Head-to-head
Zerodha vs Upstox: Stability vs Speed
Zerodha is the steady benchmark; Upstox pitches faster execution and free APIs. Both charge flat fees, so the choice comes down to platform feel, API needs, and how much you value a decade-long track record.
Pricing confirmation pending — verify on the official site before acting.
4.6/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cost-conscious DIY investors who mainly buy-and-hold stocks or trade F&O occasionally. | Mobile-first traders and developers who use trading APIs. |
| Account opening | ₹200confirming | ₹0confirming |
| Annual maintenance (AMC) | ₹300/yearconfirming | ₹0confirming |
| Equity delivery | ₹0confirming | ₹20 per orderconfirming |
| Intraday | ₹20 or 0.03% per orderconfirming | ₹20 per orderconfirming |
| Options | ₹20 per orderconfirming | ₹20 per orderconfirming |
| Futures | ₹20 per orderconfirming | ₹20 per orderconfirming |
| Mutual funds | ✓ Supported | ✓ Supported |
| IPO | ✓ Supported | ✓ Supported |
| US stocks | — | — |
| Fees & pricing score | 4.8/5 ★ | 4.4/5 |
| Trading platforms score | 4.7/5 ★ | 4.3/5 |
| Customer support score | 3.9/5 ★ | 3.7/5 |
| Research & education score | 3.5/5 ★ | 3.0/5 |
| Ease of opening score | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 ★ |
Highlighted rows differ. “Confirming” means we haven't re-verified that figure yet — check the official pricing page.
Pick Zerodha if you want proven stability, Varsity education, and ₹0 delivery with the deepest community support.
Pick Upstox if you want a snappier app, free trading APIs, and zero opening cost — and you'll verify the current AMC plan first.
Investors and learners: Zerodha. Active app-traders and developers: Upstox.
Zerodha: strengths & weaknesses
What we like
- ₹0 equity delivery brokerage
- Simple flat ₹20 intraday/F&O pricing
- Mature Kite web + mobile platform
- Strong Varsity investor-education library
Watch out for
- ₹200 account opening fee
- ₹300/year AMC
- No research-advisory for beginners
- Support can be slow on volatile days
Upstox: strengths & weaknesses
What we like
- Free account opening
- Fast Pro web + mobile platforms
- Good API for algo traders
- Competitive flat pricing
Watch out for
- AMC and platform nuances change often — verify
- Support quality is inconsistent
- Margin-trading funding costs add up
FAQs
Which is cheaper: Zerodha or Upstox?
Both charge flat ~₹20/order for intraday and F&O. Zerodha charges ₹0 for delivery and ₹200 + ₹300/year AMC; Upstox leans on free opening and low/zero AMC. Your order pattern decides — run it through our brokerage calculator.
Is Upstox as safe as Zerodha?
Both are SEBI-registered brokers; your securities sit in your own demat account either way. Zerodha's edge is a longer track record and scale, not custody safety.