Deel vs Remote: Global payroll and EOR comparison

Managing international payroll is one of the most complex challenges for businesses expanding across borders.

According to Zippia, 66% of American companies outsource at least one part of their operations, and these are likely delegated to different countries.

Hiring globally opens access to top talent, but it also raises compliance, tax, and payroll challenges. This is where platforms like Deel and Remote have taken center stage.

Both companies provide global payroll, Employer of Record (EOR), and HR solutions designed to simplify hiring and paying employees or contractors across multiple jurisdictions. However, their offerings differ in terms of pricing, features, and scalability.

In this guide, we break down Deel vs Remote to help you choose the right platform for your business.

Deel vs Remote: Comparing their key features

Both Deel and Remote position themselves as all-in-one platforms for managing international teams. But their features are not identical, and knowing the differences can help you evaluate which one fits your organization’s needs.

Deel’s key features

Deel is a global HR and payroll platform that simplifies the process of hiring, paying, and managing both international employees and contractors in a single, comprehensive system.

1. Global contractor management – Deel offers contract templates that are compliant with local laws in more than 150 countries. It also supports payments in the same figure in currencies and provides instant withdrawal options in some regions.

2. EOR services – Deel operates its own EOR entities in most countries, reducing the need for third-party intermediaries. This helps businesses onboard employees faster while ensuring local compliance.

3. Payroll management – Deel centralizes payroll for both contractors and full-time employees, making it easier to manage mixed workforces.

4. Compliance tools – Built-in tax and labor law compliance tools reduce risks associated with international hiring.

5. Visa and relocation support – Deel provides assistance for visa sponsorship and relocation, a feature useful for companies moving employees across borders.

Remote’s key features

Remote is a global HR platform focused on compliant international hiring and payroll. It distinguishes itself by owning its own legal entities in the countries where it operates.

1. EOR coverage – Remote also owns legal entities in dozens of countries, allowing businesses to hire employees legally without establishing local branches.

2. Global payroll – Remote unifies payroll processes and allows companies to pay international staff through a single platform.

3. Equity management – Remote offers tools for distributing stock options to international employees, ensuring compliance with local tax laws.

4. Benefits administration – The platform places strong emphasis on providing competitive local benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans tailored to each country.

5. Data privacy and security – Remote highlights GDPR compliance and data protection, which is critical for companies handling sensitive employee information across borders.

Deel vs Remote: Price comparison

Pricing is a major factor when comparing Deel vs Remote, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Both platforms follow subscription-based models but differ in structure.

Why the price ranges vary:

• Country differences – Payroll and compliance costs are higher in countries with strict labor protections, which can increase per-employee charges.
  
• Level of support included – Some packages include HR advice, compliance checks, or onboarding support, which impacts pricing.
  
• Scale of operations – Discounts are often available for larger companies managing hundreds of employees.
  
• Customization needs – Businesses with complex requirements, such as integrating local benefits or equity plans, may pay higher fees.

Deel vs Remote: Global payroll comparison

Payroll is one of the most important functions when hiring internationally, as errors can result in penalties or compliance risks.

Let’s compare how Deel and Remote approach payroll.

Deel’s payroll strengths

• Covers over 150 countries with consolidated payroll reporting.
• Allows bulk payments in more than 150 currencies.
• Built-in tax compliance reduces manual work for finance teams.
• Offers automated payslips and local tax filings.

Remote’s payroll strengths

• Supports payroll across 190+ countries with owned entities.
• Focuses on transparent payroll reporting with localized payslips.
• Integrates benefits administration into payroll for a holistic view of total compensation.
• Includes compliance monitoring to ensure accurate contributions to local social security and tax schemes.

Deel has wider coverage for contractors, which benefits companies hiring across many regions. Remote provides stronger benefits integration, making it useful for businesses that want payroll and benefits aligned under one system.

Deel vs Remote: EOR comparison

Employer of Record (EOR) services are central to both platforms. An EOR allows businesses to legally hire employees in countries where they do not own a local entity.

Deel EOR

• Operates EOR entities in 150+ countries.
• Offers rapid onboarding, often within days.
• Provides visa and relocation support for cross-border hires.
• Strong contractor-to-employee conversion tools for businesses shifting freelancers into full-time roles.

Remote EOR

• Owns entities in 190+ countries.
• Focuses on competitive local benefits, ensuring employees are treated like in-country hires.
• Provides equity management as part of its EOR service.
• Prioritizes employee experience with country-specific HR support.

Deel’s strength lies in its speed and scale, making it appealing for businesses hiring in multiple countries at once. Remote, on the other hand, shines in employee engagement, offering comprehensive benefits and equity options that help retain staff long-term.

Which HR and payroll software fits your business best?

Choosing between Deel and Remote depends on your priorities, team size, and long-term hiring strategy. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Team composition – If your workforce is largely contractors, Deel may be the better choice due to its extensive payment network. If you are building a full-time international team, Remote’s benefits and equity features could add more value.

2. Budget – Contractor pricing is cheaper with Remote, while EOR costs are arguably comparable across both platforms. Weigh your hiring mix to estimate total expenses.

3. Scalability – Deel’s larger entity network supports rapid global expansion. Remote’s focus on employee experience supports long-term retention strategies.

4. Compliance and risk management – Both platforms handle compliance, but businesses with high contractor usage may prefer Deel, while businesses prioritizing employee benefits may favor Remote.

The debate of Deel vs Remote is less about which platform is better overall and more about which aligns with your business goals.

Deel stands out for its contractor payment capabilities and faster onboarding. Remote distinguishes itself with employee benefits, equity management, and a strong emphasis on long-term employee satisfaction.

The right choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed, scale, or employee engagement. By weighing costs, features, and global reach, you can select a platform that not only simplifies payroll but also supports sustainable growth.