The right HR software solution gives you all the tools you need to streamline your HR processes, put your employee experience front and center, effectively attract and retain top talent, and more. Check out these 9 best free HR software solutions and find your perfect fit.
In today’s dynamic environment, HR teams have the vital role of finding effective and creative ways to attract and retain top talent.
HR software solutions enable you to easily do exactly that and more – from creating a positive workplace culture, boosting employee engagement, and fostering employee growth to providing real-time measurable data and insights to continuously improve HR processes. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
What better place to start than this list of the best free HR software? Find one that suits you best and try it out!
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one free HR software
Learn more -
Good for applicant tracking
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Good for customer relationship management
What to Look For in a Free HR Software Solution
An effective HR software solution will have tools that can help employees improve their work life and productivity. Additionally, it should be something you can work with as your business grows.
You can find such a tool by considering the following factors:
User-friendly: engage employees with an intuitive system
Scalable: scalable enough to meet future growth needs
Customizable: software that can be customized to reflect your company values
Communication: a teamwork environment requires collaboration
Milestones/ Timelines: track employee development, performance, and needs
Training: invest in upskilling and training your employees so they are ready for the job
Use this as a guide to find the HR software solution that works best for you and your team.
The 9 Best Free HR Software Solutions of 2023
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one free HR software
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Kicking off our list is Connecteam: the best free HR people management software, available on mobile and desktop and designed especially for HR managers who work with non-desk and frontline employees. It gives you all the tools you need to train and onboard employees, manage HR documents, send them recognition and rewards, monitor every step of their employment, and manage all documentation in one place.
In addition, Connecteam offers excellent customer service, a user-friendly interface, and a highly customizable platform that can be adjusted to suit your unique business needs.
To give you a clear understanding of its capabilities, we’ve detailed below how you can use them to enhance your daily tasks.
Training & onboarding
Connecteam allows you to create and deliver onboarding and ongoing professional development training sessions right to your staff’s mobile devices. You can divide your courses into bite-sized sections for easier learning and include training material in any format with PDFs, videos, quizzes, and more. You can also add a quiz to test your employees’ understanding of the material. You maintain a clear overview of your employees’ performance, progress, and course completion from your admin dashboard.
Recognition & rewards
You can put your employees front and center with digital recognition, badges, and words of gratitude. You can recognize individuals privately or share it to your company feed to have your employees join in on the excitement. You also have the option to reward and motivate your staff with tokens they can exchange for their favorite gift cards.
Opportunities to celebrate are endless! Welcome new hires or recognize current employees for their efforts, share personal milestones like anniversaries, create an employee spotlight, and allow employees to nominate their peers for awards.
You might also want to visit Connecteam’s Recognition & rewards page
HR document management
The documents feature allows you to digitize your file cabinet. It enables you to manage and keep track of all employee documentation – such as licenses, W4 forms, and certificates – in one secure and organized location. You can easily send employees document requests, which they can then upload to the app from their mobile phones. So no more time-consuming manual paperwork.
Employee timeline
The employee timeline feature gives you a clear overview of each staff member’s previous and upcoming employment milestones, such as annual reviews, salary raises, and training courses. This helps you better evaluate your employees and plan your decision-making accordingly.
Quizzes
The quizzes feature allows you to create fully customizable quizzes on any given topic for your employees’ to complete, even while on the go. Receive your employees’ answers instantly, assess their knowledge, and provide instant feedback from one place.
Communication & engagement
In addition, Connecteam offers a wide range of communication features that help enhance transparency, engage and make employees feel heard, and foster a positive and collaborative work environment. These features include company updates on a social feed, an in-app chat, live polls and surveys, events, and an employee directory.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Get Started Now!
Key Features
Pros
Intuitive and easy to use
All-in-one solution
Great customer support
Budget-friendly
Cons
More integrations in development
Pricing
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users Free 14-day trial Free plan available
Try Out The Best HR Software!
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Bamboo HR — Good for applicant tracking
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR management software solution for small and midsize businesses. BambooHR offers small and growing companies a human resource information system (HRIS) that includes an applicant tracking system (ATS), time tracking, payroll processing, benefits administration, employee engagement and employee satisfaction tools, automated reminders, and workforce data analytics to manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
Learn more about Bamboo HRKey Features
- Background Checks
- Assessments
- Candidate Tracking
- Internal HR
- Interview Scheduling
- Job Posting
- Onboarding
- Self Service Portal
Pros
- Good customer support
- Simple employee adaptation
Cons
- Not as many features as other HR software, according to reviews
- Reporting features could be more robust
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Bitrix24 — Good for customer relationship management
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Bitrix24 is an HR software solution with a free version that works for businesses of all sizes. It includes apps for customer relationship management (CRM), contact center management, website management, and human resource management, but you can use the HR app separately.
The free HR app lets you add up to 12 users free of charge and includes an employee directory, time tracking, leave management, calendars, recruiting features, and document management features. Bitrix24 is available in the cloud and on-premise with open source code access.
Learn more about Bitrix24Key Features
- Cataloging/Categorization
- Collaboration
- Decision Tree
- Discussion Boards
- Full-Text Search
- Knowledge Base Management
Pros
- Good for collaboration
- Helpful reports per project
Cons
- Slow response time from customer support
- Reviewers complain that pricing is not as transparent as what is listed on the website
Pricing
Starts at $61/month, for 5 users Trial: No Free Plan: Yes
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OrangeHRM — Good for peer appraisals
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
OrangeHRM is a free HR software solution that works well for small and midsize businesses and is available in two versions: cloud-based and open source.
The open-source version is available for free and includes employee records, leave management, time and attendance management, recruiting, performance management, expense tracking, compliance management, and document management functionalities.
This HR software solution is offered in three packages, including free software for very small businesses and two premium paid plans for larger companies.
Learn more about OrangeHRMKey Features
- 360 Degree Feedback
- Applicant Tracking
- Benefits Management
- Employee Database
- Onboarding
- Performance Management
- Recruitment Management
- Self Service Portal
- Time & Attendance Management
- Time Off Management
Pros
- User friendly
- Navigating the platform is simple
Cons
- Reviewers complain it is expensive
- Time tracker doesn’t always save the data
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: Yes
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WebHR — Good for small companies
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
WebHR is a cloud-based free HR software that is designed to deal with “everything from hire to retire”. Its free version supports up to five users and includes time and attendance tracking, employee records, onboarding, leave tracking, file management, employee self-service, and dashboard functionalities.
Learn more about WebHRKey Features
- Document Management
- E-Verify/I-9 Forms
- Electronic Forms
- Electronic Signature
- Employee Handbook
- Job Description
- Management Orientation
- Workflow Management
- Self Service Portal
- Task Management
Pros
- Many features
- Simple user interface
Cons
- Takes a long time to set up
- Reviewers complain of bugs
Pricing
Starts at $2/user/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Zoho People — Good for companies that use all Zoho platforms
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Zoho People is a cloud-based free HR software solution for businesses of all sizes. Its free version lets you add up to five employees and includes an employee database, self-service features, onboarding, and leave management. However, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan for more features. This HR software lets you manage all your HR and benefits programs from a central location, making it easier to attract, retain and reward top talent.
Learn more about Zoho PeopleKey Features
- 360 Degree Feedback
- Applicant Tracking
- Benefits Management
- Compensation Management
- Employee Database
- Employee Profiles
- Onboarding
- Payroll Management
- Performance Management
- Recruitment Management
- Time & Attendance Management
- Time Off Management
Pros
- Integrates with other Zoho platforms seamlessly
- Good user interface
Cons
- Mobile version isn’t as robust
- Customer support isn’t as responsive as reviewers would like
Pricing
Starts at $1/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Humi — Good for managing employee benefits
Available on
- Web
- iOS
Humi is a Canadian free HR software that also includes payroll and benefits. Humi is software for the HR needs of small to medium-sized businesses, such as employee onboarding, time off, and payroll management. Humi also allows benefits and flexible plans management capabilities.
A performance appraisal module of this HR app allows managers to assess employees’ performance over a specific period of time and empowers organizations to build their own appraisal process.
Learn more about HumiKey Features
- 360 Degree Feedback
- Applicant Tracking
- Benefits Management
- Compensation Management
- Employee Database
- Employee Profiles
- Onboarding
- Payroll Management
- Performance Management
- Recruitment Management
Pros
- Easy to use
- Past employees can log in for tax documents
Cons
- Unresponsive customer support
- No clock in/out ability for employees
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Apptivo — Good for a variety of third-party integrations
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Apptivo is a CRM software that comes with a free version and offers a variety of HR apps included. The HR solutions of this software include employee data management, vacation tracking, recruitment, and team communication. These features allow this flexible piece of software to provide a basic HR software solution that can meet most businesses’ needs for free.
Besides, there are modules for reports and steady standard support for the free plan.
Learn more about ApptivoKey Features
- Employee Data Management
- Vacation Tracking
- Recruitment Flows
- Team Communication
Pros
- Easy to use
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Doesn’t integrate seamlessly with third-party apps
- Not as easily customizable as other HR software
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Teamdeck — Good for time tracking
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Teamdeck is another free HR software solution supporting resource scheduling, time tracking, leave management, and availability management. Teamdeck gives users visibility into their production pipeline, allowing them to forecast available employees accurately and plan work accordingly.
This HR software solution lets users share insights with clients or stakeholders by exporting timesheets and reports. As an HR manager, you can track employee vacations, employee’s hourly availability, and manage time-off requests.
Learn more about TeamdeckKey Features
- Utilization Management
- Production Pipeline Visibility
- Absence Type Management
- Public Holiday Management
- Absence Management
- Team Utilization Monitoring
- Assignment Management
- Resource Management
Pros
- Easy to integrate with existing systems
- Simple to use
Cons
- Slow loading time
- Inaccurate reporting
Pricing
Starts at $1/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
Compare the Best Free HR Software Solutions
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| Reviews |
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| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $61/month, for 5 users
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $2/user/month
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Starts at $1/user/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $8/user/month
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Starts at $1/user/month
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
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no
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no
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no
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yes
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yes
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yes
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yes
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| Free Plan |
yes
Up to 30 users
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no
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yes
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yes
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no
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yes
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yes
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yes
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no
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What is HR software?
HR software is a way to optimize and manage HR daily tasks and the overall goals of the HR department. HR software uses features to keep employees engaged and connected. These types of features could be anything from recognition to communication features.
There are many types of HR software, including applicant tracking, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, and human resource information systems. Each solution can be a separate type of HR software or can be combined for an all-in-one HR solution.
HR is also responsible for onboarding employees, including employee documentation. HR software digitizes all documentation, so storing, finding, and signing is simple. HR software can create onboarding courses so employees can complete the course directly through the software.
How does free HR software work?
HR software keeps employee information easily accessible and secure, keeps employees engaged, and creates data-driven reports.
Many free HR solutions also handle daily operations, including onboarding and task management. Onboarding courses can be created, and quizzes can even be automatically administered at the end of every section to verify the employee retains the most important information. Task management is possible using free HR software to ensure managers are aware of the status of projects. Task management can also be automated for repeating tasks.
Some other functions of free HR software include a timeline to recognize employee milestones, promotions, and accomplishments. The timeline encourages employee engagement and promotes positive company culture. Performance management and reviews can also be done via many HR solutions.
Documents can quickly be filled out and stored using many free HR solutions. It’s easy to look for documents, store documents, and employees can sign any paperwork directly from their phones.
What are the benefits of using free HR software?
There are tons of benefits to using free HR software, including, but not limited to:
- Increased efficiency: HR teams can focus on the bigger picture by streamlining repeat tasks, automating processes, and digitizing paperwork.
- Better employee experience: HR software has many features that benefit employees, some of which are recognition features, higher communication, better feedback, etc., all of which lead to employees that are more engaged and satisfied.
- Higher employee retention: Better employee experience goes hand in hand with higher retention. When employees are engaged, they are more likely to stay at a company for the long haul.
- Simplified benefits administration: Keeping track of every employee’s benefits is complex. When benefits can be chosen and tracked digitally, it frees up the HR department to focus on the bigger picture.
- Data security: When communication is done via the free HR software, you don’t need to worry that when an employee leaves the company, they have access to sensitive information. Most HR apps are built with security in mind – employee data is safe and protected within the app.
- Government compliance: Businesses must stay up-to-date with ever-changing labor laws, which is something that many HR solutions can help with.
- Better decision-making: HR software uses data to create reports which then help with making better business decisions. When you see proof that something is or isn’t working, it’s much easier to justify continuing or changing your processes.
How much does HR software cost?
HR software is typically priced according to the size of your company, the features included, the level of automation, and the customization required for your company to successfully use the software.
Generally, HR software ranges in cost from as low as $1 per user per month up to $50 per user per month.
However, there are also free options for HR software, Connecteam, for example. Many free HR software solutions are limited in their capabilities, but Connecteam offers a 100% free Small Business Plan that includes all of the platform’s features for up to 10 users.
FAQs
What Are the HR Trends & Challenges of 2023?
HR teams played active roles in 2023 as companies returned to in-person work after the COVID-19 pandemic and engaged in workplace equity and diversity conversations. But experts are united in saying that the trends and challenges we face in 2023 will most likely stay in one form or another as a transition into the new era of employment and workforce management, rather than just a temporary deviation.
Top HR trends & challenges of 2023?
- Recruiting through text messages & online platforms, instead of calls, or emails
- Hiring employees virtually, sometimes without meeting a person even once
- Remote training and onboarding in a hybrid world of work
- Understanding younger employees and adapting to a multigenerational workforce
- “Consumerization” of employment with more demanding than ever workforce and constantly increasing minimum wage regulations to compete for it
- Using modern ways to engage employees and boost employee morale
- Increasing demand for workplace democracy, embracing the “Gig Economy” and “Flexible Working” with flexible schedules, no minimum hours, half-time, or hourly rates, rather than 9-5 with a fixed salary.
- Employee wellness and appreciation initiatives as a way to build a positive workplace culture
- Modern benefits and incentives to boost retention
- Growing meaningful employee relationships for the long term, rather than paying for coming to work
- Data-driven HR based on measurements, rather than assumptions and observations
- Moving to 2-sided workplace communication with surveys and suggestion boxes to collect feedback from employees, in addition to newsletters and announcements sent by management
- Updating and furthering workplace diversity and inclusion strategies
- Investing in leadership development and internal mobility
- A growing share of outsourcing and outstaffing
- A growing trend for internal communication management
- HR chatbots and workplace team chat apps becoming a new norm
- Moving from annual appraisals towards continuous performance tracking and management
- Digitizing all processes and employee-related paperwork
All that considered, it seems pretty clear that modern HR leaders have to have affordable or free HR software tools at their fingertips, in order to follow the massive shift and have more time to actually focus on strategic initiatives, instead of dealing with administrative burdens. With the best HR software, including the free solutions, HR leaders can do more with less and make a more significant impact company-wide.
Why Do You Need An HR Software?
All HR trends indicate that HR experts will have to rethink their strategies and apply new technologies to cope with the new era of post-pandemic working.
Making the shift to digital and modernizing your toolkit will set your business up for success in 2023. In a short time, digital solutions will leave you better equipped to face whatever challenges may come next. And that’s where HR software comes into play.
According to Capterra’s HR software guide, there are 6 major types of HR software:
- Benefits-focused HR software
- Recruiting-focused HR software
- Performance-focused HR software
- Training-focused HR software
- Talent-focused HR software
- Workforce-focused HR software
As you can see from the types titles, there are different HR software solutions, both free and paid, that are designed to cover different aspects of employee management, but sometimes employee management tools can combine a number of those functions under a single roof.
The Bottom Line On the Best Free HR Software In 2023
The workforce and the whole concept of work are changing rapidly, and HR professionals should follow the trends and use modern software solutions to stay relevant and competitive.
When managers effectively manage their team—they end up with a more engaged and productive workforce that’s loyal and positive. Using HR software solutions helps make the entire process smoother. However, before investing in an online employee management system, write out your company’s needs and what features would best suit your business. Sometimes, the best HR software solutions are affordable or completely free.