Top 5 Free HR Software for Small and Medium Businesses
Choosing the right HR software helps companies – especially small and medium businesses – save time, reduce costs, and manage human resources efficiently. Here are 5 free solutions worth considering, along with their pros and cons.
1. Talent Solution
Pros
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Tracks check-in/out via GPS and WiFi, ideal for field or flexible employees.
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Simple and intuitive user interface.
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The company calendar shows events like birthdays, leave, and holidays.
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Manages business expenses, a rare feature among free HR software.
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Free plan available for small businesses.
Cons
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Lacks recruitment and payroll features.
Best for: Small or medium businesses or service companies (such as nail salons, spas, or home-care providers) that need check-in/out, event, and expense management, with a free trial option.
2. OrangeHRM Starter

Pros
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Free open-source version covering core HR modules: employee management, leave management, and attendance tracking.
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Can be self-hosted (on-premise) or cloud-based – ideal if you want full control over your data.
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Highly scalable: you can upgrade to paid versions for advanced features.
Cons
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Requires self-deployment and IT support, which can be time-consuming or costly.
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Some advanced features, like full payroll integration or complex modules, are missing.
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User interface may feel less modern than new SaaS solutions.
Best for: Small businesses with IT support that want full data control and a long-term free solution.
3. WebHR

Pros
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Comprehensive HR solution: core HR, recruitment (ATS), onboarding, leave management, attendance.
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Free plan for small employee count – great for startups testing HR software.
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User-friendly interface, multiple modules, and mobile app support.
Cons
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Free plan limits number of users and modules.
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Reporting and customization capabilities are limited.
Best for: Small companies wanting SaaS that works out-of-the-box without IT setup.
4. Bitrix24

Pros
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Offers HR + team collaboration + CRM tools; includes 35 free HR tools like employee directory, attendance, leave management.
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Free plan covers basic HR needs, especially useful if your company also needs collaboration tools.
Cons
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Free version has limitations; advanced HR modules require paid upgrade.
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Many additional modules (CRM, collaboration) may feel cluttered if you only want HR features.
Best for: Small businesses or startups needing an integrated platform for HR and team collaboration.
5. Zoho People
Pros
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Part of Zoho ecosystem, offering onboarding, leave management, attendance, and HR documentation.
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Modern, intuitive interface, integrates well with other Zoho apps.
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Easy to deploy, suitable for companies wanting quick setup.
Cons
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Free plan is limited; advanced HR features need paid upgrade.
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Integration may be time-consuming if you don’t use other Zoho products.
Best for: Small businesses needing quick, easy-to-use HR software, especially if already using Zoho.
How to Choose the Right HR Software
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Identify your current and future team size (1-2 years outlook).
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Define your main goals: just attendance and leave management, or end-to-end HR, including recruitment and payroll?
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Test the free plan first to evaluate the interface and see how easily your employees can use it..
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Ensure data security, especially with free or open-source solutions.
If you are starting with free HR software, Talent Solution is a strong choice for flexible check-in/out, company events, and expense management.
👉 Explore more digital HR solutions with Talent Solution App
🌐 https://talentsolution.app
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