Top 10 Payroll Software for Small Businesses in 2026

In the fast-paced world of Indian small businesses, managing payroll isn’t just about cutting checks—it’s a high-stakes game of compliance, efficiency, and employee satisfaction. As we step into 2026, the landscape for best payroll software India 2026 is evolving rapidly, with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) demanding tools that handle everything from statutory deductions to real-time insights. Imagine juggling PF, ESI, PT, and TDS compliances manually while your team grows from 10 to 50 employees. It’s a nightmare that drains time, invites errors, and risks hefty fines under Indian labor laws.

That’s where payroll software for SMEs India shines. These solutions automate the grunt work, ensuring your payroll software with PF ESI PT TDS compliance is always up-to-date with the latest regulations. For startups and growing teams, the best payroll software for small business India isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for scalability. Cloud-based options like cloud based payroll software India offer flexibility, allowing owners to access data from anywhere, while integrations with attendance systems keep everything synced seamlessly.

Why focus on small businesses now? In 2026, India’s SME sector is booming, contributing over 30% to GDP, but many still rely on spreadsheets. This leads to delays in online payroll management software India, miscalculations in bonuses, and compliance headaches with Form 16 generation. The good news? Affordable tools are democratizing access. Look at affordable payroll software India—options under ₹100 per user that include employee payroll management system India features like self-service portals for payslip downloads and investment declarations.

Key benefits include automation of tedious tasks, reducing processing time by up to 70%. HRMS with payroll India platforms go further, bundling recruitment, onboarding, and performance tracking. For best payroll and HR software India, integration with mobile apps means employees can view payslips on the go, boosting engagement. And let’s not forget payroll software with attendance integration India, which syncs biometric data for accurate wage calculations, crucial for blue-collar or manufacturing firms.

But not all software fits every niche. Retail businesses need payroll software for retail business India with shift scheduling, while IT companies crave payroll software for IT companies India with global payout options. Startups often hunt for the best payroll software for startups India, prioritizing ease and cost. Even the cheapest payroll software for small business India now offers gratuity and bonus calculations, LWF deductions, and professional tax handling across states.

As we eye 2026, trends point to AI-driven payroll automation software India, with best payroll automation software for startups India featuring zero-touch processing and real-time alerts. Automated payroll system India will handle TDS automation, ESIC challans, and PT filings effortlessly. For multi-location setups, multi-location payroll automation software India ensures geography-based compliance.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the top 10 payroll software India 2026, ranked for small businesses (10-50 employees). Each pick emphasizes statutory compliant payroll software India, mobile access, and scalability. We’ve researched real user reviews for authentic pros and cons, focusing on payroll software with employee self service portal and payroll software with mobile app India. Whether you’re seeking free payroll software for small business India trials or premium HR payroll automation India, these will help you choose the best payroll software for 10-50 employees India.

Ready to streamline your operations? Let’s jump into the list.

1. Salarybox: The Ultimate All-in-One for Growing SMEs

Salarybox tops our list as the best payroll software for small business India in 2026, tailored for SMEs craving simplicity without sacrificing power. This cloud-based powerhouse handles everything from attendance tracking to one-click payroll, making it a go-to for payroll software for startups India. With seamless PF ESI compliant payroll software India and auto TDS deductions, it’s built for Indian regulations, saving hours on compliance reporting. Priced affordably (starting at ₹50/user/month), it’s ideal for teams of 10-50, offering a mobile app for employee self-service and payslip downloads.

Pros:

• Streamlined Automation: Automates salary calculations, tax deductions, and slip generation, slashing processing time by 80%—perfect for busy owners.
• User-Friendly Mobile Access: The intuitive app lets employees track attendance, view payslips, and submit leaves on-the-go, boosting satisfaction in payroll software with mobile access India.
• Compliance Mastery: Built-in PF, ESI, PT, and LWF handling ensures statutory compliance payroll software India 2026 without manual tweaks, reducing error risks.
• Centralized HR Hub: Integrates onboarding and reimbursements, acting as a lightweight HRMS with payroll India for small teams.
• Scalable for Growth: Easily handles expansion, with real-time insights for scalable payroll software for growing SMEs.

Cons:

• Primarily optimized for Indian SMEs, so international expansions might need add-ons though this focus keeps it laser-sharp for local needs.
• Advanced analytics are basic, encouraging users to rely on core strengths like speed over deep dives, which suits most small businesses perfectly.

Users rave about its efficiency: “It frees up time for strategic decisions,” says one reviewer. For best payroll software under ₹100 per user India, Salarybox delivers unmatched value.

2. Craze HRMS: Automation Champion for Non-Tech SMEs

Craze HRMS earns spot two for its sleek payroll automation with attendance integration India, ideal for retail or manufacturing firms. As a comprehensive HR payroll software India, it syncs leaves, attendance, and payroll in real-time, ensuring payroll software with attendance and leave sync is effortless. Starting at ₹40/user/month, it’s a budget-friendly affordable payroll automation software India 2026 with AI touches for anomaly detection.

Pros:

• Seamless Integrations: Links with biometrics and ERPs for accurate payroll software with biometric integration, minimizing discrepancies.
• Error-Free Compliance: Automates TDS, PF, and ESI with zero-error calculations, a boon for payroll automation with TDS PF ESI compliance India.
• Intuitive UI: Modern dashboard simplifies onboarding and offboarding, praised for ease in easy-to-use payroll automation software India.
• Real-Time Processing: Handles multi-state PT and LWF, supporting multi-state payroll compliance software for expanding teams.
• Employee Engagement Boost: Self-service portal with payslip downloads enhances payroll software with employee self-service portal India.

Cons:

• Occasional lag during peak hours, though updates in 2026 have improved speed for most users.
• Limited global features, but that’s a plus for India-focused payroll software for manufacturing companies India.

Craze’s payroll review highlights its transformative impact: “Everything automated without security concerns.” Perfect for best payroll software for 20 employees India.

3. FactoHR: Efficiency Powerhouse with Robust Reporting

FactoHR ranks third for its time-saving employee payroll management system India, excelling in payroll software with reimbursement management. This cloud payroll software with auto updates automates statutory filings and offers insightful dashboards. At ₹60/user/month, it’s a solid payroll management software India for SMEs.

Pros:

• Time-Saving Automation: Cuts payroll runs by 50%, with seamless leave and attendance sync.
• Compliance Excellence: Handles Form 24Q, ECR, and ESIC challans automatically for PF ECR automation software India.
• Employee-Centric Features: Self-service for declarations and reimbursements, aligning payroll software with investment declaration portal.
• Scalable Analytics: Real-time reports for payroll software with real-time insights, aiding decision-making.
• Mobile-First Design: App supports payroll software with mobile app India for on-the-go approvals.

Cons:

• Minor loading delays in older browsers, easily fixed with updates.
• Steeper learning for non-tech users initially, but tutorials make it quick.

Reviewers love its accuracy: “Improves efficiency for HR teams.” Ideal for payroll software for retail business India.

4. RazorpayX Payroll: Fintech-Infused Speed Demon

RazorpayX Payroll secures fourth for its fintech edge in best payroll automation software India 2026, with instant disbursals and payroll automation for blue-collar workforce India. Integrated payments make it a standout top payroll automation software India. Pricing starts at ₹30/user/month.

Pros:

• Lightning-Fast Processing: One-click payouts with error-free TDS, perfect for TDS automation payroll software.
• Integrated Compliance: Auto-handles PT by state and gratuity, ensuring Professional Tax compliant payroll software.
• Budget-Friendly: Low fees for cheapest payroll software for small business India, with contractor payment tools.
• Workflow Efficiency: Approval flows sync with attendance for payroll software with attendance integration.
• Secure & Scalable: Supports multi-location for multi-location payroll automation software India.

Cons:

• Report customization could expand, though core exports suffice for small teams.
• Support varies by volume, but chat resolves most quickly.

“Automated, error-free payroll,” notes a user. Great for best payroll software for contractor payments India.

5. Zoho Payroll: Versatile Cloud Contender

Zoho Payroll, fifth on our list, is the best payroll software India 2026 for its ecosystem integrations. This cloud payroll automation software India excels in payroll software with Form 16 auto generation, starting at ₹40/user/month.

Pros:

• Global Reach with Local Focus: Supports India, US, and UAE compliances for global payroll software India.
• Automated Filings: Handles all 50 US states plus Indian TDS, easing automatic Form 16 generation software India.
• Mobile Excellence: Highly rated app for best payroll software with mobile-first access.
• Affordable Scalability: Fits best payroll software for large companies yet shines for small ones.
• Seamless Integrations: Links with Zoho suite for HR payroll automation India.

Cons:

• Limited to key countries, ideal for focused expansions.
• Report customizations are basic, prioritizing simplicity.

6. GreytHR: Reliable Workhorse for Compliance

GreytHR takes sixth for its battle-tested GreytHR payroll compliance, a staple in payroll software with PF ESI TDS. At ₹50/user/month, it’s the best payroll and HRMS India for non-tech sectors.

Pros:

• User-Friendly Payroll: Intuitive for attendance and leaves, saving time.
• Full Compliance Suite: Geo-tagged attendance and tax automation for Labour Welfare Fund payroll software India.
• Self-Service Portal: Employees love payslip access in payroll software with payslip download portal.
• Cost-Effective: Integrated clock-in to payout for affordable payroll software with compliance India.
• Quick Onboarding: Facial recognition boosts accuracy.

Cons:

• App load times can vary, but 2026 patches help.
• Advanced HR needs extras, keeping core lean.

7. PeopleStrong: Enterprise-Ready for Ambitious SMEs

Seventh is PeopleStrong, a robust PeopleStrong payroll software for payroll software with audit trail. Starting at ₹70/user/month, it offers AI analytics.

Pros:

• All-in-One Lifecycle: From hiring to payroll, with payroll software with recruitment and onboarding.
• Accurate Processing: Automates deductions for tax deduction automation payroll India.
• Mobile & Insights: Real-time tracking for payroll software with AI reporting and analytics.
• Compliance Depth: Multi-state support for geography-based compliance.
• Efficiency Gains: Reduces manual tasks significantly.

Cons:

• Interfaces can feel dense for tiny teams, though customizable.
• Higher cost for full suite, but modular pricing helps.

“Streamlines HR processes,” raves a reviewer. Fits payroll software for enterprises India.

8. Keka: Modern Maverick with Flexi-Pay

Keka claims eighth for its innovative Keka payroll automation, shining in payroll automation with flexi-benefits India. At ₹60/user/month, it’s fresh for startups.

Pros:

• Intuitive Design: Clean UI for quick navigation in payroll software with employee self-service portal.
• Flexible Scheduling: Overtime and leave policies automated.
• Compliance Automation: Includes tax filing for payroll automation with Indian labour laws.
• Mobile Mastery: App for approvals and views.
• Customizable Reports: Tailored for payroll software with performance management.

Cons:

• Pricing edges higher for add-ons, but value justifies.
• Support peaks during tax season, standard for the industry.

9. Saral Pro: Tailored for Manufacturing Precision

Saral Pro, ninth, is the Saral Pro payroll for manufacturing, with strong bonus and gratuity calculation software. Starts at ₹45/user/month.

Pros:

• Industry-Specific: Flexible structures for shifts in payroll software for manufacturing companies India.
• Compliance Tools: Auto Form 16 and ECR for ESIC challan payroll software.
• User-Friendly: Efficient self-service for payroll software with an onboarding module.
• Reliable Support: Fantastic for queries.
• Scalable Access: Role-based controls.

Cons:

• The desktop version lags cloud speed, but hybrid works well.
• Fewer global options, focused on India.

10. Qandle: Insightful Closer with Customization

Qandle rounds out tenth as a customizable Qandle payroll customization, great for payroll software with expense and asset management. At ₹55/user/month.

Pros:

• Easy Implementation: Quick setup for payroll software India.
• Automation Depth: Salaries and compliances error-free.
• Analytics Power: Insight-driven for top payroll software with employee engagement features.
• Support Excellence: Responsive team.
• Unified Platform: From hire to retire.

Cons:

• Workload for admins during rollout, but eases fast.
• Niche features may need tweaks, enhancing fit.

In wrapping up, selecting from these top payroll software India boils down to your needs—compliance for regulated sectors or mobility for remote teams. All offer trials; test for fit. With 2026’s push toward zero touch payroll software India, investing now future-proofs your business.

FAQs

What is the best payroll software India 2026 for startups under 20 employees?

Salarybox leads with its affordable, automated features tailored for best payroll software for startups India, including TDS and PF compliance at low cost.

How does HRMS with payroll India help small businesses?

It unifies HR tasks like onboarding and payroll, ensuring payroll software with statutory compliance while cutting admin time by half.

Is there free payroll software for small business India?

Many offer free trials, like Salarybox Payroll’s basic tier, but for full free payroll software for small business India with compliance, check limited versions of GreytHR.

What features define cloud based payroll software India?

Look for auto-updates, mobile access, and cloud payroll software with auto updates for seamless payroll software with attendance and leave sync.

Which payroll software with mobile app India supports multi-state compliance?

Salarybox and Keka excel in payroll software with mobile app India and multi state payroll software India for PT and LWF.

Can payroll software handle Form 16 auto generation for SMEs?

Yes, top picks like Salarybox and Saral Pro automate payroll software with Form 16 auto generation, simplifying tax season.

What’s the cheapest payroll software for small business India with ESI compliance?

Salarybox at ₹25/user offers cheapest payroll software with attendance for small business India with robust PF ESI compliant payroll software India.