5 alternatives to Homebase
Compare free and open-source solutions before building your own. Check each option’s license, setup, and limitations.
Schedules, shifts and leave in a full HR stack; running the stack is the unpaid role.
LicenseGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationLaunch its Docker Compose stack, or install hrms and ERPNext into an existing Frappe Bench
DataEach Frappe site has its own MariaDB database plus private/public files directories; backups are SQL dumps and file archives under the site
Limitations compared to HomebaseIt can model shifts and leave, but the full Frappe stack is far more operational work than Homebase's managed scheduler.
SetupThe full Frappe/ERPNext stack brings Docker, MariaDB, Redis, proxy/TLS and version-compatible app upgrades
Facts verified 2026-08-11
Schedules, rotating shifts and leave in Docker; a whole HR suite comes along for the ride.
LicenseLGPL-2.1
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationClone the stable 2.0 branch and run docker-compose up -d; a manual Django setup is also documented
DataHR records in PostgreSQL by default, with uploaded media on server storage or optional Google Cloud Storage
Limitations compared to HomebaseA whole self-hosted HR system is substantially harder to administer and less friendly to frontline schedulers than Homebase.
SetupDocker and production configuration: database credentials, secret key, allowed hosts, HTTPS, backups and mail remain the operator's job
Facts verified 2026-08-11
Shift scheduling, availability and swaps for 30 people; the time clock is where the upsell starts.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup, then invite employees by email or phone to the web, iOS and Android apps
DataSchedules, availability, requests and messages in Sling's cloud account; schedules and many records export as CSV or XLS
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to HomebaseThe free plan schedules up to thirty users but withholds the time clock and labor-cost tools that make Homebase useful to hourly teams.
Facts verified 2026-08-11
Schedules, availability, time off and shift swaps for one 15-person location; restaurant branding comes free too.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup for one restaurant location, then invite staff to the web and mobile apps
DataEmployee profiles, schedules, availability, time-off and communications in 7shifts' cloud, with selected reports and export tools
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to HomebaseIt is limited to one fifteen-person restaurant location and keeps time-clock and more advanced operations features outside the free tier.
Facts verified 2026-08-11
Scheduling, time off and shift changes for ten people; user eleven has a price tag.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup, then invite staff to the web and mobile apps
DataEmployee records, documents, schedules and time data in Connecteam's cloud; schedules and timesheets export to Excel, PDF, CSV or payroll-specific files
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to HomebaseThe free plan ends at ten users, below many shift teams, and its broader operations suite is less scheduling-focused than Homebase.
Facts verified 2026-08-11
Updated 2026-08-11 · no paid listings
Homebase BasicThe $0 plan builds a weekly schedule, but availability, time-off requests and shift trades start on paid tiers.
Jibble SchedulingThe free scheduling page still says Coming soon, so it cannot replace a scheduler today.
TimeTrex CommunityCommunity Edition was discontinued in October 2024 and no longer receives security updates.
| Tool | License | Setup | Platforms | Stars | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frappe HR | GPL-3.0 | Self-hosted with ongoing maintenance | web, self-hosted | 8,500 | 2026-08 |
| Horilla HR | LGPL-2.1 | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | 1,400 | 2026-07 |
| Sling Free | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
| 7shifts Comp | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Connecteam Small Business Plan | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
People still pay for Homebase because HR platforms survive because mistakes affect pay, benefits, immigration, and legal obligations, not because forms are difficult to render. The recurring cost buys sensitive data, access, retention, audit, payroll calculations, filings, benefits, employment law, incident response, and support, not just the visible interface. If those points do not matter to you, the options above could save $288 per year.
Is there a free alternative to Homebase?
Yes: Frappe HR, Horilla HR, Sling Free. This page lists 5 free or open-source options. Check the limitations of each.
Should I build my own Homebase?
Our verdict: Worth subscribing. 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. The complete prompt is on the Homebase page on Vibe Radar.
