EHRs — the digital home for your patients’ medical history (and maybe your charting headaches too.

What’s now known as a pain in the neck for most clinicians was actually a huge upgrade from the far less efficient paper charts used before the ’90s.

But the history of EHR doesn’t end there. 

EHRs didn’t become mandatory until the HITECH Act in 2009, meaning clinics have only been required to use them for just over a decade. 

And only now, we’re seeing the development of EHR systems that handle clinicians’ problems rather than add to them.

And that’s why it’s about time you look into newer, better systems.

But first, EHR or EMR?

EMR vs. EHR

You probably hear these terms used interchangeably, but there’s a difference between the EMR and EHR.

An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is a digital version of a patient’s chart used within a single practice. It includes medical history, diagnoses, and treatments but stays within that organization — meaning it doesn’t travel with the patient if they see another provider.

An Electronic Health Record (EHR) goes further. It’s designed for interoperability, allowing different healthcare providers and facilities to share patient information securely. EHRs are more useful for coordinated care, especially for patients seeing multiple specialists or transitioning between providers. 

Thus, EHRs are generally used for keeping inpatient medical records, while EMRs typically refer to outpatient care and services.

17 Best EHR tools in 2025

Here’s the good, the bad, and the click-heavy.

1. Epic

Epic EHR is one of the leading electronic health record systems in the U.S., and clinicians often have mixed feelings about it. 

A major talking point around Epic is its configurability. The system enforces best practices, and while you can make some changes, straying too far can require costly custom development. 

That said, Epic offers just enough flexibility to support most clinical and administrative workflows — especially in large or growing organizations, where excessive customization can actually hurt efficiency in the long run.

Epic is best for large healthcare systems, like big hospitals, because it’s complex and expensive to set up and maintain. 

Epic key features

• Comprehensive EHR system
• Interoperability
• Patient portal (MyChart)
• Clinical documentation
• Billing management
• Clinical workflow coordination
• Reporting and analytics

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Easy to find and filter patient information.

✔ Good with dot phrases/macros, reducing charting time.

✔ Strong security features.

✔ Integrates well with many healthcare systems as a major player in the field.

Cons:

✘ Too robust and expensive for small settings.

✘ UI “gives 2007 Windows feels.”

2. ModMed

ModMed is a cloud-based EHR for specialty practices. It’s packed with features that fit specific medical fields so you don’t have to search through other specialty diagnoses to find what you need.

It supports a range of specialties, including allergy, dermatology, ENT, gastroenterology, OBGYN, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pain management, plastic surgery, podiatry, and urology. However, ModMed doesn’t perform equally well across all of them and is really best suited for dermatology, gastroenterology, and ophthalmology.

ModMed key features

• Specialty-specific EHR.
• Auto-suggested notes and coding.
• Integrated MIPS functionality and dashboards.
• AI-powered scribing (ModMed Scribe).
• Practice management.
• Revenue cycle management.
• Patient communication.
• Payment processing.
• Interoperability.
• E-prescribing.
• Mobile accessibility.
• Reporting and analytics.

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Easy to find diagnoses and procedures.

✔ Specialty-specific features save time.

✔ Reliable system with stable performance.

✔ Validation rules and required fields help prevent critical charting, note, or exam errors.

✔ Strong user community for support.

✔ Excellent customer support.

Cons:

✘ Scheduling templates are more complex than other features.

✘ Occasional long downtimes during peak clinic hours.

✘ Some tasks require excessive clicking.

✘ Limited customization.

3. NextGen Healthcare EHR

NextGen Healthcare is a good fit for mid-sized practices that want a balance of advanced features and manageable costs. The system has recently been ranked the #1 EHR vendor in internal medicine, neurosurgery, pediatrics, and sleep medicine.

It includes practice management, patient engagement, and other essential tools in one system. Plus, it works well with third-party software.

On the downside, NextGen isn’t nearly as intuitive and user-friendly as Epic — but it also doesn’t come with Epic’s price tag.

NextGen key features

• EHR
• AI-powered ambient listening
• Practice management
• Interoperability
• Revenue cycle management
• Integrated patient experience platform
• Telehealth
• AI suggestions for ICD10 coding, medications, and lab orders
• E-prescribing
• Reporting and analytics

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Charting is fast with templates and macros.

✔ The mobile app is a lifesaver for on-call doctors.

✔ More affordable than many other EHRs — good value for the price.

Cons:

✘ The UI is a bit complex.

✘ Billing services are outsourced to a third party, which is a cause of concern for some.

✘ Too many clicks to complete basic tasks.

✘ Setup can be time-consuming.

✘ Extra modules add up quickly, making customization pricey.

4. Practice Better

If you're a solo practitioner, you probably don’t need a complex EHR like those above. Practice Better keeps it simple and affordable, with features built for wellness pros like nutritionists and mental health practitioners.

The software offers handy telehealth features for virtual practices, making it easy to schedule, manage meetings, and communicate with clients — all in one place.

Practice Better key features

• EHR
• Pre-made patient chart templates
• AI charting assistant
• Practice management
• Patient portal
• Workflow automation
• HIPPA-certified telehealth and instant messaging
• Billing services
• Mobile app
• Reporting

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Fully customizable forms, templates, and workflows.

✔ Extensive food database for nutritionists.

✔ Simple and intuitive patient logging.

✔ Strong client interaction features.

✔ Automatic lab result integration into the EHR.

Cons:

✘ AI charting could be more accurate and detailed.

✘ No built-in support for online programs or memberships.

5. EHR Your Way

The name says it all — EHR Your Way lets you manage patient records the way that works best for you. 

It’s a great choice for small to mid-sized practices that need software that adapts to their existing workflows. However, the sheer number of customization options can be overwhelming for larger clinics.

EHR Your Way is especially popular among mental health practitioners.

EHR Your Way key features

• Customizable EHR
• Flexible CRM module
• Patient portal
• Appointment management
• Automated workflows
• Billing module
• Reporting

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Customizable to fit your workflow.

✔ Intuitive and adaptable system.

✔ Easy navigation between patient demographics, charting, and document management.

✔ Responsive and helpful customer support.

Cons:

✘ Occasional minor bugs and glitches.

✘ Limited features for larger practices.

✘ The patient portal isn’t the most user-friendly.

✘ Little to no help documentation or step-by-step guides due to high customization.

6. Nextech EHR

Nextech EHR is another practice management and EHR combo, designed specifically for specialties like ophthalmology, plastic surgery, dermatology, med spas, and orthopedics — though it’s especially popular among ophthalmologists.

Clinicians often compare Nextech to NextGen, and Nextech usually comes out ahead.

Nextech EHR key features

• Specialty-specific EHR
• Practice management
• Customizable charting and templates
• Telehealth
• Revenue cycle management
• E-prescribing and medication management
• Patient portal
• Billing and claims processing
• Compliance and reporting tools
• Mobile accessibility

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Offers solid customization options.

✔ Efficient and user-friendly charting templates.

✔ Well-established platform with a large user community and extensive documentation.

Cons:

✘ Frequent updates can sometimes cause performance issues.

✘ Certain tasks require too many clicks (though still fewer than in NextGen).

7. ECP

ECP is an EHR designed specifically for assisted living and senior care facilities.

Its biggest strength is its simplicity — once you get the hang of it. If you're looking for a straightforward charting system that does the job without unnecessary complexity, ECP is a great choice.

ECP key features

• Assisted living and senior living EHR
• Automatic care plans
• Customizable alerts and notifications
• Incident reporting
• Digital signatures
• Reporting
• Automatic assessment tracking and audit documentation
• Mobile app

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Extremely helpful and responsive support team.

✔ Budget-friendly compared to other EHR solutions.

✔ Fully compliant with regulations in all 50 U.S. states.

Cons:

✘ The mobile app can lag behind in updates.

✘ Takes some time to learn and get used to.

✘ Lacks the robustness of more advanced EHR platforms.

8. Tebra

Tebra, formerly Kareo Clinical, is an all-in-one EHR solution for small practices.

Tebra is an affordable option with a solid set of features. It even includes e-prescriptions, which many similar systems don’t. However, users have reported a decline in product quality and customer support since the acquisition.

Tebra key features

• EHR
• Pre-built note templates
• Electronic prescriptions
• Telehealth
• Electronic labs
• MACRA/MIPs
• Interoperability
• Patient portal
• Practice management
• Billing
• Mobile access
• Reporting tools

Pros and cons

Pros: 

✔ Easy to learn and use.

✔ Good value for the features offered.

Cons:

✘ Consistent complaints about slow/unresponsive customer service.

✘ Occasional account and billing issues.

✘ No Google Calendar integration.

9. SimplePractice

SimplePractice is a practice management solution built for private practices, particularly in the mental health space.

It’s easy to set up, looks modern, and comes with a mobile app. It covers the basics well, but the price can add up fast if you need extra tools or more clinicians on your plan.

SimplePractice key features

• EHR
• Specialty-based treatment plans
• Note templates
• E-prescriptions
• Patient portal
• Telehealth
• Billing
• Mobile app
• Marketing tools
• Analytics and reporting

Pros and cons

Pros: 

✔ Modern, easy-to-use interface.

✔ Automatic appointment reminders.

✔ Therapists can create and manage couples' accounts.

Cons:

✘ Many standard, essential features are accessible only in high-tier plans.

✘ Doesn’t scale with growing practice needs.

✘ Calendar syncing isn’t available in lower-tier plans.

10. TherapyNotes

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to SimplePractice with similar core features — just without the bells and whistles — you should look into TherapyNotes.

Compared to SimplePractice (since they’re often mentioned together), TherapyNotes includes more features in its base plan, offers less customization, but delivers a smoother overall user experience.

Go with SimplePractice if you need extras like a website builder, a mobile app, or slightly more advanced telehealth features. Otherwise, TherapyNotes provides a more straightforward EHR experience for behavioral health professionals.

TherapyNotes key features

• EHR
• Scheduling
• Automated appointment reminders
• Billing management
• Payment processing
• Integrated outcome measures
• Patient portal
• Telehealth
• E-prescriptions
• Patient and staff communication

Pros and cons

Pros: 

✔ 24/7 live customer support.

✔ Full-featured EHR at a lower cost than SimplePractice.

✔ Good for insurance billing and reimbursement.

Cons:

✘ The interface feels a bit clunky.

✘ No dedicated mobile app.

✘ Limited customization options.

11. TheraNest

TheraNest is another solid alternative to SimplePractice for mental health professionals. While the interface isn’t as polished, it’s more budget-friendly and covers all the essentials.

TheraNest key features

• EHR
• Note templates
• Appointment scheduling
• Billing and invoicing
• Telehealth
• Client portal
• Reporting and analytics

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Covers all the core features needed for mental health practices.

✔ Excellent customer support.

✔ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

✔ Easy to learn and customize.

✔ The telehealth platform works well for both group and individual sessions.

Cons:

✘ No dedicated mobile app.

✘ No two-way calendar sync.

✘ The built-in video platform could be better.

✘ The appointment scheduling feature has its quirks.

12. Practice Fusion

Stepping away from the mental health space for a moment, Practice Fusion offers an all-in-one EHR system for general and specialty medical practices.

With built-in e-prescribing and lab integrations, it helps clinicians reduce paperwork and focus more on patient care.

Practice Fusion key features

• EHR
• Patient portal
• Appointment scheduling
• E-prescribing
• Interoperability
• Lab and imaging integration
• Billing and revenue cycle management
• Mobile accessibility

Pros and cons

Pros: 

✔ Time-saving dot phrases (a.k.a. macros) streamline documentation.

✔ One of the most widely used low-cost EHRs, it’s highly compatible with labs and imaging centers.

✔ Affordable and easy to set up.

✔ Ordering medications and lab tests is incredibly simple, especially when using custom order sets.

Cons:

✘ Limited template options.

✘ Occasional downtime.

✘ Costs have been increasing over time.

13. athenaOne

athenaOne is on the same level as Epic — great for large clinics but not exactly budget-friendly for smaller practices.

It connects well with other systems, so data sharing isn’t a headache, and you can customize workflows to fit how your practice runs. But where it really stands out is billing. If you’re looking for a system that takes billing off your plate in addition to EHR capabilities, athenaOne is the one.

athenaOne key features

• EHR
• Specialty-specific workflows
• Real-time patient insights
• Automatic patient record sharing
• Revenue cycle management
• Patient portal
• Interoperability
• E-prescribing
• Mobile app
• Analytics and reporting
• Population health management

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Highly customizable to fit different practice needs.

✔ Convenient autosaving, templates, and macros streamline documentation.

✔ A mobile app where patients can update their entire health history.

Cons:

✘ Customer support could be better.

✘ Geared toward large organizations — too pricey for smaller practices.

✘ Steeper learning curve than Epic due to limited training.

14. eClinicalWorks

eClinicalWorks is another widely used EHR, which made it to the list due to its comprehensive functionality and integrations.

While its interface feels a bit outdated — like many long-established EHRs — it’s far from lagging in innovation. The system has integrated Sunoh.ai, an AI-powered medical scribe that records clinical details during patient visits and generates draft notes. 

eClinicalWorks key features

• EHR
• Practice management
• Integrated AI-powered scribing
• Telehealth
• Patient portal
• Interoperability
• E-prescribing
• Revenue cycle management
• Mobile app
• Analytics and reporting

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ Once you get used to it, ordering labs and e-prescriptions is quick and efficient.

✔ Offers great time-saving features — if you're willing to pay for the upgrades.

✔ Templates (macros) help speed up documentation.

Cons:

✘ Very steep learning curve.

✘ The interface feels outdated compared to newer and simpler EHRs.

15. Cerner (now Oracle Health)

Cerner, now part of Oracle’s Health suite, is an enterprise-level EHR similar to Epic. While the healthcare industry still commonly refers to it as Cerner, it’s officially integrated into Oracle Health.

With the shift to Oracle Health, current Cerner users will have to face the decision of whether to transition to the new system or stick with the current setup. And even though there’s been some debate about Oracle’s new EHR system, it’s still one of the most widely used in the U.S., alongside Epic.

Cerner key features

• EHR
• Interoperability
• Mobile app
• Patient portal
• E-prescriptions
• Revenue cycle management
• Analytics and reporting
• Population health management

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ The most widely used EHR system in the country, making medical record transfers easier.

✔ Compatible with numerous systems through custom integrations and third-party plugins via API.

✔ Allows for heavy customization.

✔ Does the job well when you keep workflows simple.

Cons:

✘ Requires a lot of clicks to get anything done.

✘ Some of the UI may be outdated.

✘ Complex to implement and learn.

16. Veradigm EHR (formerly Allscripts)

Veradigm EHR is a user-friendly system that helps mid-sized ambulatory care facilities manage patient records, appointments, and billing in one place.

Veradigm EHR is in the same league as Epic, eClinicalWorks, athenaOne, and NextGen, but each system has its pros and cons. Compared to Epic, for example, Veradigm is more affordable and easier to get the hang of.

Veradigm key features

• EHR
• One-click templates
• Ambient scribe
• Scheduling and appointment management
• Patient portal
• Billing and claims processing
• Telehealth
• Interoperability
• Care plans and goals
• Mobile app

Pros and cons

Pros:

✔ The system is simple to pick up, so you don’t need much training.

✔ The note-taking feature is easy to use and doesn’t crash often.

✔ Billing is clear and doesn’t take too long to complete.

Cons:

✘ It takes quite a few clicks to do simple tasks (Allscripts used to be referred to as “all-clicks”).

✘ It’s not easy to route faxes from labs into the system, which can be a hassle.

17. Carepatron

Carepatron is a straightforward EHR and practice management system for solo practitioners and small clinics.

Carepatron is like the iPhone of EHR systems — modern, intuitive, and covers all the basics most solo practitioners and small clinics need. If you don’t have highly specific requirements, it’s a reliable, easy-to-use choice.

Carepatron key features 

• EHR
• Practice management
• Scheduling and reminders
• Patient portal
• Billing and payments
• Telehealth
• AI-powered task automation and workflow management
• Mobile app

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Simple interface that’s easy to navigate.
• Affordable pricing, especially for small practices.
• Convenient mobile app for managing tasks on the go.

Cons:

• Limited advanced features compared to larger EHR systems.
• Some users report occasional glitches in telehealth sessions.

Bonus tool: Freed

Because even with the best EHR, you're still doing the heavy lifting. Freed gives you that time back — so your focus stays with your patient, not your keyboard.

Our HIPAA-compliant AI scribe connects to your EHR, listens, transcribes, and writes notes in real time.

With Freed, you can:

• Capture accurate notes for any patient visit, virtual or in person.
• Integrate with any EHR or copy and paste notes easily.
• Provide patients with clear instructions after each visit.

Try it for free — no credit card required.

Benefits and challenges of the EHR

Of course, EHRs aren’t just a regulatory requirement for clinicians — they offer real benefits, including:

• Centralized data storage. Everything from lab results to imaging reports and patient histories is stored in one place. 
• Improved medication safety. Being a gathering place for laboratory and imaging information, EHR helps reduce medication errors.
• Legible and standardized documentation. No need to sift through handwritten paper records!
• Potential for Big Data insights. EHRs open the door for spotting health trends, predicting risks, and improving patient care.

However, these are often overshadowed by the drawbacks.

• Time-consuming data entry. Physicians spend nearly twice as much time on EHRs as with patients.
• Lack of true interoperability. Despite promises of seamless information sharing, records often cannot be reliably accessed across hospitals.
• Administrative overload. The system often prioritizes billing and compliance over patient care.
• Loss of human connection. Physicians and nurses spend more time interacting with screens than with patients.
• Cutting into personal time. When was the last time you didn’t spend an extra hour or two outside of work typing notes?

Conclusion

You’ve already seen 18 patients, skipped lunch, and your inbox has 12 chart review requests. Sound familiar?

At the end of the day, you need a solution that keeps things simple — while staying compliant, of course. Integrating Freed with any of the tools above is the perfect solution.

EHRs were supposed to simplify things — not steal your evenings. Freed brings that promise closer to reality.