This article will cover the most effective alternatives to Zoho Payroll to help simplify your payroll and HR processes. Selecting payroll software is essential to ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and efficiency of your system.
While Zoho Payroll is widely used, there are many alternatives with superior features, automation, and integration with with HR, accounting, and attendance software, making them more suitable for expanding companies.
Key Points & Best Zoho Payroll Alternatives
| Software | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| TallyPrime | Comprehensive accounting and payroll solution widely used in India |
| factoHR | Cloud-based HR and payroll platform with compliance automation |
| Keka | Modern HRMS with strong payroll and employee engagement features |
| HRMantra | Enterprise-grade HR and payroll automation software |
| greytHR | Popular payroll and HR solution with statutory compliance support |
| Zenefits | US-based HR and payroll platform with benefits management |
| Pocket HRMS | AI-powered HRMS with payroll and employee self-service |
| BrightHR | UK-focused HR and payroll solution with compliance tools |
| Qandle | Flexible HRMS with payroll, performance, and workforce management |
| ORION ERP | ERP suite with integrated payroll and HR modules |
10 Best Zoho Payroll Alternatives
1. TallyPrime
TallyPrime is one of the best alternatives to Zoho Payroll thanks to its integration of accounting and payroll functions.
The primary distinguishing factor about TallyPrime when compared to Zoho Payroll is that TallyPrime is a complete financial solution.
With Zoho Payroll, you can only manage Payroll; With TallyPrime, you can manage business salaries, taxes, and compliance in addition to full accounting, GST, and inventory.
It is especially suited for small and medium enterprises because of its ability to be simple, process data in real time, and have extensive reporting.
It’s unique dual offering of payroll features and business finance management is what sets TallyPrime apart.
TallyPrime Features
- Integrated Accounting + Payroll – Payroll entries, tax calculations, and pay records are directly integrated and reflected into accounting financial books.
- Real‑Time Data Processing – Processes and updates each transactions in real time to maintain the precision of the records and financial status visibility across the organization.
- GST & Tax Compliance – TDS, GST, and other regulatory requirements are managed and incorporated to reduce regulatory compliance risks.
- Customizable Reporting – Create specific and extensive reports on payroll and other financial aspects without using other applications.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Combines accounting and payroll in one platform | Payroll features can be complex for beginners |
| Real-time data processing for accurate reporting | Limited cloud accessibility in standard versions |
| Extensive GST and tax compliance support | Primarily designed for accounting-heavy workflows |
| Customizable reports and integration with other business modules | Lacks advanced HR features like performance tracking |
2. FactoHR
factoHR is one of the best alternatives to Zoho Payroll since it caters to the full HR and payroll spectrum for Indian businesses.
What makes factoHR unique is its attention to localized payroll compliance and automatic statutory calculations of PF, ESI, and professional tax, as well as manual burden reduction with employee self-service.
Unlike Zoho Payroll, which only addresses basic payroll needs, factoHR offers automated payroll processing, employee performance management, and attendance management all within the same platform.
Additionally, its customizable and real-time reporting has made growing companies simplify the challenges of Indian payroll HR and payroll processes.
factoHR Features
- Automated Statutory Compliance – Indian labor laws automated the calculation of PF, ESI, PT, TDS and other statutory compliance.
- Self‑Service Portal – This features reduces HR queries by allowing employees to view payslips, request leave, and view HR information.
- Attendance & Leave Integration – In payroll processing, accurate salary computation is dependent on the integration of the attendance and leave components.
- HR + Payroll Combined – Along with payroll, core HR functions like onboarding, claims, and performance are managed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong automation for Indian statutory compliance | Interface may feel complex for new users |
| Combines payroll with core HR functions | Limited international payroll support |
| Employee self-service reduces HR workload | Reporting options are less flexible compared to competitors |
| Integrates attendance, leave, and claims | Mobile app could be more intuitive |
3. Keka
Keka presents a strong competition to Zoho Payroll as it merges automated payroll with comprehensive HR management.
Its growing businesses proposition is aided by its user friendly interface as well as its smart, integrated attendance, leave, tax compliance, and employee self service to lower management effort and errors.
Keka boosts payroll processing by automating attendance and leave data to run salaries with lower manual effort.
This integrated payroll and HR solution improves control, insights, and efficiency compared to basic payroll tools like Zoho Payroll.
Keka Features
- Unified Payroll & HR Platform – In a single interface, it combines salary, compliance, and other HR functions on leave and attendance.
- Self-service. Employees can check leave balances and pay information, and can also complete HR tasks independently.
- No external training required. A straightforward interface enables easy navigation and feature utilization by HR and employees.
- Prevention of manual errors. Payroll processing and related calculations are completed automatically and run according to attendance and leave records.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive interface for payroll and HR management | Advanced features may require higher-tier plans |
| Seamless attendance and leave integration | Can be pricey for smaller teams |
| Employee self-service for faster approvals | Limited customization in reports |
| Fast and accurate payroll processing | Some users report occasional syncing delays |
4. HRMantra
HRMantra’s integration of HR and Payroll automation makes it a good alternative to Zoho Payroll. Complex payroll situations with custom pay structures
Automatic updates of payroll related statutory compliance, and data from Attendance, Leave and Claims modules reduces manual errors and saves time for HR.
The strong reporting, self service options, mobile app, and AI for analytics and insights improves engagement and decision making.
HRMantra’s added benefit of integrating with the full employee life cycle makes it great for organizations needing more than simple payroll processing.
HRMantra Features
- Integrated Payroll. Smooth integration of attendance, leave, and claims management with performance management streamlines the entire workflow.
- Mobile Accessibility. Employees and HR can manage tasks via mobile.
- Statutory Rules, Multiple Pay Cycles, and Payroll. Handles complex pay structures and includes an advanced payroll engine with various pay frequencies.
- AI & Analytics Tools. Provide predictive analysis in costs, productivity, and workforce trends.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Handles complex pay structures efficiently | Setup can be time-consuming |
| Strong integration between payroll, leave, and attendance | Interface is less modern than some competitors |
| Offers AI-driven insights and analytics | Mobile features are basic |
| Reduces manual errors with automation | Customer support response may vary |
5. GreytHR
GreytHR offers a well-established and reliable alternative to ZOHO Payroll as it’s specialization lies in fully automating payroll and compliance for Indian businesses, along with statutory calculations (PF, ESI, TDS) and salary processing with zero manual work.
The key differentiating factor for GreytHR is its in-house built payroll engine, which is integrated with cloud HR modules for attendance, leave, self service, etc. with all these as a singular solution.
With a long standing history, GreytHR is great for small and medium businesses looking for payroll compliance and most importantly, the reporting adds a great level of ease to HR teams in managing workforce data while minimizing legal risks.
greytHR Features
- No Manual Statutory Calculations. PF, ESI, and PT are calculated seamlessly, and compliance tasks are also handled without manual inputs.
- Remote Access. HR and data updates can happen from any location.
- Integrated Payroll. Leave encashment and attendance are integrated for accurate payroll processing.
- Self-service. Employees can manage records and requests, which lessens the burden on HR.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automated statutory compliance and payroll | Limited global payroll support |
| Cloud-based, accessible from anywhere | User interface may feel dated |
| Combines payroll with HR functions like leave and attendance | Advanced reporting requires extra setup |
| Reduces HR administrative workload | Customization of workflows can be limited |
6. Zenefits
Zenefits is a great alternative to Zoho Payroll because it integrates payroll with an entire suite of HR tools that simplifies employee management, benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance.
Payroll automatically syncs with other HR modules to eliminate manual data entry, speeding onboarding and tax filing.
This streamlined experience allows companies to handle HR and payroll from a single platform, which saves time and improves accuracy compared to using standalone payroll tools like Zoho Payroll.
Its prioritization of integrated HR-payroll processes and employee self-service is particularly helpful for growing organizations.
Zenefits Features
- All-in-One HR + Payroll – Features both payroll and HR, covering benefits, team member onboarding, and time tracking.
- Automatic Data Sync – Modifications made in HR modules (like time or benefits) affect payroll.
- Employee Portal – Employees can edit their personal data, benefits, and payroll information without needing HR.
- Compliance Support – Assists with tax and employment compliance where relevant.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unified HR and payroll platform | Primarily focused on US compliance, limited for India |
| Automatic syncing across HR modules | Pricing can increase with add-ons |
| Employee self-service for benefits, leave, and payroll | Customization options are moderate |
| Simplifies onboarding and tax filings | May require training for full utilization |
7. Pocket HRMS
Pocket HRMS integrates clever payroll automation and mobile-first HR tools to make employee management effortless, securing its place as an optimal alternative to Zoho payroll. Headlining Pocket HRMS are its mobile applications.
The employee-centric features allow users to view payslips, apply for leaves, and attendance, and submit claims- all this, and more, manages to decrease dependency on HR.
Pocket HRMS on an operational and functional levels surpasses Zoho Payroll. Pocket HRMS has real-time data integration across its attendance, payroll, and compliance modules.
This functionality guarantees accurate and timely processing of salaries and regulatory compliance in contrast to Zoho Payroll’s limited functionality.
This combination of automated real-time reporting and an extensive self-service suite makes Pocket HRMS perfect for organizations looking to streamline and enhance accessibility in HR and payroll management.
Pocket HRMS Features
- Mobile-First Design – Employees and HR can use an easy-to-navigate mobile application to get payroll, attendance, leaves, and more.
- Real-Time Integration – Modules communicate instantly with one another for attendance, payroll, taxes, and compliance.
- Employee Self-Service – HR can be more easily bypassed because employees can see their payslips, request leave, and make claims.
- Cloud-Based Platform – Provides safe access, ongoing improvements, and adaptable workforce management.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mobile-first platform for payroll and HR | Advanced features limited on mobile app |
| Real-time integration of attendance, payroll, and compliance | Reporting can be complex for beginners |
| Employee self-service reduces HR dependency | Customization requires technical support |
| Cloud-based access for easy management | Some users report occasional app performance issues |
8. BrightHR
BrightHR is a good alternative to Zoho Payroll because it combines payroll with end-to-end HR management. This provides companies a way to handle pay runs via the cloud, as well as employee data, leave, and attendance.
Its seamless integrated HR and payroll is what makes it stand out. It reduces errors by automatically syncing records, increases compliance to employment and tax regulations, and relieves HR teams of tedious administrative activities.
Along with self-service tools, BrightHR offers expert assistance to employers leading them to pay employees accurately and on time while managing employee information more efficiently than payroll solutions like Zoho Payroll.
BrightHR Features
- Employee Dashboard – Transparency is enhanced because there’s one place for payslips, leave requests, and personal information.
- Unified HR & Payroll Management – Having one system for pay processing and leave and attendance and employee information minimizes tool sprawl.
- Automated Compliance – There’s less risk in payroll because compliance is baked into calculations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unified payroll and HR management | Payroll features may not cover very complex structures |
| Automates compliance and statutory calculations | Limited integrations with external tools |
| Employee self-service and intuitive dashboards | Some advanced HR modules may need add-ons |
| Reduces manual HR administration | Support can be slow during peak periods |
9. Qandle
Qandle stands out as an alternative to Zoho Payroll because of its intelligent payroll processing and integration with modern HR functionalities that help businesses operate seamlessly.
The primary focus is on user-friendly payroll automations that sync with attendance, leave, and performance, to ensure minimal manual intervention and payrun accuracy.
Qandle is more employee-oriented than Zoho Payroll since qandle offers self-service, advanced analytics, personalized workflows, and employee engagement.
Qandle is among the best options for rapidly growing organizations because of its intelligent HR and payroll integrations, all while helping HR teams operate with more cognitive insights while eliminating mistakes and saving on time.
Qandle Features
- Integrated HR + Payroll Workflows -} Unites attendance, performance, and payroll for a uninterrupted employee management.
- Personalized Automation -} Unique workflows and rules to align with company policies, no extra admin work required.
- Strong Analytics -} In‑built dashboards and reports assist teams in comprehending workforce trends and expenses.
- Employee Self‑Service Portal -} Enables employees to take control of their leave, salary specifics, and approval requests.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real-time workflow between HR and payroll | Setup for large enterprises can be complex |
| Personalized workflows and automation | Certain advanced features need premium plans |
| Employee self-service for attendance, leave, and payroll | Reporting module is less flexible than competitors |
| Strong analytics and insights | Customer support response may vary |
10. ORION ERP
Qandle stands out as an alternative to Zoho Payroll because of its intelligent payroll processing and integration with modern HR functionalities that help businesses operate seamlessly.
The primary focus is on user-friendly payroll automations that sync with attendance, leave, and performance, to ensure minimal manual intervention and payrun accuracy.
Qandle is more employee-oriented than Zoho Payroll since qandle offers self-service, advanced analytics, personalized workflows, and employee engagement.
Qandle is among the best options for rapidly growing organizations because of its intelligent HR and payroll integrations, all while helping HR teams operate with more cognitive insights while eliminating mistakes and saving on time.
ORION ERP Features
- Comprehensive ERP Integration – Payroll is linked with finance, inventory, projects, and operations for complete visibility across the business.
- End‑to ‑End Payroll Flow -} Attendance, projects, and cost data stream directly into payroll for processing quickly and with great accuracy.
- Strategic Reporting -} Merges workforce cost data with financial analytics for improved decision-making.
- Multi‑Module Coordination -} One platform integrates HR, payroll, accounting, and other business units without data silos.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Integrates payroll with full ERP functionalities | More suited for medium to large enterprises |
| End-to-end visibility across finance, HR, and operations | Can be overwhelming for small businesses |
| Reduces errors with seamless data flow between modules | Implementation time is longer |
| Supports strategic decision-making with integrated reporting | High initial cost compared to standalone payroll tools |
How To Choose Best Zoho Payroll Alternatives
Payroll Precision – Manual inaccuracy as a result of payroll computation, processing of salaries, and tax compliance should be avoided.
Compliance – Examine the robust support of of the local labor laws, tax compliances, and the associated statutory reporting.
Integrative potential– The ability to integrate seamlessly across attendance, leaves, and accounting.
User Interface – How simple the systems and their navigation assist the HR professionals as well as employees.
Level of system automation – The very high level of the automation of the tool is preferred.
Employee online access – payroll records access, leave records, and other personal information records should be assist employees in performing their functions more effectively.
Remote support – Is the ability to manage the user support system from outside the firm.
Reporting & Analytics – Descriptive analytics and other advanced analytics which assist in the reporting of the patterns and costs associated with various elements of workforce compensation.
Extensibility – Is the ability of the workforce planning system to accommodate future growth and adoption of the system.
Support Efficiency – The time to resolve user support systems issues.
Cocnlsuion
In summation, selecting the best alternatives to Zoho Payroll depends on business size, compliance, and payroll automation.
TallyPrime, Keka, and HRMantra integrate payroll and HR seamlessly, and employee self-service, whereas ORION ERP covers end-to-end business visibility.
The right alternative guarantees precise payroll processing and less manual work, improving efficiency in workforce management.
FAQ
They are software solutions that handle payroll, compliance, and HR management like Zoho Payroll.
Alternatives may offer better automation, integrations, compliance support, or employee self-service features.
TallyPrime, Keka, and Pocket HRMS are ideal for small to medium-sized enterprises.
factoHR, greytHR, and HRMantra specialize in PF, ESI, TDS, and other statutory rules.
