The Indian brokerage industry has undergone a radical “Discount Revolution.” What started as a move to cut commissions has now evolved into a complex ecosystem of “Zero Brokerage” and “Subscription Models.” In 2026, finding the best discount broker isn’t just about who is cheapest, but who offers the most value without compromising technology. Our Composite Score dissects the “Discount” DNA of the best discount brokers in India to reveal the true winners beyond the marketing hype. We calculated our rankings by analysing each broker’s pricing efficiency—weighing absolute zero-cost models against free-delivery standards and subscription-based benefits and overall qualitative score to determine the true value for your money.

List of Best Discount Brokers in India in 2026
| Broker Name | Discount USP | Delivery Fee | Intraday/F&O | AMC | Composite Score |
| Zerodha | Transparency King | ₹0 | ₹20 or 0.03% | ₹300 | 9.6 |
| Dhan | Zero AMC & Simple UI | ₹0 | ₹20 or 0.03% | ₹0 | 9.4 |
| Shoonya | Ultra-Low ₹5 Flat Fee | ₹0 | ₹5 Flat Fee | ₹0 | 9.2 |
| Groww | Simplicity First | ₹20 or 0.05% | ₹20 or 0.05% | ₹0 | 9.0 |
| m.Stock | Lifetime Free Plan | ₹0 | ₹5 Flat Fee | ₹0* | 8.8 |
| Angel One | MTF Specialist | ₹20 or 0.1% | ₹20 or 0.1% (equity intraday), ₹20 for futures & options | ₹450 | 8.7 |
| Upstox | High-Speed API | ₹20 | ₹20 or 0.1% for equity & Futures, Flat ₹20 for Options | ₹0 | 8.5 |
| Fyers | Zero API Cost | ₹20 or 0.03% | ₹20 or 0.03% for Intraday and futures, Flat ₹20 for Options | ₹0 | 8.4 |
| 5Paisa | Subscription Model | ₹20 | ₹20 (Flat) | ₹0 | 8.2 |
| HDFC Sky | Bank Security | ₹20 or 2.5% | ₹20 or 2.5% | ₹0 | 8.0 |
Top 10 Discount Brokers in India: Full Analysis
Zerodha

Zerodha pioneered the discount model in India. Their core “Discount” philosophy is simple: no commissions on delivery and a flat INR 20 for everything else. They also offer zero commissions & DP charges on all direct mutual fund investments. While some offer “Absolute Zero,” Zerodha’s value lies in its Zero-Spam and Zero-Proprietary Trading policy. You pay a small AMC, but you get a tech stack (Kite) that is the industry gold standard. It is the best discount broker for those who value peace of mind over saving the last 5 rupees.
Dhan

Dhan has pivoted from promotional discounts to providing a “Feature Discount.” They offer deep integration with TradingView, giving traders access to professional-grade charting and execution tools for free—tools that usually cost thousands in separate subscriptions. Their “Fastest API” focus makes them a powerhouse for active scalpers.
Read Also: Best Stock Brokers for F&O API Trading in India
Shoonya by Finvasia: Best in Top 10 Low Brokerage Firms

Shoonya by Finvasia has evolved its model to offer an Ultra-Low INR 5 Flat Fee, challenging the industry standard of INR 20. While they have moved away from an “Absolute Zero” model for active trading, they remain 75% cheaper than most competitors. They still maintain Zero AMC, Zero Account Opening, and Zero Clearing charges. This “True Discount” approach is specifically designed for high-frequency scalpers and intraday traders who operate on thin margins and need the lowest possible “breakeven” point for their trades.
Groww

Groww’s “Discount” model is slightly different. While they charge INR 20 for delivery (unlike Zerodha), they offer Zero Account Opening and Zero AMC. For a beginner who only makes 1-2 trades a month, Groww is actually cheaper because they don’t have recurring annual fees. It is a “Discount on Fees” rather than a “Discount on Brokerage,” making it a favorite for the millennial investor.
Read Also: Top Brokers in India by Active Clients
m.Stock

m.Stock by Mirae Asset offers a unique “One-time Fee for Lifetime Zero” model. By paying a small upfront fee (INR 1,299+GST), users get zero brokerage for life across all segments. This is a game-changer for veteran traders who plan to trade for the next 10-20 years. Their MTF (Margin Trade Funding) rates are also among the lowest in India, providing a “Discount on Interest” that few can match.
Angel One

Angel One offers the benefits of a full-service broker at discount prices. The brokerage charges INR 20 per order or 0.1%. The real “Discount” here is the Free Research and Advisory, which usually costs thousands of rupees with other firms. For traders who want a discount price but still need guidance on which stocks to buy, Angel One is the strongest contender.
Also Read: Largest Stock Brokers in India
Upstox

Upstox offers a robust trading experience with a flat fee model. Their “Discount” focus is on technology; by providing free APIs and high-speed execution, they save traders “Slippage Costs” which can often be higher than the brokerage itself. Upstox is best for the tech-savvy trader who understands that a fast execution is a form of indirect discount.
Fyers

Fyers’ charges INR 20 for delivery, but offers zero cost for Advanced APIs and Charting Tools. Most brokers charge for professional tools like TradingView integration or API access, but Fyers provides them for free. For serious technical analysts, the saving on “Tool Subscriptions” makes Fyers an incredibly high-value discount broker.
5Paisa

5Paisa operates like a “Netflix for Trading.” While their base fee is INR 20, their subscription packs can bring it down to INR 10 per order. This is ideal for active traders who want a predictable monthly cost. By choosing 5Paisa, you get a “Bulk Discount” on your trading activity, which is a unique approach in the Indian market.
Read Also: Groww vs Zerodha Charges, Brokerage, Pros and Cons
HDFC Sky

HDFC Sky brings “Banking-Grade Security” to the discount world. They offer a INR 20 or 2.5% brokerage with zero AMC. The “Discount” here is the integration—saving you the time and “Transfer Fees” of moving money between your bank and demat account. It is the best choice for conservative investors who want HDFC’s trust.
Conclusion
Top discount brokers in India depends on your math. If you are a long-term investor, Zerodha or Dhan’s free delivery is your best discount. If you are a hyper-active trader, Shoonya’s absolute zero or m.Stock’s lifetime plan will save you lakhs. Our ranking shows that “Discount” is no longer just about low fees—it’s about choosing the right pricing model that fits your specific trading frequency and financial goals.
Best Discount Brokers in India: FAQ
What is a discount broker in India?
A discount broker in India provides low-cost trading services by charging flat fees per trade, focusing on technology rather than personalized advisory or research services.
Which is the best discount broker in India for 2026?
Zerodha remains the best discount broker in India for 2026, offering a transparent, zero-spam trading experience with industry-leading technology for all types of investors.
Why should I choose low brokerage brokers in India?
Traders use low brokerage brokers to minimize costs. Platforms like Upstox and Fyers offer high-speed execution and free APIs, which help in reducing overall slippage.
Which is the cheapest brokerage firm in India?
Shoonya by Finvasia is the cheapest brokerage firm in India, offering a flat five rupee fee per trade, making it ideal for high-volume intraday traders.
Krishna comes from a family of investors and financial analysts, She learnt wading through regulatory filings pretty early in her career. She has several years of experience in financial and industry analysis under her belt. At IPO Central, Krishna plays twin roles of Contributor and Head of research desk.



