Is Keka no longer the right fit for your business? If you’ve been facing challenges with its high pricing, technical issues, or lack of responsive customer support, you’re not alone. Many Indian startups and scaleups, or growing businesses, are rethinking their choice of Keka as their HRMS tool due to these concerns.
As businesses grow, the need for an HR solution that is not only affordable but also reliable and scalable becomes important. While Keka offers a variety of features, its steep pricing and occasional glitches make it less appealing for many small and medium-sized enterprises, according to Keka reviews.
In this article, we will introduce you to the top 10 Keka alternatives for Indian startups and scaleups or growing businesses in 2025. Whether you're looking for an intuitive payroll system, a comprehensive HR management platform, or a cost-effective solution, we’ve got you covered. These alternatives are designed to streamline your HR, payroll, and employee management needs without burning a hole in your budget.
By the end of this blog, you’ll have a clearer idea of which HR software best fits your company’s unique requirements. Let’s explore these top alternatives and find the perfect solution for your business.
Keka is a comprehensive HR solution that automates payroll and people processes, saving time on mundane tasks.
The core products by Keka are:
HRMS software: Streamlines HR operations with automated workflows
Payroll software: Quick salary disbursements with automated calculations
Leave & attendance management software: Automates tracking work hours, attendance management, and shift scheduling
Keka has made its mark as a popular HRMS solution, particularly among Indian startups and SMEs. However, a closer examination of user feedback from reputable platforms such as G2, Capterra, and SoftwareSuggest reveals that many users are encountering challenges that prompt them to seek alternatives.
While Keka offers a comprehensive suite of features, several users have reported issues related to its user interface, technical glitches, and customer support. These concerns, coupled with its pricing structure, have led businesses to reconsider their choice of HRMS solution. Here’s what users are saying about Keka:
1. High Pricing
"Pricing structure is very high and found minor glitches while accessing."
— Verified User in Information and Technology services
For startups and SMEs operating on tight budgets, Keka’s pricing model can be prohibitive. At ₹9,999/month for the basic plan, many businesses find it difficult to justify the cost when they may not need all the features offered at that price. The steep pricing can limit access to necessary features such as employee onboarding, geo-fencing, and analytics, which are important for growing teams.
2. User Experience (UX) Issues
"The mobile app isn't super smooth—it crashes sometimes. Customizing workflows or reports can be a hassle too, and not as self-serve as you'd expect."
— Recruitment executive, enterprise (>1000 employees)
The user interface of Keka has been a point of frustration for many users. From complicated drop-down menus to inconsistencies between the web and app versions, the overall experience can feel clunky. For businesses that need HR software to be intuitive and easy to use, this can be a significant roadblock.
3. Customer Support Challenges
"Sometimes our employees find it difficult to navigate through the payroll information. Expenses and payroll management module, document repository can be improved."
Another key issue businesses face is Keka’s customer support. Many users report slow response times and unavailability when they need urgent assistance. This lack of reliable support can leave businesses frustrated, especially when HR and payroll issues need quick resolution.
4. Limited Customisation and Integration
"Customization is sometimes limited in areas like shift settings, complex salary structures, or policy exceptions — not always accommodating unique organizational needs."
Users have noted that customising workflows or reports can be a hassle and not as self-serve as expected. Additionally, some users have reported difficulties with integrating Keka with other tools or systems, which can hinder seamless HR operations.
With these concerns in mind, it's no surprise that Indian startups are actively seeking more affordable, user-friendly, and supportive alternatives.
In this section, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 Keka alternatives available for Indian startups and SMEs. We’ve compared these platforms based on pricing, features, and suitability for growing businesses, so you can make an informed choice that fits your needs.
Keka Alternatives at a Glance
Platform | Pricing Starts At | Features | Best For |
Craze | ₹60/month/employee for Core HR features | HRMS, Payroll, Leave & Attendance, IT management, Performance Reviews, Employee Engagement | Startups/Scaleups with 20 - 500 employees |
GreytHR | ₹3495/month upto 50 employees & ₹35 for each additional employee | Payroll, Leave Management, Attendance, Performance Reviews | Large enterprises with high HR needs |
Kredily | ₹1499/Month upto 25 employees & ₹60 for each additional employee | Payroll, Attendance Management, Timesheets, Tax Calculations | SMEs looking for simple HR solutions |
Zoho | ₹60/employee/month | Time Tracking, Leave Management, Performance Appraisals | SMEs focusing on employee development |
RazorpayX Payroll | ₹2999/ month with a maximum of 20 employees | Payroll Automation, Tax Filing, Employee Self-Service | Businesses needing payroll automation |
HROne | ₹4950/Month for 50 employees & ₹99 for each additional employee | Employee Lifecycle Management, Attendance, Tax Calculations | SMEs with basic HR requirements |
BambooHR | Undisclosed | Onboarding, Payroll, Benefits Management, Time Tracking | Businesses with recruitment and hiring needs |
Darwinbox | Undisclosed | Payroll Automation, Employee Data Management, Compliance | Global businesses with a distributed workforce |
ZingHR | Undisclosed | AI-powered Recruitment, Attendance, Performance Management | AI-driven recruitment and performance |
FactoHR | ₹4,999 /Month for 50 employees & ₹69 for each additional employee | Onboarding, Payroll, Leave Management, Compliance | Mobile-first businesses |
Each of these platforms serves a different kind of team, from fast-scaling startups to SMEs with steady HR needs. The key is to match your growth stage and internal priorities with the right tool. Let’s break down what each one offers so you can find the best fit.
1. Craze
Craze is a cost-effective, all-in-one HR, IT and Payroll platform, designed specifically to meet the needs of growing businesses. Offering a fully integrated solution for HRMS, payroll, leave, and attendance management, Craze simplifies HR operations while keeping costs low.
Key Features
Centralised HR Dashboard: All essential HR data and reports in one place, making it easy to track and manage employee information, attendance, and payroll.
Payroll Automation: Craze automates the payroll process, reducing human errors and saving time. It ensures compliance with Indian labour laws, making it easier for businesses to stay on top of statutory requirements.
Employee Self-Service Portal: Employees can manage their leave, attendance, and personal information, reducing HR workload and increasing efficiency.
Compliance with Indian Labour Laws: Craze ensures that your business is fully compliant with the latest labour regulations in India, including PF, ESI, and tax calculations.
Why It’s Great for Startups
Craze offers various solutions for startups and scaleups with 20-500 employees looking for a simple, affordable HRMS solution. Starting at ₹60 per person per month, it provides a wide range of necessary HR features without any feature restrictions, with all features unlocked from day one.
This allows startups to manage HR tasks effectively without the high costs associated with other platforms. With its easy-to-use interface and affordability, Craze helps startups scale without compromising on HR quality or compliance.
Best For
Ideal for startups and scaleups with growing HR needs.
Use Cases
HR Lifecycle Management: From recruitment to offboarding, Craze streamlines the entire HR lifecycle, ensuring smooth transitions and effective management of employees throughout their journey with the company.
Payroll Automation: Businesses can automate salary calculations, tax deductions, and reimbursements, saving time and reducing errors.
Leave & Attendance Management: Employees can request and track their leave directly through the system, while HR can easily monitor and approve leave requests. Craze also tracks attendance automatically, helping businesses reduce discrepancies and manage working hours efficiently.
Performance Management: Utilize 360-degree feedback, custom review packets, and integration with Goals & OKRs to enhance employee performance and alignment with company objectives.
Employee Engagement: Implement tools to boost employee motivation and satisfaction, fostering a positive workplace culture.
IT Asset Management: Craze helps businesses manage IT assets, track hardware/software usage, and ensure compliance with company policies, reducing risks associated with asset mismanagement.
Pricing
Growth: Pricing starts at ₹60/month/employee (with no feature gating) & add different modules like payroll, leave & attendance, IT asset management, engagement, performance, etc, as you need.
Custom: Appropriate for enterprises with 500+ employees.
2. GreytHR
GreytHR is a robust platform designed for enterprises that need a comprehensive HRMS system to manage payroll, attendance, performance, and compliance.
Key Features: Customizable payroll, employee attendance management, performance reviews, tax compliance, and employee self-service portal.
Why It’s Great for Enterprises: GreytHR offers scalability and an all-in-one HR solution that’s perfect for businesses with more than 50 employees. However, the pricing can be higher, starting at ₹3495/month for 50 employees.
Best For: Larger enterprises and growing SMEs with complex HR needs.
Pricing:
Starter: ₹0/month for 25 employees with limited features
Essential: ₹3495/month for 50 employees and ₹35/month/employee for extra employees
Growth: ₹5495/month for 50 employees and ₹65/month for each extra employee. Add-on pricing for business expense claims management
Enterprise: ₹7495/month for 50 employees and ₹105/month/employee for extra employees
Read a detailed GreytHR review here.
3. Kredily
Kredily provides a simple, affordable HRMS solution for small to mid-sized businesses.
Key Features: Payroll automation, attendance management, timesheet tracking, and income tax calculations.
Why It’s Great for SMEs: At ₹1499/month for 25 employees, Kredily is a cost-effective option for businesses seeking streamlined payroll and HR features without unnecessary complexity.
Best For: SMEs looking for an easy-to-use, affordable HR platform.
Pricing:
Free forever: ₹0 /Month (subject to their active usage policy)
Professional: ₹1499/Month for up to 25 employees and ₹60/extra employee
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Read the detailed review of Kredily
4. Zoho People
Zoho focuses on simplifying HR management with a strong emphasis on performance tracking and employee development.
Key Features: Time tracking, leave management, performance appraisals, 360-degree feedback, HR analytics.
Why It’s Great for Employee Development: This platform is ideal for businesses that need to manage employee performance and skill development. With a price of ₹60/user/month, Zoho is both affordable and effective for small to medium-sized enterprises.
Best For: SMEs focusing on employee performance and upskilling.
Pricing:
Essential HR: ₹60/user with no time tracking, overtime calculation, etc.
Professional: ₹120/user with no employee engagement, advanced HR analytics, etc.
Premium: ₹180/user with no Helpdesk & Learning management system, etc.
Enterprise: ₹240/user without access to Zoho Recruit, Zoho Payroll, etc.
People Plus: ₹450/user, includes Zoho Recruit and Zoho Payroll
5. RazorpayX Payroll
RazorpayX Payroll is a streamlined payroll automation platform designed to handle all your salary calculations and tax filings.
Key Features: Automated salary processing, tax filing (TDS, PF, PT), payslip generation, employee self-service.
Why It’s Great for Payroll Automation: RazorpayX simplifies payroll with its automated processes, making it ideal for businesses that prioritise efficiency.
Best For: Businesses needing an easy, automated payroll system.
Pricing:
Prime: ₹2999/ month with a maximum of 20 employees supported, with limited advance payroll and expense management features.
Elite: ₹5999/ month for 50 employees, additional employees are charged ₹120/employee/month (max. 100 employees supported), without a dedicated account manager.
Enterprise: Custom Pricing
6. HROne
HROne focuses on automating essential HR functions from employee onboarding to payroll management.
Key Features: Employee lifecycle management, CTC management, tax calculation, and attendance tracking.
Why It’s Great for SMEs: At ₹99/user/month, HROne offers a comprehensive HRMS for SMEs with straightforward needs like payroll and attendance management.
Best For: SMEs with basic HR needs who want to automate employee processes.
Pricing:
Basic: ₹4950/Month for 50 employees, additional ₹99/Month/Employee without digital acknowledgement of letters/policies.
Professional: ₹ 6500/Month for 50 employees, additional ₹130/Month/Employee without expense management, helpdesk and employee performance management.
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Read the detailed review of HROne here.
7. BambooHR
BambooHR is an intuitive HR platform designed with a focus on recruitment and onboarding.
Key Features: Recruitment management, onboarding, employee data management, benefits tracking, time-off requests.
Why It’s Great for Recruitment: BambooHR’s strengths lie in its ability to simplify the recruitment process and streamline employee onboarding. It’s perfect for businesses that prioritise hiring top talent.
Best For: Businesses looking for an HR solution with strong recruitment and onboarding features.
Pricing: Undisclosed.
8. Darwinbox
Darwinbox offers a comprehensive HRMS solution with mobile-first capabilities, making it suitable for global businesses with a diverse workforce.
Key Features: Payroll automation, attendance tracking, HR analytics, employee data management, and compliance.
Why It’s Great for Global Teams: Darwinbox’s global reach and mobile-first approach make it a good fit for businesses managing a distributed workforce.
Best For: Global businesses looking for a scalable HR solution.
Pricing: Undisclosed.
9. ZingHR
ZingHR is an AI-powered HRMS designed to streamline recruitment and employee performance management.
Key Features: AI-based recruitment automation, GPS-based attendance, performance tracking, employee self-service.
Why It’s Great for AI-Driven Recruitment: ZingHR uses AI to automate many HR processes, making recruitment and performance management faster and more efficient.
Best For: Companies looking to leverage AI for recruitment and performance management.
Pricing: Undisclosed.
10. FactoHR
FactoHR is a mobile-first HRMS that simplifies HR functions like payroll, attendance, and employee self-service.
Key Features: Payroll processing, leave management, tax calculation, and mobile access for employees.
Why It’s Great for Mobile-First Businesses: FactoHR’s mobile-first approach is ideal for companies that require access to HR tools on the go.
Best For: Businesses that prioritise mobile access for HR management.
Pricing:
Core: ₹4,999 /Month for 50 users and ₹69/month for each extra employee
Premium: ₹5,999 /Month for 50 users and ₹89/month for each extra employee
Ultimate: ₹6,999 /Month for 50 users and ₹119/month for each extra employee
Remember, not every tool will suit every team. Before you pick one, here’s what you should actually be looking for.
When considering a Keka alternative, it’s important to know the key features that make an HRMS platform truly effective for your business. The right HRMS should streamline HR tasks, improve employee experience, and align with your startup’s growth. Here are the top features to consider when choosing the best alternative:
1. Performance Management System
Effective performance management is key to driving employee growth and aligning individual efforts with company goals. Look for HRMS solutions that include performance management tools such as:
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results): Align individual goals with organisational goals. This ensures that every employee knows how their work contributes to the overall success of the business.
360-Degree Feedback: Collect feedback from multiple sources—managers, peers, and subordinates—to get a holistic view of employee performance.
Continuous Feedback: Implement regular check-ins and performance discussions rather than just relying on annual reviews. This helps address issues and recognise achievements in real time.
2. Onboarding Tools
Efficient onboarding is important to ensure that new hires are smoothly integrated into the company. A good HRMS should provide tools for:
Streamline the process of welcoming new employees, including document collection, training schedules, and initial performance reviews.
3. Employee Engagement and Surveys
Employee engagement is important for retention and motivation. Look for platforms that offer:
Pulse Surveys: Gather real-time feedback from employees to gauge satisfaction and engagement levels. This allows businesses to proactively address concerns before they lead to turnover.
Employee Recognition Tools: Create a culture of recognition by rewarding employees for achieving goals, going above and beyond, or simply being great team players.
4. Analytics and Reporting
A strong HRMS should provide in-depth analytics and reporting features to track key HR metrics, such as:
Turnover and Retention Rates: Monitor how well your company is retaining talent and identify areas for improvement.
Attendance and Leave Trends: Get detailed reports on employee attendance and leave patterns, making it easier to address potential issues.
5. Compliance Management
Keeping up with evolving labour laws and regulations in India can be complex. A robust HRMS should ensure your business stays compliant by automating:
Tax Deductions and Filings: Ensure that all employee taxes are calculated and filed accurately and on time.
Statutory Benefits: Automatically calculate and manage statutory benefits such as PF, ESI, and Gratuity, according to Indian labour laws.
Choosing the right HRMS platform is crucial for the success of your startup. After reviewing the top Keka alternatives, it’s time to focus on the specific features that will meet your business's needs. Here’s how to evaluate the best alternative for your startup:
1. Identify Your Key Pain Points
Reflect on the challenges you faced with Keka. Was it the high pricing, technical issues, or lack of support? Identifying these pain points will help you prioritise which features are most important in your new HRMS.
For example, if you struggled with payroll automation, prioritise platforms with strong payroll features like Craze or Razorpay Payroll.
2. Assess Your Budget
Pricing is a critical factor for startups. Look for alternatives that offer competitive pricing without compromising essential features. Many platforms offer tiered pricing, so ensure you get the features you need at a price that aligns with your budget. For instance, Craze offers comprehensive HR solutions starting at ₹60/month per person, without feature gating that means you get all the features without any additional cost, making it a great value option for smaller businesses.
3. Consider Scalability
As your startup grows, so will your HR needs. Choose a platform that can scale with your business, providing additional features and support as your team expands. Platforms like Zoho People and Craze are known for their scalability, allowing you to add new features as your business grows.
4. Look for Excellent Customer Support
Responsive customer support can make all the difference when dealing with HR software. Choose a platform that offers reliable support via multiple channels, such as live chat, phone, or email. This will ensure your HR operations run smoothly, even if issues arise. Look for platforms like Craze, GreytHR and Kredily that are known for their excellent customer service.
5. Check for Integration Capabilities
Your HRMS should integrate seamlessly with other software tools, such as accounting or project management platforms. This will save you time and ensure consistency across systems. Make sure the HRMS alternatives you consider offer integrations that match your existing tools and workflows.
By following these guidelines, you can choose the Keka alternative that best fits your startup’s needs, helping you manage HR processes efficiently and cost-effectively as your business grows.
Keka is a popular choice for managing HR operations for medium and large enterprises. However, its high price, unresponsive support, and malfunctioning features make customers search for the top Keka alternatives.
If you've been frustrated by high pricing, slow customer support, or complicated interfaces with your current HRMS, Craze is the solution you've been looking for. With affordable pricing starting at just ₹60/month per person, Craze is designed specifically for startups and SMEs that need powerful HR tools without the hefty price tag. Say goodbye to clunky systems and hidden fees, and embrace a platform that provides seamless payroll automation, employee self-service, and easy leave and attendance management — all in one place.
Our intuitive, user-friendly interface and responsive customer support team will ensure a smooth experience from the moment you sign up. Whether you're managing a small team or scaling your business, Craze is built to grow with you, offering scalable solutions that meet the unique needs of your business.
1. What are the best Keka alternatives for small businesses?
For small businesses, some of the best Keka alternatives include Craze and Kredily. These platforms offer affordable pricing and easy-to-use features, such as payroll automation, attendance management, and employee self-service. Craze is particularly cost-effective, starting at ₹60 per person per month, while Kredily offers pricing at ₹1499/month for up to 25 employees.
2. How do Keka alternatives compare on pricing?
Keka’s pricing starts at ₹9,999 per month, which can be too expensive for many startups and SMEs. In comparison, platforms like Craze (₹60/month per person) and HROne (₹85/user/month) provide more budget-friendly options with essential HR features. These alternatives make it easier for businesses to scale their HR processes without exceeding their budgets.
3. What features should I look for in a Keka alternative?
When choosing a Keka alternative, focus on features such as payroll automation, leave and attendance management, employee onboarding, and tax compliance. Additionally, ensure the platform provides scalability, so it can grow with your business, and good customer support, which is necessary for smooth HR operations.
4. Can Keka alternatives help with employee performance management?
Yes! Several Keka alternatives, such as Craze, Zoho People and GreytHR, offer robust performance management features, including 360-degree feedback, performance appraisals, and employee development tools. These tools help startups and SMEs track and improve employee performance effectively.
5. How do I decide between multiple Keka alternatives?
To choose the best Keka alternative, start by considering your specific business needs, such as pricing, scalability, and features. If payroll is your main concern, RazorpayX Payroll or Craze may be suitable. For comprehensive HR management with a focus on employee performance, Craze, Zoho People or GreytHR might be better fits. It’s important to compare these platforms based on the pain points you want to address and the growth potential of your startup.
6. Which is the best alternative to Keka?
Craze stands out as the best alternative to Keka for startups and SMEs. It offers a comprehensive HRMS solution at an affordable price, with no hidden fees or feature gating. Craze provides all the essential features such as payroll automation, leave and attendance management, performance management and compliance with Indian labour laws, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to streamline their HR operations without too much cost. Additionally, Craze’s user-friendly interface, excellent customer support, and scalability make it a solid choice for companies of all sizes, helping them scale HR processes efficiently.
