Updated July 2026

Zoho People vs Keka HR

Which HR and payroll software is right for your business? We compared pricing, features, ratings, and real-world use cases.

Based on 2,000 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: Zoho People is more affordable for small teams starting out, while Keka HR offers more advanced features for growing businesses.

At a Glance

Zoho People
Comprehensive HR software for businesses of all sizes
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Free plan available Free trial
Keka HR
Modern HR and payroll for Asia-Pacific businesses
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
$9/mo + $9/employee Free trial

Feature Comparison

Feature Zoho People Keka HR
Payroll processing ✗ ✓
Automated tax filing ✗ ✓
Direct deposit ✗ ✓
Benefits administration ✓ ✓
Time tracking ✓ ✓
Employee onboarding ✓ ✓
PTO management ✓ ✓
Contractor payments ✗ ✗
International payroll ✗ ✗
Mobile app ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Starting price Free plan available $9/mo + $9/employee
Countries supported US, CA, UK, AU, IN, 50+ countries IN, AE, SG, PH, MY, US
Best for Small Business, Medium Business, Zoho Users, 1-500 Employees Small Business, Medium Business, Asia-Pacific Companies, 50-5000 Employees

Pros & Cons

Zoho People

  • Extremely affordable free plan
  • Great Zoho ecosystem integration
  • Highly customizable
  • Global multi-language support
  • No built-in payroll (need Zoho Payroll)
  • UI can feel dated
  • Best only for Zoho users
  • Complex configuration

Keka HR

  • Strong for India and Asia-Pacific
  • Modern UI
  • Good performance management
  • Affordable
  • Less known in US/UK
  • Limited global payroll
  • Fewer integrations than US tools

Who Should Use Each?

Zoho People You're a small team on a tight budget and want the most affordable option with solid core features.
Keka HR User satisfaction matters most — Keka HR holds a higher G2 rating (4.6 vs 4.4).

Related Comparisons

Zoho People vs Rippling Keka HR vs Gusto Zoho People vs Deel Keka HR vs BambooHR ← All HR Tool Comparisons Zoho People alternatives → Keka HR alternatives →

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try Zoho People Free → Try Keka HR Free →

* Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zoho People better than Keka HR?

It depends on your needs. Zoho People is generally better for small business, medium business, while Keka HR shines for small business, medium business. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.

How much does Zoho People cost compared to Keka HR?

Free plan available vs $9/mo + $9/employee. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from Zoho People to Keka HR?

Yes, both platforms support data export. Most businesses complete a migration in 2–4 weeks. It's best to run both in parallel for one payroll cycle before fully switching.

Does Zoho People or Keka HR offer a free trial?

Yes, Zoho People offers a free trial. Yes, Keka HR offers a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — Zoho People or Keka HR?

Neither currently offers international payroll — consider Deel or Remote for global hiring.