We reviewed the top payroll software for Indian businesses: Keka, GreytHR, Darwinbox, Zimyo, and Proactiq. Here's what each actually costs and who each is best for.
Why payroll software selection matters in India
Running payroll manually in India is unusually complex. You're dealing with PF, ESIC, Professional Tax (which varies by state), TDS, LWF, and the Bonus Act — all with different due dates and different rules for different employee categories.
The wrong software forces your HR manager to spend 3-5 days every month on payroll. The right one cuts that to 20 minutes.
Here's an honest comparison of the best payroll software available in India in 2026.
The Top 5 Payroll Software Options
1. Keka HR
2. GreytHR
3. Darwinbox
4. Zimyo
5. Proactiq OS
The hidden cost comparison
If you only need payroll, Keka or GreytHR are excellent choices. If you want payroll plus CRM, finance, and projects — Proactiq at ₹2,999/month beats any combination.
What to look for in Indian payroll software
1. PF and ESIC accuracy — This is non-negotiable. The software must calculate both employee and employer contributions correctly, handle excluded employees, and generate ECR files for EPFO portal submission.
2. State-specific Professional Tax — PT slabs differ across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, etc. The software must handle all states where you have employees.
3. TDS under Section 192 — Monthly TDS deduction based on projected annual income, investment declarations, and the correct tax slab. This changes when employees submit their investment proofs.
4. Full-and-final settlement (FNFS) — When an employee leaves, calculate gratuity (for 5+ year employees), earned leave encashment, and notice period adjustments automatically.
5. Payslip quality — Employees need to understand their payslip. A good payslip clearly shows CTC, gross, deductions, and net with each component labelled.
Our recommendation by business size
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