Quick Overview
- 1#1: Bitrix24 - Comprehensive free collaboration platform with built-in HR tools for employee management, time tracking, and performance reviews.
- 2#2: Zoho People - Cloud-based HR software offering employee self-service, attendance tracking, and performance management for small teams on a free plan.
- 3#3: OrangeHRM - Open-source HR management system providing recruitment, performance appraisal, and leave management features.
- 4#4: Freshteam - Free applicant tracking and HR software for hiring, onboarding, and employee management up to 50 users.
- 5#5: Odoo - Free open-source ERP with modular HR apps for employee directory, payroll, and recruitment.
- 6#6: ERPNext - Open-source ERP platform featuring full HR module for payroll, attendance, and employee lifecycle management.
- 7#7: IceHRM - Free community edition HR software for managing employee records, attendance, and leave requests.
- 8#8: Sentrifugo - Open-source HRMS with tools for performance appraisals, recruitment, and employee self-service portal.
- 9#9: Dolibarr - Free open-source ERP and CRM with HR modules for contracts, holidays, and expense management.
- 10#10: TimeTrex - Open-source workforce management software with HR features for scheduling, time tracking, and payroll.
Tools were ranked based on features, usability, reliability, and value, ensuring the list reflects the most robust, user-friendly solutions across critical HR functions.
Comparison Table
Navigating free HR management software can be challenging, but this comparison table simplifies the process by comparing tools like Bitrix24, Zoho People, OrangeHRM, Freshteam, Odoo, and more. Readers will learn key details such as core features, user-friendliness, and tailored capabilities to identify the right fit for their team's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitrix24 Comprehensive free collaboration platform with built-in HR tools for employee management, time tracking, and performance reviews. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Zoho People Cloud-based HR software offering employee self-service, attendance tracking, and performance management for small teams on a free plan. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | OrangeHRM Open-source HR management system providing recruitment, performance appraisal, and leave management features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Freshteam Free applicant tracking and HR software for hiring, onboarding, and employee management up to 50 users. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Odoo Free open-source ERP with modular HR apps for employee directory, payroll, and recruitment. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | ERPNext Open-source ERP platform featuring full HR module for payroll, attendance, and employee lifecycle management. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | IceHRM Free community edition HR software for managing employee records, attendance, and leave requests. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Sentrifugo Open-source HRMS with tools for performance appraisals, recruitment, and employee self-service portal. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Dolibarr Free open-source ERP and CRM with HR modules for contracts, holidays, and expense management. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | TimeTrex Open-source workforce management software with HR features for scheduling, time tracking, and payroll. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
Comprehensive free collaboration platform with built-in HR tools for employee management, time tracking, and performance reviews.
Cloud-based HR software offering employee self-service, attendance tracking, and performance management for small teams on a free plan.
Open-source HR management system providing recruitment, performance appraisal, and leave management features.
Free applicant tracking and HR software for hiring, onboarding, and employee management up to 50 users.
Free open-source ERP with modular HR apps for employee directory, payroll, and recruitment.
Open-source ERP platform featuring full HR module for payroll, attendance, and employee lifecycle management.
Free community edition HR software for managing employee records, attendance, and leave requests.
Open-source HRMS with tools for performance appraisals, recruitment, and employee self-service portal.
Free open-source ERP and CRM with HR modules for contracts, holidays, and expense management.
Open-source workforce management software with HR features for scheduling, time tracking, and payroll.
Bitrix24
enterpriseComprehensive free collaboration platform with built-in HR tools for employee management, time tracking, and performance reviews.
Unlimited users on the free plan with core HR tools, enabling seamless scaling for growing teams at no cost.
Bitrix24 is an all-in-one online workspace platform that provides comprehensive free HR management tools, including employee directories, time tracking, absence charts, performance reviews, and automated workflows for onboarding and requests. It integrates HR functions seamlessly with team collaboration, tasks, calendars, and communication features. This makes it a versatile solution for businesses managing HR alongside daily operations without upfront costs.
Pros
- Unlimited users on the free plan
- Integrated time tracking, calendars, and task management for HR
- Customizable workflows and employee self-service portal
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature-rich interface
- Limited 5GB storage on free plan
- Advanced reporting and some HR modules require paid upgrades
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and startups seeking a scalable, free all-in-one platform for HR and team collaboration.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited users with 5GB storage; paid plans start at $49/month for 5 users (Basic) up to enterprise options.
Zoho People
enterpriseCloud-based HR software offering employee self-service, attendance tracking, and performance management for small teams on a free plan.
Employee self-service portal with mobile access for streamlined HR processes
Zoho People is a cloud-based HR management platform that handles employee database management, attendance and time tracking, leave management, self-service portals, and basic performance tracking. Its free plan supports up to 5 employees with core HR functionalities, making it accessible for small teams without upfront costs. It integrates smoothly with other Zoho apps, enabling a unified workflow for HR and productivity tools.
Pros
- Free plan with robust core HR features for up to 5 employees
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for easy access
- Seamless integration with Zoho suite for extended functionality
Cons
- Scales poorly for teams over 5 without upgrading to paid plans
- Advanced modules like recruitment and analytics are paid-only
- Limited support options on the free tier
Best For
Very small businesses or startups with up to 5 employees needing basic, cost-free HR management.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 employees; paid plans start at $1/user/month (billed annually).
OrangeHRM
specializedOpen-source HR management system providing recruitment, performance appraisal, and leave management features.
Modular open-source architecture enabling unlimited customization without vendor lock-in
OrangeHRM is a robust open-source HR management system providing essential modules for employee data management, recruitment, leave tracking, performance evaluations, and timekeeping. The free version offers core HR functionalities without licensing costs, ideal for self-hosted deployments on standard web servers. It supports multiple languages and currencies, catering to global teams while emphasizing data privacy through on-premise installation.
Pros
- Comprehensive modules covering full employee lifecycle at no cost
- Highly customizable open-source code for tailored implementations
- Strong reporting and analytics tools for HR insights
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and maintenance
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Community support only for free version; no official helpdesk
Best For
Small to medium businesses with IT capabilities seeking a free, customizable HR platform.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; optional paid cloud plans from $199/user/year.
Freshteam
specializedFree applicant tracking and HR software for hiring, onboarding, and employee management up to 50 users.
Integrated ATS with AI-powered resume screening and candidate matching, available even on the free plan
Freshteam is an all-in-one HR software by Freshworks that handles applicant tracking, employee onboarding, time-off management, and basic employee database functions. Its free forever plan supports up to 50 active employees and 3 recruiters, making it ideal for small teams starting out. The platform offers an intuitive interface with mobile access and essential HR tools without requiring payment upfront.
Pros
- Free forever plan for up to 50 employees with no feature time limits
- Intuitive, modern interface that's quick to set up and use
- Strong applicant tracking system (ATS) including job posting and resume parsing
Cons
- Scalability limited to 50 employees on free plan
- Advanced reporting and performance tools require paid upgrade
- Limited custom integrations and automation in free tier
Best For
Small startups and businesses with under 50 employees needing basic, cost-free HR and recruiting tools.
Pricing
Free forever for up to 50 active employees and 3 recruiters; paid plans (Growth $1/active employee/month, Pro $2.49, Enterprise custom).
Odoo
enterpriseFree open-source ERP with modular HR apps for employee directory, payroll, and recruitment.
Modular app ecosystem allowing seamless integration of HR with CRM, accounting, and inventory in a single free platform
Odoo is a modular open-source ERP platform with a comprehensive free Community edition that includes HR management tools for employee onboarding, recruitment, time off tracking, appraisals, and contracts. It supports core HR functions like employee directories, attendance, and expenses without cost, making it suitable for basic to intermediate HR needs. While extensible via apps, it excels when combined with Odoo's other free business modules for integrated operations.
Pros
- Extensive free HR modules including recruitment, leaves, and appraisals
- Highly customizable and integrable with other free Odoo apps
- Strong community support and open-source extensibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Advanced features like full payroll and reporting require paid Enterprise edition
- Self-hosting demands technical expertise; no free cloud hosting
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a free, scalable HR solution integrated with broader ERP functionalities.
Pricing
Free self-hosted Community edition; Enterprise edition with advanced HR features starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually).
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP platform featuring full HR module for payroll, attendance, and employee lifecycle management.
Seamless integration of HR with full ERP modules like accounting and inventory for unified business management
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform that includes a robust HR management module for handling employee lifecycle processes like recruitment, onboarding, payroll, leave management, attendance tracking, performance appraisals, and training. It integrates seamlessly with other business modules such as accounting, inventory, and CRM, making it ideal for organizations seeking an all-in-one solution. As a free, self-hosted software, it offers high customizability but requires technical setup.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Extensive HR features including payroll, appraisals, and recruitment integrated into a full ERP
- Highly customizable via low-code tools and community support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- User interface feels dated compared to modern dedicated HR tools
- Self-hosting demands server management; cloud options add costs
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing a free, integrated ERP system with strong HR capabilities rather than a standalone HR tool.
Pricing
Free open-source core (self-hosted); paid cloud hosting starts at $10/user/month, with enterprise support available.
IceHRM
specializedFree community edition HR software for managing employee records, attendance, and leave requests.
Fully open-source codebase enabling unlimited customization and deployment without licensing fees
IceHRM is a free, open-source HR management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering core modules for employee database management, attendance tracking, leave administration, recruitment, performance appraisals, and reporting. It is a self-hosted, web-based solution built on PHP and MySQL, allowing full customization without user limits. While a cloud-hosted version exists for easier deployment, the free edition requires technical setup but provides robust functionality at no cost.
Pros
- Completely free open-source version with no user limits
- Comprehensive HR modules covering essentials like attendance, leave, and recruitment
- Highly customizable with self-hosting flexibility
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance
- Limited community support and no official free tier helpdesk
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS competitors
Best For
Small to medium businesses or startups needing a cost-free, customizable HR system they can self-host.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted edition; cloud Pro plans start at $9/user/month with advanced features.
Sentrifugo
specializedOpen-source HRMS with tools for performance appraisals, recruitment, and employee self-service portal.
All-in-one modular HR suite covering recruitment to appraisals in a fully free package
Sentrifugo is a free, open-source HR management system that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for small to medium-sized businesses. It includes modules for employee database management, leave and attendance tracking, recruitment, performance appraisals, training, and disciplinary actions. Self-hosted on PHP/MySQL, it provides full data control without subscription fees, though it requires server setup.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no limits or upsells
- Wide range of HR modules including recruitment and performance management
- Self-hosted for data privacy and customization
Cons
- Outdated user interface feels clunky and not mobile-friendly
- Installation and maintenance require technical server expertise
- Limited community support and infrequent updates
Best For
Small businesses with IT staff seeking a cost-free, customizable, self-hosted HR solution without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, self-hosted; no paid tiers or subscriptions).
Dolibarr
enterpriseFree open-source ERP and CRM with HR modules for contracts, holidays, and expense management.
Modular ERP integration that combines HR with CRM, accounting, and projects in one platform at zero cost
Dolibarr is a free, open-source ERP and CRM platform that includes modular HR management tools for employee tracking, leave and vacation management, timesheets, expenses, contracts, and basic recruitment. It enables small to medium businesses to handle HR alongside sales, inventory, accounting, and projects in a single self-hosted application. While not a dedicated HRMS, its extensibility via modules makes it versatile for basic HR needs without licensing fees.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Modular design allows focusing on HR while integrating with other business functions
- Supports multi-company setups and basic reporting for employees and leaves
Cons
- Outdated user interface that feels clunky and less intuitive
- Requires technical setup for self-hosting on a server
- Lacks advanced HR features like full payroll, performance reviews, or compliance tools
Best For
Small businesses and startups needing basic, integrated HR management within a broader free ERP system without ongoing costs.
Pricing
100% free (open-source); optional paid modules, hosting, or professional support available.
TimeTrex
specializedOpen-source workforce management software with HR features for scheduling, time tracking, and payroll.
Integrated open-source payroll processing module
TimeTrex is an open-source HR management software providing time and attendance tracking, employee scheduling, payroll processing, and basic HRIS features in its free Community Edition. It is designed for self-hosting, giving users full control over their data and customization options without ongoing subscription costs. While feature-rich for a free tool, it targets businesses comfortable with server management rather than plug-and-play SaaS solutions.
Pros
- Completely free open-source Community Edition with no user limits
- Robust features including time tracking, scheduling, and payroll
- High customizability and data ownership via self-hosting
Cons
- Requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Dated user interface lacking modern polish
- Limited official support; relies on community forums
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with IT staff seeking a powerful, no-cost self-hosted HR solution.
Pricing
Free Community Edition (self-hosted); paid hosted plans from $1.75/user/month.
Conclusion
The top tools reviewed showcase diverse strengths, with Bitrix24 emerging as the standout for its comprehensive collaboration and HR features, including time tracking and performance reviews. Zoho People follows, excelling with small-team usability and self-service tools, while OrangeHRM stands out as a robust open-source choice for recruitment and leave management. Each option meets unique needs, ensuring there's a strong fit for various workflows.
Take the first step toward efficient HR management by trying Bitrix24—your ideal partner for streamlined employee oversight and collaboration.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison