--- title: "Calamari Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is Calamari the right Performance Management System solution for you? Explore 610 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/141217/Calamari/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- Calamari 4.7 (610) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated August 3rd, 2026 # Reviews of Calamari Ease of use 4.6 Customer Service 4.9 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews OD Oleg D SalesMarketing and Advertising, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Calamari works best as a practical, straightforward HR tool for managing leave, absences, employee records, and basic team visibility.“ May 5, 2026 BP Bernard P IT PLM DirectorMechanical or Industrial Engineering, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “It is not possible to use automatic addition of absence information in Outlook automatic response for events that are billed (functionality available only for non-billed events, e.g. vacation)“ May 5, 2026 OD Oleg D SalesMarketing and Advertising, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “From a security and reliability perspective, it feels suitable for everyday HR use, although companies with strict compliance requirements should still review the security settings and data handling policies carefully.“ May 5, 2026 EO Eduardo O Operation ManagerAccounting, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Before using Calamari, we worked with a tool called Vacation Tracker, but it did not allow calendar sharing or include an approval workflow.“ May 12, 2025 AM Ananya M HR AdministratorHuman Resources, 5,001 - 10,000 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “Right out of the gate, the clean interface meant my team didn't even need a training session to figure out how to request time off or clock in using the web browser or mobile app.“ June 18, 2026 PM Paula M HR ManagerComputer Software, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Sometimes the app loads slowly or syncing can take a bit longer when too many people use it at once.“ October 30, 2025 OD Oleg D SalesMarketing and Advertising, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It is especially useful for leave management, employee absence tracking, and keeping HR processes more structured.“ May 5, 2026 KR KINGA R CEOAccounting, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “somethimes aplication buforing that you can not use aplication, you have to restart or evenm deleta and issued again“ October 20, 2025 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 610 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Felix Brandon L. CEO E-Learning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Highly Effective Solution + Outstanding Service" May 12, 2025 5.0 Pros We have gained terrific and attentive service from their team. The product does what it needs to do and they have it applied the personal service we need to have success with all the different variables for which we need to account. Cons At this time, I don't have a particular point on which to focus. We have been using this service for some time and have seen it continue to improve such that there are not any points that immediately come to mind as my liking least. Review Source KS Katarzyna S. Senior Manager, Regional Business Administration Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "User-Friendly System That Just Works" October 20, 2025 5.0 My overall experience with Calamari has been very positive. The system is clear, easy to use, and well-designed, which makes daily tasks much simpler. I also really appreciate the responsive support team that’s always ready to help whenever needed. Pros What I liked most about Calamari is its clarity and transparency, as well as the clean, intuitive interface. I also appreciate the quick response and support whenever any issues arise. Cons It’s hard to say, because compared to other systems I’ve used before, Calamari is by far the best. If I had to point out something, maybe there are quite a lot of rules and configurations, which I don’t always manage to handle on my own - but luckily, the team is always quick to help. Switched from [TimeOut](https://www.capterra.com/p/120151/TimeOut/) We switched to this platform mainly because the previous one was not very intuitive - employees often complained about usability issues, there were many errors, and it was impossible to configure things independently. We also wanted to have electronic leave requests, which was an important factor in the change. Review Source GF George F. CEO Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Change your NAME" April 28, 2022 3.0 Comsi comsa Pros Everyone in Greece is sarcastic and loughs when he/she hears your brand name. Cons Absense, time management, breaks control Review Source Response from Calamari May 26, 2022 Thank you for your opinion. We're very glad about our company's name - there's the whole story standing behind it ;). If you experience any troubles with employees' time management, please contact us on: https://calamari.io/contact. Our Customer Service team will help you set everything up according to your needs. OD Oleg D. Sales Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Been using it for years" May 5, 2026 5.0 Overall, my experience with Calamari has been positive. The learning curve is fairly low for employees, and managers can usually understand the main features quickly. It is especially useful for leave management, employee absence tracking, and keeping HR processes more structured. From a security and reliability perspective, it feels suitable for everyday HR use, although companies with strict compliance requirements should still review the security settings and data handling policies carefully. In terms of value for money, it is a good option for small and medium-sized teams that want to move away from manual leave tracking. There can occasionally be minor issues or limitations around customization, but I have not found them to be serious enough to outweigh the benefits. Calamari works best as a practical, straightforward HR tool for managing leave, absences, employee records, and basic team visibility. Pros Calamari is easy to use and makes leave management much more organised. The interface is clean, employees can quickly request time off, and managers can approve or reject requests without needing long email chains or spreadsheets. I also like that it gives a clear overview of who is away, which helps with planning and avoiding scheduling conflicts. Cons Some areas can take a little time to configure properly at the beginning, especially if your company has different leave policies, approval flows, or employee groups. A few reporting and customization options could also be more flexible. It is not difficult to use, but the initial setup may require some attention Review Source MN Magdalena N. office manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Why I love Calamari?" October 20, 2025 5.0 Pros Value for money, vacation management, customer service, document archiving, many possibilities for creating reports Cons Calamari is great, I have no complaints — but if I had to point out one thing, it would be the lack of customization options for individual screens. Alternatives considered [HRappka](https://www.capterra.com/p/209096/HRappka/)[Microsoft Excel](https://www.capterra.com/p/176574/Excel/) Reason for choosing Calamari I chose Calamari because its interface was the most intuitive, the features were best suited to our needs, and the price was reasonable. Review Source EP Ewelina P. Head of Administration and Operations Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "lexibility and comprehensiveness" October 29, 2025 5.0 I am very satisfied. We tested various modules one by one and are currently using all of them. The platform is easy to use, can be managed according to the company's needs, and additional licenses can be purchased and data updated quickly. Another advantage is its integration with other systems. Pros flexibility of the tool, adaptation to the company's needs, choice of modules, intuitive and easy-to-use platform, possibility to assign different roles and permissions Cons not enough developed module with projects, lack of option to add detailed tasks - we need it sometimes for specific projects Alternatives considered [HR Panorama](https://www.capterra.com/p/252698/HR-Panorama/) Reason for choosing Calamari contact with a representative, tailoring to the company's needs, flexibility Review Source SR Sahattaya R. Human Resources Business Partner Biotechnology Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A user-friendly tool for absent management " June 4, 2025 5.0 It promotes efficient work and improves collaboration, while remaining user-friendly for both end-users and system administrators. Pros User-friendly, Flexible, easy setup, real-time, budgeted, and can accommodate work in various countries with different rules. Cons The application does not support report customization, making it challenging to gain a clear overview when managing multiple team members. Switched from [T-Macss](https://www.capterra.com/p/10003628/T-Macss/) The previous system did not fit with our needs. Review Source DD Dee D. HR Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Best time off management system" June 4, 2025 5.0 Excellent. 10 stars from start to finish. It is the best time off management system out there. The support in the setup and ongoing and the ease of management of the system is top class. Pros Support is AMAZING - professional, responsive, helpful and willing. Whenever there was a concern they were there to assist. Cons Very complex - not clear in balances remaining. Would prefer for this to be shown in a simple and clear manner. Switched from [PayPal](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/) Please note above answer should be Payspace - there was no option to select this. There were loopholes in the system that opened up abuse and it was not user friendly. Review Source PL Pawel L. board assistant Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "useful tool" June 4, 2025 4.0 It's a useful tool helping in everyday office work as a administrator and easy tool for user to control their working ours and holidays. Pros user friendly, easy, readable for user. Multiple options. We use it only to count the working hours and to control do holidays, absences - For these to the price is affordable. Cons reports. To many options showing very little data. No reports showing activities filtered by projects. Few errors happening from time to time Switched from [Asana](https://www.capterra.com/p/184581/Asana-PM/) WE used Asana for other purposes. Regardin the time tracking we switched from Ultitime. We switched because it has no option of absence control, it only tracks the working time Review Source SB Silvia B. Office manager Alternative Medicine Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Overall, satisfied." October 30, 2025 5.0 Really Good, Whenever I’ve had doubts, the technicians have always been there to help fast and efficient service Pros Easy To use for the personal And it has many areas you can use; it’s a complete program. And finally, I think it’s a program I would recommend Cons Complicated To make changes by myself. It could be a bit more user-friendly so you can use it on your own and make all the necessary changes Alternatives considered [Day Off](https://www.capterra.com/p/182523/Day-Off-Leave-Tracker/) Reason for choosing Calamari Calamari has more options. It was user-friendly and met my needs at that moment. Review Source EO Eduardo O. Operation Manager Accounting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "A solid leave management tool with clear advantages over competitors, but still room for improvement" May 12, 2025 5.0 Before using Calamari, we worked with a tool called Vacation Tracker, but it did not allow calendar sharing or include an approval workflow. After evaluating several tools, Calamari proved to be much better, although there is still room for improvement. Pros It allows me to manage vacations and paid or unpaid leave in a single portal. Cons It did not allow me to block certain dates to prevent employees from requesting vacation during peak work periods, but it did allow them to request sick leave, which is not something that can be controlled. Switched from [Vacation Tracker](https://www.capterra.com/p/189276/Vacation-Tracker/) Before using Calamari, we worked with a tool called Vacation Tracker, but it did not allow calendar sharing or include an approval workflow. After evaluating several tools, Calamari proved to be much better, although there is still room for improvement. Review Source VB Viktorija B. CEO Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Keep on moving forward" October 16, 2024 4.0 It is clear and user friendly. I think we are lacking come ideas how to use it more fully. Also, some reports could be possible to export to give it directly for the accountants. Pros Possibilities to adapt to ones' needs. Good and clearly understandable calendar. Cons More smooth integrations with Google callendar and email. When one need to aplly for permission to leave, you cannot see the overall callender. Also, with students, who are wiorking not full time and dont have reggular shedule, you need to create Alternatives considered [Teamhood](https://www.capterra.com/p/227861/Teamhood/)[Asana](https://www.capterra.com/p/184581/Asana-PM/) Reason for choosing Calamari Price and UX. It was fast to set up, the support team reacted quite fast and quite good. Review Source PM Philip M. CEO Biotechnology Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "EverCell Bio, Inc. Review" October 21, 2024 4.0 Overall good. The support at the company has been very helpful. Pros Great functions for a small business that requires different inputs Cons It can be tedious to alter some of the customizations Alternatives considered [Paychex Flex](https://www.capterra.com/p/119841/Paychex-Flex/) Reason for choosing Calamari This was more customizable and can function independently Review Source PS Piotr S. COO Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Opinion about Calamari" October 20, 2025 5.0 We have been using Calamaria in our company for quite some time now and we are very satisfied. The system is intuitive, transparent and significantly improves absence management — both for employees and the HR department. Pros Booking a holiday takes just a few clicks, and the entire company has a real-time overview of who is absent and when. Cons I have reservations about the configuration of holiday limits. In my opinion, this area is not very intuitive and quite complicated, especially with more complex rules (e.g. different types of contracts, proportional calculation, transfer of unused days). It requires a lot of testing and careful checking of settings to ensure that everything works correctly. Review Source JC Jerry C. IT Manager Logistics and Supply Chain Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Calamari: First 6 months." May 27, 2025 5.0 Calamari has been one of the easiest implementations I've experienced. Support is almost instant when we've had any questions. Pros We have found Calamari easy to use, and it offers just about everything we've needed. Installation was straight forward too. The team were very supportive and helpful, but we found that the product was very intuitive. Personally I always prefer a trial rather than a demo (which often does not reveal weaknesses). Calamari were happy for me to trial the system warts and all..... although we didn't really find any warts. Cons Difficult to think of any weakness. I'm sure that some organisations would find something, but for us it offers everything we need, including interfacing with other systems. Review Source KR KINGA R. CEO Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Calamari is clear for coworkers absences" October 20, 2025 5.0 good comunication with emloyees, clear calendar etc., writing coments helps to uderstand reasons, people split on divisions Pros aplication is very good, usefull, everyuwere i can accept holidays or sickleaves i see if someone is sick Cons somethimes aplication buforing that you can not use aplication, you have to restart or evenm deleta and issued again Review Source BW Barbara W. HR Manager Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I do recommend it :) " May 27, 2025 5.0 I use it for over 2,5 yrs now and I am happy to have it. I don't have to explain much how to use it during Onboarding process as the interface is very clear. Pros Simple, clear, intuitive. I also like the graphics and colours (not too intense). Integration with google platform jest great. Cons Before updates it was hard to find some functions. I think it would be useful if a function (role) of person is changed received a notification. Review Source RN Rino N. Partner Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Calamari - Simple, reliable software that works" May 27, 2025 5.0 We have been users for a couple of years now - 40+ staff in a professional environment. We have rarely required support and the programme is stable and reliable. It has been a rewarding experience for us. Pros Simple to use and implement. No major setup hurdles and works simply. Mobile app works well and reliably. Reports are easy to generate. Cons No major negatives experienced. We use it for leave approval and monitoring against our payroll system and it works well. Possibly some additional features at no extra cost would be good. Review Source IB Iain B. Operations Manager Apparel & Fashion Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Select/Calamari" June 3, 2025 4.0 I believe it has helped us and the staff immensely, as we never had this system in place before. Previously all annual leave was put on a shared calender. Pros Booking holidays, sick leave, WFH and overtime is very easy. Getting support from the guys at Calamari is fantastic! Cons I prefer logging into Calamari via my pc. The Calamari app is not as easy to use or view when compared to using the website. Review Source MC Maciej C. CMO, Head of SEO Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Very simple yet powerfull timemanagement tool" May 27, 2025 5.0 Pros It's very simple yet helpful tool. We use it to manage your team's vacations and leaves from work during every week. Cons Calamari has completely streamlined our time tracking and leave management. The integrations with Google Calendar make it easy for everyone to stay updated without switching tools. It’s intuitive, flexible, and saves us time on HR admin. Review Source Rossi G. Robot Engineer Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The best for your business" January 10, 2025 5.0 We have been using calamari for a few years now and it is a very useful software for the company. They update the software continuously, which means they take great care of their customers. Pros the software allows us to have precise control over the hours worked per job Cons There is nothing negative. I would like it to have a function that automatically edits the employee's entry/exit time, example: IN 8:04 --> 8:15, 8:22 --> 8:30, EX 17:47 --> 17:45, 18:03 --> 18:00 and so on. Review Source AW Alex W. COO Computer Software Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Simple, straightforward, very happy" May 12, 2025 5.0 Simple, straightforward, very happy with the choice for our uncomplicated needs Pros Initially that is was simple to get started, offered what we needed and relatively cheap. Now I'm using it I value the customer support, when needed, because it is super-responsive and competent which is all too rare. Cons It can be a little clunky still in places, (eg bulk approval would be nice) but I imagine the product is still being developed. Review Source Brian B. Business administrator Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "I improve the design of work" November 25, 2024 5.0 It favors productivity time and managing more collaborative work between everyone to have a good quality of work Pros I improve teamwork because it is more united with real-time information that we can all see and thus be able to work on the same approach. I also like that when there is a new person in the team we do not have to go back in the work to give them an explanation because through Calamari there are all the necessary tutorials so that they can be updated with our work and thus have a simple interface between new personnel and the daily work done Cons There is nothing to say that I dislike, I have no words to describe something bad that has happened to me Review Source KS Krzysztof S. Ceo Wholesale Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "App which HR will love" October 21, 2024 5.0 Pros Before calamari we always had a problem to clarify who is available and many hours people were working. There was always a guy who add some hours. Now we have everything in one app Cons Some of my workers say it has some bugs - on their phones calendar doesn't work Review Source CO Clarissa O. HR Writing and Editing Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Global use" October 16, 2024 4.0 We are mostly satisfied with calamari But wish that it’s global usage and coordination was more efficient Pros It is mostly easy to use however, the reporting functionality is not as robust as we wish it could be Cons Customization by countries, not ideal without having to list tons of different plans Review Source ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. 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