Best Stock Market Apps for Beginners: Features, Fees, and Performance

Best Stock Market Apps

Here is a detailed comparison of the most popular stock market trading apps in India, based on key factors such as fees, features, usability, customer support, and more.


1. Zerodha Kite

  • Overview: Zerodha is India’s largest discount broker and its Kite app is one of the most popular in India. It is known for offering low brokerage fees and an advanced, user-friendly interface.
  • Brokerage Fees:
    • Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
    • Intraday & Futures: ₹20 per executed order (flat)
    • Options: ₹20 per executed order
  • Key Features:
    • Real-time charts and technical analysis
    • Market depth and stock screening
    • Multi-device support (mobile, web, and desktop)
    • Trading in stocks, commodities, and currencies
    • API support for algorithmic trading
  • Best For: Active traders and those looking for cost-effective trading with advanced tools.
  • Usability: Simple, minimalist design with an easy-to-navigate interface.
  • Customer Support: 24/7 support via call, email, and live chat.

2. Upstox Pro

  • Overview: Upstox Pro offers a powerful mobile app that is ideal for active traders, with a focus on providing low-cost trading and a smooth user experience.
  • Brokerage Fees:
    • Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
    • Intraday & Futures: ₹20 per order (flat)
    • Options: ₹20 per order
  • Key Features:
    • Advanced charting tools and technical indicators
    • Multiple timeframes for detailed analysis
    • Real-time data and stock screening
    • Live market updates
    • Free access to trading educational resources
  • Best For: Traders who need a fast, feature-packed mobile app.
  • Usability: Clean design with an emphasis on speed and performance.
  • Customer Support: Phone support, email support, and an extensive knowledge base.

3. Angel One (Angel Broking)

  • Overview: Angel One is one of India’s leading full-service brokers, offering a range of services through its app, including stock trading, research reports, and investment advisory.
  • Brokerage Fees:
    • Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
    • Intraday & Futures: ₹20 per order (flat)
    • Options: ₹20 per order
  • Key Features:
    • Research-backed stock recommendations
    • User-friendly interface with quick order execution
    • Real-time market data and analysis
    • Watchlists and stock alerts
    • Mutual funds and IPO investments
  • Best For: Beginners who want expert research and guidance with simple navigation.
  • Usability: Easy-to-use app with a focus on investor education.
  • Customer Support: 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and in-app chat.

4. Groww

  • Overview: Initially focusing on mutual fund investments, Groww has expanded its services to stock trading. It is popular among millennials due to its simple and clean interface.
  • Brokerage Fees:
    • Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
    • Intraday & Futures: ₹20 per order
    • Options: ₹20 per order
  • Key Features:
    • Beginner-friendly app with a simple UI
    • Direct mutual fund investments (no commission)
    • Detailed stock charts and data
    • Real-time alerts and notifications
    • Paper trading (virtual trading) for practice
  • Best For: New investors looking for a simple and clean app with a focus on stocks and mutual funds.
  • Usability: Extremely user-friendly with minimal clutter and great for beginners.
  • Customer Support: Chat support, email, and detailed FAQs.

5. 5paisa

  • Overview: 5paisa offers low-cost brokerage and a feature-rich trading app. The app targets both novice and experienced traders by providing a wide range of features at affordable rates.
  • Brokerage Fees:
    • Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
    • Intraday & Futures: ₹10 per order (flat)
    • Options: ₹10 per order
  • Key Features:
    • Advanced research tools and recommendations
    • Real-time price alerts and stock tracking
    • Paper trading (practice trading)
    • Low brokerage charges
    • Portfolio management tools
  • Best For: Cost-conscious traders and beginners seeking low brokerage with good research tools.
  • Usability: Easy to navigate, but slightly more feature-heavy than apps like Groww.
  • Customer Support: Customer support via phone, email, and live chat.

6. ICICI Direct

  • Overview: ICICI Direct is a leading full-service brokerage that provides premium services and tools for trading in the stock market. It is known for its in-depth research, advisory, and portfolio management services.
  • Brokerage Fees:
    • Equity Delivery: 0.55% per transaction
    • Intraday & Futures: ₹20 per order (flat)
    • Options: ₹20 per order
  • Key Features:
    • Extensive research reports and recommendations
    • Portfolio management and tracking tools
    • Advanced charting tools and order types
    • Real-time market updates and alerts
    • Mutual fund investments and IPO applications
  • Best For: Investors seeking premium services, research, and advisory.
  • Usability: Slightly complex for beginners due to its wide range of features.
  • Customer Support: Excellent support via phone, email, and chat.

7. Motilal Oswal MO Investor

  • Overview: Motilal Oswal offers a comprehensive mobile trading app that caters to both beginners and experienced traders. It’s known for its research-backed approach and diverse investment offerings.
  • Brokerage Fees:
    • Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
    • Intraday & Futures: ₹20 per order (flat)
    • Options: ₹20 per order
  • Key Features:
    • Strong research tools and stock recommendations
    • Technical analysis tools and charting features
    • Wealth management services
    • Real-time alerts and stock monitoring
    • IPO investments and mutual fund offerings
  • Best For: Investors looking for detailed research and professional advisory.
  • Usability: Clean and intuitive interface but includes many features that may overwhelm beginners.
  • Customer Support: Support via phone, email, and in-app chat.

8. Kotak Securities

  • Overview: Kotak Securities offers a premium trading app that integrates seamlessly with Kotak Bank accounts. It’s known for its extensive range of tools and seamless user experience.
  • Brokerage Fees:
    • Equity Delivery: 0.49% per transaction
    • Intraday & Futures: ₹20 per order (flat)
    • Options: ₹20 per order
  • Key Features:
    • Advanced charting tools and multiple order types
    • Real-time stock tracking and alerts
    • Research and stock recommendations
    • Portfolio management and tracking tools
    • Integration with Kotak Bank accounts for easy fund transfers
  • Best For: Kotak Bank customers who want a premium, integrated experience.
  • Usability: Professional interface with many features, suitable for advanced traders.
  • Customer Support: Excellent customer service with dedicated helpline, email, and chat support.

9. Paytm Money

  • Overview: Paytm Money started as a platform for mutual fund investments and has expanded to include stock trading. Its simple interface and ease of use make it ideal for beginners.
  • Brokerage Fees:
    • Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
    • Intraday & Futures: ₹10 per order (flat)
    • Options: ₹10 per order
  • Key Features:
    • Direct mutual fund investments with zero commission
    • Stock trading with real-time updates
    • Clean and intuitive interface
    • Watchlist, alerts, and notifications
    • Paper trading for beginners
  • Best For: Beginners looking for a simple, low-cost app to start investing in stocks and mutual funds.
  • Usability: Extremely user-friendly, ideal for new traders.
  • Customer Support: Email and phone support, with an extensive help center.

Comparison Summary

AppBrokerage FeeFeaturesBest ForUsabilityCustomer Support
Zerodha Kite₹0 (Delivery), ₹20 (Intraday)Advanced charts, API trading, low-cost trades, multi-device supportActive traders, algorithmic tradersSimple, minimalist24/7 support via chat/email
Upstox Pro₹0 (Delivery), ₹20 (Intraday)Advanced charting, real-time data, multiple timeframesFast traders and advanced usersFast, responsiveEmail, phone, chat support
Angel One₹0 (Delivery), ₹20 (Intraday)Research, stock recommendations, mutual funds, IPOsBeginners seeking guidanceUser-friendly24/7 support
Groww₹0 (Delivery), ₹20 (Intraday)Simple UI, mutual funds, educational contentNew investors, millennialsSimple, cleanEmail, chat support
5paisa₹0 (Delivery), ₹10 (Intraday)Low brokerage, research tools, portfolio managementCost-conscious tradersFeature-richEmail, chat, phone support
ICICI Direct0.55% (Delivery), ₹20 (Intraday)Extensive research, portfolio tracking, premium servicesInvestors seeking premium servicesComplex, feature-heavyPhone, email, chat support
Motilal Oswal₹0 (Delivery), ₹20 (Intraday)Research, wealth management, technical toolsResearch-focused investorsProfessionalPhone, email, chat support
Kotak Securities₹0.49% (Delivery), ₹20 (Intraday)Advanced charts, stock recommendations, banking integrationKotak Bank customers, advanced tradersFeature-richExcellent, multi-channel support
Paytm Money₹0 (Delivery), ₹10 (Intraday)Mutual funds, simple stock trading, paper tradingBeginners, Paytm usersExtremely user-friendlyEmail, phone support

Each app has its strengths, and the right one for you will depend on your trading needs, experience level, and the kind of services you’re looking for. Whether you prioritize low brokerage, ease of use, advanced tools, or research resources, there’s an app to suit your preferences.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *