Are you trying to pick the best online stock brokerage company in India, but there are too many to choose from? Because there are many brokers with different services, costs and features, it’s not always easy to decide which one to go with-especially for newcomers to investing. Here, we go over the top online brokers in India for 2025, compare their features and help you find the best one for you.
Such companies make it possible for retail investors in India to use the internet to buy and sell shares, mutual funds, commodities and other types of financial instruments. Such brokers are members of the NSE and BSE and handle trades for their clients, also offering access to various investment products. There are many SEBI-registered brokers in India and they all offer various services, pricing plans and technology features.
Top Online Stock Brokerage Companies in India (2025)
Choosing the right stock broker is crucial for maximizing your returns and minimizing costs. Here’s a curated list of the best online brokers in India for 2025, based on active clients, features, charges, and user experience:
| Rank | Broker Name | Active Clients (2025) | Brokerage Charges (Delivery/Intraday) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upstox | 27,89,896 | ₹20/order (flat) | Fast, affordable, tech-driven |
| 2 | Zerodha | 79,57,128 | ₹20/order (flat) | Largest, robust tools |
| 3 | Angel One | 76,49,188 | ₹20/order (flat) | Research, full-service |
| 4 | ICICI Direct | 19,38,192 | 0.55% (delivery), ₹20 (intraday) | Banking integration |
| 5 | HDFC Securities | 14,88,982 | 0.50% (delivery), ₹20 (intraday) | Full-service, advisory |
| 6 | Kotak Securities | 14,91,998 | 0.49% (delivery), ₹20 (intraday) | Full-service, research |
| 7 | 5paisa | 10,00,000+ | ₹20/order (flat) | Budget-friendly |
1. Upstox – Best Online Stock Broker in India
Why Choose Upstox?
Upstox is the leading online stock broker in India this year. Because Upstox has nearly 28 lakh active clients, it provides a smooth and technology-focused service at one of the lowest prices. Upstox is the top pick for Indian investors, as it is easy to use, has a flat fee and offers many innovative tools.
Key Features of Upstox
- Flat Brokerage: Pay only ₹20 per executed order across all segments-equity delivery, intraday, F&O, commodities, and currencies.
- Zero Account Opening Charges: Open your Demat and trading account for free, with no hidden fees.
- Advanced Trading Tools: Access real-time charts, instant order execution from TradingView, revamped IPO experience, and shortcuts to all asset classes on both Android and iOS.
- NPS and Mutual Funds: Invest in tax-saving NPS with easy setup and track top-rated mutual funds directly from the app.
- Margin and Leverage: Up to 5x leverage for intraday equity trading; F&O trading with 1.3x leverage.
- User-Friendly Platform: Mobile and web-based trading with a clean, fast interface.
- Regulatory Compliance: Fully regulated by SEBI, with transparent statutory charges and DP fees.
- Customer Support: Dedicated help center and WhatsApp updates for account activity.
Upstox Brokerage and Charges
| Segment | Brokerage (per order) |
|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | ₹20 (flat) |
| Equity Intraday | ₹20 or 0.1% (whichever is lower) |
| Equity Futures | ₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower) |
| Equity Options | Flat ₹20 |
| Commodity Futures | ₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower) |
| Commodity Options | Flat ₹20 |
| Currency Futures | ₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower) |
| Currency Options | Flat ₹20 |
- DP Charges: ₹20 + GST per scrip on sell transactions.
- No annual maintenance charges for the first year (check latest offers).
What’s New in Upstox ?
- Instant Order on TradingView: Place market orders directly from charts for quick scalping.
- Revamped IPO Experience: Simplified process, real-time updates, and seamless HNI applications.
- Quick Access to All Asset Classes: Invest in stocks, mutual funds, IPOs, NPS, and more from a single dashboard.
2. Zerodha
Why Choose Zerodha?
Zerodha is India’s largest stock broker with over 79 lakh active clients. It pioneered the discount brokerage model in India and continues to lead with its robust trading platforms and educational resources.
Key Features
- Flat ₹20 per order across all segments.
- Kite Trading Platform: Advanced charting and analytics.
- Free Mutual Fund Investments: Through Coin by Zerodha.
- Educational Content: Varsity for learning and research.
- Ecosystem Integrations: Sensibull, Streak, and more.
3. Angel One
Why Choose Angel One?
Angel One combines the low-cost advantage of a discount broker with the value-added services of a full-service broker. It is popular for its research, advisory, and easy-to-use app.
Key Features
- Flat ₹20 per order brokerage.
- Comprehensive Research: Reports, tips, and portfolio tracking.
- One App for All Needs: Stocks, mutual funds, IPOs, and insurance.
- Innovative Tools: Portfolio tracker, dual view for F&O, and instant order features9.
4. ICICI Direct
Why Choose ICICI Direct?
ICICI Direct is the leading full-service broker in India, ideal for those who want banking integration and a wide range of investment options.
Key Features
- Integrated with ICICI Bank: Easy fund transfers.
- Full-Service Offerings: Research, advisory, IPOs, mutual funds, insurance, and loans.
- Robust Security: Trusted brand with strong compliance.
5. HDFC Securities
Why Choose HDFC Securities?
HDFC Securities is a full-service broker with strong research and advisory services, suitable for investors seeking personalized support and a wide product range.
Key Features
- Banking Integration: Direct link with HDFC Bank accounts.
- Research and Advisory: Detailed reports and recommendations.
- Multiple Investment Products: Mutual funds, IPOs, insurance, and more.
Comparison Table: Top Online Stock Brokers in India (2025)
| Broker | Account Opening Fee | Brokerage (Delivery/Intraday) | Margin/Leverage | Mobile App Rating | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upstox | ₹0 | ₹20/₹20 | Up to 5x | 4.3/5 | Fast, flat fee, IPO, NPS |
| Zerodha | ₹200 | ₹20/₹20 | Up to 5x | 4.5/5 | Largest, Kite, Varsity |
| Angel One | ₹0 | ₹20/₹20 | Up to 5x | 4.4/5 | Research, advisory, tools |
| ICICI Direct | ₹0-₹975 | 0.55%/₹20 | Up to 5x | 4.2/5 | Banking, research, insurance |
| HDFC Securities | ₹999 | 0.50%/₹20 | Up to 5x | 4.1/5 | Advisory, banking integration |
Types of Online Stock Brokerage Companies
- Discount Brokers: These brokers offer low-cost trading with minimal advisory services. They typically charge a flat fee per trade and provide robust online platforms. Examples include Zerodha, Upstox, and 5Paisa.
- Full-Service Brokers: These firms provide a comprehensive suite of services, including research, advisory, portfolio management, and relationship managers. They often have higher brokerage fees but cater to investors seeking guidance. Examples include ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, and Kotak Securities.
Key Features and Charges
- Account Opening Fee: Many top brokers now offer zero account opening charges to attract new investors.
- Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC): These vary by broker and may depend on the value of holdings. For example, Zerodha offers zero AMC for holdings up to ₹4 lakh, with charges increasing for higher values.
- Brokerage Fees: Discount brokers like Zerodha and Upstox typically charge a flat fee (e.g., ₹20 or 0.03% per order for intraday trades, whichever is lower), while full-service brokers may use a percentage-based model.
- Platform Features: Leading brokers provide web and mobile trading platforms, advanced charting tools, integration with mutual funds and thematic investment products, and educational resources for investors.
How to Choose the Best Online Stock Broker in India
When selecting a stock broker, consider these factors:
- Brokerage Charges: Lower fees mean higher returns, especially for active traders.
- Platform Usability: Easy-to-use mobile and web platforms save time and reduce errors.
- Product Range: Access to stocks, mutual funds, IPOs, commodities, and more.
- Customer Support: Responsive support is crucial for resolving issues quickly.
- Research and Tools: Advanced charting, analytics, and research reports help make informed decisions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the broker is SEBI-registered for safety.
Trends and Innovations
The Indian online brokerage industry is evolving rapidly, with increased adoption of digital KYC, paperless onboarding, and integration of advanced analytics and educational tools. Many brokers now offer additional products like thematic investing (Smallcase), mutual funds (Coin), and portfolio trackers, making it easier for investors to diversify and manage their portfolios digitally
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Best Online Stock Brokerage Companies in India
Which is the best online stock broker in India for 2025?
Upstox is the best choice for 2025, offering flat ₹20 brokerage, advanced tools, and a user-friendly platform.
What are the brokerage charges of Upstox?
Upstox charges a flat ₹20 per executed order across all segments, with no account opening fee.
Do these brokers offer IPO investments?
Yes, all leading brokers, including Upstox, offer seamless IPO applications with real-time updates.
What is the minimum investment required?
There is no minimum investment required to open an account with most brokers.
How do I open an account with Upstox?
You can open a free Demat and trading account online with Upstox in minutes using your PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details.
Which broker has the most active clients in India?
Zerodha has the highest number of active clients, followed by Angel One and Upstox.
What is a Demat account?
A Demat account holds your shares electronically, making trading and investing easy.
Which broker is best for beginners?
Upstox and Zerodha are ideal for beginners due to their simple interfaces and educational resources.
Are there any hidden charges?
All statutory charges like STT, GST, SEBI fees, and DP charges are transparently listed by brokers.
Can I trade commodities with these brokers?
Yes, Upstox, Zerodha, Angel One, and all major full-service brokers offer commodity trading in India.
Conclusion
Choosing the best online stock brokerage company in India depends on your trading style, investment goals, and need for advanced features. For 2025, Upstox leads the pack with its flat pricing, robust technology, and innovative tools-making it the top pick for new and experienced investors alike. Explore your options, compare features, and start your investment journey with confidence.
