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Head-to-head · Core HR Software

OrangeHRM vs Zoho People

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
OrangeHRM #5 in Core HR Software 9.0/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit OrangeHRM
Zoho People #6 in Core HR Software 9.0/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Zoho People

OrangeHRM leads on 0 checks, Zoho People on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth

OrangeHRM and Zoho People score identically on our rubric (9.0 out of 10) for core hr software; OrangeHRM sits at #5 and Zoho People at #6 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

OrangeHRM is the better fit for teams seeking open-source HR with broad core coverage. Zoho People is the better fit for budget-conscious teams seeking flexible HR software.

  • OrangeHRM fits best

    Teams seeking open-source HR with broad core coverage

  • Zoho People fits best

    Budget-conscious teams seeking flexible HR software

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 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Zoho People 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 9.0
Ranking #5 in Core HR Software #6 in Core HR Software
Best for Teams seeking open-source HR with broad core coverage Budget-conscious teams seeking flexible HR software
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days 30 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Docs Email, Phone, Live chat, Community, Docs · 24/7
Compliance GDPR GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations 4 integrations 20 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features OrangeHRM 1/5 · Zoho People 1/5
Payroll module Not checked yet Not checked yet
Time tracking ✓ ✓
Benefits administration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Onboarding workflows Not checked yet Not checked yet
Employee self-service Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Employee limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free, open-source Starter covers core HR administration and employee management
  • Combines leave, time tracking, onboarding, performance and recruitment features
  • Offers cloud, self-hosted and mobile workflows, plus an API
  • Free plan includes employee records, documents and the Zia AI bot
  • Paid tiers add time, performance, analytics and help-desk tools
  • Web, iOS, Android and API support with Zoho and third-party integrations
Cons
  • Advanced pricing requires a customized quote
  • Listed integrations are limited to authentication, payroll, LMS and Microsoft 365
  • No 24/7 support
  • Attendance and timesheets require the Professional plan or higher
  • Performance management and advanced analytics start at Premium
  • HR help desk and learning management are limited to Enterprise
Our verdict

OrangeHRM brings employee records, leave and PTO, time and attendance, onboarding, performance, recruitment, and reporting into a modular HR platform. Its free, open-source Starter edition makes it relevant to teams that want broad core HR…

Read the review →

Zoho People is a cloud-based HR platform for organizations that need a shared place to manage employee information and routine HR processes. Its coverage ranges from employee records and documents to onboarding, leave, attendance, time…

Read the review →
  1. OrangeHRMCore HR Software 9.0Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. Zoho PeopleCore HR Software 9.0Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • OrangeHRM — where it wins

    • Free, open-source Starter covers core HR administration and employee management
    • Combines leave, time tracking, onboarding, performance and recruitment features
    • Offers cloud, self-hosted and mobile workflows, plus an API

    Where it doesn't

    • Advanced pricing requires a customized quote
    • Listed integrations are limited to authentication, payroll, LMS and Microsoft 365
    • No 24/7 support

  • Zoho People — where it wins

    • Free plan includes employee records, documents and the Zia AI bot
    • Paid tiers add time, performance, analytics and help-desk tools
    • Web, iOS, Android and API support with Zoho and third-party integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Attendance and timesheets require the Professional plan or higher
    • Performance management and advanced analytics start at Premium
    • HR help desk and learning management are limited to Enterprise
  • OrangeHRM9.0/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A broad HR platform with a free open-source Starter edition and cloud or self-hosted deployment.

    Visit OrangeHRMFull verdict →
  • Zoho People9.0/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    Flexible core HR coverage, with a free plan and paid tiers that add workforce tools.

    Visit Zoho PeopleFull verdict →

More comparisons

All core HR software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update