Embracing technology and AI is a must to stay competitive. According to 39% of HR leaders, AI and technology adoption will be the biggest disruptors in the workforce over the next decade.
If you’re looking for your own HR tool, whether upgrading or starting fresh, check out our list of the top 10 HR software options in India.
The list highlights the best choices available today. We provide an overview, key features, pricing, and who each is best suited for, to help you make an informed decision for your business.
But first, let’s look at some of the typical features of an HR software.
What Are the Typical Features of HR Software
HR software can handle everything from hiring and onboarding to managing performance and keeping employees engaged.
Here are the typical features of an HR software:
Employee Self-Service Portal
This portal lets employees manage their own information and requests. Key parts include:
- Central Dashboard: Easy access to all employee information.
- Profile Management: Update personal info, access documents, and view work history.
- Requests and Approvals: Submit leave requests, expense claims, and other forms quickly.
Recruitment and Onboarding
It helps streamline recruitment and onboarding processes. Important features include:
- Job Postings: View and apply for internal job openings.
- Application Status Tracking: Check the status of job applications in real-time.
- Onboarding Checklist: Complete paperwork, access training, and follow orientation schedules.
Performance Management
It helps manage employee performance via:
- Goal Setting: Set and track goals with managers.
- Performance Reviews: Access review forms, self-assessments, and feedback from managers.
- Continuous Feedback: Get ongoing feedback from peers and managers.
Learning and Development
It helps manage training and development of employees, such as, via:
- Training Programs: Access a library of courses and training materials.
- Progress Tracking: Monitor progress in training and development.
- Certificates: Download certificates for completed courses.
Time and Attendance Management
Key features that help manage PTOs, leaves, and other attendance management processes:
- Clock In/Out: Log work hours, break times, and overtime.
- Attendance Records: View attendance history and submit corrections.
- Shift Scheduling: Check and manage shift schedules, and swap shifts if needed.
Payroll and Benefits Administration
Key features that help manage payroll and benefits include:
- Payroll Information: View pay stubs, tax documents, and payment history.
- Benefits Enrollment: Enrol in and manage health, retirement, and other benefits.
- Compensation Details: Access info on salary, bonuses, and incentives.
Employee Engagement
HR softwares help keep employees engaged via the following features:
- Surveys and Polls: Participate in company surveys and polls.
- Recognition Programs: Nominate peers for awards and view recognition received.
- Feedback Channels: Provide feedback on company policies and work environment.
While understanding the functional features of HR software is important, selecting the right software for your business involves additional considerations.
How to Pick the Right HR Software for Your Business
Here are some critical factors to keep in mind to help you make the best choice.
Integration
Make sure the HR software connects easily with your current systems like payroll, accounting, and other third-party applications. Effective integration reduces data silos and improves workflow efficiency.
Scalability
Select a solution that can scale as your business scale. Check if the HR software can accommodate more employees and expanding HR needs. It helps reduce frequent system changes, which are often costly.
Cost vs ROI
Take into account the complete cost of ownership, including the initial setup, licensing fees, and ongoing maintenance. Evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI) by analysing how the software can reduce HR workload, improve productivity, and contribute to overall business goals.
Compliance and Security
Choose HR software that complies with local and international labour laws and regulations like GDPR. Robust security features, such as data encryption are a must to protect sensitive employee information.
Customer Support
Look for software providers that provide comprehensive support options, including phone, email, and live chat, along with a rich library of online resources and tutorials.
User Training
Effective user training is vital for maximising the software’s potential. Opt for providers that offer extensive training programs, webinars, and user guides to help your HR team and employees get up to speed quickly.
Customization
Every organisation has unique HR needs. Choose software that allows customization to fit your specific processes and requirements. Customizable workflows, forms, and reporting capabilities ensure the software aligns with your business practices.
Cloud vs. Desktop
Decide whether a cloud-based or desktop solution best suits your organisation. Cloud-based HR software offers benefits like remote access, automatic updates, and lower upfront costs.
However, desktop solutions may provide greater control and security for organisations with specific IT infrastructure requirements.
Now that you know what to look for when shortlisting and selecting your HR software, here are our top 10 picks.
Top 10 HR Software in India
The list below covers various HR software solutions in India, from performance management to payroll processing. Whether you’re a small business seeking budget-friendly tools or a large enterprise needing comprehensive features, this list covers all tools.
1. Peoplebox
Peoplebox provides a single platform for performance reviews, 360-degree reviews, aligned goals (OKRs), 1:1s, surveys, KPIs, task/project management, strategic meetings and people analytics.
Unlike other tools, its integration with Slack/Teams goes beyond notifications and lets you do entire performance reviews, engagement surveys, and OKR check-ins right within Slack/Teams.
Another reason that makes it unique is its unmatched customisation, intuitiveness and great customer support to help you tailor everything.
Key features: ​​Automated goal & project tracking, goal-based 360 reviews, custom weightage for goals, competency, and values, advanced formula for final rating calculation, Calibration, 9-box, personalised reminders, real-time engagement insights, KPI tracking, expert-built templates, single-form customization for different teams, and form personalisation.
Best suited for: Startups, SMBs, and enterprises
Price: Starts at $7 per user per month​ (only annual billing)
2. Darwinbox
Darwinbox is an AI-powered HCM platform that automates daily HR tasks, improves human interactions, and offers actionable insights to build workplaces. This cloud-based HR solution engages and empowers employees while streamlining and optimising all HR functions.
Key features:
- Recruitment: Applicant Tracking, Resume Search, Offer Management, Interview Scheduling, Candidate Comparison
- Leaves, Attendance, Directory: Attendance Management, Leave Management, Time Tracking, Employee Database, Shift Management, Employee Profile
- Payroll: Payroll Management, Compensation Management, Bonus, Loan & Advances Management, Reimbursement Management, Full & Final Settlements
- Employee Engagement: Employee Engagement, Peer Appraisals, Surveys & Feedback, Rewards Program
- Talent Management and People Analytics: Performance Management, Learning and Development, Talent Management, Goal Setting / Tracking, Performance Appraisal, Predictive Analytics
Best suited for: Enterprise HR teams
Price: Custom
3. Zimyo
Key features: Track employee attendance, expense management, salary structures, compliance, benefits administration, run payroll, ATS, onboard/offboard employees, track employee performance, parse resumes, send offer letters, disburse salaries on time, org charts, employee self service, asset & workflow management
Best suited for: Small and medium businesses
Price: Starts at ₹80 per user per month. Minimum billing is for 40 users.
4. Keka
Keka is a cloud-based HRMS software designed to improve employee experience and optimise HR processes. Its user-friendly interface simplifies complex workflows, helping businesses build motivated, high-performing teams.
Key features: People data and analytics, payroll and expense tracking, performance and culture (SMART goals and OKRs), source, hire and onboard talent, personalised dashboard for insights, timesheets and projects (PSA)
Best suited for: Small, medium, and large-scale businesses
Price: Starts at ₹9,999 per month for up to 100 Employees. ₹90 per additional employee.
5. GreytHR
greytHR is a comprehensive HRMS (Human Resource Management System) designed to streamline HR and payroll processes for businesses of all sizes. Trusted by over 23,000 companies and used by more than 2.3 million users, greytHR offers a robust platform to manage workforce operations efficiently.
Key features: Core HR, onboarding software, employee lifecycle management, leave & attendance management, payroll management, 100% HR compliances, document management, HR reports and analytics, employee portal and mobile app, integrations & REST API
Best suited for: Small, medium, and large-scale businesses
Price: Free trial for up to 25 employees.
Paid plans start at ₹3495 per month (Includes 50 Employees)
6. Zoho People
Zoho People is an online HRIS that automates HR processes. This cloud-based software supports employee development, quickly adapts to changes, and ensures agile and effective HR management.
Key features:
- Core HR: Analytics, workflows, employee database, employee case management
- Time and Attendance Management: Track attendance, schedule shifts, manage days off, convert time to timesheets
- Performance Management: Goal setting, KRA mapping, continuous reviews, 360-degree feedback, performance gap analysis
- Learning and Development: Blended learning with virtual classrooms, centralised course management, quizzes, and assessments
Best suited for: Small, medium and enterprise businesses
Price: Starts at ₹48 per user per month, billed annually
7. RazorpayX Payroll
RazorpayX Payroll Software is a fully-automated payroll and compliance solution designed to streamline payroll processes for businesses in India. It offers a comprehensive suite of features to manage employee salaries, tax filings, and compliance with ease
Key features:
- Payroll management: Automate tax filing & payments for TDS, PF, PT & ESIC, Direct Salary Deposits, both regular & off-cycle payroll, contractor payments with TDS taken care of, settle reimbursements, access challans on the self-serve dashboard, Stay ahead of regulatory changes with real time alerts, sync leaves with payroll for error-free salary disbursals
- HR Management: CTC calculator & offer letter generator, self-serve employee dashboard for payslips, Form 16 and investment declarations, track and manage leave
Best suited for: Small and medium-sized businesses
Price: Starts at ₹2,999/month with maximum 20 employees supported.
8. Zing HR
ZingHR is a unified Human Capital Management (HCM) platform that provides a comprehensive, cloud-based solution from hiring to rehiring, using advanced technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms.
ZingHR enables organisations to achieve significant and measurable success, including ESG goals, top-line growth, EBITDA improvements, enhanced people engagement, improved employee experience, and increased productivity.
Key features:
- Core HR: Organisation Management, Time, Attendance, and PTO, Expense Management, Salary Structures, Compliance, Benefits Administration
- Workforce Management: Labour Forecasting, Shift Scheduling, Time & Attendance Tracking, Absence & Leave Management, Skills Management, Succession Planning, Workforce Analytics, Self-Service Capabilities, Team Communication
- Talent acquisition and management
- Payroll services: Zero-touch payroll, compliance & transparency, weekly/daily/hourly salary payments, automated tax filing, eliminates need to process payroll, real-time payroll data
- Employee engagement: Rewards & recognition, voice/chatbots conversational AI & attendance, social @ work, pulse/wellness/mood surveys
- Talent Acquisition: Applicant tracker system, AI-driven cognitive recruitment resume match score and parser, governance and compliance, in-depth analytics with trend analysis, candidate engagement & employer branding, digital onboarding, video eKYC onboarding
- Talend management: KPI, BSC, 360°, integrated competency framework, competency management & compensation planning, multiple performance assessment framework, career planning, succession planning, transparent reward & recognition, personalised learning and gamification, OKRs
Best suited for: Small, medium, and large-scale enterprises
Price: Custom
9. HR One
HROne helps you automate the entire employee lifecycle. It frees your time so that you can focus on strategic tasks.
Key features:
- Core HR: Global search, employee directory, customised workflows, 3 tier permissions
- Recruitment: Candidate sourcing, interview scheduling, background verification, create and send letters, eKYC
- Attendance: Geo attendance, biometric integration, bulk approval of leaves, shift rotation policies
- Payroll Management: Password-protected pay slips, auto payroll scheduler, CTC calculator, challans in govt. prescribed formats, advance & exceptional payouts
- Performance: Smart OKR mapping, transparent performance reviews, 360-degree feedback, increment based on review
Best suited for: Enterprises
Price: Starts at ₹85 per user per month, for team of 50+
10. Kredily
Kredily offers an attendance, HR, and payroll platform that eliminates repetitive tasks and promotes a strategic approach to employee management. This free-for-ever platform supports unlimited employees, making HR and payroll accessible to all.
Key features:
- Attendance and Leave Management: Auto clock in & out, timesheet management, roster management, attendance tracker
- Payroll and Expense Management: Full and final (FnF) settlements, employee offboarding, income tax computation, benefits administration, payroll processing, data security, tax management, salary structure, statutory compliance, payslip generator
- Asset Management
- Geo-fencing
Best suited for: Serves a wide range of businesses, including but not limited to startups, SMBs, agencies, and enterprises.
Price: Free plan with limited features, subject to active usage policy.
Paid plans start at ₹1499/Month for up to 25 employees. ₹60 per additional employee.
Conclusion
Now that you have a good idea of the top HR software in India, it is time to pick the best one for your business.
For powerful performance management, employee engagement, and people analytics, you can choose Peoplebox.
