Remofirst vs Horizons: Which EOR is Best for You?
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
RemoFirst vs Horizons: quick comparison
Short on time? Here are the key differences between RemoFirst and Horizons at a glance.
 | | |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | $199/per employee/month | $299/per employee/month |
| Contractor pricing | $25/per employee/month | $249/per employee/month |
| Overall rating | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Countries | 185+ | 130+ |
| Visit site | Visit site |
EOR pricing
$199/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$25/per employee/month
Overall rating
9.3/10
Countries
185+
EOR pricing
$299/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$249/per employee/month
Overall rating
8.4/10
Countries
130+
Let me be honest: choosing between RemoFirst and Horizons for global hiring is trickier than most comparison articles make it seem. You’ll find plenty of country coverage comparisons and service descriptions, but what really matters is understanding how each platform handles a fundamental value proposition difference – like when you need absolute bare-bones pricing at $199 per employee versus paying $299 for integrated recruitment services that actually help you find the talent, dealing with simple EOR basics versus comprehensive talent acquisition support, or figuring out if Horizons’ in-house recruiting team and personalized assistance justify spending $100 more per employee monthly.
I’ve been helping companies navigate global expansion for the past few years, and I keep seeing the same thing: businesses compare these two because both offer affordable EOR services, then realize six months later that RemoFirst’s rock-bottom pricing came without recruitment support they desperately needed. RemoFirst built its reputation on being the industry’s most affordable EOR at $199 per employee with straightforward employment services, while Horizons positioned itself around value-added services including in-house recruitment teams that help companies actually find and hire international talent. Both approaches have merit, but they serve different hiring scenarios and resource availability.
The real decision comes down to your recruitment capabilities: RemoFirst works best when you already have talent sourcing handled and simply need the cheapest possible EOR services at $199 per employee for straightforward employment and compliance, while Horizons delivers better results for companies needing integrated recruitment support at $299 per employee that includes talent acquisition assistance from in-house recruiters operating across global markets. However, your existing recruitment resources, need for talent sourcing versus pure employment services, and whether you value absolute lowest cost over comprehensive hiring support will determine which trade-offs actually matter for your situation.
My goal is to help you understand how these platforms actually perform in practice, so you can decide if RemoFirst’s $199 pricing and no-frills approach suit your DIY recruitment needs, or if Horizons’ $299 price point with integrated recruitment services and personalized support better serves companies needing end-to-end hiring assistance.
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What is RemoFirst?
RemoFirst is an Employer of Record (EOR) service that lets companies hire and pay international employees without setting up local legal entities. Founded in 2021 by Nurasyl Serik and Volodymyr Fedoriv, this San Francisco company has attracted smaller businesses and startups with $39 million in funding.
When you use RemoFirst, they technically "hire" through their local entities in 180+ countries. RemoFirst handles the legal employment paperwork, local tax compliance, payroll processing, and benefits administration, while you manage the day-to-day work. This setup saves the 3-6 months and $15,000-$50,000 usually needed to set up foreign entities.
The platform serves two main purposes:
- Full EOR services for companies hiring employees internationally
- Contractor management for businesses working with global freelancers
| Founded | 2020 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco |
| CEO | Nurasyl Serik |
| Employees | 10001+ |
| Total funding | $0.0B |
What is Horizons?
Horizons is a global Employer of Record (EOR) platform that streamlines hiring, managing, and paying international employees. With Horizons, businesses can expand their global workforce without setting up local entities in foreign countries. The platform offers a comprehensive solution that simplifies the complexities of international employment and ensures compliance with local laws and regulations.
One of Horizons' key features is its user-friendly interface. The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Whether a small startup or a large corporation, you can easily manage your international team through Horizons' web-based platform.
Horizons provides a range of services to support businesses in their global expansion. These include:
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- Onboarding: Horizons handles the onboarding process for new hires, including contract generation, background checks, and compliance with local employment laws.
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- Payroll: The platform manages payroll for international employees, ensuring accurate and timely payments in local currencies.
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- Benefits: Horizons offers a range of benefits packages tailored to the needs of international employees, including health insurance, pension plans, and more.
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- Compliance: The platform ensures compliance with local employment laws and regulations, minimizing businesses' risk of legal issues.
In addition to its core services, Horizons also offers exceptional customer support. The platform provides dedicated account managers who can answer questions and provide guidance throughout employment. This level of personalized support sets Horizons apart from other EOR providers and ensures a smooth experience for businesses and their international employees.
| Founded | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Singapore |
What are the key features of RemoFirst vs Horizons?
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.
RemoFirst key features
RemoFirst acts as the legal employer in 185+ countries. They create employment contracts, register employees with local authorities, and manage tax withholdings and social contributions. One price across all countries.
Processes payroll in 100+ currencies with automatic tax withholdings and mandatory deductions. Supports monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly payment cycles.
Creates compliant contractor agreements and manages payments in local currencies across 150+ countries for $25 per contractor monthly. Separate contractor dashboard follows the same workflow as employee management.
RemoHealth provides standardized health insurance across all countries, with optional dental and vision coverage. Handles equipment provisioning for laptops and tools shipped to remote team members.
Handles tax filings, paid time off policies, parental leave, termination requirements, and other country-specific employment regulations automatically.
Employees request time off through the platform. Automatic calculations based on local entitlements. Managers approve or deny requests directly in the system with calendar view showing team availability.
Horizons key features
Operates in over 180 countries, providing extensive international reach for businesses.
Handles all aspects of employee lifecycle, from onboarding to offboarding.
Manages payroll across multiple countries, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Focuses on keeping businesses compliant with local labor laws and regulations in all operating countries.
Offers tailored benefits packages aligned with local market standards and expectations.
Provides support in talent acquisition and hiring processes across different markets.
Assists with navigating complex visa and immigration requirements for international hires.
What benefits do RemoFirst and Horizons 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.
RemoFirst benefits
Major cost savings
A 10-person team costs $1,990 monthly with RemoFirst versus $5,990 with Deel or Remote. That's $48,000 in annual savings.
Avoided expansion costs
Setting up a foreign entity costs $15,000-$50,000 upfront, plus $20,000-$40,000 annually for compliance. RemoFirst eliminates both.
Faster market entry
Setting up legal entities takes 3-6 months. RemoFirst onboards employees in 5-7 business days across all countries.
Reduced compliance risk
Employment law violations cost $10,000-$100,000 per incident. RemoFirst monitors changing regulations across all countries automatically.
Simplified global payroll
Automated payroll calculations and tax withholdings across multiple currencies save 15-20 hours per pay period of manual work.
Business flexibility
No minimum commitments or long-term contracts. Add or remove employees as projects change or when testing new markets.
Benefits administration
RemoHealth provides standardized health insurance across all countries. Offer dental and vision coverage without managing multiple local providers.
Horizons benefits
Simplified global expansion
Enables quick entry into new markets without the need to establish local entities.
Risk mitigation
Strong focus on compliance reduces legal and regulatory risks associated with international employment.
Cost efficiency
Eliminates the need for setting up local subsidiaries, potentially reducing expansion costs.
Time savings
Streamlines HR processes, allowing businesses to focus on core activities rather than administrative tasks.
Flexibility
Offers tailored solutions to meet specific business needs and adapt to different market requirements.
Access to global talent
Facilitates hiring and managing international employees, broadening the talent pool.
Local expertise
Provides insights and guidance on local employment practices and cultural nuances.
Scalability
Supports business growth with the ability to quickly hire in new markets as needed.
How do RemoFirst and Horizons 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 | $199/per employee/month | $299/per employee/month |
| Contractor management | $25/per employee/month | $249/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 RemoFirst vs Horizons?
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.
RemoFirst
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Lowest EOR pricing available
RemoFirst charges $199 across 185+ countries. Deel charges $599 and Remote charges $645 for the same service.
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Fast employee onboarding
Most employees start working within a week. Setting up your own entities takes 3-6 months.
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Complete compliance handling
They manage local employment regulations, tax filings, and statutory requirements in every country.
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Affordable contractor management
Contractor payments cost $25 monthly. Deel charges $49 for contractor management.
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No surprise costs
One price across all countries with no setup fees, deposits, or minimums.
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Global benefits program
Standardized health insurance across all countries without navigating multiple local providers.
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Simple interface
Most HR staff navigate core functions in their first session without training.
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Limited reporting
Analytics cover basic workforce data only. No custom dashboards or advanced visualization. You'll need separate tools for detailed workforce analysis.
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Fewer integrations
Supports fewer third-party connections than Deel, Remote, or Rippling. Expect manual work connecting HRIS, accounting, and payroll systems.
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Missing features (young platform)
Founded in 2021, RemoFirst lacks multi-country payroll consolidation and tax planning tools that older competitors offer.
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Limited country customization
Few localization options for employment contracts and policies. Challenging for companies with specialized regional requirements or highly regulated industries.
Horizons
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User-friendly interface
Offers an intuitive platform that's easy to navigate and use.
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Extensive global coverage
Presence in over 180 countries provides broad international reach.
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Tailored benefits packages
Customizes employee benefits to align with local standards and expectations.
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Strong compliance focus
Emphasizes keeping businesses compliant with local regulations.
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Flexible pricing model
Offers competitive pricing with options to suit different business needs.
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Dedicated support
Provides personalized assistance through dedicated account managers.
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Potentially higher costs for scaling
May become more expensive for rapidly growing businesses with increasing employee numbers.
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Limited regional coverage
Despite broad global presence, coverage might be limited in certain specific regions.
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Possible overwhelm for small businesses
The comprehensive nature of services might be more than necessary for very small companies or those with simple needs.
What do customers say about RemoFirst vs Horizons?
Don't just take my word for it. Here's what actual users say about working with these providers on major review platforms.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.6 251 reviews | 4.7 285 reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.2 64 reviews | 4.7 83 reviews |
| Capterra | 5.0 2 reviews | 4.9 64 reviews |
| Glassdoor | 4.4 33 reviews | 4.7 80 reviews |
Ratings sourced directly from each platform. Last updated February 2026.
Customer support: RemoFirst vs Horizons
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 | 24/7 | Business Hours |
| Dedicated account manager | No | No |
| Self-service resources | No | No |
| Community forum | No | No |
How do RemoFirst and Horizons 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 |  RemoFirst | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | From $199/mo | From $299/mo |
| Countries | 185+ | 130+ |
| Overall rating | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 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 RemoFirst if:
Choose RemoFirst if you prioritize absolute lowest pricing and already have recruitment capabilities handled internally or through other channels. Its bare-bones approach makes it particularly attractive for:
- Ultra-budget-conscious startups (5-50 employees) needing the industry’s absolute lowest EOR pricing at $199 per employee monthly
- Companies with existing recruitment teams or agencies handling talent sourcing who only need employment and compliance services
- Organizations hiring through referrals, existing networks, or other talent channels where recruitment support provides no additional value
- Businesses requiring the simplest possible platform with minimal features and straightforward 24/5 support rather than personalized assistance
- Cost-focused companies hiring contractors at $25 per month where every dollar saved directly impacts runway and growth trajectory
RemoFirst’s industry-leading affordability and transparent pricing make it well-suited for companies with DIY recruitment capabilities who only need basic EOR services. The platform’s straightforward approach enables ultra-budget-conscious organizations to expand globally at the absolute lowest cost without paying for recruitment services they don’t need. If your primary goal is rock-bottom EOR pricing and you already have talent sourcing handled, RemoFirst provides essential employment services at $199 per employee across 185+ countries.
Choose Horizons if:
Choose Horizons if you need integrated recruitment services alongside EOR employment and can justify $100 more per employee for end-to-end hiring support. Its value-added approach makes it particularly attractive for:
- Growing companies (20-200 employees) needing both talent sourcing and employment services from a single provider rather than juggling multiple vendors
- Organizations without established recruitment teams or international hiring expertise requiring in-house recruiter support across global markets
- Companies expanding into new markets where local talent networks and recruitment knowledge provide significant competitive advantages
- Businesses valuing personalized, hands-on support and user-friendly interfaces over bare-bones platforms and basic customer service
- Teams hiring for specialized roles where Horizons’ in-house recruiters operating across 180+ countries accelerate time-to-hire significantly
Horizons’ integrated recruitment services and personalized support make it particularly attractive for companies needing comprehensive hiring assistance beyond basic employment. The platform’s in-house recruiting team and user-friendly interface provide value for organizations where talent acquisition support and hands-on guidance justify spending $100 more per employee. If your primary goal is end-to-end hiring services including recruitment alongside EOR employment, Horizons provides comprehensive solutions starting at $299 per employee with integrated talent acquisition support.
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.
Remote
Companies who want strong protection of intellectual property (IP) and legal risk coverage when hiring internationally
Read review
Deel
Growing companies scaling internationally with a mix of contractors and full-time employees
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
Remofirst and Horizons offer extensive global coverage, each supporting operations in over 180 countries. This broad reach allows businesses to hire employees and contractors in most parts of the world. However, Horizons may have a slight edge in emerging markets due to its focus on these regions.
Remofirst is generally more cost-effective for small businesses, with EOR services starting at $199 per monthly employee. Horizons’ pricing starts at $299 per employee per month. For businesses on a tight budget or just starting their global expansion, Remofirst’s lower entry point could be more attractive.
Both platforms prioritize compliance, but their approaches differ slightly:
Remofirst offers strong compliance support with automatic updates to align businesses with local laws and regulations. Their system is designed to handle compliance across their 180+ supported countries.
Horizons provides comprehensive compliance management across various jurisdictions, with a particular strength in emerging markets. They offer tailored solutions to navigate complex regulatory environments, which can be especially valuable for businesses expanding into challenging markets.
Yes, both Remofirst and Horizons support the management of contractors and full-time employees:
Remofirst offers contractor management starting at $25 per contractor per month, in addition to their EOR services for full-time employees.
Horizons also provides services for both contractors and full-time employees, though specific pricing for contractor management isn’t publicly listed.
Remofirst offers 24/7 customer support, which can be beneficial for businesses operating across different time zones. However, some users have reported that response times can be slower compared to other providers.
Horizons provides dedicated support with a reputation for being responsive and patient. They offer personalized assistance, which can be particularly helpful for businesses navigating complex international hiring situations or those new to global expansion.
Both platforms aim to provide comprehensive support, but Horizons may have an edge in personalized, hands-on assistance, while Remofirst offers the advantage of round-the-clock availability.
Still not sure?
Get a free, personalized recommendation based on your team size, budget, and hiring countries.