Keka vs Zoho People: 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
Keka is a single HR and payroll platform with published per-employee prices. Zoho People is the HR product in the Zoho suite, and its payroll, accounting and CRM are separate Zoho subscriptions. If you already run on Zoho, Zoho People fits in easily. If you want HR and payroll bought as one platform, Keka is the simpler purchase. Check both 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 | Zoho People | Sleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | HR, payroll & PSA platform | HR software within the Zoho suite | 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). | Per-employee plans; payroll, accounting and CRM are separate Zoho products and subscriptions. | Per active user, with no long lock-in |
| Pricing model | Published plans | Published plans | Quote for your team size |
| Accounting and GST invoicing | HR and payroll; accounting and GST invoicing are not included | Payroll, accounting and CRM are separate Zoho products | 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.
- Zoho People is priced per employee, and payroll, accounting and CRM are separate Zoho products with their own subscriptions.
- Keka covers HR and payroll together; with Zoho you assemble the suite you need.
Who each one suits
Keka
- Teams that want HR, payroll, performance and hiring from one vendor.
- Companies that prefer a single subscription for people operations.
Zoho People
- Businesses already using Zoho products for finance, CRM or collaboration.
- Teams that want to add modules one at a time and are happy managing several subscriptions.
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 Zoho People?
Neither is better for everyone. Keka is a single HR and payroll platform with published per-employee prices. Zoho People is the HR product in the Zoho suite, and its payroll, accounting and CRM are separate Zoho subscriptions. If you already run on Zoho, Zoho People fits in easily. If you want HR and payroll bought as one platform, Keka is the simpler purchase. Check both on your own salary structure.
How do Keka and Zoho People price their plans?
Keka: Plans priced per additional employee at ₹90, ₹120 or ₹150 a month depending on tier (as listed on keka.com). Zoho People: Per-employee plans; payroll, accounting and CRM are separate Zoho products and subscriptions. Plans are structured differently, so ask each for a written quote at your headcount.
Do Keka and Zoho People 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. Payroll, accounting and CRM are separate Zoho products. If you also want billing and books under the same login, that is where Sleet fits.
Where does Sleet fit between Keka and Zoho People?
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.