Absence management software · ranked #6 of 11
Calamari: review, pricing and alternatives
Sixth because its time off module has unlimited absence types and automatic carry-over, sold by module and active user.
Calamari at a glance
- Rank
- #6 of 11 in absence management software
- Best for
- Remote-first and startup teams of 20-300
- Pricing
- Per user / month (by module)
- Free option
- Free trial
- Headquarters
- Warsaw, Poland
- Key features
- Online time off requests, Absences overview calendar, Flexible leave policies and approval flows, Unlimited absence types, Automatic carry-over
- Last checked
- 2026-11-13
Where Calamari wins
- Calamari lets a company buy time off alone and add modules later, which is a sane way to enter the market.
- Policies can be shaped with unlimited absence types, and unused days carry over automatically, so the finance team stops asking for year-end spreadsheets.
- Archived employees are not charged, a small but welcome detail for firms with seasonal staff.
- It sits sixth because the time off module is solid but the price page asks the buyer to do arithmetic, and the vendor is less visible in English-language reviews than the leaders.
Where it falls short
- Module prices on the pricing page are not labeled monthly or yearly, so the total is hard to predict before a quote.
- Billing by active user plus module means the invoice moves with headcount and add-ons.
- SAML sign-in is an optional add-on rather than a default.
- Buyers who need one flat, visible price for a leave tool should choose Timetastic or Vacation Tracker.
Our verdict on Calamari
Calamari lets a company buy time off alone and add modules later, which is a sane way to enter the market. Policies can be shaped with unlimited absence types, and unused days carry over automatically, so the finance team stops asking for year-end spreadsheets. Archived employees are not charged, a small but welcome detail for firms with seasonal staff.
It sits sixth because the time off module is solid but the price page asks the buyer to do arithmetic, and the vendor is less visible in English-language reviews than the leaders.
Where Calamari falls short
Module prices on the pricing page are not labeled monthly or yearly, so the total is hard to predict before a quote. Billing by active user plus module means the invoice moves with headcount and add-ons. SAML sign-in is an optional add-on rather than a default.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers who need one flat, visible price for a leave tool should choose Timetastic or Vacation Tracker. Companies that want a full HRIS from day one will find the modular shape slower to assemble.
Calamari pricing
Modular per active user, billed monthly or yearly in EUR or USD, excluding VAT, with a 14-day free trial and no card; module prices on the page are not clearly labeled by unit, so we quote no entry figure.
Pricing as published by the vendor on the date above; check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Calamari fact sheet
| Rank | #6 of 11 in absence management software |
|---|---|
| Category | Absence management software |
| Best for | Remote-first and startup teams of 20-300 |
| Pricing model | Per user / month (by module) |
| Free option | Free trial |
| Headquarters | Warsaw, Poland |
| Company | Calamari sp. z o.o. sp.k. |
| Address | ul. Chmielna 2/31, 00-020, Warsaw, Poland |
| Vendor size | Independent or mid-sized vendor |
| Website | www.calamari.io |
| Last checked | 2026-11-13 |
Key features
- Online time off requests
- Absences overview calendar
- Flexible leave policies and approval flows
- Unlimited absence types
- Automatic carry-over
- Automatic balance calculations
- Reporting
- Time and attendance, core HR, performance and scheduling modules
Alternatives to Calamari
KenjoHR and workforce management for deskless teams. Per employee / month.
BambooHRHRIS with time off tracking. Per employee / month.
Vacation TrackerLeave and PTO tool that lives inside chat. Per user / month.Also ranked in
- #6 of 11 in absence management software
Sources checked
- Calamari sp. z o.o. sp.k., ul. Chmielna 2/31, 00-020 Warsaw, Poland Source
- Time off module: online requests, absences calendar, leave policies, approval flows, automatic carry-over Source
- Modular per-active-user pricing, monthly or yearly billing, EUR and USD accepted, 14-day free trial Source
Calamari: common questions
What is Calamari?
Calamari is modular HR with a time off module. Sixth because its time off module has unlimited absence types and automatic carry-over, sold by module and active user.
How much does Calamari cost?
Modular per active user, billed monthly or yearly in EUR or USD, excluding VAT, with a 14-day free trial and no card; module prices on the page are not clearly labeled by unit, so we quote no entry figure.
Does Calamari have a free plan?
Free trial. Modular per active user, billed monthly or yearly in EUR or USD, excluding VAT, with a 14-day free trial and no card; module prices on the page are not clearly labeled by unit, so we quote no entry figure.
What is Calamari best for?
Calamari is best for remote-first and startup teams of 20-300. Sixth because its time off module has unlimited absence types and automatic carry-over, sold by module and active user.
Where is Calamari based?
Calamari is published by Calamari sp. z o.o. sp.k., headquartered in Warsaw, Poland.
Who should not use Calamari?
Buyers who need one flat, visible price for a leave tool should choose Timetastic or Vacation Tracker. Companies that want a full HRIS from day one will find the modular shape slower to assemble.
What are the best alternatives to Calamari?
In our absence management software ranking the closest alternatives are Kenjo, BambooHR, Vacation Tracker. See the full ranking for the other options.