Remote vs Horizons: 2026 EOR 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 Horizons: quick comparison
Short on time? Here are the key differences between Remote and Horizons at a glance.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | $599/per employee/month | $299/per employee/month |
| Contractor pricing | $29/per employee/month | $249/per employee/month |
| Payroll pricing | $29/per employee/month | — |
| Overall rating | 8.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Countries | 186+ | 130+ |
| 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
$299/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$249/per employee/month
Payroll pricing
—
Overall rating
8.4/10
Countries
130+
Let me be honest: choosing between Remote and Horizons for global hiring is trickier than most comparison articles make it seem. You’ll find plenty of feature lists, but what really matters is their core difference – Remote offers owned-entity EOR at $599/month with transparent pricing, while Horizons provides value-added services at $299/month including in-house recruitment support.
I keep seeing the same pattern: businesses compare these because both offer comprehensive EOR, then realize six months later they needed either Remote’s owned entities or Horizons’ integrated recruitment. Remote built its reputation on 100% owned entities with no third-party complications, while Horizons positioned itself around affordable services plus in-house recruiting teams helping companies actually find talent. Both work, but they solve different problems.
The real decision comes down to recruitment needs: Remote works best when you have talent sourcing handled and need owned-entity control at $599/month, while Horizons delivers better results for companies needing recruitment assistance at $299/month with integrated talent acquisition support. Your existing recruitment capabilities will determine which fits better.
My goal is to help you decide if Remote’s owned-entity model suits your needs, or if Horizons’ recruitment services and lower pricing better serve companies needing end-to-end hiring assistance.
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 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 Remote 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.
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.
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 Remote 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.
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.
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 Remote 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 | $599/per employee/month | $299/per employee/month |
| Contractor management | $29/per employee/month | $249/per employee/month |
| Global payroll | $29/per employee/month | — |
Not sure which is right for you?
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What are the pros and cons of Remote 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.
Remote
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Custom benefits packages
Remote offers benefits that match each country's requirements so their clients attract better talent.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 Remote 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 4,368 reviews | 4.7 285 reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 2,679 reviews | 4.7 83 reviews |
| Capterra | 4.4 94 reviews | 4.9 64 reviews |
| Glassdoor | — | 4.7 80 reviews |
Ratings sourced directly from each platform. Last updated February 2026.
Customer support: Remote 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 | Yes | No |
| Support languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Other | — |
| Self-service resources | Yes | No |
| Community forum | No | No |
How do Remote 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 | Remote | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | From $599/mo | From $299/mo |
| Countries | 186+ | 130+ |
| Overall rating | 8.9/10 | 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 Remote if:
Choose Remote if you prioritize owned entities and have recruitment handled internally. Best for:
- Companies (50-500 employees) needing 100% owned entities across 180+ countries eliminating partner complications
- Organizations with existing recruitment teams only needing employment and compliance services
- Tech companies requiring strong IP protection with guaranteed invention assignment agreements
- Businesses wanting transparent $599/month pricing with unlimited indemnity coverage
- Companies prioritizing direct entity control and no third-party dependencies
Remote’s owned-entity infrastructure works well for companies with DIY recruitment who need maximum control. If you have talent sourcing handled and want owned entities, Remote provides solutions at $599/month across 180+ countries.
Choose Horizons if:
Choose Horizons if you need integrated recruitment services alongside EOR at lower pricing. Best for:
- Growing companies (20-200 employees) needing both talent sourcing and employment from one provider
- Organizations without recruitment teams requiring in-house recruiter support across global markets
- Companies expanding into new markets where local recruiting knowledge provides competitive advantages
- Businesses valuing personalized support and user-friendly interfaces at $299/month pricing
- Teams hiring for specialized roles where Horizons’ recruiters accelerate time-to-hire significantly
Horizons’ integrated recruitment and affordable pricing work well for companies needing comprehensive hiring assistance. If you need end-to-end services including recruitment, Horizons provides solutions at $299/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
Small businesses making their first international hires who prioritize low pricing over advanced features.
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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