Keka vs Darwinbox: which HRMS should an Indian business choose in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison using the prices and facts each vendor lists publicly. Checked October 2026.
Quick answer
Darwinbox is an enterprise HCM platform with quote-based pricing, built for large and complex organisations. Keka publishes per-employee prices and is aimed at growing and mid-sized companies. If you have thousands of employees across entities and countries, Darwinbox is built for that. If you are a mid-sized company that wants a quicker, simpler roll-out and published pricing, start with Keka.
Side by side
Sleet is shown as a third option for businesses that also need accounting. Sleet wrote this page, so verify each point in a demo.
| Capability | Keka | Darwinbox | Sleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | HR, payroll & PSA platform | Enterprise HCM platform | HR, payroll, GST accounting and tasks in one login |
| Listed pricing | Plans priced per additional employee at ₹90, ₹120 or ₹150 a month depending on tier (as listed on keka.com). | Quote-based enterprise pricing; contact Darwinbox. | Per active user, with no long lock-in |
| Pricing model | Published plans | Quote-based: contact the vendor | Quote for your team size |
| Accounting and GST invoicing | HR and payroll; accounting and GST invoicing are not included | HR and payroll; accounting and GST invoicing are not included | Included (Sleet Accounting) |
| Switching help | Ask the vendor | Ask the vendor | Assisted migration |
Prices are as the vendors list them, checked October 2026, and may change.
How they differ
- Keka lists ₹90, ₹120 or ₹150 per additional employee a month by plan tier.
- Darwinbox pricing is quote-based; you contact them for a plan.
- Darwinbox is positioned as enterprise HCM; Keka as an HR, payroll and PSA platform.
Who each one suits
Keka
- Growing and mid-sized companies that want published prices and a quicker start.
- Teams that want HR, payroll and performance in one product without a long implementation.
Darwinbox
- Large organisations with multiple entities, geographies and complex approval flows.
- Companies that want a full human-capital-management suite and expect a longer roll-out.
Sleet
- Businesses that want HR, payroll, GST invoicing and accounting under one login and subscription.
- Teams that want assisted migration.
Compare at your own headcount
List prices are structured differently, so a single number rarely tells you what you will pay. Ask each vendor for a written quote that includes payroll, attendance, the mobile app, support and any add-ons, at today’s headcount and at the headcount you expect in a year.
Six questions to ask in any demo
- Does it run PF, ESI, professional tax and TDS for every state you operate in?
- Run a parallel payroll on your own salary structure and compare net pay line by line.
- What will it cost at your headcount today, and at the headcount you expect in a year?
- Does biometric or GPS attendance work with the devices you already own?
- How long is a realistic go-live, and who does the data migration?
- What are the data export and exit terms if you leave?
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Keka or Darwinbox?
Neither is better for everyone. Darwinbox is an enterprise HCM platform with quote-based pricing, built for large and complex organisations. Keka publishes per-employee prices and is aimed at growing and mid-sized companies. If you have thousands of employees across entities and countries, Darwinbox is built for that. If you are a mid-sized company that wants a quicker, simpler roll-out and published pricing, start with Keka.
How do Keka and Darwinbox price their plans?
Keka: Plans priced per additional employee at ₹90, ₹120 or ₹150 a month depending on tier (as listed on keka.com). Darwinbox: Quote-based enterprise pricing; contact Darwinbox. Plans are structured differently, so ask each for a written quote at your headcount.
Do Keka and Darwinbox handle Indian statutory payroll?
Both serve Indian employers. The difference is usually in how many states, how many edge cases and how quickly rule changes are applied, so test PF, ESI, professional tax and TDS on your own data in a demo.
Does either include GST invoicing or accounting?
HR and payroll; accounting and GST invoicing are not included. HR and payroll; accounting and GST invoicing are not included. If you also want billing and books under the same login, that is where Sleet fits.
Where does Sleet fit between Keka and Darwinbox?
Sleet is for businesses that want HR and payroll together with GST invoicing and accounting in one login. If you only need HR and payroll, either of these may fit better.
Want HR, payroll and your books in one place?
See Sleet run a payroll on your own salary structure, and compare it line by line with what you use today.
Sources
Written by Sleet, which sells a competing product. Details are based on publicly available information as listed by each vendor, may change, and are not legal or purchasing advice. Check with each vendor for their latest plans.