TLDR: User-Friendly Solutions vs Comprehensive Services in EOR
- Remote: Helping startups and small businesses go global without any hassle by simplifying international hiring and payroll. Find out more about Remote
- Velocity Global: Best-suited for larger enterprises requiring extensive services like talent acquisition and immigration support in addition to the essential services. Try out Velocity Global now
Remote and Velocity Global are two leading platforms in the global employment solutions space, offering distinct advantages as Employer of Record (EOR) providers. However, their strengths and limitations make them better suited to different types of businesses, depending on size, complexity, and specific needs.
Remote is a robust global payroll and hiring platform that ranks among the best EOR providers I’ve used. Thanks to its ability to streamline global HR processes and provide essential legal resources, it is a top choice for companies looking to hire, pay, and manage remote employees easily.
Remote’s user-friendly interface and transparent pricing model make it particularly attractive for startups and small to medium-sized businesses expanding globally. However, its capabilities might not scale adequately for large organizations with complex needs.
On the other hand, Velocity Global’s integrated approach offers a highly versatile platform for managing a global workforce. With its extensive global reach and comprehensive services, including talent acquisition and immigration support, Velocity Global is well-suited for larger enterprises and companies with diverse international hiring needs.
While its extensive customization options and proprietary technology can be powerful assets, they may also be overwhelming for businesses with more straightforward needs. Despite its ease of use and the comprehensive tools it provides, Velocity Global’s pricing could benefit from greater transparency.
In this review, I’ll delve into Remote and Velocity Global’s key features and potential drawbacks, focusing on their EOR services. I’ll also recommend ideal use cases for each platform and suggest alternatives for organizations with specific HR requirements.
By comparing Remote’s strengths and weaknesses with Velocity Global’s, I aim to help you determine which platform best meets your business needs, whether you’re managing a small startup or a large enterprise with complex global operations.
Remote
Velocity Global
Overview of Remote and Velocity Global
Overview of Remote
Remote is a global HR platform that provides employer-of-record services, contractor management, global payroll, and compliance support. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Francisco, Remote has quickly become popular for companies looking to hire internationally without establishing their own legal entities.
Remote’s core strength is its user-friendly platform that simplifies the complexities of global employment. It offers a straightforward approach to hiring, onboarding, and managing international employees and contractors. The platform’s intuitive interface allows businesses to easily handle payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance across multiple countries.
One of Remote’s standout features is its transparent pricing model, particularly appealing to startups and SMEs. This transparency allows companies to budget more effectively for their global expansion plans.
Company Information
- Headquarters: San Francisco, USA
- Founders: Job van der Voort, Marcelo Lebre
- Funding: Over $500 million in several funding rounds
- Founding Date: 2019
Also, read our in-depth Remote review
Overview of Velocity Global
Velocity Global is a comprehensive global employment solution provider that offers a wide range of services to help companies expand internationally. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Velocity Global has established itself as a leader in the global talent solutions space.
Velocity Global’s platform stands out for its breadth of services, which include employer of record services, global payroll, benefits administration, and compliance management.
What sets Velocity Global apart is its additional offerings such as talent acquisition, immigration support, and access to international coworking spaces.
The company’s proprietary technology platform provides real-time data and analytics, streamlining workforce management across borders. This makes Velocity Global particularly attractive to larger enterprises or companies with complex international hiring needs.
Company Information
- Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States
- Founders: Ben Wright
- Funding: Over $400 million raised
- Founding Date: 2014
Key Features of Remote
Remote platform offers several key features designed to streamline international employment. Here’s a detailed look at what the service provides:
- Global employment solutions: Enables hiring in over 180 countries without establishing local entities, supporting rapid international expansion. The platform handles all employment documentation, contracts, and compliance requirements through their owned legal entities in each country.
- Owned entity model:Operates its own legal entities in each country rather than partnering with local providers. This approach gives them greater control over billing, employee experience, and data protection, resulting in stronger compliance management and IP protection.
- Transparent pricing: Offers flat-rate pricing starting at $599 per employee per month for annual plans, with no hidden fees or minimum commitments across all countries. The consistent pricing structure makes budgeting predictable for finance teams.
- Comprehensive HR services: Manages the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, payroll, benefits, and compliance with local regulations. Remote handles document collection, background checks, tax registration, and ongoing employment administration.
- Intellectual property protection: Provides Remote IP Guard to ensure strong intellectual property protections for clients across all jurisdictions. The system includes specialized IP clauses in all employment contracts, tailored to each country’s legal framework.
- User-Friendly platform: Features an intuitive interface for managing both employees and contractors globally with minimal training required. The onboarding workflow guides users through country-specific requirements without overwhelming them with complexity.
- Flexible benefits administration: Offers competitive, localized benefits packages with multiple tiers in most markets, including health insurance and pension plans. The system allows for some customization while ensuring compliance with local requirements.
- Global payroll solution: Recently introduced Remote Global Payroll for companies with existing entities, streamlining multi-country payroll management. The system handles tax calculations, deductions, and compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
- Compliance and security: Incorporates built-in compliance features like Remote Watchtower and adheres to global data protection regulations. The platform automatically handles tax filings, statutory requirements, and employment law compliance across all countries.
- Equity incentives support: Provides compliant equity incentives support, including withholding and reporting. This feature helps companies offer stock options and other equity compensation to international employees while maintaining compliance with local tax laws.
Key Features of Velocity Global
Velocity Global platform offers several key features designed to streamline international employment. Here’s a detailed look at what the service provides:
- Global Employer of Record (EOR) Services: Enables companies to hire employees in 185+ countries without establishing local entities.
- Comprehensive HR Solutions: Offers end-to-end services including hiring, onboarding, payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management.
- Proprietary Technology Platform: Provides a cloud-based solution for real-time data and analytics, streamlining global workforce management.
- Talent Acquisition Services: Assists businesses in finding and hiring top talent globally, managing the recruitment process from sourcing to selection.
- Global Payroll Solutions: Offers centralized payroll services for international workforces, handling different wage rules, deductions, and currencies.
- Benefits Management: Creates customized, competitive benefits packages designed to attract top talent in various markets.
- Contractor Management: Ensures proper classification and compliant payments for independent contractors and freelancers.
- Access to International Coworking Spaces: Partnered with providers to offer access to over 10,000 workspace locations worldwide.
Benefits of Using Remote
The benefits of using Remote are:
- Extensive Global Coverage: Enables hiring in over 180 countries, facilitating rapid international expansion.
- Compliance Assurance: Minimizes legal risks with comprehensive management of local labor laws and regulations.
- IP Protection: Ensures robust safeguarding of company intellectual property across all jurisdictions.
- Time and Cost Efficiency: Streamlines global hiring and management processes, reducing administrative burdens.
- Scalability: Supports business growth with flexible solutions for both small teams and large enterprises.
- Transparent Pricing: Offers clear, upfront pricing without hidden fees or long-term commitments.
- Local Expertise: Provides access to in-country specialists for navigating complex employment issues.
- Simplified Global Operations: Centralizes management of international workforce in a single platform.
Benefits of Using Velocity Global
The benefits of using Velocity Global are:
- Rapid Market Entry: Allows companies to enter new markets up to 90% faster than traditional methods of establishing local entities.
- Compliance Assurance: Handles complex international labor laws, tax filings, and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces the time and resources required for international hiring and HR management.
- Global Talent Access: Enables businesses to hire the best talent regardless of location, expanding their talent pool.
- Scalability: Facilitates rapid business growth and expansion into new markets with flexible hiring solutions.
- Risk Mitigation: Reduces legal and compliance risks associated with international employment.
- Centralized Management: Provides a single platform for managing global workforce, payroll, and compliance.
- Flexible Work Environments: Offers access to international coworking spaces, supporting distributed workforces.
- Comprehensive Support: Provides 24/7 customer service and access to local HR experts in various countries.
- Customized Solutions: Tailors services to meet specific business needs across different industries and company sizes.
Pricing and Plans
Remote Pricing
Remote offers a transparent pricing model, which is one of its key advantages in the market. Their pricing is straightforward, making it particularly attractive for small to medium-sized businesses and startups looking to expand globally.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $599 per employee/month |
| Contractor Management Pricing | $29 per employee/month |
| Payroll Pricing | $29 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Available |
Remote also offers a Global Payroll service, but the pricing for this is not publicly disclosed and likely depends on the specific needs of each business.
It’s worth noting that Remote doesn’t require long-term commitments or charge setup fees. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for companies testing new markets or dealing with fluctuating workforce needs.
While Remote’s pricing is higher than some competitors for individual employees, it can be more cost-effective for companies hiring multiple employees in a single country. The predictable, all-inclusive pricing also makes it easier for businesses to budget for their global expansion plans.
Remote occasionally offers discounts for high-volume hiring or startups, so it’s worth contacting their sales team if you’re planning to hire a large number of international employees.
Velocity Global Pricing
Velocity Global takes a different approach to pricing than Remote. They offer customized pricing based on each client’s specific needs, which can be both an advantage and a drawback, depending on your perspective.
Unfortunately, Velocity Global does not publicly disclose its pricing structure. You’ll need to contact their sales team directly to get an accurate quote. This lack of transparency can make it challenging for businesses, especially smaller ones, to quickly assess whether Velocity Global fits within their budget.
However, the custom pricing model allows Velocity Global to tailor its services to each client’s needs. This can lead to more cost-effective solutions for companies with complex requirements or those hiring in multiple countries.
Based on industry standards for professional employer organizations (PEOs), we estimate that Velocity Global’s pricing might fall within 5% to 10% of total payroll costs. So, for example, if your annual international payroll is $1 million, you might expect to pay between $50,000 and $100,000 per year for Velocity Global’s services.
It’s important to note that Velocity Global’s pricing likely includes a broader range of services than Remote. Their comprehensive offering, including talent acquisition, immigration support, and access to global coworking spaces, may justify a higher price point for businesses that need these additional services.
When considering Velocity Global, getting a detailed breakdown of costs and services included in your custom quote is crucial. This will allow you to accurately compare the value proposition with other providers like Remote.
While the lack of upfront pricing can be a drawback, it also means there’s room for negotiation, especially for larger contracts or long-term commitments. Don’t hesitate to discuss your budget constraints and specific needs with Velocity Global’s sales team to see if they can tailor a package that fits your requirements.
Pros and Cons of Remote
Pros
- Own-entity model in 180+ countries: Remote maintains its own legal entities rather than using third-party partners, giving them direct control over employment processes and compliance in every location they serve.
- Superior IP protection: Remote’s IP Guard feature provides stronger intellectual property safeguards than most competitors, with clear ownership documentation and protection mechanisms across all jurisdictions.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing: Remote charges $599 per employee monthly with no hidden fees, setup costs, or minimum commitments, making budgeting predictable for finance teams.
- Extensive HR service coverage: The platform handles everything from onboarding to offboarding, including benefits administration, global payroll, and compliance management through a single dashboard.
- Localized benefits packages: Remote offers competitive, country-specific benefits that help companies attract top talent globally while remaining compliant with local requirements.
- Recently launched global payroll solution: Companies with existing international entities can now use Remote’s payroll services separately, simplifying multi-country payroll management.
Cons
- Premium pricing structure: At $599 per employee monthly, Remote costs significantly more than budget-friendly alternatives like Remofirst ($199/month), making it expensive for smaller companies.
- Limited customization options: The platform’s standardized approach works well for most situations but offers less flexibility for companies with unique employment arrangements or non-standard benefits needs.
- Basic reporting capabilities: Remote’s analytics and reporting functions lack the depth found in some enterprise HR platforms, offering limited customization for complex workforce insights.
Pros and Cons of Velocity Global
Pros
- Extensive Global Coverage: Operates in 185+ countries, providing broad international reach.
- Comprehensive Services: Offers end-to-end global employment solutions beyond basic EOR services.
- Proprietary Technology: Provides a robust platform for managing global workforce operations.
- Flexible Solutions: Supports both employee and contractor management globally.
- Expertise in Compliance: Strong focus on navigating complex international regulatory environments.
Cons
- Pricing: Not having a transparent pricing might mean having some hidden fees.
- Reliance on Third-Party Partners: Uses external providers for some services in certain regions.
- Potential for Delays: The involvement of third-party partners could lead to slower processes in some cases.
User Data Security and Compliance
Both Remote and Velocity Global prioritize user data security and regulatory compliance, but they cater to different business models.
Velocity Global offers advanced security features with SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications, ensuring compliance with global data protection standards. Its platform provides proactive legal and compliance monitoring across 185+ countries, making it ideal for companies managing high regulatory risks. Velocity Global also employs bank-level encryption for data transfers and offers 24/7 incident monitoring with localized data centers to align with regional regulations.
Remote focuses on secure data management for distributed teams and tech-savvy organizations, ensuring GDPR compliance and encrypted transactions. While Remote supports multi-country payroll and equity management, it emphasizes transparency and accessibility, making it well-suited for startups and SMEs. Its security protocols meet high standards, though they may not match the depth of certifications and compliance oversight offered by Velocity Global.
| Feature | Remote | Velocity Global |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Standards | End-to-end encryption for transactions | Bank-level encryption with multi-layer security |
| Certifications | GDPR compliant | SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified |
| Compliance Monitoring | Automated labor law updates | Proactive legal monitoring across 185+ countries |
| Data Storage | Cloud-based with regional servers | Localized data centers for region-specific compliance |
| Incident Response | Standard breach response protocols | 24/7 incident monitoring and rapid-response teams |
| Third-Party Audits | Limited external audits | Regular third-party audits for transparency |
Remote vs. Velocity Global At a Glance
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at how Remote and Velocity Global compare the most important features and information.
This summary table provides a bird’ s-eye view of the two solutions, including aspects like pricing and key functionalities.
| Feature | Remote | Omnipresent |
|---|---|---|
| Global Coverage | 170+ countries | 185+ countries |
| EOR Pricing | Starts at $599/employee/month | Not publicly disclosed, custom pricing |
| Contractor Pricing | $29/contractor/month | Not specified |
| Key Integrations | Major HR, accounting, and payroll systems | ADP, UKG Pro, BambooHR, Workday, Rippling, Namely, Zenefits, Gusto, Paychex |
| User Interface | User-friendly | Proprietary platform with real-time data and analytics |
| Ease of Use | High, with streamlined onboarding | Moderate, comprehensive but potentially complex for small businesses |
| Security and Compliance | GDPR and CCPA compliant, advanced encryption | SOC 2 Type II compliant, GDPR compliant |
| API | Available | Open API for custom integrations |
| Payroll Processing | Consolidated global payroll | Comprehensive global payroll support |
| Benefits Administration | Comprehensive global benefits | Tailored benefits packages in each country |
| Customer Support | Dedicated support team | Dedicated client service representative, online help center |
| Customization Options | Limited for large enterprises | Extensive customization available |
| Reporting and Analytics | Not specified | Advanced real-time data and analytics |
This table provides a quick comparison of the key features offered by Remote and Velocity Global. As we delve deeper into each platform’s offerings, you’ll get a more comprehensive understanding of how these features translate into practical benefits for your business.
Recommendations
Choosing between Remote and Velocity Global comes down to your business’s size and operational complexity. Remote is ideal for fast-growing, distributed teams that prioritize equity management and agile payroll solutions. Velocity Global is better suited for enterprises operating in complex or regulated markets, offering comprehensive compliance management and 24/7 legal support.
Who do I recommend Remote to?
Remote is best suited for startups, tech companies, and organizations with a distributed workforce. Its platform simplifies the hiring and management of employees and contractors while also providing tools for equity management. With affordable pricing and scalable features, Remote enables companies to expand internationally without complex administrative overhead.
Top 3 businesses that benefit from Remote:
- Tech startups – Need flexible payroll and equity management tools for distributed teams.
- Remote-first companies – Require seamless global contractor management.
- Freelancer-based organizations – Benefit from quick onboarding and payroll automation.
Who do I recommend Velocity Global to?
Velocity Global is ideal for enterprises and corporations expanding into multiple countries with complex compliance needs. Its platform offers full-service PEO support, ensuring legal and payroll compliance across 185+ countries. Companies that require deep compliance oversight, proactive legal monitoring, and 24/7 HR support will benefit most from Velocity Global.
Top 3 businesses that benefit from Velocity Global:
- Enterprises managing international operations – Need in-depth compliance support and risk management.
- Corporations in regulated industries – Require proactive legal and tax compliance across multiple markets.
- Businesses planning multi-country expansion – Benefit from full-service HR, payroll, and legal support.
When to Consider an Alternative Provider?
Depending on your specific needs, another provider might be a better fit. Here’s a quick comparison to guide your decision.
| Provider | Best For | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Startups and freelancers | Crypto payment options and flexible contracts |
| Oyster HR | Remote-first organizations | Employee well-being tools and easy integration with HR platforms |
| Multiplier | SMEs needing cost-effective solutions | Affordable multi-currency payroll with compliance tools |
| Remofirst | Startups needing budget-friendly services | Transparent pricing with fast onboarding |
| Rippling | Mid-sized businesses with IT needs | Integrated HR and IT management tools |
| Papaya Global | Large enterprises with complex payroll | AI-powered automation and analytics |
| Gusto | U.S.-based small businesses | User-friendly payroll and benefits platform |
| Atlas HXM | Enterprises with custom HR requirements | Advanced analytics and deep system integrations |
Both Remote and Velocity Global offer exceptional services, but the right provider will depend on your company’s growth goals, compliance needs, and budget. Remote excels at flexibility and equity management for distributed teams, while Velocity Global provides deeper legal support for enterprises managing high regulatory risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Remote and Velocity Global differ in their pricing models?
Remote offers transparent, flat-rate pricing with a monthly fee per employee or contractor. Velocity Global, on the other hand, uses a custom pricing model based on each client’s specific needs. This means Remote’s costs are more predictable upfront, while Velocity Global’s pricing may be more flexible but less transparent.
Does Velocity Global offer any unique features that Remote doesn’t?
Yes, Velocity Global offers several unique features, including talent acquisition services, immigration and visa support, and access to international coworking spaces. They also provide a proprietary technology platform with real-time data and analytics for workforce management.
Are both platforms compliant with international data protection regulations?
Both Remote and Velocity Global comply with international data protection regulations. Remote is GDPR compliant and undergoes regular audits. Velocity Global is GDPR compliant and SOC 2 Type II certified, demonstrating a high commitment to data security and privacy.