TLDR: Budget-Friendly vs Full-Service EOR Solutions
- Remofirst: If you’re running a small to medium-sized business and you’re looking for a hassle-free way to hire globally, this is the right choice for you. Get started with Remofirst
- Horizons: Simplify international hiring with streamlined onboarding processes and adaptable solutions, backed by expert support and compliance management. See Horizon’s pricing plans
Remofirst and Horizons offer compelling solutions for managing international hiring and remote workforces, but their strengths as Employer of Record (EOR) providers cater to different business needs.
Drawing on my extensive experience with both platforms and a thorough analysis of user feedback, I’ll provide insights to help you determine which EOR service best aligns with your company’s growth objectives and budgetary constraints.
Remofirst is known for its affordability and comprehensive EOR services, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to expand globally. Its focus on cost-effectiveness and essential features makes it appealing to startups and smaller enterprises.
In contrast, Horizons excels with its user-friendly interface and exceptional customer support, making it an ideal choice for businesses new to global hiring. While it may not offer the same level of advanced features and customization as some competitors, its simplicity and comprehensive support are highly valued by small to medium-sized companies.
In this Remofirst vs. Horizons comparison, I’ll explore the key features of both platforms, delve into their ideal use cases, and help you identify scenarios where an alternative provider might better meet your specific requirements.
RemoFirst
Country Coverage: 185+
G2 Rating: 4.5/5
EOR Pricing: $199 per employee/month
Contractor Pricing: $25 per contractor/month
Horizons
Country Coverage: 180
G2 Rating: 4.5/5
EOR Pricing: $299 per employee/month
Contractor Pricing: $49 per contractor/month
Overview of Remofirst and Horizons
Overview of Remofirst
Remofirst is known for its competitive pricing and comprehensive services, supporting hiring in over 180 countries. It offers payroll management, compliance, health insurance, and visa support, making it an attractive option for small to medium enterprises looking to scale globally.
- Global Coverage: Supports hiring in over 180 countries.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Offers competitive pricing.
- Comprehensive EOR Services: Includes payroll, compliance, and health insurance.
- Dedicated Support: Provides 24/7 customer assistance with dedicated success managers.
Company Information
Also, read our in-depth Remofirst Review
Overview of Horizons
Horizons specializes in simplifying international business expansion by offering a wide range of EOR services, including payroll, compliance, and benefits administration. It is tailored for companies looking to expand quickly and efficiently into new markets.
- Global Reach: Operates in numerous countries with a focus on emerging markets.
- Streamlined Onboarding: Offers quick and efficient onboarding processes.
- Comprehensive Compliance: Ensures adherence to local labor laws.
- Flexible Solutions: Provides tailored services to meet specific business needs.
Company Information
Also, read our in-depth Horizons Review
Key Features of Remofirst
RemoFirst platform offers several key features designed to streamline international employment. Here’s a detailed look at what the service provides:
- Global employment services: RemoFirst functions as the legal employer in 180+ countries, handling all the paperwork and compliance so companies don’t have to establish foreign entities. They generate compliant employment contracts, register employees with local authorities, and ensure adherence to local labor laws. RemoFirst maintains consistent pricing across all supported countries.
- Multi-Currency payroll processing: RemoFirst calculates and processes payroll in 100+ currencies, handling tax withholdings, social contributions, and mandatory deductions based on local requirements. The system supports monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly payment cycles, with monthly being the standard for most countries.
- Global contractor management: For $25 per contractor monthly, RemoFirst provides compliant contractor agreements, handles invoicing, and manages payments in local currencies. The contractor dashboard is separate from the employee section but follows a similar workflow.
- Benefits administration:RemoFirst’s RemoHealth program offers standardized health plans across all countries, with options to add dental and vision coverage. The platform also supports equipment provisioning, allowing companies to purchase and ship laptops and other tools to remote team members.
- Compliance management: The platform automatically handles tax filings, statutory requirements, and employment law compliance across all countries. This includes managing paid time off policies, parental leave, termination requirements, and other country-specific regulations.
- Time off management: Employees can request time off through the platform, with automatic calculations based on local entitlements. Managers receive notifications and can approve/deny requests directly in the system. The calendar view makes it easy to see team availability.
Key Features of Horizons
Horizons platform offers several key features designed to streamline international employment. Here’s a detailed look at what the service provides:
- Global Coverage: Operates in over 180 countries, providing extensive international reach for businesses.
- Comprehensive HR Management: Handles all aspects of employee lifecycle, from onboarding to offboarding.
- Global Payroll Processing: Manages payroll across multiple countries, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
- Compliance Management: Focuses on keeping businesses compliant with local labor laws and regulations in all operating countries.
- Benefits Administration: Offers tailored benefits packages aligned with local market standards and expectations.
- Recruitment Services: Provides support in talent acquisition and hiring processes across different markets.
- Visa and Immigration Support: Assists with navigating complex visa and immigration requirements for international hires.
Benefits of Using Remofirst
The benefits of using RemoFirst are:
- Cost savings: Companies typically save 60-75% on international employment costs compared to premium EOR providers. A 10-person international team costs $1,990 monthly with RemoFirst versus $5,990 with other providers—saving nearly $48,000 annually.
- Reduced global expansion costs: Companies avoid the $15,000-$50,000 typically spent establishing each foreign entity, plus the ongoing compliance costs of maintaining those entities (approximately $20,000-$40,000 annually per country).
- Accelerated market entry: Rather than spending 3-6 months setting up legal entities, companies can hire talent in new countries within a week. This rapid deployment capability helps businesses respond quickly to market opportunities.
- Minimized compliance risk: Companies avoid potential penalties and legal issues through continuous monitoring of changing regulations across all countries. Employment law violations typically cost $10,000-$100,000 per incident, not including potential business disruption.
- Simplified global payroll: By automating payroll calculations and tax withholdings across multiple currencies, RemoFirst eliminates one of the most complex aspects of international employment. Companies save approximately 15-20 hours per pay period of manual calculation work.
- Operational flexibility: he pay-as-you-go model with no minimum commitments lets businesses scale their international workforce up or down as needed. This flexibility is particularly valuable for project-based businesses, seasonal operations, or companies testing new markets.
- Benefits Administration: Companies can offer comprehensive health benefits to employees worldwide through a single platform, enhancing recruitment competitiveness without the complexity of navigating multiple local providers.
Benefits of Using Horizons
The benefits of using Horizons are:
- 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.
Pricing and Plans
Remofirst Pricing
Remofirst offers a flexible pricing structure that caters to businesses of various sizes, from startups to established companies expanding globally. Here is a detailed breakdown of their pricing:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $199 per employee/month |
| Contractor Management Pricing | $25 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Not available |
Remofirst’s pricing structure makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes looking to hire globally. Whether you’re a small startup hiring your first international employee or a growing company managing a global workforce, Remofirst’s pricing can scale to meet your needs.
Horizons Pricing
Horizons provides flexible pricing tailored to the specific needs of your business:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $299 per employee/month |
| Contractor Management Pricing | $49 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Not available |
Horizons’ pricing model is designed to be flexible and scalable, accommodating businesses of various sizes and needs. The custom pricing approach allows companies to pay for only the required services, potentially offering cost savings for businesses with specific or limited needs.
Pros and Cons of Remofirst
Pros
- Lowest EOR pricing available:RemoFirst charges just $199 per employee monthly, making it 60-75% cheaper than competitors like Deel ($599) and Remote ($599). This price difference makes global hiring accessible even for companies with tight budgets.
- Rapid employee onboarding: RemoFirst typically completes employee setup within 5-7 business days across all countries, compared to the 3-6 months needed to establish your own local entities. According to user reports, most employees are fully onboarded within a week.
- Comprehensive compliance handling: The platform manages all local employment regulations, tax filings, and statutory requirements in every country, eliminating compliance risks that typically cost companies $10,000+ in penalties per violation.
- Budget-friendly contractor management: Beyond EOR services, RemoFirst offers contractor payments and management for just $25 monthly per contractor, significantly undercutting Deel ($49) and most other providers by 40-50%.
- No hidden cost surprises: Unlike many competitors who charge different rates by country or add unexpected fees, RemoFirst maintains consistent global pricing with no setup fees, deposits, or minimum commitments. What you see is what you pay.
- Global benefits administration: Companies can provide employees standardized health insurance (including vision and dental) across all countries through the RemoHealth program, boosting recruitment competitiveness without navigating multiple local providers.
- Easy-to-learn interface: The platform has a clean, minimal design that requires little training for HR staff, with most users able to navigate core functions within their first session. This saves countless hours on tool adoption.
Cons
- Basic reporting capabilities: RemoFirst’s analytics tools lack the depth found in enterprise options like Rippling, offering only fundamental workforce data without customizable dashboards or visualization options. Companies need separate tools for advanced workforce analytics.
- Limited integration ecosystem: The platform supports fewer third-party integrations than established competitors, potentially creating manual work when connecting with popular HRIS, accounting, and payroll systems. Users report difficulties connecting with some project management software.
- Early-stage platform limitations: As a newer EOR provider founded in 2021, RemoFirst is still developing features that established competitors already offer, including multi-country payroll consolidation and advanced tax planning tools.
- Minimal country-specific customization: The platform offers limited localization options for employment contracts and policies, potentially creating challenges for companies with highly specialized regional requirements or those operating in highly regulated industries.
Pros and Cons of Horizons
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive platform that’s easy to navigate and use.
- Extensive Global Coverage: Presence in over 180 countries provides broad international reach.
- Tailored Benefits Packages: Customizes employee benefits to align with local standards and expectations.
- Strong Compliance Focus: Emphasizes keeping businesses compliant with local regulations.
- Flexible Pricing Model: Offers competitive pricing with options to suit different business needs.
- Dedicated Support: Provides personalized assistance through dedicated account managers.
Cons
- Potentially Higher Costs for Scaling: May become more expensive for rapidly growing businesses with increasing employee numbers.
- Limited Regional Coverage: Despite broad global presence, coverage might be limited in certain specific regions.
- Possible Overwhelm for Small Businesses: The comprehensive nature of services might be more than necessary for very small companies or those with simple needs.
User Data Security and Compliance
Protecting sensitive employee information and adhering to international regulations is crucial. Remofirst and Horizons have implemented robust security measures and compliance protocols, but their approaches differ in several key aspects.
Remofirst
Remofirst has built its security infrastructure with a focus on data protection and regulatory compliance:
- Data Encryption: Employs military-grade AES-256 encryption for data at rest and TLS 1.3 for data in transit.
- Cloud Infrastructure: Leverages Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its cloud infrastructure, benefiting from AWS’s advanced security features and global data center network.
- Access Control: Implements strict role-based access control (RBAC) and enforces the principle of least privilege.
- Regular Security Assessments: Conducts quarterly vulnerability assessments and annual penetration testing by third-party security firms.
- Compliance Certifications:
- SOC 2 Type II compliant, ensuring robust security, availability, and confidentiality controls.
- GDPR and CCPA compliant, addressing key data protection regulations.
- Data Retention: Provides configurable data retention policies to meet various regulatory requirements.
- Incident Response: Maintains a comprehensive incident response plan with 24/7 monitoring.
Remofirst’s approach to global compliance includes a dedicated team that continuously monitors changes in international labor laws. The team provides country-specific compliance alerts and updates to its clients, helping them navigate the complexities of global employment regulations.
Horizons
Horizons takes a comprehensive, risk-based approach to security and compliance:
- Encryption Protocols: Utilizes AES-256 encryption for data at rest and TLS 1.2 or higher for data in transit.
- Multi-Cloud Strategy: Employs a multi-cloud approach, distributing data across multiple providers to enhance resilience and data sovereignty options.
- Identity Management: Uses advanced identity and access management (IAM) tools with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) capabilities.
- Continuous Monitoring: Implements AI-driven threat detection and response systems for real-time security monitoring.
- Compliance Framework:
- ISO 27001 certified, demonstrating a systematic approach to information security management.
- GDPR, CCPA, and APPI compliant, covering a broad spectrum of global data protection regulations.
- Conducts annual ISAE 3402 Type II audits, ensuring robust controls over financial reporting and data processing.
- Data Localization: Offers data residency options in multiple geographic locations to meet specific regulatory requirements.
- Third-Party Risk Management: Implements a comprehensive vendor risk assessment program to ensure data protection throughout its supply chain.
Horizons’ compliance strategy is particularly noteworthy for its global scope. They maintain a network of in-country legal experts who provide real-time updates on local employment laws and regulations. This allows Horizons to offer proactive compliance guidance to their clients, helping them stay ahead of regulatory changes in each jurisdiction where they operate.
| Feature | Remofirst | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Standard | AES-256, TLS 1.3 | AES-256, TLS 1.2+ |
| Cloud Infrastructure | AWS | Multi-cloud |
| SOC 2 Compliance | Type II | Not specified |
| ISO 27001 Certification | No | Yes |
| GDPR Compliance | Yes | Yes |
| AI-driven Threat Detection | No | Yes |
| Data Residency Options | Limited | Extensive |
| Compliance Support | Country-specific alerts | Global expert network |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
When comparing RemoFirst and Horizons’s ratings across G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot, the following scores and review volumes provide insight into user satisfaction levels:
| Review Platform | RemoFirst | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.5/5 (147 reviews) | 4.5/5 (134 reviews) |
| Trustpilot | 4/5 (10 reviews) | 3.9/5 (15 reviews) |
| Capterra | 5/5 (2 reviews) | 0/5 (0 reviews) |
Remofirst vs. Horizons: Summary
A detailed summary of the comparison of RemoFirst and Horizons:
| Feature | RemoFirst | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Cost-Conscious and Tight Budgets | Asia-Pacific Focused Companies Requiring Local Expertise |
| EOR Pricing | $199 per employee/month | $299 per employee/month |
| Contractor Pricing | $25 per employee/month | $49 per employee/month |
| Country Coverage | 185+ | 180 |
| Support Channels | Email, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat |
| Support Availability | 24/7 | Business Hours |
| G2 Rating | 4.5/5 (147 reviews) | 4.5/5 (134 reviews) |
| Capterra Rating | 5/5 (2 reviews) | No Reviews |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4/5 (10 reviews) | 3.9/5 (15 reviews) |
| Partnership Discount | 1 Month Free | N/A |
| Visit Website | Visit Website |
Recommendations
When evaluating global employment solutions, Remofirst and Horizons present distinct offerings, each catering to different business needs and scales of operation. Choosing between these platforms requires thoroughly assessing your company’s global hiring strategy, budget constraints, and long-term international expansion goals.
Who do I recommend using Remofirst to?
Remofirst is excellent for companies of any size that work heavily with international employees and contractors. If you’re looking to build a global workforce, Remofirst’s platform streamlines the process of hiring and paying employees from around the globe.
Its competitive pricing and extensive global coverage make Remofirst particularly attractive for small businesses and startups looking to test international markets without a significant financial commitment. The platform’s ability to handle compliance across multiple jurisdictions is valuable for companies expanding into diverse global markets.
Here’s a quick list of the types of businesses that will find Remofirst useful:
- Small to medium-sized businesses looking for cost-effective global expansion
- Startups needing to hire internationally on a budget
- Companies requiring broad global coverage (180+ countries)
- Businesses managing a mix of international contractors and full-time employees
Who do I recommend using Horizons to?
Horizons is ideal for companies focused on comprehensive HR management and seeking alternatives to traditional hiring solutions. It excels in end-to-end HR support, from hiring to benefits management, and offers robust resources for managing remote employees.
Horizons is particularly well-suited for businesses expanding into emerging markets or those requiring tailored solutions for specific regions. Its flexibility in service offerings and strong focus on compliance make it a good choice for companies prioritizing risk management in their global expansion.
Here’s a quick list of the types of businesses that will find Horizons useful:
- Companies expanding into emerging markets
- Businesses requiring flexible, tailored HR solutions
- Organizations prioritizing strong compliance and risk management
- Medium to large enterprises needing comprehensive global HR support
When to consider other EOR providers?
While Remofirst and Horizons cover a wide range of global employment needs, there are scenarios where exploring other providers might be beneficial:
- Integration capabilities: If seamless integration with your existing HR tech stack is crucial, you might need to look for providers offering more extensive API capabilities.
- Specialized regional focus: A provider with deep local expertise might be preferable if your expansion plans center on a specific region.
- Industry-specific requirements: Some sectors have unique compliance needs that specialized EOR providers might better address.
Here’s a table of alternative EOR providers to consider:
| Provider | Ideal For | Unique Selling Point |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Tech startups with global ambitions | Supports crypto payments and tailored for remote-first companies |
| Oyster HR | Companies focusing on building distributed teams | Emphasis on remote work culture and global talent acquisition |
| Papaya Global | Large enterprises with complex payroll needs | Advanced workforce analytics and payroll automation |
| Remote | Businesses prioritizing IP protection | Owned legal entities in multiple countries for enhanced IP security |
| Atlas HXM | Organizations seeking strategic HR guidance | Focus on human experience management and advisory services |
| Multiplier | Companies targeting Asia-Pacific markets | Specialized knowledge and network in APAC region |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Remofirst and Horizons compare in terms of global coverage?
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.
Which platform is more cost-effective for small businesses?
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.
How do Remofirst and Horizons handle compliance across different countries?
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.
Can I manage both contractors and full-time employees on these platforms?
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.
What kind of customer support can I expect from Remofirst and Horizons?
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.