Keka vs greytHR: which HRMS should an Indian business choose in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of the two HRMS products Indian mid-sized employers shortlist most often, using prices and facts each vendor lists publicly. Checked October 2026.
Quick answer
Both Keka and greytHR run Indian payroll with PF, ESI, professional tax and TDS, and both hold a 4.4 out of 5 rating on G2. greytHR is payroll-first and lists a lower per-employee price. Keka is a broader single platform that also covers performance and hiring, at a higher listed price. Pick by your team size, how much beyond payroll you need, and what a demo shows on your own salary structure.
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 | greytHR | Sleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015, Hyderabad | 1994, Bengaluru (Greytip Software) | 2022, India |
| Built around | One HR platform: core HR, payroll, attendance, performance, hiring | The payroll engine first, extended outward to HR | HR, payroll, GST accounting and tasks in one login |
| Listed pricing | ₹90, ₹120 or ₹150 per additional employee a month, by plan tier | From ₹2,495 a month for up to 50 employees, then ₹45–₹85 per employee | Per active user, with no long lock-in |
| G2 rating | 4.4 out of 5 (about 2,200 reviews) | 4.4 out of 5 (about 1,270 reviews) | Ask for customer references |
| Customers (their own claims) | Roughly 8,500 to 10,000+ businesses; sources differ | 27,000 to 30,000+ organisations; sources differ | Ask for references in your industry |
| Indian payroll: PF, ESI, PT, TDS | Yes | Yes: PF ECR, ESI returns, Form 16 and state PT | Yes, built in for all states |
| Performance and hiring modules | Yes | Check the plan you need | HR core plus tasks; check the modules you need |
| GST invoicing and accounting | Not included | Not included | Included (Sleet Accounting) |
| Projects and timesheets | Yes (PSA) | Check with the vendor | Included |
Prices and counts are as the vendors list them, checked October 2026, and may change. Customer figures are the vendors’ own claims.
Who each one suits
Keka
- Growing mid-sized companies that want one modern platform for HR, payroll, performance and hiring.
- Teams that value a polished employee experience and are fine paying a higher per-employee price.
- Companies that also run projects and want timesheets in the same tool.
greytHR
- Small and mid-sized teams whose main need is accurate, compliant payroll on a budget.
- Businesses with a long list of state-wise statutory returns to file every month.
- Companies that prefer a long-established vendor with a very large customer base.
Sleet
- Businesses that want HR, payroll, GST invoicing and accounting under one login and one subscription.
- Teams that currently run payroll in one tool and billing in another and reconcile by hand.
- Companies that want assisted migration.
What a price per employee really costs
The two list prices work differently, so compare them at your own headcount. Using greytHR’s listed plan as an example: 50 employees is ₹2,495 a month. At 100 employees, the extra 50 add ₹45–₹85 each, which brings it to about ₹4,745–₹6,745 a month. Keka lists a rate per additional employee by tier, so the total depends on the plan and the base fee in your quote.
Ask each vendor for a written quote that includes payroll, attendance, the mobile app, support and any add-ons you need, 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, not just a few?
- Run a parallel payroll on your own salary structure before you commit. Compare the net pay line by line.
- What will it cost at your headcount in one year and in three, once the first 50 or 100 employees are passed?
- 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 greytHR?
Neither is better for everyone. greytHR is payroll-first and lists a lower per-employee price, so it suits small and mid-sized teams focused on compliance. Keka is a broader single platform with performance and hiring, which suits growing companies that want more than payroll. Run a demo of both on your own salary structure.
Is greytHR cheaper than Keka?
On the prices each lists on its website, yes. greytHR lists plans from ₹2,495 a month for up to 50 employees, then ₹45–₹85 per additional employee. Keka lists ₹90, ₹120 or ₹150 per additional employee a month depending on tier. The two price differently and add-ons vary, so ask each for a quote at your headcount.
Which has better reviews, Keka or greytHR?
Both are rated 4.4 out of 5 on G2. Keka has more reviews (about 2,200 against about 1,270 for greytHR). Ratings are close, so reviews from companies of your size and industry tell you more than the average.
Do both handle Indian statutory payroll?
Yes. Both calculate PF, ESI, professional tax and TDS and produce the statutory files. The difference is usually how many states, how many edge cases (for example PF wage ceilings and labour-code changes) and how fast the vendor updates after a rule change, so test those in the demo.
Which has more customers?
greytHR reports more organisations, roughly 27,000 to 30,000+, against roughly 8,500 to 10,000+ for Keka. Both figures are the vendors’ own claims and published numbers differ between sources.
Where does Sleet fit between Keka and greytHR?
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 Keka or greytHR may fit better. If you also run billing and books, Sleet removes a second tool.
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, may change, and are not legal or purchasing advice. Check with each vendor for their latest plans.