15 Best Trading Apps in India of 2026 Ranked by Serious Investors

Look, we all want our money to work as hard as we do, but the stock market can feel like an exclusive club if you don’t have the right entry pass. It doesn’t matter if you’re tucking away a few thousand rupees for a rainy day or trying your hand at quick trades; the tool you use makes all the difference. Picking the best trading apps in India is really about finding a platform that speaks your language and doesn’t hide fees in the fine print.

You shouldn’t need a finance degree to buy your first share of a company you love. Most of us want an app that is fast, reliable, and actually works when the market gets exciting. When you look at the best trading apps in India, you’ll see they are about taking control of your financial future, one smart tap at a time.

Inside Our Methodology for Ranking Best Trading Apps in India

When it came to ranking these best trading apps in India, we had several criteria to follow. We could rank them based on downloads, ratings, or the features of these apps.

However, we have established a standard for rating the best stock trading apps, as featured in Business Viewpoint Magazine. Here’s how we ranked it.

• Advanced Charting and Analytics: Evaluates depth of technical tools such as multi-timeframe charts, indicators (RSI, MACD), heatmaps, pattern recognition, and TradingView integration for precise analysis.
• Cost Efficiency: Measures brokerage fees (delivery, intraday, F&O), account opening/maintenance costs, zero brokerage plans, and overall value for high-volume trading.
• API/Algo Support: Gauges access to APIs, Algo trading capabilities, backtesting tools, and customization for automated, programmatic strategies.
• Downloads: A major factor that plays an important part in improving the authority of any trading app. The number of downloads and users as of 2026.

Using these standards, we have scored them out of 10.

So, which is the best trading apps in India? Let’s find out together.

The 15 Best Trading Apps in India, Ranked by Performance

We have chosen 15 trading apps registered with SEBI and scored them according to the standards we have set above.

Here is the list of 15 top-most trading apps for Indian stock market investors and traders:

Rank	App	Score (out of 10)	Key Features
1	Zerodha Kite	9.5	Advanced charting, GTT, API, zero delivery brokerage; top stability.
2	Angel One	9.0	AI insights (ARQ), TradingView charts, low fees, and multi-asset depth.
3	Sharekhan	8.7	Superior research, Trade Tiger heatmaps, pattern tools.
4	ICICI Direct	8.4	3-in-1 account, NRI tools, wealth management integration.
5	Upstox Pro	8.2	Rs.20 fees, high F&O leverage, fast execution charts.
6	Dhan	8.0	Zero fees, options tools, high leverage for actives.
7	HDFC Securities	7.8	Banking integration, pay-later, analytics suite.
8	Motilal Oswal	7.6	Detailed research, webinars for value strategies.
9	Kotak Securities	7.4	Advanced analytics, real-time insights, and plan flexibility.
10	5paisa	7.2	Rs.20 fees, smallcase, auto-investing basics.
11	Groww	6.8	Simple UI, zero equity delivery; strong mutual funds but light on advanced charts/research for pros.
12	BlinkX	6.6	Zero brokerage options, streak analysis, emerging for options, but limited research depth.
13	Fyers	6.5	Charting-focused, low latency; good API but narrower research.
14	Alice Blue	6.3	ANT mob app, low costs; basic for serious analysis needs.
15	Finvasia	6.1	Lifetime zero brokerage, basic tools; cost leader but lacks advanced analytics.

1. Zerodha Kite | 9.5

• Launch Date: 2015.
• Downloads: 10M+.​
• Pros: Clean, intuitive interface, lightning-fast order execution, low brokerage, variety of order types, and quick market data/charts.​
• Cons: Slow customer support during peaks, occasional lags/freezes in high volatility, and missing some advanced features like MTF.

Founded in 2010 by brothers Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, Zerodha is the pioneer that changed everything. Before them, trading was expensive and clunky. They introduced the “discount brokerage” model to India, removing high percentage-based commissions. Today, they are India’s largest broker, built entirely without external funding, focusing purely on tech-driven simplicity for the modern retail investor.

Feature	Details
Kite Platform	Minimalist UI with ultra-fast “Universal Search” for 90,000+ stocks.
GTT Orders	“Good Till Triggered” orders that stay active for a year.
Console	In-depth visual reports for tax P&L and portfolio analytics.
Direct MF	Integrated with “Coin” to buy commission-free Mutual Funds.

2. Angel One |  9.0

• Launch Date: ~2011 (major upgrades 2022 as Super App).
• Downloads: 10M+ (inferred from similar apps; exact Play Store not specified).​
• Pros: Zero equity delivery brokerage, AI-powered ARQ Prime suggestions, SmartAPI for Algos, free research/advisory, and advanced mobile tools.​
• Cons: No global market access, high margin funding charges, a desktop app, and limited SmartAPI customizability.

Originally started as Angel Broking in 1996, this firm is a veteran that successfully evolved into a tech-first powerhouse. They transitioned from a traditional, office-based model to a sleek, digital “Super App.” By rebranding to Angel One, they signalled their shift toward a younger, mobile-savvy generation while keeping the high-quality research and advisory services that old-school traders trust.

Feature	Details
ARQ Prime	AI-driven advisory tool for personalized stock recommendations.
Smart Orders	Includes Robo Orders and trailing stop-loss for automated exits.
InstaTrade	Simplified interface specifically for Options trading strategies.
Margin Funding	Up to 4x leverage on 1,000+ stocks via the Pay Later facility.

3. Sharekhan | 8.7

• Launch Date: 2017.​
• Downloads: 50L+
• Pros: Robust research/personalized advice, sophisticated platforms like Trade Tiger, diversified investment options, and strong security features.​
• Cons: High percentage-based brokerage fees, no segregated accounts/insurance, limited to bank transfers, and higher costs for frequent trades.

Sharekhan is one of India’s most recognized brands, established in 2000. It became a subsidiary of the global banking giant BNP Paribas in 2016 and has recently joined the Mirae Asset family. This platform serves as a reliable bridge to the best trading apps in India, connecting traditional, research-backed advice with modern digital convenience. Their Sharekhan Classroom has taught millions of Indians the basics of the stock market.

Feature	Details
TradeTiger	A powerful desktop terminal preferred by high-volume day traders.
3R Research	Right Sector, Right Quality, Right Valuation framework for advice.
Dial-N-Trade	Dedicated tele-brokers for placing orders via phone calls.
Pattern Finder	Auto-scans markets to identify technical chart patterns daily.

4. ICICI Direct | 8.4

• Launch Date: 2021.​
• Downloads: ~50K+ (limited data; lower visibility).​
• Pros: 3-in-1 account integration, advanced charting (TradingView/ChartIQ), research/advisory, eATM instant liquidity, multi-asset access.​
• Cons: Higher brokerage vs. discounts, technical glitches/crashes in peaks, slow support, limited customization, complex fee structure.

As the broking arm of ICICI Bank, this platform introduced the “3-in-1” account (Savings + Demat + Trading), which removed the friction of transferring funds. For over two decades, it has been the go-to for investors who prioritize the safety of a major bank. It remains a titan in the industry, offering a massive range of products from corporate FDs to international stocks.

Feature	Details
3-in-1 Account	Seamless fund movement between your bank and trading account.
iClick2Invest	Theme-based curated stock baskets for one-click diversification.
e-ATM	Receive money in your bank account within 5 minutes of selling shares.
Prime Plan	Reduced brokerage rates and exclusive research for premium users.

5. Upstox Pro | 8.2

• Launch Date: ~2017 (Pro features evolved).​
• Downloads: 10M+.​
• Pros: Real-time data, advanced charting (TradingView/ChartIQ), quick execution, clean responsive UI, flat Rs.20 brokerage.​
• Cons: Customer support delays, no free research reports, charges for call & trade (Rs.50/order).

Upstox (originally RKSV Securities) was founded in 2011. Backed by big names such as Ratan Tata and Tiger Global, it was built specifically for the “mobile-first” generation. They focus heavily on high-speed execution and advanced charting, making them a favourite for tech-savvy traders who want a fast, reliable app that rarely lags during peak hours.

Feature	Details
Tick-by-Tick Data	High-precision price feeds (TBT) for accurate entries/exits.
TradingView	Full integration with TradingView charts and 100+ indicators.
Upstox Plus	20 levels of market depth to see where big players are placing bets.
Strategy Builder	Pre-made F&O strategies with P&L probability visualizations.

6. Dhan | 8.0

• Launch Date: 2021.​
• Downloads: 1M+ (growing rapidly).​
• Pros: Lightning-fast execution, TradingView integration, advanced options tools/Algo support, zero brokerage on equity delivery.​
• Cons: Steep learning curve for beginners, high call & trade fees (Rs.50), no free research or relationship managers.​

Launched in 2021 by Pravin Jadhav (formerly of Paytm Money), Dhan is the new kid on the block that grew up fast. It was built specifically for “Super Traders” who felt other apps were too basic. By focusing on lightning-fast execution and deep integration with TradingView, Dhan has quickly carved out a niche as a technology-first platform for the serious Indian investor.

Feature	Details
TradingView Integration	Trade directly from world-class charts with no extra login required.
Options Trader App	A dedicated separate app for F&O with custom strategy builders.
Flash Trade	Designed for speed, allowing one-tap buying for high-momentum options.
Trader’s Diary	Automatically logs and analyses your trades to help you spot patterns.

7. HDFC Securities | 7.8

• Launch Date: 2015 (major updates ongoing).​
• Downloads: 1M+.​
• Pros: Seamless banking integration, multi-asset trading (stocks/MF/IPOs), UPI payments, real-time option chains.
• Cons: High brokerage (0.1 %+), elevated DP/AMC fees, occasional glitches during volatility.

HDFC Securities is a veteran player, established in 2000 as a subsidiary of HDFC Bank. For decades, it was the traditional choice for families who wanted bank-grade security. Recently, they launched the “InvestRight” app to stay competitive with younger startups. It bridges the gap between the rock-solid reliability of India’s largest private bank and the modern need for a fast, mobile-first experience.

Feature	Details
3-in-1 Integration	Connects your savings, trading, and demat accounts for instant fund flow.
Star Portfolio	Professionally curated stock baskets tailored for different risk levels.
Global Investing	Allows users to invest in US stocks directly through the platform.
e-ATM	Sell your shares and get the money in your bank account within minutes.

8. Motilal Oswal | 7.6

• Launch Date: ~2016
• Downloads: 1M+.​
• Pros: Expert research on 500+ stocks, multi-asset access (US stocks/IPOs/MF), personal advisor support, model portfolios.
• Cons: Higher charges/brokerage vs. discounts, lag on low-RAM devices, hidden fees/transparency issues.

Founded in 1987 by Motilal Oswal and Raamdeo Agrawal, this firm is rooted in deep equity research. They transitioned from a small sub-broking unit to a massive financial house known for their “Quality, Growth, Longevity” philosophy. Their app reflects this heritage, providing retail users with the same high-level research and data-driven insights that were once only available to institutional investors.

Feature	Details
Research Advisory	Real-time “Buy/Sell” calls based on their 30+ years of market research.
EDUMO	An extensive library of expert-led videos to teach you how to trade.
Phygital Model	Combines a digital app with 2,500+ physical locations for support.
Option Writer	A tool specifically designed to help users write (sell) options safely.

9. Kotak Securities | 7.4

• Launch Date: ~2014 (Neo rebranded/upgraded).​
• Downloads: 5M+.​
• Pros: Zero intraday brokerage plans, user-friendly UI, advanced charts (candlestick patterns), research ideas, and UPI transfers.​
• Cons: Limited track record for stability, platform migration issues, and average user ratings.

Established in 1994, Kotak Securities has a long-standing reputation for being a stable and innovative broker. They recently pivoted with their “Neo” platform to capture the Gen-Z market. By offering bold pricing plans, like free intraday trading for youth, they’ve positioned themselves as the best trading apps in India contender that understands the budget constraints of new, younger traders.

Feature	Details
Trade Free Youth	Zero brokerage on all trades for users under 30 years of age.
Kotak Neo App	A minimalist, high-speed interface built for distraction-free trading.
Pay Later (MTF)	Buy stocks by paying only 20% upfront and carrying the position forward.
Smarter Charts	Features automatic candlestick pattern detection to assist your technical analysis.

10. 5paisa | 7.2

• Launch Date: ~2016.​
• Downloads: 10M+.​
• Pros: Flat Rs.20/order, paperless KYC, Algo trading/stock SIPs, real-time data across segments.
• Cons: Technical glitches/server issues, high call & trade (Rs.100), delayed support, screen bugs reported.

5paisa started its life as part of the IIFL (India Infoline) group before being demerged and listed as a separate entity in 2017. It was one of the first brokers to bring the “flat fee” model to India, charging a simple ₹20 regardless of your trade size. They focus on being a one-stop shop, offering everything from stocks and mutual funds to insurance and gold in a single app.

Feature	Details
Flat Brokerage	Consistent ₹20 per order across all segments, keeping costs predictable.
Robo Advisory	An automated tool that builds a personalized portfolio based on your goals.
Paperless Onboarding	Known for one of the fastest account opening processes in the industry.
All-in-One App	Manage insurance, personal loans, and stocks within the same dashboard.

11. Groww | 6.8

• Launch Date: 2017.​
• Downloads: 50M+.
• Pros: Zero equity delivery brokerage, intuitive UI for quick trades, strong MF/SIP focus, seamless onboarding.
• Cons: Limited advanced charting/research, no desktop platform, occasional order delays during peaks.

Founded in 2017 by four former Flipkart employees, Groww was born from a simple observation: investing in India was too complex. They started as a simple mutual fund platform but quickly evolved into a financial giant. By focusing on a “jargon-free” experience and a clean, Apple-like aesthetic, they have become a favourite for millions of first-time investors across the country.

Feature	Details
Simplified UI	A clean, distraction-free interface designed specifically for beginners.
Groww Digest	Daily market updates and educational content delivered in plain English.
Instant Paperless KYC	One of the fastest digital onboarding processes in the industry.
Unified Dashboard	Track stocks, mutual funds, and IPOs all in one single view.

12. BlinkX (by JM Financial) | 6.6

• Launch Date: 2023.
• Downloads: 1M+.
• Pros: Lifetime zero brokerage, AI-powered insights, options strategy builder, fast execution.
• Cons: Newer platform with less trust, limited research depth, dependency on parent broker stability.

BlinkX is the digital-first child of JM Financial, a legendary name in Indian finance with over 50 years of history. Launched in 2023, it was designed to bridge the gap between “old-school” trust and “new-age” speed. It targets active traders who need institutional-grade stability but want the modern features of a sleek mobile app, all backed by a veteran research team.

Feature	Details
Subscription Plans	Offers unique “unlimited” trading plans for a fixed monthly fee.
Option Chain Analysis	Deep insights into Open Interest and Greeks for derivatives traders.
Smart Scanners	50+ built-in technical scanners to find high-momentum stocks instantly.
3-Click IPO	A highly optimized process to apply for IPOs in under a minute.

13. Fyers | 6.5

• Launch Date: 2015.
• Downloads: 1M+.
• Pros: Excellent charting (100+ indicators), low latency API, low brokerage (Rs.20), educational resources.
• Cons: No advisory services, basic research, mobile app lacks some desktop features.

Fyers (Focus Your Energy & Reform Self) was started in 2015 by the Khoday brothers in Bangalore. They are a “for traders, by traders” company. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, Fyers focused on building the best possible charting and execution tools. They were among the first in India to integrate TradingView directly, winning over the technical analysis community.

Feature	Details
TradingView Charts	World-class charting with 100+ indicators and 25+ years of data.
Trade from Charts	Drag-and-drop orders directly onto the chart to set entries and exits.
Fyers API	Free API access for developers looking to build their own trading bots.
No Delivery Fees	Zero brokerage on equity delivery, keeping long-term costs at a minimum.

14. Alice Blue | 6.3

• Launch Date: 2019.
• Downloads: 5M+.
• Pros: Flat Rs.15/order, high leverage, lifetime zero AMC, multi-chart views.
• Cons: Poor customer service, frequent app crashes, and limited fundamental analysis tools.

Since its start in 2006, Alice Blue has evolved from a traditional broker in Chennai to a major national player. They are widely recognized for their “ANT” (Analyze and Trade) platform. They add to the competitiveness of the best trading apps in India with a flat-fee model, staying relevant to both retail investors and professional scalpers who demand high-speed order execution and reliability.

Feature	Details
ANT Mobi	A high-speed mobile app designed for low-latency order placement.
Bracket/Cover Orders	Advanced order types available to help manage risk in volatile markets.
Single Margin	Use the same margin across Equity, F&O, and Commodity segments.
Trade School	An extensive educational platform to help users transition to professional trading.

15. Finvasia– 6.1

• Launch Date: 2016.
• Downloads: 500K+.
• Pros: Lifetime zero brokerage across all segments, low margins, API access.
• Cons: Basic UI/tools, slow support, lesser-known brand with limited research.

Finvasia entered the market with a bold promise: “Shoonya” (Zero). Founded by Sarvjeet Virk and Tajinder Virk, they took the discount brokerage model to its absolute limit by offering a truly zero-commission platform. They don’t charge for brokerage, clearing, or AMC, making them a disruptive force for traders who are tired of every small fee eating away at their capital.

Feature	Details
True Zero Brokerage	No brokerage fees across any segment, including F&O and Intraday.
Zero Clearing Charges	Unlike most brokers, they waive the clearing fee for all exchanges.
Prism Technology	A high-performance backend designed to handle large-scale algorithmic trading.
Multi-Asset Access	One app to trade everything from Stocks and Bonds to Commodities.

Beginner, Intermediate, or Pro? Here’s How to Pick Your Trading App

Deciding which app you want to use depends on where you stand as a trader. Are you someone who just entered the stock market, or are you someone who has seen a few ups and downs of it?

Every app in the list is good, but are they the best for you? Well, depends.

For Beginners

If you are just starting, your biggest enemies are confusion and high costs. You need an app that doesn’t feel like the cockpit of a fighter jet.

• Prioritize UI/UX: Look for apps with a “Clean Interface.” If you can’t find the buy button in three seconds, move on. Groww or Upstox are great for this.
• Educational Content: Choose a broker that offers in-built learning. Zerodha (with Varsity) or Angel One provide great tutorials.
• Zero Account Opening Fees: Many apps now let you start for free. Don’t pay an upfront fee if you’re just “testing the waters.”
• Safe Bets: Stick to brokers that offer “Equity Delivery” for free (₹0 brokerage), so you can hold stocks long-term without losing money to fees.

For Intermediate Traders

Once you understand the basics and start trading more frequently (Intraday or F&O), your focus shifts to speed and data.

• Charting Tools: You need more than just a line graph. Look for apps integrated with TradingView or ChartIQ (like Dhan or Fyers) to draw patterns and use indicators.
• Order Execution Speed: At this level, a 2-second lag can cost you money. Check reviews specifically for “slippage” or “app crashes” during high market volatility.
• Advanced Order Types: Look for GTT (Good Till Triggered) or Basket Orders. These allow you to set your entry and exit points and walk away from the screen.
• Margin Trading Facility (MTF): If you want to buy more shares than you have cash for, check which app offers the lowest interest rates for MTF.

For Advanced Traders

Professional traders treat this like a business. You need high-octane tools and custom setups.

• API Access: If you use algorithms or custom software to trade, you need a broker that provides a stable, free Trading API. Zerodha and Finvasia are popular here.
• Option Strategy Builders: Advanced traders rarely buy a single “Call” or “Put.” You need apps with built-in strategy builders (like Sensibull integration) to see your “Greeks” and probability of profit.
• Direct-from-Chart Trading: Every second matters. Platforms such as Dhan or Fyers allow you to click on the chart itself to place or move an order.
• Zero Brokerage Models: If you are doing hundreds of trades a month, even ₹20 per trade adds up. You might look at “True Zero” brokers like Finvasia (Shoonya) to save lakhs in commission over a year.

But that’s not all, here are three things all traders must remember when choosing a trading app.

The Market Share Shift

For the first time in years, the hierarchy of the best trading apps in India has flipped. Groww now leads the pack with over 1.21 crore (12.1 million) active clients, capturing roughly 27.06% of the market. Zerodha follows with 6.8 million users, while Angel One maintains a strong third with 6.7 million.

The Real Cost of a Trade (Post-Budget 2026)

Following the Union Budget 2026, trading costs have changed. While most discount brokers still charge a flat ₹20 fee, the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on derivatives (F&O) has seen a recent hike.

Charge Type	Equity Delivery	Equity Intraday	F&O (Options)
Brokerage	₹0 (Most apps)	₹20 or 0.03%	₹20 Flat
STT	0.1% (Buy & Sell)	0.025% (Sell)	0.15% (Sell) Revised
GST	18% on Brokerage	18% on Brokerage	18% on Brokerage
DP Charges	~₹13.5 – ₹16.5	₹0	₹0

Hidden Factors to Research

• Slippage: In high-volume apps like Groww, you might face “slippage” (the difference between the price you see and the price you get) during peak volatility.
• Platform Reliability: Zerodha has invested heavily in its backend, but still occasionally faces technical glitches during major market events like the Budget.
• MTF Rates: If you trade on margin, apps such as m.Stock or Angel One often offer more competitive interest rates (around 12-15% p.a.) compared to others.

Conclusion

A financial partnership with a trading app marks the start of a smarter relationship with your money. The ecosystem of the best trading apps in India has never been more diverse, offering every Indian a chance to claim their seat at the economic table. 

It doesn’t matter if you crave the simplicity of a single tap or the power of complex data; your perfect match is out there somewhere. And as a final piece of advice, I’ll say this: trust your instincts, look at the data, and start your journey toward financial independence with a platform that actually makes sense to you.

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