BEST STOCK BROKERS FOR TRADERS
Trading in India has seen exponential growth. Nearly every person you walk by in a metropolitan city Has a DEMAT account in trading in the markets. While many of them might not be seasonal traders they all require broker and with little to no research about what kind of broker would be best for them and their way of investing they just go by the normal norm of selecting the one with most number of users. Here down in that articles we have analyzed some of the top brokers which are present in the country and gave you a full overview to select from.
1. Zerodha (Stock Broker Used by Professionals)
Background: Founded in the year 2010 by Nitin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath, this is a trailblazer that revolutionized the Indian broker landscape by introducing the discounted broker model starting as a small operation it quickly became a household name by focusing on low cost transparent service. Zerodha became a household name boasting over 11 million loose users and it conducts a business of 16,000 crores per day on the Bombay Stock Exchange in National Stock Exchange.
Reputation: It is widely regarded as most reliable broker in the Indian broker space cause of it User-Friendly And transparent management. the broker is headed by Nitin Who is widely respected and seen as a man of character While his younger brother Nikhil is working to promote entrepreneurship in the Country.
Key Features
- Brokerage: 0 brokerage for equity derivative traders under ₹20 executive order for intra day and F&O.
- Trading Platforms: Kite— A sleek and intuitive platform with advanced charting tools and over 100 technical indicators which can transform your user experience.
- Unique Initiatives: Varsity, is a free to use program by The broker which teaches young investors about the functioning of market.
- Market Share: Holds over 19% of the total active investor base Substantially, a big player in the broker game.
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2. ICICI Direct (Stock broker used by Seasoned Investors)
Background: Launched in the year 2000 ICICI direct is the flagship brokerage arm of ICICI bank, one of India’s leading financial institution. It is a full service stock broker offering a wide array of financial products from equity to fixed deposits and gives you the opportunity to invest in future & options.
Reputation: ICICI Direct is Is synonymous with trust and comprehensive financial services. As its parent bank is having a legacy quite hard to replicate. a good amount of seasoned investors prefer ICICI Direct as their mode of Investment.
Key Features:
- Brokerage: Percentage-based model—around 0.55% for equity delivery and 0.03% for intraday trades.
- Trading Platforms: The ICICI Direct Markets app offers advanced tools, including multi-asset trading and integrated research.
- Distinctive Feature: 3-in-1 account (banking, demat, and trading), ensuring seamless fund transfers and ease of operations. This makes easy to manage paper trails that would not confuse you over the transactions.
- Market Share: Commands significant trust with a client base exceeding 2 million. Which includes some of the most seasoned Investors.
3. HDFC Securities (Great Historical Performance)
Background: Established in 2000, HDFC Securities is a subsidiary of Hdfc Bank with reputed financial history. Like the previous bank This stock broker too has a history of great performance and delivery with competent servers that facilitate your trading experience. You can download this stock broker’s app from this link.
Reputation: HDFC a good amount of customers who have used the services of HDFC for banking prefer this broker as its convenient for them to transfer a greater amount of funds. As the customer service is one call away either for the bank or the broker.
Key Features:
- Brokerage: 0.5% for delivery and 0.05% for intraday trades.
- Trading Platforms: The Pro Terminal platform provides cutting-edge tools like predictive analytics and advanced charting abilities for the users.
- Distinctive Feature: Integration with HDFC Bank allows instant fund transfers and superior banking-trading synergy With unmatched user experience.
- Client Base: Over 2 million active users with a daily trading turnover of more than ₹20,000 crores.
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4. Angel One (One of the Best Stock Broker)
Background: Angel One, founded in 1987, started as a traditional brokerage house and has since transformed into a tech-driven brokerage platform. They have read branded themselves from Angel broking to Angel I In the recent years. You can download this stock broker’s app from this link.
Reputation: The broker is appreciated for its seamless trading experience and competitive pricing. It has a strong presence among both seasoned and new investors. If you had asked some of the senior investors this would be the first name on their tongue as their preferred broker.
Key Features:
- Brokerage: Flat ₹20 per order for intraday and F&O, and zero brokerage for delivery.
- Trading Platforms: Angel One’s SmartAPI facilitates algorithmic trading, while the Angel One app supports AI-driven investment advice.
- Distinctive Feature: ARQ Prime- A rule-based investment engine enhances decision-making.
- Client Base: Over 10 million customers with significant growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It being trusted more by the tier two and three cities Is a testament of its trust by the masses.
5. Upstox (Low Cost Stock Broker)
Background: Founded in 2012, Upstox Is a Mumbai based discount broker backed by the prominent investors like Ratan Tata. It focuses on tech savvy and genius innovations for cost cutting technologies that reduces the burden on the transactions substantially to provide experience which is less burdening for the user’s pocket.
Reputation: Upstox is lauded for its low-cost trading model and advanced mobile-first trading platform. It has gained rapid popularity among millennial traders. As the cost of trading is quite affordable for many as it revolutionized the pricing of the brokerage.
Key Features:
- Brokerage: 0Rs brokerage for delivery trades And ₹20 per order for Intraday and F&O.
- Trading Platforms: The Upstox Pro is a app that offers features like bracket orders, 100+ technical indicators, and customizable watchlists To make sure that your eye is on your favorite shares .
- Distinctive Feature: API integration for algo trading enthusiasts. And Seamless experience to deploy your algorithm.
- Active Clients: 6+ million and growing rapidly.
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6. Sharekhan (Oldest Stock Broker)
Background: Established in 2000, Sharekhan is one of India’s oldest and most trusted brokerage firms. The list would lose its reputation if there was no mention of the OG broker of them all. if you get back you have asked anyone that which broker they preferred nine times out of 10. Their answer would be ShareKhan.
Reputation: Sharekhan is well-known for its extensive research and strong offline presence, making it ideal for investors who value personal interaction.
Key Features:
- Brokerage: 0.5% for delivery trades and 0.10% for intraday.
- Trading Platforms: TradeTiger, a desktop based terminal, is perfect for active traders. Much like The Bloomberg Terminal.
- Distinctive Feature: Comprehensive training programs like the Sharekhan Classroom series An initiative to educate traders and investors.
- Client Base: 1.5+ million users with a significant offline network. A great amount of offline brokers were available in the initial years.
7. Motilal Oswal (Best for HNIs)
Background: Founded in 1987, Motilal Oswal is a full-service broker renowned for its research-driven approach. Its wealth management services are highly sought after by HNIs. This provides a personalised experience for the high net worth individuals with proper guidance and impressive results.
Reputation: Motilal Oswal’s award-winning research and personalized services make it a preferred choice for investors seeking premium offerings. In the recent times there have been some hiccups which could be researched about before you choose to invest through this medium.
Key Features:
- Brokerage: 0.5% for delivery and 0.05% for intraday.
- Trading Platforms: MO Investor and MO Trader cater to casual investors and active traders, respectively.
- Distinctive Feature: Research-backed investment ideas with over 30 analysts covering various sectors.
- Market Share: Trusted by over 1 million clients.
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8. Kotak Securities (Best Stock Broker for Kotak Bank Customers)
Background: A part of Kotak Mahindra Bank, Kotak Securities Offers of Seamless blend of banking and trading services It was found in the year 1994 And since then, it has been performing quite well for its users and providing a seamless experience between the bank and the broker. Because it’s by a bank, it is one of the best stock broker to transfer funds.
Reputation: Kotak is known for its exclusive benefits for Kotak Bank customers and a strong focus on research.
Key Features:
- Brokerage: 0.49% for delivery and 0.049% for intraday.
- Trading Platforms: Kotak Stock Trader app provides real-time market insights and analytics.
- Distinctive Feature: Margin trading facility with competitive rates.
- Active Clients: Over 1 million.
9. 5Paisa (Stock Broker with 3M+ Active Clients)
Background: Launched in 2016, 5Paisa is a cost-effective discount broker from the IIFL group. It targets cost-conscious traders and investors. It is used for its cost effective methods and less brokerage fees for its users which could be attractive for many traders.
Reputation: 5Paisa’s simplicity and affordability have made it a popular choice among beginners and small investors.
Key Features:
- Brokerage: Flat ₹20 per order across all segments.
- Trading Platforms: The 5Paisa app offers simplified investment solutions with AI-based recommendations.
- Distinctive Feature: Low-cost plans starting at ₹399 annually.
- Active Clients: 3+ million.
10. Groww (Very Popular Stock Broker)
Background: Starting as a mutual fund investment platform in 2017, Groww has quickly expanded into equities, F&O, and other segments. It caters to the younger, tech-savvy audience. Founded by Y Combinators participants This broker has truly revolutionized the investment game in India. With IPL sponsoring and heavy advertising to educate consumers groww has been on the top with highest number of users in the country.
Reputation: Groww’s clean interface and educational content make it a preferred choice for first-time investors. Many people prefer to use grow to understand the data as it has over the top user friendly experience. It is one of the best stock brokers for beginners.
Key Features:
- Brokerage: Zero brokerage for delivery and ₹20 per order for intraday and F&O.
- Trading Platforms: Groww app simplifies investing with easy navigation and instant KYC.
- Distinctive Feature: Focus on simplifying complex investment options for retail investors.
- Client Base: 5+ million and expanding rapidly.
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COMPARISON TABLE FOR BEST STOCK BROKERS
| Broker | Founded | Brokerage Type | Key Features | Active Clients (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | 2010 | Discount | Zero brokerage for delivery, advanced tools (Kite) | 11 Million+ |
| ICICI Direct | 2000 | Full-Service | 3-in-1 account, detailed research | 2 Million+ |
| HDFC Securities | 2000 | Full-Service | Premium service, Pro Terminal | 2 Million+ |
| Angel One | 1987 | Hybrid | AI-driven advisory, ARQ Prime | 10 Million+ |
| Upstox | 2012 | Discount | Affordable, API for algo trading | 6 Million+ |
| Sharekhan | 2000 | Full-Service | Trade Tiger, offline network | 1.5 Million+ |
| Motilal Oswal | 1987 | Full-Service | Research-driven, wealth management | 1 Million+ |
| Kotak Securities | 1994 | Full-Service | Margin trading | 1 Million+ |