The Indian startups and SMEs are growing rapidly for this the demand for reliable and efficient Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS) is higher than ever. HR departments are expected to go beyond attendance tracking and payroll—they now manage employee engagement, performance reviews, onboarding, compliance, and more.
Among the top contenders in the Indian HRMS space are Zoho People, Keka, and greytHR. All three tools have carved their own niche by offering robust features, but which one is the best for your organization?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key differences and similarities between Zoho People, Keka, and greytHR to help you make an informed decision.
1. Company Overview
- Part of the globally recognized Zoho suite.
- Offers seamless integration with other Zoho apps like Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, and Zoho Projects.
- Strong presence globally with tailored features for Indian businesses.
- A Hyderabad-based company focused on Indian SMEs and startups.
- Known for its beautiful UI/UX and user-centric design.
- Highly customizable and made with Indian payroll & compliance needs in mind.
- One of India’s oldest HR tech players, operational since 1994.
- Strong focus on statutory compliance and HR automation.
- Trusted by 23,000+ businesses across India.
2. Core Features Comparison
| Feature | Zoho People | Keka | greytHR |
| Employee Database | Custom fields, flexible structure | Intuitive profile management | Detailed employee master |
| Attendance Management | GPS, IP restriction, integration-ready | Biometric, web, mobile with real-time | Biometric, web, and mobile tracking |
| Leave Management | Customizable policies & approval flows | Easy setup with auto carry-forward | Multi-level approvals, holiday sync |
| Payroll | Add-on via Zoho Payroll | Fully integrated & Indian-compliant | Highly detailed & compliance-driven |
| Performance Mgmt | Goal setting, appraisals, 360° reviews | OKRs, 1:1s, review cycles | Limited; best for basic evaluations |
| Mobile App | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Custom Workflows | Advanced workflows with automation | Role-based workflows | Limited automation |
| Compliance | Basic (with Zoho Payroll) | Strong PF, ESI, TDS compliance | Among the strongest in India |
3. User Interface (UI) and Experience
Zoho People
- Sleek and minimal design.
- Easy to navigate, especially for users already in the Zoho ecosystem.
- Dashboards and employee self-service portals are intuitive.
Keka
- Arguably the best UI/UX among Indian HRMS platforms.
- Visually rich dashboards, clean layouts, and smooth workflows.
- Employee experience is prioritized.
greytHR
- Simple and functional UI.
- Focused more on practicality than design flair.
- Might feel dated but is reliable and straightforward.
Winner: Keka (Best-in-class user experience)
4. Pricing (as of 2025)
Zoho People
- Free Plan: Up to 5 users.
- Paid Plans: Start from ₹72/user/month.
- Add-on cost for Zoho Payroll for Indian businesses.
Keka
- Starter Plan: ₹6,999/month for up to 100 employees.
- Additional features (performance, recruitment) are in higher-tier plans.
- No free version, but offers demos and trials.
greytHR
- Free Plan: Available with limited features.
- Paid Plans: Start from ₹1,495/month for 25 employees.
- Add-ons for advanced features and reports.
Winner: greytHR (Most cost-effective for small teams)
5. Integration & Ecosystem
Zoho People
- Integrates effortlessly with other Zoho apps.
- Also supports third-party tools like G Suite, Slack, and Zapier.
- Strong ecosystem for CRM, finance, and project management.
Keka
- Integrates with popular biometric systems, accounting tools (Tally, QuickBooks), and ERPs.
- Offers APIs for custom integrations.
greytHR
- Basic integrations with biometric devices and accounting systems.
- Not as strong in open APIs or external integrations as Zoho.
Winner: Zoho People (Best for integrated business solutions)
6. Customer Support & Training
Zoho People
- Help center, webinars, email & live chat.
- Strong global customer support, including Indian business hours.
Keka
- Dedicated onboarding and customer success teams.
- In-depth tutorials, documentation, and real-time chat support.
greytHR
- Phone, chat, and email support in Indian time zones.
- Extensive help documents and video guides.
Winner: Keka (Best for personalised onboarding and training)
7. Best Use Cases
| Tool | Best For |
| Zoho People | Startups and businesses already using Zoho products; remote teams |
| Keka | Indian startups and mid-sized companies focused on UX and growth |
| greytHR | Traditional SMEs and firms needing cost-effective payroll + compliance |
Pros and Cons Summary
Zoho People
✅ Seamless integrations
✅ Flexible and scalable
❌ Payroll not included by default
❌ Requires tech familiarity for customization
Keka
✅ Outstanding UI/UX
✅ Full-featured payroll & performance suite
❌ Higher starting price
❌ No free version
greytHR
✅ Best-in-class compliance and payroll
✅ Affordable for small businesses
❌ Limited performance and engagement tools
❌ UI feels basic
Final Verdict: Which One to Choose in 2025?
- Choose Zoho People if you need a flexible, globally recognized HR platform that integrates well with other business tools. Perfect for tech startups and remote teams.
- Choose Keka if you want a visually appealing, powerful, and Indian-centric HRMS tool. Ideal for growing startups that need advanced performance and payroll modules.
- Choose greytHR if you are a budget-conscious SME with a focus on payroll processing and compliance. It’s simple, reliable, and gets the job done.
Conclusion
Zoho People, Keka, and greytHR each have their strengths and limitations. The right HRMS for your business in 2025 depends on your company size, budget, integration needs, and long-term HR strategy.
As HR technology continues to evolve, choosing a tool that aligns with your operational style and growth plans can save time, reduce costs, and improve the employee experience manifold.
Make your decision wisely—your HRMS is not just a tool, it’s a strategic partner in your startup’s journey.