By Abiola Gbolahan
Edited By Fredrick Oladipupo
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Hiring and paying a global team can be a real headache for businesses. From navigating different tax laws to ensuring compliance with international labor regulations, managing payroll across multiple countries isn’t easy. That’s why companies turn to payroll and hiring platforms that handle the heavy lifting, making it seamless to onboard and pay employees or contractors anywhere in the world.
Two of the biggest names in this space are Deel and Remote.com. Deel is known for its extensive global payroll coverage, automated payments, and compliance support in over 150 countries. On the other hand, Remote.com offers a solid employer-of-record (EOR) service, helping businesses hire full-time employees legally while also managing benefits, taxes, and payroll. Both platforms aim to simplify international hiring, but which one is the better choice?
In this blog post, we’ll break down Deel vs. Remote.com, comparing their features, pricing, and overall ease of use. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which platform best fits your business needs.
2. Overview: Deel vs Remote.com
When it comes to managing a global workforce, businesses need reliable platforms that handle payroll, compliance, and hiring with ease. Deel and Remote.com are two of the most popular solutions, offering businesses the tools to legally hire and pay employees or contractors worldwide. However, each platform has its unique strengths, making them suitable for different business needs. Below is a detailed breakdown of what each platform offers.
2.1 What is Deel?
Deel is a comprehensive global payroll and compliance platform that enables businesses to hire, manage, and pay international employees and contractors in over 150 countries. The platform is designed to simplify the complexities of international employment by handling contracts, tax compliance, and automated payroll. Deel’s key strength lies in its ability to ensure legal compliance with local labor laws, helping businesses avoid legal risks and penalties when hiring across borders.
2.1.1 Key Features of Deel
Global Payroll & Contractor Payments – Deel automates payroll for both full-time employees and contractors, allowing businesses to process payments in multiple currencies without worrying about exchange rates or transaction fees.
Employer of Record (EOR) Services – For companies looking to hire employees in foreign countries where they don’t have a legal entity, Deel acts as the official employer, handling contracts, tax filings, and benefits administration.
Compliance & Legal Support – Deel provides localized contracts that comply with each country’s labor laws. Businesses can use its legal resources to ensure they follow international employment regulations.
Seamless Integrations – Deel integrates with major HR and accounting tools like QuickBooks, Xero, Rippling, and BambooHR, making it easier to sync payroll and employee data.
Automated Invoicing & Tax Handling – Deel generates invoices for contractors automatically and takes care of tax deductions, reducing the administrative burden on businesses.
2.2.2 Who Should Use Deel?
- Startups and small businesses that need to hire remote workers legally without setting up foreign entities.
- Enterprises expanding globally that require a robust payroll system with full compliance management.
- Companies hiring contractors who want easy payment processing without the hassle of tax calculations.
2.2.3 Strengths of Deel
✔️ Supports over 150 countries with built-in compliance.
✔️ Flexible payment options (including crypto, Wise, PayPal, and bank transfers).
✔️ 24/7 customer support for faster issue resolution.
✔️ Detailed compliance resources to ensure legal hiring practices.
2.2 What is Remote.com?
Remote.com is an all-in-one HR and payroll platform that helps businesses hire, manage, and pay international employees and contractors while ensuring full compliance with local labor laws. The platform is particularly known for its strong Employer of Record (EOR) services, which allow businesses to hire employees without setting up a legal entity in a foreign country.
Unlike Deel, which offers contractor payroll as a major service, Remote.com focuses more on full-time employee management, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to expand their global workforce with long-term hires.
2.2.1 Key Features of Remote.com
Employer of Record (EOR) Services – Remote.com allows businesses to hire full-time employees in over 80 countries, handling everything from contracts and payroll to benefits and tax compliance.
Contractor Management – Although Remote.com primarily focuses on full-time employees, it also provides contractor payment solutions, helping businesses automate invoices and tax deductions for freelancers and gig workers.
HR & Benefits Administration – Remote.com provides health insurance, retirement plans, stock options, and paid time off (PTO) management, ensuring employees receive competitive benefits no matter where they are.
Compliance & Legal Protection – Remote.com ensures 100% compliance with local labor laws, protecting businesses from employment risks, fines, or legal disputes.
Equity & Stock Option Management – Unlike Deel, Remote.com offers global equity and stock option support, allowing businesses to provide competitive compensation packages to employees worldwide.
2.2.2 Who Should Use Remote.com?
- Companies hiring full-time employees who need payroll, benefits, and legal compliance in multiple countries.
- Businesses that want to provide competitive employee benefits while ensuring local labor law compliance.
- Organizations looking to offer stock options as part of their compensation package.
2.2.3 Strengths of Remote.com
✔️ Best for hiring full-time employees in foreign countries.
✔️ Provides full HR services, including benefits, tax filings, and legal protection.
✔️ Supports equity and stock option management, which Deel does not offer.
✔️ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for payroll and compliance services.
3. Core Feature Comparison: Deel vs. Remote.com
| Feature | Deel ✅ | Remote.com ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll & Compliance 🏦 | Supports global payroll in 150+ countries, automates tax compliance, and ensures legal hiring. | Covers 80+ countries, specializes in full-time employee payroll, and handles local tax & labor compliance. |
| Hiring & Onboarding 👥 | Supports both contractors & full-time employees, offering quick onboarding with localized contracts. | Primarily focuses on full-time employees, offering seamless onboarding & HR support. |
| Integrations 🔄 | Wide range of integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, Rippling, and HR tools. | Limited integrations, mostly focused on payroll & HR systems. |
| User Experience 🎯 | User-friendly dashboard, 24/7 customer support, and detailed compliance resources. | Easy-to-use platform, but customer support response times can vary. |
4. Pricing: Deel vs Remote.com
4.1 Deel Pricing
Deel uses a subscription-based pricing model, starting at $49 per month for each contractor hired across its 150 operating countries.
For full-time remote employees, Deel enables businesses to hire internationally without setting up a legal entity, with pricing beginning at $599 per month. proceed to check others deel’s pricing plan
4.2 Remote Pricing
Remote structures its pricing into three key packages: Recruit Talent, Employer of Record (Global Employment), and Global Payroll & Benefits.
The Recruit Talent package strats from $199 per month, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to hire and pay independent contractors worldwide.
For companies needing to hire full-time employees internationally, the Employer of Record (Global Employment) plan starts at $699 per employee per month. However, businesses that opt for annual billing can reduce this cost to $599 per employee per month.
The Global Payroll & Benefits package does not have a fixed price. Instead, businesses must request a custom quote based on their specific payroll and benefits requirements. click here to see more remote.com pricing plan
4.1 Pricing Controversy
It’s worth noting that Deel has faced scrutiny regarding its pricing and operational practices. In 2024, allegations surfaced accusing Deel of misclassifying contractors as employees to circumvent payroll tax obligations. Additionally, there were claims that Deel operated as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) without proper licensing in certain jurisdictions. Deel has denied these allegations, and as of now, no adverse legal findings have been reported.
When selecting between Deel and Remote.com, it’s essential to consider not only the pricing but also the compliance and operational practices of each platform to ensure they align with your business’s needs and ethical standards.
5. Pros and Cons: Deel vs Remote.com
| Feature | Deel ✅ | Remote.com ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Global Payroll 🌎 | Wide coverage & automated payments | Strong but limited in some regions |
| Contractor & Employee Management 👥 | Supports both with compliance | Strong contractor support |
| Ease of Use 🖥️ | Intuitive, user-friendly | Simple but slightly complex setup |
| Integrations 🔄 | Connects with major HR & accounting tools | Good integrations but fewer options |
| Pricing 💰 | Transparent but can be expensive | Affordable but fewer premium features |
| Customer Support 🎧 | 24/7 chat and email | Good but response times vary |
6. Best Fit for Different Business Types
Choosing between Deel and Remote.com depends on your business size, hiring needs, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of how each platform fits different types of businesses.
6.1 Startups and Small Businesses
For startups and small businesses with limited budgets, Remote.com offers a more affordable contractor management plan at $29 per month, compared to Deel’s $49 per month. If your business primarily works with freelancers or contractors, Remote.com provides an ideal solution due to its lower cost and straightforward compliance support.
However, if your startup is rapidly expanding and needs more flexibility in hiring across multiple countries, Deel’s wide global coverage and localized compliance solutions may justify the extra cost. Deel also offers advanced payroll options, which can be advantageous as your business grows and scales internationally.
6.2 Mid-Sized Businesses
For growing businesses that hire a mix of contractors and full-time employees, both Deel and Remote.com offer Employer of Record (EOR) services at $599 per employee per month. The decision here comes down to flexibility vs. affordability.
- Deel stands out for its 150+ country coverage and more customized payroll solutions, making it an ideal choice for businesses expanding across multiple regions.
- On the other hand, Remote.com is slightly more budget-friendly, especially for clients opting for annual billing. However, it may offer fewer country-specific support options compared to Deel.
6.3 Large Enterprises
For larger enterprises managing complex global teams, Deel’s extensive compliance network and flexible payroll options make it the stronger choice. Deel offers custom pricing for global payroll, tax automation, and benefits administration, which suits large-scale hiring needs.
Remote.com, while still a solid choice for enterprises, may be more appropriate for businesses that prioritize transparent pricing and fixed-cost payroll management. However, businesses needing customized solutions for various regions might find Deel more accommodating.
6.4 Which Platform Should You Choose ?
- Freelancer-heavy startups & small businesses → Remote.com
- Scaling businesses with global hiring needs → Deel
- Large enterprises with complex payroll demands → Deel
7. Final Thoughts: Deel vs Remote.com
Both Deel and Remote.com are top Employer of Record (EOR) platforms that help businesses hire, onboard, and pay employees and contractors worldwide. While they share the same core purpose, their approaches differ.
Deel operates in over 150 countries, allowing businesses to expand internationally without dealing with legal complexities. Rather than providing built-in HR features, Deel prioritizes third-party integrations, enabling companies to connect it with their preferred HR and payroll systems. This makes it ideal for organizations that value compliance, scalability, and flexibility in global hiring.
In contrast, Remote.com combines EOR services with HR tools, offering features like time tracking, recruitment management, and employee analytics. Businesses that prefer a comprehensive, all-in-one solution without relying on external HR integrations may find Remote.com more suitable. Ultimately, Deel is best for companies prioritizing compliance and integrations, while Remote.com is ideal for businesses seeking a built-in HR + EOR system.
Visit Deel’s website to know more or remote.com’s website for more information
Looking for more insights into business tools and solutions? Be sure to check out our other comprehensive guides:
- Sage vs. QuickBooks: Which Accounting Software Is Right for Your Business? – A detailed comparison of two top accounting tools to help you manage your finances.
- Writesonic vs Copy.ai: Best AI Tool for Copywriting and Ad Creation – Learn which AI tool excels at content creation and ad copy.
- Mailchimp vs ConvertKit: The Best Email Marketing Tool for Your Small Business – Find the best email marketing solution for your business’s growth.
- Notion vs Evernote: Which Productivity Tool is Best for You? – Compare two popular productivity tools to find the one that fits your workflow.
- ClickUp vs Monday.com: Which Project Management Tool Offers Better Value in 2025? – Get an in-depth look at two project management giants for 2025.
