Horilla HR
Hire-to-leave HR in Docker; free forever means you own the updates and backups.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-11
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- LGPL-2.1
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Clone the stable 2.0 branch and run docker-compose up -d; a manual Django setup is also documented
- Operational Setup
- Docker and production configuration: database credentials, secret key, allowed hosts, HTTPS, backups and mail remain the operator's job
- Where Your Data Lives
- HR records in PostgreSQL by default, with uploaded media on server storage or optional Google Cloud Storage
- The Catch / Trade-off
- It is younger and less polished than BambooHR, with server operations and upgrades shifted to the user.
Replaces 10 paid apps
up to $194/mo ($2,328/yr) in subscriptions
Horilla HR FAQ
Common questions
Is Horilla HR free and open source?+
Horilla HR is an open-source tool licensed under LGPL-2.1 that runs on self-host. Hire-to-leave HR in Docker; free forever means you own the updates and backups.
What paid software does Horilla HR replace?+
Horilla HR serves as a free replacement for 10 paid SaaS applications: BambooHR, Connecteam, Deel, Factorial, Gusto, HiBob, Homebase, Personio, Remote, Rippling, saving up to $194/month ($2,328/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Horilla HR?+
Installation: Clone the stable 2.0 branch and run docker-compose up -d; a manual Django setup is also documented. Setup notes: Docker and production configuration: database credentials, secret key, allowed hosts, HTTPS, backups and mail remain the operator's job
What is the catch or trade-off with Horilla HR?+
It is younger and less polished than BambooHR, with server operations and upgrades shifted to the user.