# Frappe HR vs OrangeHRM

> Pick Frappe HR for a complete open-source HRMS that includes payroll, taxation and expense claims; pick OrangeHRM for a long-running, simpler PHP HR system covering employee records, leave, time, recruitment and performance, without payroll in the open-source edition.

## Verdict

Frappe HR is the stronger all-in-one choice: its open-source app covers the employee lifecycle, leave and attendance with geolocated check-ins, expense claims, performance and full payroll with tax slabs, and it plugs into ERPNext accounting. OrangeHRM's open-source Starter edition is easier to run on ordinary PHP hosting and covers the core HR modules (PIM, leave, time and attendance, recruitment, performance, claims and an employee directory), but it has no payroll module, so pair it with a payroll service.

- Best for Frappe HR: Companies that want HR and payroll in one open-source system
- Best for OrangeHRM: Teams wanting a straightforward HR records, leave and recruitment system on PHP hosting

## Key differences

| Aspect | Frappe HR | OrangeHRM |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 (OrangeHRM Starter); OrangeHRM also sells separate commercial editions |
| Language/stack | Python and JavaScript on the Frappe framework | PHP |
| Payroll | Built in: salary structures, income tax slabs, off-cycle payments and salary slips | Not included in the open-source edition |
| Modules | 13+ modules: employee lifecycle, onboarding, leave and attendance, expense claims and advances, performance, payroll and taxation | PIM (employee records), leave, time, attendance, recruitment, performance, claims, directory and Buzz (social feed) |
| Install options | Docker Compose from the repo, the bench CLI, or Frappe Cloud | Download from SourceForge and run the web installer on Linux or Windows; official Docker image |
| Mobile | Frappe HR mobile app for leave, check-in and employee profile | OrangeHRM mobile app on Google Play and the App Store |

## GitHub numbers

| Metric | Frappe HR | OrangeHRM |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 8,879 | 1,148 |
| Forks | 2,761 | 755 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 2,742 | 38 |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 | Jun 28, 2026 |
| Latest release | v16.20.1 | v5.9 |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| License type | Open source | Open source |
| Language | Python | PHP |
| Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | https://github.com/frappe/hrms | https://github.com/orangehrm/orangehrm |

App pages: [Frappe HR](https://appsgit.com/apps/frappe-hr), [OrangeHRM](https://appsgit.com/apps/orangehrm)

## FAQ

### Does OrangeHRM have payroll?

Not in the open-source Starter edition on GitHub, which has no payroll module. Frappe HR and Horilla are open-source HR systems that include payroll.

### Do I need ERPNext to use Frappe HR?

Yes. Frappe HR is a separate app, but it declares ERPNext as a required app, so you install it on a Frappe site that already runs ERPNext. Expense claims and payroll then post to ERPNext accounting.

### Is either a BambooHR alternative?

Both cover BambooHR's core of employee records, time off, hiring and onboarding. Frappe HR also includes payroll in the open-source app.

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Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/compare/frappe-hr-vs-orangehrm
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