Deel and Ontop are two leading platforms in the global payroll and hiring space, offering distinct advantages as Employer of Record (EOR) providers. However, their strengths and limitations make them better suited to different types of businesses, depending on size, complexity, and specific needs.
Deel is a robust global payroll and hiring platform that ranks among the best EOR providers I’ve used. Thanks to its ability to streamline global HR processes and provide essential legal resources, it is a top choice for companies looking to hire, pay, and manage international employees easily.
On the other hand, Ontop’s approach focuses on simplifying the hiring and payment cycle with a particular emphasis on compliance. While its platform is designed to be user-friendly and cost-effective, especially for businesses hiring in Latin America, it may not offer the same breadth of features as Deel.
The main difference between Deel and Ontop is their scope and target market. Deel offers a comprehensive suite of services for international hiring, payroll, and compliance across over 150 countries, with a robust set of features, including a newly launched mobile app. Ontop, while also providing global payroll and compliance services, has a more focused approach, emphasizing cost-efficiency and ease of use, particularly for hiring in Latin America, but with a more limited global reach and feature set.
In this comparison, I’ll delve into the key features, pricing structures, and use cases for both Deel and Ontop. By examining their strengths and limitations, I aim to help you determine which platform best meets your business needs, whether you’re a small startup looking to hire your first international employee or a growing enterprise expanding your global workforce.
Deel
Ontop
Overview of Deel and Ontop
Deel and Ontop are significant players in the global payroll and hiring space, each offering unique solutions to managing an international workforce.
Overview of Deel: Best For Global Remote Teams
Deel is best suited for businesses looking to hire and manage remote workers globally. Its platform is designed to streamline international hiring, onboarding, payroll, and compliance processes across various countries.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 150+ |
| EOR pricing | $599 per employee |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California |
| Founder | Alex Bouaziz |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Funding | $680 million |
Deel’s core strengths include:
- Comprehensive global hiring and payroll solutions
- User-friendly interface for managing international teams
- Automated compliance with local labor laws
- Quick and easy onboarding process for international hires
- Flexible payment options for contractors and employees
- Newly launched mobile app for on-the-go management
- Integrated expense management and benefits administration
Overview of Ontop: Best For Cost-Efficient Latin American Hiring
Ontop is ideal for businesses seeking a cost-effective solution for hiring and managing employees and contractors. It is particularly strong in Latin American markets.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 150+ (primarily for contractors) |
| EOR pricing | Starts at $299/employee/month |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California |
| Founder | Jaime Abella, Julian Torres, Santiago Aparicio |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Funding | Series A (not specified) |
Ontop’s core strengths include:
- Cost-effective pricing, especially for EOR services
- Strong focus on compliance and user experience
- Automated payroll system with emphasis on Latin American markets
- Streamlined hiring and onboarding processes
- Built-in financial services for workers
- Interactive tools for global hiring, including cost calculators
Deel vs Ontop At a Glance
This summary section aims to quickly show how these solutions compare on the most important features and information like pricing. Here’s a comprehensive comparison table:
| Feature | Deel | Ontop |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Global remote teams, comprehensive HR solutions | Cost-efficient hiring, focus on Latin America |
| Countries Covered | 150+ countries | 150+ (primarily for contractors) |
| Currencies Coverage | 120+ currencies | Multiple currencies, emphasis on USD |
| EOR Pricing | Starts at $599/employee/month | Starts at $299/employee/month |
| Contractor Pricing | $49/contractor/month | $49/month for up to 10 contractors |
| Key Integrations | QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, Greenhouse, 50+ others | Limited information on integrations |
| User Interface | Modern, intuitive | User-friendly, focused on simplicity |
| Ease of Use | High, designed for comprehensive management | High, streamlined for core functions |
| Security and Compliance | SOC 2 Type II, GDPR compliant | Emphasis on compliance, details not specified |
| API | Available, well-documented | Limited information available |
| Mobile App | Yes, newly launched with full functionality | Not specified |
| Payroll Processing | Automated, supports multiple currencies | Automated, emphasis on USD payments |
| Benefits Administration | Available, country-specific options | Available, details limited |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support, live chat | Dedicated customer success team |
| Customization Options | Extensive, catering to various business needs | Limited information available |
| Reporting and Analytics | Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools | Real-time analytics available |
Key Features of Deel
Deel platform offers several key features designed to streamline international employment. Here’s a detailed look at what the service provides:
- Global payroll processing: Deel handles salary calculations and payments in 120+ currencies across 150+ countries, supporting various withdrawal methods including direct bank transfers, Revolut, Wise, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency. I found the payment dashboard particularly clear, showing exactly what each employee receives after local tax deductions – something many competitors make much harder to understand.
- Employer of Record services: Deel’s EOR service lets businesses hire full-time employees without establishing local entities in each country. The platform handles employment contracts, onboarding, local tax registrations, and mandatory benefits in each location. During testing, I was able to onboard a new hire in Germany in just under 48 hours without any prior entity setup – significantly faster than the weeks required through traditional legal channels.
- Contractor management system: Beyond full-time employment, Deel offers comprehensive contractor management with localized agreements, payment processing, and tax documentation. The platform automatically generates tax forms like 1099s for US contractors and equivalent documents for international freelancers, significantly reducing compliance risks associated with misclassification.
- Compliance automation: Deel continuously monitors changing regulations in all operating countries, automatically updating contract templates and employment practices to maintain compliance. The system flags potential issues and provides guidance on resolving them, giving businesses confidence in their global employment practices without needing specialized legal expertise in each country.
- Benefits administration: The platform offers locally-relevant benefits packages in most countries, including health insurance, retirement plans, and stipends. HR teams can customize benefit offerings through an intuitive dashboard while ensuring all mandatory benefits are included according to local laws. This creates a consistent experience for employees regardless of location.
Key Features of Ontop
Automated Payroll Processing
Ontop’s core strength lies in its automated payroll system, which is designed to simplify the payment process for international teams. The platform handles payroll calculations, tax deductions, and payment processing automatically.
This feature particularly benefits businesses hiring in Latin America, as Ontop has established strong partnerships with local banks and financial institutions in this region. The system supports multiple currencies, though it places a particular emphasis on USD payments.
Compliance Management
Ontop prioritizes compliance with local labor laws and regulations. Its platform is designed to keep businesses up-to-date with the latest legal requirements in each country where it operates.
The system automatically generates compliant contracts and ensures that all necessary tax documents are collected and processed correctly. This helps businesses mitigate the risks associated with international hiring and reduces the administrative burden of staying compliant.
Interactive Cost Calculators
Ontop provides interactive tools to help businesses plan their global hiring strategies. These include an employee cost calculator and a talent budget calculator.
These tools allow companies to estimate the total cost of hiring employees or contractors in different countries, considering factors such as local taxes, mandatory benefits, and exchange rates. This feature helps businesses make more informed decisions about their global workforce strategy.
Built-in Financial Services
One of Ontop’s unique offerings is its built-in financial services for workers. This feature is particularly appealing to contractors, as it allows them more flexibility in receiving and managing their payments.
The platform offers a virtual wallet with a digital Visa card, allowing contractors to access their funds instantly. While this can be convenient for many workers, it’s worth noting that it’s currently the only payment option available for contractors through Ontop.
Streamlined Onboarding
Ontop aims to simplify the onboarding process for both employers and employees. Their platform provides a step-by-step guide for setting up new hires, ensuring all necessary documents are collected and processed efficiently.
For EOR services, Ontop claims to have new employees ready to start work within just three days. They also provide each employee with a personal concierge to assist with the onboarding process, although user reviews suggest that the employee experience may vary.
Deel Pricing
Deel offers a transparent pricing structure with plans tailored to different business needs:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $599 per employee/month |
| Contractor Management Pricing | $49 per employee/month |
| Payroll Pricing | $29 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Available |
Pricing and Plans for Ontop
Ontop offers a more simplified pricing structure compared to Deel:
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor Starter | $49/month | Up to 10 contractors, hiring in 150+ countries, compliance management |
| Contractor Custom | Custom pricing | For more than 10 contractors, all Starter features |
| Employee (EOR) | $299/employee/month | EOR services in 6 countries, onboarding, compliance, local benefits |
Ontop’s pricing is notably lower than many competitors, especially for its EOR services. However, it’s important to note that their EOR services are limited to just six countries, which may be a significant limitation for some businesses.
The Contractor plans use a digital wallet system for payments, which may not suit all contractors. For the Employee plan, Ontop offers payments in local currencies.
Ontop does not publicly offer a free trial, but interested businesses can request a demo to learn more about the platform before committing.
Pros and Cons of Deel
Pros
- Global employment infrastructure: Deel maintains local entities in 150+ countries, letting businesses hire employees without establishing their own legal presence in each location.
- Multi-currency payment flexibility: Deel processes payroll in 120+ currencies with competitive exchange rates, making it cheaper than bank transfers for international team payments.
- Automated compliance management: Deel automatically generates country-specific contracts and tax forms, reducing legal risks when hiring across different jurisdictions.
- Employee benefits platform: Deel offers health insurance, equipment stipends, and other perks that help companies attract international talent with competitive packages.
- 24/7 customer support: Deel provides round-the-clock assistance through multiple channels, ensuring help is available regardless of your team’s time zones.
- Contractor and EOR unification: Deel combines both contractor management and employer of record services in one platform, unlike competitors that often separate these functions.
- User-friendly onboarding: Deel simplifies the complex process of international hiring with guided workflows and templated contracts for various employment scenarios.
Cons
- Higher price point: Deel’s contractor management starts at $49 monthly and EOR services at $599 per employee, making it pricier than budget-focused alternatives like RemoFirst.
- Occasional support delays: During peak periods, response times can stretch beyond the advertised window, which might affect time-sensitive hiring processes.
- Limited regional specialization: Unlike some competitors with deep expertise in specific regions, Deel offers broad global coverage but may lack the same depth in certain countries.
- Advanced analytics limitations: Deel’s reporting capabilities lack some of the sophisticated workforce analytics found in enterprise-level alternatives like Papaya Global.
Pros and Cons of Ontop
Pros
Cons
When to Consider Other EOR Providers?
While Deel and Ontop offer strong solutions for many businesses, there are scenarios where other providers might be more suitable. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Specialized Industry Needs: Papaya Global
Papaya Global offers robust compliance management features for businesses in industries with unique compliance requirements. It’s particularly strong in finance and healthcare.
Extensive HR Software Integration: Rippling
Rippling excels in integrating HR, IT, and Finance systems. Rippling offers a comprehensive solution for companies looking for seamless integration across all their business tools.
Region-Specific Expansion: Remote
If your focus is on expanding into specific regions, Remote offers deep expertise in certain geographical areas. They provide detailed knowledge of local labor laws and customs.
| Alternative | Best For |
|---|---|
| Papaya Global | Companies in heavily regulated industries |
| Rippling | Businesses seeking extensive software integration |
| Remote | Region-specific expertise |
| Oyster HR | SMBs prioritizing user-friendliness |
| Atlas HXM | Companies needing advanced analytics |
Who I Recommend Deel To
Based on my experience and analysis, I recommend Deel for:
- Medium to large businesses with global hiring needs: Deel’s comprehensive platform is well-suited for companies looking to hire and manage employees across multiple countries.
- Companies prioritizing compliance and risk management: Deel’s robust compliance features make it ideal for businesses operating in complex regulatory environments.
- Organizations seeking a full-suite HR solution: Deel’s extensive feature set, including the new mobile app, caters to businesses needing more than just basic payroll and hiring tools.
- Rapidly scaling startups: Deel’s platform’s flexibility and global reach make it an excellent choice for fast-growing companies expanding internationally.
- Businesses with a mix of full-time employees and contractors: Deel’s ability to manage both types of workers efficiently on a single platform is a significant advantage.
Deel is particularly strong for technology companies, digital agencies, and businesses embracing remote-first or hybrid work models. Its comprehensive approach to global workforce management, coupled with features like the new mobile app, makes it an excellent choice for forward-thinking organizations looking to optimize their international operations.
Who I Recommend Ontop To
Based on my analysis and experience with Ontop, I recommend it for:
- Small to medium-sized businesses expanding into Latin America: Ontop’s expertise in Latin American markets and competitive pricing make it an excellent choice for companies focusing on this region.
- Cost-conscious startups: Ontop’s lower pricing, especially for EOR services, makes it attractive for businesses with tight budgets looking to hire internationally.
- Companies primarily hiring contractors: Ontop’s contractor management features and built-in financial services can be particularly beneficial for businesses working with a large contractor base.
- Businesses seeking simplicity: Ontop’s streamlined approach and user-friendly interface are ideal for companies that want a straightforward solution without complex features they may not need.
- Organizations new to international hiring: The interactive tools and simplified processes make Ontop a good starting point for businesses just beginning to explore global hiring.
Ontop is particularly well-suited for businesses in the e-commerce, digital marketing, and software development sectors that are looking to tap into the Latin American talent pool. Its cost-effective approach and focus on core functionalities make it an attractive option for companies that prioritize efficiency and simplicity in their global hiring processes.
My Final Thoughts on Deel vs Ontop
After thoroughly comparing Deel and Ontop, it’s clear that both platforms offer valuable solutions for global payroll and HR management, but they excel in different areas.
Deel is a comprehensive, feature-rich platform designed for businesses with complex global hiring needs. Its extensive coverage across 150+ countries, robust compliance management, and newly launched mobile app make it an excellent choice for medium to large businesses or rapidly scaling startups. Deel’s ability to handle both contractors and employees, coupled with its wide range of integrations and flexible payment options, provides a one-stop solution for global workforce management. The addition of the mobile app further enhances its appeal, offering full functionality on the go.
Ontop, on the other hand, shines as a cost-effective solution with a strong focus on Latin American markets. Its competitive pricing, especially for EOR services, makes it an attractive option for small to medium-sized businesses or those just starting their international expansion. Ontop’s streamlined approach, built-in financial services for contractors, and interactive tools for cost estimation can be particularly beneficial for companies prioritizing simplicity and budget-consciousness in their global hiring strategy.
The best choice between Deel and Ontop ultimately depends on your business size, complexity, and specific needs:
- Choose Deel if you’re a medium to large business with diverse global hiring needs, require comprehensive compliance management across multiple countries, or value a feature-rich platform with mobile accessibility.
- Opt for Ontop if you’re a small to medium-sized business focused on Latin American markets, prioritize cost-effectiveness, or prefer a streamlined solution for contractor management with built-in financial services.
Both platforms continue to evolve and improve their offerings. Deel’s launch of a fully-featured mobile app demonstrates its commitment to providing flexible, accessible solutions for global workforce management. Ontop’s focus on cost-effectiveness and user experience shows promise for businesses seeking simplified global hiring solutions.
As the global workforce continues to evolve, both Deel and Ontop are well-positioned to meet the changing needs of businesses operating on an international scale. Your choice between the two should align with your company’s growth strategy, budget, and the level of complexity you’re willing to manage in your global hiring processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Deel’s mobile app enhance the user experience compared to Ontop’s platform?
Deel’s newly launched mobile app offers full platform functionality on mobile devices, allowing users to manage their global workforce on the go. It includes features like smart notifications, secure access with biometric authentication, and offline mode. Ontop, as of my knowledge, doesn’t offer a dedicated mobile app, which could be a significant advantage for Deel in terms of flexibility and accessibility.
Which platform offers better support for hiring contractors in Latin America?
While both platforms support contractor hiring in Latin America, Ontop focuses on this region. Ontop’s built-in financial services and competitive pricing make it especially attractive for businesses hiring contractors in Latin America. However, Deel’s more comprehensive global coverage and feature set might be preferable for businesses hiring contractors both in Latin America and other regions.
How do Deel and Ontop compare in terms of compliance management?
Both platforms offer strong compliance management features, but their approaches differ. Deel provides comprehensive compliance support across 150+ countries, automatically updating contracts and policies to align with local regulations. Ontop also emphasizes compliance, particularly in Latin American countries, but its global coverage is more limited. For businesses operating in a wide range of countries, Deel’s broader compliance coverage may be advantageous.
Which platform is more cost-effective for small businesses?
Generally, Ontop is more cost-effective, especially for small businesses. Its EOR services start at $209/employee/month, significantly lower than Deel’s starting price of $599/employee/month. However, it’s important to consider the full range of features and global coverage needed, as Deel’s higher price point comes with more comprehensive services and wider global reach.
How do the payment options for contractors differ between Deel and Ontop?
Deel offers more flexible payment options for contractors, supporting payments in over 120 currencies through various methods including bank transfers, PayPal, and crypto. Ontop, on the other hand, primarily uses a digital wallet system with payments in USD for contractors. While this can provide instant access to funds, it may be less flexible for contractors who prefer direct bank deposits in their local currency.
Can Deel’s and Ontop’s platforms integrate with existing HR and payroll systems?
Deel offers extensive integration capabilities, with over 50 integrations available including popular tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and BambooHR. This allows for seamless data flow between Deel and other business systems. Information about Ontop’s integration capabilities is more limited, which could be a consideration for businesses with complex existing HR ecosystems.