TLDR: Value-Focused vs Feature-Packed EOR
- Remofirst: Affordable and easy-to-use EOR platform designed for SMBs. Try out Remofirst now
- Velocity Global: Ideal for demanding businesses with unique requirements, this platform offers extensive features, expert compliance support, and a flexible pricing model. Find out more about Velocity Global
Remofirst and Velocity Global 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.
The main difference between Remofirst and Velocity Global is their focus and scalability. Remofirst excels in providing cost-effective EOR services for small to medium-sized businesses. At the same time, Velocity Global offers a more comprehensive suite of services suitable for larger enterprises with complex global workforce needs.
Remofirst 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. In this review, I’ll share insights on when Remofirst is the right choice for expanding or managing an international workforce and when you might want to consider alternative EOR services.
On the other hand, Velocity Global’s integrated approach—combining HR, IT, and Finance solutions—offers a highly versatile platform for managing a global workforce. While its extensive customization options can be a powerful asset, they may also be overwhelming for businesses with more straightforward needs. Despite its ease of use and the comprehensive tools it provides, Velocity Global’s modular pricing could benefit from greater transparency, and there is a learning curve involved.
In this review, I’ll delve into Velocity Global’s key features and potential drawbacks, mainly focusing on its EOR service. I’ll also recommend ideal use cases for Velocity Global and suggest alternatives for organizations with more limited HR requirements.
By comparing Remofirst’s strengths and weaknesses with Velocity Global’s, I aim to help you determine which platform best meets your business needs, whether you’re managing a small startup or a large enterprise with complex global operations.
Remofirst
Velocity Global
Overview of Remofirst and Velocity Global
Remofirst and Velocity Global are prominent players in the global employment solutions market. They offer Employer of Record (EOR) services to help companies hire and manage international employees. We’ve chosen to compare these two platforms because they represent different approaches to global workforce management, catering to varying business sizes and needs.
Remofirst is known for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for small to medium-sized businesses looking to expand globally. The platform offers a streamlined approach to international hiring, payroll management, and compliance.
Velocity Global, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive suite of services, including talent acquisition, immigration support, and access to international coworking spaces. Its extensive global reach and advanced features suit larger enterprises with complex international workforce needs.
Overview of Remofirst: Best For Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
Remofirst is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking to expand globally without the complexity and cost of establishing their legal entities in foreign countries. The platform offers a user-friendly interface and competitive pricing, making it accessible for companies with limited resources.
Key features of Remofirst include:
- Global payroll management
- Compliance assistance
- Total workforce management
- Optional visa and immigration services
- Background checks
Remofirst is best suited for companies prioritizing cost-effectiveness and ease of use in their global expansion efforts. Its straightforward pricing model and comprehensive EOR services make it an attractive option for businesses new to international hiring.
Company Information
- Headquarters: San Francisco, United States
- Founders: Nurasyl Serik and Volodymyr Fedoriv
- Funding: Over $39 million
- Founding Date: 2021
Read more in our Remofirst Review
Overview of Velocity Global: Best For Large Enterprises with Complex Needs
Velocity Global is a robust platform designed for larger enterprises with complex global workforce needs. It offers many services beyond basic EOR functionality, including talent acquisition, immigration support, and access to international coworking spaces.
Key features of Velocity Global include:
- Comprehensive EOR services
- Talent acquisition and recruitment
- Immigration sponsorship support
- Access to international coworking spaces
- Proprietary technology platform
Velocity Global is ideal for large enterprises that require a comprehensive solution for managing a global workforce. Its extensive feature set and customization options suit companies with complex international hiring and management needs.
Company Information
- Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States
- Founders: Ben Wright
- Funding: Over $400 million raised
- Founding Date: 2014
Key Features of Remofirst
Remofirst offers 10 key features that set it apart.
These key features include:
- Competitive Pricing: Starting at $199 per employee per month for EOR services and $25 per contractor per month for contractor management. This makes Remofirst one of the most affordable EOR solutions in the market.
- Global Coverage: Provides EOR services in over 180 countries, offering extensive global reach for businesses looking to expand internationally.
- User-Friendly Platform: An intuitive dashboard that provides a clear overview of employees, contractors, and associated costs, making it easy for businesses to manage their global workforce.
- Compliance Management: Ensures adherence to local labor laws and regulations across all countries, handling tax filings and statutory requirements to keep businesses compliant.
- Automated Payroll Processing: Calculates payroll including taxes, social contributions, and benefits automatically, supporting multiple currencies for global payments.
- Fast Onboarding: Streamlined employee onboarding process, typically completed within 5-7 business days, allowing businesses to quickly bring on new talent.
- Benefits Administration: Offers RemoHealth for global health insurance coverage and supports equipment delivery and other benefits, helping businesses attract and retain top talent.
- Contractor Management: Simplifies the process of onboarding and paying international contractors, expanding the types of global talent businesses can easily work with.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or long-term commitments, with a pay-as-you-go model that doesn’t require upfront deposits, providing financial flexibility for businesses.
- Dedicated Support: Offers dedicated account managers and 24/7 customer service, ensuring businesses have the support they need to manage their global workforce effectively.
Key Features of Velocity Global
Velocity Global offers 8 key features that set it apart.
These key features include:
- Global Employer of Record (EOR) Services: Enables companies to hire employees in 185+ countries without establishing local entities.
- Comprehensive HR Solutions: Offers end-to-end services including hiring, onboarding, payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management.
- Proprietary Technology Platform: Provides a cloud-based solution for real-time data and analytics, streamlining global workforce management.
- Talent Acquisition Services: Assists businesses in finding and hiring top talent globally, managing the recruitment process from sourcing to selection.
- Global Payroll Solutions: Offers centralized payroll services for international workforces, handling different wage rules, deductions, and currencies.
- Benefits Management: Creates customized, competitive benefits packages designed to attract top talent in various markets.
- Contractor Management: Ensures proper classification and compliant payments for independent contractors and freelancers.
- Access to International Coworking Spaces: Partnered with providers to offer access to over 10,000 workspace locations worldwide.
Benefits of Using Remofirst
The benefits of using Remofirst are:
- Cost Savings: Remofirst is the most affordable EOR platform for most use cases. Its competitive pricing, starting at $199 per employee per month for EOR services, can significantly reduce the costs associated with global hiring and expansion.
- Compliance Assurance: It is vital to stay compliant with local labor laws. Remofirst handles this by ensuring all regulations are followed, reducing legal risks and eliminating the need for companies to navigate complex international regulations on their own.
- Comprehensive EOR Services: As an Employer of Record (EOR), Remofirst takes care of payroll, taxes, and benefits, so companies don’t have to set up a local entity. This simplifies international employment and reduces administrative burdens.
- Global Health Insurance: Offering health insurance to remote workers, no matter where they are, is simple. Remofirst connects employers with global health plans, which include vision and dental benefits, helping to attract and retain top talent worldwide.
- Efficient Remote Team Management: Remofirst makes managing remote teams easy. They handle onboarding and ongoing management needs, allowing businesses to focus on core activities rather than administrative tasks.
- Streamlined International Hiring: Remofirst makes hiring talented individuals from different countries easy and streamlined. They handle the complexities, enabling companies to tap into a vast pool of international talent without the usual hurdles.
- No Need for Local Entities: There’s no need to establish a local entity in each country you hire from. Remofirst acts as the local employer, simplifying the process and reducing the time and cost associated with global expansion.
- Flexibility in Workforce Management: With support for both full-time employees and contractors, Remofirst provides businesses the flexibility to build diverse global teams that suit their specific needs and project requirements.
- Simplified Global Payroll: By automating payroll calculations across multiple currencies and handling tax deductions, Remofirst simplifies one of the most complex aspects of managing an international workforce.
- Scalability Support: The pay-as-you-go model and absence of long-term commitments make it easy for businesses to scale their global workforce up or down as needed, supporting agile growth strategies without the burden of fixed costs.
Benefits of Using Velocity Global
The benefits of using Velocity Global are:
- Rapid Market Entry: Allows companies to enter new markets up to 90% faster than traditional methods of establishing local entities.
- Compliance Assurance: Handles complex international labor laws, tax filings, and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces the time and resources required for international hiring and HR management.
- Global Talent Access: Enables businesses to hire the best talent regardless of location, expanding their talent pool.
- Scalability: Facilitates rapid business growth and expansion into new markets with flexible hiring solutions.
- Risk Mitigation: Reduces legal and compliance risks associated with international employment.
- Centralized Management: Provides a single platform for managing global workforce, payroll, and compliance.
- Flexible Work Environments: Offers access to international coworking spaces, supporting distributed workforces.
- Comprehensive Support: Provides 24/7 customer service and access to local HR experts in various countries.
- Customized Solutions: Tailors services to meet specific business needs across different industries and company sizes.
Pricing and Plans
Remofirst Pricing
Remofirst offers a transparent and competitive pricing structure, making it an attractive option for small to medium-sized businesses looking to expand globally. The company provides customized pricing options based on specific business needs and offers some standard pricing information.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $199 per employee/month |
| Contractor Management Pricing | $25 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Not available |
It’s important to note that while Remofirst’s pricing is competitive, businesses should consider their specific needs and compare the total cost of services across different providers. Remofirst’s transparent pricing model allows for more straightforward budgeting and cost projection, benefitting growing businesses.
Velocity Global Pricing
Velocity Global takes a more customized approach to pricing, which can be both an advantage and a challenge for potential clients. The company does not publicly disclose specific pricing information, instead opting for a tailored pricing model based on each client’s unique needs.
Businesses interested in Velocity Global’s services should contact their sales team for a customized quote based on their needs and workforce size. While this approach may require more upfront effort, it can result in a more tailored and potentially cost-effective solution for complex international hiring needs.
Pros and Cons of Remofirst
Pros
- Unbeatable Pricing: Remofirst is the most affordable EOR platform for most use cases, starting at just $199 per employee per month. This makes global hiring accessible even for startups and SMEs.
- Comprehensive EOR Services: As an Employer of Record, Remofirst handles all legal and administrative tasks in foreign countries, including payroll, taxes, and benefits. This eliminates the need to set up local entities, saving significant time and resources.
- Global Payroll Solution: Remofirst manages payroll across multiple countries seamlessly, simplifying one of the most complex aspects of international hiring.
- Extensive Global Coverage: With services in over 180 countries, Remofirst enables access to a vast pool of international talent without geographical limitations.
- Compliance Assurance: Remofirst ensures adherence to local labor laws and regulations in all countries, mitigating legal risks for employers.
- Global Health Insurance: Offering comprehensive health plans (including vision and dental) to remote workers worldwide is straightforward with Remofirst, enhancing your ability to attract and retain top talent.
- User-Friendly Platform: The intuitive interface makes it easy to manage global teams, streamlining onboarding and ongoing management processes.
Cons
- Limited Reporting Features: While basic reporting is available, Remofirst lacks advanced analytics and visualization tools that some businesses might require for in-depth workforce insights.
- Complex Initial Setup: Despite the user-friendly interface, the initial setup process can be somewhat confusing and time-consuming, especially for those new to EOR services.
- Limited Integration Options: Remofirst could benefit from more integrations with popular CRM, recruitment, and project management tools to create a more seamless workflow for users.
- Potential for Growth in Service Offerings: While Remofirst covers essential EOR services well, it may not offer some advanced features (like recruitment services) that larger, more established competitors might provide.
Pros and Cons of Velocity Global
Pros
- Extensive Global Coverage: Operates in 185+ countries, providing broad international reach.
- Comprehensive Services: Offers end-to-end global employment solutions beyond basic EOR services.
- Proprietary Technology: Provides a robust platform for managing global workforce operations.
- Flexible Solutions: Supports both employee and contractor management globally.
- Expertise in Compliance: Strong focus on navigating complex international regulatory environments.
Cons
- Pricing: Not having a transparent pricing might mean having some hidden fees.
- Reliance on Third-Party Partners: Uses external providers for some services in certain regions.
- Potential for Delays: The involvement of third-party partners could lead to slower processes in some cases.
User Data Security and Compliance
Both Remofirst and Velocity Global prioritize user data security and compliance to support businesses with global workforces. However, their approaches cater to different types of clients.
Remofirst offers streamlined data encryption and GDPR compliance, focusing on affordability and efficiency. Its quick onboarding process and transparent pricing model appeal to startups and small businesses. Remofirst ensures compliance through partnerships with local experts in over 180 countries but lacks some advanced certifications offered by enterprise-level providers.
Velocity Global, on the other hand, emphasizes comprehensive compliance solutions with SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications, targeting enterprises with complex needs. Its platform proactively manages local labor laws, offering a higher degree of compliance monitoring and legal risk mitigation. Velocity Global ensures data protection across multiple jurisdictions with localized data centers and 24/7 support, making it suitable for companies operating in highly regulated markets.
| Feature | Remofirst | Velocity Global |
|---|---|---|
| Data Encryption | Standard encryption and GDPR compliance | Bank-level encryption and multi-layer security |
| Certifications | GDPR compliance | SOC 2, ISO 27001 certified |
| Compliance Monitoring | Automated updates on labor laws | Proactive legal monitoring with local experts |
| Incident Response | Standard incident response | 24/7 monitoring and response teams |
| Global Reach | 180+ countries | 185+ countries |
| Customer Support | 24/5 support with dedicated managers | 24/7 legal and HR support |
Remofirst vs. Velocity Global At a Glance
A detailed summary of the comparison of Remofirst and Velocity Global:
| Feature | Remofirst | Velocity Global |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Cost-Conscious and Tight Budgets | Global workforce management solutions |
| EOR Pricing | $199 per employee/month | Custom |
| Contractor Pricing | $25 per employee/month | Custom |
| Country Coverage | 180+ | 185+ |
| Support Channels | Email, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat |
| Support Availability | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| G2 Rating | 4.5/5 (109 reviews) | 4.7/5 (199 reviews) |
| Capterra Rating | 5/5 (2 reviews) | No Reviews |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.1/5 (10 reviews) | No Reviews |
| Partnership Discount | 1 Month Free | N/A |
| Visit Website | Visit Website |
Recommendations
Choosing between Remofirst and Velocity Global depends on your business size, budget, and complexity of compliance needs. Remofirst offers an affordable, efficient solution for startups and smaller firms, while Velocity Global excels in providing robust compliance and risk management, making it ideal for enterprises expanding into multiple countries.
Who do I recommend Remofirst to?
Remofirst is best suited for startups and small businesses seeking a cost-effective global employment solution. Its focus on rapid onboarding, transparent pricing, and reliable compliance makes it ideal for companies looking to expand quickly without committing to long-term contracts. Remofirst offers strong contractor support and straightforward management tools, helping smaller teams stay agile while growing globally.
Here’s who can benefit from Remofirst:
- Startups – Require fast and budget-friendly global hiring solutions.
- Freelancer-heavy companies – Need efficient contractor management tools.
- SMEs expanding internationally – Seek simple compliance tools without complex onboarding processes.
Who do I recommend Velocity Global to?
Velocity Global is designed for larger enterprises or companies expanding into regulated or high-risk markets. It offers robust compliance management with a deep legal focus, making it a great fit for firms with significant regulatory exposure. Businesses looking for a long-term global partner to handle complex employment structures, payroll, and benefits across multiple regions will benefit from Velocity Global’s services.
Here’s who can benefit from Velocity Global:
- Enterprises with complex compliance needs – Require legal expertise in multiple countries.
- Corporations in regulated industries – Need robust risk management and tax compliance.
- Companies planning large-scale international expansions – Benefit from full-service HR support with local expertise.
When to consider an alternative EOR provider?
Depending on your business’s needs, other providers may offer more suitable services. Some providers specialize in flexibility, advanced integrations, or tailored solutions, which might align better with your company’s goals.
| Provider | Best For | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Startups and freelancers | Crypto payment options and flexible contracts |
| Remote | Tech companies scaling quickly | Equity management and contractor support |
| Multiplier | SMEs seeking affordable payroll solutions | Real-time compliance updates with multi-currency payroll |
| Oyster HR | Remote-first organizations | Employee well-being tools and seamless integrations |
| Rippling | Mid-sized businesses needing IT and HR tools | Integrated HR and device management |
| Papaya Global | Enterprises with complex payroll needs | AI-powered payroll automation and analytics |
| Gusto | U.S.-based small businesses | User-friendly payroll with benefits tools |
| Atlas HXM | Enterprises requiring deep customization | Advanced analytics with robust system integrations |
Choosing the right provider requires understanding your business’s current priorities and future growth plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Remofirst and Velocity Global compare in terms of pricing?
Remofirst offers transparent pricing for EOR services starting at $199 per employee per month, making it more budget-friendly for smaller businesses. Velocity Global uses a custom pricing model, typically ranging from 5-10% of total payroll costs, which can be more expensive but offers more comprehensive services.
Which platform is better for a small startup hiring its first international employees?
Remofirst is generally better suited for small startups due to its competitive pricing, user-friendly interface, and straightforward service model. It provides essential EOR services without the complexity that might overwhelm a small team.
Can both Remofirst and Velocity Global handle hiring in multiple countries simultaneously?
Yes, both platforms can manage hiring in multiple countries. However, Velocity Global might have an edge for large-scale, multi-country hiring due to its more comprehensive services and experience with complex international expansions.
How do the two platforms compare in terms of compliance support?
Both offer strong compliance support, but Velocity Global’s customized approach might suit businesses operating in highly complex regulatory environments. Remofirst provides robust compliance assistance sufficient for most standard international hiring scenarios.
Which platform offers better support for businesses with advanced analytics needs?
Velocity Global’s proprietary technology platform offers more advanced analytics and real-time data insights, making it a better choice for businesses with complex reporting and analytics requirements. Remofirst’s analytics capabilities, while sufficient for many users, may not be as comprehensive.
Can either platform help with recruiting international talent?
Velocity Global offers talent acquisition services as part of its platform, which can be valuable for businesses recruiting international talent. Remofirst focuses primarily on EOR services and does not offer extensive recruitment support.