Best Brokers for Intraday Trading in 2024: A Complete Analysis
By Ankit Sharma, Financial Markets Analyst
Quick Answer: Who is the Best Broker for Intraday Trading?
If you’re looking for the Best broker for intraday trading in India, Zerodha emerges as the top choice due to its fast execution speeds, minimal brokerage fees, and advanced charting tools. However, traders with specific needs may prefer alternatives:
- Best Overall: Zerodha (Lowest brokerage, best execution speed)
- Best for Mobile Trading: Upstox (Top-rated app)
- Best for Research & Insights: ICICI Direct (Premium research tools)
- Best Low-Cost Option: 5paisa (Flat ₹15 per order)
- Best for Beginners: Angel One (User-friendly with AI-backed trading advice)
Now, let’s dive deeper into how these brokers compare and which one suits your intraday trading style.
What is Intraday Trading and Why Does Your Broker Matter?
Who needs an intraday broker?
- The Active traders are looking to capitalize on short-term price movements.
What is intraday trading?
- Buying and selling stocks within the same trading session to profit from price fluctuations.
When is intraday trading profitable?
- When liquidity is high, volatility is manageable, and traders use risk management strategies.
Where do traders execute intraday trades?
- On stock exchanges like NSE and BSE through trading platforms.
Why does the choice of broker matter?
- Execution speed, brokerage fees, margin availability, and platform stability directly impact profitability.
How do you choose the best broker?
- By comparing brokerage fees, order execution speeds, research tools, margin policies, and platform reliability.
Top Intraday Trading Brokers Compared (2024)
Execution Speed & Platform Stability: Why It Matters
Intraday traders need lightning-fast order execution to avoid slippage. The fraction of a second can be the difference between profit and loss.
| Broker | Avg. Execution Speed | Uptime % | Best Feature |
| Zerodha | 0.2 seconds | 99.95% | Fastest execution speed |
| Upstox | 0.3 seconds | 99.90% | Best mobile experience |
| Angel One | 0.25 seconds | 99.85% | Best for beginners |
| ICICI Direct | 0.3 seconds | 99.92% | Best research tools |
| 5paisa | 0.4 seconds | 99.80% | Lowest brokerage |
Key Insight: Zerodha leads in execution speed and stability, while Upstox is best for mobile trading, and ICICI Direct excels in research tools.
Intraday Trading Costs: How Much Does Your Broker Charge?
Choosing the wrong broker can eat into your profits through hidden fees. Here’s how the top brokers stack up:
| Broker | Intraday Brokerage | Account Opening Fee | Annual Maintenance |
| Zerodha | ₹20/order or 0.03% | ₹200 | ₹300 |
| Upstox | ₹20/order or 0.05% | ₹0 | ₹250 |
| Angel One | ₹20/order | ₹0 | ₹450 |
| ICICI Direct | % based (higher cost) | ₹0 | ₹500 |
| 5paisa | Flat ₹15 per order | ₹0 | ₹250 |
Best Low-Cost Choice: 5paisa charges just ₹15 per trade, the most affordable option for frequent traders.
Margin & Leverage: Which Broker Offers the Highest Exposure?
Intraday traders often use leverage to maximize profits, but margin policies differ across brokers:
| Broker | Intraday Margin (MIS) |
| Zerodha | Up to 5x |
| Upstox | Up to 4x |
| Angel One | Up to 5x |
| ICICI Direct | Up to 10x (with premium plans) |
Warning: Leverage can magnify both profits and losses. Always use stop-loss orders when trading on margin.
Expert Opinions & Real Trader Insights
Many traders have switched brokers based on platform efficiency and hidden costs. Here’s what real traders say:
Rajiv S., Full-Time Trader: “I moved from a full-service broker to Zerodha and now save ₹5,000 monthly in brokerage.”
Ananya K., Options Trader: “ICICI Direct’s research reports are a game-changer, but the brokerage fees are steep.”*
Rohan T., Beginner Trader: “Angel One’s AI-based trade recommendations helped me gain confidence in my strategies.”
Final Verdict: Which Broker Should You Choose?
| Best For… | Top Broker | Why? |
| Overall Best Intraday Broker | Zerodha | Fast execution, low brokerage, stable platform |
| Best Mobile Trading Experience | Upstox | High-rated mobile app with real-time analytics |
| Best for Research & Insights | ICICI Direct | Premium research tools & fundamental analysis |
| Best for Cost Savings | 5paisa | Flat ₹15 per order, lowest trading costs |
| Best for Beginners | Angel One | User-friendly with AI-backed trade insights |
Final Recommendation:
- For professional traders: Go with Zerodha or ICICI Direct.
- For cost-conscious traders: paisa offers the best pricing model.
- For mobile-focused traders: Upstox is your best bet.
Take Action: Open a trading account with the broker that fits your needs and start trading!
Conclusion: The Best Broker is the One That Fits YOUR Trading Style
The best intraday trading broker depends on your trading goals. Whether you prioritize low brokerage, advanced trading tools, or research insights, selecting the right broker can significantly impact your profitability.