If you’re reading this, you’re probably exploring ways to expand your team internationally or streamline your global hiring process. 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.
The key to choosing between Oyster HR and Atlas HXM lies in understanding their unique strengths and how they align with your specific business needs:
TLDR: User-Friendly vs Comprehensive Global EOR Solutions
- Oyster HR: Best for small to medium-sized businesses and startups seeking a straightforward platform for global hiring and payroll. Explore Oyster HR now
- Atlas HXM: Ideal for medium to large enterprises requiring comprehensive compliance management and advanced HR functionalities. Give Atlas HXM a try today
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Overview of Oyster HR and Atlas HXM (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 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.
Oyster HR
Country Coverage: 180+
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
EOR Pricing: $599 per employee/month
Contractor Pricing: $29 per contractor/month
Atlas HXM
Country Coverage: 160+ Countries
G2 Rating: 4.5/5
EOR Pricing: Custom
Contractor Pricing: Custom
Overview of Oyster HR and Atlas HXM
Overview of Oyster HR
Oyster HR is a global employment platform that enables companies to hire, pay, and manage remote employees worldwide.
It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing international workforces, including compliance, payroll, and benefits administration. Oyster HR is known for its user-friendly interface and streamlined processes, which make it particularly attractive to startups and small—to medium-sized businesses looking to expand globally.
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.
Company Information
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California
- Founders: Tony Jamous and Jack Mardack
- Funding: Raised $286 million in multiple funding rounds
- Founding Date: 2020
Also, read our in-depth Oyster HR review
Overview of Atlas HXM
Atlas HXM is a leading global Employer of Record (EOR) platform that specializes in supporting businesses seeking to expand worldwide, hire remote teams, and engage top talent in the global economy.
As a comprehensive Human Experience Management (HXM) SaaS platform, Atlas HXM offers end-to-end HR and globally managed payroll solutions. Atlas HXM stands out for its Direct EOR model, which means it owns all its entities in every country it operates in, allowing for superior compliance management and faster issue resolution.
Company Information
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Founders: Rick Hammell
- Funding: $220 million (Series A & B)
- Founding Date: 2015
Key Features of Oyster HR
Oyster HR offers 8 key features that set it apart.
These key features include:
- Global Hiring Platform: Simplifies hiring across borders, managing everything from job postings to employment contracts in over 180 countries.
- Compliance Management: Ensures adherence to local labor laws and regulations in each country, minimizing legal risks.
- Payroll Processing: Handles payroll calculations, payments, and tax withholdings in over 120 currencies.
- Benefits Administration: Offers locally aligned benefits packages with multiple tiers in most markets.
- Contractor Management: Allows management of both employees and contractors on the same platform, with easy conversion options.
- Global Payroll Solution: Recently introduced for companies with existing entities, expanding service offerings.
- Visa and Immigration Support: Assists with work visa and immigration processes for international hires.
- Oyster Academy: Provides a platform for upskilling employees, enhancing talent development.
Key Features of Atlas HXM
Atlas HXM offers 10 key features that set it apart.
These key features include:
- Global Coverage: Operates in over 160 countries with direct entities, ensuring strong local presence and compliance.
- Comprehensive HXM Platform: Covers the entire employee lifecycle from recruitment to retirement, offering a unified solution for workforce management.
- Direct Employer of Record (EOR) Model: Ensures strong compliance and faster issue resolution through owned entities in each country.
- Global Payroll: Processes payroll directly without relying on third parties, enhancing control and reliability.
- Compliance Management: Provides real-time updates on local labor laws and regulations, minimizing legal risks.
- Benefits Administration: Offers locally aligned benefits packages with multiple tiers, tailored to each country’s norms.
- Advanced HR Analytics: Enables data-driven decision-making for workforce planning and strategic insights.
- Talent Management: Includes performance evaluation and employee development tools to foster growth and retention.
- Global HR Advisory: Offers expert support for navigating complex international employment issues.
- Visa and Immigration Support: Assists with work visa and immigration processes for international hires.
Benefits of Using Oyster HR
The benefits of using Atlas HXM are:
- Simplified Global Expansion: Enables quick entry into new markets without establishing local entities, accelerating international growth.
- Enhanced Compliance: Minimizes legal risks with direct entities and real-time regulatory updates across all operational countries.
- Improved Employee Experience: Provides a unified platform for consistent global HR processes, enhancing satisfaction and retention.
- Cost Optimization: Reduces overhead associated with managing multiple local HR teams and infrastructure.
- Scalability: Easily adapts to changing workforce needs across multiple countries, supporting business growth.
- Time Efficiency: Automates routine HR tasks, allowing focus on strategic initiatives and core business activities.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverages advanced analytics for informed workforce planning and strategy.
- Customization: Offers extensive customization capabilities to meet complex enterprise needs and unique business requirements.
- Local Expertise: Provides access to in-country HR experts with extensive experience in local employment practices.
- Centralized Management: Offers a single platform for managing global workforce, simplifying operations and improving visibility.
Benefits of Using Atlas HXM
The benefits of using Atlas HXM are:
- Simplified Global Expansion: Enables quick entry into new markets without establishing local entities, accelerating international growth.
- Enhanced Compliance: Minimizes legal risks with direct entities and real-time regulatory updates across all operational countries.
- Improved Employee Experience: Provides a unified platform for consistent global HR processes, enhancing satisfaction and retention.
- Cost Optimization: Reduces overhead associated with managing multiple local HR teams and infrastructure.
- Scalability: Easily adapts to changing workforce needs across multiple countries, supporting business growth.
- Time Efficiency: Automates routine HR tasks, allowing focus on strategic initiatives and core business activities.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverages advanced analytics for informed workforce planning and strategy.
- Customization: Offers extensive customization capabilities to meet complex enterprise needs and unique business requirements.
- Local Expertise: Provides access to in-country HR experts with extensive experience in local employment practices.
- Centralized Management: Offers a single platform for managing global workforce, simplifying operations and improving visibility.
Pricing and Plans
Oyster HR Pricing
Oyster HR offers a tiered pricing structure:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $599 per employee/month |
| Contractor Management Pricing | $29 per employee/month |
| Payroll Pricing | $25 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Available |
Oyster HR’s pricing is transparent and straightforward, making it easy for businesses to budget for their global employment needs. The platform also offers custom enterprise pricing for larger organizations with more complex requirements.
While Oyster HR’s pricing is competitive, it may be higher for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
Atlas HXM Pricing
Atlas HXM has not publicly released its detailed pricing structure, which reflects its comprehensive service offering and Direct EOR model.
While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, Atlas HXM’s pricing arguably reflects the added compliance assurance and global coverage it provides.
For detailed pricing information and potential discounts, businesses must contact Atlas HXM directly for a custom quote based on their specific needs and scale.
Pros and Cons of Oyster HR
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive platform that’s easy to navigate and use.
- Extensive Global Coverage: Operates in over 180 countries, providing broad international reach.
- Comprehensive Compliance Management: Strong focus on keeping businesses compliant with local regulations.
- Ethical Focus: Emphasizes ethical employment practices and social responsibility.
- Integrated Cost Calculator: Helps businesses estimate employment costs in different countries.
- Third-Party Integrations: Offers integrations with various HR and business tools.
Cons
- Premium Pricing: Can be expensive compared to some competitors, with EOR services starting at $599 per employee per month.
- Feature Limitations: Some features require additional purchases, potentially increasing costs.
- Limited Analytics: Reporting and analytics capabilities may be less comprehensive than some competitors.
- Potential Overkill for Small Teams: The comprehensive nature of the platform may be more than necessary for very small businesses.
Pros and Cons of Atlas HXM
Pros
- Comprehensive Solution: Offers a full-fledged Human Experience Management platform covering all aspects of workforce management.
- Strong Compliance Assurance: Direct EOR model provides high-level compliance across countries through owned entities.
- Advanced Analytics: Provides deep insights into workforce data for strategic planning and decision-making.
- Customization Options: Extensive customization capabilities for complex enterprise needs.
- Global Expertise: Access to local HR experts with extensive experience in each operational country.
- Technology Integration: Proprietary Atlas HXM platform for centralized management of global workforce.
Cons
- Premium Pricing: Potentially higher costs, with EOR pricing starting at $595 per employee per month.
- Complexity: May have a steeper learning curve for new users due to its comprehensive feature set.
- Overkill for Small Businesses: May be too sophisticated for companies with simple global employment needs.
- No Standalone Payroll Service: Doesn’t offer a separate payroll outsourcing option for companies with existing entities.
User Data Security and Compliance
Oyster HR and Atlas HXM both prioritize data security and compliance in their global employment platforms, but they approach these critical aspects with distinct methodologies.
Oyster HR emphasizes a distributed compliance model, leveraging a network of in-country partners to ensure adherence to local data protection laws. They utilize AWS infrastructure with multi-region data residency options, allowing customers to choose where their data is stored. Oyster HR is SOC 2 Type II certified and GDPR compliant. They’ve implemented a privacy-by-design framework, ensuring data protection is built into their systems from the ground up.
Atlas HXM focuses on an AI-driven compliance approach, using machine learning algorithms to continuously monitor and adapt to changing global regulations. They maintain ISO 27001 certification and are GDPR and CCPA compliant. Atlas HXM employs a blockchain-based data integrity system to ensure the immutability and traceability of critical employment data. Their real-time risk assessment tools proactively identify potential compliance issues across multiple jurisdictions.
| Feature | Oyster HR | Atlas HXM |
|---|---|---|
| Data Protection Approach | Distributed compliance model | AI-driven compliance monitoring |
| Key Certifications | SOC 2 Type II | ISO 27001 |
| Data Storage | Multi-region AWS infrastructure | Proprietary secure cloud infrastructure |
| Compliance Monitoring | Manual expert review | AI-powered real-time monitoring |
| Data Integrity | Regular audits and backups | Blockchain-based system |
| Access Control | Role-based access control | Biometric and multi-factor authentication |
Both platforms employ end-to-end encryption for data transmission and storage, and conduct regular third-party security audits.
Key Differentiators:
- Oyster HR’s distributed compliance model offers flexibility in data residency choices.
- Atlas HXM’s AI-driven compliance approach provides real-time adaptation to regulatory changes.
- Oyster HR emphasizes privacy-by-design in their system architecture.
- Atlas HXM leverages blockchain technology for enhanced data integrity.
The choice between Oyster HR and Atlas HXM may depend on whether your organization values a distributed, partner-based approach to compliance (Oyster HR) or an AI-driven, centralized compliance monitoring system (Atlas HXM).
Customer Reviews and Ratings
When comparing Oyster HR and Atlas HXM’s ratings across G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot, the following scores and review volumes provide insight into user satisfaction levels:
| Review Platform | Oyster HR | Atlas HXM |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.4/5 (714 reviews) | 4.5/5 (35 reviews) |
| Trustpilot | 4.6/5 (199 reviews) | N/A |
| Capterra | 4.5/5 (68 reviews) | 5/5 (5 reviews) |
Oyster HR vs. Atlas HXM: Summary
A detailed summary of the comparison of Oyster HR and Atlas HXM:
| Feature | Oyster HR | Atlas HXM |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Scaling Companies Focused on Remote Team Success | Enterprises Seeking Advanced HR Analytics & Talent Management |
| EOR Pricing | $599 per employee/month | Custom |
| Contractor Pricing | $29 per employee/month | Custom |
| Country Coverage | 180+ | 160+ Countries |
| Support Channels | Email, Phone, Live Chat | |
| Support Availability | Business Hours | 24/7 |
| G2 Rating | 4.4/5 (714 reviews) | 4.5/5 (35 reviews) |
| Capterra Rating | 4.5/5 (68 reviews) | 5/5 (5 reviews) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.6/5 (199 reviews) | No Reviews |
| Partnership Discount | N/A | N/A |
| Visit Website | Visit Website |
Recommendations
Who do I recommend Oyster HR to?
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.
Who do I recommend Atlas HXM to?
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 an alternative EOR provider?
While Oyster HR and Atlas HXM offer robust solutions, there are scenarios where alternative EOR providers might be more suitable:
| Provider | Key Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Flexible global hiring and crypto payments | Tech startups and companies with diverse international workforce needs |
| Multiplier | Cost-effective expansion in emerging markets | SMEs focusing on Asia-Pacific region growth |
| Remofirst | Budget-friendly global employment solution | Startups and small businesses new to international hiring |
| Papaya Global | Advanced workforce analytics and insights | Large enterprises requiring detailed global payroll data |
| Gusto | User-friendly payroll and benefits for US companies | Small to medium US businesses beginning international expansion |
| Remote | Comprehensive service offering | Companies needing global HR solutions |
When considering alternatives, assess your company’s specific needs in terms of geographical focus, budget, payment preferences, analytical requirements, and the level of integration you need between various HR and IT functions. The rapidly evolving nature of global employment solutions means that new providers or features may emerge, so it’s worth periodically reassessing the market to ensure your chosen solution remains the best fit for your evolving needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Oyster HR and Atlas HXM?
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.
How do Oyster HR and Atlas HXM handle compliance in different countries?
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.
Can both Oyster HR and Atlas HXM handle contractor payments?
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.
Which platform offers better integration capabilities?
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.