OrangeHRM review
A free, open-source HR platform with broad core HR coverage and paid enterprise modules.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 Advanced is an enterprise edition for organizations seeking additional HR modules. Access is available through web, iOS, Android, and self-hosted deployments, giving teams options for cloud, mobile, and on-premises use.
The free Starter plan covers employee management, leave management, reporting and analytics, performance management, and recruitment. Its feature set also includes employee profiles, leave approvals, onboarding and offboarding workflows, goal tracking, clock-in and clock-out, timesheets, applicant tracking, and mobile HR access. Starter can run in the cloud or be self-hosted. Advanced adds onboarding, roster management, Request Desk, career development, and training through a modular enterprise HR platform. It is offered as SaaS or on-premises, and includes a 30-day trial. Advanced pricing is based per employee per month and is quote-based.
Platform fit is a practical strength, with integrations for authentication, payroll, LMS, and Microsoft 365, alongside web and mobile access. The product also includes AI features and has been available since 2005. Organizations that want free, open-source HR capabilities with self-hosting should consider Starter, particularly when core employee administration, leave, performance, time, and recruiting needs are the priority. Teams needing the listed enterprise modules should look to Advanced and account for its modular, quote-based pricing. Organizations seeking a narrower single-purpose HR tool may find OrangeHRM broader than necessary.
OrangeHRM pros and cons
- 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
OrangeHRM fact sheet, pricing and score →
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