Running payroll in India is only becoming more complex with each passing day. Between calculating the varied pay components, professional taxes applicable in each state, PF/ESI compliances, and TDS, the room for errors is decreasing while the scope for precision is increasing. That is precisely why Indian businesses have already shifted to cloud-based payroll solutions.
This blog will help you discover payroll software in India on which the companies actually rely to streamline salary processing, maintain compliance, and reclaim countless hours every month.
Why Cloud-Based Payroll Software Makes Sense in 2026
Before diving into specific solutions, let’s address the obvious question: why cloud specifically?
The cloud-based payroll software in India that many firms are currently using helps you avoid all the problems that you might experience using traditional payroll software in India. There are no servers to worry about maintaining, no software versions to worry about updating, and no fear of losing all your payroll data in case someone’s laptop crashes.
The numbers tell the story clearly. According to recent market research, cloud deployment now commands 70% of the Indian payroll software market share. When you consider reduced errors and improved compliance, the business case becomes compelling.
- uKnowva HRMS
When it comes to payroll software in India, one solution that must be considered is uKnowva, especially when you are not just looking for a basic salary processing solution.
uKnowva’s payroll solution integrates well with their overall HRMS solution, so your attendance records, leave records, timesheet records, and other salary-influencing factors are automatically taken into consideration when calculating salaries.
Core Capabilities
- 100% Indian statutory compliance (PF, ESI, PT, TDS with auto-updates)
- Single-click payroll processing with zero manual errors
- AI-powered expense claim processing
- Automated salary slip generation and email distribution
- Integration with attendance, leaves, and timesheet systems
- Multi-state compliance handling
- Employee self-service portal for salary information
- Customizable salary rules for complex structures
- Support for NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS transactions
Best for growing companies seeking end-to-end HR and payroll automation with strong compliance support and AI-driven efficiency improvements.
Keka HR
Keka has managed to build a strong brand name in terms of making the experience of payroll processing more intuitive rather than intimidating. Keka has 6,500+ customers across the globe, including a strong customer base in India. Keka has been focusing a lot on delivering an experience that people actually enjoy.
Key Strengths
- Exceptionally clean, modern interface
- Automated payroll calculations
- Real-time salary processing
- Comprehensive leave and attendance integration
- Employee self-service capabilities
- Mobile app for on-the-go access
- Strong compliance tracking
Best suited for SMEs who value user experience and ease of implementation without requiring much customisation.
- GreytHR
With over 20,000 Indian businesses relying on GreytHR for their payroll needs, this company has made a name for itself in delivering absolute accuracy in compliance.
Notable Features
- Automated payroll with exceptional accuracy
- Strong statutory compliance mechanisms
- Comprehensive leave and attendance management
- Employee self-service portal
- Responsive customer support
- Cloud accessibility from anywhere
- Regular compliance updates
Best suited for small to medium businesses where compliance precision and reliable support matter most.
- RazorpayX Payroll
RazorpayX brings its payment gateway expertise to payroll, offering a modern take on salary processing that emphasises speed and automation.
Distinguishing Features
- Automated payroll calculations
- Seamless payment disbursement through Razorpay infrastructure
- Compliance management (PF, ESI, PT, TDS)
- Contractor payment support
- Integration with Razorpay’s broader financial tools
- Quick implementation timeline
Best for tech-savvy companies already using Razorpay for payments who want integrated payroll functionality.
- Zimyo
Zimyo has gained significant traction among Indian SMEs since its 2018 founding, offering robust people management features that extend well beyond basic payroll.
Comprehensive Capabilities
- Complete payroll automation
- Time and attendance tracking
- Performance management integration
- Employee engagement tools
- Payroll accounting features
- 50+ modules covering various HR functions
- Good scalability for growing teams
Best for small to medium enterprises seeking comprehensive HR functionality alongside solid payroll processing.
- Zoho Payroll
Zoho Payroll benefits from being part of the extensive Zoho ecosystem, making it particularly attractive if you’re already invested in Zoho products for accounting, CRM, or other business functions.
Key Advantages
- Seamless integration with the Zoho suite
- Web-based cloud accessibility
- Automated payroll operations
- Tax compliance management
- Benefits administration
- Leave management integration
- Customizable salary structures
- Good reporting capabilities
Best for companies already using Zoho products who want unified data flow across business systems.
- Qandle
Qandle offers end-to-end HR solutions with particular strength in its modular, configurable approach that lets you build the system you actually need.
Core Offerings
- Smart payroll automation
- User-friendly interface design
- Modular setup for flexibility
- Granular configuration options
- Comprehensive HR management
- Good value for budget-conscious businesses
- Scalable across multiple locations
Best for mid-sized companies wanting flexibility in feature selection and configuration without overpaying for unused capabilities.
How to Choose Your Payroll Software India Solution
Selecting the right platform depends on several factors specific to your business context:
Company Size Considerations
- Small teams (under 50 employees) focus on ease of use and affordability. uKnowva, Keka, or Qandle work well.
- Medium businesses (50-500 employees) balance features with cost. GreytHR, Zimyo, or Zoho Payroll offer strong value.
- Larger organisations (500+) prioritise scalability and advanced features. uKnowva’s enterprise capabilities or specialised solutions fit best.
Compliance Complexity
Every solution on this list handles basic Indian statutory requirements, but verify specifics for your situation. Multi-state operations need software that handles varying PT rules automatically. Manufacturing, IT services, and retail each have unique compliance nuances worth discussing with vendors.
Integration Requirements
What tools do you currently use? If Zoho runs your business, its payroll makes obvious sense. Need extensive third-party integrations? Check each platform’s API capabilities and existing integrations. uKnowva, for instance, integrates with attendance systems, timesheets, and various HR modules seamlessly.
Mobile Access Needs
With the hybrid model having become the new normal in India, mobile accessibility has become the new norm. If your team includes field workers or people working remotely, you will want to find payroll software India has to offer with robust mobile apps. Check to see if the mobile app allows approvals, not just viewing.
Wrapping Up
The best payroll software India has to offer will depend on your unique requirements.
For the majority of growing businesses in India, uKnowva will offer the best balance of value, features, AI, and compliance with the laws and regulations in India, all at the best price. With the ability to integrate with the larger HRMS system, you are building towards a complete system, not just patching together individual applications.
For those who want simplicity above all other features, and who have relatively simple payroll requirements, the user experience of Keka will be hard to beat. Budget-conscious businesses will like the price of Qandle. Businesses with a laser-like focus on compliance will want to look at the history of GreytHR. Take advantage of the free trials and demos that the majority of the applications offer. Choose well, implement well, and your payroll headaches will be a distant memory.
