Top 5 Free EHR for Private Practice in 2026

Finding the Right Free EHR for Your Private Practice

For solo practitioners and small clinics, every dollar counts. Whether you're a therapist, doctor, nurse, or med spa owner, the cost of robust software can be a major hurdle. A free Electronic Health Record (EHR) system seems like the perfect solution, but it's crucial to understand what "free" really means. Many platforms offer a 'free trial' that expires, while others provide a truly free-forever plan with certain limitations.

This guide breaks down the best free EHR options available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, helping you make an informed decision for your practice.

1. ClinikEHR

ClinikEHR stands out by offering a powerful, truly free-forever plan designed specifically for practitioners who are starting or running a small-scale practice. No trial periods, no hidden costs.

• Pricing: $0/month. No credit card required.

• Pros:

  • Generous Free Tier: Includes up to 20 clients and 1 staff/provider, making it perfect for solo practitioners.
  • Core Features Included: Comes with essential tools like a professional online booking page, basic progress notes, and online payment processing.
  • Client-Focused: Provides a basic client portal to empower your patients.
  • Truly Free: Unlike many competitors, this isn't a 14 or 30-day trial. It’s a permanent free plan you can rely on as you build your practice.
  • Scalable: As your practice grows, you can seamlessly upgrade to paid plans for more advanced features like insurance claims and AI assistants.

• Cons:

  • The free plan is limited to 20 active clients, which may require an upgrade for rapidly growing practices.
  • Advanced features like automated insurance billing and eSignatures are reserved for paid tiers.

2. Practice Fusion

Practice Fusion was once famous for its free, ad-supported model but has since shifted to a paid subscription. It still offers a free trial to test its comprehensive features.

• Pricing: Starts at $149/month after a free trial.

• Pros:

  • Full-featured platform with charting, e-prescribing, and lab integrations.
  • User-friendly interface that is relatively easy to learn.

• Cons:

  • No longer offers a free-forever plan.
  • The subscription cost can be high for a solo practitioner.

3. DrChrono

DrChrono is a mobile-friendly EHR known for its excellent iPad and iPhone apps, making it great for practitioners on the go. It provides a free trial to explore its capabilities.

• Pricing: Custom pricing, requires a quote. Offers a free trial.

• Pros:

  • Top-tier mobile experience.
  • Includes telehealth, medical billing, and a patient portal.

• Cons:

  • Pricing is not transparent.
  • The free offering is only a trial, not a permanent plan.

4. Kareo (Tebra)

Kareo is a comprehensive platform that merged with PatientPop to become Tebra. It's well-regarded for its billing services and is suitable for a wide range of specialties.

• Pricing: Starts around $249/month. Offers a free trial.

• Pros:

  • Strong focus on medical billing and revenue cycle management.
  • Integrates clinical and practice management workflows.

• Cons:

  • One of the more expensive options.
  • The free plan is only a limited-time trial.

5. SimplePractice

SimplePractice is a favorite among therapists and behavioral health professionals. It offers a clean interface and strong practice management tools.

• Pricing: Starts at $29/month. Offers a 30-day free trial.

• Pros:

  • Tailored specifically for therapists and wellness professionals.
  • Includes scheduling, notes, billing, and a great client portal.

• Cons:

  • The free trial is time-limited.
  • While affordable, it is not a free-forever plan.

(Note: The list continues with other popular EHRs that offer free trials, but the top 5 provide a clear picture of the landscape.)

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Your Practice

While many EHR platforms use a "free trial" to attract customers, finding a solution that offers a permanent, no-cost plan is a game-changer for private practitioners. ClinikEHR is the clear winner for anyone starting out, providing the essential tools you need to manage your practice professionally without the financial pressure.

It gives you a solid foundation to build upon, with the flexibility to scale as your needs grow.

Ready to launch your practice with a truly free EHR?

Sign Up for ClinikEHR's Free Plan Today or Schedule a Demo to see our premium features in action.