Top 20 Alternatives to Zenefits (Free Plan) in Absence Management Software

Zenefits offers an integrated HR suite with payroll, benefits, and time‑off tracking. Looking for free‑plan options that focus on absence/leave management? Below are 20 alternatives that provide free tiers or free‑forever plans for managing employee time‑off, PTO, sick leave, and other absences.

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Top Competitors to Consider

HR platform with a free‑tier for small teams that includes basic time‑off tracking, approval workflows, and calendar sync.

Free plan for up to 5 users offering leave management, self‑service portal, and automated accruals.

Free forever plan for unlimited employees with leave requests, approval flows, and calendar integration.

Open‑source core HR system; the free community edition includes leave management, accrual rules, and reporting.

Free plan (up to 12 users) includes HR tools such as leave requests, approval chains, and an employee calendar.

Free tier for up to 50 employees with leave management, automated accruals, and manager approvals.

#8 Apptivo

Free CRM/HR bundle for up to 3 users; includes a simple time‑off request module and approval workflow.

Free time‑tracking tool that also offers a basic leave management add‑on for tracking PTO and sick days.

Free plan for up to 10 employees; handles leave requests, accrual policies, and email notifications.

Free tier for small teams (up to 20 users) with leave requests, calendar view, and approval routing.

#12 Jorani

Open‑source leave management system; free to self‑host with customizable accruals and multi‑level approvals.

#13 Sage HR

Free plan for up to 5 users; includes leave management, automated accruals, and integration with Google Calendar.

#14 Keka

Free HR suite for startups (up to 10 employees) featuring leave management, policy enforcement, and analytics.

#15 HR.my

Free cloud‑based HR system with leave management, employee self‑service, and reporting.

While not a permanent free plan, Zoho offers a 15‑day free trial with full leave‑management capabilities.

#17 Paycor

Free trial includes full absence management features such as request forms, accrual tracking, and manager dashboards.

#18 Deputy

Free plan for up to 5 users; includes shift scheduling plus a simple time‑off request and approval module.

Free tier for up to 75 employees; provides scheduling and basic leave request/approval functionality.

Separate HR module within the free Bitrix24 plan offering leave management, vacation calendars, and approval workflows.

Personio offers a 14‑day free trial that includes full absence management, policy setup, and reporting.