SalaryBox vs Keka: Features, Pricing & Which Is Better for SMBs in 2026?
SalaryBox is the better choice for Indian SMBs and frontline-heavy businesses that need affordable, mobile-first attendance and payroll software. It starts at Rs 35 per employee per month with AI selfie attendance, GPS tracking, geofencing, biometric integration, and automated payroll included — no hidden fees. Keka is a premium, full-suite HRMS better suited for mid-to-large IT companies that need performance management (OKRs), recruitment modules, and advanced analytics, with pricing starting at Rs 90-150 per employee per month after accounting for base fees and add-ons.
If your business runs on hourly workers, daily-wage staff, field sales teams, retail store employees, manufacturing workers, or delivery fleets, SalaryBox is purpose-built for you. If you are a 200+ employee tech company that needs OKRs, 360-degree feedback, and an applicant tracking system alongside payroll, Keka is the stronger fit.
This article provides a detailed, feature-by-feature comparison of SalaryBox and Keka in 2026, covering attendance tracking, payroll processing, compliance, pricing, ease of use, and customer support, so you can make an informed decision for your business.
What Is SalaryBox?
SalaryBox is a mobile-first attendance and payroll platform designed specifically for Indian small and medium businesses. It combines AI-powered selfie attendance with liveness detection, real-time GPS tracking, multi-zone geofencing, portable biometric device integration, and automated payroll processing into a single app. SalaryBox is built for businesses with frontline, field, and blue-collar workforces — sectors like retail, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, construction, and field services. The platform works offline, supports multiple Indian languages, and is used by over 100,000 businesses across India.
What Is Keka?
Keka is a comprehensive HRMS (Human Resource Management System) designed for mid-to-large Indian companies, particularly in the IT, SaaS, and professional services sectors. It offers a full suite of HR modules including payroll, attendance, leave management, performance management with OKRs and 360-degree feedback, recruitment with an applicant tracking system (ATS), onboarding workflows, and expense management. Keka is web-first with mobile apps, and it targets companies with 100+ employees that need advanced HR analytics and performance tracking alongside payroll.
SalaryBox vs Keka: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Below is a detailed comparison of every major feature across both platforms:
| Feature | SalaryBox | Keka |
| AI Selfie Attendance | Yes (native, with liveness detection) | No (requires third-party integration) |
| GPS Live Tracking | Yes (real-time field employee tracking) | Limited (basic location capture) |
| Geofencing | Yes (multi-zone, customisable radius) | Yes (available in higher plans) |
| Biometric Device Integration | Yes (portable devices, cloud sync) | Yes (via third-party hardware) |
| Fake GPS Blocking | Yes (built-in) | No native solution |
| Offline Attendance | Yes (syncs when connected) | No (requires internet) |
| Payroll Processing | Yes (60-second payroll runs) | Yes (comprehensive payroll engine) |
| PF/ESI/TDS Compliance | Yes (auto-calculated) | Yes (auto-calculated) |
| Professional Tax (State-Wise) | Yes (all Indian states) | Yes (all Indian states) |
| Shift & Roster Management | Yes | Yes |
| Overtime Calculation | Yes (Labour Code 2026 compliant) | Yes |
| Leave Management | Yes (app-based apply & approve) | Yes (web + app) |
| Performance Management (OKRs) | No | Yes (OKRs, 360 feedback, 9-box grid) |
| Recruitment Module | No | Yes (ATS, job postings, interview scheduling) |
| Expense Management | Yes (basic) | Yes (advanced claims & approvals) |
| Employee Self-Service App | Yes (Android + iOS) | Yes (Android + iOS + Web) |
| Multi-Location Dashboard | Yes (real-time cross-site view) | Yes |
| API Access | Available | Available (higher plans, charges apply) |
| Onboarding Module | Basic | Yes (document collection, e-signatures) |
| Custom Reports | Yes | Yes (advanced analytics) |
How Does SalaryBox Pricing Compare to Keka Pricing in 2026?
Pricing is one of the most significant differences between the two platforms. Here is a transparent breakdown:
| Pricing Factor | SalaryBox | Keka |
| Base Platform Fee | None | Rs 6,999 to Rs 15,999/month (for first 100 employees) |
| Per Employee Cost | Rs 35 to Rs 100/employee/month | Rs 90 to Rs 180/employee/month (after 100) |
| Setup / Implementation Fee | None | 2% of annual contract as one-time setup fee |
| Minimum Employee Billing | No minimum | 25-employee minimum floor |
| Annual Lock-In | No lock-in (monthly billing available) | Annual contract required |
| Hidden Add-On Costs | None — all features included in plan | API access, multi-entity, advanced reports charged extra |
| Cost for 50 Employees/Month | Rs 1,750 to Rs 5,000 | Rs 6,999 to Rs 15,999 (base fee covers 100) |
| Cost for 200 Employees/Month | Rs 7,000 to Rs 20,000 | Rs 15,999 + Rs 9,000-18,000 = Rs 25,000-34,000 |
| Free Trial | 7 days, all features, no credit card | 7 days |
Key Takeaway: For a 50-employee Indian SMB, SalaryBox costs Rs 1,750-5,000/month. Keka costs Rs 6,999-15,999/month — 3x to 9x more expensive. The real per-head cost of Keka is 35-55% higher than its sticker price once you factor in base fees, setup charges, minimum billing floors, and add-ons.
Which Is Better for Attendance Tracking: SalaryBox or Keka?
SalaryBox wins decisively on attendance tracking. Its AI selfie attendance with liveness detection, real-time GPS tracking, multi-zone geofencing, fake GPS blocking, offline functionality, and native biometric device integration are all built-in from the lowest plan. These features are critical for Indian businesses managing field teams, delivery personnel, retail staff, and manufacturing workers.
Keka’s attendance module is competent for office-based teams — it supports web and app check-in, IP-based restrictions, and basic geolocation. However, it lacks native AI selfie verification, has no fake GPS blocking, requires internet for attendance, and relies on third-party integrations for biometric devices. For any business with a significant frontline or field workforce, SalaryBox provides a substantially more robust attendance system.
Which Is Better for Payroll: SalaryBox or Keka?
Both platforms handle Indian payroll compliance well, including PF, ESI, TDS, Professional Tax, LWF, and gratuity calculations. However, they differ in approach:
SalaryBox offers 60-second payroll runs with one-click bank payments. Attendance data flows directly into payroll with zero manual intervention. It is designed for speed and simplicity — ideal for business owners who want to run payroll themselves without needing an HR department.
Keka offers a more configurable payroll engine with advanced salary structures, flexi-benefits, ESOP-friendly compensation, and detailed tax comparison tools (old vs new regime). It is better suited for companies with complex compensation structures, multiple pay grades, and dedicated HR teams.
Verdict: SalaryBox for simple, fast payroll for SMBs. Keka for complex, multi-tier payroll for larger companies.
Which Is Better for Performance Management: SalaryBox or Keka?
Keka wins on performance management. It offers a full suite including OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), 360-degree feedback, continuous performance reviews, 1-on-1 meeting tracking, 9-box grids, and goal cascading. If your organisation needs structured performance cycles, Keka is the better choice.
SalaryBox does not currently offer a performance management module. Its focus is on operational HR — attendance, payroll, and compliance — rather than strategic HR functions like performance reviews and talent management.
Verdict: If performance management is a must-have, choose Keka. If your priority is attendance accuracy and payroll speed, choose SalaryBox.
When Should You Choose SalaryBox Over Keka?
- You are a small or medium business with 5 to 500 employees
- Your workforce includes field staff, delivery teams, retail workers, or factory employees
- You need AI selfie attendance, GPS tracking, or geofencing
- You want affordable, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- You need offline attendance tracking (poor internet areas)
- You want to run payroll in under 60 seconds without a dedicated HR team
- You operate multiple branches and need real-time multi-location visibility
When Should You Choose Keka Over SalaryBox?
- You are a 200+ employee company in IT, SaaS, or professional services
- You need OKRs, 360-degree feedback, and structured performance cycles
- You need a built-in applicant tracking system for recruitment
- Your compensation structure includes ESOPs, flexi-benefits, and multiple pay grades
- You have a dedicated HR team that needs advanced analytics and configurable workflows
- Budget is not a primary concern and you prioritise feature breadth over cost
Final Verdict: SalaryBox vs Keka
For the vast majority of Indian SMBs — businesses with 5 to 500 employees, frontline-heavy workforces, multiple locations, and budget-consciousness — SalaryBox delivers 80-90% of the functionality at 40-60% of the cost. It is the clear winner for attendance accuracy, mobile-first operations, and payroll simplicity.
Keka is the better choice for mid-to-large IT companies that need a comprehensive HRMS with performance management, recruitment, and advanced analytics. But for its target segment, it is also 3x to 9x more expensive than SalaryBox.
The right choice depends on your workforce composition, budget, and whether you need operational HR (attendance + payroll) or strategic HR (performance + recruitment) as your primary use case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is SalaryBox better than Keka for small businesses?
Yes. SalaryBox is specifically designed for Indian SMBs with frontline, field, and blue-collar workforces. It offers AI selfie attendance, GPS tracking, geofencing, and automated payroll starting at Rs 35 per employee per month — 3x to 9x cheaper than Keka. For businesses with under 500 employees that prioritise attendance accuracy and payroll speed, SalaryBox is the better choice.
How much does Keka cost per employee in 2026?
Keka charges a base platform fee of Rs 6,999 to Rs 15,999 per month for the first 100 employees, plus Rs 90 to Rs 180 per employee per month for additional headcount. There is also a one-time setup fee (2% of annual contract) and a 25-employee minimum billing floor. The real per-employee cost is typically 35-55% higher than the listed price.
Does SalaryBox have performance management like Keka?
No. SalaryBox focuses on operational HR — attendance tracking, payroll processing, leave management, and compliance. It does not offer performance management features like OKRs, 360-degree feedback, or goal tracking. If performance management is essential, Keka or a dedicated performance tool is a better fit.
Can SalaryBox replace Keka for my business?
If your primary needs are accurate attendance tracking, fast payroll processing, field employee monitoring, and Indian compliance (PF/ESI/TDS), then yes — SalaryBox can fully replace Keka at a fraction of the cost. If you also need recruitment, OKRs, and advanced performance management, you may need Keka or a combination of SalaryBox plus a dedicated performance tool.
Which software has better customer support: SalaryBox or Keka?
SalaryBox offers dedicated onboarding support, WhatsApp-based customer service, and in-app chat, which Indian SMB owners find more accessible. Keka provides email and chat support with a knowledge base. Both offer setup assistance, but SalaryBox’s support model is more hands-on for smaller businesses.
Does Keka offer a free plan?
No. Keka does not offer a free plan. It offers a 7-day free trial. SalaryBox also offers a 7-day free trial with all features unlocked and no credit card required.
Can I switch from Keka to SalaryBox easily?
Yes. SalaryBox provides a dedicated migration support team that helps import employee data, attendance records, and payroll history from Keka. Most migrations are completed within 2-3 business days.
How Easy Is It to Set Up SalaryBox vs Keka?
SalaryBox is designed for self-service onboarding. A business owner can download the app, add employees, configure attendance settings, and run the first payroll within 30 minutes — no IT team or implementation consultant needed. The platform offers WhatsApp-based onboarding support and video tutorials in Hindi and English. For businesses with biometric devices, SalaryBox ships pre-configured hardware that connects to the cloud dashboard automatically.
Keka requires a more structured implementation process. Typical setup takes 2-4 weeks with a dedicated implementation manager. This includes salary structure configuration, performance module setup, recruitment pipeline creation, and data migration from existing systems. For larger organisations with complex HR workflows, this structured approach is valuable. But for small businesses that need to start tracking attendance and running payroll immediately, the multi-week onboarding adds unnecessary delay and cost (Keka charges a 2% setup fee on the annual contract value).
What Do Real Users Say About SalaryBox vs Keka?
SalaryBox has a 4.5+ rating on the Google Play Store with over 100,000 downloads. Users consistently praise its ease of use, AI selfie attendance accuracy, and affordable pricing. Common feedback highlights how the app works reliably even in low-connectivity areas across Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities, and how payroll processing has become effortless for business owners who do not have dedicated HR teams. The mobile-first design means owners manage everything from their phone.
Keka has strong reviews from mid-size IT companies that value its performance management and OKR modules. The platform scores well on UI design and the breadth of features available. However, users frequently mention the higher-than-expected total costs due to base fees, add-ons, and minimum billing. Some small business users report that the platform feels overbuilt for their needs — they end up paying for performance management and recruitment modules they never use.
Which Industries Should Choose SalaryBox Over Keka?
SalaryBox is the stronger choice for any industry where attendance accuracy, field workforce management, and cost-effectiveness are the primary concerns. Here are the specific sectors where SalaryBox outperforms Keka:Retail and Multi-Store Chains — SalaryBox’s multi-location geofencing and shift management are purpose-built for retail operations with rotating staff.
- Manufacturing and Factories — Biometric device integration, shift scheduling, and overtime compliance under the new Labour Codes make SalaryBox ideal for factory floors.
- Logistics and Delivery — Real-time GPS tracking with route history enables fleet and delivery team management that Keka does not offer.
- Healthcare Clinics and Hospitals — Shift-based scheduling with multi-location visibility across branches and departments.
- Hospitality and Restaurants — QSR-friendly features including daily wage calculation, rotational shift support, and tip management.
- Construction and Real Estate — GPS-based site attendance with contractor tracking and daily-wage worker management.
- Field Sales and Services — Live location tracking with client visit logging, distance calculation, and field expense claims.
- Education and Coaching Centres — Simple, affordable attendance tracking for teaching and non-teaching staff across multiple branches.
