Remote vs Hire with Columbus: 2026 EOR Pricing and features comparison
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
Remote vs Hire With Columbus: quick comparison
Short on time? Here are the key differences between Remote and Hire With Columbus at a glance.
|  | |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | $599/per employee/month | $179/per employee/month |
| Contractor pricing | $29/per employee/month | $25/per employee/month |
| Payroll pricing | $29/per employee/month | — |
| Overall rating | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Countries | 186+ | 185+ |
| Visit site | Visit site |
EOR pricing
$599/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$29/per employee/month
Payroll pricing
$29/per employee/month
Overall rating
8.9/10
Countries
186+
EOR pricing
$179/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$25/per employee/month
Payroll pricing
—
Overall rating
8.9/10
Countries
185+
Considering Remote and Hire with Columbus for your international hiring? After analyzing both providers, I discovered they represent opposite ends of the EOR spectrum despite offering similar geographical coverage.
The fundamental difference: Remote charges $599/month per employee for their owned-entity model with premium IP protection, while Hire with Columbus starts from just $179/month delivering the same core EOR services through established partnerships.
Both cover 180+ countries with full compliance, payroll, and benefits administration. But Remote built everything in-house for maximum control, while Hire with Columbus leverages existing infrastructure to offer the lowest prices in the market.
This comparison examines actual cost differences, compliance approaches, IP protection levels, and support quality. I’ll help you decide which provider aligns with your risk tolerance, budget, and international expansion strategy.
Editorial note: By using our partner links, you'll get exclusive discounts and the best available offers we've negotiated while also supporting our efforts to provide unbiased comparisons of global hiring solutions.
What is Remote?
Remote is an Employer of Record (EOR) service that helps companies hire international employees without creating local entities.
It was founded in 2019 by Job van der Voort and Marcelo Lebre, both former GitLab executives. The company has raised more than $500 million and expanded quickly. They now support hiring in over 190 countries.
The platform manages the full employment cycle through a centralized dashboard (compliant contracts, onboarding, payroll, benefits, taxes, and termination).
A key standout: owned entities
Remote stands out in the industry because they own and directly operate legal entities in each country instead of relying on third-party partners, which is not the case with all providers.This wholly owned structure gives the company full control over employment tasks and compliance.
What it means for potential clients: Remote is a good fit for businesses that prioritize compliance and risk management when expanding into new markets because the platform keeps employment responsibilities in-house.
| Founded | 2019 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco |
| CEO | Job van der Voort |
| Employees | 1001-5000 |
| Total funding | $0.5B |
What is Hire With Columbus?
Hire with Columbus is an Employer of Record (EOR) service that enables companies to hire and pay international employees without establishing local legal entities. Operating as a high-volume discount provider, Columbus has positioned itself as the most affordable EOR solution by leveraging bulk purchasing power.
When you use Hire with Columbus, they technically employ workers through their partner entities in 185+ countries. Columbus manages the legal employment paperwork, local tax compliance, payroll processing, and benefits administration, while you handle day-to-day work management. This arrangement saves the 3-6 months and $15,000-$50,000 typically required for foreign entity establishment.
The platform serves two primary functions:
- Full EOR services for companies hiring employees internationally
- Contractor management for businesses working with global freelancers
Hire with Columbus operates through strategic partnerships with established EOR providers, negotiating bulk rates based on aggregate client volumes. This model allows them to offer premium services at significantly reduced costs while maintaining compliance standards across all jurisdictions.
| Founded | 2025 |
| Headquarters | Singapore |
What are the key features of Remote vs Hire With Columbus?
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.
Remote key features
Remote supports hiring in more than 190 countries without requiring local entities. Clients avoid the legal setup work and the associated startup costs.
They run their own legal entities in the countries where they operate. Direct control means stronger compliance and intellectual property protections.
Remote charges a flat $699 per employee monthly on annual plans, with no hidden fees or minimum commitments. The fixed structure makes budgeting more predictable.
The platform covers onboarding, payroll, benefits, and compliance. Document collection, background checks, tax registration, and ongoing administration are included.
Remote IP Guard protects your intellectual property in all markets, and employment contracts include IP clauses that match local laws.
The interface makes it easy to manage employees and contractors globally, and onboarding is well thought-out.
Companies can choose which benefits to offer beyond the legally required ones, so they stay competitive.
Companies running their own entities can now use global payroll to handle taxes, deductions, and local compliance, without paying for full EOR services.
Compliance tools monitor requirements and send alerts when rules change. The platform follows data protection standards like GDPR, files taxes, and applies local laws.
Equity support covers cross-border compensation programs, including withholding and required reporting. Companies can grant stock options and other equity awards while following local tax rules.
Hire With Columbus key features
Columbus operates as the legal employer in 180+ countries through their partner network, managing all paperwork and compliance requirements. They generate locally-compliant employment contracts, register employees with authorities, and ensure adherence to labor laws. Columbus maintains their aggressive $179 pricing across all supported countries without regional surcharges.
Columbus calculates and processes payroll in 100+ currencies, handling tax withholdings, social contributions, and mandatory deductions based on local requirements. The system accommodates monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly payment cycles depending on country standards. All currency conversions happen at competitive rates through their volume partnerships.
For $22.50 per contractor monthly, Columbus provides compliant contractor agreements, manages invoicing, and processes payments in local currencies. This represents a 10% discount on standard market rates while maintaining full compliance with contractor classification requirements.
Columbus's benefits network offers standardized health plans across all countries, with options for dental and vision coverage. The platform also facilitates equipment provisioning, enabling companies to purchase and ship laptops and tools to remote team members efficiently.
The platform automatically manages tax filings, statutory requirements, and employment law compliance across all countries. This includes handling paid time off policies, parental leave, termination requirements, and other country-specific regulations through their partner infrastructure.
What benefits do Remote and Hire With Columbus 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.
Remote benefits
Broad coverage
Their clients can expand internationally without wasting money and time setting up local operations.
Reduced legal risk
Remote manages local labor laws and regulations. Clients face fewer compliance issues when hiring internationally.
Intellectual property protection
IP clauses protect company intellectual property in every country, and work stays secure across borders.
Faster hiring and lower costs
Companies skip entity setup and cut hiring timelines. As a plus., admin work drops compared to managing multiple vendors.
Growth support
Remote works for companies of different sizes. Their clients can scale internationally without switching providers.
Clear pricing
Pricing is upfront and clear. No hidden fees or long-term contracts required.
Local expertise
Local employment specialists answer country-specific questions. Companies get answers without researching foreign labor laws.
Simplified global operations
Local employment specialists answer country-specific questions, so companies don’t have to research foreign labor laws themselves.
Hire With Columbus benefits
Unprecedented cost savings
Companies save 70-75% on international employment costs versus premium EOR providers. A 10-person international team costs $1,790 monthly with Columbus compared to $5,990 with competitors—delivering over $50,000 in annual savings that can fund business growth.
Eliminated entity setup costs
Businesses avoid the $15,000-$50,000 typically required for establishing foreign entities plus ongoing compliance costs of $20,000-$40,000 annually per country, making international expansion accessible for smaller companies.
Accelerated market entry
Companies can hire talent in new countries within a week rather than waiting 3-6 months for entity establishment. This rapid deployment enables businesses to capitalize on market opportunities immediately.
Minimized compliance exposure
Automated adherence to local regulations eliminates employment law violations that typically cost $10,000-$100,000 per incident, protecting companies from expensive penalties and business disruptions.
Streamlined payroll operations
By automating payroll calculations and tax withholdings across multiple currencies, Columbus eliminates approximately 15-20 hours of manual work per pay period while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Maximum operational flexibility
The pay-as-you-go model with no minimum commitments allows businesses to scale their international workforce based on actual needs, particularly valuable for project-based work or market testing.
How do Remote and Hire With Columbus 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 | $599/per employee/month | $179/per employee/month |
| Contractor management | $29/per employee/month | $25/per employee/month |
| Global payroll | $29/per employee/month | — |
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What are the pros and cons of Remote vs Hire With Columbus?
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.
Remote
- +
Own-entity model
Remote mainly operates through their own legal entities instead of partnering with local providers, especially for EOR services. They control employment processes and compliance directly.
- +
Superior IP protection
Remote's IP Guard protects intellectual property better than most competitors, with clear ownership documentation and safeguards in all locations. Client's property stays secure at all times.
- +
Transparent flat-rate pricing
There are no hidden fees, setup costs, or minimum commitments in Remote's pricing. This allows for better planning and predictable budgeting.
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Extensive human resources (HR) coverage
The platform does everything through a single dashboard, from onboarding to offboarding, benefits administration, global payroll, and compliance management.
- +
Custom benefits packages
Remote offers benefits that match each country's requirements so their clients attract better talent.
- +
Recently launched global payroll solution
Remote now offers a standalone global payroll service. That means employers with international entities can run payroll in one system.
- −
Costs more than budget options
Remote charges $699 per employee monthly for EOR services. This puts it at the higher end of the market. Providers like RemoFirst ($199 per month) work better for smaller companies.
- −
Limited customization options
The platform uses a standardized setup for most employment scenarios. If you need unusual pay structures, custom overtime rules, or specialized benefits packages, it might not be supported.
- −
Basic reporting capabilities
Remote's reporting covers basic metrics but isn't as deep as some enterprise HR platforms. Specifically, custom reports that combine data across payroll, benefits, and time tracking require manual exports and external analysis.
Hire With Columbus
- +
Industry's lowest pricing
Hire with Columbus charges just $179 per employee monthly, making it the most affordable EOR service available – 70% cheaper than Deel ($599) and saving companies over $50,000 annually for a 10-person team.
- +
Quick employee onboarding
Columbus completes full employee setup within 5-7 business days across 185+ countries, eliminating the 3-6 month wait required for establishing independent legal entities.
- +
Compliance management
The platform handles all local employment regulations, tax filings, and statutory requirements in every operating country, protecting companies from compliance penalties that average $10,000+ per violation.
- +
Budget-friendly contractor services
Columbus manages contractor payments for just $22.50 monthly per contractor, undercutting competitors like Deel ($49) by over 50% while maintaining full compliance.
- +
Transparent flat-rate pricing
Unlike many competitors who vary rates by country or add hidden fees, Columbus maintains consistent global pricing with no setup fees, deposits, or minimum commitments required.
- +
International benefits administration
Companies can provide standardized health insurance packages across all countries through Columbus's global benefits network, improving recruitment without navigating multiple local providers.
- −
Limited platform ownership
Hire with Columbus operates through partner infrastructure rather than proprietary technology, potentially affecting service consistency and direct control over platform improvements.
- −
Basic reporting functionality
The analytics tools lack advanced features found in premium alternatives, offering only fundamental workforce data without extensive customization or visualization capabilities.
What do customers say about Remote vs Hire With Columbus?
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 4,368 reviews | 5.0 6 reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 2,679 reviews | — |
| Capterra | 4.4 94 reviews | — |
Ratings sourced directly from each platform. Last updated February 2026.
Customer support: Remote vs Hire With Columbus
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 | 24/7 |
| Dedicated account manager | Yes | No |
| Support languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Other | — |
| Self-service resources | Yes | No |
| Community forum | No | No |
How do Remote and Hire With Columbus 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 | Remote | Hire With Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | From $599/mo | From $179/mo |
| Countries | 186+ | 185+ |
| Overall rating | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 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 Remote if:
Choose Remote if you prioritize owned-entity control and IP protection over cost savings. Best for:
- Companies (50-500 employees) needing 100% owned entities eliminating third-party partner complications
- Organizations requiring strongest IP protection with invention assignment agreements and guaranteed IP transfers
- Tech companies and startups where intellectual property protection is critical to business value
- Businesses wanting transparent $599/month pricing with no third-party pass-through costs
- Companies prioritizing unlimited indemnity coverage and dedicated customer success managers
Remote’s owned-entity infrastructure and IP protection work well for companies where intellectual property and direct control justify premium pricing. If you need maximum IP protection and owned entities, Remote provides solutions at $599/month across 180+ countries.
Choose Hire With Columbus if:
Choose Hire with Columbus if you prioritize affordability and proven partnerships over owned entities. Best for:
- Budget-conscious startups (5-100 employees) needing the industry’s lowest pricing at $179/month
- Companies with straightforward employment needs not requiring specialized IP protection measures
- Organizations comfortable with partner-network models leveraging established local infrastructure
- Businesses needing essential EOR services without premium features like owned entities
- Cost-focused companies where $420/month savings per employee (70% lower than Remote) significantly impacts runway
Hire with Columbus’s partner-network model and budget pricing work well for companies prioritizing cost efficiency. If you need essential EOR services at the lowest market price, Hire with Columbus provides solutions at $179/month across 180+ countries.
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.
RemoFirst
Startups and small businesses making their first international hires on tight budgets, needing basic EOR services at the lowest market price of $199 per employee monthly.
Read review
Deel
Growing companies scaling internationally with a mix of contractors and full-time employees
Read review
Multiplier
Companies looking for fast global hiring & payments
Read reviewNot sure which is right for you? Get a free, personalized recommendation based on your team and budget.
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