Remote vs Atlas HXM: In-Depth EOR Comparison in 2024

Remote is a global HR platform providing EOR services, contractor management, payroll, HR management, and compliance support. It offers a user-friendly platform with comprehensive global coverage and data security via the ‘Direct EOR’ model.

Remote is known for its transparent pricing and excellent customer support, making it a popular choice for startups, small to medium-sized businesses, and remote-first companies expanding globally.

Atlas HXM, previously known as Elements Global Services, is a leading global Employer of Record (EOR) platform. It stands out for its Direct EOR model, which covers over 160 countries through wholly-owned entities.

Atlas HXM offers a comprehensive Human Experience Management (HXM) SaaS platform that provides end-to-end HR and globally managed payroll solutions. Its robust compliance measures and extensive global reach make it an excellent choice for businesses seeking to expand and engage top talent in the global economy.

In this review, we’ll examine the key features, pricing structures, and potential drawbacks of Remote and Atlas HXM. By comparing their strengths and weaknesses, we 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.

Overview of Remote and Atlas HXM

Overview of Remote

Remote is a comprehensive global employment solution that enables businesses to hire, pay, and manage employees and contractors worldwide. Founded in 2019 in San Francisco, Remote has quickly become a major player in the EOR industry, supported by $150M in funding.

Remote’s platform stands out for its user-friendly interface and extensive global coverage, operating in 170+ countries.

The company emphasizes its data security through the ‘Direct EOR’ model, which means it owns legal entities in the countries it operates in, ensuring better compliance and control over operations.

Key features of Remote include:

• EOR services
• Contractor management
• Global payroll
• HR management
• Benefits administration
• Compliance support
• IP protection
• Time tracking
• API integration

Also, read our in-depth Remote review

Overview of Atlas HXM

Atlas HXM, formerly known as Elements Global Services, is a leading global Employer of Record (EOR) platform that specializes in supporting businesses seeking to expand worldwide and hire remote teams. Founded in 2020, Atlas HXM has established itself as one of the most comprehensive EOR solutions.

What sets Atlas HXM apart is its Direct EOR model, meaning it owns all its entities in every country it operates in, which is over 160 countries. This allows Atlas HXM to manage compliance to a degree few other global EORs can match.

Key features of Atlas HXM include:

• Global EOR services
• Direct payroll processing
• Global HR management
• Compliance management
• Human Experience Management (HXM) platform
• HR advisory services
• Visa support and sponsorship
• Contractor payment

Also, read our in-depth Atlas review

Remote vs. Atlas HXM At a Glance

The following table provides a quick summary of how Remote and Atlas HXM compare on key features and information:

Key Features of Remote

Global Reach and Coverage

Remote offers services in over 170 countries, making it one of the most extensive global employment solutions available. This wide coverage allows businesses to hire talent from almost anywhere in the world without establishing local entities.

The platform’s global reach is complemented by its deep understanding of local laws and regulations in each country, ensuring compliance and smooth operations for its clients.

User-Friendly Platform

One of Remote’s standout features is its intuitive and easy-to-use platform. The interface is designed to simplify complex international hiring and management processes, making it accessible even for businesses new to global employment.

The platform’s ease of use extends to employers and employees, with self-service portals allowing easy access to important documents and information.

Comprehensive Compliance Management

Remote is responsible for ensuring compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and employment standards in all the countries it operates in. This includes:

• Generating compliant employment contracts
• Managing tax withholdings and filings
• Ensuring adherence to local labor laws and regulations
• Handling statutory benefits and social contributions

This comprehensive compliance management significantly reduces the legal risks associated with international hiring for businesses.

Global Payroll and Benefits Administration

Remote offers a robust global payroll system that can handle payments in multiple currencies and adheres to local tax regulations. The platform also provides:

• Automated payroll processing
• Multiple payment options
• Tax documentation and reporting

In addition to payroll, Remote offers global benefits administration, helping businesses provide competitive benefits packages that comply with local requirements and customs.

IP Protection

A unique feature of Remote is its focus on intellectual property protection. The company offers IP protection in all countries where it operates, ensuring that the intellectual property created by remote employees belongs to the employer, not to Remote or any third party.

Key Features of Atlas HXM

Direct Employer of Record Model

Atlas HXM stands out for its Direct EOR model, which owns all of its entities in every country in which it operates. This model provides several advantages:

• Enhanced compliance management
• Direct control over operations in each country
• Faster issue resolution without relying on third-party partners

This direct approach allows Atlas HXM to offer compliance assurance that few other global EORs can match.

Comprehensive Human Experience Management Platform

At the core of Atlas HXM’s offering is its Human Experience Management (HXM) platform. This platform goes beyond traditional HR management to provide a holistic approach to employee experience. Key features include:

• Employee onboarding and lifecycle management
• Performance management tools
• Learning and development resources
• Employee engagement features

The HXM platform aims to improve overall employee satisfaction and productivity while streamlining HR processes for employers.

Global Payroll Processing

Atlas HXM directly processes payroll for global teams anywhere in the world. This direct approach offers several benefits:

• Reduced risk of errors due to no reliance on third-party providers
• Faster processing and issue resolution
• Comprehensive understanding of local tax laws and regulations

The platform also includes Payroll Plus, a hosted in-platform payment function that guides users on deductions and allowable expenses.

Robust Compliance Management

Leveraging its Direct EOR model, Atlas HXM offers first-in-class compliance management. This includes:

• Ensuring workers are hired as employees where appropriate, avoiding misclassification risks
• Onboarding talent with compliant labor contracts
• Upholding high standards of data protection for employee information
• Staying up-to-date with local labor laws, rules, and regulations

Value-Added Services

In addition to its core EOR and payroll services, Atlas HXM offers a range of value-added services, including:

• HR advisory services
• Visa support and sponsorship
• Contractor payment solutions
• Other global HR solutions

These additional services make Atlas HXM a more comprehensive solution for businesses looking to manage all aspects of their global workforce through a single provider.

Pricing and Plans for Remote

Remote offers transparent pricing for its main services:

• EOR services: $599 per employee per month
• Contractor management: $29 per contractor per month
• Global Payroll: Custom pricing based on location

Remote’s pricing is straightforward and all-inclusive, covering all statutory benefits, taxes, and fees. There are no hidden costs or setup fees.

Remote offers custom enterprise plans for businesses with a larger number of employees or specific needs. These plans can include additional features and potentially more favorable pricing based on volume.

While Remote’s pricing is not the lowest in the market, it offers good value considering its services’ comprehensive nature and extensive global coverage.

Pricing and Plans for Atlas HXM

Atlas HXM does not publicly disclose its full pricing structure, which is common in the EOR industry due to the complexity and variability of international employment. However, some information is available:

• EOR services: available upon request

This starting price is competitive in the market, especially considering Atlas HXM’s Direct EOR model and comprehensive compliance management.

Atlas HXM likely offers custom pricing for larger organizations or those with specific needs. The company’s pricing may vary based on factors such as:

• Number of employees
• Countries of operation
• Specific services required
• Length of contract

While the lack of transparent pricing can make it challenging for businesses to budget without contacting Atlas HXM directly, it allows for more tailored solutions.

It’s worth noting that Atlas HXM does not currently offer a separate payroll outsourcing solution for companies with legal entities in their countries of operation.

Pros and Cons of Remote

Pros and Cons of Atlas HXM

Simulated Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Rapid International Scaling – Remote Wins

A fast-growing tech startup needs to hire employees in 15 countries across Europe, Asia, and South America.

Remote’s Approach:

• Offers coverage in all required countries
• User-friendly platform allows for quick employee onboarding
• Transparent pricing helps with budgeting for rapid expansion
• Strong compliance management ensures legal requirements are met in each country

Atlas HXM’s Approach:

• Also offers coverage in all required countries
• A comprehensive HXM platform might require more setup time
• The direct EOR model ensures strong compliance but may not be as crucial for rapid scaling

Winner: Due to its user-friendly platform and transparent pricing, Remote is crucial for quick scaling across multiple countries.

Scenario 2: Small Business Going Global – Atlas HXM Wins

A small US-based business with 50 employees is looking to hire its first international employees in 3 countries, with plans for further expansion.

Remote’s Approach:

• Easy-to-use platform suitable for businesses new to international hiring
• Transparent pricing helps with initial budgeting
• Offers necessary compliance and payroll support

Atlas HXM’s Approach:

• The comprehensive HXM platform provides tools for long-term employee management
• The direct EOR model offers superior compliance management
• Value-added services like HR advisory can be crucial for a small business new to international hiring

Winner: Atlas HXM, as its comprehensive platform and additional services, provides more support for a small business taking its first steps into global hiring.

When to Consider Other EOR Providers

While both Remote and Atlas HXM offer strong EOR services, there may be situations where other providers might be more suitable:

Extensive HR Software Integration: Look into Rippling

Rippling could be a good alternative if your business requires an EOR service with extensive integration capabilities, especially for HR and IT systems. Rippling offers:

• 600+ integrations with major HR, accounting, and IT systems
• A unified platform for HR, IT, and finance operations

Read our in-depth comparison and analysis of Remote vs Rippling.

Region-Specific Expansion: Explore Deel

For businesses focusing on specific regions, especially in emerging markets, Deel might be worth considering. Deel provides:

• Strong presence in emerging markets
• Local expertise in specific regions

Read our in-depth comparison and analysis of Deel vs Remote.

Cost-Effective Solution for Small Businesses: Check out Remofirst

If budget is a primary concern, especially for small businesses or startups, Remofirst offers competitive pricing:

• EOR services start at $199 per employee per month
• Contractor management at $25 per contractor per month\

Read our in-depth comparison and analysis of Remote vs Remofirst.

Advanced Analytics and Reporting: Consider Oyster

For businesses that require advanced analytics and detailed reporting capabilities, Oyster might be a better fit:

• Robust analytics and reporting features
• Comprehensive data visualization tools

Read our in-depth comparison and analysis of Remote vs Oyster HR.

Who I Recommend Remote To

Remote is an excellent choice for a wide range of businesses, but it particularly shines for:

1. Startups and Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Remote’s user-friendly platform and transparent pricing make it ideal for companies just beginning their global expansion or don’t have extensive HR resources.
2. Remote-First Companies: Given Remote’s focus on managing distributed teams and its comprehensive set of tools for remote work, it’s an excellent fit for primarily or entirely remote companies.
3. Fast-Growing Companies: The platform’s ease of use and extensive global coverage make it suitable for businesses that need to scale quickly across multiple countries.
4. Companies Prioritizing IP Protection: Remote’s unique focus on intellectual property protection in all its countries of operation makes it a standout choice for businesses in creative or technology-driven industries.
5. Businesses New to Global Hiring: The platform’s intuitive interface and strong compliance management make it easier for companies with limited experience in international hiring to navigate the complexities of global employment.

Remote is best suited for organizations that value simplicity, transparency, and a straightforward approach to global employment. Its all-in-one platform can effectively manage most aspects of international hiring and team management without overwhelming users with excessive complexity.

Who I Recommend Atlas HXM To

Atlas HXM is particularly well-suited for:

1. Medium to Large Enterprises: The comprehensive nature of Atlas HXM’s platform, including its advanced HXM features, makes it ideal for larger organizations with complex HR needs.
2. Companies Expanding into Complex Markets: Atlas HXM’s Direct EOR model and strong compliance management make it an excellent choice for businesses expanding into countries with complex labor laws and regulatory environments.
3. Organizations Prioritizing Employee Experience: The Human Experience Management platform offers tools beyond basic HR functions, making it suitable for companies focusing on employee engagement and development.
4. Businesses Requiring Customized Solutions: Atlas HXM’s ability to offer tailored solutions and additional services like HR advisory makes it a good fit for companies with specific or unique global employment needs.
5. Companies with a Long-Term Global Strategy: The comprehensive nature of Atlas HXM’s offering, including its value-added services, makes it suitable for businesses looking for a long-term partner in global workforce management.

Atlas HXM is best for organizations that require a robust, all-encompassing solution for global employment and are willing to invest time in leveraging the full capabilities of a comprehensive platform. Its Direct EOR model provides an extra layer of compliance assurance, which can be particularly valuable for businesses operating in multiple complex markets.

Conclusion

Both Remote and Atlas HXM offer robust solutions for global employment, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

Remote stands out for its user-friendly platform, transparent pricing, and extensive global coverage. It’s an excellent choice for startups, small to medium-sized businesses, and companies prioritizing ease of use and quick scaling. Remote’s focus on IP protection also makes it unique in the market.

Atlas HXM, with its Direct EOR model and comprehensive Human Experience Management platform, offers a more robust solution for larger enterprises or companies expanding into complex markets. Its strong compliance management and additional services provide a holistic approach to global workforce management.

When choosing between Remote and Atlas HXM, consider your business size, growth plans, and specific needs:

• If you’re a smaller company or startup looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use solution with transparent pricing, Remote might be the better choice.
• If you’re a larger enterprise requiring comprehensive employee experience management and enhanced compliance assurance, especially in complex markets, Atlas HXM could be more suitable.

Ultimately, both platforms offer strong solutions for global employment, and the best choice depends on your specific business context and priorities. Consider factors such as user experience, compliance needs, pricing structure, and additional features when deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions