When I first began investing, I faced a dilemma that many new investors encounter—should I go with a modern discount broker like Upstox or trust an established full-service giant like Motilal Oswal? The choice felt overwhelming because both apps promised efficiency, low costs, and strong platforms. But as I dug deeper, I realized they serve different kinds of investors. If you’re wondering the same—which is the best brokerage app for investing in 2025?—this detailed Upstox vs Motilal Oswal comparison will help you decide.
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Company Overview: Upstox vs Motilal Oswal
Upstox was founded in 2009 as RKSV Securities by Ravi Kumar, Shrini Viswanath, Raghu Kumar, and Kavitha Subramanian. Headquartered in Mumbai, it has grown into one of India’s largest discount brokers, with 11 million registered users as of 2023 (Source: NSE Data). Upstox is SEBI-registered and a member of NSE, BSE, MCX, NCDEX, NSDL, and CDSL. Its focus is on delivering low-cost trading, tech-driven platforms, and easy accessibility, especially for millennials and retail investors.
Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, by contrast, has a much longer history. Founded in 1987 by Motilal Oswal and Raamdeo Agrawal, it quickly became synonymous with research-driven investing. Today, it has 2.5 million+ active clients (Source: Motilal Oswal Annual Report 2024). Headquartered in Mumbai, it is a diversified financial powerhouse offering retail and institutional broking, wealth management, asset management, investment banking, and private equity. Its reputation lies in research quality and advisory services, making it a top choice for long-term investors.
Features | Upstox | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|
Preview |  |  |
Established Year | 2009 | 1987 |
Brokerage App Link |
Brokerage Charges & Pricing Comparison
- Upstox: Zero brokerage on equity delivery trades. Flat ₹20 per order (or 0.05%, whichever is lower) for intraday, F&O, commodities, and currencies. Cost-effective for frequent traders.
- Motilal Oswal: As a full-service broker, it follows a percentage-based brokerage model, typically 0.2–0.5% for delivery trades and 0.02–0.05% for intraday (Source: MO Brokerage Schedule 2024). While costlier, it includes research and advisory.
Verdict: Upstox wins for low-cost trading, while Motilal Oswal suits those who value premium services and research support.
Account Opening Process & Ease of Use
- Upstox: 100% digital onboarding. Paperless KYC, Aadhaar-based sign-up, and account activation in under 24 hours.
- Motilal Oswal: Offers both online and offline account opening. Digital onboarding is available, but offline support ensures traditional investors are also catered to.
Verdict: Upstox is faster and beginner-friendly, while Motilal Oswal offers flexibility for both tech-savvy and traditional investors.
Trading Platforms & Mobile App Performance
- Upstox Pro App: Known for a clean, modern UI, advanced charting (TradingView, ChartIQ), real-time data, and stability.
- Motilal Oswal MO Investor & MO Trader Apps: Feature-rich platforms designed for retail and professional investors. Offers advanced research integration, robo-advisory, and customizable dashboards.
Verdict: Upstox offers simplicity and speed, while Motilal Oswal provides depth and professional-grade tools.
Investment Options Available
- Upstox: Stocks, derivatives, commodities, currencies, mutual funds, IPOs, ETFs, and digital gold.
- Motilal Oswal: All of the above plus wealth management, PMS, investment banking, and private equity.
Verdict: Motilal Oswal clearly offers a broader product suite for investors who want diversification beyond equities and MF.
User Experience & Interface
- Upstox: Mobile-first design, easy navigation, suited for millennials and beginners.
- Motilal Oswal: Interface is slightly more complex due to multiple features but ideal for investors who value comprehensive financial dashboards.
Research, Tools & Advisory Services
- Upstox: Provides basic screeners, charting, and limited reports. Focuses on self-trading tools.
- Motilal Oswal: Offers in-depth equity research, stock recommendations, sectoral reports, robo-advisory, and wealth management guidance.
Verdict: If DIY trading is your style, go for Upstox. If you want guided research, Motilal Oswal is unmatched.
Customer Support & Service Quality
- Upstox: Provides app-based ticketing, chat, and phone support. Response times can vary during peak trading hours.
- Motilal Oswal: Dedicated RM support, relationship managers for HNIs, and personalized advisory services.
Verdict: Motilal Oswal offers premium support, while Upstox delivers standard digital-first service.
Safety, Security & Compliance
Both Upstox and Motilal Oswal are SEBI-registered, NSE/BSE members, and compliant with CDSL/NSDL depositories. They follow strict data encryption, margin rules, and fund segregation practices.
Verdict: Both are equally safe and regulated.
Pros & Cons: Upstox vs Motilal Oswal
Upstox:
Motilal Oswal:
Which App is Better in 2025?: Upstox vs Motilal Oswal
If you’re a cost-conscious trader or beginner investor, Upstox is the better choice. Its affordable brokerage model, simple interface, and growing user base of 11 million+ make it ideal for millennials.
If you’re a long-term investor seeking research, advisory, and diversified financial services, Motilal Oswal is hard to beat. With 2.5 million+ active clients and a legacy of over 35 years, it offers trust and depth.
At Indiainvesthub, we help readers like you navigate these choices with unbiased comparisons and structured reviews. Whether you’re choosing Upstox or Motilal Oswal, the right decision depends on your investment style, trading frequency, and financial goals.
Conclusion
The battle of Upstox vs Motilal Oswal isn’t about which is universally better, but which suits your investing journey. If you prioritize low costs and DIY investing, Upstox is the clear winner. If you value expert research, advisory, and a full-service experience, Motilal Oswal is your go-to.
So, in 2025, when choosing the best brokerage app for investing, are you leaning toward modern low-cost trading or research-backed full-service investing?
