Horizons Review: Pros, Cons and Comparisons

If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering Horizons for managing your expanding global workforce.

But you’re also probably uncertain about:

1. Whether its user-friendly platform can handle the complexities of international hiring.
2. How it compares to more established EOR providers in terms of features and support.
3. If its coverage in over 180 countries truly simplifies global compliance.
4. Whether it’s cost-effective for small to medium-sized businesses.
5. How well it balances simplicity with the customization your company might need.

If that sounds familiar, this comprehensive review will answer every one of your questions.
It’s a 10-minute read that could save you months of research and potentially thousands in global expansion missteps.

The key to deciding might be understanding how Horizons’ streamlined approach to global hiring can accelerate your international growth.

Here’s what you’ll learn – table of contents:

1. Horizons explained – simplifying global workforce management for growing businesses.
2. Key features and benefits (including some game-changing efficiency boosters).
3. Horizons’ real-world performance in various international hiring scenarios.
4. Pricing structure – decoding the value-based model.
5. How Horizons stacks up against top EOR competitors (the results might surprise you).
6. User experiences – from startups to medium-sized companies going global.
7. When to choose Horizons and when to look elsewhere (this could save you from future growing pains).

What is Horizons?

Horizons is a global Employer of Record (EOR) platform that streamlines hiring, managing, and paying international employees. With Horizons, businesses can expand their global workforce without setting up local entities in foreign countries. The platform offers a comprehensive solution that simplifies the complexities of international employment and ensures compliance with local laws and regulations.

One of Horizons’ key features is its user-friendly interface. The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Whether a small startup or a large corporation, you can easily manage your international team through Horizons’ web-based platform.

Horizons provides a range of services to support businesses in their global expansion. These include:

• Onboarding: Horizons handles the onboarding process for new hires, including contract generation, background checks, and compliance with local employment laws.
• Payroll: The platform manages payroll for international employees, ensuring accurate and timely payments in local currencies.
• Benefits: Horizons offers a range of benefits packages tailored to the needs of international employees, including health insurance, pension plans, and more.
• Compliance: The platform ensures compliance with local employment laws and regulations, minimizing businesses’ risk of legal issues.

In addition to its core services, Horizons also offers exceptional customer support. The platform provides dedicated account managers who can answer questions and provide guidance throughout employment. This level of personalized support sets Horizons apart from other EOR providers and ensures a smooth experience for businesses and their international employees.

What are the Key Features of Horizons?

What are the Benefits of Horizons?

Working with Horizons

Working with Horizons is a seamless and efficient experience. The platform is well-organized and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and manage various aspects of international employment.

Customer and Technical Support

One of Horizons’ standout features is its exceptional customer service. The support team has been responsive, patient, and knowledgeable whenever I have had questions or concerns. They are easy to reach through various channels and provide timely updates on new rules and their implementation within the system.

The technical support team is equally impressive. They offer guidance and assistance throughout onboarding. They ensure smooth integration with existing tools and systems, minimizing disruptions to workflow. Horizons’ commitment to transparency is evident in their regular updates on system improvements and changes, particularly regarding payslips and other critical documents.

Integrations and Extensibility

Horizons offers a range of integrations with popular tools and platforms, making it easy to incorporate their services into existing workflows. The platform’s API allows for seamless data transfer and synchronization, reducing manual data entry and minimizing errors.

The extensibility of Horizons’ platform is particularly beneficial for growing businesses. As a company expands and its needs change, Horizons can adapt and scale its services accordingly. This flexibility ensures the platform remains a valuable asset, even as a company’s international employment requirements evolve.

Horizons Pricing

Horizons offers competitive pricing tailored to the unique needs of each client. While specific pricing details are not publicly shared, the value Horizons delivers makes it a worthwhile investment for companies expanding globally.

Based on customer reviews, Horizons appears to use a value-based pricing model. This means that the cost of their services is determined by the level of support and expertise required to meet each client’s specific needs. Factors that may influence pricing include:

1. Number of employees
2. Countries of operation
3. Complexity of local labor laws and regulations
4. Additional services required (e.g., visa assistance, benefits administration)

This customized approach ensures that clients pay for the services they need without being overcharged for unnecessary features.

In my opinion, Horizons’s level of expertise and support justifies the cost of its services, making it a smart choice for companies serious about succeeding in the global marketplace.

User Data Security and Compliance

In my experience, data security and compliance are crucial factors when choosing an Employer of Record (EOR) platform. Horizons understands the importance of protecting sensitive user data and ensures transparency in its system updates and payslip management. I appreciate that the platform supports GDPR and CCPA compliance, providing features that help manage personal data and respond to requests within the required timeframes.

Horizons’s standout features are its robust data encryption and secure storage practices. As a user, I feel confident that my personal information and payroll data are safe and protected from unauthorized access. Horizons also maintains detailed audit trails and access logs, ensuring potential security breaches can be quickly identified and addressed.

Moreover, Horizons stays up-to-date with the latest data protection regulations and industry best practices. The platform regularly undergoes third-party security audits and assessments to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities. This proactive approach to data security gives me peace of mind, knowing that my information is in good hands.

Regarding compliance, Horizons offers a range of tools and resources to help users navigate the complex landscape of international employment laws and regulations. The platform provides country-specific compliance guides, automated compliance checks, and dedicated compliance support teams to ensure users comply with local laws and avoid costly penalties.

I have been impressed with Horizons’ commitment to user data security and compliance. The platform’s robust security measures, transparent data management practices, and proactive compliance support make it a reliable choice for companies hiring and managing employees globally while protecting sensitive data.

Horizons Competitor Comparison

When evaluating Horizons EOR, I found it helpful to compare the platform with some of its top competitors in the global employment and payroll space. While Horizons stands out for its comprehensive features, user-friendly interface, and exceptional customer support, it’s essential to consider how it compares to other leading solutions.

Recommendations for Horizons Usage

Horizons specializes in global expansion services, with a particular focus on emerging markets. Its suitability varies based on a company’s international growth strategy and target regions. Let’s explore who benefits most from Horizons and when alternative solutions might be more appropriate.

Who do I recommend using Horizons to?

Horizons is especially beneficial for companies expanding into emerging markets, businesses seeking localized expertise, and organizations looking for comprehensive global expansion support. Horizons offers significant advantages for:

• Companies Targeting Emerging Markets: Horizons’ deep understanding of business environments in developing economies makes it an excellent choice for companies looking to establish a presence in these challenging but potentially lucrative markets. Its expertise in navigating complex local regulations and cultural nuances is particularly valuable.
• Businesses Requiring Hands-On Local Support: For organizations that need more than just a technology platform, Horizons’ high-touch approach and on-the-ground support in various countries can be invaluable. This is especially useful for companies entering markets with significant cultural or regulatory differences from their home country.
• Organizations Seeking End-to-End Expansion Services: Horizons offers comprehensive support beyond just EOR and payroll services, including market entry strategy, entity setup, and ongoing operational support. This makes it ideal for businesses looking for a partner to guide them through every step of their international expansion journey.

When to consider Horizons alternatives?

Alternative solutions to Horizons might be more suitable if you’re primarily focused on developed markets, need advanced technology-driven solutions, or require specialized features for certain industries. Consider alternatives to Horizons in these scenarios:

• Atlas HXM: If you’re a mid-sized to large company looking for a more technology-driven platform with extensive global coverage, including both emerging and developed markets.
• Gusto: For US-based small businesses primarily needing domestic payroll and HR solutions without international expansion plans.
• Deel: If you require a platform with extensive support for managing international contractors and freelancers alongside full-time employees.
• Papaya Global: For larger enterprises needing advanced workforce analytics and payroll capabilities across a wide range of countries.
• Multiplier: If your primary focus is on the Asia-Pacific region and you need specialized support in those markets.
• Remote: For companies seeking a more self-service oriented platform with coverage in a wider range of countries, including both emerging and developed markets.

These alternatives might better serve businesses with needs that extend beyond Horizons’ core strengths, particularly those requiring more advanced technological solutions or focusing primarily on developed markets.

Also, read Horizons comparisons:

• Remofirst VS Horizons
• Horizons VS Multiplier
• Horizons VS Remote
• Horizons VS Oyster HR

Conclusion

Horizons emerges as a robust and user-friendly global employment solution, particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking to expand their international presence. Its comprehensive feature set, covering everything from EOR services and global payroll to compliance monitoring and visa support, provides a one-stop solution for companies navigating the complexities of international hiring.

The platform’s strengths lie in its intuitive interface, extensive global coverage, and exceptional customer support. Users consistently praise Horizons for simplifying the often daunting process of hiring and managing a global workforce. The company’s commitment to data security and compliance also provides peace of mind for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions.

While Horizons offers competitive pricing, some smaller businesses or those with very specific needs might find more tailored or cost-effective solutions elsewhere. Additionally, as with any rapidly evolving technology platform, there’s always room for improvement in areas like customization and integrations. For companies looking to streamline their international hiring processes, mitigate compliance risks, and focus on strategic growth rather than administrative complexities, Horizons offers a compelling solution worth serious consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions