The Indian investing scene has changed massively in the past five years. What used to be a choice between ICICI Direct or HDFC Securities is now a marketplace full of discount brokers, fintech startups, and “super apps” that combine trading, mutual funds, insurance, UPI, and even loans.
If you’re confused between Zerodha, Groww, Angel One, Upstox, Paytm Money, ICICI Direct, or HDFC Securities—this guide is for you.
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Top Brokers & Apps in India (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular brokers and investing apps.
| Broker/App | Account Opening | Brokerage Charges | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | ₹200 | ₹20 per trade / 0.03% | Active traders, low brokerage |
| Groww | Free | Flat ₹20/order | Beginners, mutual funds + stocks |
| Angel One | Free | ₹0 equity delivery, ₹20/order | Full-service + advisory |
| Upstox | ₹249 | ₹20/order | Traders, options strategies |
| Paytm Money | Free | ₹15/order | Budget-friendly, app-first |
| ICICI Direct | ₹975 | High % based | Trusted legacy, integrated with bank |
| HDFC Securities | ₹999 | High % based | Full-service + advisory + IPOs |
Key Features to Compare
Account Opening & AMC
- Groww, Angel One, Paytm Money → Free account opening.
- Zerodha & Upstox → Small one-time fees.
- Legacy brokers (ICICI, HDFC) → Expensive setup but deep banking integration.
Brokerage Charges
- Discount brokers (Zerodha, Upstox, Groww) → Flat ₹20/order.
- Angel One → ₹0 on delivery, ₹20 otherwise.
- Traditional brokers → High % brokerage, not cost-efficient for retail investors.
App Features
- Groww → Clean, beginner-friendly, includes mutual funds.
- Zerodha → Advanced charts (Kite), strong for traders.
- Angel One → Advisory + super app with loans, insurance.
- Paytm Money → Cheapest trades (₹15), integrates with Paytm Wallet.
- ICICI & HDFC → Integrated banking + IPO + insurance under one roof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you’re a beginner → Start with Groww or Angel One (easy setup, no hidden fees).
- If you’re a serious trader → Zerodha or Upstox give better charts and execution.
- If you want a one-stop super app → Angel One or Paytm Money combine multiple products.
- If you trust legacy banking → ICICI Direct or HDFC Securities still have loyal users, but are pricey.
India’s investing apps are evolving into super apps that combine stock trading, mutual funds, SIPs, IPOs, UPI, insurance, and even loans.
The right choice depends on your goals:
- Cost savings? → Discount brokers.
- Advisory? → Full-service brokers.
- Convenience? → Fintech super apps.
No matter what you choose, having a low-cost, GST-compliant Demat + Trading account is the first step.
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Open your free Demat & Trading account today with India’s top brokers and investing apps. Compare charges, features, and choose the one that fits your investing style.
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