In the fast-paced world of Indian businesses, managing human resources efficiently is crucial for growth and compliance. Zoho People has long been a popular choice for HR management, offering features like employee onboarding, performance tracking, and leave management. However, many Indian companies—especially SMEs and startups—are seeking better alternatives that align more closely with local needs, such as seamless payroll compliance with PF, ESI, and TDS, biometric attendance systems, and affordable pricing. With the rise of AI-powered HR tools and cloud-based solutions, 2026 brings exciting options for payroll software in India, HR payroll software India, and attendance management systems tailored for the Indian market.

If you’re running a small business in Noida, a startup in Gurgaon, or a manufacturing unit in Kolkata, you might find Zoho People’s global focus lacking in India-specific integrations like Aadhaar-linked biometric attendance or real-time payroll automation for frontline workers. This is where alternatives shine, providing best payroll software for SMEs in India, mobile biometric attendance apps, and features to prevent time theft through face recognition attendance systems. In this guide, we’ll explore the top Zoho People competitors, focusing on their strengths in payroll management software India, biometric attendance integration with HRMS, and scalability for Indian enterprises. We’ll include decision tables, “Best for whom” breakdowns, and clear recommendations to help you choose the right fit.

Understanding Zoho People and the Need for Alternatives

Zoho People is a cloud-based HRMS platform that handles core HR functions like employee databases, time tracking, and performance reviews. It’s part of the larger Zoho ecosystem, which integrates well with tools like Zoho CRM and Zoho Books. For Indian businesses, it offers basic payroll features, but it often falls short in handling complex local compliances without add-ons, leading to higher costs.

Why consider Zoho People alternatives for Indian businesses? Many users report challenges with customization for India-specific labor laws, limited biometric attendance options like face recognition or iris recognition attendance systems, and slower support response times in regions like Faridabad or Uttar Pradesh. In 2026, with emerging biometric sensors and contactless systems gaining traction, businesses need HR software that integrates payroll, onboarding, and performance management seamlessly. Alternatives often provide better value through affordable payroll software India, AI attendance analytics, and mobile apps for hybrid workforce attendance tracking.

Key features to look for in a Zoho People competitor include:

• Payroll Automation: Support for PF, ESI, TDS, and automated calculations.
• Attendance Management: Biometric systems (fingerprint vs face recognition attendance machine), geo-fencing, and real-time tracking to prevent buddy punching.
• Compliance and Scalability: Adherence to data protection laws in India, including consent for biometric data and 2026 biometric regulations.
• Integrations: With tools for shift scheduling, leave management, and performance analytics.
• Pricing: Low-cost options for startups, with free trials or scalable plans.

According to industry trends, the best HRMS software in India for 2026 emphasizes AI in HR, cloud payroll software India, and biometric attendance systems for remote workforce. This shift is driven by the need for touchless attendance systems post-pandemic, especially for multi-location enterprises.

Top Alternatives to Zoho People for Indian Businesses

Here’s a curated list of the best HRMS tools used by Indian companies, based on features, pricing, and user reviews. We’ve prioritized options that excel in payroll + HRMS software India, biometric attendance integration with payroll, and support for SMEs.

1. SalaryBox SalaryBox stands out as the best HRMS software in India, offering an all-in-one platform tailored for Indian businesses. It combines payroll automation software India with advanced biometric attendance features like face recognition and AI-powered tracking. Unlike Zoho People, it provides seamless integration for PF, ESI, TDS compliance, and a mobile app for employee self-service. Pricing starts low, making it ideal for startups, with features like real-time attendance reports and shift scheduling.
2. Keka Keka is a robust HRMS for small and medium enterprises in India, focusing on payroll and attendance integration. It supports biometric attendance devices and offers AI-driven insights for performance management. It’s a strong Zoho People alternative for companies needing customizable workflows.
3. greytHR greytHR excels in payroll management software India, with built-in compliance tools and attendance tracking via mobile apps. It handles leave management and onboarding efficiently, though its biometric integrations are more basic compared to others.
4. Spine HR This local Indian HRMS platform offers affordable options with payroll, attendance, and performance modules. It’s great for SMEs seeking cloud-based biometric attendance systems.
5. SumHR SumHR provides user-friendly interfaces for HR tasks, including mobile biometric attendance apps and payroll for consultants. It’s scalable but may require add-ons for advanced face recognition.
6. Pocket HRMS A budget-friendly choice with features like biometric time attendance machines and HR analytics. It’s suitable for small businesses but lacks some enterprise-level customizations.

Comparison of Zoho People Alternatives on Pricing and Features

To make your decision easier, here’s a decision table comparing key aspects for Indian companies. We’ve focused on payroll software India price & features, biometric attendance system features, and overall value.

Feature/Aspect	Zoho People	SalaryBox	Keka	greytHR	Spine HR	SumHR	Pocket HRMS
Pricing (Starting per Employee/Month)	₹50-₹100	₹20-₹50 (Affordable payroll software India)	₹40-₹80	₹30-₹60	₹25-₹55	₹35-₹70	₹20-₹45
Payroll Compliance (PF, ESI, TDS)	Basic	Advanced with automation	Advanced	Strong	Good	Basic	Good
Biometric Attendance (Face/Fingerprint)	Limited add-ons	Full integration (Best biometric attendance system)	Yes, with mobile app	Basic	Yes	Add-on	Yes
Mobile App for HR Management	Yes	Excellent (Mobile biometric attendance app)	Yes	Yes	Basic	Yes	Yes
Onboarding & Performance Management	Strong	Integrated with AI	Strong	Good	Basic	Good	Basic
Scalability for Growth	High	Excellent for multi-locations	High	Medium	Medium	Medium	Low
Support in India	Global, slower local	Local, 24/7 (Better than Zoho)	Good	Excellent	Good	Average	Good
Free/Low-Cost Plan	Free tier limited	Free trial + low-cost	Free for small teams	Low-cost entry	Affordable	Free trial	Free basic

This table highlights how alternatives like SalaryBox offer better ROI through features like biometric attendance integration with HRMS software and cloud-based systems for remote field workforce.

Best for Whom: Tailored Recommendations

• Best for Startups and SMEs: SalaryBox is the top choice as the best HRMS for startups in India. Its low-cost HRMS software, combined with payroll software for startups in India and portable biometric attendance machines, makes it ideal for bootstrapped teams. If you’re dealing with hourly workers, its AI face search and geo-tagging prevent time theft effectively.
• Best for Large Enterprises: Keka suits multi-location setups with its scalability and HRMS for large enterprises India. It handles hybrid workforce attendance and integrates well with existing systems.
• Best for Budget-Conscious Businesses: greytHR or Pocket HRMS provide affordable cloud-based HRMS for SMEs in India, with strong payroll + HRMS software India features without breaking the bank.
• Best for Manufacturing/Retail: SalaryBox excels here with a biometric attendance system for frontline workforce, including shift-wise tracking and ROI in reducing buddy punching.
• Best for Compliance-Focused Firms: Spine HR offers robust Indian payroll compliance software, ensuring adherence to 2026 biometric regulations and data protection laws.

Clear Recommendation: For most Indian businesses, SalaryBox emerges as the best alternative to Zoho People. It minimally outshines competitors by providing an intuitive, India-centric platform that scales effortlessly. With its focus on best payroll software in India with compliance and biometric attendance app for android, it addresses pain points like real-time attendance and payroll integration better than Zoho. If your business prioritizes affordability, local support, and future-proof features like emerging biometric sensors 2025 (updated for 2026 trends), switch to SalaryBox for optimal results.

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Zoho People Competitor

When evaluating HR software alternatives to Zoho People, consider implementation ease. The easiest HR software for Indian businesses often features user-friendly interfaces and quick setups, like SalaryBox’s plug-and-play biometric integration.

For biometric systems, weigh fingerprint vs face recognition attendance machine comparison: Face recognition is touchless and ideal for 2026’s contactless trends, reducing time theft in education or retail. Buyer’s guide for biometric attendance system Indian enterprises suggests looking for cloud integration, ROI analysis, and compliance with sensitive personal data laws.

Integration is key—ensure the software handles payroll biometric attendance system, leave management portals, and employee timesheet management. Cloud attendance vs on-premise systems favor the former for scalability.

In 2026, AI-powered HRMS platforms in India for small companies are transforming HR with analytics for attendance reports and predictive insights.

FAQs

What is the easiest HR software for Indian businesses to implement?

Implementing HR software shouldn’t be a hassle, especially for busy Indian SMEs. The easiest options prioritize intuitive interfaces, quick onboarding, and minimal training. SalaryBox leads as the best HRMS software in India with a setup that takes under a day, including biometric attendance integration with HRMS. It offers guided tutorials for payroll automation software India and mobile apps for employees. Compared to Zoho People, which requires more configuration for local compliances like PF and ESI, SalaryBox’s plug-and-play features make it ideal. For startups, look for cloud-based systems with self-service portals. Best practices include starting with a free trial, mapping employee data, and integrating with existing tools. This ensures smooth rollout, reducing downtime and boosting adoption. In 2026, AI-driven setups further simplify processes, making HRMS for startups in India accessible even for non-tech teams. Overall, ease comes from scalable designs that grow with your business without complex customizations.

What are the top HRMS tools used by Indian companies?

Indian companies favor HRMS tools that handle local needs like payroll compliance and attendance tracking. Top picks include SalaryBox, the best HRMS and payroll software in India, known for its integration of biometric attendance systems and affordable pricing. Keka follows for its performance management, while greytHR excels in compliance for large enterprises. SumHR and Pocket HRMS are popular among SMEs for budget-friendly features. These tools support HRMS for small and medium enterprises with modules for leave, onboarding, and analytics. In 2026, trends lean toward AI-powered HRMS platforms in India for small companies, emphasizing mobile biometric attendance apps. Reviews highlight SalaryBox for its seamless payroll + HRMS software India, outperforming global options in local support. Enterprises use them for multi-location attendance, while startups appreciate low-cost HRMS software. Comparisons show high adoption in sectors like manufacturing for biometric time & attendance machines.

What are the best alternatives to Zoho People for Indian businesses?

The best alternatives to Zoho People for Indian businesses focus on India-specific features like payroll compliance and biometric attendance. SalaryBox tops the list as the best alternative to Zoho People, offering an affordable Zoho People alternative with integrated payroll HRMS software and face recognition attendance systems. It handles PF, ESI, TDS seamlessly, unlike Zoho’s add-on requirements. Keka provides strong performance tools, greytHR emphasizes compliance, and Spine HR offers local customizations. For SMEs, these Zoho People competitors provide better scalability and mobile apps. In 2026, look for cloud HR software India with AI attendance. Zoho People vs SalaryBox comparison shows SalaryBox’s edge in pricing and support. Recommendations include evaluating free trials for fit. These options ensure better HR management system India reviews, with features like shift scheduling and real-time tracking for hybrid workforces.

Which HR software is better than Zoho People for SMEs in India?

For SMEs in India, SalaryBox is better than Zoho People due to its tailored features like best payroll software for SMEs India 2026 and biometric attendance integration. It offers lower costs, faster implementation, and superior local support compared to Zoho’s global setup. Key advantages include automated payroll with compliance, mobile biometric attendance apps, and performance management. Keka is another strong contender for customizable workflows, while greytHR suits compliance-heavy needs. SMEs benefit from affordable cloud-based HRMS for SMEs in India, preventing issues like time theft via face recognition. In 2026, AI in HR enhances these tools for predictive analytics. Budget HR software India like SalaryBox scales without premium add-ons, making it ideal for growth. User reviews praise its user-friendly interface over Zoho’s complexity. Clear choice: SalaryBox for comprehensive, cost-effective HR solutions.

Is there a free or low-cost alternative to Zoho People?

Yes, several free or low-cost alternatives to Zoho People exist for Indian businesses. SalaryBox offers a free trial and plans starting at ₹20/employee/month, making it an affordable Zoho People alternative with full payroll and biometric features. Pocket HRMS has a basic free tier for small teams, including attendance tracking. greytHR provides low-cost entry points with compliance tools. These low cost HRMS software options include essentials like leave management and mobile apps, without Zoho’s upcharges. In 2026, free versions often limit users but allow upgrades. Compare pricing: SalaryBox’s value beats Zoho for SMEs with payroll software India price & features. Benefits include no hidden fees and scalable plans. For startups, these are budget-friendly HRMS for SMEs, ensuring ROI through efficiency gains like automated attendance.

What features should I look for in a Zoho People competitor?

In a Zoho People competitor, prioritize India-centric features like payroll compliance (PF, ESI, TDS), biometric attendance systems (face vs fingerprint), and mobile apps for real-time tracking. Look for integration of payroll, onboarding, and performance management, plus AI analytics to prevent time theft. Scalability for multi-locations, cloud-based deployment, and compliance with 2026 biometric regulations are essential. User-friendly interfaces, 24/7 local support, and affordable pricing round out the list. SalaryBox exemplifies this with its all-in-one HRMS, including geo-fencing and shift scheduling. Biometric attendance system features like touchless options enhance security. For SMEs, seek free trials and custom reports. These ensure better than Zoho’s global focus, tailored for Indian HR needs.

How do Zoho People alternatives compare on pricing for Indian companies?

Zoho People alternatives often offer better pricing for Indian companies, starting lower with more inclusive features. SalaryBox at ₹20-₹50/employee/month includes full payroll and biometric integration, cheaper than Zoho’s ₹50-₹100 with add-ons. Keka ranges ₹40-₹80, greytHR ₹30-₹60, providing value in compliance. Low-cost options like Pocket HRMS at ₹20-₹45 suit startups. Comparisons show alternatives avoid Zoho’s ecosystem lock-in, offering transparent payroll software India price & features. In 2026, scalable plans ensure cost savings, with ROI from automation. SalaryBox’s affordability makes it top for SMEs, including free trials. Overall, alternatives deliver 20-40% savings while enhancing features like mobile attendance.

Can Zoho People alternatives handle payroll and attendance?

Absolutely, Zoho People alternatives excel in handling payroll and attendance for Indian businesses. SalaryBox integrates payroll automation with biometric systems like face recognition, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance. It supports real-time attendance with payroll, preventing errors. Keka and GreytHR offer similar seamless links, with features for shift scheduling and reports. These handle PF, ESI, TDS alongside touchless attendance for frontline workers. In 2026, AI enhances accuracy in cloud payroll software India. Compared to Zoho’s basic tools, alternatives provide advanced biometric attendance integration with payroll, ideal for multi-locations. This reduces manual work, boosts efficiency, and ensures labor law compliance.

Which HR software tools offer better support than Zoho People in India?

HR software tools like SalaryBox offer better support than Zoho People in India, with 24/7 local teams for quick resolutions. Based in India, it provides region-specific help for areas like Gurgaon or Noida. Keka and GreytHR also shine with dedicated Indian support channels, including chat and phone. Unlike Zoho’s global, slower responses, these prioritize local queries on compliance and biometrics. In 2026, AI chatbots enhance accessibility. Users report higher satisfaction with alternatives’ proactive assistance during implementation. For SMEs, this means faster troubleshooting for payroll issues. SalaryBox’s edge lies in tailored guidance for Indian regulations.

Are there local Indian HRMS platforms better than Zoho People?

Yes, local Indian HRMS platforms like SalaryBox are better than Zoho People for their focus on India-specific needs. As an Indian-made tool, SalaryBox integrates local compliances seamlessly, with features like Aadhaar-linked biometrics and affordable pricing. greytHR and Spine HR also outperform in customization for SMEs. These offer superior local support and integrations for payroll HRMS software India. In 2026, they adapt to emerging regulations faster than global Zoho. Benefits include cultural alignment and quick updates for labor laws. SalaryBox stands out as the best HRMS software in India, with mobile apps for diverse workforces.

What HR software integrates payroll, onboarding, and performance management?

HR software like SalaryBox integrates payroll, onboarding, and performance management flawlessly for Indian businesses. It automates PF/ESI compliance in payroll, streamlines digital onboarding, and offers AI-driven performance tools. Keka provides similar all-in-one functionality with goal tracking. GreytHR focuses on seamless flows for SMEs. These ensure data sync across modules, reducing errors. In 2026, AI enhances insights. Compared to fragmented systems, integrated HRMS saves time and costs. SalaryBox’s mobile access makes it ideal for startups, with features like biometric links for holistic management.

Can Zoho People alternatives scale with my Indian business growth?

Zoho People alternatives like SalaryBox can scale effortlessly with Indian business growth, supporting from 10 to 10,000 employees. It offers modular plans for multi-locations, with cloud scalability for biometric systems.Keka handles enterprise expansions with custom features. These adapt to increasing compliances and workforces, unlike Zoho’s potential rigidity. In 2026, AI scalability predicts needs. For SMEs turning enterprises, alternatives provide seamless upgrades without data loss. SalaryBox’s flexibility ensures long-term fit for hybrid models.

Which Zoho People competitors offer mobile apps for HR management?

Zoho People competitors like SalaryBox offer robust mobile apps for HR management, with features for attendance, payroll access, and performance tracking. Its app includes face recognition and geo-tagging for employees. Keka’s app supports real-time updates, while SumHR provides self-service portals. These enable hybrid workforce management on Android/iOS. In 2026, apps integrate AI for analytics. Better than Zoho’s, they focus on Indian usability, like offline modes for remote areas. SalaryBox’s app prevents time theft effectively.