If you’re reading this, you’re probably exploring ways to expand your global workforce or simplify your international hiring process. You’ve heard about Employer of Record (EOR) services and are considering Deel and Remofirst as potential solutions for your business needs.
But you’re also probably uncertain about:
- How Deel and Remofirst compare in terms of features, pricing, and global reach
- Which platform offers better compliance management across multiple countries
- The user experience and ease of implementation for each service
- Whether Deel or Remofirst is the right fit for your specific business size and industry
- The potential drawbacks or limitations of using either platform as your EOR
If that sounds familiar, this comprehensive comparison will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision. This detailed analysis could save you significant time in research and help you avoid potentially costly mistakes in your global expansion journey.
The key to choosing between Deel and Remofirst lies in understanding their unique strengths and how they align with your specific business needs:
TLDR: Deel vs Remofirst – Comprehensive vs Cost-Effective EOR Solutions
- Deel: Best for medium to large enterprises and rapidly scaling companies needing advanced features and global reach. Try out Deel today
- Remofirst: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and startups looking for a cost-effective solution with strong customer support. Get started with Remofirst
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Overview of Deel and Remofirst (the essentials you need to know)
- Key features and benefits of each platform (what sets them apart)
- Pricing structures and value propositions (is the investment worth it?)
- User experiences and platform interfaces (because ease of use matters)
- Security and compliance measures (crucial for global operations)
- Pros and cons of each service (the good, the bad, and the noteworthy)
- Recommendations for different business types (who should choose which)
By the end of this comparison, you’ll clearly understand how Deel and Remofirst compare and which platform best aligns with your global workforce strategy.
Deel
Country Coverage: 150+ Countries
G2 Rating: 4.8/5
EOR Pricing: $599 per employee/month
Contractor Pricing: $49 per contractor/month
RemoFirst
Country Coverage: 185+
G2 Rating: 4.5/5
EOR Pricing: $199 per employee/month
Contractor Pricing: $25 per contractor/month
Overview of Deel and Remofirst
Deel and Remofirst are two prominent EOR platforms facilitating global hiring, compliance, and payroll management. Here’s a detailed comparison of their offerings:
Overview of Deel
Deel is a well-rounded EOR platform that simplifies the hiring, onboarding, and payment processes for international contractors and employees. Founded in 2019 by Alex Bouaziz and Shuo Wang, Deel has rapidly become a leader in the EOR space, operating in over 150 countries.
The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, extensive integrations, and comprehensive HR services, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to expand their global workforce.
- Global Coverage: Operates in over 150 countries, providing extensive international reach.
- Comprehensive HR Services: Deel offers a full suite of services, including payroll, compliance management, and benefits administration.
- Advanced Integrations: Seamlessly connects with various HR and finance tools, streamlining operations.
- Mobile App: Robust mobile app for iOS and Android, delivering complete platform functionality in your pocket.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive dashboard for easy management of contracts and compliance.
Company Information
Also, read our in-depth Deel Review
Overview of Remofirst
Remofirst is another significant player in the EOR market, supporting hiring in over 180 countries. Known for its competitive pricing and comprehensive services, Remofirst offers payroll management, compliance, health insurance, and visa support.
The platform is designed to be cost-effective and user-friendly, making it an attractive option for small to medium enterprises looking to scale their operations globally. Key features include:
- Global Coverage: Supports hiring in over 180 countries, surpassing Deel’s reach.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Offers competitive pricing, making it accessible for smaller businesses.
- Comprehensive EOR Services: Provides payroll management, compliance, health insurance, and visa support.
- Dedicated Support: Offers 24/7 customer assistance with dedicated success managers.
Company Information
Also, read our in-depth Remofirst Review
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 Remofirst
RemoFirst platform offers several key features designed to streamline international employment. Here’s a detailed look at what the service provides:
- Global employment services: RemoFirst functions as the legal employer in 180+ countries, handling all the paperwork and compliance so companies don’t have to establish foreign entities. They generate compliant employment contracts, register employees with local authorities, and ensure adherence to local labor laws. RemoFirst maintains consistent pricing across all supported countries.
- Multi-Currency payroll processing: RemoFirst calculates and processes payroll in 100+ currencies, handling tax withholdings, social contributions, and mandatory deductions based on local requirements. The system supports monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly payment cycles, with monthly being the standard for most countries.
- Global contractor management: For $25 per contractor monthly, RemoFirst provides compliant contractor agreements, handles invoicing, and manages payments in local currencies. The contractor dashboard is separate from the employee section but follows a similar workflow.
- Benefits administration:RemoFirst’s RemoHealth program offers standardized health plans across all countries, with options to add dental and vision coverage. The platform also supports equipment provisioning, allowing companies to purchase and ship laptops and other tools to remote team members.
- Compliance management: The platform automatically handles tax filings, statutory requirements, and employment law compliance across all countries. This includes managing paid time off policies, parental leave, termination requirements, and other country-specific regulations.
- Time off management: Employees can request time off through the platform, with automatic calculations based on local entitlements. Managers receive notifications and can approve/deny requests directly in the system. The calendar view makes it easy to see team availability.
Benefits of Using Deel
The benefits of using Deel are:
- Reduced global hiring time: Companies typically cut their international hiring timeline from 6-8 weeks to just 1-2 days using Deel’s EOR service. This speed advantage allows businesses to secure top talent before competitors and accelerate entry into new markets without waiting for entity establishment.
- Minimized compliance risks: Deel customers report significantly reduced audit risks and compliance concerns when expanding globally. The platform automatically adapts to regulatory changes across all operating countries, preventing businesses from inadvertently violating local employment laws that might result in penalties or legal complications.
- Consolidated global workforce management: Businesses using Deel eliminate the need for multiple HR systems across different countries, saving an average of 15-20 hours per week in administrative work. HR teams manage both contractors and employees through one interface regardless of location, creating consistency in processes and reporting.
- Improved employee experience: International workers report higher satisfaction when hired through Deel compared to other methods, citing faster onboarding, reliable payments, and better benefits packages. This improved experience helps companies retain global talent longer and build stronger distributed teams despite geographic challenges.
Benefits of Using Remofirst
The benefits of using RemoFirst are:
- Cost savings: Companies typically save 60-75% on international employment costs compared to premium EOR providers. A 10-person international team costs $1,990 monthly with RemoFirst versus $5,990 with other providers—saving nearly $48,000 annually.
- Reduced global expansion costs: Companies avoid the $15,000-$50,000 typically spent establishing each foreign entity, plus the ongoing compliance costs of maintaining those entities (approximately $20,000-$40,000 annually per country).
- Accelerated market entry: Rather than spending 3-6 months setting up legal entities, companies can hire talent in new countries within a week. This rapid deployment capability helps businesses respond quickly to market opportunities.
- Minimized compliance risk: Companies avoid potential penalties and legal issues through continuous monitoring of changing regulations across all countries. Employment law violations typically cost $10,000-$100,000 per incident, not including potential business disruption.
- Simplified global payroll: By automating payroll calculations and tax withholdings across multiple currencies, RemoFirst eliminates one of the most complex aspects of international employment. Companies save approximately 15-20 hours per pay period of manual calculation work.
- Operational flexibility: he pay-as-you-go model with no minimum commitments lets businesses scale their international workforce up or down as needed. This flexibility is particularly valuable for project-based businesses, seasonal operations, or companies testing new markets.
- Benefits Administration: Companies can offer comprehensive health benefits to employees worldwide through a single platform, enhancing recruitment competitiveness without the complexity of navigating multiple local providers.
Pricing and Plans
Deel Pricing
Deel offers a flexible pricing structure that adapts to the size and needs of your business. Their pricing model accommodates companies of various sizes, from startups to large enterprises. Here is a detailed breakdown:
- EOR Services: Deel’s Employer of Record services start at $599 per monthly employee. This comprehensive package includes compliance with local laws, payroll processing, and benefits administration.
- Contractor Management: For businesses working with international contractors, Deel charges $49 per contractor per month. This service simplifies payments, tax form collection, and compliance for global freelancers.
- Custom Enterprise Solutions: Deel offers custom enterprise pricing for larger organizations with more complex needs. This typically includes advanced features, dedicated support, and volume discounts.
- Additional Services: Deel may charge extra for services like visa and immigration support or equipment provisioning. These fees are typically quoted on a case-by-case basis.
| 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 |
Deel’s pricing structure makes it a versatile option for businesses of all sizes looking to hire globally. Whether you’re a small startup hiring your first international employee or a large corporation managing a global workforce, Deel’s pricing can scale to meet your needs.
Remofirst Pricing
Remofirst provides a straightforward and competitive pricing structure, making global hiring accessible to businesses of all sizes. Their pricing model is designed to be transparent and cost-effective. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- EOR Services: Remofirst’s Employer of Record services begin at $199 per monthly employee, including compliance management, payroll processing, and benefits administration in over 150 countries.
- Contractor Management: Remofirst charges $25 per contractor per month for businesses working with international contractors. This service covers payments, compliance, and contract management for global freelancers.
- Global Payroll: Remofirst offers standalone global payroll services starting at $50 per employee per month for businesses that only need payroll support without full EOR services.
- Additional Services: Remofirst provides add-ons such as global health insurance and equipment provisioning. Pricing for these services is typically customized based on specific needs.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $199 per employee/month |
| Contractor Management Pricing | $25 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Not available |
Remofirst’s competitive pricing structure makes it an attractive option for small—to medium-sized businesses and startups looking to expand globally. Its lower entry point for EOR services allows companies to test international markets without a significant financial commitment.
User Data Security and Compliance
Deel and Remofirst prioritize user data security and compliance in their EOR services.
Deel implements SSL encryption to protect sensitive information. It also complies with GDPR and maintains SOC 2 Type II certification, ensuring robust data protection. Deel also emphasizes 24/7 fraud monitoring and conducts regular security assessments.
Remofirst also enforces strong security measures. They use bank-level encryption and adhere to GDPR and ISO 27001 standards. Remofirst performs regular security audits and maintains secure cloud infrastructure.
| Feature | Deel | Remofirst |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | SSL encryption | Bank-level encryption |
| GDPR Compliance | Yes | Yes |
| SOC 2 Type II Certification | Yes | No |
| ISO 27001 Compliance | No | Yes |
| Regular Security Audits | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Fraud Monitoring | Yes | No |
Both platforms take data privacy seriously, ensuring user information is handled with utmost care. They employ multi-factor authentication to enhance account security.
Key Points:
- Deel holds SOC 2 Type II certification; Remofirst is ISO 27001 compliant.
- Encryption: Both platforms offer robust data encryption methods.
- Regular security audits are integral to their security protocols.
The choice between Deel and Remofirst may depend on your organization’s specific compliance requirements and which security certifications align best with your needs.CopyR
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 Remofirst
Pros
- Lowest EOR pricing available:RemoFirst charges just $199 per employee monthly, making it 60-75% cheaper than competitors like Deel ($599) and Remote ($599). This price difference makes global hiring accessible even for companies with tight budgets.
- Rapid employee onboarding: RemoFirst typically completes employee setup within 5-7 business days across all countries, compared to the 3-6 months needed to establish your own local entities. According to user reports, most employees are fully onboarded within a week.
- Comprehensive compliance handling: The platform manages all local employment regulations, tax filings, and statutory requirements in every country, eliminating compliance risks that typically cost companies $10,000+ in penalties per violation.
- Budget-friendly contractor management: Beyond EOR services, RemoFirst offers contractor payments and management for just $25 monthly per contractor, significantly undercutting Deel ($49) and most other providers by 40-50%.
- No hidden cost surprises: Unlike many competitors who charge different rates by country or add unexpected fees, RemoFirst maintains consistent global pricing with no setup fees, deposits, or minimum commitments. What you see is what you pay.
- Global benefits administration: Companies can provide employees standardized health insurance (including vision and dental) across all countries through the RemoHealth program, boosting recruitment competitiveness without navigating multiple local providers.
- Easy-to-learn interface: The platform has a clean, minimal design that requires little training for HR staff, with most users able to navigate core functions within their first session. This saves countless hours on tool adoption.
Cons
- Basic reporting capabilities: RemoFirst’s analytics tools lack the depth found in enterprise options like Rippling, offering only fundamental workforce data without customizable dashboards or visualization options. Companies need separate tools for advanced workforce analytics.
- Limited integration ecosystem: The platform supports fewer third-party integrations than established competitors, potentially creating manual work when connecting with popular HRIS, accounting, and payroll systems. Users report difficulties connecting with some project management software.
- Early-stage platform limitations: As a newer EOR provider founded in 2021, RemoFirst is still developing features that established competitors already offer, including multi-country payroll consolidation and advanced tax planning tools.
- Minimal country-specific customization: The platform offers limited localization options for employment contracts and policies, potentially creating challenges for companies with highly specialized regional requirements or those operating in highly regulated industries.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
When comparing Deel and RemoFirst’s ratings across G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot, the following scores and review volumes provide insight into user satisfaction levels:
| Review Platform | Deel | RemoFirst |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.8/5 (7241 reviews) | 4.5/5 (147 reviews) |
| Trustpilot | 4.8/5 (6767 reviews) | 4/5 (10 reviews) |
| Capterra | 4.8/5 (2819 reviews) | 5/5 (2 reviews) |
Deel vs. Remofirst: Summary
A detailed summary of the comparison of Deel and RemoFirst:
| Feature | Deel | RemoFirst |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Fast-Growing Companies Needing Global Hiring at Scale | Cost-Conscious and Tight Budgets |
| EOR Pricing | $599 per employee/month | $199 per employee/month |
| Contractor Pricing | $49 per employee/month | $25 per employee/month |
| Country Coverage | 150+ Countries | 185+ |
| Support Channels | Email, Phone, Live Chat | Email, Live Chat |
| Support Availability | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| G2 Rating | 4.8/5 (7241 reviews) | 4.5/5 (147 reviews) |
| Capterra Rating | 4.8/5 (2819 reviews) | 5/5 (2 reviews) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.8/5 (6767 reviews) | 4/5 (10 reviews) |
| Partnership Discount | 20% Off | 1 Month Free |
| Visit Website | Visit Website |
Recommendations
When choosing between Deel and Remofirst, consider your company’s size, global reach, and specific needs. Deel excels for larger enterprises with diverse international hiring needs, while Remofirst offers a more streamlined solution for smaller businesses or those new to global hiring. Evaluate pricing, features, and support to align with your priorities.
Who I recommend using Deel to
Deel is ideal for companies with complex international hiring needs and a desire for comprehensive HR solutions. Its robust platform caters to businesses scaling globally, offering extensive compliance support and payroll options across numerous countries. Deel’s advanced features and integrations make it suitable for:
- Large multinational corporations
- Fast-growing startups with global ambitions
- Companies hiring in multiple countries simultaneously
Who I recommend using Remofirst to
Remofirst is well-suited for smaller to medium-sized businesses looking for a more straightforward approach to global hiring. Its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing make it attractive for companies just starting their international expansion or those with more focused hiring needs. Remofirst is particularly good for:
- Companies prioritizing cost-effectiveness in global expansion
- Small to medium enterprises
- Startups with limited global hiring needs
When to Consider Other EOR Providers?
While Deel and Remofirst are strong contenders, other EOR providers might better suit specific needs. Consider alternatives if you require specialized regional expertise, all-in-one HR and IT solutions, or focus on particular geographical areas. Some providers offer unique strengths in compliance, talent acquisition, or pricing models that could align more closely with your company’s goals and budget constraints.
| Alternative | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Remote | Companies needing all-in-one HR and IT solutions | Comprehensive feature set |
| Papaya Global | Region-specific expansion | Expertise in specific geographical areas |
| Rippling | Startups scaling in Southeast and South Asia | Fast onboarding and competitive pricing |
| Oyster HR | Companies focusing on global talent acquisition | User-friendly platform with strong compliance features |
| Multiplier | Businesses prioritizing compliance and flexibility | Robust compliance management and customizable solutions |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Deel and Remofirst compare in terms of global coverage?
Deel operates in over 150 countries, while Remofirst supports hiring in more than 180 countries. Both offer extensive global reach, but Remofirst has a slight edge regarding the number of countries covered.
Which platform is more cost-effective for small businesses?
Generally, Remofirst is more cost-effective for small businesses. Their pricing starts lower than Deel’s, with EOR services beginning at $199 per employee per month compared to Deel’s $599. However, it’s important to consider the full range of services you need when comparing costs.
How do Deel and Remofirst handle compliance across different countries?
Both platforms prioritize compliance. Deel offers real-time updates on changing employment laws and built-in compliance checks. Remofirst ensures adherence to local labor laws and regulations, providing automatic updates on changes. Both platforms aim to keep businesses compliant across all countries where they operate.
Can I manage both contractors and full-time employees on these platforms?
Deel and Remofirst offer management solutions for contractors and full-time employees. Deel charges $49 per monthly contractor, while Remofirst charges $25. Both platforms offer comprehensive EOR services for full-time employees.
What kind of customer support can I expect from Deel and Remofirst?
Deel provides 24/7 customer support and has a comprehensive self-service knowledge base. Remofirst emphasizes personalized support with dedicated account managers for each client and offers 24/7 assistance.