Zoho Payroll vs Keka: Which is Better?
Compare Zoho Payroll and Keka on free tiers, paid pricing, HR features, employee self-service and payroll compliance for Indian businesses.
Zoho Payroll and Keka serve different ends of the small business market. Zoho is strong for very small teams and the Zoho ecosystem. Keka is a full HR suite for companies with an HR function. This page compares them honestly, with VetanBandhu as a simpler third option.
Quick comparison
| Factor | Zoho Payroll | Keka | VetanBandhu | |---|---|---|---| | Free tier | Up to 10 employees | No | No | | Paid entry | ~₹1,000/mo for 25 | ~₹2,475/mo for 25 (₹99/emp, 25-emp floor) | ₹499/mo for 10 | | Pricing model | Base + per employee | Per employee per month, 25-emp minimum | Flat rate by band | | Employee self-service | Yes, from free | Yes | Not yet | | Recruitment / performance | No | Yes | No | | Ecosystem | Zoho | Standalone | Standalone | | Best for | 1–25, Zoho users | 25+ with HR team | Owner-led 10–50 |
When to choose Zoho Payroll
Choose Zoho Payroll if you already use Zoho products, you have 10 or fewer employees, or your employees need a self-service portal from day one. It is the safer choice for teams that value ecosystem and a generous free tier.
When to choose Keka
Choose Keka if you have an HR team and need recruitment, performance reviews, an org chart and full employee self-service. It is designed for companies that want people operations, not just payroll. The 25-employee floor also tells you who it is built for.
VetanBandhu as the honest broker
If you do not need recruitment, performance management or employee self-service today, VetanBandhu is a simpler, cheaper alternative. You pay a flat rate by headcount band, and the compliance layer is built for India: PF, ESI, professional tax and TDS.
Pricing check date
Zoho Payroll and Keka prices are directional and were checked on 3 August 2026 from public sources. Zoho's price is considered reliable. Keka's per-employee pricing has a 25-employee minimum; verify the exact quote on the Keka website before signing up. VetanBandhu prices are current as of the same date.
Compared options
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Zoho Payroll | Free up to 10 employees, then base + per employee. Strong Zoho ecosystem and employee self-service. | 0 |
| Keka | Full HR and payroll platform for teams with an HR function. No free tier; Foundation starts at ₹9,999 per month for 100 employees. | 9999 |
| VetanBandhu | Flat-rate payroll for small teams that want compliance-first simplicity. | 499 |
Frequently asked questions
- Which has a free tier, Zoho Payroll or Keka?
- Zoho Payroll is free for up to 10 employees. Keka does not have a free tier and has a 25-employee minimum.
- Which is cheaper at 25 employees?
- Zoho Standard is around ₹1,000 per month for up to 25 employees. Keka is roughly ₹2,475 per month at 25 employees based on its per-employee pricing, so Zoho is cheaper.
- Does Keka include recruitment and performance management?
- Yes. Keka is a full HR platform, so recruitment, performance reviews, org charts and goals are included.
- Does Zoho Payroll integrate with other Zoho apps?
- Yes. Zoho Payroll connects with Zoho Books, People and Expense.
- Where does VetanBandhu fit?
- VetanBandhu is a simpler, flat-rate alternative for 10–50 employee teams that do not need a full HRMS.