If your goal is to invest in **low-cost direct index mutual funds** (such as Nifty 50, Nifty Next 50, or Sensex funds), these are the strongest options in India for 2026: 1. **Groww** – Best for most beginners. Clean interface, free investing in direct mutual funds, easy SIP setup, and a wide selection of index funds. 2. **Zerodha Coin** – Great if you already use Zerodha. Supports direct mutual funds and the company has reaffirmed it will keep direct mutual funds free. 3. **ET Money** – Excellent research tools, fund comparisons, and goal-based investing. Good if you want more guidance while still buying direct plans. 4. **INDmoney** – Good if you want to track mutual funds, stocks, US investments, and your overall portfolio in one app. ### My recommendation - **New investor:** Groww - **Already have a Zerodha account:** Zerodha Coin - **Want detailed analytics and planning:** ET Money - **Want all investments in one place:** INDmoney For a long-term investor, the app matters less than choosing **Direct Growth** index funds with **low expense ratios** and investing consistently through SIPs. Passive investing continues to gain popularity in India due to its lower costs and simplicity. If you're investing for **10–20 years**, a simple portfolio could be: - 80–100% **Nifty 50 Index Fund (Direct Growth)**, or - 70% **Nifty 50** + 30% **Nifty Next 50** for broader exposure. If you can share: - your **age**, - your **monthly SIP amount** (e.g. ₹5,000, ₹10,000), and - whether you're investing for **retirement**, **wealth creation**, or another goal, I can suggest a simple index fund portfolio tailored to your situation.
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- Groww Stocks, Mutual Fund, IPO – Apps on Google Playplay.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en_IN&id=com.nextbillion.groww
- Zerodha will keep direct mutual fund plans for free, says Nithin Kamathm.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/zerodha-will-keep-direct-mutual-fund-plans-for-free-says-nithin-kamath/articleshow/132292800.cms
- ET Money Mutual Fund, SIF, SIP - Apps on Google Playplay.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=com.smartspends
- INDmoney: Stocks, Mutual Funds - Apps on Google Playplay.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=in.indwealth
- Passive investing explosion: DSP's Anil Ghelani predicts ETFs, index funds will command 30% of mutual fund industrym.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/passive-investing-explosion-dsps-anil-ghelani-predicts-etfs-index-funds-will-command-30-of-mutual-fund-industry/articleshow/132045639.cms