19 Best Free HR Software of 2026 for SMBs on a Budget

Connecteam is built for small to medium-sized businesses, especially those with remote or front-line teams who need a single app to track their time, manage tasks and docs, and stay connected. If your team is mobile, onsite or spread across locations, this tool gives you a hub to keep all your people aligned.

Why I Picked Connecteam

I picked Connecteam because it helps you bring your non-desk workforce into one place by combining mobile time-tracking, scheduling and communication features that are often scattered across multiple tools.

You can let your employees clock in via mobile (with geo-fencing if needed) while you monitor who’s working, where and for how long, so payroll is easier to handle. I like how you can build custom checklists and digital forms for tasks or compliance in the field, letting your team complete work and you review it on the go.

It keeps your core HR processes e.g. training, document storage and time-off requests in the same app, and it’s especially useful for teams that shift between jobsites or have many mobile workers, since everything happens on their phone.

Connecteam Key Features

Here are some standout features worth highlighting:

• Mobile Time Clock: Employees can clock in/out via smartphone with GPS or kiosk mode to ensure accurate hours and locations.
• Smart Scheduling: Build, edit and share shifts from one place while seeing availability, qualifications and swap requests.
• Digital Forms & Checklists: Create mobile forms, attach photos, e-signatures or checklists to tasks so work gets done and logged in real time.
• HR Hub: A unified space for training courses, document storage, recognition and time-off management so HR operations are centralized.

Connecteam Integrations

Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, Gusto, Paychex, BambooHR, Square (POS), Zapier and Microsoft Azure AD/SSO.

Homebase is a cloud-based workforce management solution that's designed to help businesses manage their hourly teams effectively. It offers tools for scheduling, time tracking, and employee communication, simplifying the way you oversee and engage your workforce.

Why I picked Homebase: Homebase provides tools specifically tailored to businesses with hourly employees. You can easily create schedules, track hours, and manage employee availability, all in one place. It includes a built-in time clock and the ability to handle time-off requests effortlessly.

With its emphasis on simplifying employee management, Homebase also provides messaging tools to keep your team in sync. These features help you save time and avoid miscommunications with your team.

Homebase Features & Integrations:

Features include employee scheduling tools, employee time clocks, payroll functionalities, team communication tools, hiring & onboarding workflows, employee engagement tools, labor costing, and HR & compliance monitoring.

A drag-and-drop interface makes building employee schedules a breeze. These can then be sent to employees by text message or email. Managers can get insights into labor costs by tracking employee hours and overtime.

Homebase also offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices as well.

Integrations are available with a handful of popular HR platforms, including ADP, Gusto, Paychex, Quickbooks, Rippling, Square Payroll, and SurePayroll, as well as with several point-of-sale providers such as Clover, Poynt, Talech, Square, Lightspeed, Breadcrumb, and Revel Systems.

What's Free: Homebase's Basic service plan is free forever for unlimited employees at one work location, making it an ideal solution for small businesses (paid plans begin at $20/month).

Hireflix is built for teams that need to screen large applicant pools quickly using one-way video interviews. It helps you collect consistent candidate responses without the back-and-forth of scheduling, making it a strong fit for high-volume or time-pressed hiring teams.

Why I Picked Hireflix

I picked Hireflix because it gives you a simple way to run structured video interviews without coordinating live calls. You can create custom question sets, record or type your prompts, and let candidates respond whenever works for them, helping you compare applicants fairly while reducing early-stage admin work.

I also like that Hireflix lets you invite candidates in bulk, which is especially useful when you’re hiring for multiple roles or seasonal positions. Plus, the ability to share responses with teammates means your hiring decisions stay consistent across the process.

Hireflix Key Features

Here are some standout features worth highlighting:

• Automated Reminders: Sends follow-up prompts so candidates complete interviews on time.
• Team Review Sharing: Lets colleagues watch and rate responses in one place.
• Multi-Language Support: Accommodates candidates in different regions.
• Bulk Invitations: Helps you manage large applicant volumes efficiently.

Hireflix Integrations

Integrations include Lever, BambooHR, Teamtailor, Greenhouse, Zoho Recruit, JazzHR, SmartRecruiters, Ashby, Workable, Loxo, and Recruitee.

Zoho offers a free HR toolkit through Zoho People and Zoho Recruit, making it a strong fit for small teams that want to manage employee data and hiring in one place. Its tools support basic HR needs—like time off tracking and simple recruiting—while giving your team room to grow without switching systems.

Why I Picked Zoho People

I picked Zoho because it gives you two connected tools that cover your early HR needs without adding complexity. Zoho People helps your team manage employee records, track time off, and give staff access to update their own information, which keeps your data clean and up to date.

Zoho Recruit adds core hiring tools like resume parsing, job board posting, and interview scheduling to help you collect and evaluate candidates efficiently. Both tools share a familiar layout and simple setup, making them approachable even if you don’t have a formal HR system yet. I also like that you can grow into Zoho’s larger suite of business apps as your processes mature.

Zoho People Key Features

Here are some standout features worth highlighting:

• Custom Forms & Fields: Build tailored data fields to match your HR recordkeeping needs.
• Attendance Tracking: Use web check-ins or integrations with biometric systems to track daily attendance.
• Shift & Schedule Management: Assign shifts, manage work calendars, and handle basic scheduling needs.
• Mobile App Access: Employees can view schedules, request leave, or check in from iOS and Android devices.

Zoho People Integrations

Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Zoho Books, Zoho Payroll (country availability varies), Slack, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, and DocuSign.

Apptivo is a good fit for small businesses that want an all-in-one system for managing HR tasks alongside CRM, projects, and other operational needs. Its modular apps let you tailor the platform to match your team’s processes without adding unnecessary complexity.

Why I Picked Apptivo

I picked Apptivo because its app-based structure lets you build an HR workflow that fits how your team actually works. For example, you can personalize fields, layouts, and approval steps, giving you control over how HR requests move through your organization.

I also like that HR functions sit directly alongside sales, support, and project modules, so employees don’t have to switch tools to get work done. For teams that rely on structured HR service delivery, Apptivo’s help desk features—like assignment automation and SLA tracking—offer clear accountability. Plus, its dashboards give you visibility into workloads and request volumes at a glance.

Apptivo Key Features

Here are some standout features worth highlighting:

• HR Help Desk Module: Centralizes employee requests with ticketing, routing rules, and workload visibility.
• Custom Dashboards: Lets you track HR metrics, SLA performance, and ticket volumes in real time.
• Task Assignments: Creates ownership by assigning HR tasks with deadlines and priority levels.
• SLA Management: Helps your team respond consistently with defined response and resolution timelines.

Apptivo Integrations

Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, OneDrive, Dropbox, RingCentral, Slack, PayPal, Stripe, QuickBooks, and Xero.

Factorial is built for small and medium-sized businesses that want HR software centered on employee well-being. Its combination of time tracking, time-off management, performance reviews, and especially its anonymous feedback tools gives your team a structured way to understand morale and address issues early.

Why I Picked Factorial

I picked Factorial because it focuses on employee well-being in a way most SMB HR tools don’t. For example, you get an anonymous feedback module supported by sentiment insights, which helps you understand team concerns before they affect retention.

Its time tracking tools—like punch-ins, mobile clock-ins, and approval flows—give you accurate data without extra admin work, and I also like that performance reviews and goals live in the same place as secure document storage, so everything you need for employee development and compliance is easy to access.

Factorial Key Features

Here are some standout features worth highlighting:

• Anonymous Feedback + Sentiment Insights: Capture concerns privately and spot morale trends early.
• Secure Document Vault: Store contracts, policies, and payslips with permissions and audit trails.
• Customizable Onboarding Flows: Build checklists that guide new hires through required steps.
• Mobile App for Time & PTO: Let employees clock in and request leave directly from their phones.

Factorial Integrations

Integrations include Sage, Gmail, Payflow, Dynamics 365, LinkedIn, TravelPerk, PowerBI, Indeed, Recruitee, and Slack.

HRLocker is an integrated HRIS database that covers core human resources functionalities so companies can concentrate on strategic decisions and productivity.

Why I picked HRLocker: Their HR platform includes a digital document management system where you can publish an unlimited number of HR documents to create an easily accessible repository for your employees.

Within that module, HR teams can also request digital signatures on training documents, as needed, and send out reminders to anyone who hasn't read or signed off on required documentation.

HRLocker Features & Integrations:

Features include modules for holiday and absence management, timesheets, training development, employee data, remote and dual working, performance reviews, and recruitment and onboarding.

The HRLocker database also allows users to record employee training courses and upload certificates of completion. Tasks can be assigned to employees or departments, while managers can use the applicant tracking system for recruitment, candidate search, social referral, job boards, and screening.

Integrations are available with 20+ other software systems, including CareerJet, Glassdoor, Google Calendar, Indeed, LinkedIn, Microsoft Office 365, Sage, SimplyHired, Trovit,

What's Free: HRLocker is free to use for 6 months for up to 4 employees. Their free plan includes all the features mentioned above. If you scale up to their first-level paid plan, you can also access customer support and a dedicated account manager.

OrangeHRM is a scalable HR solution for small to medium-sized businesses. The software manages the whole employment life cycle, from employee onboarding to termination or retirement.

Why I picked OrangeHRM: Their HRMS platform is available through cloud hosting or on-premise hosting, depending on your needs. The cloud version of their product called OrangeHRM Starter is available for free under an open-source license, making it an excellent choice for small businesses or startups.

Their performance management capabilities include 180° and 360° employee reviews, which give you a clear view of each team member's contribution. Review questions can be customized as required to suit a particular role. Goal-tracking features help to keep employees on track to succeed.

OrangeHRM Features & Integrations:

Features include core modules for managing employee information, a corporate directory, attendance & time management, PTO & leave management, candidate recruiting (including an applicant tracking system), performance reviews, benefits administration, and reporting & analytics. They also have a mobile app that supports PTO requests, employee attendance, and clocking in and out.

Integration details are not mentioned on their website. However, they do have an API that supports them.

What's Free: Their OrangeHRM Starter product is free to use through an open-source license, and includes the features described above. They also offer a free demo or a 30-day free trial through their website.

Bitrix24 is a web-based HR system for small businesses. If you are looking for an open-source HR software solution, Bitrix24 is likely to be top of your list. The software packs in plenty of features useful for companies without a large HR team.

Why I picked Bitrix24: Their HR platform includes many human resources tools, plus a wide range of additional CRM and project management features. One of my favorite features is the self-service HR portal. Employees can use this to access basic HR functions without needing to speak to someone from HR. For example, you set up workflows for vacation requests and business trip permissions.

Their HR platform also includes everything you need to collaborate and communicate across your HR team. Each team member can access all company messages, documents, and calendars. You can also set permissions for specific content to ensure each team member only sees what they need to see.

You’ll get the most out of Bitrix24 with some additional tech/coding knowledge on your side, as the public source code access allows for near limitless customization and integration.

Bitrix24 Features & Integrations:

Features include core HR functions such as an employee directory, company structure, a company knowledge base, document management, and time & attendance features, which are included in the free version. An unlimited number of users can use these. However, some essential functions such as leave management and time tracking are only available with a paid subscription.

Integrations with numerous apps are available through their App Marketplace, or by taking advantage of their REST API.

What's Free: You can use Bitrix24’s core features for free, which may be all that small businesses need. If you need additional HR features, you can scale up to one of their paid plans easily.

WebHR helps HR departments manage the employee lifecycle, from the initial hiring process through to retirement.

Why I picked WebHR: Their all-in-one HR software includes core HR, payroll, recruitment, performance, and time & attendance modules, and is available in 30 languages.

Mobile apps are available for both iOS and Android devices so that employees can quickly log time worked with geo-tracking. Managers can monitor employee hours using the time and attendance features.

In addition, the software integrates with biometric devices such as card readers and finger scanners.

WebHR Features & Integrations:

Features include personnel tracking, payroll, benefits administration, an applicant tracking system (ATS), a learning management system (LMS), employee performance, goal management, onboarding, forms & surveys, background checking tools, and asset tracking tools.

Integrations are available with 24+ popular HR tools, including Asana, Bonusly, FreshBooks, Indeed, LinkedIn, Slack, Xero, Quickbooks, Zapier, Zip Recruiter, and others.

What's Free: Teams with less than 5 employees can use WebHR's software for free. For larger teams, they offer very affordable module-based pricing starting at $3/employee/month.

SAP SuccessFactors is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) suite that puts you and your people at the centre of your HR tech. It supports the full employee lifecycle—from hiring and onboarding to development, performance, and payroll.

Why I picked SAP SuccessFactors: I picked SAP SuccessFactors as a strong HR software option because it gives you a global core HR and payroll foundation—so you can manage people data, time tracking, payroll processing and compliance in more than 100 countries.

On top of that, its unified skills foundation helps you connect recruiting, learning, performance and succession planning through one source of skills data—helping your team identify gaps, build talent, and move people into roles more effectively.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include AI-enabled people analytics and workforce planning, offering dashboards, scenario modelling, predictive insights and what-if analysis so that HR decisions are grounded in data. It also includes global benefits administration, talent acquisition and recruiting automation, and onboarding workflows.

Integrations include ADP, Workday, BambooHR, Kronos, UKG, Oracle Cloud HCM, Greenhouse, Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, and Google Workspace.

What's Free: SAP SuccessFactors offers a 30-day basic trial in English only. They do not offer a free plan.

HR.my is a cloud-based HR solution with payroll processing, time off and attendance management, announcements, and notice boards.

Why I picked HR.my: In addition to the default English selection, HR.my supports an additional 66 languages. You can also translate all messages or filter by entering keywords into the Search field. Using the filter function, you can also search using both the original and translated languages.

HR.my Features & Integrations:

Features include a self-service portal where employees can submit leave requests, check entitlements, and view their records. The document management feature makes importing existing timesheets, expense claims, or other paper-based documents easy.

Other features include approval workflows, workforce management tools, an announcement & notification board, and team collaboration tools.

Integration details are not currently available.

What's Free: HR.my is completely free to use. They also have free mobile apps available for Android and iOS mobile devices as well.

Deel is a powerful HR software platform that has a lot to offer for small businesses with international teams. In fact, its HR features are completely free for businesses with fewer than 200 workers. With a range of essential features for effective HR management, it’s a perfect all-in-one tool to build and grow a startup.

Why I picked Deel: Its comprehensive and accessible self-service platform is a convenient and time-saving feature that helps streamline HR processes. Employees and contractors can securely login to view their own information and make updates as needed.

You can also make use of Deel’s integrations to automate many common HR workflows, from background checks to equipment management.

Deel Features & Integrations:

Features include comprehensive reporting and analytics tools so you can make quickly make informed decisions about your entire workforce. If you decide to run payroll with Deel’s in-house experts, they'll take care of benefits and compliance administration in over 150 countries, so you can hire anywhere with confidence.

Overall, Deel is a great choice for small businesses looking for a reliable and cost-effective HR software solution. Its global support and comprehensive features make it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. 

Integrations are available natively with Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable.

What's Free: Their free HR tool is available to organizations. Included are onboarding and offboarding tools, payroll processing, benefits, a time-off tracker, expense management tools, a document management system, and government declarations.

If you need more features you can scale up to one of their flexible paid plans. Deel offers clear, simple per-user pricing with no hidden fees or extensive contracts. You can also request a free demo through their website.

Workable is a recruiting software and hiring platform designed to assist employers in managing the entire recruitment process. 

Why I picked Workable: It offers an applicant tracking system (ATS) with AI-powered sourcing capabilities. This allows users to post jobs across more than 200 job boards, create customizable career pages, and access a database of over 400 million candidate profiles. 

It also assists in hiring management, from document signing to employee onboarding.

Workable Features & Integrations:

Features include candidate evaluation tools, automation of repetitive recruiting tasks, insights and reporting, compliance management, organization structure management, and onboarding workflows.

Integrations include Indeed, BambooHR, HiBob, Checkr, Certn, ADP, Deel, LinkedIn, SoftOne, Trainual, Metaview, Papaya Global, HirePort, HeroHunt.ai, SeekOut, Learningbank, BrightHire, nPloy, and Process Street.

What's Free: Workable offers a 15-day free trial. After that, paid plans start from $189/month for up to 20 employees.

Oyster HR is a global employment platform designed to assist companies in hiring, paying, and managing a distributed workforce across over 180 countries. 

Why I picked Oyster HR: The platform offers a robust global payroll and compliance system, which simplifies the often complex process of paying employees and contractors across different countries. For SMBs looking to expand internationally, Oyster HR ensures that payroll is handled accurately and in compliance with local regulations.

Another key advantage of Oyster HR is its global benefits management and compliance support, which are crucial for SMBs aiming to attract and retain talent across different countries. Oyster offers a variety of benefits packages that include health insurance and other employee perks tailored to local markets.

Oyster Features & Integrations:

Features include visa and relocation assistance, contractor conversion, global compliance, automated hiring processes, country-specific employment intelligence, support for onboarding and offboarding, global and local benefits packages, global hiring guides, and employment cost calculators.

Integrations include BambooHR, QuickBooks Online, Hibob, Greenhouse ATS, Xero, NetSuite, Workday, Expensify, Google Sheets, Google Calendar, Jobber, Gmail, Slack, Google Drive, Factorial, intelliHR, and Airtable. 

What's Free: Oyster allows you to get started with a 30-day free trial for hiring and paying contractors. After 30 days, it's $29/contractor/month. For those looking for more comprehensive EOR features, pricing begins from $599/employee/month (billed annually).