When Rahul, a young IT professional from Bengaluru, decided to make his first investment in 2025, he faced the same question that many Indian investors do today: Which platform should I trust—Groww or Motilal Oswal? His friends were split—some praised Groww for its simplicity and zero-commission mutual funds, while others swore by Motilal Oswal’s decades of research-driven insights. This everyday dilemma captures the core of the debate—Groww vs Motilal Oswal—a choice between a modern, mobile-first investing app and a veteran full-service brokerage with over three decades of credibility.
At Indiainvesthub, we help readers like Rahul simplify these comparisons by breaking them down into features, usability, costs, and long-term value so you can make the right decision for your financial goals.
Table of Contents
Company Overview: Groww vs Motilal Oswal
Groww, founded in 2016, has rapidly grown into one of India’s most popular investment apps. With over 30 million registered users, it is known for its paperless onboarding, commission-free mutual funds, and low-cost stock investing. Its mobile-first design resonates strongly with millennials and Gen Z investors who prefer simplicity and accessibility.
Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, on the other hand, was founded in 1987 by Motilal Oswal and Raamdeo Agrawal. With over 2.5 million active clients, it is one of India’s most trusted full-service brokerages. Unlike Groww’s app-only ecosystem, Motilal Oswal offers retail and institutional broking, wealth management, asset management, investment banking, and private equity services, making it a diversified financial powerhouse.
Features | Groww | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|
Preview |  |  |
Established Year | 2016 | 1987 |
Brokerage App Link |
Brokerage Charges & Pricing Comparison
- Groww: Charges ₹20 per order or 0.05% (whichever is lower) for equity delivery, intraday, and F&O trades. Mutual funds are completely commission-free. (Source: Groww Brokerage Rate Card, 2025).
- Motilal Oswal: Operates on a percentage-based brokerage model with charges ranging from 0.20% to 0.30% for delivery trades and 0.02% for intraday. However, premium plans and value packs are available to lower costs for frequent traders (Source: Motilal Oswal Brokerage Sheet, 2025).
Verdict: Groww wins for cost-conscious investors, while Motilal Oswal appeals to those seeking premium research and advisory services.
Account Opening Process & Ease of Use
- Groww: 100% online account opening. With Aadhaar-based KYC, you can open a Demat account in under 15 minutes. Zero paperwork.
- Motilal Oswal: Offers both online and offline account opening. While the online process has improved, offline onboarding remains popular among traditional investors who value branch support.
Verdict: Groww is more seamless and beginner-friendly, while Motilal Oswal caters to investors who prefer human assistance.
Trading Platforms & Mobile App Performance
- Groww: Mobile-first design with a clean, clutter-free interface. Rated 4.5/5 on Google Play Store (Source: Play Store, March 2025). Best suited for investors who prioritize simplicity.
- Motilal Oswal: Offers MO Investor App and MO Trader App, designed for both casual investors and advanced traders. Includes advanced charting, technical indicators, and algo-trading support.
Verdict: Groww is perfect for new-age investors, while Motilal Oswal’s advanced tools benefit active traders.
Investment Options Available
- Groww: Mutual funds, stocks, IPOs, ETFs, digital gold, and US stocks.
- Motilal Oswal: A wider suite—equities, derivatives, commodities, currencies, IPOs, mutual funds, PMS, bonds, and structured products.
Verdict: Groww is best for simple diversification, while Motilal Oswal wins for comprehensive investment options.
User Experience & Interface
- Groww: Designed with a minimal, intuitive interface—ideal for beginners.
- Motilal Oswal: Feature-rich but slightly complex for first-time investors.
Verdict: Groww is easier for beginners, Motilal Oswal is better for seasoned investors.
Research, Tools & Advisory Services
- Groww: Limited research reports. Provides basic charts, market news, and educational blogs.
- Motilal Oswal: Strong research team—famed for in-depth market reports, sector analysis, and investment strategies. Regularly ranked among India’s top research houses (Source: Asiamoney Brokers Poll, 2024).
Verdict: Motilal Oswal dominates in research and advisory.
Customer Support & Service Quality
- Groww: App-based support, email, and chat. Limited phone support.
- Motilal Oswal: Wide support network—branches, sub-brokers, RM support, 24×7 helpline.
Verdict: Groww offers fast app support, but Motilal Oswal ensures personalized assistance.
Safety, Security & Compliance
- Groww: SEBI-registered broker, member of NSE, BSE, CDSL. Transparent fee structure, investor funds safeguarded under regulatory norms.
- Motilal Oswal: SEBI-registered, member of all leading exchanges, long-established reputation for compliance.
Verdict: Both are safe and regulated. Motilal Oswal has a longer track record, Groww offers modern transparency.
Pros & Cons: Groww vs Motilal Oswal
Groww:
Motilal Oswal:
Which App is Better in 2025?
At Indiainvesthub, we believe the choice between Groww vs Motilal Oswal depends on your investment style. If you are a first-time investor or cost-conscious millennial, Groww is the ideal platform—fast, simple, and affordable. On the other hand, if you’re a serious investor seeking advanced tools, in-depth research, and personalized advisory, Motilal Oswal is unmatched in experience and credibility.
Both platforms have their strengths, and ultimately, your decision should align with your financial goals and comfort with digital investing.
So, which one suits your investing journey—the modern simplicity of Groww or the proven expertise of Motilal Oswal?
