# 7 Best Free Human Resources Software 2026 | Capterra > Learn about and compare the 7 best free Human Resources software in 2026. Understand the pros and cons and cost of each tool to narrow your choices. Source: https://www.capterra.com/human-resource-software/s/free --- # Best Free Human Resources Software in 2025 Last updated on November 10, 2025 Written by [Brian Westfall](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/bwestfall/) Writer Edited by [Caroline Rousseau](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/caroline-rousseau/) Editor Small business owners and HR leaders alike often struggle to keep track of employee data and streamline important HR workflows like onboarding new hires and running payroll. Free HR software helps by giving businesses a platform to automate HR processes without adding cost. Available in both forever-free and free trial versions, these solutions offer basic tools to store HR data, perform HR tasks, and generate HR reports. To help you find the right free HR software with either a free plan or free trial, we analyzed over 17,500 verified user reviews and 876 products, to identify the most important features, benefits, and limitations of these free solutions.[\[1\]](#footnotes) ## 7 best free or free trial human resources software [ Gusto ](#42ee393d-0695-4c41-b194-a6d200b44a29) Highly rated for HR Management 4.6 (4197) [ Deel ](#48b63356-01f5-4f14-94f0-dc4cf62940b4) Highest rated 4.9 (4268) [ BambooHR ](#8974fda0-96cf-44b9-a1c9-a6d200b2d5bd) Highly rated for Ease of Use 4.6 (3237) [ Oyster ](#80a2ad34-0f74-4b4c-85c2-39fc453c8fa4) Highly rated for Functionality 4.6 (91) [ OnPay ](#222b240f-8294-401b-9dfa-a7ed00810a75) Highly rated for Customer Support 4.8 (464) [ GoCo ](#fb33050b-3105-42ba-8489-a6d200b43d9a) Highly rated for Employee Database 4.4 (116) [ Remote ](#6dee615f-ca69-4dbb-b4ad-e35e7beabfe6) Highly rated for Value for Money 4.4 (95) [Explore our full Human Resources solutions](https://www.capterra.com/human-resource-software/) ## How we picked the software on this list All the tools listed below are featured in the 2024 [Capterra Shortlist for Human Resources](https://www.capterra.com/human-resource-software/shortlist/). To qualify, each tool offers either a forever-free plan or free trial, at least 20 user reviews in the past two years as of December 2024, and an overall rating of 4 and above. Preference is given to products that are always free over those simply offering a free trial. Our analysis of thousands of user reviews highlights key insights about user experiences with these platforms, offering valuable feedback on functionality, ease of use, customer support, and value for money. * * * [4.9 (4268)](https://www.capterra.com/p/205015/Deel/reviews/) Highest rated Highest rated Starting Price: $5.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Payroll Management Based on 142 reviews User rating: CJ 88% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Deel is the highest-rated human resources tool with a free plan. It is an all-in-one platform that can help business leaders manage the onboarding, payroll, and compliance needs of employees, contractors, and Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements. SMB owners cite how its localized contracts help them manage employees and contractors across 150+ countries while ensuring compliance with local labor laws. Additionally, Deel’s automated payroll features allow HR managers to calculate wages, taxes, and payments. Features Features reviewers most value **Employee onboarding** Reviewers rate this feature 4.9 out of 5. They appreciate Deel's employee onboarding capabilities. They highlight the smooth and easy process, with clear step-by-step instructions and professional support. Users report that uploading documents, including ID verification from different countries, is hassle-free. They find the process quick, intuitive, and user-friendly, making it easy to understand and track. They also value the organized and secure onboarding experience, which is particularly important for remote users. **Alerts/Notifications** Users give this feature a rating of 4.9 out of 5. They report that Deel's alerts and notifications are timely and relevant. They appreciate receiving real-time updates on payments, invoices, and contract changes, which help them stay informed without unnecessary interruptions. Reviewers indicate that notifications are prompt and precise, ensuring they never miss important events. They find email notifications particularly useful, though some suggest adding text message alerts. Overall, they feel well-informed and confident about their account status. **Activity dashboard** Reviewers rate this feature 4.6 out of 5. They indicate that Deel's activity dashboard is comprehensive and user-friendly. They appreciate having all necessary information and documents easily accessible in one place. Users find the dashboard helpful for monitoring tasks, tracking steps, and staying organized. They report that it provides detailed, clear, and transparent information, making it easy to navigate and understand what needs to be done. They value the convenience and efficiency it brings to managing their work. Pros & Cons KP Kanishk P. Computer & Network Security, 1-10 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "It offers an easy onboarding process, efficient contract management, seamless payment tracking, and, best of all, multiple convenient withdrawal options." TR Theodora Monan R. Retail, 1,001-5,000 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "Additionally, the virtual card feature is a fantastic addition; it allows for hassle-free online transactions and provides an extra layer of security when shopping or making payments." RM Rishi M. Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "It's functional for quick questions about contracts or payments but lacks threading, file sharing capabilities, and search functionality that modern chat platforms offer." AZ Adilet Z. Law Enforcement, 11-50 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "What I liked least about Deel was that sometimes the user interface felt a bit cluttered and unintuitive, making certain tasks like editing contracts or managing multiple payments more time-consuming than necessary, which could be frustrating for users who need to move quickly." Pricing Deel offers a free version to access basic HR features, such as time tracking, compliance, custom people directories, and document management. SMB managers can access the paid plans for more advanced features. Deel Engage starts at $20 per user per month and offers performance, career, and learning management capabilities. To use payroll features, Deel Contractor starts at $49 per month. [Learn more about Deel pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/205015/Deel/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **PayPal** is a payment platform that integrates with Deel to enable HR managers to securely send, receive, and track multi-currency payments and payroll processing. - **Xero** is an accounting software that integrates with Deel to allow SMB managers to synchronize payroll and financial data. - **BambooHR** is a human resources management platform that integrates with Deel to centralize employee records and automate HR workflows. [Learn more about Deel](https://www.capterra.com/p/205015/Deel/) * * * [### Remote](https://www.capterra.com/p/211639/Remote/) [4.4 (95)](https://www.capterra.com/p/211639/Remote/reviews/) Highly rated for Value for Money Highly rated for Value for Money [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/211639/Remote/) Starting Price: $29.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Payroll Management Based on 13 reviews User rating: AH 65% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Among the most popular human resources tools with a free plan, Remote is the highest rated for value for money. HR managers cite its suite of HR features, including onboarding, offboarding, payroll, time and attendance tracking, and document management within a single platform. It allows managers to handle employee contracts and expenses, and ensure compliance with country-specific labor laws. Plus it offers cost calculators and HR advisory tools to help users make informed recruitment decisions. Features Features reviewers most value **Tax compliance** Reviewers appreciate Remote's tax compliance capabilities and rate this feature 4.8 out of 5. They find it valuable that Remote ensures compliance with local laws across different countries, which is crucial for their distributed workforce. Users report that Remote guides them through tax obligations, removing guesswork and providing peace of mind. They say they don't have to worry about legal compliance, as Remote handles it effectively. **Payroll management** Reviewers indicate that Remote's payroll management is easy to use and efficient and rate it 4.3 out of 5. They find it helpful to manage payroll across a global workforce without concerns about local laws or currency conversions. Users appreciate the clear details on payroll terms and the ability to oversee both contractor and employee payroll in one place. **Calendar management** Users report that Remote's calendar management is simple to use and well-structured and give this feature a rating of 4 out of 5. They find it complete and appreciate the built-in features, such as day-off synchronization. Reviewers indicate that this aspect's usability makes it easy to manage schedules effectively. However, some users mention that they are not utilizing this capability. Pros & Cons Daniel J. Insurance, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Remote was a great switch coming from Rippling, our company started using remote to ensure our payments would arrive on time and invoices were easily generated using remote." CS Christine Alyssa S. Marketing and Advertising, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "The platform allows for flexible contract setups, making it easier to hire both full-time employees and contractors globally." RG Rachel G. Computer Software, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Lack of transparency, lack of communication between their internal teams and to us as their client, lack of readily available information on their country explorer pages (then useful info being locked behind a jira login which we were only given access to after a year of having issues with them), their support team is very scripted/basic level support and often doesn't tally at all with the nuances and complexities of hiring across the world." CS Christine Alyssa S. Marketing and Advertising, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "As Remote manages onboarding processes across different countries, it may take longer than expected, especially if legal complexities or unexpected regulatory challenges arise." Pricing Remote offers a free version with basic features such as employee profile and document management, time tracking, and expense management. For more advanced features, SMB managers can choose from different packages, starting at $29 per employee or per contractor per month, tailored to their specific HR needs. [Learn more about Remote pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/211639/Remote/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **BambooHR** is a human resources platform that integrates with Remote to help SMB leaders handle HR tasks like employee onboarding and data management. - **Zapier** is an automation tool that connects Remote with other apps to help users automate various HR processes. - **Greenhouse** is recruiting software that integrates with Remote, allowing business leaders to link profile information between the two platforms and perform other tasks like onboarding and talent management. [Learn more about Remote](https://www.capterra.com/p/211639/Remote/) * * * [4.6 (3237)](https://www.capterra.com/p/110968/BambooHR/reviews/) Highly rated for Ease of Use Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting Price: $10.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Time Off Management Based on 258 reviews User rating: KW 66% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Based on verified user reviews, BambooHR has been selected as the human resources tool with a free trial that is highest rated for ease of use. HR leaders can track time off, evaluate performance, and manage employee profiles to keep tabs on team productivity. Our reviewers also frequently cite that this tool provides capabilities for onboarding, offboarding, document storage, and benefits administration. Users can tailor the platform to better fit their unique HR resources needs. Features Features reviewers most value **Application management** Reviewers rate this feature 4.8 out of 5. They appreciate BambooHR's application management capabilities. They highlight the ease of tracking candidates, filtering applicants, and customizing application questions. Users report that the integration with other tools like HireFlix for video interviews enhances the recruitment process. They find it valuable to have all information in one place, accessible by multiple managers, which improves collaboration. Users also mention the convenience of receiving notifications for new applicants and the ability to manage every step of the application process efficiently. **Candidate tracking** Reviewers rate this feature 4.6 out of 5. They indicate that BambooHR's candidate tracking capabilities streamline the hiring process by centralizing candidate data and improving communication. They appreciate the ability to customize hiring workflows, collaborate with team members, and automate communication with candidates. Users find the comprehensive candidate profiles and reporting features helpful for making data-driven decisions. They also mention the convenience of mobile access and the ability to track candidates' progress from application to onboarding, which enhances overall efficiency. **Time off requests** Users give this feature a rating of 4.5 out of 5. They report that BambooHR's time off requests capabilities are easy to use and efficient. They appreciate the ability to request and approve time off through both desktop and mobile platforms. Reviewers highlight the user-friendly interface and the transparency it provides in tracking leave balances. They find it helpful for managers to plan tasks effectively, knowing who is available. Users also mention the convenience of the calendar function and the organized process for submitting and approving time off requests. Pros & Cons Timothy C. Marketing and Advertising, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "It has allowed us to scale our onboarding—sending out digital offer letters and new hire packets in minutes rather than hours—while keeping our employee data clean and compliant. While no software is perfect—the reporting engine can feel a bit rigid when you need hyper-specific, cross-tabular data—the trade-off for such an intuitive user interface is well worth it." Chris C. Sports, 201-500 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "I have applied for many other jobs on different websites and the user interface and ability to add the necessary pieces of a job applications are most easily done on Bamboo." Nicole D. Real Estate, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "I find it difficult to add mileage using the app and there is no way to even access the tab for 1:1s with my supervisor in the app." RV Rakhi V. Information Technology and Services, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Some areas feel a bit limited once you need more detail—like- reporting or pulling specific insights can require extra steps or doesn’t always give the exact view you want without workarounds." Pricing This tool has a 2-week free trial period, within which users can test out the platform to see if it’s the right fit for them. Prices of paid plans are available upon request. The Core package offers base features such as hiring, onboarding, and reporting. The only limitation is that this flat rate applies to companies with 25 or fewer employees. Companies with more employees could opt for the Pro package which includes onboarding, integrations marketplace, time off tracking, and more. [Learn more about BambooHR pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/110968/BambooHR/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Google Calendar** is a time management app that integrates with BambooHR to allow HR leaders to manage employee time off and important events directly within their scheduling solution. - **NetSuite** is an ERP solution that integrates with BambooHR to synchronize HR data with financials so users can receive unified reports and enhance cross-department compliance. - **Deputy** is a workforce management platform that integrates with BambooHR to simplify payroll processing and ensure accurate time-off tracking. [Learn more about BambooHR](https://www.capterra.com/p/110968/BambooHR/) * * * [### OnPay](https://www.capterra.com/p/167109/OnPay/) [4.8 (464)](https://www.capterra.com/p/167109/OnPay/reviews/) Highly rated for Customer Support Highly rated for Customer Support [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/167109/OnPay/) Starting Price: $49.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Payroll Management Based on 5 reviews User rating: JD 89% of reviewers rated it 5 stars OnPay is a human resources tool with a free trial that is highly rated for its customer support. Our reviewers point out that this tool supports 401k integration, employee onboarding, and customizable reporting tools in addition to integrating with accounting software like QuickBooks. Its responsive customer support team—available via chat or phone—ensures that clients receive timely assistance. Features Features reviewers most value **Tax compliance** Reviewers rate this feature 4.3 out of 5. They appreciate OnPay's tax compliance capabilities. They find it valuable that OnPay stays up to date with tax laws and handles all tax-related responsibilities, reducing stress and liability. Users report timely tax payments and notifications, as well as quick resolution of any compliance issues. They say OnPay's knowledgeable customer service is helpful for addressing tax concerns. They highlight that OnPay's accuracy and ease of use make tax compliance straightforward and reliable. **Payroll management** Users give this feature a rating of 4 out of 5. They report that OnPay's payroll management capabilities save them significant time and effort. They indicate that the software is easy to use, allowing for quick payroll processing and self-service access for employees. Reviewers feel that OnPay's customizable options and resourcefulness meet their specific needs. They say the system's efficiency and user-friendly interface make managing payroll straightforward. They highlight the ability to track payroll data and access customer support as valuable aspects of OnPay. **W-2 preparation** Reviewers rate this feature 4 out of 5. They appreciate OnPay's W-2 preparation capabilities. They highlight that OnPay handles the entire process, from preparation to storage, making it easy to print or email W-2 forms. Users report that this saves them time and provides peace of mind. They find the downloadable W-2s convenient and note that the process is dependable and accurate. They say OnPay's early communication about end-of-year forms ensures nothing is overlooked, making W-2 preparation seamless and efficient. Pros & Cons MS Marcus S. Construction, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "It supports unlimited monthly pay runs for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, handles multi-state payroll, direct deposit/check/debit card payments." MS Marcus S. Construction, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "Overall, it worked for us with the transparent pricing and predictable costs." CR Cory R. Transportation/Trucking/Railroad, 501-1,000 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "The software does not have built-in time tracking or scheduling tools, requiring users to rely on external integrations." OD Olga D. Health, Wellness and Fitness, Self-employed Used the software for: I used a free trial "Not being able to set date of payroll check to be sooner to when I ran payroll l. I wish I could make the date of check closer." Pricing The first month of using OnPay is free, and within this period, there’s no restriction on the features to use. From there, users can choose to pay $40 per month plus $6 per employee to access all base features. SMBs can utilize the tool’s drag slider, which is available on OnPay’s website, to know exactly what they expect to pay, depending on employee count. [Learn more about OnPay pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/167109/OnPay/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **QuickBooks Online** is a financial management suite that integrates natively with OnPay to sync payroll data with accounting records for simpler financial management. - **QuickBooks Time** is a time-tracking software that syncs with OnPay to manage employee hours and remuneration. - **Xero** is an accounting tool that integrates with OnPay to bring payroll and financial data together for streamlined payroll processing. [Learn more about OnPay](https://www.capterra.com/p/167109/OnPay/) * * * [### Oyster](https://www.capterra.com/p/229351/Oyster/) [4.6 (91)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229351/Oyster/reviews/) Highly rated for Functionality Highly rated for Functionality [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/229351/Oyster/) Starting Price: $29.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Payroll Management Based on 13 reviews User rating: AK 70% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Oyster executes key HR tasks for companies with multi-country team members. It handles processes such as managing payslips, work hours, and contracts while ensuring compliance. Users often cite its reporting and analytic tools, which enable HR teams to track employee data and pinpoint key trends—all from a user-friendly dashboard. With Oyster's responsive customer support team and intuitive design, users can onboard new team members and process payroll across continents. Oyster offers the best functionality among the most popular human resources tools with a free trial. Features Features reviewers most value **Self-service portal** Reviewers rate this feature 4.7 out of 5 and appreciate Oyster's self-service portal for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface. They find it valuable for handling various tasks such as updating contact information, managing bank accounts, and processing billing. Users report that it allows for efficient remote payroll changes and easy query raising with timely responses. They say the portal provides a fast and direct way to address questions and issues, enhancing the overall user experience. **Employee database** Reviewers indicate that Oyster's employee database is easy to manage and user-friendly and give this feature a rating of 4.3 out of 5. They highlight its capability to maintain accurate international employee data and track historical records and performance. Users report that it helps organize team members effectively and appreciate the single HRIS system for all employees. They find the system fantastic and straightforward to use, contributing to efficient employee management. **Payroll management** Users rate this feature 4.1 out of 5 and report that Oyster's payroll management ensures accurate and timely payments for employees and contractors. They appreciate the ease of use, the ability to manage payroll history, and the efficient handling of salary disbursements and reimbursements. Reviewers indicate that it provides peace of mind by covering payroll even during internal delays and find the interface helpful for organizing leave and expenses. They value the punctual and responsive service provided by Oyster. Pros & Cons YK Yuliana K. Information Technology and Services, 201-500 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Clear and transparent processes, flexibility, swift replies/support, user friendly interface, knowledge base/features and services." RM RyanMae M. Computer Software, 51-200 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "I think Oyster is still young and there is a LOT of room for growth, most of our struggles tie to support not "Supporting" or a feature/need we have that is not quite there yet. BUT that being said we stick with them because our Service team is phenomenal and you can see they are working to being where we need them to be." RM RyanMae M. Computer Software, 51-200 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "Generic support is lacking, most of the time I have to involve my CSM which is hard on me and unfair to them." Lakshmikanth T. Information Technology and Services, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Unable to edit or delete already created Invoices" Pricing Oyster’s base plan is free for the first 30 days. If a user chooses to commit afterward, they will pay $29 per contractor per month for access to features such as the ability to pay invoices in 140+ currencies. For those wanting to pay their direct employees, the Global Payroll package starts at $25 per employee per month. [Learn more about Oyster pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/229351/Oyster/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Slack** is a team communication app that integrates with Oyster to keep team members in the loop with the latest HR tasks and updates. - **Xero** is a cloud-based accounting software that integrates with Oyster to allow businesses to synchronize payroll and financial data. - **BambooHR** is a business management suite that integrates with Oyster so HR teams can better manage employee records. [Learn more about Oyster](https://www.capterra.com/p/229351/Oyster/) * * * [### GoCo](https://www.capterra.com/p/149545/GoCo/) [4.4 (116)](https://www.capterra.com/p/149545/GoCo/reviews/) Highly rated for Employee Database Highly rated for Employee Database [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/149545/GoCo/) Starting Price: Not provided by vendor Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Time Off Management Based on 18 reviews User rating: CZ 64% of reviewers rated it 5 stars GoCo is the highest-rated employee database human resources tool with a free trial. Our reviewers often point out that in addition to its user-friendly interface, this tool stands out for offering a centralized employee database natively, making managing employee records more straightforward. Additionally, GoCo supports paperless documentation to help HR leaders maintain accurate, up-to-date records while remaining compliant. Features Features reviewers most value **Online time clock** Reviewers rate this feature 4.8 out of 5 and appreciate GoCo's Online time clock for its ease of use and real-time tracking capabilities. They find it simple to log in and out, view timesheets, and receive email notifications for extended clock-ins. Users report that it effectively tracks employee hours for payroll and vacation. They also mention that while there are occasional glitches, customer support is responsive and helpful in resolving issues quickly. **Employee database** Users give this feature a rating of 4.6 out of 5 and indicate that GoCo's employee database is valuable for storing and accessing all employee data, including historical changes. They use it daily to look up addresses, birthdays, and employment records. Users appreciate the reporting capabilities for analyzing data and the ease of retrieving information. They find the interface user-friendly, though some mention a learning curve. However, some note the lack of integration with other systems as a drawback. **Vacation/leave tracking** Users report that GoCo's vacation/leave tracking is easy to use, especially through the GoCo app, and rate this feature 4.2 out of 5. They appreciate the ability to track various types of leave, receive notifications for leave requests, and integrate with Slack for absence notifications. Reviewers find it helpful for managing PTO accruals and viewing available time off. Some users desire more customization options and automatic payroll integration, but overall, they find the system effective for tracking employee leave. Pros & Cons JS Juan S. Chemicals, 201-500 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Automated onboarding gets new employees moving fast, and payroll flows are adaptable, so time tracking, benefits, and documents are all in one place." BT Brianna T. Health, Wellness and Fitness, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "They were able to help us organize our employee database when we did not previously have one." AH Aziza H. Health, Wellness and Fitness, 11-50 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "Adding an editing forms for on boarding staff just employees in general to fill out was a hassle very complicated in the individual field that they require required you to add to your PDF in order to make it affordable form was overly" Ezequiel D. Religious Institutions, 11-50 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "They not only messed up all our W-2s, but have yet to send the corrected ones after many requests and reminders." Pricing For those who don't want to commit straight away, GoCo offers a free interactive tour to give users a real-world feel of the product’s features, where they can add their own data. The Core plan comes with basic features such as analytics and a dedicated service team, while an upgrade to the Growth package opens up custom flows, mass employment changes, and an AI knowledge base, among other capabilities. Overall, HR software starts at $8 per employee per month. Prospective users can fill out company info to receive custom pricing. [Learn more about GoCo pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/149545/GoCo/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Slack** is a messaging tool that integrates with GoCo to enable teams to receive real-time updates and notifications about important HR tasks. - **QuickBooks Time** is a time-tracking tool that integrates with GoCo. Businesses can sync employee hours directly with the HR system for streamlined payroll processing. - **ADP Workforce Now** is an HR, talent management, and payroll platform that integrates with GoCo to simplify employee data and compliance management. [Learn more about GoCo](https://www.capterra.com/p/149545/GoCo/) * * * [4.6 (4197)](https://www.capterra.com/p/131882/Gusto/reviews/) Highly rated for HR Management Highly rated for HR Management Starting Price: $49.00 Other, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Payroll Management Based on 106 reviews User rating: 73% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Gusto is a good fit for simplifying HR management and payroll processing. HR leaders seeking a tool that supports time tracking, employee onboarding, compliance, and automated tax filings could opt for Gusto. Its interface is intuitive and its reporting detailed, making administrative tasks easier for managers. Based on verified user reviews, Gusto emerges as the highest-rated human resources tool with a free version for its HR management capabilities. Features Features reviewers most value **Employee profile** Reviewers rate this feature 4.8 out of 5. They appreciate Gusto's employee profile capability. They find it quick and easy to create and edit profiles, which saves management time. Users report that employees can maintain their own information, enhancing efficiency. They highlight the secure storage of documents and the ability to access detailed reports and analytics. Users also value having all employee-related information, including payroll, tax documentation, and benefits, in one place, which simplifies background checks and other administrative tasks. **Direct deposit** Users give this feature a rating of 4.6 out of 5. They report that Gusto's direct deposit capability is reliable and efficient. They appreciate the ability to split payments between multiple bank accounts and make changes easily. Reviewers indicate that the system sends verification emails, ensuring transparency. They find it convenient for both employees and employers, reducing the need for paper checks and manual adjustments. Users highlight the timely and accurate processing of payroll, which boosts employee satisfaction and streamlines payroll management. **Employee database** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.5 out of 5. They find Gusto's employee database helpful for centralizing and securely storing essential employee information. They appreciate the ease of accessing and managing data, which simplifies HR tasks. Users report that the database automatically creates profiles during onboarding, reducing manual data entry. They highlight the ability to track payroll activities and other administrative services. However, some users mention that the search function could be improved for better usability. Pros & Cons Ryan P. Design, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "As an employee with the employer implementing Gusto as our way to clock hours and bill labor, I found it pretty simple and straightforward, with full transparency as far as being able to view accrued hours, break time etc." RK Raechel K. Fund-Raising, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "I appreciate that all of the information that I need is included in this application and provides a menu where I can access my personal information and easily transition to what I need as a leader." Hallye N. Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, 11-50 employees Used the software for: I used a free trial "Slow support, rising per-employee costs, limited customization, weaker mobile app, and advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans." Sofia L. Accounting, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Gusto can get pricey depending upon the number of employees being serviced, and some employees have found it difficult to customize their withholdings." Pricing Pricing only applies when a user runs payroll for the first time. For small businesses needing basic HR management, the Simple plan, at $40 per month (plus $6 per person) could be a good fit, and comes with features such as employee profiles, benefits management, and custom admin permissions. Users can also choose the Plus package, at $80 per month (plus $12 per person), within which they can access features such as team management tools, workforce costing, and PTO management. Gusto offers free trials of add-ons for either the Simple or Plus plan, as well as a  Contractor Only plan with a discounted base price of $0/mo for the first 6 months. [Learn more about Gusto pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/131882/Gusto/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **QuickBooks Enterprise** is a business management software that integrates with Gusto so users can sync payroll and HR data for enhanced HR workflows. - **QuickBooks Online** is a cloud-based accounting software that integrates with Gusto to allow for automatic syncing of payroll and accounting data so users can keep manual data entry errors at bay. - **Vagaro** is a business management platform that integrates with Gusto’s features. It allows businesses in beauty and wellness to better manage employee payroll and scheduling. [Learn more about Gusto](https://www.capterra.com/p/131882/Gusto/) * * * ## Top free human resources software at a glance Vendor Highly rated Starting Price [Gusto](https://www.capterra.com/p/131882/Gusto/)[4.6 (4197)](https://www.capterra.com/p/131882/Gusto/reviews/) HR Management $49.00 Per Month [Deel](https://www.capterra.com/p/205015/Deel/)[4.9 (4268)](https://www.capterra.com/p/205015/Deel/reviews/) Highest rated $5.00 Per Month [BambooHR](https://www.capterra.com/p/110968/BambooHR/)[4.6 (3237)](https://www.capterra.com/p/110968/BambooHR/reviews/) Ease of Use $10.00 Per Month [Oyster](https://www.capterra.com/p/229351/Oyster/)[4.6 (91)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229351/Oyster/reviews/) Functionality $29.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/229351/Oyster/) [OnPay](https://www.capterra.com/p/167109/OnPay/)[4.8 (464)](https://www.capterra.com/p/167109/OnPay/reviews/) Customer Support $49.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/167109/OnPay/) [GoCo](https://www.capterra.com/p/149545/GoCo/)[4.4 (116)](https://www.capterra.com/p/149545/GoCo/reviews/) Employee Database Not provided by vendor [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/149545/GoCo/) [Remote](https://www.capterra.com/p/211639/Remote/)[4.4 (95)](https://www.capterra.com/p/211639/Remote/reviews/) Value for Money $29.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/211639/Remote/) Explore our 1,394 Human Resources solutions[Browse Directory](https://www.capterra.com/human-resource-software/) ## Our methodology  Our independent and objective research is based on market demand signals along with analysis of our proprietary data, including product information and verified user ratings and reviews as of December 2024. To be considered for this list, products had to: - Appear in the Capterra Shortlist for [Capterra Shortlist for Human Resources](https://www.capterra.com/human-resource-software/shortlist/) - Show evidence of offering required functionality for a given software category as demonstrated by publicly available sources, such as the vendor’s website. - Offer either a forever-free version or a free trial period. - In certain cases, depending on the market, we may expand the criteria for selection of products based on our market insights to ensure we’re providing the best options for buyers.  We took the highest-rated products in each of the listed parameters a product is “best for”, unless that product already appeared on our list. In these cases, we feature the next highest-rated product.  In our descriptions of each featured product, we include the following details:  **Most valued features:** Our research team analyzed verified human resources software reviews on Capterra to identify each product’s highest-rated features (among features with at least five reviews). We then summarized user sentiment using real reviews for each feature. Please note some of the highest-rated features for a given product may not be included in its free version.  **Review excerpts selection**: Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, sentiment, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Capterra or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar. **Popular integrations:** We identified integrations from our internal database and selected products considered as “most popular” based on how often they were cited by users as integrating with products in the category. ## What is human resources software? [Human resources (HR) software](https://www.capterra.com/human-resource-software/) helps businesses digitize important HR processes and generate HR reports. All HR software platforms have an employee database where businesses can securely store and organize important HR data. Depending on the applications included in the software, they can then use that data to recruit job applicants, onboard new hires, run payroll, administer benefits, track attendance, and more.  These systems typically integrate with [accounting software](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/) and [customer relationship management (CRM) software](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/) so companies can accurately calculate commission pay and automatically feed payroll data into important accounting reports. ## What is free human resources software? There are two different types of free human resources software: forever-free systems and free trials of paid systems. Knowing the differences and limitations of each can help you decide which type is best for your needs. ### Forever-free options (free version with limited features) Forever-free human resources software options give you access to basic HR software features without any time limit or cost. The downside is that these options almost always have limitations. For example, you may be able to create and store employee documents, perform basic HR tasks like tracking time off approvals, and generate simple reports, but if you want more advanced features, you’ll have to upgrade to a paid plan. There could be limits on the number of employees you can have or the amount of storage as well. Forever-free human resources systems are best for small businesses with very basic HR needs or those that rely on HR service providers to handle the bulk of their HR responsibilities. With 298 forever-free HR software products on our site, there are a lot of options that can meet your needs for zero cost. ### Free trial options (time-limited free access) Free trials of paid human resources software products often give you access to every feature with no limits on the number of employees or the amount of storage, but only for a limited time (usually 14 to 30 days). After your free trial ends, you can either upgrade to a paid plan or lose access to the software entirely. Anyone interested in HR software, even those willing to pay, should take advantage of free trials to try products before committing to them. According to our research, successful software buyers are 25% more likely to factor the free trial period into their final purchase decision than those who ultimately regret their purchase.[\[2\]](#footnotes) On our site, you’ll find 831 different HR software systems with free trial periods, giving you a lot of options to test out before making a purchase decision. ## Features included with free human resources software You can expect to find core features like an employee database, basic HR management, and simple reporting/analytics in every human resources software system on the market. Beyond that, there’s no guarantee you’ll find the features you need in a free human resources software offering.  To help, we looked at what features typically are and are not included in free human resources software, and analyzed our user reviews to learn which features matter most to them. ### Core features available in free human resources software - **An employee database**: Securely store important employee data. 86% rate this feature as critical or highly important. - **Basic HR management**: Automate HR functions related to employee management and compliance. 85% rate this feature as critical or highly important. - **Simple reporting/analytics**: Generate standard HR reports and view basic visualizations of employee data to identify trends. 72% rate this feature as critical or highly important. ### Common features of free human resources software - **Employee management**: Track and make changes to employee availability, job status, manager, and more. 81% rate this feature as critical or highly important. - **Payroll management**: Track and process employee payroll. 80% rate this feature as critical or highly important. - **Onboarding**: Automate the process of turning new hires into legal employees. 75% rate this feature as critical or highly important. - **Time and attendance**: Track employee work hours and time off balances. 72% rate this feature as critical or highly important. ### Features not typically included in free human resources software - **Applicant tracking**: Track job candidates as they move through recruiting processes. 81% rate this feature as critical or highly important. - **Self-service portal**: Allows employees to access the system and perform HR-related tasks themselves. 78% rate this feature as critical or highly important. - **Benefits administration**: Enroll employees in benefits like health insurance. - **Performance management**: Track documents and data related to employee performance reviews. ## Benefits of using free human resources software All businesses have to do important HR processes, yet many don’t have the proper means or expertise to do so. Relying on manual methods like paper files and spreadsheets, small businesses can struggle to take care of workforce compliance needs in a timely manner. As a result, more than two-thirds (68%) of the HR software buyers our advisors have talked to in the past year that currently use manual methods say they’re inefficient.[\[3\]](#footnotes) By automating common HR tasks, free human resources software helps small businesses work through their HR needs more quickly and accurately so they can focus on other priorities.  Our analysis of user reviews reveals some other benefits that you can get from human resources software, even if it’s free: - **Support business growth**: Users say having the right HR software in place can help you scale your HR needs more easily as you hire more employees. - **Improved data security**: Security features like data encryption and access controls found in HR software can help ensure that sensitive employee information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. - **Better employee outcomes**: By automating processes and making HR data more easily accessible, you can provide a better HR service experience to employees—reducing their frustration and improving productivity and engagement. ## What to look for in free human resources software While it can be tempting to focus only on the “free” aspect of free human resources software, there are other factors you should consider before implementing. Look out for things, like: ### Hidden costs and fees There may be no charge to use the HR software itself, but you could run into hidden costs for things like implementation, customer support, and user training. There could be fees for services like filing tax documents or processing payroll runs as well. ## Open source If a software system is open source, that means the creator provides the source code to users for free so that they can customize the system to their needs. The downside to this level of freedom is that you’re often on your own to download, maintain, and upgrade the software as necessary—which can add cost. Only consider open source software if you have the IT resources to handle it. ### Upgrade pathway If you plan on using a specific system long-term, take note of how much it costs to upgrade to a paid plan and what you get added on when you make the jump. If you’re going to hit your free software limits soon, if the cost to upgrade is too expensive, or if the product doesn’t have important features you expect to need down the line, consider other options. ## How to choose free human resources software With so many free human resources software systems to choose from, how do you find the right one for your organization? Here are our tips for making this important decision: ### 1\. Map out your goals and growth plans Our research shows that software buyers are more successful when they identify a clear goal with their software purchase at the outset. Whether it’s speeding up a certain HR process, doing it with fewer errors, or achieving some other kind of improved result, this goal will act as the barometer to determine if your purchase was successful or not.  It’s also important to consider how quickly you’ll grow. Most forever-free human resources software products have a maximum number of employees you can have in the system at one time, so you want to look at software that will still be viable in the near term as you add to your workforce. ### 2\. Balance feature needs and useability The more feature-rich a system is, the more complicated it can be to use. And if you want your employees to use your new HR software to do some important HR tasks themselves (instead of asking you or your HR department to do it for them), making sure it’s not intimidating or clunky for new users is especially important. Identify your feature “needs” (vs. your feature “wants”), and focus on systems that package those needs in an intuitive way. ### 3\. Conduct research and come up with a list of three options to evaluate further Once you have a better idea of what you need, take advantage of free resources like [Capterra Shortlist for Human Resources](https://www.capterra.com/human-resource-software/shortlist/) or our [software comparison tool](https://www.capterra.com/resources/capterra-software-comparison-tool/) to read reviews and research your different options. We find that successful software buyers average no more than three products at this stage to evaluate further (contact vendors, do demos, etc.), so that should be your goal. ## Common limitations of using free human resources software Most forever-free human resources software systems have limitations, such as:  - A cap on the number of users or employees you can have - A limit on the number of reports you can create or store - No access to employee self-service - Limited or no integration capabilities Even with the features you get access to, there can be limitations. For example, you may be able to generate basic boilerplate HR forms in your free human resources software system, but if you want to customize your forms any way with different fields or your own branding, you’ll have to pay. ## When to consider free vs. paid human resources software If you’re a small business with just a few employees and no HR department, a free human resources software system can be a great option to digitize your HR operations without adding cost. Consider upgrading to a paid system when you: - Have a dedicated HR department of more than five people - Have more than 25 employees - Are approaching your storage limit for employee files or reports - Want employee self-service features so workers can do some HR tasks themselves If you’re worried upgrading to a paid system will be prohibitively expensive, don’t be. As one paid HR software reviewer says, “This platform's cost is fantastic compared to some of its competitors, and it has allowed us the flexibility we need for our startup business.” ## What is the cost to upgrade from free human resources software to a paid package? The cost for paid human resources software is usually expressed as a monthly or annual subscription that scales based on the number of people using the software or the number of employees you have, and the amount of functionality it offers. Typical pricing tiers for human resources software look like this:\[4\] - **Entry-level** plans start as low as $5 per month and give you access to basic employee database and HR management features for 100 employees or fewer. - **Mid-tier** plans start around $350 per month and offer more advanced features like applicant tracking and performance management for 101-250 employees. - **Higher-end** plans start around $600 per month, and give you access to premium features like compensation management and in-depth HR analytics for 251+ employees. If you’re wondering how much to budget for a paid system, 64% of the human resources software buyers our advisors have spoken to in the past year have budgeted $5-10 per employee, per month. ## FAQs Do I need HR software? While necessary HR tasks can be done manually, it can take a lot of time and lead to compliance errors. HR software can not only automate these tasks but also ensure that you don’t make any costly mistakes that affect your business or your employees. What is the best free HR software for small businesses? [Deel](https://www.capterra.com/p/205015/Deel/) is both the highest-rated free HR software system and the highest-rated HR software system by small businesses, according to our reviews. Is there a limit to users for free HR software? Yes, there are often limits on the number of users or employees you can have with free HR software. If you have more than five users, or more than 25 employees, consider upgrading to a paid option. Should I pay for employee self-service portals if not included in free HR software? Self-service portals are useful tools for offloading tedious and repetitive HR tasks to employees. Depending on how much time you or your HR department saves by giving employees access to your HR software, it can often be worthwhile to pay for employee self-service portals. Is there free HR software? Yes. Between forever-free options and free trials of paid options, we have nearly 900 free HR software products on our site to compare and consider for your organization. **Sources** 1\. **Capterra reviews data**: Capterra reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past two years as of the research. Research was conducted in December 2024. [Read the complete methodology](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology). 2\. **Capterra’s 2025 Tech Trends Survey** was conducted online in August 2024 among 3,500 respondents in the U.S. (n=700), U.K. (n=350), Canada (n=350), Australia (n=350), France (n=350), India (n=350), Germany (n=350), Brazil (n=350), and Japan (n=350), at businesses across multiple industries and company sizes (five or more employees). The survey was designed to understand the timeline, organizational challenges, adoption & budget, vendor research behaviors, ROI expectations and satisfaction levels for software buyers. Respondents were screened to ensure their involvement in business software purchasing decisions. 3\. **Capterra advisor call notes**: Findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Capterra’s advisor team had with small-to-midsize businesses seeking HR tools. For this report, we analyzed phone interactions from the past year of the research. Research was conducted in December 2024. [Read the complete methodology](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology). 4\. **Capterra software pricing data:** Only products with publicly-available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of the research date, are included in our pricing analyses. [Read the complete methodology](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology). [Brian Westfall](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/bwestfall/) Associate Principal HR Analyst Experience I worked at Capterra for over a decade, becoming a trusted thought leader on all aspects of the HR technology market. I have a passion for helping organizations cultivate a great place to work, and I draw on my eye for detail, curious nature, and ability to distill information in engaging formats to help them do so. Prior to joining Capterra, I honed my writing skills doing journalism for various newspapers, creating social media content for businesses,... [Caroline Rousseau](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/caroline-rousseau/) Caroline Rousseau is a content editor at Capterra. A former content analyst, Caroline has, for the past five years, built, written, and edited research reports about technological trends, opportunities, and challenges with a small and midsize business audience in mind. Her content has been featured in French tier 1 media including Le Monde, L’Express, and Le Figaro, among other publications. Her previous experience as a graphic designer, translator, and LQA specialist in various industries... Related reading Best rated products on this list - [ Gusto](#42ee393d-0695-4c41-b194-a6d200b44a29) - [ Deel](#48b63356-01f5-4f14-94f0-dc4cf62940b4) - [ BambooHR](#8974fda0-96cf-44b9-a1c9-a6d200b2d5bd) - [ Oyster](#80a2ad34-0f74-4b4c-85c2-39fc453c8fa4) - [ OnPay](#222b240f-8294-401b-9dfa-a7ed00810a75) - [ GoCo](#fb33050b-3105-42ba-8489-a6d200b43d9a) - [ Remote](#6dee615f-ca69-4dbb-b4ad-e35e7beabfe6) Talk to a Capterra advisor for free and get results within 15 minutes.