HR & Compliance

Payroll Software Pricing in India 2026

Indian payroll software must handle PF, ESI, TDS, Professional Tax, gratuity, and leave-encashment calculations — these are not optional. Below is the 2026 INR pricing for the leading payroll options used by Indian SMBs and enterprises, with what each is best for and where to start.

Plans & pricing (INR)

GreytHR Starter (Free) — ₹0 / forever (up to 25 employees)

Up to 25

GreytHR Essential — ~₹100 / employee / month (above 25)

Unlimited

Zoho Payroll — ₹33 / employee / month (₹50 minimum)

Unlimited

RazorpayX Payroll — ₹100 / employee / month (no platform fee)

Unlimited

Keka Foundation — ₹6,999 / month flat (up to 100 employees)

Up to 100

Quikchex Payroll — ~₹80-120 / employee / month

Unlimited

India-specific notes

Indian payroll software must stay updated with rule changes: PF rates, ESI ceiling changes (₹21,000/month gross), TDS slab updates, state-wise PT slabs, gratuity formula. Most paid plans include these updates automatically. For DIY payroll, set aside 2-4 hours/month per 50 employees; for managed payroll (Quikchex, ADP, etc.), outsource for ~₹150-300/employee/month.

How to buy

WhatsApp +91 98119 98370. We help select the right payroll software for your company size, employee count, and complexity (single-state vs multi-state operations). Includes setup, employee master data import, salary structure configuration, integration with attendance/biometric devices, and first-month payroll run hand-holding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest payroll software for Indian startups under 25 employees?

GreytHR Starter — it is genuinely free for up to 25 employees with full Indian statutory compliance (PF, ESI, TDS, PT). This is the de facto best choice for early-stage Indian startups. Beyond 25 employees, RazorpayX (₹100/employee) or Zoho Payroll (₹33/employee) are the next cheapest options.

Does payroll software handle PF and ESI filings in India?

Yes, all the options listed generate the required upload files for PF (EPFO ECR), ESI (ESIC challan), TDS (Form 24Q quarterly, Form 16 annual), and Professional Tax for each state. Actual upload to government portals is typically a one-click action from the software.

Is Zoho Payroll cheaper than GreytHR?

For paid plans above 25 employees, Zoho Payroll at ₹33/employee is cheaper than GreytHR's ~₹100/employee. However, GreytHR's free tier (up to 25 employees) is unbeatable. Above 25 employees, Zoho Payroll wins on price; GreytHR wins on payroll depth and Indian market familiarity.

Should I do payroll in-house or outsource it in India?

For under 50 employees with simple structures, in-house using Zoho/GreytHR/RazorpayX is cost-effective (₹0-₹5,000/month). For 50-500 employees with multi-state operations and complex structures, in-house with a dedicated payroll exec is typical. Above 500 employees or complex international setups, consider managed payroll providers (Quikchex, ADP, ZingHR Managed).

Does payroll software integrate with biometric attendance devices in India?

Yes — Zoho Payroll, GreytHR, Keka, RazorpayX, and Quikchex all integrate with major Indian biometric devices (eSSL, Mantra, Realtime, Anviz, BioMax). Daily attendance logs sync into payroll for accurate salary calculations including overtime, late marks, and leave-without-pay.

Find the right payroll software for your Indian business — free comparison consultation, setup included.