Multiplier and Oyster HR are two platforms that can make all the difference when managing a global workforce. You’re probably familiar with the complexity of international hiring—navigating different labor laws, payroll systems, and compliance requirements. But which platform will truly simplify this process for you? Today, we’re diving into a comparison between these two top players.
These platforms aim to streamline global HR operations, but each brings something different. For example, while Multiplier is praised for its ease of use and flexible pricing, Oyster HR stands out with its strong commitment to ethical hiring practices and sustainability. With remote work becoming more common (an estimated 22% of the workforce by 2025), choosing the right EOR is more important than ever.
So, how do these two platforms stack up? What should you consider when making your decision? Let’s explore their features, pricing, and which one could be the best fit for your business needs.
Multiplier
Oyster HR
Overview of Multiplier and Oyster HR
Multiplier and Oyster HR are designed to help businesses manage international teams efficiently. They simplify global hiring, payroll, and compliance, but each platform has distinct strengths that cater to different business needs.
Overview of Multiplier
Multiplier is known for its straightforward approach to global workforce management. Founded in 2020, it quickly gained traction with its user-friendly interface and flexible pricing. Multiplier supports hiring in over 160 countries, making it ideal for businesses looking to expand rapidly without getting bogged down by complex local regulations.
The platform seamlessly handles payroll, benefits, and compliance, ensuring consistent employee management across different regions. With its strong emphasis on simplicity, Multiplier is a popular choice for startups and mid-sized businesses that need a scalable solution for international growth.
Multiplier’s proposition of remote hiring and employment without having to establish new markets or reallocate was an idea purpose-built for the post-COVID world, and the company was launched in November 2020.
In the words of our Co-Founder and CEO, Sagar Khatri – “Early in my career, I experienced firsthand the challenges of international expansion: the complex regulatory landscape, the daunting time constraints, and the substantial resource investments required to establish legal entities abroad. This experience ignited the spark that would become Multiplier.”
– Rimmi Kesari, Partner Marketing Specialist at Multiplier
Multiplier’s clients include PWC, The Economist, and Uber. As of August 2024, its valuation is $400M+.
Read more in our comprehensive Multiplier review
Overview of Oyster HR
Oyster HR focuses on building a more sustainable and ethical global workforce. Launched in 2019, Oyster HR has grown rapidly, supporting hiring in over 180 countries. It stands out for its commitment to fair employment practices, ensuring all employees, regardless of location, receive equitable treatment.
The platform excels in compliance and payroll, particularly for remote teams, making it a top pick for companies with a distributed workforce. Oyster HR’s focus on sustainability also appeals to businesses aiming to align their HR practices with broader corporate social responsibility goals. This platform is well-suited for companies prioritizing ethical hiring and long-term workforce stability. Some of their clients include Aston Martin, Payhawk, and Metadata. As of August 2024, they are evaluated at $1.2B+.
Recently, Oyster HR has raised $59 million in Series D funding led by Silver Lake Waterman. This investment boosts Oyster’s value to $1.2 billion and total funding to $286 million. Oyster plans to use the funds to expand its product offerings, enhance compliance, and help companies attract top talent. The company, which supports borderless teams with services like global payroll and visa sponsorships, aims to democratize access to global job opportunities. Over 40% of its workforce is in emerging markets, and it operates in over 180 countries, simplifying global employment for its clients.
Read more in our comprehensive Oyster HR review
| Feature | Multiplier | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2020 | 2019 |
| Countries Supported | 160+ | 180+ |
| Pricing Plans | $400 for EOR services, $40 for contractors | $599 for EOR services, $30 for contractors |
| Valuation | $400M+ | $1.2B+ |
Comparing Key Services of Multiplier and Oyster HR
When comparing Multiplier and Oyster HR, it’s worth noting that both offer robust services for managing a global workforce. However, their key services differ in focus and execution, impacting your decision depending on your company’s specific needs.
| Service | Multiplier | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| Global Payroll Management | Multi-country payroll processing | Global payroll with local currency payments |
| Compliance and Legal Support | Localized contracts and compliance | Comprehensive compliance with global standards |
| Employee Benefits Management | Benefits administration tailored to regions | Equitable benefits management worldwide |
| Contractor Management | Flexible contractor hiring and payments | Strong focus on remote contractor management |
| HR Tools and Integrations | Seamless HRIS integrations | Integrations with emphasis on remote work tools |
Key Services of Multiplier
Global Payroll Management
Multiplier simplifies payroll across borders, supporting payments in over 120 currencies. It automates tax calculations and ensures compliance with local regulations, making payroll processing smooth and consistent for businesses with international teams.
Compliance and Legal Support
Multiplier offers robust compliance features, including localized contracts that meet each country’s labor laws. The platform manages legal complexities so businesses can focus on growth without worrying about compliance risks.
Employee Benefits Management
Multiplier helps businesses provide region-specific benefits, ensuring employees receive relevant healthcare, retirement plans, and other perks. This service enhances employee satisfaction and retention by catering to local standards and expectations.
Contractor Management
Multiplier’s contractor management tools allow companies to onboard, manage, and pay contractors worldwide easily. The platform provides flexible payment options and ensures all contracts meet local legal requirements.
HR Tools and Integrations
Multiplier integrates seamlessly with popular HRIS systems, centralizing workforce management. This integration reduces administrative overhead and ensures that all HR processes are synchronized across different platforms.
Key Services of Oyster HR
Global Payroll Management
Oyster HR manages payroll in over 180 countries, ensuring accurate and timely payments in local currencies. The platform is designed to handle the complexities of a global workforce, including varying tax laws and payment cycles.
Compliance and Legal Support
Oyster HR excels in global compliance, offering extensive legal support that ensures your business adheres to international labor laws. The platform also manages the complexities of cross-border employment contracts.
Employee Benefits Management
Oyster HR is committed to equitable benefits across all regions, providing fair and competitive packages that align with local standards. This focus on equity is particularly appealing for companies with a strong ethical stance.
Contractor Management
Oyster HR specializes in managing remote contractors, offering tools that streamline hiring, payments, and contract management. The platform ensures that contractors are treated fairly and paid promptly, regardless of location.
HR Tools and Integrations
Oyster HR integrates with various remote work tools, making it ideal for companies with distributed teams. The platform’s integrations enhance productivity and ensure seamless communication across different regions.
Pricing and Plans of Multiplier and Oyster HR
Understanding the pricing of Multiplier and Oyster HR is crucial for making an informed decision. How do these platforms compare in terms of cost-effectiveness and value? Let’s break down their pricing structures.
Pricing of Multiplier
Multiplier offers transparent and flexible pricing that caters to different business needs. Their pricing model is based on the number of employees and the services required, making it scalable as your business grows. Here’s a breakdown of their key pricing tiers:
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Services Included |
|---|---|---|
| Global Payroll | Not disclosed | Payroll management, tax compliance, and payments in 120+ currencies |
| Employer of Record (EOR) | Starts at $400 per employee | Hiring, compliance, benefits management, and legal support |
| Contractor Management | $40 per contractor | Onboarding, payments, and contract generation |
| Custom Plans | Varies based on needs | Tailored solutions for larger enterprises or specific requirements |
Multiplier’s pricing structure is designed to be straightforward, allowing businesses to scale services according to their needs without hidden costs.
Pricing of Oyster HR
Oyster HR offers a tiered pricing model that adjusts based on the size of your global team and the complexity of services. Their plans are designed to be flexible, accommodating businesses from startups to large enterprises. Here’s a summary of their pricing:
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Services Included |
|---|---|---|
| Global Payroll | Starts at $25 per employee | Payroll processing, tax compliance, and payments in local currencies |
| Employer of Record (EOR) | Starts at $599 per employee | Full-service global hiring, compliance, and benefits management |
| Contractor Management | Starts at $29 per employee | Contractor hiring, payments, and compliance management |
| Enterprise Solutions | Custom pricing | Scalable solutions for large companies with advanced needs |
Oyster HR’s pricing reflects its commitment to flexibility. Businesses can choose plans that align with their specific global workforce management needs.
Pros and Cons
Multiplier Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Oyster HR Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
User Data Security and Compliance
Data security and compliance are non-negotiables when managing a global workforce. Both Multiplier and Oyster HR prioritize protecting user data and ensuring compliance with international standards, but they do so in slightly different ways.
Multiplier’s Data Security and Compliance
Multiplier takes a comprehensive approach to data security. They comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), ensuring that all data processing meets European standards. The platform uses advanced encryption to protect sensitive information in transit and at rest. Multiplier also conducts regular security audits and employs multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.
For compliance, Multiplier adheres to local labor laws and tax regulations in every country in which they operate. They offer legal support to help businesses navigate complex international laws and ensure all employment contracts are fully compliant.
At Multiplier, our wider security philosophy, which we call security by design, is central to our focus. Security is embedded at the core of everything we do, rather than treating it as an afterthought.
This dedication to security and privacy is integral to our mission of being a unified, global system of record that simplifies employment worldwide.
Multiplier is proud to be SOC2 Type 2 compliant & ISO 27001:2022 certified!
– Rimmi Kesari, Partner Marketing Specialist at Multiplier
- Key Highlights:
- GDPR Compliance
- Advanced encryption and MFA
- Regular security audits
- Local labor law and tax compliance
Oyster HR’s Data Security and Compliance
Oyster HR strongly emphasizes data security, particularly given its global reach. The platform is fully compliant with GDPR and other international data protection regulations. Oyster HR uses end-to-end encryption to safeguard all data and relies on secure cloud infrastructure to minimize vulnerabilities. Additionally, they implement SOC 2 Type II controls to ensure their security practices meet high industry standards.
Oyster HR is also rigorous about compliance, offering extensive legal support to manage cross-border employment complexities. They ensure that all data handling and employment practices meet local and international regulations, providing peace of mind for businesses operating globally.
- Key Highlights:
- GDPR and SOC 2 Type II compliance
- End-to-end encryption and secure cloud infrastructure
- Extensive legal support for global compliance
- Focus on cross-border employment regulations
Who is Multiplier Best For?
Multiplier is an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes that need a straightforward, scalable solution for managing international teams. Startups and mid-sized companies will appreciate Multiplier’s user-friendly interface and transparent pricing, allowing quick expansion without the hassle of navigating complex global regulations.
The platform is particularly well-suited for companies that must manage a mix of full-time employees and contractors across multiple countries. Its strong focus on compliance and payroll automation makes it ideal for businesses looking to minimize risks and administrative burdens. If your company is expanding rapidly and needs a reliable, cost-effective way to manage a global workforce, Multiplier is a strong contender.
Additionally, Multiplier’s flexible plans make it a practical option for companies anticipating scaling their international operations over time, ensuring the platform can grow alongside your business.
- Best For: Startups, mid-sized companies, and businesses managing full-time employees and contractors globally.
Who is Oyster HR Best For?
Oyster HR is tailored for companies prioritizing ethical hiring practices, sustainability, and a strong commitment to global compliance. Oyster HR is a perfect fit if your business has a distributed workforce and values equitable treatment of employees across different regions. It’s especially well-suited for enterprises and organizations operating in multiple countries with diverse legal requirements.
The platform’s comprehensive compliance management makes it ideal for global companies that navigate complex labor laws and data protection regulations. Oyster HR is also a top choice for businesses that want to ensure their HR practices align with corporate social responsibility goals.
Whether you’re a large enterprise seeking to manage a complex international team or a mission-driven company focused on fair employment practices, Oyster HR provides the tools and support needed to maintain a consistent, ethical, and compliant global workforce.
- Best For: Large enterprises, mission-driven companies, and businesses focusing on ethical hiring and global compliance.
Support Type and Quality
| Aspect | Multiplier | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| Support Channels | Email, Live Chat, Phone Support | Email, Live Chat, Phone Support, WhatsApp, Account Manager |
| Availability | Business hours, with priority support for higher-tier plans | Email, Live Chat, Phone Support, WhatsApp, Account Manager |
| Response Time | Quick response for urgent issues, typically resolved within hours | 24/7 support, including dedicated account managers |
| Support Tiers | Standard support with dedicated CSM for larger accounts | Tiered support with Oyster 360 offering premium, tailored service |
| Customer Success Management | Available for larger clients, offering personalized guidance | Included in higher-tier plans, with a focus on personalized support |
| User Resources | Comprehensive knowledge base, FAQs, webinars | Extensive help center, guided tutorials, and detailed documentation |
When managing a global workforce, the quality and availability of support can significantly impact your experience with an EOR platform. How do Multiplier and Oyster HR compare support options and responsiveness?
Multiplier’s Support
Multiplier offers a range of support options to cater to different business needs. Their support includes:
- Channels: Multiplier provides support via email, live chat, and phone, ensuring multiple ways to get assistance when needed.
- Availability: Support is available during business hours, with priority support for higher-tier plans. This ensures that urgent issues are addressed promptly.
- Response Time: Multiplier is known for quick response times, particularly for critical issues. Most queries are resolved within a few hours, making it reliable for businesses that need fast solutions.
- Customer Success: Multiplier offers dedicated customer success managers who provide personalized guidance and support for larger accounts, ensuring a smoother experience.
Oyster HR’s Support
Oyster HR emphasizes comprehensive support, particularly for businesses with complex global needs. Their support features include:
- Channels: Oyster HR provides support through email, live chat, and phone, as well as a dedicated account manager for more personalized assistance. They also offer support via WhatsApp, adding an extra layer of accessibility.
- Availability: Oyster HR’s support is available 24/7, catering to businesses operating across multiple time zones. This round-the-clock availability ensures that help is always available, no matter when issues arise.
- Response Time: Oyster HR prides itself on fast response times, particularly for enterprise clients. Complex issues are typically escalated to specialized teams for swift resolution.
- Customer Success: Higher-tier plans include access to Oyster 360, a premium support service that provides a “white-glove” experience, ensuring that every aspect of your global HR operations is handled carefully.
Multiplier and Oyster HR offer robust support systems, but choosing between them may depend on your specific needs—whether you prioritize fast, accessible help or comprehensive, personalized support.
Top Industries That Use Them
Multiplier and Oyster HR are designed to support businesses across various industries, particularly those with a strong focus on international expansion and remote work. Here’s a closer look at the industries that commonly use these platforms:
Multiplier
- Technology Startups: Multiplier is a popular choice for tech startups that need to scale quickly across borders. Its user-friendly interface and flexible pricing make it ideal for growing companies looking to hire talent globally without getting bogged down by complex legal and compliance issues.
- E-commerce: E-commerce companies, especially those operating in multiple regions, rely on Multiplier to manage international payroll and compliance. The platform’s ability to handle multi-currency payments and local tax laws is a significant advantage.
- Fintech: With its rapidly changing regulatory environments, the fintech industry finds Multiplier’s robust compliance management tools particularly useful. Companies in this sector benefit from the platform’s ability to stay ahead of legal requirements across different markets.
- Consulting Firms: Consulting firms that work with international clients and contractors appreciate Multiplier’s seamless contractor management features, simplifying onboarding, payments, and contract generation.
- Media and Creative Industries: Companies in the media and creative sectors often engage freelancers and contractors globally, use Multiplier to streamline payments and ensure compliance with local labor laws.
Multiplier has helped more than 2,000 customers tap into global talent pools in 150+ countries, allowing them to hire the right people for the role—no matter where they are.
We support our customers by taking care of their employment contracts, payroll, taxes, and benefits, eliminating the need to open a legal entity abroad.
– Rimmi Kesari, Partner Marketing Specialist at Multiplier
Oyster HR
- Remote-First Companies: Oyster HR is particularly well-suited for companies operating remotely. Its focus on equitable treatment across regions makes it a top choice for businesses committed to building a fair and inclusive remote workforce.
- Nonprofits and NGOs: Nonprofits and NGOs that operate in multiple countries find Oyster HR’s compliance management and ethical hiring practices invaluable. The platform’s commitment to sustainability and fair employment aligns well with the values of these organizations.
- Healthcare and Life Sciences: Companies in healthcare and life sciences, where compliance and data security are critical, rely on Oyster HR to manage their global workforce. The platform’s ability to handle complex legal frameworks across different countries is a significant asset.
- Education and EdTech: Oyster HR is popular among education and EdTech companies, especially those offering online learning services worldwide. The platform’s focus on equitable employment practices helps these companies manage their global staff in a way that aligns with their mission.
- SaaS Companies: Software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies with distributed teams use Oyster HR to manage their global operations efficiently. The platform’s integrations with remote work tools and strong compliance features make it ideal for this industry.
Multiplier and Oyster HR serve a wide range of industries, but their strengths and focuses make them particularly well-suited to the abovementioned sectors.
Score on Trusted Review Platforms
| Aspect | Multiplier | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| G2 – score (reviews number) | 4.5/5 (898) | 4.5/5 (649) |
| Trustpilot – score (reviews number) | 4.9/5 (742) | 4.6/5 (170) |
| Capterra – score (reviews number) | 4.7/5 (41) | 4.5/5 (68) |
When evaluating EOR platforms like Multiplier and Oyster HR, user reviews and ratings provide valuable insights into their performance, user satisfaction, and reliability. Here’s how both platforms fare on trusted review platforms:
Multiplier
- G2: Multiplier has a strong presence on G2, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on several hundred reviews. Users consistently praise the platform for its ease of use, particularly its straightforward interface and reliable customer support. Multiplier’s ability to handle complex payroll and compliance issues also receives high marks, making it a popular choice for companies expanding internationally.
- Capterra: On Capterra, Multiplier holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating. Reviewers highlight its flexibility and scalability, which are crucial for startups and growing businesses. The platform’s transparent pricing model and comprehensive feature set are frequently noted as key advantages.
- Trustpilot: Multiplier maintains a fantastic rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Users appreciate the platform’s responsiveness to feedback and its commitment to continuous improvement, particularly enhancing user experience and support services.
Oyster HR
- G2: Oyster HR has a commendable rating of 4.5 out of 5 on G2, based on a growing number of reviews. Users often commend the platform for its focus on ethical hiring practices and its robust compliance management features. Another highlight is the platform’s ability to manage remote teams efficiently, making it a top choice for companies with distributed workforces.
- Capterra: On Capterra, Oyster HR scores 4.5 out of 5, with users praising its comprehensive approach to global HR management. The platform’s user interface is described as intuitive, and its customer support receives positive feedback for being prompt and helpful.
- Trustpilot: Oyster HR holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Those who have reviewed the platform emphasize its strong compliance features and the peace of mind it offers in managing global employment risks.
Multiplier and Oyster HR receive high ratings across major review platforms, reflecting their reliability and effectiveness in managing global workforces. While Multiplier is often praised for its simplicity and support, Oyster HR stands out for its ethical focus and comprehensive compliance management. Your choice may depend on which features and strengths align best with your business needs.
Alternative EOR Providers to Have in Mind
While Multiplier and Oyster HR are strong contenders in the EOR space, several other providers offer competitive services that might better suit specific business needs. Here are three alternative EOR providers worth considering:
1. Remote
Remote is a comprehensive EOR platform designed to simplify global employment for companies of all sizes. It supports hiring in over 170 countries, making it an excellent choice for businesses with widespread international teams. Remote offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, which appeals to startups and mid-sized companies looking for budgeting predictability. The platform also emphasizes IP and invention rights protection, making it ideal for technology-driven companies that must safeguard their intellectual property.
- Best For: Startups, tech companies, and businesses with a strong focus on IP protection.
Please find more info in our detailed Remote review
2. Deel
Deel is another popular EOR provider known for its user-friendly interface and extensive global reach. Deel operates in over 150 countries and offers various services, including payroll, compliance, and contractor management. The platform is particularly praised for its onboarding speed and integration capabilities with various HR tools. Deel’s transparent pricing and flexibility make it a good fit for businesses that need to scale their operations quickly while managing full-time employees and contractors.
- Best For: Fast-growing startups, SMEs, and companies managing employees and contractors globally.
Please find more info in our detailed Deel review
3. Papaya Global
Papaya Global stands out with its advanced automation and comprehensive workforce analytics. The platform supports payroll and compliance in over 160 countries, making it suitable for larger enterprises with complex global operations. Papaya Global’s deep compliance management ensures that businesses adhere to local laws, reducing the risk of legal complications. The platform also integrates with various HRIS systems, providing a seamless experience for companies that require detailed reporting and workforce analytics.
- Best For: Large enterprises, multinational corporations, and businesses needing advanced compliance and workforce analytics.
Please find more info in our detailed Papaya Global review
Each of these EOR providers offers unique strengths that cater to different types of businesses. Remote is ideal for companies with a strong focus on IP protection, Deel for those needing fast onboarding and scalability, and Papaya Global for enterprises requiring in-depth analytics and compliance. Depending on your specific needs, one of these alternatives might fit your global workforce management strategy.
A Summary: Multiplier vs. Oyster HR
| Aspect | Multiplier | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Startups, mid-sized businesses, rapid global expansion | Large enterprises, distributed workforces, ethical hiring |
| Key Strengths | Flexibility, ease of use, scalable pricing | Comprehensive compliance, ethical practices, sustainability |
| Global Coverage | 160+ countries | 180+ countries |
| Compliance Focus | Localized contracts, straightforward compliance | Deep compliance management across multiple jurisdictions |
| Pricing Model | Transparent, flexible, scalable | Tiered, designed for varying business sizes |
| Customer Support | Multiple channels, business hours support | 24/7 availability, personalized support with dedicated account managers |
Choosing between Multiplier and Oyster HR depends on your business’s needs, priorities, and scale. Both platforms offer robust solutions for managing global teams but cater to different types of organizations and requirements.
Multiplier is best suited for businesses prioritizing ease of use, flexibility, and scalability. It’s particularly beneficial for startups and mid-sized companies looking to expand quickly without getting bogged down by complex compliance and payroll issues. Multiplier’s transparent pricing and strong contractor management tools make it an excellent choice for companies needing a straightforward solution for managing full-time employees and contractors across multiple countries.
Oyster HR, on the other hand, is ideal for companies that value ethical hiring practices, sustainability, and comprehensive compliance management. It’s particularly well-suited for larger enterprises or organizations with a distributed workforce that needs to ensure equitable treatment across regions. Oyster HR’s focus on compliance, particularly in navigating complex global regulations, makes it a strong choice for businesses operating in multiple countries with diverse legal requirements.
Conclusion
Deciding between Multiplier and Oyster HR ultimately comes down to your business’s unique needs and priorities. Both platforms offer powerful tools for managing a global workforce but excel in different areas.
Multiplier is the go-to option for businesses seeking a user-friendly, scalable solution that simplifies global payroll, compliance, and contractor management. Its transparent pricing and ease of use appeal to startups and mid-sized companies looking to expand their international footprint quickly.
Oyster HR is the better choice for organizations prioritizing ethical hiring practices, comprehensive compliance, and sustainability. It’s especially suited for larger enterprises with complex global operations that require detailed attention to local regulations and equitable employee treatment.
Whether you prioritize flexibility, ease of use, or deep compliance capabilities, Multiplier and Oyster HR offer strong solutions. Your final choice should align with your company’s goals and the unique challenges of managing a global workforce.