How much does HRMS software cost in India? The pricing models explained
Per-employee subscriptions, one-time setup, or a custom build: how each HR software pricing model works, what drives the cost, and what to compare.
By the StackBridge Labs team · Published · Last reviewed · 2 min read
We build and sell some of the software and services mentioned in our guides, and we say so where it applies.
There is no single price for HR software, because vendors charge in different ways. Comparing a monthly per-user fee with a one-time setup is only fair if you look at the total over several years. This guide explains the common models and what pushes the price up or down.
The three common pricing models
| Model | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription per employee | A monthly fee for each employee, usually per module | Teams that want no setup and are happy to rent | The bill grows with headcount, and leaving means migrating your data |
| One-time setup plus hosting | You pay once to deploy and configure, then a smaller fee for hosting and support if you want it | Companies that want to own the system and keep long-term cost predictable | You need a vendor who will support it after launch |
| Custom build | A system written around your process, priced by scope | Unusual processes no product covers | Highest cost and longest timeline; scope needs to be controlled |
What drives the price
- Number of employees, which mainly matters in per-user pricing
- Modules you switch on: payroll and recruitment usually cost more than attendance and leave
- Customization: your own approval chains, salary structures and reports
- Integrations: biometric devices, accounting software, WhatsApp notifications
- Hosting: shared cloud, your own cloud account, or your own server
- Support: updates, fixes and training, and how long they are included
Costs people forget
- Moving your existing employee data in
- Training HR and managers
- Biometric hardware, if you do not already have it
- Annual price increases on subscriptions
- Extra fees for exports, API access or additional storage
A fair way to compare
- List the modules you need now and the ones you will need within a year.
- Ask every vendor for a three-year total, not the headline price.
- Include hosting, support and training in each figure.
- Check what you can take with you if you leave.
Where SBL HR sits
SBL HR uses the one-time setup model. The listed plans are ₹39,999 for a standard setup, ₹79,999 for a fully customized setup with recruitment and performance modules, and ₹1,49,999 for an enterprise setup. Managed cloud hosting and maintenance is optional at ₹3,000 per month. The product page lists exactly what each plan includes, and customization beyond a plan is quoted separately. For a side-by-side view of every product, see pricing.