OrangeHRM Starter replaces 7 paid apps

One open-source tool, 7 subscriptions it can stand in for. Each pairing below is curated and verified by hand, with the honest catch spelled out. No votes, no pay-to-list.

OrangeHRM Starter $0replaces $127/mo1.1k · active jun 2026self-host, real ops🧑‍💼 hr
the facts, verified

licenseGPL-3.0+

runsyour machine or their cloud

installUse the free hosted Starter signup, or upload the release to an Apache/PHP/MySQL server and complete the web installer

dataHosted Starter keeps employee records in OrangeHRM's cloud; self-hosted Starter stores them in MySQL/MariaDB with uploaded files in application storage

setupSelf-hosting requires Apache, PHP and MySQL/MariaDB plus security and backups; the hosted path starts with a 30-day trial before conversion to lifetime-free Starter

facts verified 2026-08-11

what it lets you cancel
DeelNOT REALLY$49/mo

The old-school HR suite: records, leave, attendance and approvals, with a real server and no fashion budget.

the catchIt tracks people and leave but does not replace Deel's legal entities, compliant contracts, payroll or international payments.

the verdict →all Deel alternatives →
GustoNOT REALLY$49/mo

The old-school HR suite: records, leave, attendance and approvals, with a real server and no fashion budget.

the catchIt is an HR database, not a US payroll engine, so tax filing and employee payments remain entirely outside the product.

the verdict →all Gusto alternatives →
RemoteNOT REALLY$29/mo

The old-school HR suite: records, leave, attendance and approvals, with a real server and no fashion budget.

the catchIt is an HR system, not an employer-of-record or international payroll service.

the verdict →all Remote alternatives →
BambooHRNOT REALLYusage-based

The old-school HR suite: records, leave, attendance and approvals, with a real server and no fashion budget.

the catchIts older interface and smaller integration/reporting ecosystem are a step down from BambooHR, especially when self-hosted.

the verdict →all BambooHR alternatives →
HiBobNOT REALLYusage-based

The old-school HR suite: records, leave, attendance and approvals, with a real server and no fashion budget.

the catchIts interface, analytics and integration ecosystem are less modern and cohesive than HiBob's.

the verdict →all HiBob alternatives →
PersonioNOT REALLYusage-based

The old-school HR suite: records, leave, attendance and approvals, with a real server and no fashion budget.

the catchIt covers records and leave but has a weaker recruiting, automation and integration experience than Personio.

the verdict →all Personio alternatives →
RipplingNOT REALLYusage-based

The old-school HR suite: records, leave, attendance and approvals, with a real server and no fashion budget.

the catchIt manages HR records but not Rippling's device fleet, identity, app access or payroll automation.

the verdict →all Rippling alternatives →

last updated 2026-08-11 · up to $1,524/yr replaced · no votes, no pay-to-list

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