Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Homebase · 🧑💼 hr
Homebase vs Frappe HR
Schedules, shifts and leave in a full HR stack; running the stack is the unpaid role. Here is how Frappe HR ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Homebase ($30/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Homebase vs Frappe HR Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-11
| Dimension | Homebase (Paid) | Frappe HR (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $30 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $360 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $360) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,600 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,600) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source GPL-3.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedself-host, real ops |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 8.5k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Homebase to Frappe HR
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It can model shifts and leave, but the full Frappe stack is far more operational work than Homebase's managed scheduler.
How to deploy Frappe HR
Launch its Docker Compose stack, or install hrms and ERPNext into an existing Frappe Bench
What it takes to run
The full Frappe/ERPNext stack brings Docker, MariaDB, Redis, proxy/TLS and version-compatible app upgrades
Where your data lives
Each Frappe site has its own MariaDB database plus private/public files directories; backups are SQL dumps and file archives under the site
Why fork Frappe HR instead of vibe-coding a Homebase clone?
A consolation build is possible, but the paid product's decisive value sits outside a solo rebuild. For Homebase, build staff schedules and time-off workflows without payroll or hiring services. The hard boundary is time clocks, payroll, messaging, labor-law tools, hiring, and support, plus compliance, payroll, and regulated integrations.
Homebase vs Frappe HR FAQ
Is Frappe HR a good free alternative to Homebase?+
Yes. Frappe HR is a verified open-source (GPL-3.0) replacement for Homebase. Schedules, shifts and leave in a full HR stack; running the stack is the unpaid role.
What is the catch when switching from Homebase to Frappe HR?+
It can model shifts and leave, but the full Frappe stack is far more operational work than Homebase's managed scheduler.
How much do you save switching from Homebase to Frappe HR?+
Homebase costs $30/mo ($360/yr) per seat, whereas Frappe HR is $0/mo. Switching saves $360/yr for a solo user, $1,800/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,600/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Frappe HR instead of Homebase?+
Install: Launch its Docker Compose stack, or install hrms and ERPNext into an existing Frappe Bench. Setup: The full Frappe/ERPNext stack brings Docker, MariaDB, Redis, proxy/TLS and version-compatible app upgrades
