Oyster HR and Atlas HXM are two leading platforms in the global payroll and hiring space, offering distinct advantages as Employer of Record (EOR) providers. However, their strengths and limitations make them better suited to different types of businesses, depending on size, complexity, and specific needs.
Oyster HR is a robust global payroll and hiring platform that ranks among the best EOR providers I’ve used. Thanks to its ability to streamline global HR processes and provide essential legal resources, it is a top choice for companies looking to hire, pay, and manage international employees easily. However, Oyster HR’s pricing may be prohibitive for smaller operations, and its capabilities might not scale adequately for very large organizations.
On the other hand, Atlas HXM (formerly known as Elements Global Services) offers a comprehensive Human Experience Management (HXM) platform with a strong focus on compliance and global coverage.
As a Direct Employer of Record, Atlas HXM owns all its entities in over 160 countries, providing unparalleled compliance assurance. While its extensive features can be a powerful asset, they may also be overwhelming for businesses with more straightforward needs.
In this review, I’ll delve into both platforms’ key features, pricing, and potential drawbacks, helping you determine which solution best meets your business needs, whether you’re managing a small startup or a large enterprise with complex global operations.
Oyster HR
Atlas HXM
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.
Key features of Oyster HR include:
- Global hiring and onboarding
- Payroll processing in multiple currencies
- Benefits administration
- Time and attendance tracking
- Compliance management
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.
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.
Key features of Atlas HXM include:
- Direct EOR services in 160+ countries
- Global payroll processing
- Compliance management
- HR advisory services
- Visa support and sponsorship
- Contractor payments
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.
Oyster HR vs Atlas HXM At a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison of Oyster HR and Atlas HXM on key features and information:
| Feature | Remote | Omnipresent |
|---|---|---|
| Global Coverage | 180+ countries | 160+ countries |
| EOR Pricing | $599/employee/month (annual) or $699/month (monthly) | Available upon request |
| Contractor Pricing | $29/contractor/month | Available upon request |
| Key Integrations | Various HR and accounting tools | Extensive, includes payroll and HR systems |
| User Interface | User-friendly, modern design | Comprehensive, may have a learning curve |
| Ease of Use | High, designed for simplicity | Moderate, more complex features |
| Security and Compliance | Strong focus on compliance | Industry-leading compliance (Direct EOR model) |
| API | Available | Available |
| Payroll Processing | Supported in multiple currencies | Direct processing worldwide |
| Benefits Administration | Included | Included |
| Customer Support | Highly rated | Highly rated |
| Customization Options | Limited | Extensive |
| Reporting and Analytics | Basic capabilities | Advanced |
Key Features of Oyster HR
Global Hiring and Onboarding
Oyster HR excels in simplifying the process of hiring and onboarding international employees. The platform provides customizable offer letters and contracts that comply with local labor laws, ensuring a smooth start for new hires.
The onboarding process is streamlined, with automated workflows guiding employers and employees through necessary steps, document submissions, and local compliance requirements.
Payroll Management
Oyster HR’s payroll system is designed to handle the complexities of international payments. It supports multiple currencies and considers local tax regulations, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing.
The platform also provides detailed payslips and reports, giving employers and employees clear visibility into compensation details and deductions.
Compliance Management
One of Oyster HR’s strengths is its robust compliance management features. The platform tracks changing labor laws, tax regulations, and employment requirements across different countries.
Oyster HR provides automated compliance checks and alerts, helping businesses stay up-to-date with local regulations and avoid potential legal issues.
Benefits Administration
Oyster HR offers a comprehensive benefits administration system that allows companies to provide competitive benefits packages to their global workforce. The platform supports various benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Employers can easily manage and track benefits enrollment, while employees have self-service access to view and manage their benefits.
Time and Attendance Tracking
Oyster HR includes built-in time and attendance tracking features, particularly useful for managing remote teams across different time zones. The system allows for easy time entry, approval workflows, and reporting.
This feature integrates seamlessly with the payroll system, ensuring accurate compensation based on logged hours and local labor laws regarding overtime and time off.
Key Features of Atlas HXM
Direct Employer of Record Services
Atlas HXM’s standout feature is its Direct EOR model, which covers over 160 countries. This means Atlas HXM owns and operates its legal entities in each country, providing unparalleled control over compliance and employee management.
This direct approach allows for faster issue resolution, more consistent service quality, and greater assurance of compliance with local labor laws and regulations.
Global Payroll Processing
Atlas HXM directly processes payroll for global teams anywhere in the world. Unlike many competitors, there’s no need to rely on third parties to correct errors or manage payroll in specific countries.
The platform’s Payroll Plus feature guides users on deductions and allowable expenses, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing across all jurisdictions.
Comprehensive Compliance Management
As an international compliance solution, Atlas HXM ensures that businesses:
- Hire workers as employees where appropriate, avoiding the risk of misclassification
- Onboard talent with compliant labor contracts
- Uphold the highest standards of data protection for employee information
The Direct EOR model allows Atlas HXM to manage compliance to a degree that few other global EORs can match.
Atlas HXM Platform
At the heart of the Atlas EOR solution is the Human Experience Management (HXM) platform. This comprehensive software covers each aspect of global employment, including:
- Employee onboarding and offboarding
- Time and attendance management
- Performance management
- Learning and development
- Analytics and Reporting
The platform provides a unified experience for employers and employees, streamlining global workforce management.
HR Advisory Services
Atlas HXM goes beyond typical EOR services by providing HR advisory support. Their Global HR Management specialists ensure businesses are up-to-date with local labor laws, rules, and regulations.
They also advise on specific HR issues that arise, such as performance management and termination, providing valuable expertise for navigating complex international employment scenarios.
Pricing and Plans for Oyster HR
Oyster HR offers a tiered pricing structure:
- Contractor Plan: Free for 30 days, then $29/contractor/month
- Employer of Record Plan: $599/employee/month (annual) or $699/month (monthly)
- Global Payroll: $50/month
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.
Pricing and Plans for Atlas HXM
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
Cons
Pros and Cons of Atlas HXM
Pros
Cons
Who 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 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.
Simulated Real-World Scenarios
To better understand how Oyster HR and Atlas HXM perform in real-world situations, let’s examine three scenarios businesses might encounter when choosing an EOR provider.
Scenario 1: Rapid International Scaling – Atlas HXM Wins
Imagine a mid-sized tech company that has just secured a large round of funding and needs to quickly hire 50 employees across 15 different countries in the next three months.
Oyster HR’s user-friendly interface and streamlined onboarding process would benefit this scenario. The platform’s ability to handle hiring and compliance across multiple countries simultaneously would help speed up the process.
However, Oyster HR’s extensive coverage of 180+ countries doesn’t necessarily translate to faster hiring in all locations.
Atlas HXM, with its Direct EOR model covering 160+ countries, has a significant advantage in this scenario. Owning all its entities means Atlas HXM can potentially move faster in setting up employees in new countries.
The comprehensive HXM platform can handle the complexity of managing a rapidly growing, diverse workforce. Additionally, Atlas HXM’s HR advisory services could prove invaluable in quickly navigating the intricacies of hiring across multiple jurisdictions.
Scenario 2: Small Business Going Global – Oyster HR Wins
Consider a small e-commerce business with 20 employees, looking to hire its first five international team members in different countries over the next year.
Atlas HXM, while extremely capable, might be overwhelming for a small business just starting its global expansion. The platform’s extensive features and potentially higher pricing could be more than a small business needs or can afford at this stage.
Additionally, the complexity of the HXM platform might require more time and resources to utilize fully, which a small business may not have.
Oyster HR, on the other hand, is well-suited for this scenario. Its user-friendly interface and transparent pricing make it more accessible for small businesses. The platform’s focus on simplifying global hiring and compliance would benefit a company new to international employment.
Oyster HR’s contractor management features could also be useful if the business wants to start with contractors before transitioning to full-time employees.
Summary of Oyster HR’s advantages for small businesses:
- User-friendly interface ideal for companies new to global hiring
- Transparent, straightforward pricing suitable for small business budgets
- Simplified compliance management across multiple countries
- Easy-to-use contractor management features
- A streamlined onboarding process requires less time and resource investment
Conclusion
Both Oyster HR and Atlas HXM offer robust solutions for global employment, but they cater to different market segments and business needs.
Oyster HR shines in its user-friendly approach and streamlined processes, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses and startups venturing into global hiring. Its transparent pricing and a strong focus on compliance provide a solid foundation for companies new to international employment.
Atlas HXM, with its Direct EOR model and comprehensive HXM platform, stands out as a powerhouse for medium to large enterprises with complex global operations. Its industry-leading compliance management and extensive feature set make it ideal for businesses that prioritize risk mitigation and require advanced HR functionalities.
When choosing between Oyster HR and Atlas HXM, consider your company’s size, complexity of operations, budget, and long-term global expansion plans. Oyster HR may be the better choice if you value simplicity and are just starting your global hiring journey.
However, if you require a more comprehensive solution with unparalleled compliance assurance and are willing to invest in a more complex platform, Atlas HXM could be the superior option.
Ultimately, both platforms offer strong solutions in the global EOR space, and your choice should align with your specific business needs and growth strategies.
Oyster HR vs. Atlas HXM FAQs
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.