Oyster HR vs Atlas HXM: 2026 EOR Comparison
Compare features, pricing, and capabilities side-by-side. I've analyzed both EOR providers to help you make the right decision for your global hiring needs.
Robbin Schuchmann
Co-founder, Employ Borderless
Oyster vs Atlas HXM: quick comparison
Short on time? Here are the key differences between Oyster and Atlas HXM at a glance.
 | | |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | $599/per employee/month | — |
| Contractor pricing | $29/per employee/month | — |
| Payroll pricing | $25/per employee/month | — |
| Overall rating | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Countries | 88+ | — |
| Visit site | Visit site |
EOR pricing
$599/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$29/per employee/month
Payroll pricing
$25/per employee/month
Overall rating
8.7/10
Countries
88+
ocess. You’ve heard about Employer of Record (EOR) services and are considering Oyster HR and Atlas HXM as potential solutions for your business needs.
But you’re also probably uncertain about:
- How Oyster HR and Atlas HXM compare in terms of features, pricing, and global reach
- Which platform offers better compliance management and risk mitigation across multiple countries
- The user experience and ease of implementation for each service
- Whether Oyster HR or Atlas HXM 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.
By the end of this comparison, you’ll understand the strengths and limitations of both Oyster HR and Atlas HXM, enabling you to choose the EOR solution that best fits your company’s global hiring needs, compliance requirements, and overall business strategy.
Editorial note: By using our partner links, you'll get exclusive discounts and the best available offers we've negotiated while also supporting our efforts to provide unbiased comparisons of global hiring solutions.
What is Oyster?
Oyster HR is an Employer of Record (EOR) and a global employment platform that allows companies to hire and manage international workers in more than 180 countries without setting up local legal entities. Founded in 2020, the company focuses on supporting distributed teams.
Oyster’s services include international employment contracts, payroll processing, benefits administration, and ongoing local compliance in each country where it operates.
Focus on employee experience
Oyster places more emphasis on the employee experience than traditional EOR providers.Alongside core employment services, the platform includes Oyster Academy for professional development, as well as tools designed to support onboarding and cross-cultural collaboration.
What it means for clients: Oyster acts as more than a compliance partner. The platform is designed to help companies build and maintain engaged global teams, not just employ them on paper.
Typical customers
Oyster primarily serves mid-market and enterprise companies with 50 or more employees, but I've also seen a few startups in their customer base.The limiting factor here is the higher rate for Employer of Record (EOR) services.
The platform attracts companies that value consistency, employee satisfaction, and long-term retention, even when that means paying more than low-cost EOR alternatives.
| Founded | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Charlotte |
| CEO | Tony Jamous |
| Employees | 501-1000 |
What is Atlas HXM?
Atlas HXM is an Employer of Record provider built around a direct infrastructure model. The platform positions itself as the legal employer through owned entities across the coverage network, rather than operating through partners.
Companies use Atlas to hire and pay international employees, manage locally compliant benefits, and maintain ongoing compliance support through a single system.
Atlas was founded by Rick Hammell in 2015 as Elements Global Services and rebranded to Atlas HXM in 2022.
How Atlas works
Atlas serves as the legal employer for your international hires. It handles contracts, payroll, statutory filings, and the compliance processes tied to employment in each country.The direct entity model typically matters most in complex scenarios, such as terminations, policy changes, audits, and edge-case benefits requirements.
With fewer third parties involved, escalation paths are more direct.
Who uses Atlas
Atlas is most commonly used by multi-country programs of companies that need consistency across regions, clear reporting, and predictable compliance oversight.What are the key features of Oyster vs Atlas HXM?
When you're choosing between EOR providers, it comes down to what each one actually does for you. Some focus on payroll processing, others specialize in compliance management, and some offer better employee benefits. Here's what sets these two apart.
Oyster key features
Oyster creates employment contracts that match local labor laws. They also handle job postings, offers, and onboarding.
The platform calculates pay, taxes, and deductions, and pays employees in their local currency on schedule.
Oyster monitors labor laws and tax rules in each country where you hire. Clients receive alerts when local laws change.
They offer health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits tailored to local requirements. Most markets include multiple-tier options.
Both worker types are handled on the same platform. Clients can convert contractors to employees if/when they need to.
Includes help with work permits and immigration paperwork in more than 60 countries.
Provides training courses for skill development. This is the main separator between Oyster and other providers.
Atlas HXM key features
Contracts, payroll, benefits coordination, and government filings through Atlas-owned entities
Payroll operations and reporting across countries, with multi-currency support
Ongoing local monitoring and updates tied to employment requirements
Locally compliant benefits, including statutory requirements and market-standard add-ons
Visa sponsorship support in 100+ countries
Pay slips, time off, document access, and profile updates in 90+ languages
Access to professional development content through a Udemy Business partnership (Atlas learning)
Time capture, breaks, and overtime tracking through web or mobile
Receipt upload, categorization, and payroll-based reimbursement workflows
Support contacts for employee questions around pay, time off, and benefits
What benefits do Oyster and Atlas HXM offer?
Features are one thing, but how do they actually help your business? Think faster onboarding, fewer compliance headaches, and smoother payroll runs. Here are the real benefits you'll get from each provider.
Oyster benefits
Hiring faster in new countries
Oyster clients can onboard employees within a few days instead of waiting three to six months to set up a legal entity.
Staying current with labor laws
The platform tracks regulation changes across countries so clients don't have to research employment requirements for each market.
Skipping entity setup costs
Avoiding entity setup can save $50,000 to $200,000 per country. At $699, Oyster monthly fee is easier to justify when hiring multiple employees in the same market.
Scaling without legal blockers
Add employees in new markets without setting up infrastructure first.
One dashboard for everyone
Oyster allows you to manage payroll, benefits, and compliance for all countries in one system.
Atlas HXM benefits
Fewer delivery handoffs
A direct entity model cuts down on third parties in daily operations.
Stronger planning support
Cost and workforce analytics help model hiring plans and compare countries before committing.
Centralized workforce view
Headcount, payroll, and compliance status live in one place. That matters once hiring spans more than one region.
Local expertise access
HR and legal support follows country-specific rules, without forcing internal staff to manage every detail.
Predictable platform fee
A flat monthly charge is easier to budget than variable pricing.
Multi-language support
Support covers a wide range of languages for global operations.
Simplified payroll administration
Multi-currency payroll and statutory calculations reduce manual reconciliation.
How do Oyster and Atlas HXM compare on pricing?
Let's talk money. EOR pricing can be tricky - some providers quote low monthly fees but charge extra for setup, onboarding, or additional services. Here's what each provider charges for their main services.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Employer of record | $599/per employee/month | — |
| Contractor management | $29/per employee/month | — |
| Global payroll | $25/per employee/month | — |
Not sure which is right for you?
Tell me about your team and I'll give you a free, unbiased recommendation.
What are the pros and cons of Oyster vs Atlas HXM?
No EOR provider is perfect - they all have their sweet spots and pain points. Getting honest about what works and what doesn't will save you from unpleasant surprises down the road. Here's the real talk on both providers.
Oyster
- +
Employee development
Oyster Academy includes training and professional development tools. This sets Oyster apart from EOR providers that focus only on compliance and payroll.
- +
Designed for remote teams
The platform is well-suited to distributed teams, particularly in collaboration across regions.
- +
Strong global coverage
Hiring is supported in more than 180 countries, with benefits aligned to local expectations. This allows Oyster clients to attract better talent.
- +
Simple compliance tracking
Labor law updates appear directly on the platform in real time. This reduces the need to monitor changes separately as the client company grows.
- +
Built-in cost calculator
Shows expected employment costs across different countries upfront.
- +
Ethical employment standards
Oyster’s focus on fair pay and responsible hiring supports companies planning for sustainable, long-term growth.
- −
Premium rates
EOR services cost $699 per employee per month. Some budget providers charge less for similar coverage (for example, RemoFirst at $199 per month).
- −
Add-on costs
Salary bands, visa sponsorship, and premium benefits cost extra.
- −
Limited self-service
Some routine workflows are less automated compared to platforms like Deel. In some cases, more human intervention can mean delayed hires.
Atlas HXM
- +
Direct entity ownership
Atlas’ market position is “direct EOR” with fully owned entities in more than 160 countries.
- +
Support model built for global time zones
24/7 support is part of the published service model. Account management is included, with access to local expertise where needed.
- +
Strong analytics angle
Cost and risk calculators show up repeatedly in Atlas’s positioning and in user feedback, and that’s a real differentiator versus “basic EOR + payroll.”
- +
Analytics and planning tools
Cost and workforce insights sit closer to the core product than they do with many EOR providers.
- +
Structured onboarding
Implementation support is part of the experience. Most feedback I’ve seen on this mentions guided rollout rather than self-serve setup.
- −
Premium cost
$599 per employee per month prices Atlas in the upper tier of the market. That’s a real constraint for smaller budgets.
- −
Setup feels heavier than simpler EOR tools
Teams often need time to learn the system’s workflows and reporting structure.
- −
Integrations are harder to validate upfront
Atlas mentions API access, but there’s limited public information on native integrations and ecosystem depth.
- −
Smaller number of reviews than most competitors
Atlas has fewer third-party reviews than the largest providers. That means less first-hand info for potential clients.
What do customers say about Oyster vs Atlas HXM?
Don't just take my word for it. Here's what actual users say about working with these providers on major review platforms.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.4 853 reviews | — |
| Trustpilot | 4.5 240 reviews | — |
| Capterra | 4.5 68 reviews | — |
Ratings sourced directly from each platform. Last updated February 2026.
Customer support: Oyster vs Atlas HXM
When things go wrong (and they will), you want to know someone's got your back. Great support can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a major disaster. Here's how these providers handle support.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Support availability | Business Hours | 24/7 |
| Dedicated account manager | Yes | Yes |
| Support languages | English | — |
| Self-service resources | Yes | No |
| Community forum | No | No |
How do Oyster and Atlas HXM compare on our ratings?
I've scored both providers across 10 categories based on hands-on testing, user feedback, and independent research. Here's how they stack up.
Features
Country coverage
Pricing
User experience
Customer support
Integrations
Mobile app
Analytics & reporting
Security
Compliance
Third-party ratings average
Complete comparison table
Every detail that matters when choosing an EOR provider. Compare pricing, features, country coverage, and support options in one easy-to-scan table.
| Feature |  Oyster | Atlas HXM |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | From $599/mo | — |
| Countries | 88+ | — |
| Overall rating | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Mobile app | ||
| API available | ||
| Webhook support | ||
| Dedicated account manager | ||
| Self-service resources | ||
| Community forum |
Which provider should you choose?
Different companies have different needs. Your team size, budget, and where you're hiring all play a role in which provider will work best for you. Here's how to pick the right fit.
Choose Oyster if:
Oyster HR is an excellent choice for:
- Small to medium-sized businesses looking to hire globally: Oyster HR’s user-friendly interface and streamlined processes make it ideal for companies new to international hiring.
- Startups and scale-ups: The platform’s transparent pricing and comprehensive feature set cater well to fast-growing companies that need flexibility and ease of use.
- Companies prioritizing user experience: Oyster HR’s intuitive design and smooth onboarding process make it a great fit for businesses that value simplicity and efficiency in their HR tools.
- Organizations hiring primarily contractors: Oyster HR’s competitive contractor pricing makes it well-suited for businesses working with many international contractors.
- Businesses new to global hiring: The platform’s strong focus on compliance and built-in legal resources make it an excellent choice for companies starting their global expansion.
Choose Atlas HXM if:
Atlas HXM is best suited for:
- Medium to large enterprises with complex global operations: The comprehensive HXM platform and extensive feature set cater well to businesses with diverse and complex international workforce needs.
- Companies prioritizing compliance: Atlas HXM’s Direct EOR model and a strong focus on compliance make it ideal for organizations operating in highly regulated industries or sensitive markets.
- Businesses seeking a single global employment partner: With its presence in 160+ countries, Atlas HXM can be a one-stop solution for companies looking to consolidate their global employment services.
- Organizations requiring advanced HR services: The inclusion of HR advisory services and the comprehensive HXM platform make Atlas HXM suitable for companies needing more than basic EOR functionality.
- Enterprises with significant growth plans: Atlas HXM’s scalable solution and global coverage make it a good choice for businesses planning extensive international expansion.
When to consider alternatives
Sometimes neither option is quite right. Maybe you need rock-bottom pricing, enterprise-level features, or coverage in a specific country these providers don't serve well. Here are some other EOR providers worth checking out.
RemoFirst
Small businesses making their first international hires who prioritize low pricing over advanced features.
Read review
Remote
Companies who want strong protection of intellectual property (IP) and legal risk coverage when hiring internationally
Read review
Hire With Columbus
Budget-conscious companies needing affordable EOR services across many countries, especially those hiring 5+ international employees where cost savings compound significantly
Read reviewNot sure which is right for you? Get a free, personalized recommendation based on your team and budget.
Frequently asked questions
The main difference lies in their business models and target markets. Oyster HR is known for its user-friendly interface and is often preferred by small to medium-sized businesses and startups.
Atlas HXM, on the other hand, operates a Direct EOR model with its entities in 160+ countries, making it suitable for larger enterprises with complex global operations and stringent compliance needs.
Both platforms prioritize compliance, but their approaches differ. Oyster HR provides automated compliance checks and alerts, tracking changing labor laws and tax regulations across countries.
Atlas HXM, with its Direct EOR model, has more control over compliance management. It owns all its entities in each country and handles all compliance aspects.
Yes, both platforms can manage contractor payments. Oyster HR has a specific contractor plan priced at $29/contractor/month after a 30-day free trial. Atlas HXM also offers contractor payment services, although their pricing is not publicly disclosed.
Oyster HR and Atlas HXM offer integration capabilities with various HR and accounting tools. However, Atlas HXM’s more comprehensive HXM platform may offer more extensive integration options, particularly with payroll and HR systems. The best choice depends on your existing tech stack and specific integration needs.
Still not sure?
Get a free, personalized recommendation based on your team size, budget, and hiring countries.