Free CMMS tiers are an excellent way to evaluate platforms and manage maintenance for very small teams. Both UpKeep and MaintainX offer free tiers, but what you get—and what you don't—varies significantly. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right starting point.
UpKeep's free tier includes basic work order management, mobile apps for iOS and Android, preventive maintenance scheduling, and asset tracking for up to 3 users. The free tier lacks advanced reporting, custom fields, API access, and integrations. It's sufficient for solo technicians or very small teams managing basic maintenance.
MaintainX's free tier offers similar core functionality with unlimited work orders and mobile access. However, MaintainX limits the free tier to basic features, and some users report that advanced features require upgrades even for simple use cases. The platform's free tier serves as a solid evaluation period but may feel limiting as teams grow.
Free tiers typically limit team size (usually 1-5 users), restrict advanced features (reporting, integrations, custom fields), and include vendor branding. These limitations are intentional—vendors want you to upgrade as needs grow. However, free tiers are perfect for teams starting their CMMS journey or evaluating platforms before committing.
When to upgrade depends on your needs. If you require advanced reporting, multiple locations, team collaboration features, or integrations with other systems, paid tiers are necessary. UpKeep's paid tiers start at $45/user/month with transparent pricing, while MaintainX pricing requires contacting sales.
Free CMMS tiers are a low-risk way to modernize maintenance management without upfront investment. Both UpKeep and MaintainX allow you to export data if you decide to switch platforms, making free tiers a safe starting point for teams exploring CMMS solutions.