Top 10 Free HRMS Solutions for Singapore SMEs (2026)
Finding a genuinely free HRMS in Singapore can be challenging. Many HR software vendors offer free trials, but only a limited number provide ongoing free access, community editions, or free plans that businesses can continue using beyond the evaluation period.
To help Singapore SMEs narrow down their options, we have compiled 10 HRMS and workforce management solutions that provide free plans, community editions or open-source access in 2026. If you are looking to digitise HR operations without adding another monthly subscription, these below are some of the options worth considering.
1. PayHR
For businesses looking to manage payroll, leave, attendance and employee records from a single system, PayHR is one of the more comprehensive free options currently available.
PayHR offers free full access with unlimited users and is already being used for payroll operations by several businesses. The platform includes payroll, attendance, leave management and employee record management within a single system.
Beyond core HR functions, PayHR also supports CPF calculations, payslip generation, payroll reporting, email reminders and multi-company management, helping businesses reduce administrative effort while keeping HR processes organised.
Rather than relying on separate systems for payroll, leave and attendance, businesses can manage these functions within a single platform. This helps reduce reliance on spreadsheets and disconnected tools as employee numbers grow.
Key Highlights
Free full access
Unlimited users
Payroll processing and CPF calculations
Leave management
Attendance tracking
Employee management
Multi-company management
Payroll reporting and pay slip generation
2. NeuHR
Startups and smaller employers often look for software that can support core HR processes without introducing unnecessary costs early on. NeuHR addresses this through a free Starter Plan for up to 10 employees.
The platform covers common HR requirements, including payroll, leave administration and attendance management. For many startups, the free plan provides enough functionality to establish basic HR processes before moving to a larger system.
Businesses with fewer than 10 employees can make full use of the Starter Plan, while larger teams may eventually need to consider a paid upgrade.
Key Highlights
Free Starter Plan for up to 10 employees
Payroll support
Leave administration
Attendance management
Designed for startups and small teams
3. Zealys
Rather than providing a fully free HRMS, Zealys adopts a modular model.
Its People Hub module is available at no cost and acts as a central employee database. Organisations can then add payroll, leave, attendance and claims modules separately based on their operational requirements.
This approach allows businesses to start with employee records before deciding whether to add payroll, leave or attendance modules later.
Key Highlights
Free People Hub module
Employee database management
Modular expansion model
Payroll, leave, claims and attendance available as paid modules
4. Zoho People
Zoho People takes a lightweight approach by offering a free edition for up to three users.
The platform focuses on employee information management and essential HR workflows. Businesses already using other Zoho applications may appreciate the convenience of remaining within the same software ecosystem.
The free edition gives very small teams a way to organise employee records and basic HR workflows without additional software costs.
Key Highlights
Free edition for up to three users
Employee records management
Basic HR workflows
Suitable for micro businesses
5. Jibble
Companies searching primarily for attendance tracking may find Jibble sufficient without needing a full HRMS.
Its free basic plan supports unlimited users and includes time tracking and attendance-related functions. The platform may be particularly relevant for shift-based teams, field employees and mobile workforces.
Jibble is best viewed as an attendance and time-tracking platform rather than an all-in-one payroll and HR administration system. Businesses requiring broader HR functionality may need to use it alongside other software.
Key Highlights
Free basic plan
Unlimited users
Time tracking
Attendance management
Mobile workforce support
6. OrangeHRM Community Edition
For organisations that prefer self-hosted software, OrangeHRM Community Edition is an open-source option for managing selected HR functions.
The community edition includes employee management and leave administration capabilities while offering flexibility for customisation. Businesses with access to technical resources can configure the system according to their internal requirements.
OrangeHRM may therefore suit organisations that prefer greater control over system customisation and deployment rather than relying entirely on managed cloud software.
Key Highlights
Open-source platform
Employee records management
Leave administration
Customisation options
Self-hosted deployment
7. Odoo HR Community
Businesses already familiar with Odoo may find its HR-related community applications a natural extension of their existing system.
Rather than introducing a separate HR platform, organisations can manage employee information within the wider Odoo environment. This may create a more connected setup for companies already using other Odoo applications.
Additional modules can be added as requirements evolve, allowing businesses to expand their system over time. Companies should review which applications are included in the community edition and which require paid access before implementation.
Key Highlights
Community edition available
Connection with the broader Odoo ecosystem
Employee information management
Expandable through additional applications
8. Sentrifugo
Those looking for a self-managed HR platform can also consider Sentrifugo.
The platform provides employee information management, leave administration and performance-related functions without recurring software subscription fees.
Organisations that prefer full control over their HR software may find this approach appealing. However, the business remains responsible for deployment, maintenance and ongoing system administration.
Key Highlights
Self-managed HR solution
Employee information management
Leave administration
Performance management functions
No recurring software subscription fee
9. Bitrix24
Bitrix24 combines workplace collaboration tools with employee management capabilities.
In addition to supporting internal communication and productivity, its free plan includes selected employee and workplace management functions. It may be a suitable option for organisations that want collaboration tools alongside basic HR administration.
Bitrix24 is better viewed as a broader workplace platform than a dedicated payroll-focused HRMS.
Businesses requiring Singapore payroll processing or CPF calculations would need to confirm whether another system is required.
Key Highlights
Employee and workplace management tools
Team collaboration features
Productivity-focused platform
Free plan available
10. Connecteam
Connecteam focuses on workforce scheduling, employee communication and mobile workforce coordination.
The platform is particularly relevant for businesses managing distributed teams, field staff, cleaning crews, logistics personnel and service technicians. Scheduling, communication and day-to-day workforce coordination are central to its offering.
Rather than serving as a traditional payroll-focused HRMS, Connecteam is primarily a workforce management platform for keeping deskless and mobile teams connected. Businesses should review the current limits of its free plan to determine whether it suits their team size and required features.
Key Highlights
Workforce scheduling
Employee communication
Mobile-first design
Workforce coordination
Free plan available for eligible small businesses
Free HRMS Comparison at a Glance
Requirement | Recommended Solution |
Free full access with unlimited users | PayHR |
Free plan for teams of up to 10 employees | NeuHR |
Free employee database | Zealys |
Free HR plan for very small teams | Zoho People |
Free attendance and time tracking | Jibble |
Open-source HRMS | OrangeHRM Community Edition |
HR applications within an ERP ecosystem | Odoo Community |
Self-managed HR software | Sentrifugo |
Collaboration tools with basic HR functions | Bitrix24 |
Mobile workforce management | Connecteam |
Which Free HRMS in Singapore Is Best for SMEs?
The right option depends on the HR functions your business actually needs.
Very small teams may find Zoho People sufficient for organising employee records and basic HR workflows.
NeuHR may be more relevant for startups that want payroll, leave and attendance functions within a free plan for up to 10 employees.
Companies focused primarily on time and attendance may consider Jibble, while businesses managing mobile or field-based employees may prefer the workforce coordination features offered by Connecteam.
Organisations with technical resources may consider OrangeHRM Community Edition, Odoo Community or Sentrifugo. These options provide greater control but may require hosting, configuration, maintenance and internal technical support.
For employers that want payroll processing, CPF calculations, leave management, attendance tracking and employee administration within a single platform, PayHR offers free full access with unlimited users. Its multi-company management, payroll reporting and payslip generation functions may also be useful for businesses that have outgrown spreadsheet-based HR processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free HRMS for Singapore SMEs?
The best HRMS depends on your business requirements. Some solutions focus on employee records, while others specialise in attendance tracking, collaboration or mobile workforce management.
Businesses that need payroll, CPF calculations, leave management and attendance tracking within a single system should compare the modules included in each free plan, along with any employee or user limits.
Are there free HRMS solutions with payroll in Singapore?
Yes. Some HRMS platforms include payroll functionality within their free offering, while others reserve payroll for paid plans or additional modules.
Before implementing a system, businesses should verify which payroll functions are included. These may include payroll calculation, CPF support, pay slip generation, attendance-linked calculations, reporting and export functions.
Which free HRMS supports payroll, CPF calculations, leave and attendance management?
Not every free HRMS provides all these functions within the same plan. Some platforms focus on employee records, while others specialise in time tracking or workforce scheduling.
Among the options available, PayHR combines payroll processing, CPF calculations, leave management, attendance tracking and employee records within a single platform, while also offering free full access with unlimited users.
What is the difference between a free HRMS and a free trial?
A free HRMS plan can be used beyond an initial evaluation period, although employee limits, user limits or feature restrictions may apply.
A free trial only provides temporary access. Once the trial ends, the business generally needs to subscribe to a paid plan to continue using the software.
Is an open-source HRMS really free?
Open-source HRMS software may be available without software license fees. However, that does not mean implementation will have no cost.
Businesses may still need to budget for hosting, configuration, customisation, maintenance, security updates and technical support. These costs should be considered when comparing open-source software with a managed cloud HRMS.
Can a free HRMS support a growing SME?
That depends on the restrictions attached to the free plan. Some platforms limit the number of employees or users, while others reserve selected modules for paid subscriptions.
Growing SMEs should check whether the platform can accommodate future headcount, additional companies, more complex approval workflows and expanded payroll requirements.
What should SMEs look for when choosing a free HRMS?
Beyond cost, SMEs should consider whether the system supports the functions they use regularly, such as:
Employee records
Payroll processing
CPF calculations
Leave applications and approvals
Attendance tracking
Payslip generation
Payroll reporting
Data exports
Multi-company management
User and employee scalability
Businesses should also determine whether the free plan includes the required functions or whether paid modules will be needed later.
Final Thoughts
Many HR software providers advertise free trials, but genuinely free usage remains relatively uncommon.
Some free solutions focus on attendance tracking or employee records, while community and open-source platforms give organisations more control over how their HR software is deployed.
Before selecting a system, consider the HR functions you need today and whether the platform can continue supporting your business as it grows. Pay particular attention to user limits, employee limits, paid add-ons and the internal resources required to maintain the system.
If you are looking for a free HRMS with full access and unlimited users, PayHR combines payroll processing, CPF calculations, leave management, attendance tracking, employee records and multi-company management within a single platform.
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