View all HR Alternatives
Best Free Alternatives to Zenefits
Stop paying $8-$21/user/mo. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: HRVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
OrangeHRM Starter
Best Overall FOSS Alternative
Why we like it
The global standard for open-source HRIS; includes a full employee directory, leave management, and time tracking; no per-user fees for the self-hosted edition.
Keep in mind
The user interface is functional but feels more 'corporate' and less sleek than Zenefits.
Bitrix24 (HR Tools)
FREEBest for Small Teams
Why we like it
Free for unlimited users; includes an internal social network, org charts, and document management; built-in video calls and chat reduce the need for Slack.
Keep in mind
The free tier has a storage limit (5GB); some advanced automation and recurring tasks are reserved for paid plans.
Odoo Employees
Best Modern UI
Why we like it
Features a dashboard that looks like a smartphone; the 'One App Free' plan allows you to use the core HR module for $0 forever; highly modular.
Keep in mind
Adding a second module (like Payroll or Recruitment) triggers a per-user subscription.
Connecteam (Small Business Plan)
FREEBest for Deskless Workers
Why we like it
Free for up to 10 users; exceptional mobile-first design; includes a time clock with GPS, employee scheduling, and an HR hub for documents.
Keep in mind
Primarily designed for field/retail workers; lacks deep 'Benefits Administration' features.
HR.my
FREEBest for 100% Free Payroll
Why we like it
A cloud-based HRIS and payroll platform that is completely free and ad-supported; unlimited users; includes e-payslips and expense management.
Keep in mind
Manual tax filing is required as it lacks the automated US tax integrations found in Zenefits.
Sentrifugo
Best Feature Depth
Why we like it
100% free with no premium 'traps'; includes modules for background checks, appraisals, and disciplinary tracking that Zenefits often charges extra for.
Keep in mind
Slower update cycle; documentation can be technical for non-IT users.
Zoho People (Free Plan)
FREEBest for Tiny Teams
Why we like it
Free for up to 5 employees; professional onboarding and leave management; integrates with the wider Zoho business suite.
Keep in mind
Very strict 5-user limit; scaling beyond that follows a similar per-user model to Zenefits.
IceHrm Open Source
Best Lightweight Tool
Why we like it
Very fast and low resource usage; includes a strong document management system for employee contracts; easy to self-host.
Keep in mind
The Community edition lacks the 'Performance Review' and 'Payroll' modules found in the Pro version.
Kredily
FREEBest for Transparency
Why we like it
Offers a 'Free Forever' core HR suite; includes leave, attendance, and a basic payroll generator; very quick 15-minute setup.
Keep in mind
Focuses heavily on the Indian market; may require manual adjustment for specific US compliance needs.
TimeTrex Community
Best for Complex Scheduling
Why we like it
Unmatched for companies with complex hourly shift rules; handles payroll, attendance, and job costing in one free package.
Keep in mind
The interface is very dated (industrial); requires high technical knowledge to install and configure.
WP ERP (HR Module)
FREEBest for WordPress Sites
Why we like it
A full HRIS that lives inside your WordPress dashboard; keeps your employee data on your own server; unlimited employees.
Keep in mind
Only works if you have a WordPress site; some advanced 'extensions' are paid.
MintHCM
Best for Talent Management
Why we like it
Focused on the entire employee lifecycle; includes skill tracking and professional development views; modern PHP/MySQL architecture.
Keep in mind
Smaller community support than OrangeHRM; requires manual server installation.