Overview
Looking for the best Zoho People alternatives for HR in 2025? You’re not alone.
While Zoho People is one of the most popular HR management systems, many growing businesses are now exploring other options that offer more flexibility, local compliance, automation, and support. Whether your focus is payroll, leave management, or employee engagement, the right HR software can save time, reduce errors, and improve productivity across the organization.
In this guide, we’ll compare the top 10 Zoho People alternatives — highlighting their strengths, features, pricing, and why HR leaders are switching in 2025.
Why Businesses Seek Zoho People Alternatives
Zoho People remains a solid HR tool, but certain limitations have driven HR professionals to explore alternatives:
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Limited customization for region-specific HR policies
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Complex interface for first-time users
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Scalability issues for mid-to-large enterprises
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Lack of localized payroll & compliance support in markets like the UAE
Modern HR tools offer better integration, simpler workflows, and tailored compliance essential for teams managing diverse workforces.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Zoho People Alternatives for HR
When comparing HR software, consider:
Core HR functions (attendance, leave, payroll, performance)
Cloud accessibility & mobile app support
Ease of use and customization
Local compliance (UAE labor laws, gratuity, WPS)
Cost-effectiveness and customer support
Top 10 Zoho People Alternatives for HR in 2025
| Rank | HR Software | Best For | Key Features | Starting Price (USD/month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MaxHR | All-in-one HR automation | Payroll, leave, WPS compliance, analytics | Custom |
| 2 | BambooHR | SMBs | Onboarding, time tracking, performance reviews | From $5.25/user |
| 3 | Keka HR | India & GCC markets | Payroll, attendance, HR analytics | From $3/user |
| 4 | Darwinbox | Enterprises | AI-driven HRMS, workflows, integrations | Custom pricing |
| 5 | Gusto | U.S.-based startups | Payroll, benefits, compliance | From $6/user |
| 6 | PeopleHum | Employee engagement | OKRs, performance reviews, automation | From $4/user |
| 7 | Namely | Growing SMBs | Payroll, HR, benefits admin | From $6/user |
| 8 | greytHR | Indian SMEs | Payroll, leave, compliance | From $3/user |
| 9 | Paycor | Mid-size teams | HR analytics, recruiting, onboarding | From $5/user |
| 10 | OrangeHRM | Open-source HRMS | Core HR, recruitment, custom modules | Free / Custom |
Why MaxHR Leads the List in 2025
Among all Zoho People alternatives for HR, MaxHR stands out for its balance of automation, compliance, and simplicity. Designed for businesses in the UAE and MENA region, MaxHR integrates local payroll laws (WPS, gratuity, GOSI) and automates HR workflows end-to-end.
Top features of MaxHR include:
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Automated payroll & WPS compliance
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Leave & attendance tracking with real-time analytics
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Built-in employee self-service (ESS)
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Integration with accounting and ERP tools
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AI-driven reporting dashboards
MaxHR helps HR teams save up to 60% of administrative time, enabling leaders to focus more on growth and less on manual HR tasks.
Feature Comparison Snapshot
| Feature | Zoho People | MaxHR | BambooHR | Darwinbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payroll & Compliance | Limited | ✅ WPS, UAE laws | ✅ | ✅ |
| Leave Management | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mobile App | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Local Support | ❌ | ✅ UAE-based | ❌ | ✅ |
| Automation & AI | Basic | ✅ Advanced | ✅ | ✅ |
| Starting Price | $2/user | $4/user | $5.25/user | Custom |
MaxHR’s advantage lies in local compliance automation and personalized support, which make it especially suitable for businesses across the Middle East and beyond.
Benefits of Exploring Zoho People Alternatives
Switching to a different HR system in 2025 offers measurable returns:
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Faster onboarding: Reduce manual work by 50%
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Payroll accuracy: Minimize compliance risks
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Improved employee experience: Self-service and mobile access
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Data-driven insights: Smart analytics for better decision-making
Companies that upgraded from Zoho People to newer HR systems like MaxHR reported an average ROI of 85% within the first year.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Zoho People alternative for HR depends on your business size, region, and goals. While Zoho People remains a reliable option, tools like MaxHR, BambooHR, and Darwinbox offer greater automation, compliance, and customization crucial for modern, agile HR teams.
If your current HR software feels limiting, 2025 is the perfect time to switch. Test a few demos, compare costs, and use an ROI calculator to measure potential savings. The right HR tool isn’t just about managing people — it’s about empowering growth.
FAQs: Zoho People Alternatives for HR
1. Why do businesses look for Zoho People alternatives?
Many organizations need more localized payroll, better customization, and easier scalability — areas where tools like MaxHR excel.
2. What are the top Zoho People alternatives for HR in 2025?
Leading options include MaxHR, BambooHR, Darwinbox, Keka HR, and PeopleHum.
3. Which HR software offers the best payroll compliance in the UAE?
MaxHR offers full WPS compliance, gratuity calculation, and UAE-specific HR automation.
4. How do I choose the best HRMS for my company?
Compare pricing, features, local compliance support, and user experience. Always request a demo.
5. Can I migrate my data from Zoho People easily?
Yes. Most HR software, including MaxHR, provides smooth data migration tools and onboarding support.
Last Updated Oct, 2025
