Looking for the No. 1 Trading App in India? Here, I will share my experience with one and my favourite real trading app in India.
After using different trading apps for over 7 years, I’ve learned that selecting a stockbroker is not only about low brokerage charges. Custom support, trading platforms, research tools, account maintenance fees, and overall experience are also important.
I’ve used Zerodha, Angel One, and Groww over the years. Although I stopped using Zerodha in 2024, I have continued using Angel One since then. Angel One is my favorite app based on my experience because it offers trading features, research tools, and investment options.
Every investor, however, has different needs. I’ll therefore compare three popular brokers to help you decide which one suits your requirements in this article.
Which Is the No. 1 Trading App in India?
There is no single excellent trading app for everyone. Angel One, Zerodha, and Groww have different features appealing to everyone.
Here’s my quick comparison of the 3 platforms:
| Features | Angel One | Zerodha | Groww |
| Ideal for | Research-focused traders & investors | Active traders | Beginners & mutual funds investor |
| Trading account opening | Free | Free for eligible individuals | Free |
| Equity delivery brokerage | ₹20 or 0.1% whichever is lower | ₹0 | ₹20 or 0.1% whichever is lower |
| Intraday brokerage | Up to ₹20 or 0.1% whichever is lower | ₹20 or 0.3% whichever is lower | Up to ₹20 or 0.1% whichever is lower |
| F&O brokerage | ₹20 per executed order | ₹20 per executed order for options. But futures have separate pricing | ₹20 per executed order |
| Demat AMC | Free for the first year. Subsequent charges are also there based on account type | Free for the first year & subsequent charges depend on account type | Check the current applicable term |
| Research & reports | Available | Limited in-house recommendation & advisory | Limited in-house research & advisory |
| My overall preferences | My favorite | Ideal for active trading | Perfect for beginners |
Brokerage rates and account charges can change. I’ve only summarized commonly listed pricing structures in the above table. It’s best to check each broker’s official charges page before opening an account. Taxes, exchange transaction charges, SEBI charges, stamp duty, and DP charges may apply separately.
1. Angel One: Why It Is No 1 Trading App in India
It is my favourite app among all trading platforms available today. Although I’ve tested out several apps, I have continued using it for over 7 years and beyond. I found its combination of trading facilities & research features more useful for my needs.
Although it was founded in 1996 as Angel Broking, it has transitioned from a traditional brokerage business to a digital-first platform. Stock trading, investment services, market information, and research features are combined in the current app.
Features I Like About Angel One
Research and market information
Research reports, market updates, and stock analysis are present here. They helped me understand a company’s performance & test market trends before making a decision.
Its ARQ-related services are also among its research-based features. Its recommendations should, however, be treated as a starting point for independent researchers instead of guaranteed trading signals.
Multiple investment options
Several investment categories can also be accessed through this platform. Common categories are:
- Stocks listed on NSE & BSE
- Futures and options
- Mutual funds
- Initial public offerings (IPOs)
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
- Commodities & currency derivatives
- Eligible bonds & other investment products
It offers broader convenience for people looking to manage different types of investments together.
Mobile and web trading
A mobile app & web-based trading is also available here. Investors can therefore check k their portfolios, monitor market movements, place orders, and access available research features without a desktop computer.
Competitive brokerage
Free account opening is available for eligible customers here. Although brokerage of up to ₹20 per executed order for derivatives is available at its standard price, equity delivery & intraday brokerage also follows their applicable percentage-based limits & minimum charges.
What Could Be Better?
Angel One is indeed not perfect. Although delivery trades are not universally free, investors may find that some account-related or transaction charges are also increasing the overall cost.
Customer support experience may also differ. I recommend checking the latest fees and reviewing recent customer feedback before deciding.
Angel One still remains my preferred option because I value trading features and research resources.
Read more: How to Open Account in Angel One (Best Demat Stock Broker)
2. Zerodha: A Real Trading App
It was founded in 2010 by Nithin and Nikhil Kamath. Zerodha helped popularize discount broking in India. It is especially popular among investors and traders looking for transparent pricing and detailed trading tools.
Although I stopped using it after 2024, I still consider it a strong option for those looking for a trading-focused platform.
Features of Zerodha
Kite trading platform
It is Zerodha’s primary web and mobile trading platform. Market data, charts, watchlists, and different order types also help users manage their trades here. Its charting facilities make Zerodha useful for studying price movements and technical indicators.
Zero brokerage on equity delivery
Zero brokerage on equity delivery investments for eligible individual customers is one of Zerodha’s major advantages. It is ideal for long-term investors who genuinely buy and hold shares for the long term.
Intraday & futures trades generally attract brokerage of ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order. ₹20 per executed order is the charge for option trades.
Varsity for financial education
Free educational materials on stock markets, trading, technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and risk management are available here. It helps new investors build their understanding before committing money to the market.
Additional trading tools
Portfolio management through Console and mutual fund investing through Coin are also available there. It also offers developer-focused APIs and additional tools for eligible users.
What Could Be Better?
It may also feel less guided for someone opening their first investment account. Its research & advisory offerings are also limited compared to a broker with built-in research services.
Account maintenance charges also apply after the introductory period for accounts. These charges don’t qualify for lower-cost Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) treatment. This is why I stopped using it.
Zerodha still deserves your attention for learning active trading and using charting tools.
3. Groww: A Beginner-Friendly Trading App
Former Flipkart employees Lalit Keshre, Harsh Jain, Neeraj Singh, and Ishan Bansal founded Groww in 2017. Although Groww initially aimed on mutual fund investing, it later expanded into stock trading & other financial products. Its simple interface makes Groww appealing for people starting their investment journey.
Features of Groww
Simple user interface
Groww shows investment information through a relatively straightforward interface. Investors search for stocks, explore investment options, review their holdings, and track their portfolios without learning a complex trading terminal.
Mutual fund investments
Mutual fund plans without a platform commission are also available here. Investors may explore available schemes and manage their investments through the app. It is important to note that mutual funds carry market risks. A direct plan doesn’t guarantee returns.
Stock trading and IPO applications
It also supports equity investing and offers access to IPO applications and other eligible investment products. Users can also manage several common investment activities through one app.
Online account opening
An account can also be opened digitally for eligible customers. Groww’s onboarding process and interface may be ideal for people looking to start investing without visiting a physical branch.
What Could Be Better?
A more advanced trading environment or extensive in-house research and advisory services may not be available here. Its features, supported products, and eligibility requirements may also differ from other brokers out there.
It is also worth considering for those who mainly invest in mutual funds, buy shares occasionally, and prefer a simple app.
Angel One vs Zerodha vs Groww: Which Is Cheaper?
Brokerage is one of the first things people compare when searching for ssearch the best trading app. Advertised brokerage rates, however, give you an incomplete picture. Here are the main costs to examine before selecting a broker:
1. Account Opening Fees
Free account opening is available for eligible resident individual customers under their standard offerings at all brokers. Different charges may apply to special account categories.
2. Annual Maintenance Charges
Demat account maintenance charges may differ based on the broker, account category, and eligibility for BSDA benefits.
Zerodha usually charges ₹300 plus applicable GST annually for non-BSDA accounts after the first year. Eligible BSDA accounts may get reduced or zero AMC based on the reduced or zero AMC
Zero AMC for the first year is available in Angel One. But quarterly charges are there for non-BSDA customers. Eligible BSDA customers usually pay less.
It’s best to check Groww’s current pricing and account terms to confirm the AMC applicable to your account.
3. Other Transaction Charges
Trading is not always free, even on zero-brokerage platforms. You may also have to pay:
- STT or Commodities Transaction Tax, where applicable
- Exchange transaction charges
- GST on applicable services
- Stamp duty
- SEBI turnover fees
- Depository Participant (DP) charges on applicable share-selling transactions
The transaction type, value, and applicable rules play an important role in deciding the complete cost. It’s therefore best to use each broker’s official brokerage calculator and enter the same trade details for fair calculation.
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FAQs to No 1 Trading app in India
Which is the No. 1 trading app in India?
Although Angel One is my personal favourite, Zerodha may be perfect for active traders, and Groww may be more comfortable for beginners.
Which is the best trading app for beginners?
Angel One may suit beginners for its built-in research resources. But Groww also deserves your attention for its simple interface and easy access to mutual funds.
Is Angel One a real trading app in India?
Yes, it is a registered stockbroker offering trading and investment services in India.
Final Verdict: Why I Prefer Angel One
My preference is Angel One after using it for more than 7 years due to its trading facilities, research resources, and investment options.
Although I stopped using Zerodha in 2024, it can still be considered for its charting tools and zero-brokerage equity delivery investments. Groww can also be preferred for an approachable experience for beginners and mutual fund investors.
It’s best to compare the latest fees and explore the available features before selecting the right app. It’s also important to know about market risks before putting money there.