Which free mentoring software options exist for a pilot?
Two published free tiers cover a pilot of up to 10 people. Both were checked on their vendor pages. The table compares what each says.
| MentorStack Free Pilot | Mentornity free tier | |
|---|---|---|
| People covered | Up to 10 participants | Up to 10 users |
| Time limit | None | No expiry |
| Card needed | No credit card | No card |
| Features | All matching formats, goals, meetings, messaging and a basic dashboard. Limits: 2 active matches per user and 2 goals per match. | States every feature the paid plan has. |
| Reporting and export | Start on Starter. | Included, by its own description. |
| Admins | Admin-only accounts do not count. | Administrators and coordinators are free. |
Sources: Mentornity pricing (2026-10-03) and the MentorStack pricing page. Check the vendor page for current terms.
What are the limits of a free tier?
- The cap is a head count. At 11 participants you need a paid plan.
- MentorStack's Free Pilot has a basic dashboard but no report export. You cannot hand a sponsor an exported report from it.
- Free tiers carry lighter support. MentorStack Free Pilot has community support.
Which free option should you choose?
If you want every feature unlocked for a 10-person pilot, Mentornity's free tier is the closer fit by its own description. If your pilot is the first step toward a larger program run by a lean team, start on MentorStack so you test the product you would scale on. Both let you run a real cohort.
When should you move to a paid plan?
- You add an 11th participant.
- A sponsor asks for an exported report. Reporting and export start on Starter.
- You need Slack or Teams delivery or program applications. They start on Starter.
- You need SSO or HRIS sync. They start on Growth.
The cost guide shows what each step costs. Use Program in a Box to plan the pilot itself.
Common questions
- Is there free mentoring software for a pilot?
- MentorStack's Free Pilot is free for up to 10 participants with no time limit and no credit card. It suits a small pilot, such as one cohort of five pairs. Compare limits before you pick any free tier, because reporting and export are the features most often held back.
- What does the MentorStack Free Pilot include?
- The Free Pilot includes all four mentoring formats, matching on skills, goals, seniority and availability, messaging, a basic dashboard and community support. Limits are 2 active matches per user, 2 goals per match and 8 AI credits per month. It covers up to 10 participants.
- What is not included in the Free Pilot?
- Report generation and export start on Starter, and scheduled reports start on Growth. Slack and Teams delivery also needs Starter or above. The Free Pilot has a basic dashboard, so an admin can see program activity, but a sponsor report needs a paid plan.
- When should a pilot move to a paid plan?
- Move to a paid plan when you outgrow 10 participants or need reporting and export for a sponsor. Starter costs $12 per active participant per month, or $10.20 billed annually. Upgrading takes effect immediately, and admin-only accounts do not count toward the bill.