Both platforms are open source and free to self-host. But one crashes and loses all your data, has "1980s style forms," and is described as "not stable." The other offers modern UX, reliable infrastructure, and you're not begging support to add a simple field.
The critical differences between Blik and OrangeHRM
| Feature | Blik | OrangeHRM |
|---|---|---|
| System Stability | Battle-tested Django Enterprise reliability |
"System crashes and you lose all data" "Happened to me twice" |
| User Interface | Modern, intuitive design Built for 2025 |
"1980s style internet form" "Outdated and less intuitive" |
| System Reliability | Continuous uptime Production-grade infrastructure |
"Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down" "For no apparent reason" |
| Customization Support | Self-service configuration Full admin control |
"Have to have the folks at Orange add it" Even for simple fields |
| Open Source License | AGPLv3 (100% open) All features included |
GPL v2 (Starter free) Advanced features require paid Pro |
| Mobile Experience | Responsive web design Full features on mobile |
"Mobile app lacks many features" Desktop features missing |
| Deployment Options | SaaS (€49/mo) OR Self-hosted (Free) Docker in 5 minutes |
Self-hosted (Free) OR Cloud (Paid) Complex LAMP setup |
| 360 Reviews | ✓ Native with anonymity Core functionality |
✓ Available in free version Surprisingly robust |
| Setup Complexity | Docker Compose up Ready in <1 hour |
"Not easy to setup" LAMP stack configuration |
| Technical Skills Required | Basic Docker knowledge Clear documentation |
"Limited customization without advanced skills" Or external help needed |
OrangeHRM's infrastructure issues generate concerning user reports about data loss and system reliability.
"The Orange HRM is not easy to setup and it is also not very stable. There is a risk of the system crashing and user losing all the stored data. This has happened to me twice."
— Verified User, Capterra Review
"The system is not stable, sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down, for no apparent reason."
— User Review
"My real problem is with customer support. For example to add a new type of leave, you have to have the folks at Orange add it."
— User Review
Open source doesn't mean unstable. Quality matters.
Free but feels like it - stability and UX suffer
When a user reports "the system crashing and user losing all the stored data - this has happened to me twice," that's not a minor inconvenience. That's losing employee records, performance reviews, time tracking data. OrangeHRM is free and feature-rich, but infrastructure stability is fundamental. You can't build trust on a system that randomly goes down or risks data loss. Blik uses battle-tested Django and PostgreSQL with ACID compliance - the same stack powering Instagram and Spotify.
"I hate to enter my working time here, it is so unbelievable bare bone, I have to create time stamps and enter them into a 1980 style internet form."
— User Review
Open source doesn't mean outdated. UX matters.
Feature-rich but feels dated - user experience suffers
OrangeHRM and Blik are both open source. But being open source doesn't determine quality - architecture and execution do. OrangeHRM is a comprehensive HR suite that's been around since 2005, carrying two decades of legacy decisions. Blik is purpose-built for 360° feedback with modern infrastructure, clean UX, and production-grade stability. Both are free to self-host, but one requires begging support to add a leave type while the other gives you full admin control. One crashes and loses data, the other runs on battle-tested Django. Free doesn't have to feel cheap.
Source: User reviews
Source: User reviews
Source: User reviews
$0
AGPLv3 - All features
$0
GPL v2 - Includes 360 reviews
€49/month
Unlimited users, all features
Contact Sales
Paid cloud hosting available
Included
Email support, community, full features
Paid Upgrade
Advanced features require paid license
Both offer free self-hosted options - choose based on features and stability needs
Both Blik and OrangeHRM are open source. Deploy them yourself for free and compare. OrangeHRM is a full HR suite with 360 reviews. Blik is specialized 360° feedback with premium stability. Choose based on your actual needs, not marketing.
OrangeHRM is free but feels like it - system crashes, 1980s UX, vendor dependency for simple changes. Blik is open source but feels premium - battle-tested infrastructure, modern design, full admin control. Both are free to self-host. One is production-ready. Choose wisely.
Get Started with Blik€49/month managed hosting • Open source available on GitHub