Tired of HR software that promises everything but delivers clutter, confusion, and steep learning curves? I was, too. That’s what led me to take a hard look at Zoho People, a popular name in the space, and stack it up against newer, faster-moving alternatives like Thrivea.
In this Zoho People review, I break down exactly what this platform does well, where it falls short, and how it compares to other tools in 2025.
Zoho People overview
Zoho People is part of the broader Zoho ecosystem, a suite of business apps made by Zoho Corporation. It’s a cloud-based HR software that helps me handle everything from attendance tracking and leave to performance management and training. I didn’t need separate tools for different HR operations anymore. That’s one of the things that drew me to it.
At its core, Zoho People gives me a centralized way to manage employee data, track working hours, and run evaluations. I started with the Essential HR plan, which includes basic attendance and document management, then explored other modules as my needs grew.
What stood out to me early on:
- It’s part of Zoho One, so I could connect it with Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, Zoho Recruit, and even Zoho Projects easily.
- It has both web and mobile apps, which makes it convenient for remote teams.
- It supports GDPR compliance, which gave me peace of mind about handling employee information securely.
The platform is very modular. I only activated the parts I needed, like the learning management system and performance appraisal tools. Everything else stayed off until I was ready. This kept things simple and helped me focus on just what mattered for my HR team.
I also appreciated how much of the HR process could be automated and all handled without chasing people: notifications, approvals, and reminders. That’s a big deal if, like me, you want to minimize manual admin work and focus more on improving employee performance.
Zoho People pros
After using Zoho People and digging into its capabilities, I found several clear strengths that make it a strong HR management tool, especially for small to mid-sized companies.
- Wide range of features without add-ons: Most tools I tested required paying extra for core modules like attendance management, performance reviews, or a learning management system. With Zoho People, I got access to a lot upfront, even on lower-tier plans like Essential HR. That saved me time and budget.
- Highly customizable: I could tweak workflows, build custom forms, and even script rules using Deluge. It adapted to how I run my HR operations, instead of forcing me into a rigid structure. This flexibility isn’t common at this price point.
- Smooth integrations: Because it’s built by Zoho Corporation Pvt, it connects well with other Zoho apps. I linked it to Zoho CRM for client data, Zoho Projects for time tracking, and Zoho Payroll for salary workflows. Outside Zoho, tools like Office 365 and Slack worked without issues.
- Strong employee self-service: Employees handled their own updates, leave requests, and attendance tracking through the app. That reduced workload for the HR team and sped up approvals.
- Affordable, scalable pricing: Compared to most Zoho People alternatives, the cost per user was low. The plans are designed to grow with my team, there is no pressure to jump into enterprise pricing too early. Plus, the free trial gave me enough time to test before committing.
- Helpful automation: Once I set up automated alerts and approval chains, most repetitive HR process tasks ran without my involvement. That gave me back hours each week.
- Comprehensive reporting: From performance appraisal scores to attendance breakdowns, the built-in dashboards gave me quick insights. I used these during our continuous review cycles to track trends and spot issues.
- Good customer support: While it’s mostly handled via email or tickets, responses were reliable and detailed. For setup questions or minor bugs, I usually got useful answers within a day.
- Secure and compliant: Data security was strong, and the platform met GDPR compliance standards. I felt confident storing sensitive human resource info inside.
- Part of a full suite: If you’re already in the Zoho One world, this fits right in. Using it alongside other Zoho tools gave me one connected ecosystem to manage people, projects, and finances.
Zoho People cons
Even though Zoho People covers a lot, there are clear areas where it could do better. I ran into a few frustrations that others might want to consider before diving in.
- Initial setup is not beginner-friendly: The first time I opened the admin panel, I felt overwhelmed. There are dozens of settings and customization options, which are powerful but can be confusing without a solid plan. If you don’t already know what your HR process looks like, the setup phase becomes a slow trial-and-error game.
- Mobile app feels limited: I tried handling approvals and edits on the go, but some features just weren’t available in the app. For example, editing timesheets or viewing certain reports required switching back to the web interface. That cut into the flexibility I expected.
- User interface is clunky in parts: The design is clean, but not always intuitive. I had to dig through multiple menus to find some common options. Compared to other HR software I tested, Zoho People sometimes felt more like a database than a streamlined tool.
- Support isn’t live: While the customer support team was helpful, it’s all ticket-based. That meant no live chat or phone support unless I paid for premium assistance. When I hit roadblocks during onboarding, I had to wait hours (sometimes a full day) for resolution.
- Reporting could be more flexible: Out-of-the-box reports worked fine for basic summaries, but building custom dashboards took longer than it should have. I often wished there were templates or easier filtering tools to generate insights without pulling in external help or linking to Zoho Books or Zoho Analytics.
- Some modules feel underdeveloped: While the platform offers a learning management system and an HR help desk, they don’t feel as polished as the core modules like attendance and performance management. I ran into a few bugs and awkward flows that made me wonder if these newer features are still in progress.
- Too many tools locked behind tiers: Features like Zoho People integrations with payroll or the full performance review cycle are only in the top plans. For small teams, that means either upgrading early or missing out on key parts of the Zoho People key features set.
- Requires buy-in to the Zoho ecosystem: Using Zoho People with other Zoho tools like Zoho Payroll, Zoho Recruit, or Zoho Schools worked well, but when I tried connecting it to external platforms not on the official list, it took more effort than expected.
If someone’s used to sleek plug-and-play tools, this one may feel a bit too technical at first. It rewards you later with flexibility, but the learning curve is real.
Zoho People features
Zoho People packs a wide mix of modules aimed at simplifying HR management. What stood out to me is how many core functions are built into one system, without needing separate logins or third-party tools.
Here’s what I actually used and tested:
Core HR and employee database
This is where I manage all employee records, like personal info, job details, IDs, and documents. It acts as the central hub for all human resource data. I organized employees by department and location, set up hierarchies, and used the built-in document management system to store contracts and policy forms. All edits are logged, which helps with audits and GDPR compliance.
Attendance management
Attendance tracking is handled through web, mobile, or biometric input. I used geo-fencing to make sure check-ins only happened in approved locations. You can set up shift rules, track overtime, and monitor real-time attendance. There’s also an approval workflow for missed punches or corrections.
Leave management
I created custom leave types (vacation, sick, maternity) and assigned different rules for each. Accruals, carryovers, and blackout dates are supported. Leave balances are shown to employees, and managers can approve or reject requests via email or app. All of this ties into payroll systems like Zoho Payroll or external ones.
Time tracking and timesheets
I assigned hours to projects or clients using the built-in timesheet module. Employees submitted weekly logs, and I could approve or reject entries. The data connected with Zoho Projects and Zoho Books, which helped with billing and cost tracking.
Performance management
This is where I tracked employee performance over time. I set goals, linked them to performance appraisal cycles, and collected 360-degree feedback. It also includes skill tracking, journaling, and goal progress monitoring. During our continuous review periods, these tools helped guide raises and promotions.
Learning management system
I built internal courses and training modules to support development. Lessons included PDFs, videos, quizzes, and live sessions (linked with Zoho Meeting). Completion rates and scores are tracked, and completed courses can automatically update skill sets.
HR case management (Help desk)
Employees submitted requests and HR-related issues through a ticketing system. I assigned tickets to specific agents, added SLAs, and monitored resolution times. It’s structured like an IT help desk, but tailored for HR and ideal for handling FAQs or policy clarifications.
Onboarding and offboarding
I set up checklists for both joining and exiting. These included document submissions, welcome sessions, asset allocation, and clearance steps. When paired with Zoho Recruit, I could turn a hire into an employee record with one click.
Employee self-service
Through the self-service portal, employees updated personal data, checked attendance, applied for leave, viewed policies, and downloaded payslips. This drastically reduced minor requests hitting the HR team.
Workflow automation
I used rules to trigger actions like alerts, task assignments, and record updates. For example, when someone joined, a full HR process kicked off: emails to IT, asset tracking, and policy distribution. This minimized manual follow-up and ensured compliance.
Reports and analytics
The platform offers built-in reports for attendance, leave, timesheets, and employee performance. With Zoho Analytics, I created deeper dashboards showing trends over time. These insights supported our review period decisions and headcount planning.
Integrations
Zoho People integrations span both native Zoho apps and third-party platforms. I linked it with Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, Zoho Payroll, and even Slack. If a direct connection didn’t exist, I used APIs or Zapier for custom workflows.
Each of these features worked well individually, but what made a real impact was how smoothly they connected. It let me manage people, tasks, and time without jumping between systems.
Zoho People reviews
Most Zoho People reviews I read (and my own experience) point to a platform that’s flexible, full-featured, and affordable, especially for small to midsize teams. That said, it’s not without tradeoffs.
From Software Advice and G2, I noticed that verified ratings consistently fall between 4.2 and 4.5 out of 5. Common themes in user feedback:
Positive:
- Easy, intuitive interface: As one reviewer noted, “I liked most how intuitive it is to use, no training whatsoever was needed for new employees to get them started using Zoho People.” This ease of use means even new team members can adopt the system quickly without extensive guidance.
- All-in-one HR platform: One G2 reviewer said, “I love how I can check in/out, track leave, view balances, and submit requests all in one place. No paperwork or confusion — everything is digital and smooth.” This all-in-one approach eliminates the need for separate tools, making HR processes more efficient and transparent across the company.
- Effective time and leave management: Several users highlight Zoho People’s attendance and leave tracking capabilities. For example, a Capterra review mentions that “Leave tracking and check in check out features… [are] best because… it is easy for us to track the status of employees.”
- Seamless integration with other tools: Reviewers have found value in Zoho People’s ability to connect with the broader Zoho ecosystem and beyond. One user described it as a “simple and efficient HRMS platform with a seamless integration capability across Zoho’s product ecosystem (Zoho CRM, Zoho Payroll, etc.)”. This reduces manual data entry and improves overall HR workflow.
- Mobile access and self-service convenience: Zoho People offers flexibility through its mobile app and employee self-service portal. As a user pointed out, “We can use this application on any device, which is very helpful.” Whether on a computer or smartphone, employees can check in, request leave, or update information on the go.
Negative:
- Mobile app performance issues: A common complaint is that the Zoho People mobile application isn’t as polished as the web version; it can be slow or prone to performance issues. One user wrote, “The mobile application is a bit outdated and lags a lot.”
- Cluttered or non-intuitive UI for some features: Despite generally being user-friendly, parts of the interface can overwhelm new users. A G2 reviewer noted that “at times, the interface can feel slightly cluttered and it takes a little while to get used to navigating through all the features… it can feel overwhelming in the beginning.”
- Customization and advanced features can be difficult: One reviewer mentioned that “customizing reports can be difficult, and users may need to rely on outside tools or software to generate more complex reports.” In practice, this means companies with unique requirements might struggle with the built-in customization options and might require technical help or external tools to get the reports or integrations they want.
- Customer support shortcomings: A few users report dissatisfaction with Zoho’s support responsiveness. For instance, a Capterra reviewer complained, “No support and when you are in need of help you cannot get it.”
- Pricing for advanced needs: One user observed that “the pricing can be a bit steep, especially for smaller businesses… Additionally, some of the more advanced features may require an additional fee, which can add up quickly.” This indicates that while Zoho People is affordable at base, scaling up with add-ons or higher tiers could strain budgets, particularly for startups or those with extensive customization and integration needs.
Many reviewers also liked that Zoho keeps adding improvements regularly, which is rare for HR tools at this price point. I saw mentions of fast updates and the addition of new tools like employee satisfaction surveys and a better performance management interface.
A verified user from a tech firm summed it up well: “It’s not plug-and-play, but once you shape it around your org, it’s better than anything twice the cost.”
If you already use tools like Zoho Books or Zoho CRM, the feedback suggests Zoho People is a natural extension. But if you’re coming from simpler platforms or want something with fewer knobs to turn, the learning curve can be a blocker.
Zoho People pricing
Zoho People pricing is structured to scale with team size and feature needs. I found it to be one of the most affordable options in the HR software category, especially for companies that want strong features without committing to enterprise budgets.
There are five main plans:
- Free: For up to 5 users. Includes basic employee records, leave tracking, and self-service. Useful if you’re just getting started or testing the system.
- Essential HR: €1,25/user/month (annual billing). Adds attendance tracking, basic workflows, and employee directory tools.
- Professional: €2.00/user/month. Unlocks shift scheduling, timesheets, Zoho Projects integration, and advanced attendance policies.
- Premium: €3.00/user/month. Adds performance management, employee engagement surveys, Zoho Analytics, and custom roles.
- Enterprise: €4.50/user/month. This is what I used to test the full stack: HR help desk, learning management system, sandbox testing, and deeper customization.
There’s also Zoho People Plus at which bundles People with Zoho Recruit, Zoho Payroll, Zoho Books, and other apps in the Zoho ecosystem. Its price is €4 for Premium or €9 for Enterprise plans (per user/month).
I started on the free trial (15 days) and moved to Premium once I needed advanced review tools. Pricing stayed transparent, without hidden fees or forced upgrades mid-cycle. But be aware: certain extras like more custom forms, storage, or full Zoho Payroll in specific regions can add cost.
If you’re already using Zoho One, Zoho People is included, making it a smart move to consolidate systems. Overall, I found the value-to-cost ratio solid, especially compared to more locked-down or overpriced Zoho People alternatives.
Thrivea: Zoho People alternative No. 1
If you’re looking for a clean, fast alternative to Zoho People, Thrivea is the most focused, efficient option I’ve tested. It strips out the clutter, delivers only what teams actually need, and skips the bloated interfaces that often make Zoho feel dated. For lean HR teams, fast-moving startups, or companies tired of configuring dozens of modules, Thrivea offers a clearer path forward.
What sets Thrivea apart?
1. Built for clarity, not complexity
Unlike Zoho People, which spreads across dozens of features (some of which feel half-baked or under-documented), Thrivea delivers a tight, well-integrated core of HR software essentials. I didn’t waste time hunting settings or toggling through side menus. Everything — employee records, documents, PTO tracking, performance reviews — sits in one clean interface
2. Free core HR plan with no friction
Thrivea’s Core HR version is always free. That includes:
- Full employee directory and record management
- Record management and e-signatures
- Org charts, roles, and teams
- Reports & dashboards
- Unlimited workflow automation
This is not a freemium teaser—there’s no credit card required, no data caps, and no countdown to upgrade pressure. Zoho, in contrast, locks key modules like performance or onboarding behind higher-paid tiers.
3. No-code workflow automation
Thrivea’s most unique strength is its drag-and-drop HR workflow automation. I built onboarding pipelines, policy update approvals, and offboarding sequences using visual boards—no scripts, no IT. The platform includes:
- Task dependencies
- Reviewer flows
- Commenting and mentions
- Auto-updating dashboards
Zoho People technically offers similar automation through Deluge scripting—but it’s complex, harder to test, and almost always requires outside help.
4. Modern performance management
Thrivea’s performance management module is built for modern cycles. It includes:
- Continuous review options (monthly, quarterly, etc.)
- Goal tracking and visibility
- Private or shared feedback
- Custom scoring models
Zoho’s version is more traditional—form-driven, less flexible, and nested deep in a submodule structure. For real-time feedback culture, Thrivea’s setup made more sense to me
5. Smart PTO tracking
Instead of emailing requests or checking spreadsheets, I used Thrivea’s time-off planner. It’s integrated with calendars, policy rules, and approvals. Employees see accruals and history instantly. Zoho’s PTO tool works, but I found it harder to configure for smaller teams without running into policy setup errors or needing admin overrides.
6. Real integrations, minimal overhead
Thrivea connects out-of-the-box with recruiting, payroll, and benefits tools. For custom stacks, it offers an open API and webhooks. With Zoho, integrations work best if you stay fully inside the Zoho ecosystem. If you’re using outside vendors, Thrivea plays more nicely.
7. Transparent pricing and support
Every Thrivea feature and limit is published. No surprise paywalls, no nested feature trees. Support is available via chat and email, and I didn’t need to upgrade to get clear answers. Zoho’s support was slower, and documentation often lagged behind new updates.
Bottom line: Thrivea doesn’t try to be everything. It tries to be fast, understandable, and functional across the most-used HR operations—and it succeeds. Compared to Zoho People, Thrivea cut my admin time by at least half. If I were choosing today, for speed, modern design, and zero-bloat HR software, Thrivea would be my first pick.
Zoho People alternatives
If I had to name one standout, Thrivea would be the go-to for speed, clarity, and simplicity—especially compared to more layered tools like Zoho People. But it’s far from your only choice. The right alternative really depends on what your team values most: payroll depth, ease of use, compliance coverage, or automation power.
Some of the most popular options worth considering:
Each one leans into different strengths:
- Gusto is strong in US payroll and benefits
- Rippling shines with IT automation and device management
- BambooHR has a smoother UI and built-in ATS
- Deel handles global contractors and compliance well
All of these offer solid HR software capabilities. Your best match will come down to priorities, team size, and how deeply you want to customize your HR process.
TL;DR: Why should you choose Thrivea over Zoho People?
|
Feature |
Zoho People |
Thrivea |
| Starting price | Free for up to 5 users, paid plans from $1.25/user | Free forever tier with instant access |
| Plan structure | Tiered pricing; some features locked in higher tiers | Modular add-ons with clear activation; no bundled bloat |
| Usability | Functional but dated UI; setup can be overwhelming | Built for non-tech users; 3-min setup, no IT, no-code automation |
| Transparency | Pricing is listed, but the upgrade path gets confusing | Transparent module breakdown; upgrade path is clear |
| Ideal users | SMBs to large orgs with internal IT or admins | SMBs and scaling teams building HR operations step-by-step |
| Compliance support | GDPR; other standards depend on region or add-ons | SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR built in from day one |
| Performance reviews | Included on Premium plan and above | Optional add-on with free trial; activate only when ready |
If you’re ready to move away from rigid pricing tiers, dated interfaces, or overly complex configurations, Thrivea is a clean, modern alternative to Zoho People.
Start free with Core HR. Add what you need, only when you need it. And finally, manage your HR processes with clarity, speed, and zero hidden costs.
Zoho People: decision time!
So, is Zoho People worth it? If you’re looking for a broad, modular HR software system that connects smoothly with the full Zoho ecosystem, it definitely covers the bases. You’ll get performance management, attendance tracking, document management, and more. For teams already using Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, or Zoho Payroll, it can be a natural fit.
But there’s a real learning curve. Setup isn’t plug-and-play, and if you’re not already deep into Zoho’s world, getting everything to click can take time. Some features feel over-engineered, others are locked behind upper-tier plans. And while pricing is published, the upgrade path can get murky fast.
That’s where Thrivea stands out. It cuts the bloat, delivers the core (employee records, PTO, workflows, reviews) in a clean UI, and scales only when you need it. No gated pricing, no tech barriers, no guesswork.
If you want speed, transparency, and control without overhead, Thrivea is where I’d start. Book a demo today and see exactly how it works before spending a cent.
