Choosing the best Employer of Record (EOR) service depends on various factors: your company’s size, global expansion goals, budget, and specific needs for international hiring and management.
There is no one-size-fits-all EOR solution, but that’s okay—the market offers many excellent options to suit different business requirements.
Some of the best EOR services offer comprehensive features at competitive prices, even for smaller businesses looking to hire globally.
Pro tip: many providers offer demos or trial periods, allowing you to test their platforms before committing to a long-term partnership.
As someone who has worked with multinational companies and advised on global expansion strategies, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities of international hiring.
I researched over 20 EOR providers for this article and thoroughly tested the top contenders. Based on my analysis and hands-on experience with these platforms, I’ve selected the eight best EOR services available for various business needs and budgets.
These selections represent the best in the EOR industry, offering a balance of global coverage, compliance expertise, user-friendly interfaces, and value for money.
Whether you’re a startup looking to hire your first international employee or an enterprise planning large-scale global expansion, this list will help you find the right EOR partner to support your growth journey.
Best EOR companies at a glance
- Rippling – Best for automation and integration with HR systems
- Remofirst – Best for startups and tight budgets
- Multiplier – Best for quick global employment and fast onboarding
- Deel – Best for immigration services and global coverage
- Atlas: Best for customized global employment solutions
- Remote – Best for employee experience and IP protection
- Oyster – Best for global payroll and compliance insights
- Papaya Global – Best for bulk hiring and enterprise-level companies
EOR Service | Best For | Global Coverage | Starting Price | G2 Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rippling | Automation | 90+ Countries | Custom Pricing | 4.9/5 |
Remofirst | Startups | 160+ Countries | $199/month/employee | 4.3/5 |
Multiplier | Quick Employment | 150+ Countries | $400/month/employee | 4.8/5 |
Deel | Immigration Services | 150+ Countries | $599/month/employee | 4.8/5 |
Atlas | Customized Global Employment | 160+ Countries | Custom pricing | 4.5/5 |
Remote | Employee Experience | 180+ Countries | $599/month/employee | 4.7/5 |
Oyster | Global Payroll | 180+ Countries | $599/month/employee | 4.7/5 |
Papaya Global | Bulk Hiring | 160+ Countries | $599/month/employee | 4.6/5 |
Best EOR services reviewed
1. Rippling – Best EOR for automation and integration with HR systems
Rippling offers advanced automation features and seamless integration with various HR and IT systems.
Rippling secured its place on this list due to its advanced automation capabilities and seamless integration with various HR and IT systems.
Its ability to onboard employees in just 90 seconds showcases the platform’s efficiency, which is crucial for businesses looking to scale quickly across multiple countries.
Rippling’s automated global compliance and tax filing features significantly reduce the administrative burden on HR teams, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.
Moreover, Rippling’s unified HR data syncing and customizable policies and benefits demonstrate its flexibility in meeting diverse business needs.
The platform’s integration with over 500 external services further enhances its value proposition, offering a comprehensive global workforce management solution.
While its pricing structure can be complex, the extensive features and automation capabilities make Rippling an excellent choice for businesses seeking a highly sophisticated and integrated EOR solution.
Key features:
- Rapid onboarding (90 seconds)
- Automated global compliance and tax filings
- Unified HR data syncing
- Customizable policies and benefits
- Integration with 500+ external services
Key Information about Rippling
- Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
- Founders: Parker Conrad and Prasanna Sankar
- Funding: Raised over $1.4 billion in multiple funding rounds
- Founding Year: 2016
Pros
- Expert installation service
- Rapid onboarding (90 seconds)
- Advanced automation features
- Seamless integration with 500+ external services
- Unified HR data syncing
- Customizable policies and benefits
Cons
- Pricing can be complex and potentially expensive
- It may have a steeper learning curve due to extensive features
Pricing: Custom pricing (starts at $8/month per employee for basic features)
Best for: Businesses looking for highly automated EOR solutions with extensive integration capabilities.
2. Remofirst – Best EOR for startups and tight budgets
Remofirst provides affordable EOR services without compromising on essential features, making it ideal for startups and small businesses.
Remofirst made this list by offering a compelling combination of affordability and comprehensive features, making it an excellent choice for startups and businesses with tight budgets.
Despite its competitive pricing, Remofirst doesn’t compromise on essential services, providing operations in 180+ countries, same-day onboarding, and 24/7 customer support.
What sets Remofirst apart is its ability to offer additional services like equipment provisioning for remote employees and visa support, features often reserved for more expensive platforms.
While it’s a newer player in the market, Remofirst’s focus on affordability without sacrificing key functionalities makes it a valuable option for small to medium-sized businesses looking to expand globally without breaking the bank.
Key features:
- Operations in 180+ countries
- Same-day onboarding
- 24/7 customer support
- Equipment provisioning for remote employees
- Visa and immigration support
Key Information about Remofirst
- Headquarters: San Francisco, United States
- Founders: Nurasyl Serik and Volodymyr Fedoriv
- Funding: Over $39 million over multiple funding rounds
- Founding Date: 2021
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Operations in 160+ countries
- Same-day onboarding
- 24/7 customer support
- Equipment provisioning for remote employees
Cons
- Newer company with fewer reviews
- It may lack some advanced features of more established competitors
Pricing: Starts at $199/month per employee
Best for: Startups and small businesses seeking cost-effective
3. Multiplier – Best EOR for quick global employment and fast onboarding
Multiplier specializes in rapidly deploying international hiring, offering quick onboarding and employment contract generation.
Multiplier earned its spot on this list by excelling in quick global employment and fast onboarding processes. Its ability to generate instant employment contracts and complete onboarding within days sets it apart in an industry where speed can be crucial.
Multiplier operates in 150 countries with local compliance experts and offers a robust solution for businesses looking to rapidly expand their global workforce.
Additionally, Multiplier’s provision of insurance and benefits on a regional level demonstrates its commitment to supporting employees comprehensively across different locations.
While it may have fewer integrations than some competitors, its competitive pricing and focus on speed make it an attractive option for businesses prioritizing rapid deployment in their global hiring strategy.
Key features:
- Instant employment contracts
- Onboarding within days
- Local compliance experts in 150 countries
- Insurance and benefits on a regional level
- 24/5 customer support
Key Information about Multiplier
- Headquarters: Sydney, Australia
- Founders: Sagar Khatri, Amritpal Singh, and Vamsi Krishna
- Funding: Over $77 million
- Founding Date: 2020
Pros
- Competitive pricing: Multiplier’s EOR package is more favorable than other EOR providers.
- Customer support: Follow-ups are done well, and customer reps guide users expertly throughout the initial setting-up process,
- Real-time updates: Keeps me informed with real-time notifications.
- Integration support: Works well with other apps I use.
- Scalability: Suitable for both small and large projects, adapting as needed.
- Quick onboarding: Within minutes, new employees can be set up within your company.
Cons
- Speed of customer support: Response times from customer support can be slow, mainly via email.
- Limited features and customization: Some features that other tools offer are missing, and customization is limited.
- No offline mode: There’s no option to use it without an internet connection.
Pricing: Starts at $400/month per employee
Best for: Companies requiring fast international hiring and onboarding processes.
4. Deel – Best EOR for immigration services and global coverage
Deel offers a comprehensive EOR solution with operations in over 150 countries. Its standout feature is robust immigration support, including an in-house team for visa sponsorship.
Deel earned its place on this list due to its exceptional global coverage and specialized immigration services. Operating in over 150 countries with local entities in 120, Deel offers unparalleled flexibility for international hiring.
Its standout feature is its robust immigration support, including an in-house team for visa sponsorship, which sets it apart in the EOR market.
Deel’s user-friendly platform simplifies complex processes like payroll, compliance, and benefits administration across multiple jurisdictions, making it an invaluable tool for companies expanding globally.
Moreover, Deel’s commitment to customer service, with 24/7 support and dedicated account managers, ensures businesses receive personalized assistance throughout their global expansion journey.
Adding innovative features like crypto payroll options and a free HRIS for smaller companies demonstrates Deel’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to meeting diverse client needs.
Key features:
- Fast onboarding (within 48 hours)
- 24/7 customer support with dedicated account managers
- Extensive integrations with major HR systems
- Crypto payroll options
- Free HRIS for companies with under 200 employees
Key Information about Deel
- Headquarters: San Francisco, United States
- Founders: Alex Bouaziz, Shuo Wang, and Ofer Simon
- Funding: Over $680 million
- Founding Date: 2019
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Extensive global coverage (150+ countries)
- Robust immigration support with an in-house team
- Fast onboarding within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer support with dedicated account managers
- Diverse payment options, including crypto payroll
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- It may have more features than smaller businesses need
Pricing: Starts at $599/month per employee
Best for: Companies requiring extensive global coverage and immigration support for international hires.
5. Atlas: Best for Customized Global Employment Solutions
Atlas (formerly Elements Global Services) offers a highly customizable Employer of Record (EOR) solution that caters to the specific needs of each client. They provide comprehensive global employment services across 160+ countries, with a strong focus on compliance and risk management.
This EOR is well-suited for organizations that require tailored solutions for complex hiring scenarios or have specific compliance needs in certain countries. Atlas’s consultative approach and deep expertise in global employment make it a good fit for companies looking for more than just a self-service platform.
Atlas Pricing Plans
Atlas offers custom pricing based on your specific needs and the number of employees. You’ll need to contact their sales team for a quote. They typically charge a percentage of the total payroll rather than a flat per-employee fee.
Key Features
- Global payroll in 120+ currencies
- Direct EOR model in 160+ countries
- Customized employment contracts
- Comprehensive benefits administration
- Immigration and visa support
- Detailed compliance consulting
- Proprietary HR technology platform
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- M&A and entity setup support
Pros
- Direct EOR model covering 160+ countries
- Industry-leading compliance management
- Comprehensive Human Experience
- Management (HXM) platform with extensive features
- Strong payroll processing capabilities
- HR advisory services included
Cons
- Pricing may be higher than some competitors
- Complex features that may have a steeper learning curve
- No separate payroll outsourcing solution for companies with existing legal entities
Key Information about Atlas
- Headquarters: Chicago, USA
- Founders: Rick Hammell
- Funding: Private
- Founding Date: 2015
Atlas is an excellent choice for organizations with complex global hiring needs or those requiring highly customized solutions. Its consultative approach and deep expertise make it well-suited for companies prioritizing compliance and risk management in their global expansion.
Whether you’re a growing mid-size company, a large enterprise, or a multinational corporation, Atlas can provide tailored EOR services to meet your specific international employment needs. Their ability to handle complex scenarios and provide detailed compliance guidance can be particularly valuable for organizations expanding into unfamiliar markets or those in heavily regulated industries.
6. Remote – Best EOR for employee experience and IP protection
Remote focuses on creating a superior employee experience while offering unique IP protection features. Remote earned its spot on this list by excelling in employee experience and offering unique IP protection features.
Operating in 180+ countries, Remote goes beyond basic EOR services by focusing on creating a superior experience for international employees.
This approach not only aids in talent attraction and retention but also ensures smoother operations for businesses managing global teams.
What distinguishes Remote is its proprietary IP protection measures, a critical feature for companies in the tech and innovation sectors. Additionally, Remote’s provision of a free HRIS program and a 90-day money-back guarantee demonstrates its confidence in its service quality and commitment to client satisfaction.
These features, combined with its comprehensive coverage and focus on employee experience, make Remote a top choice for businesses prioritizing operational efficiency and employee satisfaction in their global hiring strategy.
Key features:
- Extensive coverage in 180+ countries
- Proprietary IP protection measures
- Comprehensive employee self-service portal
- Free HRIS program
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Key Information about Remote
- Headquarters: San Francisco, USA
- Founders: Job van der Voort, Marcelo Lebre
- Funding: Over $500 million in several funding rounds
- Founding Date: 2019
Pros
- Coverage in 180+ countries
- Strong focus on employee experience
- Unique IP protection features
- Free HRIS program included
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Speed of customer support: Response times from customer support can be slow, mainly via email.
- Some users report occasional delays in customer support
Pricing: Starts at $599/month per employee
Best for: Companies prioritizing employee satisfaction and intellectual property protection in their global hiring strategy.
7. Oyster – Best EOR for global payroll and compliance insights
Oyster specializes in global payroll services and offers deep compliance insights across 180+ countries. Oyster secured its position on this list primarily due to its excellence in global payroll services and deep compliance insights.
With the ability to process payroll in over 140 currencies across 180+ countries, Oyster provides a comprehensive solution for businesses navigating the complexities of international employment.
Oyster’s automated workflows and extensive integrations with over 5,000 apps streamline operations for HR teams managing global workforces.
What truly sets Oyster apart is its commitment to compliance and education. The platform offers in-depth compliance monitoring and insights, crucial for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions.
Additionally, Oyster’s provision of free global education resources demonstrates its dedication to empowering clients with knowledge about international employment practices, making it an invaluable partner for companies expanding their global footprint.
Key features:
- Payroll in 140+ currencies
- Automated workflows and integrations with 5,000+ apps
- Comprehensive compliance monitoring
- Visa sponsorship add-on available
- Free global education resources
Key Information about Oyster HR
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California
- Founders: Tony Jamous and Jack Mardack
- Funding: Raised $227 million in multiple funding rounds
- Founding Date: 2019
Pros
- Deep compliance insights for 180+ countries
- Payroll in 140+ currencies
- Extensive integrations (5,000+ apps)
- Free global education resources
- Transparent pricing with potential annual discounts
Cons
- Visa sponsorship is only available as an add-on
- Some users report occasional platform glitches
Pricing: Starts at $599/month per employee
Best for: Businesses seeking robust payroll solutions and in-depth compliance guidance for international hiring.
8. Papaya Global – Best EOR for bulk hiring and enterprise-level companies
Papaya Global caters to large-scale hiring needs with its ability to onboard up to 1,000 employees simultaneously.
Papaya Global cut this list due to its exceptional bulk hiring and enterprise-level services capabilities. Its ability to onboard up to 1,000 employees simultaneously sets it apart in the EOR market, making it an ideal choice for large corporations or rapidly scaling businesses.
Papaya Global’s partnerships with local accounting firms in various countries enhance its compliance expertise, providing clients with a robust global support network.
Furthermore, Papaya Global’s comprehensive approach to global workforce management, including features like family immigration support and an employee self-service portal, demonstrates its understanding of the complexities of managing an international workforce.
The platform’s extensive integrations with HR and finance systems also contribute to its appeal for enterprise-level clients seeking a seamless, all-in-one solution for their global employment needs.
Key features:
- Bulk staffing and onboarding capabilities
- Partnerships with local accounting firms for enhanced compliance
- Family immigration support
- Employee self-service portal
- Extensive integrations with HR and finance systems
Key facts about Papaya Global
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Founders: Eynat Guez, Ruben Drong, Ofer Herman
- Funding: Over $440 million raised
- Founding Date: 2016
Pros
- Bulk staffing and onboarding (up to 1,000 employees)
- Partnerships with local accounting firms for enhanced compliance
- Family immigration support
- Comprehensive employee self-service portal
- Extensive integrations with HR and finance systems
Cons
- Higher pricing for a full suite of services
- It may be overly complex for small businesses
Pricing: Starts at $599/month per employee
Best for: Enterprise-level companies requiring mass hiring capabilities and comprehensive global workforce management.
What is an EOR platform?
An Employer of Record (EOR) platform is a third-party service that is the legal employer for a company’s international workforce. EOR providers handle various administrative and legal responsibilities associated with employing workers in foreign countries, including:
- Payroll processing and tax withholding
- Compliance with local labor laws and regulations
- Benefits administration
- Employment contract management
- Worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance
- Visa and work permit assistance
By partnering with an EOR, companies can hire talent in countries without a legal entity, effectively expanding their global footprint without establishing subsidiaries or independently navigating complex international employment laws.
What should you consider when choosing an EOR company?
When evaluating and reviewing the selected EOR services, I focused primarily on the following factors to determine which companies made the list:
- Global coverage. The best EOR services offer extensive global coverage, allowing businesses to hire employees in various countries. All the services I selected cover at least 150 countries, with some reaching over 180, providing ample flexibility for international expansion.
- Compliance expertise. You shouldn’t need to be an international law expert to hire globally. The top EOR services offer comprehensive compliance management, handling local labor laws, tax regulations, and benefits requirements across multiple jurisdictions. This includes continual updates to stay current with changing regulations.
- Service offerings and customization. The most valuable EOR services provide a full suite of features, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and onboarding support. Additionally, they offer customization options to tailor their services to your business needs and the local requirements of each country you’re hiring in.
- Technology platform and user experience. A user-friendly, intuitive platform is crucial for managing your global workforce efficiently. The best EOR services offer robust software solutions with features like employee self-service portals, integration capabilities with existing HR systems, and real-time reporting tools.
- Pricing structure and transparency. While EOR services are costly, I looked for providers with transparent pricing models and good value for the services offered. This includes considering the base price and additional fees for extra services or specific countries.
- Customer support and expertise. Given the complexities of international employment, strong customer support is essential. I prioritized EOR services that offer dedicated account managers, 24/7 support options, and access to local experts in your hiring countries.
- Scalability and additional services. The best EOR services can grow with your business, supporting everything from hiring your first international employee to managing a large global workforce. I also considered additional valuable services like immigration support, equipment provisioning, and global mobility assistance.
Focusing on these critical factors can maximize your chances of choosing an EOR service that meets your current needs and supports your long-term global expansion goals.
Emerging Trends in EOR Services
- AI-powered compliance monitoring: EOR providers increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence to stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure continuous compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Enhanced focus on employee experience: EOR platforms are developing more comprehensive self-service portals and localized benefits packages to improve the experience of international employees.
- Integration of global mobility services: Many EOR providers are expanding their offerings to include relocation support, visa services, and cultural training for a more holistic approach to international hiring.
- Cryptocurrency payroll options: As digital currencies gain traction, some EOR services are beginning to offer cryptocurrency payment options for international employees.
- Sustainability initiatives: EOR providers are starting to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their services, helping companies align their global hiring practices with sustainability goals.
Who should use an EOR service?
You might be wondering if an EOR service is right for your business. Let’s explore some scenarios where an EOR could be the solution you’ve been searching for:
- The “dipping your toes” international expander: You’ve found the perfect candidate for your team, but they’re based in another country. Setting up a legal entity there seems to be overkill for one hire, but you want to retain this talent. An EOR can help you hire this person compliantly without the overhead of establishing a foreign subsidiary.
- The “compliance gives me nightmares” business owner: You’re expanding into new markets, but navigating unfamiliar labor laws, tax regulations, and benefits requirements keeps you up at night. If deciphering international compliance feels like reading a foreign language, an EOR can be your translator and guide.
- The “I’d rather focus on growth than paperwork” entrepreneur: Your business is taking off, and you must scale quickly across borders. But instead of strategizing about new markets, you need more HR paperwork and payroll complexities. An EOR can remove these administrative burdens, freeing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business.
- The “our HR team is stretched thin” manager: Your HR department is doing a great job domestically, but adding international employees to the mix pushes them to their limits. If your team spends more time researching international labor laws than supporting your employees, an EOR can provide the expertise and bandwidth you need.
- The “we need to move fast” startup: You’ve just secured funding and need to build a global team quickly. However, traditional international expansion methods can take months or even years. If you need to hire in multiple countries in a matter of weeks, not months, an EOR can dramatically accelerate your timeline.
- The “we’re not ready for a permanent commitment” CFO: You want to test new markets before fully committing to them. Setting up entities in every country you’re considering isn’t financially feasible. An EOR allows you to hire and operate in new markets without the long-term commitment and investment of establishing your legal entities.
- The “global mobility headache” HR director: You have employees who want to work from abroad, or you need to relocate team members internationally. If managing visas, work permits, and cross-border employment issues are giving you a migraine, an EOR can provide the global mobility support you need.
If you’re nodding to any of these scenarios, an EOR service could solve your international employment challenges. By handling the complexities of global hiring and compliance, EORs allow you to focus on what matters – finding and retaining top talent, regardless of where they’re located, and growing your business globally.
Best EOR services closing thoughts
Selecting the right Employer of Record (EOR) service is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your company’s global expansion strategy. Each of the EOR providers we’ve reviewed offers unique strengths to suit different business needs:
- Rippling offers advanced automation and seamless integration with HR systems, making it suitable for businesses seeking a highly efficient, tech-driven solution.
- Remofirst provides an excellent balance of affordability and features, making it a top pick for startups and businesses on tight budgets.
- Multiplier specializes in quick global employment and onboarding, which is ideal for companies looking to rapidly expand their international workforce.
- Deel stands out for its extensive global coverage and robust immigration support, making it ideal for companies with diverse international hiring needs.
- Atlas offers highly customizable EOR solutions with strong compliance management and risk mitigation features, making it ideal for organizations with complex international hiring needs or those requiring tailored employment solutions in specific countries.
- Remote focuses on employee experience and unique IP protection features, appealing to companies in innovative sectors.
- Oyster excels in global payroll services and compliance insights, perfect for businesses prioritizing regulatory adherence across multiple jurisdictions.
- Papaya Global is the go-to choice for enterprise-level companies requiring bulk hiring capabilities and comprehensive workforce management.
When deciding, consider your company’s specific needs, such as the countries you’re targeting for expansion, your hiring volume, budget constraints, and the level of support you require. Also, please take advantage of demos or trial periods offered by these providers to get a hands-on feel for their platforms.
Remember, the right EOR service can streamline your global hiring process, ensure compliance, and allow you to focus on your core business activities rather than getting bogged down in the complexities of international employment regulations.
By leveraging the insights in this article, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your global expansion goals.
Whether hiring your first international employee or scaling your global workforce, the right EOR partner can be a game-changer in your journey toward successful, compliant, and efficient global operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an EOR and a PEO?
An Employer of Record (EOR) becomes the legal employer of your international workers, taking on all employment-related responsibilities and liabilities.
A Professional Employer Organization (PEO), on the other hand, enters into a co-employment relationship with your company and shares employment responsibilities. EORs are typically used for international hiring where a company doesn’t have a legal entity, while PEOs are more commonly used domestically to outsource HR functions.
How much do EOR services typically cost?
EOR service pricing can vary widely depending on the provider and the specific services required. Generally, prices range from $199 to $599 per monthly employee. Some providers may also charge additional fees for services like benefits administration or immigration support.
Can an EOR help with hiring contractors as well as full-time employees?
Yes, many EOR providers offer services for both full-time employees and contractors. These services often include contract management, payments in local currencies, and ensuring proper classification to avoid misclassification risks.