Can I open-source Factorial?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. ERPNext (30k stars), Frappe HR (9k stars), Horilla HR (1k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Factorial — self-host with real ops work and stop paying $8/mo.
People still pay for Factorial 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.
xHR workflows, time, payroll integrations, compliance, analytics, and support
xpayroll rails
xtax and labor-law compliance
xbenefits integrations
xidentity checks and global employment infrastructure
These projects already replace it, free.
FFrappe HREmployee documents, onboarding, leave and shifts in one full HR stack; you operate the stack.open source↗HHorilla HRDocuments, onboarding, leave and rotating shifts in Docker; administration is the free-plan limit.open source↗EERPNextFull ERP — accounting, inventory, HR, manufacturing, CRM — that rivals systems costing six figures.open source↗What each one is, in full: ERPNext
all 3 open-source alternatives to Factorial →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Factorial pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| factorial core | $8/user | — | Starts at $8/user/month; employee directory, onboarding/offboarding, payslips, bulk documents, e-signatures, notifications, and fillable PDFs |
| custom module bundle | custom | — | Quote-selected modules can include Time Off, Time Tracking, Performance, Shift Management, Recruitment, Engagement, Projects, Expenses, and Training |
free tierno free tier; demo only
billingcontract/annual terms are quote-only; public page states only a starting monthly per-user rate
hidden costsThe $8/user/month figure is a starting price for Core, not a complete bundle. Operational modules are separately selected and quote-priced, so the final per-user cost is not public.
verified 2026-08-10 · source ↗
Can I open-source Factorial?
Yes. Frappe HR replaces Factorial today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Factorial cost?
Factorial costs about $8/month (Business, checked 2026-07-31), which is $96 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Factorial?
Honestly: HR workflows, time, payroll integrations, compliance, analytics, and support; payroll rails; tax and labor-law compliance; benefits integrations; identity checks and global employment infrastructure. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Factorial?
Yes: Frappe HR (Employee documents, onboarding, leave and shifts in one full HR stack; you operate the stack.) Horilla HR (Documents, onboarding, leave and rotating shifts in Docker; administration is the free-plan limit.) ERPNext (Full ERP — accounting, inventory, HR, manufacturing, CRM — that rivals systems costing six figures.) All 3 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/factorial-hr/alternatives.