Zerodha vs Upstox: Which Broker Should You Choose?
Introduction
Zerodha and Upstox are two of the most popular discount brokers in India. While Zerodha is known for its simplicity and reliability, Upstox stands out with its modern app and tech-driven approach. In this comparison, we’ll evaluate both platforms across key parameters to help you decide which is better for your trading needs in 2025.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Zerodha | Upstox |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | ₹200 | Free |
| Equity Delivery | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| Intraday/F&O | ₹20/order or 0.03% | ₹20/order or 0.05% |
| Platform | Kite (Web/App) | Upstox Pro (Web/App) |
| Mutual Funds | Coin (Direct) | Available |
| Support | Ticket/Phone/Email | Chat/Phone/Email |
| Margin | Limited | Better leverage (segment-wise) |
| Research & Learning | Varsity (Free Education) | Limited content |
Platform Experience
- Zerodha’s Kite: Minimalist, fast, and stable. Ideal for focused trading.
- Upstox Pro: Feature-rich, more modern UI, faster updates, better charts.
Verdict: Upstox wins in interface; Zerodha is more stable during high traffic.
Brokerage & Charges
- Zerodha: ₹0 delivery, ₹20 or 0.03% per executed intraday/F&O order.
- Upstox: ₹0 delivery, ₹20 or 0.05% per executed order (higher %).
Verdict: Zerodha offers slightly better brokerage structure for frequent traders.
Mutual Fund Investment
- Zerodha: Coin platform with only direct mutual funds.
- Upstox: Also supports direct mutual funds and goal-based investing.
Verdict: Both offer zero-commission mutual funds.
Support & Education
- Zerodha: Offers Varsity, an extensive and free stock market education platform.
- Upstox: Limited education material; better support experience via app.
Verdict: Zerodha is better for self-learners. Upstox better for support access.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
| If you are… | Go with… |
|---|---|
| A beginner seeking education and stability | Zerodha |
| A tech-savvy user preferring mobile trading | Upstox |
| An active intraday or F&O trader | Zerodha |
| Looking for better mobile support & UI | Upstox |
Both are reliable, SEBI-registered brokers. Your choice depends on whether you value robust execution (Zerodha) or modern tools (Upstox) more.
FAQs
1. Which broker is better: Zerodha or Upstox?
It depends on your needs. Zerodha is better for reliability and education, while Upstox is better for app experience and margin features.
2. Is account opening free in both?
Upstox is free. Zerodha charges ₹200 for equity accounts.
3. Do both offer mutual funds?
Yes, both offer direct mutual fund investments with zero commission.
4. Which has better charts and tools?
Upstox Pro offers better charting tools, especially on mobile.
5. Can I switch from one broker to another?
Yes, you can open multiple demat accounts and transfer holdings if needed.
