Oyster vs Remote: pricing, features and which to choose
Remote
Employ Borderless Standard · 10 of 10 pillars
- EOR from
- $599
- Countries
- 186
Oyster
Employ Borderless Standard · 10 of 10 pillars
- EOR from
- $699
- Countries
- 132
Choose Remote if cost decides it, or if you need owned entities. We found nothing in our data that Oyster does better.
This is an independent comparison by Employ Borderless.
Remote or Oyster: which fits your team?
There is no overall winner. Each provider fits a different team. Employ Borderless lists a reason only where our pricing, coverage, entity and capability data separate the two.
Choose Remote if
- Cost decides it$599 vs $699 per employee per month for EOR
- You need owned entities32 vs 14 owned entities we checked in national registers
- You need contractor of recordRemote offers it; Oyster's own site does not mention it
- You need the widest country list186 vs 132 countries
- You care most about integrations4.8 vs 4.0 out of 5 in our scoring
- You care most about eor service depth4.8 vs 4.3 out of 5 in our scoring
- You care most about user experience4.8 vs 4.3 out of 5 in our scoring
Choose Oyster if
We found nothing in our data that Oyster does better than Remote.
Either works on: contractor price.
Placed among the EOR providers we review, from their published prices, country coverage and tools.
Remote: Premium price, global reach and a full HR platform.
Oyster: Premium price, wide reach and some platform tools.
Price
$99/mo$699/moRemote:$599/moOyster:$699/mo
Reach
1 country193 countriesRemote:186 countriesOyster:132 countries
Tools
- HR suite
- Contractor of record
- API
- Webhooks
- HRIS integration
Remote:5 of 5 listed on its siteOyster:3 of 5 listed on its site
How we make money: Employ Borderless earns commissions and pre-negotiated discounts when you choose a provider through us. You pay nothing for our recommendation. Our methodology is independent of partner economics. If a provider is wrong for you, we say so.
Remote covers 186 countries and Oyster covers 132. Employer of record starts from $599 per employee per month at Remote and $699 at Oyster.
This page sets out what each one is strongest at, where each gives ground, and which of the two suits your situation. In short: Remote suits companies who want strong protection of intellectual property (IP) and legal risk coverage when hiring internationally; Oyster suits growing companies looking for strong global compliance support and fast onboarding in all major markets.
How do Remote and Oyster compare on our ratings?
I've scored both providers across 10 categories based on independent research and user feedback, with every score labelled by the evidence behind it. Here's how they stack up.
average of the 25 providers we rate
EOR service depth
Country coverage
Pricing
User experience
Customer support
Integrations
Provider stability
Analytics & reporting
Security
Compliance
Why you can trust our reviews
We combine structured research with real-world global hiring experience. Our methodology is built by operators who've spent years working with EOR, PEO, and payroll providers across multiple markets.
- Experience in global hiring - selecting and working with EOR providers
- A documented research method - provider documentation and pricing pages, review platforms (G2, Trustpilot, Capterra), communities, and provider validation
- The Employ Borderless Standard - our 10-pillar rating framework, scored out of 5 to one decimal across features, country coverage, pricing, UX, support, integrations, mobile, analytics, security, and compliance
- Weighted review analysis - platforms with more reviews have higher impact (e.g. 2000 > 30)
- Independent - rankings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships
Built by practitioners, not publishers - so you can rely on it for real hiring decisions.
What is Remote?
We rate Remote 4.5 out of 5. Expect pricing from $599/mo, spanning 186+ countries.
Remote was founded in 2019 by Job van der Voort and Marcelo Lebre, both former GitLab executives, and has raised more than $500 million. Remote owns and runs its legal entities in each country it covers rather than relying on third-party partners, which keeps employment responsibilities in-house.
| Founded | 2019 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, US |
| CEO | Job van der Voort |
| Employees | 1,001-5,000 |
| Total funding | $495M |
What is Oyster?
Priced from $699/mo with 132+ countries of coverage, Oyster lands at 4.0 out of 5 in our assessment, in line with its G2, Trustpilot, Capterra reviews.
Oyster puts more weight on the employee experience than most EOR providers, with Oyster Academy for professional development and tools for onboarding and working across cultures. Most of its customers are mid-market and enterprise companies with 50 or more employees.
| Founded | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Charlotte, US |
| CEO | Tony Jamous |
| Employees | 501-1,000 |
| Total funding | $291M |
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 186 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 from $599 per employee per month, 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 | $599per employee/month | $699per employee/month |
| Contractors | $29per employee/month | $29per employee/month |
| Global payroll | $29per employee/month | - |
Checked by Employ Borderless on Remote's pricing page, November 1, 2026. Employ Borderless is free to use.
Checked by Employ Borderless on Oyster's pricing page, November 1, 2026. Employ Borderless is free to use.
What Remote’s headline price doesn’t include
Fully-loaded EOR cost runs well beyond the per-employee rate once deposits, FX margins and one-off fees land. These are the ones we could source for Remote.
| Fee | Amount | Disclosure | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FX / currency markup | Not published | Not published | Oct 2026 |
| Security deposit | Not published | Not published | Oct 2026 |
| Offboarding fee | Not published | Not published | Oct 2026 |
| Off-cycle payroll run | $29 | Published | Jul 2026 |
| Contract amendment | Not published | Not published | Oct 2026 |
| Benefits markup | Not published | Not published | Oct 2026 |
| Minimum term | Not published | Not published | Oct 2026 |
Published fees are stated on Remote’s own site; contract-only fees are documented but appear only in the agreement or a quote, so confirm them in writing before you sign. Not published means we searched Remote’s own site for this fee and found no stated figure. Ask for it in writing, since unpublished is not the same as zero. Fees not listed are undocumented, not necessarily zero. Every figure is sourced and dated · latest check Oct 2026.
Not sure which is right for you?
Tell me about your team and I'll give you a free, independent 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.
- +
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 from $599 per employee per month for EOR services. This puts it at the higher end of the market. Providers like RemoFirst (from $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 132 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.
Where Remote and Oyster both frustrate users
Both platforms draw the same complaints in a few areas, so switching from one to the other will not fix them. If these matter to you, weigh them before you commit.
Remote
Remote charges from $599 per employee per month for EOR services. This puts it at the higher end of the market. Providers like RemoFirst (from $199 per month) work better for smaller companies.
Oyster
EOR services cost $699 per employee per month. Some budget providers charge less for similar coverage (for example, RemoFirst at $199 per month).
What people flag on Reddit
Approved community mentions, summarised. First-hand accounts shown first; mentions from accounts we consider promotional are excluded.
Remote
Employee in Portugal says their employer's EOR, Remote, is handling layoff offboarding and pressuring them to sign a mutual termination agreement, threatening 'other methods' otherwise; asks if others have negotiated with Remote.First-hand
r/devptEmployee working through Remote.com notes it does not include local benefits like meal vouchers or car allowances, resulting in a high tax burden.First-hand
r/cscareerquestionsEUAuthor tried Remote but switched to Deel because Remote lacked a legal entity in Serbia for local currency payments.First-hand
r/ycombinator
Oyster
Former employee of a company that used Oyster HR says its proprietary system for expenses and time tracking was time-consuming and ranks it their least favourite EOR.First-hand
r/askswitzerlandUser reports Oyster HR's local NZ partner is misrepresenting salary figures by stripping leave allowances from the contract amount, describing the local entity as acting like 'complete scum bags'.First-hand
r/PersonalFinanceNZ
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 | 4.5 5,561 reviews | 4.4 1,625 reviews |
 Trustpilot | 4.6 3,560 reviews | 3.8 272 reviews |
 Capterra | 4.3 102 reviews | 4.6 91 reviews |
Ratings sourced directly from each platform. Last updated October 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 | - |
| Dedicated account manager | - | Yes |
| Support languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Other | English |
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 $699/mo |
| Countries | 186+ | 132+ |
| Pays employees in | Local currency (134 currencies) | Local currency (89 currencies) |
| Invoices in | AUD, CAD, CHF, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, USD | CAD, EUR, GBP, USD |
| Overall rating | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.0 out of 5 |
| Mobile app | Yes | Not published |
| API available | Yes | Yes |
| Webhook support | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated account manager | — | Yes |
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
Companies of any size that want some of the lowest EOR pricing we track, with fast human support and predictable per-employee pricing.
Read review
Deel
Growing companies hiring 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.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Remote and Oyster cost for EOR?
Remote prices its employer of record service from $599 per employee per month and Oyster from $699, and both price contractor management from $29 per month. The real differences are reach and entity model: Remote covers 186 countries through owned entities, while Oyster focuses on employee experience and equity tools for distributed teams.
What are the best alternatives to Oyster for EOR?
Remote is a direct alternative from $599 per employee per month, $100 less, with 186-country coverage and an owned-entity model. For lower pricing, RemoFirst starts from $199 and Hire with Columbus from $179 per employee per month. Deel is worth a look if you also manage contractors. The right alternative depends on whether you want more reach, lower cost, or contractor tools.
How many countries do Remote and Oyster cover?
Remote covers 186 countries. Oyster publishes 180+ locations across hiring, payroll and contractor services, counted on a different basis, so compare the two country lists directly rather than the headline totals. Entity model is the most concrete reason to pick one over the other. If you are hiring in less common markets, Remote's wider footprint and owned-entity model give you more room. If your hiring stays in established markets, Oyster's coverage is likely enough and its remote-team tools may matter more.
Is Remote or Oyster better for a remote-first company?
Oyster is built specifically for remote-first, distributed teams, with tools for employee engagement and equity compensation that suit companies of roughly 20 to 200 people. Remote also serves distributed teams well but leans on its owned-entity model and broader 186-country coverage. If equity tools and employee experience lead your priorities, Oyster fits; if reach and IP protection lead, Remote does.
Which should I choose, Remote or Oyster?
Choose Remote if cost decides it, or if you need owned entities. We found nothing in our data that Oyster does better. Employ Borderless names a reason only where its pricing, coverage, entity and capability data separate the two. For the detail behind each, read the Remote review and Oyster review.
Still not sure?
Get a free, personalized recommendation based on your team size, budget, and hiring countries.