Top HR Software in India with Payroll, Attendance & ESS Features (2025 Guide)

Modern HR teams are expected to do more with fewer resources. Choosing a robust HR Software in India that offers integrated payroll, attendance, and ESS brings several advantages:

• Automated Compliance: PF, ESI, TDS and leave policies are auto-applied based on real-time attendance data.

• Employee Empowerment: Through ESS portals or apps, employees can mark attendance, apply for leave, and download payslips without depending on HR.

• Zero Redundancy: Data flows between payroll and attendance modules seamlesslyreducing errors and workload.

• Scalable Growth: Most top HR Software in India are modularallowing you to add performance, recruitment or training features as your team grows.

Criteria for Selection

We shortlisted the best HR Software in India based on:

1. Full Indian payroll compliance

2. Built-in or integrated attendance solutions (biometric, GPS or geofencing)

3. Reliable ESS interface (web/mobile)

4. Affordable pricing tiers

5. Good support and 2025-ready updates

Best HR Software in India (2025 Picks)

1. TankhaPay

TankhaPay is a rising player among HR Software in India, known for its simplicity, geotagged attendance, and strong payroll compliance. It is ideal for businesses with field staff or blue-collar workers. The app allows employees to download payslips, check PF/ESI details, and mark attendanceall through a simple ESS portal.

Best for: Contractors, distributed teams, and businesses needing quick PF/ESI setup.

2. Keka HR

Keka is one of the most intuitive HR Software in India designed for SMEs. It handles payroll, attendance, and leave management with a user-friendly interface. The mobile ESS app lets employees regularise attendance, apply for leave, and view salary slips on the go.

Best for: Indian SMEs needing a balance of simplicity, compliance, and modern design.

3. greytHR

greytHR is a mature and trusted name in the world of HR Software in India. With efficient payroll processing, leave tracking, and a rich ESS platform, it is perfect for companies that want reliable automation and lower costs.

Best for: Businesses with under 100 employees looking for low-cost automation.

4. Zoho People + Zoho Payroll

Zohos HR suite includes Zoho People (for attendance & leave) and Zoho Payroll (for Indian compliance). Together, they form one of the most flexible HR Software in India, especially for startups already using Zoho products.

Best for: Startups wanting modular HR features with Zoho ecosystem integration.

5. Pocket HRMS

Pocket HRMS features an AI chatbot and full-featured ESS portal where employees can apply for leave, check payslips, or resolve HR doubts in real time. It's an underrated gem among modern HR Software in India, especially with WhatsApp alerts and easy mobile access.

Best for: Companies looking for conversational AI and smart notifications.

6. Darwinbox

Darwinbox is an enterprise-grade HR Software in India that offers end-to-end HR automation. With advanced analytics, mobile-first ESS, and strong attendance integrations, it suits complex org structures.

Best for: Large companies looking for customization and deep analytics.

7. ZingHR

ZingHR is a cloud-first HR Software in India that combines GPS attendance, QR-code login, and digital onboarding. The ESS dashboard allows employees to access payslips, leave history, and expense claims with ease.

Best for: Mid-sized teams wanting automation and quick deployment.

8. SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is a global HCM giant, and its India-specific payroll suite is one of the most powerful HR Software in India for multinationals. ESS features include multilingual support, AI copilot, and advanced workflow approvals.

Best for: MNCs with large employee bases and cross-country operations.

Quick Recommendations: Which HR Software in India is Best for You?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the role of ESS in HR Software in India?
ESS enables employees to independently access their payslips, mark attendance, apply for leave, and manage documentsdirectly through mobile or web apps.

Q2. Are these HR tools safe for storing employee data?
Yes, most reputed HR Software in India follow strict data security standards like ISO 27001 and offer role-based access to prevent unauthorized use.

Q3. How do I choose the right HR Software?
Identify your team size, payroll complexity, and whether you need biometric or GPS attendance. Try free demos before finalizing.

Final Words

The need for efficient, all-in-one HR Software in India is growing fast. Whether youre a small business or a large enterprise, investing in software that integrates payroll, attendance, and ESS can simplify HR tasks, reduce compliance risk, and enhance employee satisfaction.