms based on the following criteria:
- Brokerage Fees: Costs per trade, critical for frequent traders.
- Other Charges: Account opening fees, annual maintenance charges (AMC), and additional fees.
- Facilities: Features like charting tools, research reports, and customer support.
- MTF Charges: Interest rates for Margin Trading Facility, allowing traders to buy shares with borrowed funds.
- App Performance: Speed, reliability, and user experience, often reflected in app store ratings.
Research Methodology
We conducted a comprehensive analysis of NSE-registered brokers, focusing on those with significant market share and robust trading apps. Data was sourced from SEBI, NSE, app stores, and reputable financial websites like Chittorgarh, Forbes Advisor India, and BankBazaar. The top brokers were evaluated based on the criteria above, with a particular emphasis on user reviews and app performance metrics.
Top Trading Apps in India
Based on active client base and market share as of July 2025, the following apps are among the best:
- Groww: Known for its user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners.
- Zerodha: A pioneer in discount brokerage with advanced tools.
- Angel One: Combines low fees with research and advisory services.
- Upstox: Offers a balance of cost and features for active traders.
- ICICI Direct: Provides a 3-in-1 account and extensive research.
- Shoonya (Finvasia): A zero-brokerage platform for cost-conscious investors.
Below is a detailed comparison of these apps.
Detailed Comparison of Top Trading Apps
Brokerage Fees
Brokerage fees directly impact trading profitability, especially for frequent traders. Here’s how the top apps compare:
| Broker | Equity Delivery | Equity Intraday | F&O (Futures & Options) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groww | Rs 20 or 0.05% (lower) per order | Rs 20 or 0.05% (lower) per order | Rs 20 per order |
| Zerodha | Rs 0 (Free) | Rs 20 or 0.03% (lower) per order | Rs 20 per order |
| Angel One | Rs 20 or 0.1% (lower) per order* | Rs 20 or 0.03% (lower) per order | Rs 20 per order |
| Upstox | Rs 20 or 0.05% (lower) per order | Rs 20 or 0.05% (lower) per order | Rs 20 per order |
| ICICI Direct | 0.29% (MoneySaver Plan) | 0.145% (MoneySaver Plan) | Rs 49 per lot (MoneySaver Plan) |
| Shoonya | Rs 0 (Free) | Rs 5 or 0.03% (lower) per order | Rs 5 per order |
*Note: Angel One offered zero brokerage on delivery for the first 30 days for new accounts until November 2024, but now charges Rs 20 or 0.1% per order.
Analysis: Shoonya and Zerodha lead with zero brokerage on delivery trades, making them ideal for long-term investors. For intraday and F&O, Shoonya’s Rs 5 per order is the lowest, followed by Zerodha, Groww, Angel One, and Upstox at Rs 20. ICICI Direct’s percentage-based fees are significantly higher, less suitable for cost-conscious traders.
Other Charges
Additional charges like account opening fees and AMC can add up over time. Here’s a breakdown:
| Broker | Account Opening | Demat AMC |
|---|---|---|
| Groww | Free | Free |
| Zerodha | Free | Rs 300/year |
| Angel One | Free | Free (special offer) |
| Upstox | Free | Rs 150/year |
| ICICI Direct | Free | Rs 700/year |
| Shoonya | Free | Free |
Analysis: Groww and Shoonya offer the lowest costs with zero AMC, followed by Angel One (under special offer). Zerodha and Upstox have moderate AMC, while ICICI Direct’s Rs 700/year is the highest.
Facilities
The features offered by a trading app can enhance trading efficiency and decision-making:
- Groww: Offers basic charting tools, educational content, and a user-friendly interface. Lacks advanced order types and research reports, making it best for beginners.
- Zerodha: Provides advanced charting with over 100 indicators, order types like Good Till Triggered (GTT) and Cover Orders, and third-party integrations (e.g., Sensibull for options trading). Ideal for active traders.
- Angel One: Features charting with 40+ indicators, research reports, and advisory services via ARQ. Suitable for users seeking guidance.
- Upstox: Offers advanced charting, order types (AMO, CO, SL, GTT), and tools like Upstox Option Chain for volatility analysis.
- ICICI Direct: Provides a 3-in-1 account (banking, trading, demat), advanced charting with TradingView/ChartIQ, and extensive research. Best for users valuing integration and research.
- Shoonya: Includes advanced charting, AI-based stock predictions via I Know First, and a multi-asset platform. Caters to both beginners and professionals.
Analysis: Zerodha and Upstox offer the most advanced tools for technical traders, while Angel One and ICICI Direct excel in research and advisory. Groww and Shoonya prioritize simplicity, appealing to new investors.
MTF Charges
Margin Trading Facility allows traders to buy shares with borrowed funds, with interest charged on the borrowed amount:
| Broker | MTF Interest Rate (per day) | Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Groww | 0.041% | 14.95% |
| Zerodha | 0.04% | 14.6% |
| Angel One | 0.041% | 14.99% |
| Upstox | 0.05% (Rs 20/day per Rs 40,000) | 18.25% |
| ICICI Direct | 0.049% (default, reducible to 0.04% with Prime plan) | 17.885% (default) |
| Shoonya | Not specified | Assumed competitive |
Analysis: Zerodha offers the lowest MTF rate at 0.04% per day, followed closely by Groww and Angel One. Upstox’s slab-based rate is higher, and ICICI Direct’s default rate is the highest, though reducible with a paid Prime plan. Shoonya’s MTF charges are not explicitly stated but are likely competitive given their zero-brokerage model.
App Performance
App performance, including speed and reliability, is critical for trading. We use App Store ratings as a proxy for user experience:
| Broker | App Store Rating | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| Groww | 4.3/5 | 66.1K |
| Zerodha | 4.2/5 | 5.7K |
| Angel One | 4.4/5 | 136.7K |
| Upstox | 4.3/5 | 13.7K |
| ICICI Direct | 4.8/5 | 76K |
| Shoonya | 4.1/5 | 2K |
Analysis: ICICI Direct has the highest rating (4.8/5), followed by Angel One (4.4/5). Groww and Upstox both score 4.3/5, while Zerodha and Shoonya trail slightly. User reviews highlight Zerodha’s fast order execution and Groww’s seamless interface, though ICICI Direct’s app is criticized for being cluttered.
Brokerage Calculator
To help traders estimate costs, most platforms offer brokerage calculators:
- Compare brokerage calculators for all apps at Option Matrix India brokerage calculator
- Groww: Available at groww.in/pricing, calculates brokerage and regulatory charges.
- Zerodha: Comprehensive calculator at zerodha.com/brokerage-calculator, includes STT and exchange fees.
- Angel One: Found at angelone.in/calculators/brokerage-calculator, covers all segments.
- Upstox: Offers a calculator for NSE, BSE, and MCX trades.
- ICICI Direct: Provides detailed cost breakdowns for various plans.
- Shoonya: Calculator at select.finology.in/broker/shoonya/calculator, transparent for all segments.
These tools help traders optimize returns by understanding total costs, including brokerage and taxes.
Which is the Best Trading App?
The best trading app depends on your trading style and priorities:
- Long-term Investors: Zerodha and Shoonya are top choices due to zero brokerage on delivery trades, with Groww also appealing for its zero AMC.
- Active Traders: Zerodha’s advanced tools and low MTF rates make it ideal, while Upstox offers similar features at competitive costs.
- Beginners: Groww’s intuitive interface and educational content are perfect for new investors.
- Research-Driven Traders: Angel One and ICICI Direct provide extensive research and advisory, though at higher costs.
Zerodha emerges as the best overall trading app for its balance of zero delivery brokerage, low MTF rates, and advanced features, trusted by over 78 lakh clients. Shoonya is a strong alternative for those seeking the cheapest trading platform, with zero delivery brokerage and minimal intraday/F&O fees. For Option Matrix India, recommending Zerodha or Shoonya aligns with the demand for best zero brokerage apps while catering to diverse trading needs.
Citations
- Groww Review
- Zerodha Review
- Angel One Review
- Upstox Review
- ICICI Direct Review
- Shoonya Pricing
- App Store ratings for respective apps.