8 Best Free HR Software Products for Small Businesses

Free HR software doesn’t offer the range of functions that are included in paid products. If you want a platform that combines recruiting, onboarding, time tracking, payroll, benefits and performance, you’ll typically have to pay for full-service HR software.

If, however, you’re focused on a few key features that are important to your business, or you’re willing to pair HR software with free payroll software or other apps, you’re in luck. Here are some free online HR products that are worth checking out.

Zoho People

Zoho People online software has time and attendance features, performance management, training, and tools to improve HR efficiency. In addition to a number of paid plans, it also offers a free plan for up to five users.

Features of Zoho People Free plan

• Limited to five users.

• Employee database, files and e-signature integration.

• Time-off management tools that include approvals and tracking.

• Office readiness options to help with premises configuration and visitor management.

• Module-based reports.

• A mobile app.

• Telephone and chat support during the week.

Plan upgrades

You also have the option to upgrade to a number of paid plans. These plans offer employee onboarding, shift management, performance appraisals, training and other advanced features that cost $1.50 to $59 per user per month. The price per user is discounted if you pay annually.

HR.my

HR.my is a unique option to consider. First released in 2009, it’s a free HR platform that’s crowdfunded. Traditional customer support isn't offered, but a user guide is provided, as well as an HR forum. HR.my offers a well-rounded platform that includes a number of core HR features.

Features of HR.my

• Unlimited employees.

• Unlimited data storage.

• Time, attendance and expense management tools.

• Payroll processing.

• Employee access to view pay stubs and update personal information.

• Employee discussion boards, shared documents and announcements board.

• Ability to export data and close your account at any time.

Plan upgrades

Upgrading to a paid plan with more advanced features isn't an option with HR.my. However, features are updated on a regular basis, and it's free to request new features you'd like added.

Homebase

Homebase offers to help small businesses with employee time tracking, employee scheduling, payroll and team communications. Its free plan, Basic, is focused on time tracking, scheduling, messaging and hiring. Unlike some other software options, you’re not limited to a specific number of employees, but you can use it at one location only.

Features of free Homebase Basic plan

• Unlimited employees, but a single location only.

• Time tracking with timesheets that can be exported to payroll.

• Schedule creation and the ability to track availability and time-off requests.

• Integrations for payroll and point-of-sale.

• Free employee mobile app.

• Job posting and applicant tracking.

• Ability to offer employees pay advances.

• Employee roster to manage employee information.

Plan upgrades

Additional plans for $20, $48 and $80 a month per location can be purchased to gain access to features such as team communication, performance tracking, labor cost controls, new-hire onboarding and certified HR advisors. Payroll can be added to any plan for $39 per month plus $6 per active employee.

OrangeHRM

OrangeHRM software can be operated online or downloaded to your local system. Its services are focused on four areas: people management, compensation, talent management and culture. Two packages are offered, including the Starter version, which is a free open-source option.

Features of free OrangeHRM Starter plan

• Designed for businesses with 50 or fewer employees.

• PTO requests and approvals with notifications.

• Mobile app.

• Corporate directory, employee profiles and database.

• Custom basic reports.

• Job posting, including integration with your company website.

• Performance reviews by supervisor and employee.

• Time tracking and timesheets.

Plan upgrades

If you’d like to upgrade to a more inclusive plan, the Advanced package is a paid version. It offers onboarding options, advanced performance management, career development, training and payroll integrations. You can get a cost estimate for this plan by contacting the sales team.

» MORE: Best applicant tracking systems

Freshteam

Freshteam by Freshworks is an online HR software platform that can help you with hiring and onboarding, as well as with managing employee data and time off. The Free plan offers basic HR features for small organizations with up to 50 employees and doesn’t have a limit on how long you can use it.

Features of Freshteam Free plan

• Up to 50 employees.

• Three active job postings allowed at one time.

• Automated applicant tracking.

• Basic career website.

• Collaborative hiring and employee referrals.

• Organization charts and employee directory.

• Mobile app.

Plan upgrades

More advanced features such as HR reports and analytics, talent pool management, e-signatures and a dedicated account manager are offered in paid plans: Growth, at a monthly base fee of $71 plus $1.20 per employee; Pro, at a $119 monthly base fee plus $2.40 per employee; and Enterprise at a $203 monthly base fee plus $4.80 per employee. Fees are discounted if you pay annually instead of monthly.

Bitrix24

Bitrix24 is an online platform that can help with collaboration, project management, HR automation, website building and customer relationship management, or CRM. A number of plans are offered, including a free version that doesn’t limit the number of users.

Features of Bitrix24 Free plan

• Unlimited users.

• Chat options, a calendar and video conferencing for up to 48 people.

• Project management with the ability to view tasks in a calendar or list.

• CRM tools, custom fields and a contact center.

• Online storage, file sync, and integrations with Google Docs and Microsoft Office.

• Website chat widget, and connections to Facebook, Instagram and Telegram.

• Simple website builder, image editor and recruitment websites.

Plan upgrades

Expanded features — including an online store, customer support and more robust HR features — can be accessed through plans starting at $43 per month for up to five users to $175 per month for 100 users. The monthly cost is for all users (not for each user). The Enterprise plan provides additional pricing for businesses with 250 or more users.

Connecteam

Connecteam is an HR app that offers a free plan for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Features are organized under hubs which include operations, communications and HR and skills.

Features of free Connecteam Small Business plan

• Limited to 10 employees.

• Operations features that may include time clock, job scheduling, forms and quick tasks.

• Communication features that may include chat tool, company directory, employee surveys and event invitations.

• HR and skills features that may include training and onboarding, documents, employee recognition programs and document management.

Plan upgrades

Paid plans with additional features are offered. The Basic plan is $35 a month, the Advanced plan is $59 a month and the Expert plan is $119 a month. If you have more than 30 employees, there’s an additional cost of $0.60 to $3.60 per month for each additional user. Like other plans, if you pay annually, the cost is reduced.

» MORE: How to pay employees

SnapHRM

SnapHRM is an online HR management software that uses modules to offer features that can help you manage employees, including payroll. The Startup plan is free for up to five employees, but chat support and a custom domain aren’t included in the free plan.

Features of free SnapHRM Startup plan

• Limited to five active and inactive employees.

• Employee database.

• Leave and time management.

• Summary of employee time and attendance.

• Payroll management.

• Recruiting tools, including job pages and interview scheduling.

• Employee self-service portal.

Plan upgrades