Oyster HR and Horizons offer comprehensive solutions for managing international hiring and remote workforces, but their strengths as global employment platforms cater to different business needs.
Based on my extensive experience using both platforms and analyzing user feedback over the past several months, I’ll share insights to help you determine which global employment service best fits your company’s growth trajectory and financial considerations.
Oyster HR stands out with its user-friendly interface and focus on compliance, making it ideal for businesses looking for a straightforward, legally sound solution to global hiring. However, some markets may have higher prices for its services.
In contrast, Horizons offers a more flexible and potentially cost-effective approach, particularly appealing to companies seeking tailored solutions and hands-on support. While Horizons may have a less extensive country network than Oyster HR, it excels in providing personalized service and local expertise in its covered regions.
In this Oyster HR vs. Horizons comparison, I’ll explain the key features of both platforms, explore their ideal use cases, and help you identify situations where each provider might better serve your specific global employment needs.
Oyster HR
Horizons
Overview of Oyster HR and Horizons
Oyster HR is known for its global reach and focus on compliance, making it a strong choice for businesses looking to expand internationally easily. On the other hand, Horizons offers a user-friendly platform with strong customer support, making it appealing for businesses that prioritize a seamless user experience.
Overview of Oyster HR
Oyster HR provides a comprehensive EOR solution that simplifies international hiring and workforce management. The platform is designed to ensure compliance with local labor laws, offering extensive global coverage and a focus on easy onboarding.
- Global Coverage: Operates in over 180 countries, providing a broad international reach.
- Compliance Focus: Ensures adherence to local labor laws and regulations.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for easy navigation and management.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 180+ |
| Number of Employees | 500+ |
| Valuation | Over $1.2 billion |
| Funding | $286 million |
| CEO | Tony Jamous |
| Annual Revenue | Not disclosed |
| Headquarters | Wilmington, DE |
| Customers | Not disclosed |
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 Oyster HR Review
Overview of Horizons
Horizons offers a streamlined EOR service that focuses on user experience and customer support. It is particularly well-suited for businesses that value a straightforward platform with robust support.
- User-Friendly Platform: Intuitive design for easy use.
- Strong Customer Support: Offers dedicated account managers and 24/7 assistance.
- Comprehensive Services: Includes payroll, compliance, and benefits administration.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 180+ |
| Number of Employees | 51-200 employees |
| Valuation | Not disclosed |
| Funding | Not disclosed |
| CEO | Antoine Boquen |
| Annual Revenue | Not disclosed |
| Customers | Not disclosed |
| Headquarters | Singapore |
Also, read our in-depth Horizons Review
Pricing Structure of Oyster HR
Oyster HR offers a flexible pricing model that adapts to your business’s size and needs. Their services are priced to accommodate various business sizes, from startups to large enterprises.
- EOR Services: Starting at $599 per employee per month (annual) or $699 per month (monthly)
- Contractor Services: Free for 30 days, then $29 per contractor per month
- Global Payroll: Starting at $50 per employee per month
- Additional Services: Customized plans available
Oyster HR provides a flexible pricing structure to accommodate businesses of various sizes. Their EOR services include compliance management, payroll processing, and benefits administration globally. The platform also offers a cost-effective solution for managing international contractors.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| EOR Services | Starting from $199 per employee per month |
| Contractor Management | $25 per month per contractor |
| Global Payroll | Starting from $50 per employee per month |
| Additional Services | Quoted separately |
Pricing Structure of Horizons
Horizons provides a straightforward pricing structure designed to be transparent and cost-effective for businesses of all sizes.
- EOR Services: Starting at $299 per employee per month
- Contractor Services: $49 per contractor per month
- Recruitment Services: 2% of the employee’s annual salary
- Additional Services: Custom pricing is available
Horizons offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for small to medium-sized businesses. Their services cover various HR needs, including compliance, payroll, and recruitment assistance.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| EOR Services | Starting from $299 per employee per month |
| Additional Services | Custom pricing based on specific needs |
| Volume Discounts | Available for multiple hires or countries |
Pros and Cons of Oyster HR
Pros
Cons
Pros and Cons of Horizons
Pros
Cons
Oyster HR vs Horizons: Ratings and Reviews Comparison
| Feature | Oyster HR | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.4/5 (649 reviews) | 4.5/5 (128 reviews) |
| Capterra | 4.5/5 (68 reviews) | N/A |
| Trustpilot | 4.6/5 (169 reviews) | 3.9/5 (15 reviews) |
When to Choose Another EOR Provider
While Oyster HR and Horizons offer robust solutions, there are scenarios where another EOR provider might be more suitable:
- Very Small Businesses: Companies with extremely limited budgets might find Oyster HR and Horizons too expensive.
- Highly Specialized Industries: Businesses requiring industry-specific compliance expertise may need a more specialized EOR provider.
- Companies Needing Advanced Analytics: Organizations requiring in-depth data analysis might benefit from providers with more advanced reporting capabilities.
In such cases, alternatives like Deel, Papaya Global, Remote, or Multiplier might be worth considering. These providers offer different strengths and specializations that could better align with specific business needs.
| EOR Alternative | Known For |
|---|---|
| Deel | Comprehensive platform with strong compliance and global payroll capabilities |
| Papaya Global | Advanced analytics and extensive global payroll services |
| Remote | User-friendly platform with strong IP protection and global reach |
| Multiplier | Cost-effective solutions with a focus on the APAC region |
Who I Recommend Using Oyster HR To
Oyster HR is excellent for companies of any size that work heavily with international employees and require strong compliance support.
If you want to build a global workforce focused on equity management and comprehensive benefits, Oyster HR’s platform streamlines hiring and paying employees worldwide.
Oyster HR’s extensive global coverage and robust compliance features make it particularly attractive for mid-sized to large businesses looking to expand into multiple international markets.
The platform’s ability to handle complex compliance across various jurisdictions is valuable for companies expanding into diverse global markets.
Here’s a quick list of the types of businesses that will find Oyster HR useful:
- Mid-sized to large businesses looking for comprehensive global expansion
- Companies requiring strong compliance support across multiple countries
- Organizations offering equity compensation to international employees
- Businesses managing a mix of international contractors and full-time employees
Who I Recommend Using Horizons To
Horizons is ideal for companies focused on user-friendly HR management and seeking cost-effective solutions for global hiring.
It provides a straightforward platform for hiring, onboarding, and managing international employees, with added benefits like recruitment assistance.
Horizons is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses expanding globally on a budget.
Its competitive pricing and comprehensive support make it an attractive option for companies new to international hiring or those prioritizing ease of use in their HR operations.
Here’s a quick list of the types of businesses that will find Horizons useful:
- Small to medium-sized businesses looking for cost-effective global expansion
- Companies prioritizing user-friendly interfaces and strong customer support
- Businesses requiring assistance with international recruitment
- Organizations new to global hiring and needing guidance through the process
Oyster HR vs. Horizons: At a Glance
| Feature | Oyster HR | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| Global Coverage | 180+ countries | 180+ countries |
| EOR Pricing | Starting at $599/employee/month | Starting at $299/employee/month |
| Contractor Pricing | Not specified | $49/contractor/month |
| Key Integrations | Extensive with HR and finance tools | Integrates with various HR systems |
| User Interface | User-friendly | Intuitive and easy to navigate |
| Compliance Management | Strong focus on compliance | Ensures compliance with local laws |
| Payroll Processing | Supports global payroll | Centralizes global payroll |
| Benefits Administration | Includes benefits administration | Offers tailored benefits packages |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support with dedicated account managers | Strong customer support with account managers |
| Customization Options | Custom enterprise solutions available | Flexible service offerings |
| Reporting & Analytics | Not specified | Not specified |
Head-to-Head: How They Compare in Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Rapid International Scaling
When a company needs to hire 50+ employees across multiple countries in just two months:
- Oyster HR: With its extensive global coverage and strong compliance focus, Oyster HR would be well-suited for this scenario. Its comprehensive HR services and real-time compliance updates would be valuable for quickly managing a large, diverse workforce.
- Horizons: While Horizons offers fast onboarding and competitive pricing, it might be challenged by the scale and speed of this scenario. However, its user-friendly interface and recruitment assistance could be attractive for companies prioritizing ease of use.
Scenario 2: Small Business Going Global
For a small e-commerce business dipping its toes into international waters:
- Oyster HR: While Oyster HR offers extensive global coverage and compliance support, its pricing might be prohibitive for a small business just starting its global expansion.
- Horizons: With its competitive pricing and focus on small to medium-sized businesses, Horizons would likely be the better choice here. Its cost-effective solutions and user-friendly platform would be valuable for navigating international hiring for the first time.
Scenario 3: Compliance in Challenging Markets
Both platforms have their strengths regarding compliance:
- Oyster HR: With its strong focus on global compliance and automatic updates, it would excel in managing complex compliance requirements across multiple challenging markets.
- Horizons: While Horizons ensures compliance with local labor laws, its system might not be as robust for particularly challenging markets. However, its dedicated support could be valuable in navigating complex compliance landscapes.
Oyster HR vs. Horizons: Final Thoughts
Both Oyster HR and Horizons offer robust solutions in the EOR space, each with its strengths. Oyster HR stands out with its global reach, strong compliance focus, and equity management features.
It’s an excellent choice for businesses looking for a reliable partner in international expansion, particularly for mid-sized to large companies with complex needs.
With its affordable pricing structure, user-friendly interface, and strong customer support, Horizons is ideal for small- to medium-sized businesses or startups beginning their global expansion journey.
The choice between Oyster HR and Horizons ultimately depends on your business needs, budget, and growth plans. Consider factors such as the scale of your international hiring needs, budget constraints, the complexity of your compliance requirements, and the level of support you need.
Whichever platform you choose, both Oyster HR and Horizons can significantly simplify the process of building and managing a global workforce, allowing you to focus on growing your business across borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the pricing structures of Oyster HR and Horizons compare?
Oyster HR’s pricing for EOR services starts at $599 per employee per month, while Horizons offers a more competitive rate starting at $299 per employee per month.
Oyster HR provides contractor management at $29 per month after a 30-day free trial, whereas Horizons charges $49 per contractor.
What are the key differentiators between Oyster HR and Horizons?
Oyster HR stands out with its strong focus on global compliance, equity management features, and extensive benefits administration. Horizons differentiates itself with a more user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and integrated recruitment services.
Which platform is better for small businesses or startups?
Horizons is generally more suitable for small businesses and startups due to its lower pricing and user-friendly interface.
However, if a small business requires advanced compliance features or equity management, Oyster HR might be the better choice despite the higher cost.
How do Oyster HR and Horizons compare in terms of global coverage?
Oyster HR and Horizons offer services in over 180 countries, providing extensive global coverage. The choice between them in this aspect may come from specific country expertise or the depth of services offered in particular regions.
What types of businesses are best suited for each platform?
Oyster HR is best suited for mid-sized to large businesses with complex compliance needs, those offering equity compensation, and companies expanding into multiple international markets.
Horizons is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for cost-effective solutions, those new to international hiring, and companies that value straightforward, user-friendly platforms with integrated recruitment support.