The payroll companies in India are essential for businesses to handle employee compensation, tax deductions, statutory compliance (PF, ESI, TDS, Professional Tax, Labour Welfare Fund), timely disbursements, and reporting while adapting to India’s dynamic regulatory environment. In 2026, the payroll services market is valued at approximately USD 1.78 billion (2025 figures) and is projected to grow to USD 2.56 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of around 7.49%. This expansion is fueled by full implementation of the four Labour Codes (effective from late 2025), rising gig and remote workforces, multi-state operations, digital adoption (cloud, mobile, fintech integrations), and the need for automation to avoid penalties amid complex changes like the uniform wage definition (50% rule for basic pay impacting contributions and gratuity).
Payroll companies in India now go beyond basic calculations—they offer AI-driven insights, real-time compliance updates, employee self-service portals, EOR (Employer of Record) for cross-state hiring, apprenticeship management (NATS), and integrated HRMS features. These solutions cater to startups, SMEs, mid-sized firms, and large enterprises, helping reduce errors, save time, and ensure adherence to evolving laws.
This comprehensive blog ranks the top 10 payroll companies in India for 2026, based on market presence, user reviews (from platforms like GoodFirms, Clutch, G2), feature depth, compliance reliability, scalability, pricing, and growth trends.
1. ADP India
ADP India, a global leader, dominates enterprise payroll with robust outsourcing and software. It handles multi-country and multi-state compliance, automated tax filings, HR integrations, advanced analytics, and secure employee self-service.
Best for large enterprises and MNCs with complex, cross-border needs. Strengths: Unmatched accuracy, scalability, and proven error reduction in regulated environments. Pricing: Custom enterprise-level (higher end). Why top-ranked: Long-standing reliability amid 2026 labour code shifts.
2. Keka
Keka is a modern, employee-centric HRMS with powerful payroll automation. It features guided runs, preview options, integrated attendance/expenses/performance, automated PF/ESI/TDS/PT calculations, and intuitive mobile access.
Best for growing mid-sized to large companies prioritizing UX and efficiency. Strengths: Clean interface, flexi-benefits, strong analytics, and workload reduction. Pricing: ~₹50–180 per employee/month (foundation plans affordable for smaller teams). Why high: Frequently tops usability lists for Indian businesses.
3. greytHR
greytHR, a veteran trusted by thousands of SMEs, excels in reliable payroll and compliance. It includes automated statutory filings, biometric integration, customizable workflows, leave/attendance tracking, and mobile portals.
Best for SMEs seeking dependable, no-fuss solutions. Strengths: Rock-solid Indian compliance, extensive reporting, and minimal errors. Pricing: ~₹35–75 per employee/month (free tiers for small teams). Why trusted: Decades of legacy with proven performance under new codes.
4. RazorpayX Payroll
RazorpayX blends fintech with payroll for seamless, instant disbursements via banking rails. It automates TDS/PF/ESI/PT, handles contractor/gig payments, expense management, and offers real-time dashboards.
Best for startups and digital-first SMEs needing speed and integrations. Strengths: One-click payouts, same-day transfers, and fintech ecosystem synergy. Pricing: Competitive (~₹3,000–5,000/month base + per employee). Why popular: Ideal for modern, fast-paced operations.
5. TankhaPay
TankhaPay is a rising all-in-one powerhouse, backed by 25+ years of Akal Information Systems legacy (1,000+ clients, 1.5M+ employees supported). It combines automated payroll (custom allowances, OT, arrears), 100% statutory compliance (PF/ESI/TDS/PT/LWF auto-updates), geo-fencing/facial recognition attendance with live tracking, employee self-service (payslips, leave, tax declarations), EOR for multi-state/remote/contract workers, NATS/apprenticeship management, shift/break handling, and managed outsourcing.
Best for MSMEs, startups, and enterprises with multi-location, field-based, or distributed teams (e.g., blue/grey-collar workforces). Strengths: Unified platform (HRMS + services), mobile-first, expert support, affordable scaling, and rare combo of tech + managed compliance/EOR/apprenticeship. Pricing: ~₹40–80 per employee/month (plans like T-Pay Core/Business; no hidden fees). Why emerging strong in 2026: Addresses exact pain points like compliance tension, vendor chaos, and field tracking; aggressive growth and high value.
6. PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong delivers enterprise-grade payroll with analytics, multi-country support, self-service, and deep compliance expertise.
Best for large organizations needing scalable, integrated solutions. Strengths: Robust for global/India multi-state teams.
7. Zoho Payroll
Zoho Payroll integrates seamlessly into the Zoho ecosystem with affordable, one-click processing, compliance dashboards, employee portals, and mobile access.
Best for startups/small businesses in the Zoho suite. Strengths: Simplicity, low cost, and ecosystem compatibility.
8. factoHR
factoHR offers comprehensive HRMS with payroll automation, biometric attendance, leave/expenses, and strong statutory compliance.
Best for SMEs/mid-sized firms wanting customization and field/remote support. Strengths: User-friendly all-in-one approach.
9. Darwinbox
Darwinbox is an AI-powered HR tech suite with advanced payroll modules, automation, insights, and employee-centric features.
Best for tech-forward modern enterprises. Strengths: Innovative global/India compliance and analytics.
10. Quikchex (or emerging alternatives like Zimyo/Asanify)
Quikchex specializes in tailored outsourcing with end-to-end compliance. Alternatives like Zimyo provide balanced all-in-one growth.
Best for managed services-focused businesses.
Detailed Comparison Table (2026 Insights)
| Rank | Company | Best For | Key Features | Pricing (approx per emp/month) | Unique Edge in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ADP India | Enterprises/MNCs | Global/multi-state compliance, analytics | Custom (high) | Scale & reliability under new codes |
| 2 | Keka | Growing mid-large companies | Modern UI, flexi-benefits, integrations | ₹50–180 | Employee experience & usability |
| 3 | greytHR | SMEs | Rock-solid compliance, biometric support | ₹35–75 | Legacy trust & affordability |
| 4 | RazorpayX | Startups/digital-first | Instant payouts, fintech banking | Competitive | Speed & contractor/gig handling |
| 5 | TankhaPay | MSMEs/multi-location/field | EOR, geo-facial attendance, NATS, managed services | ₹40–80 | All-in-one tech + expert services |
| 6 | PeopleStrong | Large orgs | Multi-country analytics | Custom | Enterprise depth |
| 7 | Zoho Payroll | Small/Zoho ecosystem | Simple integrations | Low | Affordability & ease |
| 8 | factoHR | SMEs/mid-sized | Biometric/customization | ₹50–100 | Field/remote focus |
| 9 | Darwinbox | Tech-forward enterprises | AI insights | Custom | Innovation |
| 10 | Quikchex | Outsourcing-focused | Tailored managed compliance | Custom | Expertise in complex scenarios |
How to Choose the Right Payroll Company in India in 2026
- Assess Business Size & Needs — Startups/SMEs: Affordable, quick-setup options like TankhaPay, Keka, greytHR, RazorpayX. Enterprises: ADP, PeopleStrong for scale.
- Software vs. Outsourcing — Pure SaaS (Keka, Zoho) for control; managed + EOR (TankhaPay, ADP) for hands-off compliance.
- Compliance Priority — With Labour Codes fully in force (uniform wages, gig coverage, state variations), prioritize auto-updates, alerts, and expert support.
- Special Requirements — Field/geo-tracking or apprentices: TankhaPay. Fintech speed: RazorpayX. Ecosystem: Zoho.
- Budget & Scalability — ₹35–180/emp common; factor in hidden fees, setup, and growth paths.
- Support & Trials — Check reviews, book demos, evaluate implementation speed and responsiveness.
The 2026 market emphasizes digital-first, compliant solutions amid code enforcement and workforce shifts. Providers like TankhaPay stand out for bridging software and services.
Conclusion
In 2026, the top 10 payroll companies in India provide diverse, powerful options to streamline operations, minimize risks, and support growth. Whether you’re in Lucknow managing multi-state teams or scaling nationwide, evaluate your pain points (e.g., compliance, field attendance, or disbursal speed) and trial top fits. A strong partner saves hours, reduces penalties, and boosts employee satisfaction—empowering your business to thrive.mployees happy rahenge, aur business grow karega.
