Best brokerage app decisions are personal—and let me share my own. I remember sitting at my desk in late 2024, watching the Nifty 50 swing wildly, as I wondered which app would give me the edge for 2025. I didn’t want to rely on hearsay or biased YouTube ads. So, as an investor trying to optimize costs, research access, and order execution, I took the plunge and opened accounts with both Zerodha and Groww.
After months of trading and investing in both, I realized they each excel—and fall short—in their own ways. For fellow investors on Indiainvesthub looking for honest, no-fluff reviews, I’m sharing my real user experience with both apps, their best features for investing, pros and cons, and stats that reveal why there is no one-size-fits-all answer when picking your platform.
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Why This Review Matters
Investors searching for the best brokerage app in 2025 face a crowded market. New investors often get confused by marketing promises, ignoring the fine print on brokerage charges, research tools, order execution reliability, and customer service.
According to SEBI data (source: SEBI Annual Report 2024), India’s total number of demat accounts crossed 15 crore in 2024, up from ~11 crore in 2022, reflecting a new wave of retail participation.
Yet most new traders don’t know the difference between a discount broker (low cost, DIY) and a full-service or hybrid platform. This article exists to help you navigate that choice with genuine, balanced, first-hand feedback.
My Investment Experience: Why I Used Both Zerodha and Groww
I didn’t want to guess or trust sponsored reviews. So I funded both apps with real money, tested them over equity delivery trades, intraday, and even IPO applications.
(i) I chose Zerodha for its reputation as India’s pioneer in discount broking, ultra-low charges (₹20 per order max for intraday), and robust trading platform.
(ii) I chose Groww for its promise of simplicity, single app for stocks, mutual funds, and now F&O with easy onboarding.
I placed multiple trades, tracked execution times, tested customer service, and compared actual costs.
Features | Zerodha | Groww |
|---|---|---|
Preview |  |  |
User Base | 1.6 Cr+ | 7 Cr+ |
Established Year | 2010 | 2016 |
App Downloads | 1.5 Cr+ | 4.4 Cr+ |
Broker App Link |
Best Features for Investing – Zerodha
Zerodha isn’t India’s biggest broker for no reason. Stats: Over 1.6 crore customers, handling ~₹6 lakh crore in equity investments, contributing to 15% of daily retail exchange volumes.
Here’s what impressed me most:
1) Low-cost trades: ₹0 delivery, ₹20 max intraday/F&O, which really saved me money on frequent trades.
2) Powerful Kite app: Extremely clean, fast, real-time charts with advanced technical indicators.
3) Varsity and learning: Free, best-in-class educational content that helped me improve my strategies.
4) Reliable execution: Minimal order rejections, stable servers—even on volatile days.
5) API and integrations: Ideal for algo traders or advanced investors.
6) Investments in 30+ fintech startups: Enabling more tailored tools.
7) Mutual fund platform (Coin): Direct mutual funds at zero commission.
But it’s not perfect. Here’s what bugged me:
1) No personal advisor: Fully DIY—some beginners feel lost.
2) UI feels “professional” not beginner-friendly.
3) Limited research reports: They don’t push recommendations aggressively, so you must do your own homework.
Best Features for Investing – Groww
Groww started as a mutual fund platform and then added stocks, derivatives, and US equities. Stats: Over 7 crore users, 4.4+ crore app downloads.
What I liked about Groww:
1) Beginner-friendly UI: Minimalist, clean, no jargon—excellent for new investors.
2) All-in-one investing: Stocks, direct mutual funds, ETFs, IPOs in one app.
3) Easy KYC: Fully paperless onboarding in minutes.
4) US Stocks Access: Helps diversify globally.
5) Low-cost trades: ₹20/order for F&O and intraday, free delivery.
6) Good educational content: Videos, blogs tailored for beginners.
But Groww has issues too:
1) Limited charting tools: Not ideal for advanced traders.
2) Customer support delays: I faced slow email responses during peak volatility.
3) Fewer order types: Advanced strategies (cover orders, bracket orders) are lacking or limited.
4) Execution slightly slower: In my testing, especially in F&O segments.
User Experience – My Genuine Reviews
After using both side by side, here’s my honest verdict:
Zerodha felt “pro” but not hand-holding. Perfect for cost-conscious, self-directed traders willing to learn.
Groww felt “simple” but slightly limited. Perfect for first-time investors wanting to buy and hold with ease.
For intraday trading and active investing, Zerodha’s Kite app and advanced charting won me over. I felt more in control during big market moves.
For mutual fund SIPs or long-term stock investing, Groww was seamless. I set up SIPs in direct mutual funds with zero commissions and tracked them easily.
Indiainvesthub – How We Help You Decide
At Indiainvesthub, we know many new investors are overwhelmed by broker choices, fine print, and hidden costs. That’s why we review these apps hands-on—not with marketing hype.
This article aims to clear confusion by comparing Best Brokerage App options based on real use, not just brochure stats. By reading it, you can match your investing style to the right platform. Whether you value simplicity, advanced trading tools, or the lowest fees, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to choose.
The Real Cost Difference
(Stats, sourced from official broker sites 2025):
- Zerodha: ₹0 delivery, ₹20 intraday/F&O.
- Groww: ₹0 delivery, ₹20 intraday/F&O.
So costs are identical. What differs is:
- Trading platform features.
- Customer support experience.
- Research tools and investor education.
I tracked my real trading costs over 6 months. My Zerodha costs were slightly lower because I placed more intraday orders (where Kite’s tools helped me optimize entry/exit). But for my mutual fund SIPs, Groww made it dead simple.
What Investors Should Consider
If you’re deciding between these apps in 2025, think about:
(i) How often you trade.
(ii) How much support you want.
(iii) Your comfort with charts and analytics.
(iv) Whether you want a single app for stocks, F&O, mutual funds, and even US stocks.
Both are SEBI-registered brokers, members of NSE, BSE, MCX, and CDSL (for demat). Your assets remain secure even if a broker goes bust, thanks to India’s regulatory system (demat holdings are with CDSL, funds are kept in client accounts).
Final Thoughts – Which Is the Best Brokerage App for 2025?
Honestly, there is no “one best” for everyone.
(i) For traders seeking depth, low cost, and advanced tools – Zerodha is excellent.
(ii) For new investors wanting simplicity, easy mutual fund SIPs, and clean UI – Groww is excellent.
At Indiainvesthub, we recommend investors understand their own style, test apps if possible, and read real user reviews before committing.
In the end, the best brokerage app is the one that truly suits your investing goals—so which one will you choose?
