Handling payroll in India involves navigating complex compliance rules such as TDS, PF, ESI, and Professional Tax, alongside ensuring precise salary processing and timely payments. In 2025, payroll software in India has advanced significantly, delivering automation, regulatory adherence, and smooth system integrations. This article reviews the leading 10 payroll solutions in India for 2025, covering their standout features, cost structures, and real user insights to guide your selection.
The Importance of Payroll Software in India
Payroll tools streamline essential operations like wage computation, tax deductions, and statutory submissions, minimizing errors and freeing up valuable time. Given India’s ever-changing legal framework, payroll software in India guarantees adherence to regulations like the Income Tax Act and EPF & MP Act. These platforms also improve employee satisfaction with self-service access, mobile functionality, and clear payslip distribution. A 2024 survey revealed that 67% of Indian firms rely on payroll automation, a number projected to climb to 85% by 2025, underscoring their increasing adoption.
Essential Features to Prioritize in Payroll Software
When evaluating payroll software in India, focus on these core capabilities:
Automated Processing: Manages salaries, deductions, incentives, and back payments.
Statutory Compliance: Handles TDS, PF, ESI, PT, and other mandatory filings automatically.
Employee Self-Service (ESS): Enables staff to view payslips, tax documents, and submit investment proofs.
System Integrations: Connects seamlessly with HRMS, attendance trackers, and accounting tools.
Scalability: Grows with your organization, from startups to large corporations.
Security Standards: Includes encryption, two-factor authentication, and role-based permissions.
Analytics & Reporting: Delivers real-time data and customizable dashboards.
Top 10 Payroll Solutions in India for 2025
Here’s a handpicked selection of the best payroll platforms in India for 2025, evaluated on functionality, pricing, ease of use, and customer feedback.
1. TankhaPay
Overview: TankhaPay is a robust cloud-based payroll software in India, built to simplify payroll, compliance, and workforce administration for startups, MSMEs, and enterprises. Its unique Employer of Record (EOR) and NATS apprentice tools set it apart.
Key Features:
Full payroll automation with PF, ESI, and TDS compliance.
Real-time attendance via facial recognition and geo-fencing.
EOR support for contract and off-roll workers.
Multilingual ESS app for payslips, leave requests, and profile updates.
Integration with biometric systems and external HRMS.
Pricing: Begins at ₹60/employee/year; tailored plans for premium features.
User Feedback: “TankhaPay makes gig worker payroll effortless,” says an MSME owner. A few users mention occasional delays in support during peak seasons.
Ideal For: Companies requiring EOR and apprentice compliance solutions.
2. Kredily
Overview: Kredily leads as a payroll software in India with a free-forever tier designed for startups and SMEs, praised for its intuitive design and strong compliance engine.
Key Features:
Free plan covering essential payroll and HR tasks.
Auto-handling of TDS, PF, ESI, and PT.
ESS portal for payslips and tax documents.
Mobile app for on-the-go access.
Pricing: Free tier; Premium from ₹1499/month.
User Feedback: Trusted by 20,000+ businesses. “The free plan is a lifesaver for small teams,” notes a startup CEO.
Ideal For: Bootstrapped startups and small enterprises.
3. greytHR
Overview: A household name in payroll software in India, greytHR operates across 150+ cities with end-to-end payroll and HR capabilities.
Key Features:
100% statutory compliance for PF, ESI, and TDS.
Instant salary disbursements via PayNow.
Flexible reporting and analytics.
ESS portal that cuts admin workload by 80%.
Pricing: Starts at ₹3495/month for 50 users; free starter option.
User Feedback: “greytHR makes compliance painless,” says a Deloitte employee. 99.5% uptime is a major plus.
Ideal For: SMEs and mid-market companies.
4. RazorpayX Payroll
Overview: RazorpayX delivers fully automated payroll, perfect for startups and scaling businesses, with effortless compliance and connectivity.
Key Features:
One-click TDS, PF, PT, and ESI filings.
Self-service hub for payslips and Form 16.
25+ HRMS integrations.
Direct bank transfers for employees and freelancers.
Pricing: From ₹2499/month for 20 users.
User Feedback: “Saves us 300+ hours yearly,” reports a startup co-founder. Interface is highly intuitive.
Ideal For: Rapidly growing ventures.
5. Zoho Payroll
Overview: Integrated within the Zoho suite, Zoho Payroll is a cloud-native payroll software in India excelling in connectivity.
Key Features:
Automated payroll runs and tax submissions.
Custom salary components and reports.
Links with Workday, SAP, Oracle.
Free for up to 10 employees.
Pricing: Free for 10 users; ₹40/employee/month (annual).
User Feedback: “Zoho Payroll transformed our process,” says a user, highlighting seamless integrations.
Ideal For: Zoho ecosystem users.
6. Keka HR
Overview: Keka is an employee-focused payroll software in India, combining payroll with performance and hiring modules.
Key Features:
Payslips via SMS/email.
Auto-compliance for TDS, PF, ESI.
User-friendly interface for all roles.
Integrated leave and performance tracking.
Pricing: From ₹6999/month for 50 users.
User Feedback: “Keka’s all-in-one system is a game-changer,” says an SME manager.
Ideal For: SMEs and large teams.
7. factoHR
Overview: factoHR is a cloud-based payroll software in India emphasizing precision and simplicity in payroll and HR workflows.
Key Features:
Guided payroll wizard.
Unlimited salary structure components.
HRMS and attendance sync.
Full Indian tax compliance.
Pricing: Custom quotes.
User Feedback: “factoHR requires almost no manual work,” says a reviewer.
Ideal For: Customization-driven businesses.
8. PeopleStrong
Overview: PeopleStrong is an enterprise-level payroll software in India, delivering a unified payroll and workforce platform.
Key Features:
Real-time HR-payroll-attendance sync.
Automatic PF, PT, ESI, TDS compliance.
Compliance deadline alerts.
End-to-end HR lifecycle management.
Pricing: Custom; contact sales.
User Feedback: “Everything in one platform,” says an enterprise admin.
Ideal For: Large organizations.
9. Pocket HRMS
Overview: Pocket HRMS is an award-winning cloud payroll software in India, known for mobility and ease of use.
Key Features:
Automated payroll and filings.
Mobile-first ESS.
Attendance and expense modules.
Scales across business sizes.
Pricing: Custom; contact vendor.
User Feedback: “Pocket HRMS saves hours weekly,” says a user.
Ideal For: Mobile-first SMEs and startups.
10. Paybooks
Overview: Backed by TransPerfect, Paybooks is a reliable payroll software in India focused on accuracy and compliance.
Key Features:
Automated payroll and filings.
Self-service app for leave/expenses.
High-precision processing.
Bank-grade security.
Pricing: Custom; 30-day free trial.
User Feedback: “Paybooks gives compliance confidence,” says a user.
Ideal For: Compliance-first businesses.
How to Select the Best Payroll Software
Choosing the right payroll software in India hinges on your priorities:
Company Size: TankhaPay or Kredily for startups; PeopleStrong or greytHR for enterprises.
Budget: Free options like Kredily and Zoho for small teams; RazorpayX for cost-effective growth.
Compliance: Verify TDS, PF, ESI, PT coverage. TankhaPay shines in EOR/apprentice scenarios.
Integrations: Ensure compatibility with existing tools.
Reviews: Explore G2, SoftwareSuggest for authentic insights.
Trial: Always test before committing.
The Future of Payroll Software in India
India’s payroll software market is expected to reach $18.9 billion by 2032, fueled by automation, cloud adoption, and regulatory demands. In 2025, 62% of firms use cloud payroll, with trends leaning toward AI analytics, mobile access, and freelancer support. Payroll software in India is evolving to support hybrid work and gig economies, with TankhaPay leading in flexible workforce management.
Final Thoughts
The right payroll software in India can revolutionize payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and happier employees. TankhaPay and Kredily suit startups; PeopleStrong and greytHR serve enterprises. RazorpayX and Zoho offer affordability and connectivity. Assess your needs, try demos, and read reviews to make an informed choice for 2025.
