When it comes to online stock trading in India, Dhan and Zerodha are two of the most popular discount brokers. Both offer low-cost trading, advanced platforms, and a range of investment options. However, they differ in various aspects such as brokerage charges, account fees, trading platforms, and features.
In this detailed comparison, we will analyze Dhan vs Zerodha to help you decide which broker suits your trading and investment needs.
About Dhan
Launched in 2021, Dhan is a Mumbai-based stockbroker registered with SEBI. It offers trading in Stocks, ETFs, Futures & Options, and Commodities and provides powerful trading tools for investors and traders.
Key Highlights of Dhan:
✅ Free Account Opening & Zero AMC Charges
✅ TradingView Integration & API for Algo Trading
✅ Flat ₹20 Brokerage on Intraday & F&O
✅ 3-in-1 Account for ICICI Bank Users
About Zerodha
Founded in 2010, Zerodha is India’s largest stockbroker, known for its reliable platforms and transparent pricing. It offers investments in Equity, Futures & Options, Commodities, Bonds, and Direct Mutual Funds.
Key Highlights of Zerodha:
✅ India’s Most Popular Discount Broker
✅ ₹0 Brokerage on Equity Delivery & Mutual Funds
✅ Kite – One of the Best Trading Platforms
✅ GTT Orders for Long-Term Investing
Dhan vs Zerodha: Key Differences
| Feature | Dhan | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Broker Type | Discount Broker | Discount Broker |
| Year of Incorporation | 2021 | 2010 |
| Exchange Membership | NSE, BSE, MCX | NSE, BSE, MCX, NCDEX |
| Branches | 1 | 22 |
| 3-in-1 Account | Yes (ICICI Bank Users) | No |
Which broker is better?
- Zerodha has been in the market longer, making it a trusted name.
- Dhan offers a 3-in-1 account for ICICI Bank users, which Zerodha does not.
Dhan vs Zerodha: Account Opening & AMC Charges
| Account Type | Dhan | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening | ₹0 (Free) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Trading Account AMC | ₹0 (Free) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Demat Account Opening | ₹0 (Free) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Demat Account AMC | ₹0 (Lifetime Free) | ₹300 per year |
Which broker is better?
- Dhan wins with its Lifetime Free AMC on Demat accounts, whereas Zerodha charges ₹300 per year.
Dhan vs Zerodha: Brokerage Charges
| Trading Segment | Dhan | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | ₹0 (Free) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Equity Intraday | ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) | ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) |
| Equity Futures | ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) | ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) |
| Equity Options | ₹20 per executed order | ₹20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures | ₹20 per executed order | ₹20 per executed order |
| Commodity Futures | ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) | ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) |
Which broker is better?
- Both brokers have similar brokerage charges, but Dhan offers free AMC on Demat accounts, making it slightly more cost-effective.
Dhan vs Zerodha: Trading Platforms & Features
| Feature | Dhan | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platform | Dhan App, Dhan Web, TradingView, API | Kite Web, Kite Mobile, Coin |
| Automated Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| GTT Orders | No | Yes |
| Referral Program | Yes | Yes |
Which broker is better?
- Zerodha’s Kite platform is highly rated, but Dhan integrates with TradingView, making it a great choice for technical traders.
- Zerodha has better customer service and overall ratings, but Dhan scores higher in affordability.
Dhan vs Zerodha: Pros & Cons
✅ Zerodha Pros:
✔️ India’s most trusted broker with a large client base
✔️ ₹0 brokerage on Equity Delivery & Mutual Funds
✔️ Advanced trading platform (Kite)
✔️ GTT orders for long-term investing
❌ Zerodha Cons:
❌ ₹300 AMC charges for Demat account
❌ No 3-in-1 account
❌ No stock tips or research reports
✅ Dhan Pros:
✔️ Lifetime Free AMC on Demat account
✔️ Free account opening
✔️ 3-in-1 account for ICICI Bank users
✔️ Advanced charting with TradingView integration
❌ Dhan Cons:
❌ Customer support ratings are lower than Zerodha
❌ No GTT orders
❌ No research reports or stock tips
Final Verdict: Which Broker Should You Choose?
| Choose Zerodha If… | Choose Dhan If… |
|---|---|
| ✅ You want a trusted broker with a strong reputation. | ✅ You want zero AMC charges for a lifetime free Demat account. |
| ✅ You prefer advanced order types like GTT orders. | ✅ You want TradingView integration for charting and analysis. |
| ✅ You’re a long-term investor looking for a stable platform. | ✅ You’re an active trader who needs a cost-effective broker. |
Both Dhan and Zerodha are excellent choices, but your decision should depend on your trading needs.
