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Head-to-head · HR Software

OrangeHRM vs ELMO Software

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score OrangeHRM #39 in HR Software 5.3/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 6 of 6 features Visit OrangeHRM
ELMO Software #48 in HR Software 4.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 6 of 6 features Visit ELMO Software

OrangeHRM leads on 0 checks, ELMO Software on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreOrangeHRM · 5.3/10
  • Free planonly OrangeHRM
  • Free trialonly OrangeHRM

OrangeHRM scores higher on our rubric for hr software: 5.3 against 4.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #39 and #48.

OrangeHRM is the better fit for organizations wanting free open-source HR. ELMO Software is the better fit for organizations needing HR, rostering, and learning.

  • OrangeHRM fits best

    Organizations wanting free open-source HR

  • ELMO Software fits best

    Organizations needing HR, rostering, and learning

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature OrangeHRM 5.3/10 Visit ↗ ELMO Software 4.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 5.3 4.3
Ranking #39 in HR Software #48 in HR Software
Best for Organizations wanting free open-source HR Organizations needing HR, rostering, and learning
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — Pricing on request
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Docs Tickets, Docs
Compliance GDPR ISO 27001
Integrations 4 integrations 12 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market
Features OrangeHRM 6/6 · ELMO Software 6/6
Employee records ✓ ✓
Time-off management ✓ ✓
Employee onboarding ✓ ✓
Performance management ✓ ✓
Time tracking ✓ ✓
Mobile apps ✓ ✓
Our review
Pros
  • Free, open-source Starter edition with core HR management
  • Covers leave, onboarding, performance, time tracking, and recruitment
  • Available on web, iOS, Android, and self-hosted deployments
  • Combines employee records, onboarding, performance, payroll, and learning
  • Supports rostering, timesheets, clock-in/out, and attendance reporting
  • Offers web, iOS, Android, and integrations with Xero, MYOB, and more
Cons
  • Advanced pricing is quote-based and modular
  • Advanced features such as training require the paid edition
  • Deployment options vary between Starter and Advanced
  • Pricing is customized and requires contact with sales
  • The broad module set may require careful product selection
  • Feature availability can vary by organization and enabled modules
Our verdict

OrangeHRM is an HR management platform for organizations that need a central system for employee records, leave, onboarding, performance, time tracking, recruitment, and reporting. Its Starter edition is free and open-source, while…

Read the review →

ELMO Software is a cloud-based HR platform for organizations, particularly mid-market employers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It brings together centralized employee records, onboarding workflows, performance…

Read the review →
  1. OrangeHRMHR Software 5.3Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. ELMO SoftwareHR Software 4.3Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • OrangeHRM — where it wins

    • Free, open-source Starter edition with core HR management
    • Covers leave, onboarding, performance, time tracking, and recruitment
    • Available on web, iOS, Android, and self-hosted deployments

    Where it doesn't

    • Advanced pricing is quote-based and modular
    • Advanced features such as training require the paid edition
    • Deployment options vary between Starter and Advanced

  • ELMO Software — where it wins

    • Combines employee records, onboarding, performance, payroll, and learning
    • Supports rostering, timesheets, clock-in/out, and attendance reporting
    • Offers web, iOS, Android, and integrations with Xero, MYOB, and more

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing is customized and requires contact with sales
    • The broad module set may require careful product selection
    • Feature availability can vary by organization and enabled modules
  • OrangeHRM5.3/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A free, open-source HR platform with broad core HR coverage and paid enterprise modules.

    Visit OrangeHRMFull verdict →
  • ELMO Software4.3/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad HR suite for organizations combining people operations, rostering, payroll, and learning.

    Visit ELMO SoftwareFull verdict →

All HR software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update