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Employer of Record (EOR)
Employer of Record (EOR)
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7 Oyster HR Alternatives for Employer of Record Services

Angelica Krauss
Updated date
July 16, 2025

Oyster HR is an Employer of Record (EOR) that makes it easier for companies to hire talent around the world. While it has a solid all-in-one platform, it’s worth exploring a few other EOR options before committing, especially if you’re keeping an eye on budget.

Whether you're looking to scale your global hiring more efficiently or just want to explore your options, here are seven Oyster HR alternatives worth considering if you need EOR services.

Key takeaways: 

  • Oyster HR can be a good choice for companies that need extensive app integration capabilities and value online learning opportunities for employees.
  • The right EOR for your business depends on a variety of factors, including country reach, functionality, and cost.
  • RemoFirst is one of the most cost-effective EORs on the market, with pricing that starts at only $199 per employee per month.

Employer of Record Services Comparison Quick View

EOR Provider Best For EOR Cost Contractor Cost
Oyster Companies that want to offer employees online learning opportunities Starts at $699 per person/month $29 per contractor/month
RemoFirst Cost-conscious businesses Starts at $199 per person/month $25 per contractor/month
Remote Companies that want easy-to-use integrations $599 per person/month (annual plan) $29 per contractor/month
Multiplier Businesses focused on flexible payroll services Starts at $400 per person/month $40 per contractor/month
Deel Businesses that want robust integrations Starts at $599 per person/month $49 per contractor/month
Papaya Global Analytics-focused businesses Starts at $599 per person/month $30 per contractor/month
Globalization Partners (G-P) Companies that want AI-assisted EOR services Starts at $699 per person/month $39 per contractor/month
Velocity Global Businesses that want to expand their services with customizable EOR add-ons Unknown, pricing upon request Unknown, pricing upon request

Oyster HR

Oyster HR provides clients with all of the standard EOR services, like international payroll processing and employee benefits administration. It also offers an online learning platform, Oyster Academy, which provides educational materials for employees in a variety of experience levels and roles.

While that's a nice add-on, it's also reflected in the pricing, which, at $699 per employee per month, makes Oyster HR one of the more expensive EORs in the industry.

Reviews suggest that the HR platform is relatively easy to use and can integrate with tools customers already depend on, like QuickBooks. However, reviews also report that Oyster’s customer service can be spotty. 

To dive into more customer feedback, check out Oyster’s G2 reviews and read how RemoFirst compares to Oyster here

Oyster
Best for Companies that want to offer employees online learning opportunities
Employee pricing Starts at $699 per person/month
Contractor pricing $29 per contractor/month
Hidden fees One-time fees or specific recurring charges are often not shared in advance. Currency conversion fees may be higher than the market average.
Key additional services Oyster Academy

Oyster UX Screenshot

RemoFirst

RemoFirst is a popular choice for SMBs and startups for many reasons, including the fact that it’s one of the most cost-efficient EORs on the market.

Our pricing starts at only $199 per employee per month and $25 per month for contractors. Not only that, there’s zero hidden fees. You'll know exactly how much you'll pay upfront, with no surprises.

Our easy-to-navigate interface takes the guesswork out of managing both full-time employees and freelancers. You’ll be assigned a dedicated account manager to help field any questions, and we also have 24/5 customer service support.

From background checks to visas and work permits to localized private health insurance options via RemoHealth and RemoHealth Local, we offer a range of customizable services for clients in 185+ countries across the globe.

RemoFirst
Best for Cost-conscious businesses
Employee pricing Starts at $199 per person/month
Contractor pricing $25 per contractor/month
Hidden fees Fixed flat rate with no hidden fees
Key additional services RemoHealth and RemoHealth Local

RemoFirst UX Screenshot

Remote

The platform is known for being user-friendly and integrates with a wide range of tools, including Workday, Zapier, QuickBooks, Gusto, and Xero.

One of Remote’s standout features is its IP Guard, designed to offer enhanced protection of clients' intellectual property.

Remote operates on the owned-entity model, which allows for greater control over operations in each country it serves. 

However, this level of infrastructure and control comes at a premium. Remote charges $599 per employee per month (on its annual plan) and $29 per contractor, although contractor pricing can increase to $99 for its enhanced contractor services.

Some Remote customers have noted longer-than-expected onboarding timelines, payment delays, and slow customer support. There have also been reports of overcharges and a lack of robust analytics or advanced reporting tools compared to other EOR platforms.

Visit Remote’s G2 profile for more customer feedback and check out how RemoFirst compares to Remote.

Remote
Best for Companies that want easy-to-use integrations
Employee pricing $599 per person/month (annual plan)
Contractor pricing $29 per contractor/month
Hidden fees No setup or onboarding fees
Key additional services API integrations

Remote UX Screenshot

Multiplier

The platform offers global employment coverage and payroll processing in over 150 countries. Notable Multiplier features include multiple billing cycles each month and comprehensive benefits administration, from health insurance to stock options.

Multiplier operates on the hybrid EOR model, which means it owns some entities and also works with local partners. Prices start at $400 per employee per month and $40 per contractor per month. 

One thing to be aware of is that Multiplier requires accounts to be funded in USD, which may be limiting for companies headquartered outside of the U.S. Additionally, currency conversion rates can be higher than market rates.

Check out the RemoFirst vs. Multiplier comparison page for more information, or read Multiplier’s G2 reviews.

Multiplier
Best for Businesses focused on flexible payroll services
Employee pricing Starts at $400 per person/month
Contractor pricing $40 per contractor/month
Hidden fees No hidden fees, but currency conversion fees might be above market average
Key additional services Flexible payroll cycles

Multiplier UX Screenshot

Deel

Deel is another EOR provider that owns legal entities in countries where it operates. The company also touts its available integrations with over 20 popular HR tools, including QuickBooks and Dropbox.

With that said, Deel is also on the pricey side. Costs start at $599 per employee per month, and it’s $49 per month for contractors. There are also other fees that often pop up, such as offboarding charges for example. 

Some Deel users have reported a significant learning curve with the platform's interface and slow customer support response times during high-volume periods.

For a look at how Deel stacks up against RemoFirst, visit our comparison page or read Deel’s G2 reviews for more information.

Deel
Best for Businesses that want robust integrations
Employee pricing Starts at $599 per person/month
Contractor pricing $49 per contractor/month
Hidden fees Various fees, including offboarding charges
Key additional services Locally owned entities

Deel UX Screenshot

Papaya Global

Papaya Global offers a comprehensive platform for global workforce management, supporting international hiring and payroll in over 160 countries. They also specialize in various industries, from oil and gas to iGaming.

Beyond standard EOR services, Papaya Global provides clients detailed HR analytics, integrations with popular HR software, and a convenient mobile app.

Papaya Global's pricing starts at $599 per employee per month, with contractor management at $30 per person per month. Additional services, such as Agent of Record and Workforce OS, are available as add-ons for an extra fee.

Learn more about how RemoFirst stacks up against Papaya Global here, or check out Papaya Global’s G2 reviews.

Papaya Global
Best for Analytics-focused businesses
Employee pricing Starts at $599 per person/month
Contactor pricing $30 per contractor/month
Hidden fees No hidden fees
Key additional services HR analytics

Papaya Global UX Screenshot

Globalization Partners (G-P)

Globalization Partners (G-P) is an EOR option geared towards larger enterprises with budgets to match. 

G-P owns and operates its own entities and offers an all-in-one platform that handles everything from employment contracts and payroll to benefits packages, tax filings, and legal compliance. 

The platform includes customizable reporting, analytics, and self-service tools for employees. G-P also provides an AI-powered assistant that helps users identify potential misclassification risks and draft compliant employment contracts.

EOR services start at $699 per employee per month and require a 12-month minimum contract. Contractors are $39 per month per person. Clients can also face additional costs, such as fees for country setup and wire transfers, as well as employee offboarding charges, which can inflate the total bill.

See our RemoFirst vs. G-P comparison for more information, and check out G-P’s reviews on G2 to see what customers have to say.

Globalization Partners (G-P)
Best for Companies that want AI-assisted EOR services
Employee pricing Starts at $699 per person/month
Contactor pricing $39 per contractor/month
Hidden fees Charges setup fees, wiring fees, and offboarding fees
Key additional services AI assistant

G-P UX Screenshot

Velocity Global

Velocity Global emphasizes its commitment to compliance, employing in-country specialists to help navigate labor laws. 

The company offers customized packages in addition to their standard EOR offerings, as well as immigration support when needed. It also features integrations for major HRIS platforms such as HiBob, Workable, and Greenhouse.

Velocity Global's pricing structure isn’t transparent; companies need to contact the company to obtain a quote. Although the service doesn’t have termination fees, its mandatory 30-day notice period for employee offboarding may pose challenges.

Check out Velocity Global’s G2 profile for more pros and cons about the service.

Velocity Global
Best for Businesses that want to expand their services with customizable EOR add-ons
Employee pricing Unknown, pricing upon request
Contactor pricing Unknown, pricing upon request
Hidden fees Velocity Global states there are no hidden fees
Key additional services Immigration support services

Velocity Global UX Screenshot

Employ and Pay Your Global Team with RemoFirst

While Oyster HR might be the right choice for certain businesses, such as enterprise-level organizations looking to add to their global team, their services come at a substantial cost. 

While RemoFirst doesn’t offer an online learning academy, what we do offer is a cost-effective way for companies to easily build their global teams in 185+ countries, and at a fraction of the price of other EORs, like Oyster HR. 

We simplify everything, from global payroll to filing taxes and ensuring compliance with local employment laws.

We also help companies with benefits management, including providing private healthcare coverage options for their international employees through RemoHealth and RemoHealth Local.

EORs like Oyster HR may be the best fit for companies that put a premium on app integrations. But our transparent, best-in-class pricing, quick employee onboarding, and dedicated customer support make us a standout option for small businesses and startups or any company that doesn’t want to pay a premium to hire employees internationally.

Schedule a demo today to learn more about how RemoFirst can help your business employ international teams.

About the author

Angelica has extensive experience in the B2B SaaS industry and holds an MBA in Leadership & Management. She is passionate about building towards the Future of Work, and has been a proud remote worker since 2019.