It all started one quiet Sunday morning, as I sat in my modest Mumbai apartment, sipping filter coffee and reflecting on the week’s market volatility. My cousin called, panicking about which brokerage app to use for his first equity investment. “Zerodha or Upstox?” he asked. And that was the moment I realized how difficult the choice still is for new investors. Like him, thousands of Indians are stepping into the world of investing with limited information and high expectations.
As a long-time investor and contributor to Indiainvesthub, I decided to share my honest review about two of India’s leading Brokerage Apps: Zerodha and Upstox. This isn’t a sugar-coated recommendation. It’s a reality check — packed with facts, stats, features, and honest pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Zerodha: India’s Pioneer in Discount Brokerage
Zerodha Broking Ltd is a Bengaluru-based Indian brokerage and financial services firm founded in 2010 by Nithin Kamath. The company is widely recognized for revolutionizing the Indian stockbroking industry with a discount model and a sleek digital platform. Zerodha provides an electronic trading platform for stocks, derivatives, currencies, commodities, mutual funds, and bonds. It’s a registered member of NSE, BSE, and MCX.
Key Stats (Source: Zerodha Official Site):
- 1.6+ crore customers
- Handles ~₹6 lakh crores in equity investments
- Contributes to 15% of India’s daily retail exchange volumes
- Investments in 30+ fintech startups for tailored services
Zerodha has also invested in technology platforms like Coin (mutual fund investments), Varsity (educational resources), and Kite (its flagship trading platform), making it a one-stop solution for both novice and seasoned investors.
Upstox: A Rising Giant in Indian Brokerage
Originally founded as RKSV Securities in 2009 by Ravi Kumar, Shrini Viswanath, Raghu Kumar, and later joined by Kavitha Subramanian, Upstox started with a vision to democratize trading in India. Headquartered in Mumbai, it quickly gained popularity for its easy-to-use interface and competitive pricing.
Key Stats (Source: Upstox Corporate Site):
- Over 11 million registered users by 2023
- Member of NSE, BSE, MCX, NCDEX, NSDL, and CDSL
- Offers investment across equities, mutual funds, IPOs, futures, options, commodities, and currencies
Backed by Ratan Tata and Tiger Global, Upstox became one of the few brokerage apps to prioritize UI/UX, reducing the intimidation factor for first-time investors.
Features | Zerodha Brokerage App | Upstox Brokerage App |
|---|---|---|
Preview |  |  |
User Base | 1.6 Cr+ | 1.1 Cr+ |
Established Year | 2010 | 2009 |
Broker App Link |
Benefits and Special Features of Brokerage App
Zerodha
- Kite Platform: Fast, intuitive, and feature-rich trading terminal with advanced charting tools.
- Varsity: One of the best free educational portals on stock markets.
- Coin: A platform to invest in direct mutual funds at zero commission.
- Console: Portfolio analytics tool that gives a deeper insight into holdings and transactions.
- Streak & Sensibull Integration: For algo-trading and options strategies.
- API Access: Ideal for tech-savvy investors and developers.
Upstox
- Upstox Pro: Sleek mobile and web platform with real-time market data and charts.
- Zero Brokerage on Delivery Trades: Ideal for long-term investors.
- Free Account Opening: Minimal barriers to entry.
- Mutual Fund Platform: Simple mutual fund investments within the app.
- Smart Orders & GTT: More control over execution and timing.
- Educational Content: Curated learning material and tutorials.
Pros and Cons
Zerodha
Upstox
Which One Suits You?
If you’re someone just starting out, looking for a clean, easy interface and low-cost entry, Upstox might appeal more to your sensibilities. The onboarding is simpler, and you won’t feel overwhelmed with advanced features.
However, if you’re an investor who seeks in-depth insights, prefers a well-integrated trading and investment ecosystem, and values educational resources, Zerodha is the better fit. The Kite platform is feature-rich and fast, and tools like Console and Coin add a lot of value over time.
Also, if you’re interested in growing your knowledge and becoming a better investor, Zerodha’s Varsity is simply unmatched.
How Indiainvesthub Can Help
At Indiainvesthub, our goal is to simplify complex investment decisions. With hands-on experience using both Zerodha and Upstox, we help you break down the technical jargon, fees, features, and real-world usability. We don’t just recommend; we test, experience, and then share with our readers.
Whether you want a platform for day trading, long-term investment, or mutual fund planning, our reviews and insights will always focus on one thing: what’s best for you.
Final Verdict
In the battle of brokerage apps, both Zerodha and Upstox offer immense value depending on what kind of investor you are. Zerodha excels in ecosystem and advanced features, while Upstox wins on ease and beginner access.
Neither is perfect — and that’s why it’s important to weigh your personal investing style before choosing.
So, what kind of investor are you?
