For years, high brokerage fees and complex processes kept many people away from the stock market. Now, discount brokers are changing the game, offering low-cost and even zero-commission trading. The challenge is picking the right one for your needs. This list of best discount brokers in India makes the decision easier by breaking down features, tools, and advantages.
What Is a Discount Broker?
A discount broker is a low-cost trading platform that helps investors buy and sell securities efficiently. Unlike traditional brokers, who offer personalised advice, detailed research, and portfolio management for higher fees, discount brokers focus mainly on trade execution. They provide minimal or no advisory services.
Top 10 Discount Brokers in India (2025)
| Broker | Platforms | APIs for Trading | Education | Research | Basket Orders | Charting |
| Groww | Web, Android, iOS | Yes | Yes (Groww Learn) | Quick Basket | Yes | Integrated charts (basic) |
| Zerodha | Kite Web & App, Console | Yes (Kite Connect) | Varsity | Screeners (Streak/Smallcase integrations) | Yes | TradingView & ChartIQ (advanced) |
| Shoonya | Web, Android, iOS | Python, .NET, Node.js | Infiniti by Shoonya | In-app tools (First, Stock Comparison) | Yes | TradingView & ChartIQ (advanced) |
| Dhan | Web, Android, iOS | Yes (DhanHQ) | Blog/Guides | Advanced charts, scanners | Yes | TradingView native (advanced) |
| INDmoney | Web, Android, iOS | No | INDmoney Academy | Basic | No | Standard/basic |
| Upstox | Web, Android, iOS | Limited/Partner APIs | UpLearn | Basic + screeners | Yes | Advanced in-app charts |
| Angel One | Web, Android, iOS | Yes (Angel APIs) | Angel One Academy / Smart Money | Research notes | Yes | Advanced (web/app + desktop) |
| 5paisa | Web, Android, iOS | Yes (Developer APIs) | 5paisa School | Research & ideas | Yes | Advanced (web/app + desktop) |
| FYERS | Web, Android, iOS | Yes (FYERS API) | FYERS School / Blog | Screeners & community insights | Yes | TradingView & ChartIQ (advanced) |
| ICICIdirect | Web, Android, iOS | Yes (Breeze API) | ICICIdirect Learn / Webinars | Full-service research reports | Yes | Advanced (incl. TradingView) |
Besides choosing the right discount broker, you also need to get your basics right. Start with the free basics of the stock market course today!
Detailed Overview of the Top 5 Discount Brokers in India
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Groww
Groww started as a mutual fund investment app in 2016. It then expanded into stocks, ETFs, and IPOs. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use, providing a clean and jargon-free interface. This interface appeals especially to new-age investors entering financial markets.
Key Features:
- Unified platform for equities, mutual funds, and IPOs
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- Simple, easy-to-navigate interface across web and mobile
- Fast onboarding and paperless KYC
- Free direct mutual fund investments
- Integrated educational content through Groww Learn
- Real-time tracking of portfolios with fundamental insights
- Allows basic charting and basket order capability
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Zerodha
Zerodha is globally known for revolutionising online trading and was founded in 2010. Since then, it has simplified investing through technology and transparency. It offers traders a low-cost, intuitive, and data-rich platform. With its minimalist interface and focus on investor education, Zerodha remains a pioneer in retail participation across markets.
Key Features:
- Web and mobile trading via Kite and back-office access through Console
- Free direct mutual fund investments via Coin
- Developer-friendly trading APIs through Kite Connect
- Advanced charting powered by TradingView and ChartIQ
- Basket orders, the GTT (Good Till Triggered) feature, and order analytics
- In-depth educational portal Varsity for market learning
- Integrated research tools and smallcase/streak integrations
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Shoonya
Shoonya is one of India’s leading discount brokers, built on the motto “Invested in Your Growth.” The platform combines cost efficiency with technology-driven tools for research and stock comparison. It enables both new and experienced traders to follow markets, evaluate opportunities, and act with confidence.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use mobile and web platforms
- An advanced stock analysis tool that gives you a complete 360° view of any stock
- Immediate Price View line charts track stock trends instantly
- Advanced stock comparison tool and real-time option chain data
- ₹0 brokerage on equity delivery, IPOs, mutual funds, and ETFs
- Vast investment choices such as IPOs, ETFs, and 5000+ mutual funds
- Educational support via Infiniti by Shoonya for new investors
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Dhan
Dhan positions itself as a trader-first platform with an emphasis on design, execution speed, and integration with global charting tools. It is designed for active traders who want full control, the ability to customise their trades, and tools to automate their strategies.
Key Features:
- Seamless access across web, mobile, and desktop
- Native TradingView integration for professional-level charting
- Comprehensive strategy builder and real-time market scanners
- Flat, low-cost trading model with fast execution
- Basket orders, triggers, and option strategy tools
- DhanHQ APIs for algo and developer trading
- Extensive blogs, guides, and webinars for user education
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INDmoney
INDmoney operates as a wealth management and investment platform that unifies an investor’s financial life. It enables them to track, plan, and invest across Indian and U.S. markets through a single interface.
Key Features:
- Unified dashboard for Indian and U.S. stocks, mutual funds, and fixed-income assets
- Goal-based investing tools and financial tracking
- Free direct mutual fund investments
- Portfolio insights and wealth monitoring analytics
- Educational resources via INDmoney Academy
- Easy fund transfer and consolidated reports
- Standard charting and analysis tools for self-directed investors
Final Thought
Discount brokers have made trading simpler, cheaper, and more accessible for millions of investors in India. You should take your time to explore, compare their features and pricing, and pick the best discount broker for your trading needs wisely.
Discount Broker India – FAQs
- Which broker is the cheapest in India?
Platforms such as Shoonya, Zerodha, Dhan, Upstox, and 5paisa provide low-cost access to multiple market segments. - Is a 1% brokerage fee high?
Yes, most modern discount brokers charge either a flat fee per trade or no brokerage on equity delivery and mutual fund investments. - Are discount brokers safe in India?
Yes, discount brokers registered with SEBI and associated with recognised exchanges like NSE, BSE, and MCX are safe. - Which broker type is best?
The choice depends on your investment goals. Full-service brokers offer personalised advisory, research, and wealth management services. Whereas discount brokers specialise in low-cost, self-directed trading, making them ideal for investors who prefer to manage their own portfolios. - Is Shoonya cheaper than Zerodha?
Shoonya offers zero annual charges and follows a zero-commission model for equity delivery, mutual funds, IPOs, and ETFs. At the same time, Zerodha charges a nominal flat fee of ₹300 + 18% GST yearly fee.
