Deel vs Remofirst: Which EOR is best for your business?

Deel and Remofirst provide robust solutions for managing international hiring and remote workforces, but their strengths as Employer of Record (EOR) providers cater to different business needs.

Based on my extensive experience using both platforms and analyzing user feedback over the past several months, I’ll share insights to help you determine which EOR service best fits your company’s growth trajectory and financial considerations.

Deel stands out with its comprehensive feature set and vast global network, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes looking for an all-in-one solution. However, its premium services come at a higher price point.

In contrast, Remofirst offers a more streamlined and cost-effective approach, particularly appealing to startups and small to medium-sized enterprises on a budget. While Remofirst may lack some of Deel’s advanced features, it excels in providing essential EOR services at a competitive rate.

In this comparison, I’ll guide you through the key features of both platforms, explore their ideal use cases, and help you identify situations where an alternative provider might better serve your specific needs.

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.

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.

Also, read our in-depth Remofirst Review

Key Features of Deel

Deel offers a comprehensive suite of features to simplify global hiring and workforce management. Let’s explore its key offerings in detail:

1. Global Payroll Management

Deel’s payroll system supports over 120 currencies and offers flexibility in payment methods, including bank transfers, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies. Automated tax calculations and mass payment functionality streamline international payroll processes.

2. Compliance Management

Deel provides locally compliant contract templates for over 150 countries, real-time updates on employment laws, and built-in compliance checks. The platform also assists in setting up and managing legal entities in foreign markets.

3. Contractor Management

Deel automates contractor invoicing, payment scheduling, and tax form collection. Tools to prevent contractor misclassification help reduce legal risks.

4. Benefits Administration

Deel offers customizable global benefits packages, including health insurance, equity compensation, and time-off tracking, ensuring compliance with local labor laws.

5. Advanced Reporting and Analytics

Deel’s custom report builder, expense tracking, payroll forecasting, and compliance reports provide valuable insights for businesses managing a global workforce.

6. Integration Capabilities

Deel integrates with HR systems like BambooHR and accounting software like QuickBooks. API access allows for custom integrations, ensuring adaptability to complex business environments.

7. Mobile App Availability

Deel’s mobile app is a standout in the global HR industry, offering unprecedented access to its full suite of tools. From instant contract approvals to real-time payroll management, users can harness the power of Deel’s platform on their smartphones. The app’s offline mode and multi-factor authentication options further cement its position as a leader in mobile HR solutions.

Key Features of Remofirst

Remofirst, while newer to the market, offers a compelling set of features that cater especially well to small and medium-sized businesses. Here are the key features that set Remofirst apart:

1. Global Employment Services

Remofirst supports hiring in over 180 countries, with fast onboarding within 24-48 hours. The platform manages locally compliant employment contracts and assists in setting up legal entities.

2. Payroll Processing

Remofirst centralizes multi-country payroll, automates tax withholding, and offers flexible payment methods, ensuring accurate and timely salary disbursements.

3. Compliance Support

Remofirst ensures compliance with local labor laws across multiple jurisdictions, providing automatic updates on legal changes, risk assessment tools, and detailed compliance reports.

4. Benefits Administration

Remofirst offers customizable benefits packages, local health insurance, leave management, and assistance with pension and retirement benefits, tailored to different regions.

5. Expense Management

Remofirst provides comprehensive expense tracking, digital receipt management, and detailed expense reports, helping businesses manage and control global expenses.

6. Customer Support

Remofirst offers 24/7 support with dedicated account managers and multilingual support, complemented by a comprehensive knowledge base for self-service assistance.

7. Contractor Management

Remofirst streamlines contractor onboarding, payment management, and compliance checks, offering customizable contract templates to ensure proper classification and legal compliance.

Pricing Structure of Deel

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.

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.

Pricing Structure of Remofirst

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 and include 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.

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros and cons of Deel

Pros and cons of Remofirst

Recommendations and User Ratings

Who Should Use Deel?

Deel is an excellent choice for:

1. Medium to Large Enterprises: Its comprehensive features and global reach make it ideal for larger companies with complex HR needs.
2. Tech-Savvy Businesses: Companies that require advanced integrations and automation will benefit from Deel’s capabilities.
3. Rapidly Scaling Companies: Businesses looking to expand into multiple countries quickly will appreciate Deel’s extensive global coverage and comprehensive services.

Who Should Use Remofirst?

Remofirst is particularly well-suited for:

1. Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Its competitive pricing makes it accessible for smaller companies looking to expand globally.
2. Budget-Conscious Startups: Startups and small businesses will appreciate the cost-effective solutions without compromising essential services.
3. Companies Needing Dedicated Support: Businesses that value personalized customer support will benefit from Remofirst’s dedicated success managers.

Ratings and Reviews Comparison

Choosing Another EOR Provider

While Deel and Remofirst offer robust solutions, they may not perfectly suit every business. Depending on your specific needs, budget, and global expansion goals, consider exploring other EOR providers.

If neither Deel nor Remofirst meets your specific needs, consider these alternatives:

When selecting an EOR provider, consider factors such as:

• Global coverage in your target countries
• Pricing structure and how it aligns with your budget
• Specific features that are crucial for your business operations
• Level of customer support provided
• Compliance and security measures

By carefully evaluating these factors and comparing different providers, you can find the EOR solution that best supports your global workforce management goals and helps your business thrive in the international market.

Head-to-Head: How They Compare in Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Rapid International Scaling

When a client needed to hire 50+ employees across ten countries in just two months, Deel’s extensive network and streamlined onboarding process made it possible. Remofirst, while competent, couldn’t match the speed and scale that Deel offered in this particular case.

Scenario 2: Small Business Going Global

For a small e-commerce business dipping its toes into international waters, Remofirst’s cost-effective solution and personalized support were ideal. Deel’s more comprehensive (and expensive) offering would have been overkill for their needs at that stage.

Scenario 3: Compliance in Challenging Markets

Both platforms have their strengths regarding compliance, but I found Deel to have an edge in more complex regulatory environments. Deel’s in-depth knowledge of local labor laws and Sharia-compliant contracts was invaluable when setting up operations in the UAE.

Deel vs. Remofirst: A Summary

The Bottom Line

Deel and Remofirst are solid choices in the EOR space, each with strengths. Deel stands out with its comprehensive feature set, extensive integrations, and global reach, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes looking for a robust, all-in-one solution. Its advanced global payroll and compliance management capabilities can be precious for companies with complex international hiring needs.

Remofirst, on the other hand, shines with its more affordable pricing structure and strong customer support. It’s an attractive option for small—to medium-sized businesses or startups beginning their global expansion journey. The platform’s dedicated success managers and competitive pricing can provide significant value, especially for companies with tighter budgets.

Remember, the EOR you choose will be a crucial partner in your global expansion journey. If possible, take the time to try both, and don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about how they can support your specific needs.

In my experience, there’s no universal “best” choice—but there is the best choice for your unique situation. With this insider knowledge, you can make better decisions for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions