Remote and Horizons are two major players in the global employment services industry. If you’re looking to hire and manage international teams, these platforms are likely on your radar. Remote is known for its straightforward interface and global reach, while Horizons offers tailored solutions with a strong focus on compliance.
With the rise of remote work, businesses now have more options than ever to expand their teams across borders. But how do you decide which platform is the best fit for your company? With over 70% of companies considering global hiring in the next five years, making the right choice could significantly impact your growth. Should you prioritize user experience and cost efficiency, or are in-depth compliance features more critical for your operations?
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Remote and Horizons, comparing their services, pricing, and who they best serve. Which one will meet your needs? Let’s find out.
Remote
Horizons
Overview of Remote and Horizons
Remote and Horizons offer comprehensive solutions for managing global teams, but they approach the task differently. Here’s a closer look at how each platform supports businesses in expanding their international workforce.
Overview of Remote
Remote launched in 2019 and quickly gained traction as a reliable platform for global employment management. The platform operates in over 170 countries and provides services like payroll, compliance, and benefits management.
Remote simplifies the hiring process by handling complex legal and tax requirements, making it easier for companies to onboard international employees. The platform is exceptionally user-friendly and appealing to startups and small—to mid-sized businesses. With transparent pricing and a focus on protecting intellectual property (IP), Remote is designed for companies that value efficiency and security in global hiring.
Remote boasts an impressive roster of clients, including industry leaders like Semrush, GitLab, and SoundCloud. As of August 2024, Remote is evaluated at $3B+.
Read more info in our detailed Remote review
Overview of Horizons
Horizons, founded in 2018, is a global employer of record (EOR) that emphasizes customized compliance solutions. Horizons operates in over 150 countries and offers tailored services, including payroll, HR support, and local compliance management. The platform excels in complex regulatory environments, making it a strong choice for businesses with diverse and geographically spread teams.
Horizons also provides detailed local insights and guidance, ensuring companies comply with varying laws and regulations. With its focus on personalized service and in-depth local expertise, Horizons is well-suited for larger enterprises and companies entering new international markets.
Horizons stands out with a stellar client portfolio, including renowned names like IBM, Porche, and Boeing. As of August 2024, Horizons is valued at over $300+ million.
Read more info in our detailed Horizons review
| Feature | Remote | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2019 | 2018 |
| Countries Supported | 200+ | 180+ |
| Pricing Plans | $599 for EOR services, $29 for contractors | $299 for EOR services, $49 for contractors |
| Valuation | $3B+ | $330M+ |
| Renowned Clients | Semrush, Gitlab, and Sound Cloud | IBM, Porche and Boeing |
Comparing Key Services of Remote and Horizons
Remote and Horizons offer extensive services to help businesses manage their global workforce. However, their approaches differ in key areas like payroll, compliance, and HR support. Let’s break down the main services each platform provides.
| Service | Remote | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| Global Payroll Management | Multi-country payroll processing, 200+ countries supported | Global payroll with local currency payments, 180+ countries supported |
| Compliance and Legal Support | Manages complex legal requirements, ensures adherence to local laws | Specializes in complex regulatory environments, deep local expertise |
| Employee Benefits Administration | Offers country-specific benefits, including healthcare and retirement plans | Provides tailored benefits, ensuring local regulatory compliance. |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Protection | Strong IP protection for global teams | Not a primary focus but supports legal compliance in IP-sensitive areas. |
| HR and Onboarding Support | Streamlined onboarding with a focus on speed and ease of use | Customized HR support, including region-specific onboarding services. |
Key Services of Remote
Global Payroll Management
Remote simplifies payroll for international teams, covering over 200 countries. The platform handles multi-currency payments and ensures compliance with local tax regulations. This service is ideal for companies that need to manage payroll across various jurisdictions efficiently.
Compliance and Legal Support
Remote excels in compliance by managing complex legal requirements for hiring and maintaining employees in different countries. They ensure that your business adheres to local labor laws, reducing the risk of legal issues.
Employee Benefits Administration
Remote offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, retirement plans, and other perks. These benefits are tailored to each country, ensuring employees receive appropriate and competitive compensation.
Intellectual Property (IP) Protection
One of Remote’s standout features is its strong IP protection. The platform includes robust safeguards to ensure your company’s intellectual property remains secure when working with international teams.
Key Services of Horizons
Global Payroll Management
Horizons offers a tailored payroll solution that adapts to local needs across 180+ countries. The platform manages currency conversions and tax compliance, providing detailed reporting for businesses that need more granular control over payroll operations.
Compliance and Regulatory Support
Horizons specializes in navigating complex regulatory environments. They offer deep local expertise, ensuring that your business meets all legal obligations in each country. This service particularly benefits companies operating in regions with stringent labor laws.
HR and Onboarding Support
Horizons provides extensive HR support, including onboarding services customized to local requirements. They handle everything from contract generation to employee integration, ensuring a smooth start for your international hires.
Local Market Insights
Horizons goes beyond basic compliance by offering detailed insights into local markets. This service helps businesses make informed decisions about expanding into new regions, guiding legal, cultural, and economic factors.
Pricing and Plans of Remote and Horizons
The cost of using Remote and Horizons varies based on the services you need and the scale of your operations. Let’s dive into how each platform structures its pricing and what you can expect for your investment.
Pricing of Remote
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Services Included |
|---|---|---|
| Global Payroll | $50 | Payroll management, tax compliance, and payments in multiple currencies, including local currency salary payments and unified multi-country payroll. |
| EOR | Starts at $599 per employee(for the annual plan) | Hiring, compliance, benefits management, local tax calculations, legal support, and intellectual property protection in over 80 countries. |
| Contractor Management | $29 per contractor | Create, edit, and sign tailored, localized contracts, 200+ countries supported |
| Custom Plans | Varies based on needs | Tailored solutions for larger enterprises or specific requirements, including comprehensive HR platform, security features, and custom integrations. |
Remote offers straightforward pricing with transparency as a key feature. For EOR services, Remote charges $599 per employee per month. This plan includes everything from payroll to compliance, making it an all-inclusive solution. If you manage contractors, the cost is $29 per contractor per month. This fee covers essentials like payments, tax filings, and access to Remote’s platform.
While the pricing may seem high for some, it’s worth noting that Remote doesn’t have hidden fees. You pay what’s listed. Additionally, Remote offers custom pricing for larger enterprises with complex needs, which can make the service more affordable when scaling.
Pricing of Horizons
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Services Included |
|---|---|---|
| Global Payroll | Not Disclosed | Manage payroll across multiple countries with compliance and local expertise. |
| EOR | Starts at $299 per employee(for the annual plan) | Compliant onboarding, payroll, multi-currency payments, HR support. |
| Contractor Management | $49 per contractor | Automated contracts, global payments, local compliance, HR support. |
| International Recruitment | 2% of gross salary | In-house recruitment, no upfront fees, 3-month guarantee. |
Horizons takes a more customized approach to pricing. Their EOR services start at $299 per employee per month, significantly lower than Remote’s standard rate. However, the final cost can vary depending on your business’s specific requirements (think complex compliance needs or additional services).
For contractors, Horizons charges $49 per contractor per month. This is higher than Remote’s rate, but Horizons justifies the cost with tailored support and in-depth compliance services. Like Remote, Horizons also provides custom pricing for companies with unique needs, allowing flexibility as your business grows.
Ultimately, while both platforms offer competitive pricing, the choice will depend on your requirements and budget constraints.
Pros and Cons
Pros and cons of Remote
Pros
Cons
Horizons Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
User Data Security and Compliance
Data security and compliance are non-negotiable when managing a global workforce. Both Remote and Horizons recognize this and have built their platforms with strong safeguards to protect user data. However, they take slightly different approaches to handling these critical aspects.
Remote emphasizes compliance with international standards. They fully comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and offer SOC 2 Type II certification, ensuring your data is handled carefully. Remote also uses encryption (both in transit and at rest) to secure sensitive information. Additionally, they employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access. These features make Remote a reliable choice for businesses that must protect their data across borders.
Horizons, on the other hand, goes beyond standard compliance measures. They also comply with GDPR and hold ISO 27001 certification, a globally recognized standard for information security management. Horizons add an extra layer of security by integrating KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) protocols. This particularly benefits businesses operating in high-risk sectors where regulatory scrutiny is intense. They also conduct regular security audits, which help to identify and mitigate any potential vulnerabilities in their system.
Who is Remote Best For?
Remote is ideal for companies prioritizing ease of use and straightforward global hiring. If you’re a startup or a small to mid-sized business, Remote’s user-friendly platform will likely appeal to you. It simplifies complex processes, from payroll to compliance, making it easier to onboard international talent quickly. With its transparent pricing and strong focus on IP protection, Remote is also a great fit for tech companies or businesses that handle sensitive information.
Remote provides a streamlined solution for businesses looking to scale fast without getting bogged down in administrative details. It’s perfect for companies that value efficiency and want to focus on growth rather than navigating legal complexities. If your team is distributed across multiple countries and you need a solution that just works (with minimal fuss), Remote is a strong contender.
Best for: startups, small to mid-sized businesses, and tech companies that need an easy-to-use platform for quick and efficient global hiring and payroll management.
Who is Horizons Best For?
Horizons is better suited for larger enterprises or companies with complex international operations. It offers in-depth compliance support if your business operates in multiple countries with varying regulatory requirements. This is particularly beneficial for industries like finance, healthcare, or manufacturing, where compliance isn’t just important—it’s critical.
Horizons is also a good fit for companies that need more than just basic HR support. If you’re expanding into new markets and require local expertise (detailed insights into each region’s labor laws), Horizons provides customized services that can make a difference. For businesses that value tailored solutions and need a partner to help navigate the intricacies of global expansion, Horizons offers the depth and flexibility you’re looking for.
Best for: large enterprises and industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing that require comprehensive compliance support and tailored HR solutions for complex international operations.
Support Type and Quality
Support quality can be a decisive factor when managing global teams. Here’s how Remote and Horizons stack up in terms of support offerings.
| Aspect | Remote | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| Support Channels | Email, Live Chat, Phone Support | Email, Live Chat, Phone Support, Dedicated Account Manager |
| Availability | 24/7 support across all channels | 24/7 support with added account management for personalized service |
| Response Time | Generally quick responses, especially during peak hours | Prompt responses, with escalations handled by specialized teams |
| Support Tiers | Standard support with dedicated CSMs for larger clients | Tiered support, offering personalized assistance for complex issues |
| Customer Success Management | Available for larger clients, focusing on smooth onboarding and continuous support | Included in premium plans, providing deep insights and strategic guidance |
| User Resources | Extensive knowledge base, FAQs, and detailed webinars | Comprehensive help center, guided tutorials, and in-depth documentation |
Remote’s Support
Remote delivers a broad spectrum of support options to ensure all users receive help. The support includes:
- Channels: Remote offers support via email, live chat, and phone, making it accessible through multiple platforms to cater to different preferences.
- Availability: Remote’s support operates 24/7, ensuring that assistance is always within reach regardless of your team is location. This is particularly beneficial for companies operating in multiple time zones.
- Response Time: Remote is known for quick response times, especially during critical periods. With most issues resolved rapidly, Remote is a reliable choice for businesses that need timely solutions.
- Customer Success: For larger clients, Remote provides dedicated customer success managers (CSMs) who guide users through onboarding and offer continuous support, making global workforce management smoother and more efficient.
Horizons’ Support
Horizons offers a more personalized support experience, especially for larger enterprises with complex needs. Their support features include:
- Channels: Horizons provides support via email, live chat, and phone and assigns a dedicated account manager to each client. This ensures that users receive tailored assistance, particularly for more complex inquiries.
- Availability: Horizons’ support is available 24/7, with dedicated account managers on standby to assist with specific issues. This constant availability is crucial for businesses operating across different time zones.
- Response Time: Horizons is known for its responsive support, particularly for escalated issues. Specialized teams are readily available to address complex problems, ensuring a swift resolution.
- Customer Success: Higher-tier plans with Horizons include in-depth customer success management, offering strategic insights and personalized support, which are essential for managing intricate global operations.
In summary, while Remote offers robust and responsive support, Horizons provides a more personalized and comprehensive support experience, especially for businesses with complex global needs. The choice between the two will depend on whether you value quick, accessible help or deeply personalized service.
Top Industries That Use Them
The industries that gravitate toward Remote Horizons reflect each platform’s strengths. While both serve various sectors, certain industries find unique value in each platform’s offerings.
Remote is particularly popular among tech startups, SaaS companies, and creative industries. These sectors often require a handy solution to manage distributed teams across various countries. Remote’s ease of use and focus on IP protection make it a natural fit for companies dealing with sensitive data or intellectual property. Tech companies, in particular, appreciate Remote’s straightforward approach to hiring talent globally without the administrative burden. Similarly, where freelance and contract work is common, creative industries benefit from Remote’s efficient contractor management tools.
Remote:
- Tech Startups: Values Remote’s ease of use and strong IP protection.
- SaaS Companies: Appreciates the platform’s efficiency in managing distributed teams.
- Creative Industries: Benefits from Remote’s streamlined contractor management tools.
Conversely, Horizons is widely used in more regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. These sectors demand rigorous compliance and a deep understanding of local regulations, which Horizons provides. In finance and healthcare, where data security and legal compliance are non-negotiable, Horizons’ tailored compliance support is invaluable. Manufacturing companies, which often operate across multiple regions with different labor laws, also find Horizons’ detailed local insights and comprehensive support essential for smooth operations.
Horizons:
- Finance: Relies on Horizons for tailored compliance and data security.
- Healthcare: Values in-depth local regulatory knowledge and support.
- Manufacturing: Depends on detailed local insights for smooth, compliant operations across regions.
Score on Trusted Review Platforms
| Aspect | Remote | Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| G2 – score (reviews number) | 4.5/5 (1883) | 4.5/5 (129) |
| Trustpilot – score (reviews number) | 4.9/5 (1560) | 3.9/5 (15) |
| Capterra – score (reviews number) | 4.6/5 (45) | No Reviews |
User feedback is a crucial indicator of a platform’s performance, and both Remote and Horizons have garnered attention on trusted review platforms. These scores provide insight into how real users experience the services, from ease of use to customer support.
Remote generally scores high across multiple platforms, reflecting its popularity among small to mid-sized businesses and startups. On G2, Remote boasts a 4.5 out of 5 rating, with users often praising its intuitive interface and robust support. Trustpilot also shows positive feedback, with Remote holding a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on reviews highlighting the platform’s efficiency and transparency in pricing. Capterra users echo similar sentiments, giving Remote a 4.8 out of 5, particularly appreciating its ease of onboarding and managing international teams.
While also well-rated, Horizons tends to receive fewer reviews, reflecting its more specialized audience. On G2, Horizons has a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating. Users appreciate the platform’s comprehensive compliance features and personalized customer service. However, some reviews mention that the platform’s depth can lead to a steeper learning curve. On Trustpilot, Horizons holds a 4.6 out of 5, with users noting its strong performance in handling complex regulatory environments.
Alternative EOR Providers to Have in Mind
While Remote and Horizons are strong contenders in the EOR space, other platforms might better suit your needs. Depending on your business’s size, industry, or geographic focus, these alternative EOR providers could offer the right mix of services and pricing.
Rippling
Rippling is a versatile platform that combines HR, payroll, and IT in one comprehensive solution. It’s particularly popular among small to mid-sized businesses that must efficiently manage their workforce across multiple regions. Rippling’s EOR services extend to over 100 countries, making it a solid option for companies with international teams.
The platform’s ability to integrate with various business software and automate complex workflows gives it an edge in the market. Rippling also offers a flexible pricing model, which can appeal to businesses looking to scale without incurring steep costs.
Rippling:
- Versatile Platform: Combines HR, payroll, and IT services.
- Global Reach: EOR services in over 100 countries.
- Flexible Pricing: Scales with your business needs.
Get more information on our comprehensive Rippling review
Oyster HR
Oyster is another EOR provider, especially if your business emphasizes remote-first hiring. Oyster specializes in simplifying the hiring process for companies that want to recruit talent globally without setting up local entities. The platform covers over 180 countries, offering payroll, benefits, and compliance services tailored to each region. Oyster stands out for its commitment to ethical employment practices, ensuring employees receive fair compensation and benefits worldwide. It’s an excellent choice for companies that value social responsibility alongside global expansion.
Oyster HR:
- Remote-First Focus: Simplifies global hiring without local entities.
- Ethical Employment: Ensures fair compensation and benefits.
- Wide Coverage: Operates in over 180 countries.
Get more information on our comprehensive Oyster HR review
Globalization Partners
Globalization Partners is designed for larger enterprises with complex global operations. This platform is known for its robust compliance framework, covering over 180 countries. Globalization Partners provides a full suite of EOR services, including payroll, HR support, and tax management, with a strong focus on mitigating legal risks. The platform’s advanced technology and dedicated compliance team ensure businesses stay on the right side of local laws, no matter where they operate. Globalization Partners is a reliable option for companies with extensive international operations and stringent regulatory requirements.
Globalization Partners:
- Enterprise-Level Solution: Ideal for large companies with complex operations.
- Strong Compliance Framework: Covers over 180 countries with advanced legal support.
- Dedicated Support: Provides robust HR, payroll, and tax management services.
Conclusion
Choosing between Remote and Horizons depends on your specific business needs. Both platforms offer robust solutions for managing global teams but cater to different types of companies. Remote is best for startups and small to mid-sized businesses that need a user-friendly, efficient way to hire and manage international talent.
Horizons, on the other hand, shines in more regulated industries and larger enterprises. Its deep expertise in compliance and local regulations, coupled with personalized support, makes it a powerful tool for businesses with complex global operations.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your company’s size, industry, and what you prioritize—speed, simplicity, depth, and customization.