Zoho People vs Keka vs greytHR : Comparison between 3 HRMS

Zoho People vs Keka vs greytHR

Zoho People vs Keka vs greytHR

Human Resource Management Systems are in high demand because of the rapid growth of Indian startups and SMEs. HR departments will be expected to do more than just track attendance and pay employees. They are also responsible for employee engagement, performance evaluations, onboarding and compliance.

Zoho People Keka and GreytHR are among the leading contenders for the Indian HRMS market. Each tool has its own unique niche, with robust features. But which is best for your company?

This detailed comparison will help you to make an informed choice by highlighting the main differences and similarities among Zoho People Keka and GreytHR.

1. Overview of the Company

Zoho People

  • The Zoho Suite is a globally recognized suite of applications.
  • It offers seamless integration with Zoho CRM and other Zoho applications like Zoho Books and Zoho Projects.
  • Features tailored to Indian business.

Keka

  • Hyderabad-based firm focused on Indian startups and SMEs.
  • Known for beautiful UI/UX, and user-centric designs.
  • The software is highly customizable to meet Indian payroll and compliance requirements.

greytHR

  • Established in 1994, one of India’s oldest players in the HR technology sector.
  • Focus on HR automation and statutory compliance.
  • More than 23,000 businesses in India trust us.

2. Compare Core Features

Feature Zoho People Keka greytHR
Employee Database Flexible structure and custom fields Intuitive profile management Detail employee master
Attendance Management Integration ready for GPS and IP restrictions Real-time biometrics, web and mobile Tracking biometric data, mobile and web tracking
Leave Management Customizable policies & approval flows Simple setup with automatic carry-forward Multi-level approvals, holiday sync
Payroll Add-on via Zoho Payroll Fully integrated and Indian-compliant High-detail & Compliance-driven
Performance Management Goal setting, 360-degree reviews, and appraisals OKRs, 1:1s, review cycles Limited; Best for basic evaluations
Mobile App iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android
Custom Workflows Automated workflows for advanced workflows Role-based workflows Limited Automation
Compliance Basic (with ZohoPayroll) TDS, PF and ESI compliance is strong The strongest in India

3. User Interface (UI), Experience

Zoho People

  • Design minimalist and sleek.
  • It is easy to use, especially for those who are already familiar with the Zoho ecosystem.
  • Dashboards and portals for employee self-service are intuitive.

Keka

  • The best UI/UX of all Indian HRMS platforms.
  • Dashboards with rich visuals, clean layouts and smooth workflows.
  • Priority is given to the employee experience.

greytHR

  • Simple and functional user interface.
  • Design flair is less important than practicality.
  • It may look dated, but it is reliable and straightforward.

Winner: Keka (Best-in-class user experience)

4. Pricing (as at 2025)

Zoho People

  • Free Plan : up to 5 users.
  • Paid plans: Starting at Rs 72/user/month
  • Add-on costs for Zoho payroll for Indian businesses

Keka

  • Starter plan: Rs 6,999/month up to 100 employees
  • Plans at higher levels include additional features (performance, recruiting).
  • Demos and trial versions are available.

greytHR

  • Free plan: Limited features available.
  • Paid plans: Starting at Rs 1,495/month (for 25 employees).
  • Add-ons to advanced features and reports.

Winner: GreytHR

5. Integration & Ecosystem

Zoho People

  • Integrates seamlessly with other Zoho applications.
  • Supports third-party applications like G Suite, Slack and Zapier.
  • Strong ecosystem for CRM and finance.

Keka

  • Integrates with popular accounting tools, ERPs, and biometric systems (Tally, QuickBooks).
  • Provides APIs to allow for custom integration.

greytHR

  • Basic integration with biometric devices, accounting systems and other systems.
  • It is not as good as Zoho in terms of open APIs and external integrations.

Winner : Zoho People Best for integrated business solution

6. Customer Support and Training

Zoho People

  • Email, live chat, webinars and the Help Center.
  • Support for customers around the world, including Indian business hours.

Keka

  • Onboarding and Customer Success Teams Dedicated
  • Support in real time, including documentation, tutorials and live chat.

greytHR

  • Support via phone, chat and email in Indian time zones.
  • Help documents and video guides are available.

Keka (Best in personalised onboarding, training and education) Winner Keka

7. Best Use Cases

Tool Best for
Zoho People Remote teams and startups already using Zoho’s products
Keka Indian startups and midsized companies focussed on UX and Growth
greytHR Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that need payroll and compliance services at a low cost

Summary of Pros and Con

Zoho People

Seamless Integration
Flexible and scalable
Payroll is not included in the default.
Customization requires a good understanding of technology

Keka

Outstanding UI/UX
Payroll & Performance Suite with Full Features
Price increase
No Free Version

greytHR

Payroll and compliance services that are best in class
Small businesses can afford to buy affordable products
Limit performance and engagement tools
Basic UI is a good feeling

Final Verdict – Which one to choose in 2025?

  • Choose the Zoho People platform if you are looking for a flexible and globally recognized HR tool that integrates with other business tools. Ideal for technology startups, and teams working remotely.
  • Keka is the best choice if you are looking for a powerful and visually appealing HRMS. Ideal for startups who need advanced performance and pay modules.
  • Select greytHR If you are a SME that is budget-conscious and focuses on compliance and payroll processing. It is simple, reliable and does the job.

Conclusion

Each of these HRMS has its own strengths and weaknesses. The HRMS that is right for your business depends on many factors, including your budget, your integration needs, your long-term HR strategies, and the size of your business.

As HR technology evolves, selecting a tool aligned with your growth plan and operational style can save you time, reduce cost, and improve employee experience.

Your HRMS is more than a tool. It’s also a strategic partner for your startup.