India’s stock market is booming, and so is the number of people investing online. With easy-to-use trading apps like Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox, anyone can start investing from their phone or laptop in just minutes. But with so many options, which trading platform is actually the best in 2025?
In this article, we’ll compare Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox in detail—features, fees, pros and cons—so you can decide which one is right for your trading or investing goals.
1. Zerodha – India’s #1 Discount Broker
Zerodha is the most popular stockbroker in India, known for starting the zero-brokerage revolution. With over 1.3 crore users, it’s trusted by serious traders and investors alike.
- Type: Discount broker
- Founded: 2010
- Headquarters: Bangalore
Key Features:
- ₹0 brokerage on equity delivery
- ₹20 max per order on intraday, F&O
- Advanced trading platform (Kite)
- Detailed reports and analytics via Console
- Learn trading for free with Varsity
Fees:
- Account opening: ₹200
- AMC (Annual Maintenance): ₹300
- Delivery trades: ₹0
- Intraday/F&O: ₹20 per executed order
Pros:
- Highly stable and fast platform
- Great for technical traders
- Strong education and research tools
Cons:
- Interface not beginner-friendly
- Mutual fund investment is via a separate platform (Coin)
Best For: Active traders, advanced investors, and technical analysts
2. Groww – Best for Beginners and Mutual Fund Investors
Groww started as a mutual fund investment app and quickly became one of India’s fastest-growing platforms for stocks and SIPs. Its clean, minimal interface makes it great for first-time investors.
- Type: Investment platform
- Founded: 2016
- Headquarters: Bangalore
Key Features:
- ₹0 account opening and maintenance
- Direct mutual funds, SIPs, stocks, ETFs, gold, FDs in one app
- Fast KYC and onboarding
- Very beginner-friendly UI
Fees:
- Account opening: ₹0
- AMC: ₹0
- Delivery: ₹20/order or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
- Intraday: ₹20/order
Pros:
- Super easy to use
- Clean, clutter-free app
- Ideal for SIPs and long-term investing
Cons:
- Not suitable for advanced trading
- Limited charting and technical tools
- No options or futures trading
Best For: Beginners, mutual fund investors, and passive investors
3. Upstox – Fast & Affordable for Traders
Upstox has gained huge popularity with aggressive pricing and a clean trading interface. Backed by investors like Ratan Tata, it offers powerful features at a lower cost.
- Type: Discount broker
- Founded: 2009
- Headquarters: Mumbai
Key Features:
- ₹0 account opening and ₹0 AMC (limited time)
- Fast and reliable trading app
- In-app IPO application via UPI
- Smart charts and indicators for analysis
Fees:
- Account opening: ₹0
- AMC: ₹0 (first year)
- Delivery: ₹0
- Intraday: ₹20/order
Pros:
- Low brokerage charges
- Easy IPO investment
- Good speed and app performance
Cons:
- Customer support can be slow
- Interface not as smooth as Groww for beginners
Best For: Traders, IPO investors, and users looking for a cost-effective platform
Zerodha vs Groww vs Upstox – Quick Comparison
| Feature | Zerodha | Groww | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | ₹200 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| AMC | ₹300/year | ₹0 | ₹0 (1st year) |
| Equity Delivery | ₹0 | ₹20/order | ₹0 |
| Intraday | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹20/order |
| Mutual Funds | Via Coin | In-app | In-app |
| Options/F&O | Yes | No | Yes |
| UI/UX | Advanced | Simple | Balanced |
| IPO Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Which Trading App Should You Choose?
- Choose Zerodha if you are a serious trader who needs advanced tools and doesn’t mind a learning curve.
- Choose Groww if you are a beginner who wants an easy-to-use app for long-term investing and mutual funds.
- Choose Upstox if you want fast trades, free delivery, and a balanced app experience.
Your choice depends on your goals. Long-term investors should focus on ease of use and low delivery charges. Active traders should focus on execution speed, stability, and analysis tools.
Can You Use Multiple Platforms?
Yes, many investors use multiple platforms. For example, you can use Groww for SIPs and Zerodha for trading. All platforms are regulated by SEBI, so using more than one is completely legal and safe.
Conclusion
All three platforms—Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox—are excellent in their own ways. Zerodha is best for traders, Groww for new investors, and Upstox for value seekers. No matter which one you choose, the key is to get started and invest consistently.
The Indian stock market has a bright future, and thanks to these apps, you can be a part of it without needing to be an expert.