User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX): Is the platform intuitive? Can your HR team navigate tasks seamlessly?

Customer Support & Service: Availability, responsiveness, and the quality of support channels.

Feature Set & Functional Capabilities: Payroll management, attendance tracking, performance reviews, onboarding, employee engagement, analytics, and more.

Integration & Scalability: Can the software integrate with your existing tools? Does it grow with your organization?

Significantly improved UI: Reduces learning curves and enhances ease of use.

Richer, actionable analytics: Go beyond payroll and attendance insights.

‍

2. BambooHR

‍

BambooHR is a popular HR software that appeals largely to small to medium-sized businesses. Its design philosophy centers around simplicity and strong core HR functions.

‍

 Strengths:  

‍

Ideal For  

Companies looking for no-fuss, reliable HR software that covers recruitment, onboarding, and basic employee lifecycle management without overwhelming complexity.

Pricing: Starts at $5.25 per employee per month.

‍

3. Zoho People

‍

Part of the expansive Zoho suite, Zoho People is known for strong customization and automation capabilities. Its power lies in building flexible workflows tailored to unique organizational processes.

‍

Strengths:  

‍

Ideal For  

Organizations already within the Zoho ecosystem or companies needing highly customizable HR solutions with integrated automation.

Pricing: Starts at ₹60 per employee per month.

‍

4. OrangeHRM

For businesses prioritizing cost efficiency and control, OrangeHRM presents an open-source alternative with strong customization options and the ability to operate onpremises.

‍

 Strengths:  

‍

 Ideal For  

Companies wanting open-source or on-premises deployments with complete control over customization and data security.

Pricing: Free for the open-source version; paid plans start at $5 per employee per month.

‍

5. Freshteam by Freshworks

‍

Freshteam combines intuitive recruitment tools with employee management, delivered via a clean and collaborative platform. It is part of the Freshworks suite, known for excellent customer engagement solutions.

Strengths:  

‍

Ideal For  

Growing teams focusing on recruitment efficiency and employee lifecycle with a seamless user experience integrated in the Freshworks ecosystem.

Pricing: Free plan available for up to 50 employees; paid plans start at ₹89 per employee per month.

‍

‍

How to Choose the Right Keka Alternative for Your HR Team

Picking the best HRMS depends heavily on your company’s unique context and strategic goals. Here’s a quick guide:

Assess Company Size & Growth Trajectory: Startups and SMBs might prefer lighter systems like BambooHR or Freshteam, whereas midsize and large enterprises could benefit from peopleHum or Zoho People.  

Identify Must have Features: Distinguish between essential modules and nice to have extras—such as advanced analytics, AI features, or employee engagement tools.  

Prioritize User Experience: The HR admin’s and endusers’ daily experience matters. Choose platforms with smooth onboarding and intuitive interface to boost adoption.  

Consider Customer Support & Customization: Is support timely and helpful? Can the platform adapt as your business evolves?  

Evaluate Budget & ROI: Look beyond upfront costs. Consider longterm value in time saved, error reduction, employee satisfaction, and strategic insights.

‍

Conclusion

Exploring alternatives to Keka isn’t just about swapping software; it’s about empowering your HR team with tools that foster better employee experiences, streamline workflows, and unlock actionable insights. In 2025, the bar for HR software is higher than ever. That’s why platforms like peopleHum are leading the pack with unmatched UI excellence, proactive support, and advanced functionalities that go beyond traditional HRMS capabilities.

If you’re ready to take your HR management to the next level, peopleHum offers a compelling blend of innovation and usability designed specifically for today’s dynamic workforce.

‍

FAQs

1. Why should I consider switching from Keka to an alternative HR platform?‍

While Keka offers a solid foundation, many businesses outgrow its limited flexibility or need more intuitive interfaces and stronger automation. Switching to a modern alternative can offer better integration, improved workflows, and features tailored for scaling teams or multi-country operations.

2. What features should a good Keka alternative offer for growing businesses?‍

A strong alternative should include end-to-end HR functions like payroll, attendance, recruitment, performance management, and engagement tools—all in one place. It should also support modular upgrades so you can expand without overwhelming your current setup.

3. Are Keka alternatives more affordable for startups and SMEs?‍

Yes, many Keka alternatives offer flexible, modular pricing that’s budget-friendly for startups and small teams. You can start with essential features and only pay for what you actually use—unlike rigid bundled pricing that scales your costs unnecessarily.

4. Can I migrate my HR data easily from Keka to a new platform?‍

Most leading platforms offer smooth data migration with dedicated onboarding support. Whether it’s employee records, payroll history, or timesheets, transitioning from Keka to a new tool doesn’t have to mean starting over—it’s usually handled in a few guided steps.

5. Do Keka alternatives offer better customer support or service responsiveness?‍

Several alternatives prioritize customer experience by offering faster SLAs, 24/7 chat support, and region-specific support teams. If you’ve ever faced delays or ticket backlogs with Keka, it may be time to switch to a more responsive HR tech partner.

6. How do alternatives compare in terms of mobile functionality and remote access?‍

The best alternatives are mobile-first, with powerful apps that let employees apply for leave, view payslips, or check-in remotely. HR teams can approve workflows, run reports, and manage compliance on the go—something Keka users often find limiting.

7. Will I get better analytics and reporting features with a different HR tool?‍

Absolutely. Leading platforms like peopleHum offer real-time dashboards, visualized KPIs, and predictive analytics to help you make faster, smarter HR decisions. Unlike basic reports, these insights are built for strategic planning—not just record-keeping.

‍

‍

‍