HRKit

Free plan APILinuxMacSelf-hostedWebWindows

What HRKit is

HRKit is a free, open-source HR application designed to run on one laptop, with no hosted SaaS version. Its 11 modules cover employees, departments, roles, documents, leave, attendance, payroll, performance, onboarding, exits, and recruitment. The recruitment module includes a candidate kanban, AI-assisted scoring, and Gmail intake. Users can supply a key for an OpenAI-compatible AI endpoint; OpenRouter and Upfyn are pre-wired in settings. The maker also names Composio connections for Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Slack, and more than 200 other apps. Installation is available through PyPI, an npm wrapper, or a GitHub release, and requires Python 3.10 or later. HRKit stores module data in a SQLite database in the workspace, with documents and attachments in workspace folders. The repository says app data stays local and the software has no telemetry. Its server binds to 127.0.0.1 by default and has no authentication, so the maker advises against exposing it publicly. AI keys are stored in cleartext in a local configuration file, though the interface masks them.

Who it suits

HRKit is suited to small or mid-sized companies that want an HR desk running on a laptop. It may also suit teams able to manage local installation and the security implications of a server without authentication.

What it does well

11 modules cover core HR workflows.
Recruitment includes a candidate kanban and AI-assisted scoring.
Data is stored locally, with no telemetry.
Installation options include PyPI, npm wrapper, and GitHub release.

What to know first

There is no hosted SaaS version.
Server has no authentication by default.
AI keys are stored in cleartext locally.
Python 3.10 or later is required.

Limits

The free AGPL-3.0 plan allows personal, internal, and commercial use subject to AGPL terms. Embedding in closed-source products, running SaaS without publishing modifications, or rebranding for resale requires a negotiated commercial license.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
AGPL-3.0	Free for personal, internal, and commercial use subject to AGPL terms	Free
Commercial license	Negotiated per deployment / revenue tier · Private agreement; email support during license term	On request

As github.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Install Python 3.10 or newer
Install HRKit through PyPI, the npm wrapper, or a GitHub release
Run it on Linux, macOS, or Windows, or use its API, web, or self-hosted options
Store workspace data in the SQLite database and workspace folders
Configure an OpenAI-compatible AI key if needed

Verdict

HRKit brings a broad set of HR modules to a local, laptop-based application. Its local-only setup and lack of default authentication require care, especially with AI keys stored in cleartext.

Questions

Is HRKit free?

Yes. The AGPL-3.0 plan costs 0.00 USD and is free for personal, internal, and commercial use subject to AGPL terms.

Which platforms does HRKit support?

Listed platforms are API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows. Python 3.10 or newer is required for installation.

Does HRKit have a hosted SaaS version?

No. HRKit runs entirely on a single laptop rather than as a hosted SaaS service.

Where is HRKit data stored?

Module data is stored in a SQLite database in the workspace. Documents and attachments are kept in workspace folders, and the repository says data stays local without telemetry.

What AI options are available?

You can bring your own key through OpenAI-compatible endpoints. OpenRouter and Upfyn are pre-wired in settings.

When is a commercial license needed?

A commercial license is offered for closed-source embedding, SaaS operation without publishing modifications, or rebranding for resale. Pricing is negotiated per deployment or revenue tier.

Facts from HRKit's own pages

AI assistant: The app supports bring-your-own-key AI through OpenAI-compatible endpoints, with OpenRouter and Upfyn pre-wired in settings. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Audience: The repository describes it as a complete HR desk for a small or mid-sized company. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Commercial licensing: A commercial license is offered for uses such as embedding in a closed-source product, running SaaS without publishing modifications, or rebranding for resale, with pricing negotiated case by case. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Employee records: Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Free plan: Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
HR modules: Its 11 modules cover employees, departments, roles, documents, leave, attendance, payroll, performance, onboarding, exits, and recruitment. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Installation: The repository lists installation through PyPI, an npm wrapper, or a GitHub release, and says Python 3.10+ is required. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Integrations: The maker’s site names Composio integrations for Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Slack, and 200+ other apps; the repository highlights Gmail for recruitment intake. · anitchaudhry.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Key handling: AI keys are stored in cleartext in the local .hrkit/config.json file, while the UI masks keys when displaying them. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Local storage: Module data is stored in a SQLite database in the workspace, and documents and other attachments are stored in workspace folders. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Employee onboarding: Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Performance management: Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Privacy: The repository states that app data stays local and that there is no telemetry or phoning home. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Product: HR-Kit is a free, open-source HR application that runs entirely on a single laptop, with no hosted SaaS version. · anitchaudhry.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Recruitment: The Recruitment module provides a candidate kanban, AI-assisted scoring, and Gmail intake. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Security: The server binds to 127.0.0.1 by default and has no authentication; the maker advises against exposing it to the public internet. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Support: Commercial licenses include email support directly from the owner during the license term, and replies to license inquiries usually take a few business days. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Time-off management: Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Time tracking: Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026

Where HRKit stands on Freedom251

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