Upstox vs Zerodha: Features Comparison, Charges & Review

If you're planning to start stock trading and are confused between Upstox and Zerodha, you're not alone. Both are among the top discount brokers in India. They offer similar services, low brokerage, fast apps, and access to stocks, mutual funds, and more. But the big question is, which one is better for you? We have to find the difference between Upstox vs Zerodha.

What Are Upstox and Zerodha?

Imagine you have two kirana shops, but instead of selling vegetables, they help you buy and sell stocks. That’s what Upstox and Zerodha do. You use their apps or websites to invest in:

Stocks (like Reliance, TCS, Infosys)
Mutual Funds
IPOs
Futures & Options (F&O)
Commodities

Upstox

Started in 2012, Upstox is backed by big names like Ratan Tata. It’s built for modern users who want a smooth app experience and easy navigation, like a flashy supermarket that’s beginner-friendly.

Zerodha

Started in 2010, Zerodha is known for being simple, reliable, and fast. It’s trusted by serious traders who want powerful tools without distractions, like your old-school but dependable neighborhood shop.

Features Comparison of Upstox and Zerodha

Let’s take a look at the key features of both discount broker applications.

	Upstox	Zerodha
Allow trading in	Equity, IPO, F&O, Direct Mutual Funds.	Equity, commodity, Currency, IPO, and Direct Mutual Funds.
Stock exchange	NSE, BSE, and MCX.	NSE, BSE, NCDEX, and MCX
Equity deliver	Charge a lower 2.5% or Rs 20	Offer free
Number of branches	4	22
Demat debit transaction charges	They have high Demat debit transaction charges (Rs 18.5 per ISIN)	Zerodha charges only Rs 13.5

Pros and Cons of Upstox and Zerodha

Here are the Pros of Upstox and Zerodha:

Pros of Upstox

Zero account opening fee (often free during offers).
Flat ₹20 per trade across segments (including equity delivery).
Single app for equity, commodity, and currency trading.
₹0 brokerage on Mutual Fund investments.
GTT orders are available (helpful for setting automatic trades).
Direct mutual fund investments are allowed.

Cons of Upstox

Customer support can be slow at times.
The app may lag on low-end phones.
Higher Demat debit charges (₹18.5 per ISIN).

Pros of Zerodha

Free account opening for users under 25.
Flat ₹20 brokerage across all segments.
GTT orders are available (same as GTC - Good Till Cancelled).
Reliable, safe, and trusted platform.
Offers an NRI trading account.
Supports all major stock exchanges - NSE, BSE, MCX, NCDEX.

Cons of Zerodha

No live chat support.
The app interface can feel basic for beginners.
Account opening fee for most users (₹200-₹300).

Upstox vs Zerodha: Charges Comparison

Here’s a quick look at the main fees you’ll pay with Upstox and Zerodha:

Fees and Charges	Upstox	Zerodha
Demat account AMC charges	₹150	₹300
Demat account opening charges	0 (Free)	0
Trading account opening charges	0 (Free)	0
Trading account AMC charges	0 (Free)	0 (Free)
Advance deposit	0	0
Failed Instruction charges	50	50 per request
Statutory charges	0	50
Other charges	0	0

User Review: What People Say About Upstox and Zerodha

Based on user feedback and reviews, here’s what people are saying about both platforms:

What Users Like About Upstox:

Many beginners prefer Upstox because account opening is free, and maintenance charges are lower.
The app is modern and easy to use, which helps first-time investors feel comfortable.
It's a good choice if you're mainly investing in mutual funds or IPOs with no extra charges.

What Users Like About Zerodha:

Experienced traders say Zerodha is faster and more stable, especially during high market activity.
Zerodha is popular for its free equity delivery and lower brokerage for intraday (especially for large trades).
Many users also love Zerodha's Kite platform for its speed, charts, and easy reporting tools.

Let’s know it more clarifying way.

	Upstox	Zerodha
Fee Rating	3.5 Rating	4 Rating
Customer service rating	3.5 Rating	4 Rating
Trading platform usability	4 Rating	4 Rating
Trading brokerage rating	4 Rating	4.5 Rating
Overall rating	4.5 Rating	4.5 Rating

Customer Support

Here is the information about Customer support for Upstox and Zerodha:

Customer support services	Upstox	Zerodha
Online Live Chat	Yes	Noo
Email Support	Yes	Yes
Through Branches	Yes	Yes
Toll-Free Number	No	No
Phone Support	Yes	Yes
24/7 Customer Service	No	No
Customer Care Number	+91 22 6130 9999	+ 91 80 4040 2020
Customer Support Email	[email protected]	[email protected]
Account Opening Process	Online/Paperless	Online/Paperless
Head Office Address	Upstox Corporate Office, Sunshine Tower, 30th Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai - 400 013	Zerodha Headquarters #153/154 4th Cross Dollars Colony, Opp. Clarence Public School, J.P Nagar 4th Phase, Bangalore - 560078
Knowledge Center/Education	https://upstox.com/help-center/	https://zerodha.com/varsity/
Website	https://upstox.com/	https://zerodha.com/

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Upstox and Zerodha are excellent choices. If you're just starting out, want a simple app, and a free account, go with Upstox. If you're a trader who cares about fast execution and advanced tools, go with Zerodha.

About the Author

Saniya

I'm a finance content writer with a BBA in FinTech, passionate about simplifying money matters for everyday Indians. I break down complex topics like investments, savings, and digital finance into easy, relatable content. My goal is to help you in a way that’s easy to understand, jargon-free, and actually useful in real life.

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