Workway vs Zoho & Keka: Best HR Software for Indian SMEs
Workway vs Zoho & Keka: Best HR Software for Indian SMEs
Choosing the right HR software can be a game-changer for Indian SMEs struggling to manage payroll, attendance, compliance, and employee engagement. In this post, we compare three popular HR platforms — Workway, Zoho People Plus, and Keka — to help you decide which one fits your business needs, budget, and growth plans best.
We’ll share verified pricing, key features, pros and cons, and how each stacks up in India’s unique HR landscape.
Why Indian SMEs Need the Right HR Software
As Indian SMEs scale, manual HR processes become time-consuming and prone to costly errors. From attendance tracking to compliance with PF, TDS, and ESI laws, HR automation helps save time, reduce mistakes, and improve employee satisfaction. The right software also integrates payroll, leave, performance, and reporting in one place — critical for growing businesses that want to stay compliant and competitive.
Overview of the 3 Platforms
Workway
Workway.pro is designed specifically for Indian SMEs, offering affordable plans that cover all essential HR functions. With easy attendance tracking, payroll compliance, leave management, and employee self-service portals, it helps small businesses work smarter. Pricing starts at ₹749/month for up to 10 users, making it accessible for most SMEs.
Zoho People Plus
Zoho People Plus is a global HR platform with deep features and integrations within the Zoho ecosystem. It supports India-specific payroll and compliance but comes at a higher price point — around ₹350 per user per month. It suits larger SMEs and businesses wanting a full suite of connected apps.
Keka
Keka focuses on payroll and HR management for Indian companies, providing scalable solutions for midsize businesses. Pricing typically ranges between ₹150 to ₹250 per user per month, depending on features and plans. It offers robust compliance and employee management but with fewer integrations than Zoho.
🆚 Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Workway | Zoho People Plus | Keka |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing (per user/month) | ₹62 (₹749/month for 10 users) | ₹350/user/month | ₹150-250/user/month approx |
| Payroll Management | Yes, India-compliant | Yes, India-compliant | Yes, India-compliant |
| Attendance Tracking | Biometric & GPS options | Yes | Yes |
| Leave Management | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Employee Self-Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compliance Reporting | India-specific | India-specific | India-specific |
| Integration Capabilities | Payroll, Accounting, etc. | Extensive Zoho ecosystem | Several integrations |
| Support & Training | India-focused | Global & India | India-focused |
💰 Pricing Breakdown & Value for Money
Workway offers one of the most affordable solutions tailored for Indian SMEs, with plans starting at just ₹749/month for up to 10 employees. Zoho People Plus, while feature-rich, has a higher cost, making it more suitable for larger companies with bigger budgets. Keka falls in between, balancing functionality and price.
When choosing HR software, it’s important to look beyond sticker price and consider total cost of ownership, including setup, training, and ongoing support. Workway’s India-focused approach and cost-effective pricing make it a compelling choice for SMEs focused on compliance and ease of use.
🤔 Why Workway May Be the Best HR Software for Indian SMEs
Workway stands out by delivering core HR functionality without unnecessary complexity — at a price that’s hard to beat. For Indian SMEs that want a platform built for local compliance, simple workflows, and excellent value, Workway offers a practical and powerful solution tailored to their growth stage.
✅ Pros & Cons
Workway
✔️ Pros: Affordable, built for Indian SMEs, easy to use, strong on compliance.
❌ Cons: Focused on core HR functions with fewer third-party integrations — great for teams that value simplicity over bloat..
Zoho People Plus
✔️ Pros: Feature-rich, extensive integrations, good for larger teams.
❌ Cons: Higher price, can be complex for small SMEs.
Keka
✔️ Pros: Strong payroll focus, mid-range pricing, India compliance.
❌ Cons: Limited third-party integrations compared to Zoho.
Which Is the Best HR Software for Indian SMEs?
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Small to Medium SMEs with budget constraints: Workway offers a cost-effective, India-centric solution that covers all essentials without overwhelming complexity.
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Larger SMEs needing integrated business apps: Zoho People Plus fits well if you want deep integrations with CRM, finance, and other tools.
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Mid-sized companies: Keka is a good middle-ground option with strong payroll and HR features.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best HR Software for Indian SMEs
✅ Selecting the right HR software is critical for Indian SMEs looking to automate HR tasks, stay compliant, and boost productivity. Workway stands out for affordability and focus on Indian SME needs, while Zoho and Keka serve different segments with more features or integrations.
🔍 Ready to explore? Visit Workway.pro to check out plans tailored to your SME and start simplifying your HR management today!
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