✅ Introduction
Choosing the right HRMS (Human Resource Management System) in 2025 is no longer about just tracking attendance or payroll. It’s about empowering people teams, automating workflows, ensuring compliance, and creating a great employee experience.
In this post, we compare the top 5 HRMS platforms used in India, their key features, pros, cons, and pricing — so you can make the best choice for your business.
🥇 1. Keka HR
Best for: Small to mid-sized companies with growing teams
Key Features:
- Payroll
- Attendance
- Performance reviews
- Timesheets
- Hiring module
Pros:
- ✅ User-friendly interface
- ✅ Seamless statutory compliance
- ✅ Highly customizable workflows
Cons:
- ❌ Limited mobile UX
- ❌ Basic reporting in lower plans
💰 Pricing: Starts at ₹6,999/month for up to 100 employees
🥈 2. Zoho People
Best for: Startups, tech teams, and hybrid workplaces
Key Features:
- Employee records
- Time-off tracking
- Onboarding
- Workflow automation
- Integrates with Zoho ecosystem
Pros:
- ✅ Clean and modern UI
- ✅ Excellent for automation
- ✅ Affordable entry-level plans
Cons:
- ❌ Indian payroll support is limited
- ❌ May need tech support for setup
💰 Pricing: ₹60/user/month (Essential HR plan)
🥉 3. greytHR
Best for: Compliance-heavy SMEs and traditional businesses
Key Features:
- Payroll and payslip generation
- Statutory compliance (PF, ESI, TDS)
- Leave and attendance management
Pros:
- ✅ Great for legal compliance in India
- ✅ Strong reporting tools
- ✅ Long-standing reputation
Cons:
- ❌ Dated interface
- ❌ Limited performance tracking features
💰 Pricing: ₹1,495/month for 25 employees + ₹30 per additional user
🏅 4. Darwinbox
Best for: Mid to large enterprises
Key Features:
- Core HRMS
- Performance, engagement, travel, and payroll
- AI-driven insights
Pros:
- ✅ Enterprise-grade features
- ✅ Scalable for large teams
- ✅ Highly customizable
Cons:
- ❌ Not ideal for very small teams
- ❌ Pricing requires demo
💰 Pricing: Custom (starts ~₹100/user/month)
🏅 5. Qandle
Best for: Agile startups looking for modular solutions
Key Features:
- Attendance, payroll, performance
- Travel and expense tracking
- Asset management
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to set up and use
- ✅ Great customer support
- ✅ Modular — use only what you need
Cons:
- ❌ Lesser-known than others
- ❌ Limited integrations in base plan
💰 Pricing: ₹49/user/month (Core HR module)
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| HRMS | Best For | Pricing | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keka | Growing teams | ₹6,999/month | Payroll + Compliance |
| Zoho | Startups, remote | ₹60/user/month | Automation + Integrations |
| greytHR | Compliance-focused | ₹1495 + ₹30/user | Statutory Reports |
| Darwinbox | Enterprises | Custom | Full HR Suite + AI |
| Qandle | Agile Startups | ₹49/user/month | Flexibility + UX |
💬 Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Choose an HRMS that fits your team size, workflows, and future scale:
- Startups: Zoho People, Qandle
- SMEs: greytHR, Keka
- Large Enterprises: Darwinbox
