Best HR Software & Tools For 2023 (Free/Paid)
Published: 14th March 2023Calling all HR superheroes: it's time to upgrade your toolkit with the best HR software and tools for 2023!
As your time is precious and your to-do list long, we’ve done the legwork for you by scouring the web for the best HR software, tools, and apps. Whether you're looking for a free option to get started or a robust paid platform to manage your entire HR department, we've got you covered. Don’t miss our lookout at the end, where we dive into what’s currently trending in the HR software world and what this means for your business.
Top 3 Free HR Software Tools for 2023
When it comes to HR software, the cost can often pose a significant obstacle, particularly for small businesses or startups with constrained budgets. However, some companies offer entirely free plans, while others provide free trials that can be converted to a paid plan. These free HR software options offer a diverse set of features and advantages, making them worth exploring. Let's take a closer look at a few examples.
1. Bitrix24 offers a comprehensive suite of CRM and HR & automation tools. Some of the features include
- Applicant tracking
- Employee directory
- Work time tracking & reports
- Absence management
- Announcements & appreciations
💸 100% free plan and paid options available
2. Zenefits is a cloud-based HR platform that offers payroll, benefits administration, and compliance support. Further key features are
- Automated onboarding
- Employee management
- Time-off tracking
- Configurable people analytics
- Compensation management
💸 Free trial and paid options available
3. Zoho People is a cloud-based HR software that helps businesses automate their HR processes and manage their employees' data. Their features include:
- Employee onboarding
- Employee database management
- HR files management
- Employee self-service
- Time-off management
- Analytics
💸 Free trial and paid options available
While free HR software can provide a cost-effective solution for smaller businesses, paid HR software offers more advanced features and customization options that can help larger businesses streamline HR processes and achieve their organizational goals more efficiently.
Best Paid HR Software For 2023
Regarding HR software, businesses that require advanced features and customization options may want to consider investing in paid HR software. According to the 2021–2022 HR Systems Survey by Sapient Insights Research Group in Atlanta, companies invested 57% more in HR software in 2021 than in 2020. Grandview Research estimated that the global HR management market size was valued at $17.6 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to $43.2 billion by 2028, showing the rising relevance.
Here are selected paid options you can consider for 2023:
BambooHR is a popular choice for its intuitive interface making it ideal for businesses of all sizes. Further features include
- Hiring & applicant tracking
- Onboarding & offboarding
- Paid time off management
- Time and attendance tracking
- Performance management
- Benefits tracking
- Employee database
ADP offers an extensive suite of tools for streamlining your HR processes to save you a lot of time. Different aspects of the product cover
- Payroll
- Benefits
- Insurance
- Retirement
- Time and attendance management
Gusto offers a simple and affordable HR solution, with features such as
- Hiring & onboarding
- Payroll & automatic savings
- Benefits administration
- Compliance support
- Talent management
- Insights & reporting
Investing in paid HR software options can have long-term benefits for businesses, freeing up HR managers from tedious tasks and allowing them to focus on managing and supporting employees. It's like becoming an HR superhero with advanced tools and resources to manage employee needs efficiently and tackle any HR challenges that may arise.
HR Software Trends For 2023
As you’ve probably noticed at this point, HR software is constantly evolving, and there are several trends that are expected to shape the industry in 2023 and beyond. One of the most significant trends is the increasing use of artificial intelligence and automation in HR processes, such as recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. Watch this space for us exploring this in more depth soon…
Another important trend relevant to HR software is the ongoing shift across various industries toward hybrid work. With more organizations embracing flexible work arrangements, HR software needs to be adaptable and able to support remote/hybrid collaboration and communication. This includes features such as virtual onboarding, remote performance management, and digital employee engagement tools.
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Additionally, HR software can play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations across different jurisdictions, which can be particularly complex in a remote or hybrid work environment. In short, HR software will continue to play a critical role in supporting organizations as they navigate the evolving world of hybrid/remote work.
Empowering HR Professionals With The Right Software
Just as a chef needs the right ingredients and tools to create a delicious meal, HR professionals need the right HR software to manage human resources efficiently.
With a plethora of excellent HR software options available in 2023, both free and paid, you can choose the tool that best suits your unique HR needs and requirements. By leveraging the latest HR software trends and technologies, you can streamline your processes and optimize your workflows, allowing you to achieve their objectives more effectively and efficiently. Whether it's automating administrative tasks, simplifying payroll, or improving employee engagement, the right HR software can help you get your work done better and more efficiently.
Before you leave, don’t forget to have a look at Doozy Introductions and experience the modern way of team engagement!
Further Resources
- HCA Mag - HR technology budget triples in 2021
- Fortune Business Insight - HR Technology Market Size
- FastCompany - What ChatGPT and other generative AI tools mean for HR
Image Credit
- Giphy, Pexels

Jesse K.
Jesse helps companies working remotely create a social connection by providing trending topics & inspiration via remotenactive.com