Is IceHrm Free? Open-Source Core vs Paid Modules vs Cloud (2026)
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Quick answer: is IceHrm free?
Yes — IceHrm has a genuinely free, open-source core that you can download, self-host, and run for as many employees as you like, with no licence fee and no per-user cost. It lives on GitHub and is community-supported. Where money comes in is optional: some advanced modules are paid add-ons, and if you'd rather not host it yourself, there are two paid editions — a one-time IceHrmPro licence and a fully managed Cloud plan.
So the honest, complete answer is: the core is free; specific advanced modules and the done-for-you options are paid. This guide shows exactly what falls on each side so you can pick the right path.
What you get for free (the open-source core)
The IceHrm Open Source Core is free forever and self-hosted — you own the data and the deployment. It covers the day-to-day HR essentials that replace spreadsheets:
- Employee records and management
- Attendance & time tracking
- Basic reports and a company overview
- Staff directory
- A mobile app for your team
If your main goal is to get employee records, attendance, and time tracking off spreadsheets without paying for software, the open-source core does that on its own. See our complete guide to self-hosted HR software for how self-hosting works in practice.
What's free vs what's paid — at a glance
Some of the more advanced modules — notably Leave Management, Recruitment, and Expense Management — are not part of the free core. They're available as one-time paid extensions you can install on top of it, or bundled into the paid editions.
| Capability | In the free core? | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Employee management & records | Yes — free | Open-source core |
| Attendance & time tracking | Yes — free | Open-source core |
| Staff directory, company overview, advanced reports | Yes — free | Open-source core |
| Mobile app | Yes — free | Open-source core |
| Leave & Performance | No — paid | Paid module ($799) or IceHrmPro/Cloud |
| Recruitment & Applicant Tracking | No — paid | Paid module ($699) or IceHrmPro/Cloud |
| Payroll | No — paid | Paid module ($549) or IceHrmPro/Cloud |
| Expense Management | No — paid | Paid module ($399) or IceHrmPro/Cloud |
The paid modules (buy only what you need)
If the free core covers most of your needs but you want one or two extras, you can buy individual modules and auto-install them on your self-hosted instance from the IceHrm modules marketplace. Approximate one-time prices:
- Team View — $99
- Asset Management — $149
- Workforce Insights — $149
- Task Management — $199
- Learning Management — $299
- Expense Management — $399
- Payroll — $549
- Recruitment & Applicant Tracking — $699
- Leave and Performance — $799
Advance Reports, Staff Directory, and Company Overview are free modules. This à-la-carte route keeps costs low when you only need a couple of extras.
If you'd rather not self-host: Cloud vs IceHrmPro
Self-hosting is free but it's still your server to run, patch, and back up. If that's not where you want to spend time — or you'd rather own everything outright — there are two paid editions.
Managed Cloud — we host it
IceHrm Cloud is fully hosted by IceHRM with backups, security, and updates handled for you. Pricing starts at $12/month for up to 6 employees, then $1.10 per employee/month beyond that, and includes the leave, performance, time-tracking, recruitment, payroll, and training modules out of the box. Best if you want the lowest-friction start and no servers to manage.
IceHrmPro — own the code
IceHrmPro is a one-time $2,499 perpetual licence for unlimited employees, self-hosted, with the premium modules bundled and the first year of updates included. There are no per-user fees. An optional $499/year renewal keeps you receiving upgrades after year one, but the licence itself never expires. Best if you want to own the software, control your data, and avoid recurring per-employee costs.
Cloud or Pro? Choose managed Cloud if you'd rather not run servers and want to start small. Choose IceHrmPro if you have IT to self-host and want to own the code with no per-user tax. Both give you the full module set without buying pieces individually.
So which should you pick?
- Just need the basics, and happy to self-host? Start with the free open-source core.
- Need one or two advanced modules? Add them from the marketplace for a one-time fee.
- Want everything, self-hosted, owned outright? IceHrmPro ($2,499 one-time, unlimited).
- Want zero maintenance? Managed Cloud from $12/month.
For a wider view of the market, see our roundup of the best open-source HR software and self-hosted HR options for 2026, or the full HR software pricing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is IceHrm really free?
Yes. The open-source core is free to download and self-host, with no licence fee and no per-user cost. Advanced modules and the managed/hosted editions are the paid parts.
What's included in the free version?
Employee management, attendance and time tracking, staff directory, company overview, advance reports, and a mobile app.
Which IceHrm features are paid?
Modules such as Leave & Performance, Recruitment, Payroll, and Expense Management are paid add-ons on the free core, or come bundled in IceHrmPro and Cloud.
How much does IceHrmPro cost?
IceHrmPro is a one-time $2,499 perpetual licence for unlimited employees, self-hosted, with the first year of updates included. Renewal for continued upgrades is an optional $499/year.
How much is IceHrm Cloud?
Managed Cloud starts at $12/month for up to 6 employees, then $1.10 per employee/month, with hosting, backups, security, and updates included.
