Let me be honest: choosing between Oyster HR and Globalization Partners for global hiring is trickier than most comparison articles make it seem. You’ll find plenty of feature comparisons, but what really matters is understanding that these platforms serve different market segments – Oyster charges $599/employee targeting mid-market companies with employee experience focus and user-friendly technology, while Globalization Partners charges $900-1,200+/employee for enterprises needing premium white-glove service and comprehensive consulting.

I’ve been analyzing EOR platforms for the past few years, and I keep seeing the same thing: companies compare these two because both have strong reputations, then realize months later that one is built for tech-forward efficiency while the other is built for enterprise-grade consulting and support. Oyster built its reputation on employee-centric features with dedicated support teams and owned-entity infrastructure, while Globalization Partners positioned itself as the premium EOR with comprehensive global expansion consulting and hands-on account management. Both work really well, but they’re built for completely different company sizes and service expectations.

The real decision comes down to what matters most to you: Oyster works best when you need employee experience focus with modern technology at mid-market pricing, while Globalization Partners is better for enterprises that prioritize comprehensive consulting, premium support, and aren’t constrained by budget. Your company size, budget flexibility, and whether you need self-service efficiency versus full-service consulting will determine which trade-offs actually matter.

My goal is to help you understand how these platforms actually work in practice, so you can decide if Oyster’s $599/employee employee-centric platform with dedicated support or Globalization Partners’ $900-1,200/employee premium consulting service fits your expansion strategy and budget reality better.

Quick overview

Key metrics Oyster HR Globalization Partners
EOR pricing
$599 /month
Contact sales
Best for Scaling companies focused on remote team success Enterprise companies requiring comprehensive global expansion support with dedicated legal and compliance expertise

Oyster HR

Global Coverage 180+ countries
G2 Rating 4.3 ★★★★★
Starting from $599/month
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Globalization Partners

Global Coverage 189+ countries
G2 Rating 4.5 ★★★★★
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What is Oyster HR?

Oyster HR Screenshot

Oyster is an Employer of Record (EOR) platform that enables companies to hire and manage international employees across 180+ countries without establishing local business entities. Founded in 2020, the company has raised over $150 million in funding and specializes in remote-first employment solutions.

Unlike traditional EOR providers focused purely on compliance, Oyster emphasizes the employee experience with features like Oyster Academy for professional development and cultural integration tools. The platform handles employment contracts, payroll processing, benefits administration, and local compliance while providing additional services for building engaged distributed teams.

Oyster primarily serves mid-market to enterprise companies with 50+ employees who prioritize employee satisfaction and long-term retention over minimal-cost hiring solutions.

What is Globalization Partners?

Globalization Partners Screenshot

Globalization Partners (G-P) is a comprehensive Employer of Record (EOR) service that enables companies to hire and manage international employees across 180+ countries without establishing local legal entities. Founded in 2012 by Nicole Sahin and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, G-P has grown to become the industry’s leading premium EOR provider with a $4.2 billion valuation and recognition as the #1 EOR solution for four consecutive years.

When a company uses Globalization Partners, G-P becomes the legal employer for international hires while the client company maintains operational control over day-to-day management. G-P handles all employment responsibilities including contract generation, payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits administration, and regulatory adherence through their network of local legal entities and compliance specialists.

The platform serves multiple enterprise needs:

  • Full-service EOR solutions with comprehensive HR management
  • Global payroll processing with multi-currency support
  • Legal compliance management with dedicated specialists
  • Benefits administration tailored to local markets
  • Immigration and visa support services
  • Recruitment assistance through global talent networks

What makes Globalization Partners distinctive is their premium service approach, emphasizing human expertise over self-service technology. Their model combines owned legal infrastructure with dedicated account management, local compliance specialists, and comprehensive HR support designed for enterprise-level complexity.

G-P operates through their proprietary G-P Meridian platform, which integrates employment management, payroll processing, and compliance tracking while providing access to dedicated specialists for complex situations. This approach makes them particularly suitable for large organizations expanding into multiple markets simultaneously or entering highly regulated jurisdictions requiring specialized legal expertise.

Their client base includes multinational corporations across technology, finance, healthcare, and other regulated industries that prioritize comprehensive compliance support and are willing to pay premium pricing for full-service global expansion assistance.

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What are the key features of Oyster HR vs Globalization Partners?

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 HR key features

  • 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.

Globalization Partners key features

  • Global Employer of Record (EOR) services: Allows companies to hire employees in over 180 countries without setting up local entities. This service simplifies international expansion by handling all employment responsibilities.
  • Comprehensive compliance support: Provides extensive legal and compliance assistance to ensure adherence to local labor laws and regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
  • Integrated HR and payroll solutions: Offers a fully integrated suite that includes onboarding, payroll processing, tax filings, and benefits administration, streamlining operations across multiple countries.
  • Customizable reporting and analytics: Provides robust tools for generating detailed reports and analytics on workforce data, allowing businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time insights.
  • Employee self-service tools: Empowers employees with access to manage their personal information, view pay stubs, and submit requests through a user-friendly platform.
  • Automated global expansion platform: A cloud-based system that automates the process of building global teams, from contract generation to benefits administration.
  • G-P Meridian Suite™: Offers various packages like Core and Prime that include EOR services, payroll management, compliance support, and advanced tools for efficient global workforce management.
  • Local expertise: Access to a network of in-country experts who provide valuable insights into local markets and assist with navigating complex regulatory environments.

What benefits do Oyster HR and Globalization Partners offer?

Features are one thing, but how do they actually help your business? Think faster onboarding, fewer compliance headaches, and smoother payroll runs. Let's look at the real benefits you'll get from each provider.

Oyster HR benefits

  • Accelerated market entry: Companies can hire employees in new countries within 48-72 hours through Oyster, compared to 3-6 months required for establishing local business entities.
  • Compliance assurance: Minimizes legal risks with continuous monitoring of local regulations across all operational countries.
  • Reduced expansion costs: Businesses save approximately $50,000-$200,000 per country by avoiding legal entity setup, though Oyster's $599 monthly fee per employee means it's cost-effective primarily for larger teams.
  • Scalability: Supports rapid business growth and expansion into new markets with flexible hiring solutions.
  • Centralized management: Unifies global workforce management in one platform, improving oversight and efficiency.

Globalization Partners benefits

  • Rapid market entry: Facilitates quick expansion into new markets without the need for establishing costly subsidiaries or branch offices.
  • Compliance assurance: Ensures businesses remain compliant with local laws, significantly reducing legal risks associated with international hiring.
  • Cost efficiency: Eliminates the need for in-house HR divisions for international operations, reducing overhead costs while maintaining high standards of service.
  • Scalability: Supports businesses in scaling their operations globally with flexible solutions tailored to their growth needs.
  • Access to global talent: Enables companies to hire top talent from around the world, expanding their talent pool beyond geographical limitations.
  • Streamlined operations: Integrates HR functions such as payroll and benefits into a single platform, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Risk mitigation: Minimizes risks related to employment law violations and compliance issues through expert guidance and support.
  • Enhanced employee experience: Provides employees with self-service tools that improve satisfaction and reduce administrative burdens on HR teams.
  • Comprehensive support: Offers round-the-clock customer service with access to HR and legal experts for timely assistance.
  • Innovative technology platform: Leverages a proprietary cloud-based system that automates many aspects of global expansion, making it easier for companies to manage international teams.

How do Oyster HR and Globalization Partners compare on pricing?

Let's talk money. EOR pricing can be tricky – some providers quote low monthly fees but charge extra for things like setup, onboarding, or additional services. Here's what each provider charges for their main services.

Plan type Oyster HR Globalization Partners
EOR USD 599 /month —
Contractor USD 29 /month USD 39 /month
Payroll USD 25 /month —

What are the pros and cons of Oyster HR vs Globalization Partners?

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 HR

Pros

  • Employee development focus: Oyster Academy provides upskilling platforms and career development resources, making it stand out from basic EOR providers focused only on compliance and payroll.
  • Remote-first platform design: Oyster's interface specifically caters to distributed teams with features like cultural integration tools and virtual onboarding workflows that competitors lack.
  • Global coverage: Oyster operates in 180+ countries with locally-aligned benefits packages, giving companies access to broader talent pools than regional EOR providers.
  • Transparent compliance management: Oyster's platform provides real-time updates on changing labor laws across all operating countries, reducing legal risks for rapidly scaling companies.
  • Integrated cost calculator: Helps businesses estimate employment costs in different countries.
  • Ethical employment standards: Oyster emphasizes fair compensation and social responsibility, appealing to companies prioritizing ethical global expansion over pure cost optimization.

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.
  • Hidden add-on costs: Oyster charges extra for salary bands, visa sponsorship, and premium benefits packages that other providers include in base pricing, undermining their "transparent pricing" claims.
  • Limited self-service options: Oyster requires more human intervention for routine tasks compared to platforms like Deel, potentially slowing down urgent hiring needs.

Globalization Partners

Pros

  • Global presence: Provides access to over 180 countries, enabling businesses to expand quickly and efficiently.
  • Simplified compliance: Handles local labor laws, tax regulations, and employment compliance, reducing the complexity for companies.
  • Fast market entry: Helps businesses onboard employees in new countries within days, accelerating international expansion.
  • Cost efficiency: Eliminates the need for local entities or legal setups, saving time and operational costs.
  • 24/7 customer support: Offers reliable, around-the-clock support for HR, payroll, and compliance challenges.

Cons

  • Limited Customization: Some clients may find the one-size-fits-all approach limiting for specific HR or operational needs.
  • Dependency on third-party providers: Some services may rely on external partners, which could impact service consistency.
  • Lack of in-house control: Businesses might feel a loss of control over employee management and operations due to external handling.

What do customers say about Oyster HR vs Globalization Partners?

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what actual users say about working with these providers – the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Review Platform Oyster HR Globalization Partners
G2
4.3 ★★★★☆ (1180 reviews)
4.5 ★★★★★ (672 reviews)
Trustpilot
4.4 ★★★★☆ (254 reviews)
3.9 ★★★★☆ (57 reviews)
Capterra
4.6 ★★★★★ (91 reviews)
4.6 ★★★★★ (63 reviews)

Last updated: November 2025

Customer Support: Oyster HR vs Globalization Partners

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 when you need them most.

Support Feature Oyster HR Globalization Partners
Support Channels Email, Live Chat Email, Phone, Live Chat
Support Availability Business Hours 24/7

Support features are based on publicly available information and may vary by plan or contract. Contact providers directly for specific support details.

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.

Oyster HR Globalization Partners
Best For Scaling companies focused on remote team success Enterprise companies requiring comprehensive global expansion support with dedicated legal and compliance expertise
EOR Pricing $599 per employee/month -
Contractor Pricing $39 per contractor/month $39 per contractor/month
Country Coverage 180 189
Support Channels Email, Live Chat Email, Phone, Live Chat
Support Availability Business Hours 24/7
EOR Services ✓ ✓
PEO Services ✗ ✗
Global Payroll Management ✓ ✓
Contractor Management ✓ ✓
Compliance Support ✗ ✗
Benefits Management ✓ ✓
Multi-Country Support ✗ ✗
Annual Discount Available Not available
Visit Website Visit Website Visit Website

Which one is right for you?

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 HR if:

Choose Oyster HR if you prioritize employee experience and modern, user-friendly technology at mid-market pricing. Its employee-centric approach makes it particularly attractive for:

  • Mid-market companies (50-500 employees) seeking balance between features and cost
  • Remote-first startups that need strong employee engagement tools and benefits
  • Tech companies scaling internationally that value modern software integrations
  • Organizations prioritizing employee well-being with localized benefits packages
  • Companies wanting dedicated support without enterprise-level pricing

Oyster HR’s strength lies in its focus on employee experience, owned-entity infrastructure for compliance security, and user-friendly platform at $599/employee. If your primary goal is to build an attractive global employer brand while maintaining compliance, Oyster provides a comprehensive, modern solution.

Choose Globalization Partners if:

Choose Globalization Partners if you need enterprise-grade support and comprehensive global expansion consulting. Its premium, full-service approach makes it particularly valuable for:

  • Large enterprises and multinational corporations with complex compliance needs
  • Companies entering high-risk or heavily regulated markets
  • Organizations requiring dedicated account management and strategic consulting
  • Firms in regulated industries needing specialized legal expertise and proactive monitoring
  • HR teams managing large-scale expansions that benefit from centralized, hands-on support

Globalization Partners is built for organizations that need comprehensive compliance management and full-service support. It excels in high-risk markets where legal expertise and proactive monitoring are essential. Enterprises looking for a plug-and-play solution for global hiring, with minimal administrative involvement, will find G-P’s premium services at $900-1,200/employee invaluable despite the higher cost.

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 if these two don't hit the mark.

Explore these alternatives:

Remote

Companies prioritizing risk-free international hiring

$599/mo 186+ countries
Remote Review →

Deel

Fast-growing companies needing global hiring at scale

$599/mo 150+ countries
Deel Review →

Multiplier

Companies Looking for Same-Day Global Hiring & Payments

$400/mo 150+ countries
Multiplier Review →

RemoFirst

Cost-conscious and tight budgets

$199/mo 185+ countries
RemoFirst Review →

Rippling

Tech-forward companies with 50-1000 employees needing integrated HR and IT management

$499/mo 185+ countries
Rippling Review →

Frequently asked questions