Remote vs Oyster HR: 2026 EOR Comparison
Remote pricing starts at $599/mo and covers 186+ countries, while Oyster starts at $599/mo and covers 88+ countries. We rate Remote 8.9/10 and Oyster 8.7/10.
Robbin Schuchmann
Co-founder, Employ Borderless
Remote vs Oyster: quick comparison
Short on time? Here are the key differences between Remote and Oyster at a glance.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | $599/per employee/month | $599/per employee/month |
| Contractor pricing | $29/per employee/month | $29/per employee/month |
| Payroll pricing | $29/per employee/month | $25/per employee/month |
| Overall rating | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Countries | 186+ | 88+ |
| 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
$599/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$29/per employee/month
Payroll pricing
$25/per employee/month
Overall rating
8.7/10
Countries
88+
Let me be honest: choosing between Remote and Oyster 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 – both charge $599/month and cover 180+ countries, but Remote offers owned entities with transparent pricing, while Oyster provides remote-first employee experience with some hidden add-on costs.
I keep seeing the same pattern: businesses compare these because pricing looks identical, then realize six months later that Oyster’s add-ons for salary bands and visa sponsorship increased costs. Remote built its reputation on 100% owned entities with no third-party costs or mandatory deposits, while Oyster positioned itself around employee experience and ethical employment standards. Both work, but they serve different priorities.
The real decision comes down to pricing transparency versus features: Remote works best when you need owned entities with guaranteed no hidden fees at $599/month, while Oyster delivers better results for companies prioritizing employee experience and equity management despite potential add-on costs. Your budget predictability needs will determine which fits better.
My goal is to help you decide if Remote’s transparent no-hidden-fees model suits your needs, or if Oyster’s employee-centric features justify potential add-on costs.
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 pricing starts at $599/mo and covers 186+ countries. We rate them 8.9/10 with a weighted third-party average across G2, Trustpilot, Capterra.
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 Oyster?
Oyster pricing starts at $599/mo and covers 88+ countries. We rate them 8.7/10 with a weighted third-party average across G2, Trustpilot, Capterra.
Oyster HR is an Employer of Record (EOR) and a global employment platform that allows companies to hire and manage international workers in more than 180 countries without setting up local legal entities. Founded in 2020, the company focuses on supporting distributed teams.
Oyster’s services include international employment contracts, payroll processing, benefits administration, and ongoing local compliance in each country where it operates.
Focus on employee experience
Oyster places more emphasis on the employee experience than traditional EOR providers.Alongside core employment services, the platform includes Oyster Academy for professional development, as well as tools designed to support onboarding and cross-cultural collaboration.
What it means for clients: Oyster acts as more than a compliance partner. The platform is designed to help companies build and maintain engaged global teams, not just employ them on paper.
Typical customers
Oyster primarily serves mid-market and enterprise companies with 50 or more employees, but I've also seen a few startups in their customer base.The limiting factor here is the higher rate for Employer of Record (EOR) services.
The platform attracts companies that value consistency, employee satisfaction, and long-term retention, even when that means paying more than low-cost EOR alternatives.
| Founded | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Charlotte |
| CEO | Tony Jamous |
| Employees | 501-1000 |
What are the key features of Remote vs Oyster?
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.
Oyster key features
Oyster creates employment contracts that match local labor laws. They also handle job postings, offers, and onboarding.
The platform calculates pay, taxes, and deductions, and pays employees in their local currency on schedule.
Oyster monitors labor laws and tax rules in each country where you hire. Clients receive alerts when local laws change.
They offer health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits tailored to local requirements. Most markets include multiple-tier options.
Both worker types are handled on the same platform. Clients can convert contractors to employees if/when they need to.
Includes help with work permits and immigration paperwork in more than 60 countries.
Provides training courses for skill development. This is the main separator between Oyster and other providers.
What benefits do Remote and Oyster 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.
Oyster benefits
Hiring faster in new countries
Oyster clients can onboard employees within a few days instead of waiting three to six months to set up a legal entity.
Staying current with labor laws
The platform tracks regulation changes across countries so clients don't have to research employment requirements for each market.
Skipping entity setup costs
Avoiding entity setup can save $50,000 to $200,000 per country. At $699, Oyster monthly fee is easier to justify when hiring multiple employees in the same market.
Scaling without legal blockers
Add employees in new markets without setting up infrastructure first.
One dashboard for everyone
Oyster allows you to manage payroll, benefits, and compliance for all countries in one system.
How do Remote and Oyster 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 | $599/per employee/month |
| Contractor management | $29/per employee/month | $29/per employee/month |
| Global payroll | $29/per employee/month | $25/per employee/month |
Not sure which is right for you?
Tell me about your team and I'll give you a free, unbiased recommendation.
What are the pros and cons of Remote vs Oyster?
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.
- +
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.
Oyster
- +
Employee development
Oyster Academy includes training and professional development tools. This sets Oyster apart from EOR providers that focus only on compliance and payroll.
- +
Designed for remote teams
The platform is well-suited to distributed teams, particularly in collaboration across regions.
- +
Strong global coverage
Hiring is supported in more than 180 countries, with benefits aligned to local expectations. This allows Oyster clients to attract better talent.
- +
Simple compliance tracking
Labor law updates appear directly on the platform in real time. This reduces the need to monitor changes separately as the client company grows.
- +
Built-in cost calculator
Shows expected employment costs across different countries upfront.
- +
Ethical employment standards
Oyster’s focus on fair pay and responsible hiring supports companies planning for sustainable, long-term growth.
- −
Premium rates
EOR services cost $699 per employee per month. Some budget providers charge less for similar coverage (for example, RemoFirst at $199 per month).
- −
Add-on costs
Salary bands, visa sponsorship, and premium benefits cost extra.
- −
Limited self-service
Some routine workflows are less automated compared to platforms like Deel. In some cases, more human intervention can mean delayed hires.
What do customers say about Remote vs Oyster?
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 | 4.4 853 reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 2,679 reviews | 4.5 240 reviews |
| Capterra | 4.4 94 reviews | 4.5 68 reviews |
Ratings sourced directly from each platform. Last updated February 2026.
Customer support: Remote vs Oyster
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 | Yes |
| Support languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Other | English |
| Self-service resources | Yes | Yes |
| Community forum | No | No |
How do Remote and Oyster 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 |  Oyster |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | From $599/mo | From $599/mo |
| Countries | 186+ | 88+ |
| Overall rating | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 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 zero hidden costs. Best for:
- Companies (50-500 employees) needing 100% owned entities across 180+ countries
- Organizations requiring absolute pricing transparency with no add-on fees or mandatory deposits
- Businesses wanting integrated HRIS, recruitment tools, and unlimited indemnity coverage included
- Companies prioritizing direct entity control eliminating third-party complications
- Budget-conscious organizations needing predictable $599/month costs without surprise charges
Remote’s owned-entity infrastructure and transparent pricing work well for companies prioritizing cost predictability. If you need zero hidden fees with owned entities, Remote provides solutions at $599/month across 180+ countries.
Choose Oyster if:
Choose Oyster if you prioritize employee experience and equity tools over pricing transparency. Best for:
- Remote-first companies (20-200 employees) building distributed teams focused on employee engagement
- Organizations offering equity compensation requiring specialized equity assessment tools
- Companies prioritizing ethical employment standards and fair compensation practices
- Businesses wanting user-friendly platforms with employee cost calculators
- Teams comfortable with base $599/month pricing plus potential add-ons for salary bands and visa sponsorship
Oyster’s employee-centric design and equity tools work well for remote-first companies. If you prioritize employee experience and equity management despite add-on costs, Oyster provides solutions at $599/month base 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.
Still not sure?
Get a free, personalized recommendation based on your team size, budget, and hiring countries.