Managing a global workforce isn’t easy — payroll, compliance, benefits, contractor vs employee classification, and legal risks across countries can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where Employer of Record (EOR) and global HR platforms like Remote, Deel, Rippling, and Hire With Columbus come into play.
This guide breaks down what each platform does, how they compare, pricing differences, feature strengths, and how to choose the right solution for your business.
What Are These Platforms?
Deel
Deel offers global payroll, contractor management, and EOR services. It enables companies to hire employees and contractors in 150+ countries without establishing legal entities. Deel also includes integrations with many HR tools and provides compliance support.
Best for: Businesses needing broad country coverage and flexible contractor plus employee payroll. Especially popular with startups and mid-sized companies.
Remote
Remote is a global HR and Employer of Record (EOR) platform that simplifies international hiring, payroll, and compliance. It operates its own entities globally and manages employment, benefits, tax filing, and local compliance directly in the countries where you hire. Remote
Best for: Companies focused on global compliance and payroll with transparent pricing and strong local expertise.
Rippling
Rippling is an all-in-one HR, IT, and Finance platform. It combines HRIS, global payroll, EOR, benefits, device management, time tracking, and reporting into one system — giving a unified employee data experience.
Best for: Organizations prioritizing deep automation, integrated payroll + HR + IT workflows, and advanced employee lifecycle management.
Hire With Columbus
Hire With Columbus is a cost-focused EOR provider that emphasizes transparent, affordable global employment services across 180+ countries. Pricing starts substantially lower than many competitors (e.g., $179 per employee/mo).
Best for: Budget-conscious startups or small businesses that need compliant global hiring without premium platform cost.
Feature Comparison: Remote vs Deel vs Rippling vs Hire With Columbus
| Feature / Platform | Remote | Deel | Rippling | Hire With Columbus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global EOR Coverage | ~75+ countries | 150+ countries | 90+ countries via EOR component | 180+ countries |
| Contractor Management | Yes (low contractor fees) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payroll & Compliance | In-house payroll engines | Global payroll & tax compliance | Integrated with HRIS | Full global payroll through partners |
| Advanced HR Tools (Performance, Time, IT) | ✘ | ✘ | ✔️ (HR + IT + Finance) | ✘ |
| Pricing (per employee) | From ~$599–$699/mo | ~$599/mo | ~$450/mo+ | ~$179/mo |
| Support Availability | 24/5 email/chat | 24/7 multi-language support | Dedicated support teams | 24/7 support (fast responses) |
| Ease of Onboarding | Fast, compliant setup | Fast, guided onboarding | Very fast with automation | 2–3 day onboarding |
Platform Breakdown: Strengths & Weaknesses
Remote Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Deel Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Rippling Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Hire With Columbus Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An EOR legally employs your workers in countries where you don’t have an entity. This allows you to hire internationally without setting up foreign legal entities. EOR handles payroll, taxes, benefits, and local compliance.
Yes — all four platforms support contractor payments globally. However, pricing and features (like misclassification protections) may vary by provider.
Focus on:
Final Thoughts
Remote, Deel, Rippling, and Hire With Columbus each excel in different areas. Understanding your business stage, hiring needs, and budget is key to picking the right platform.
Whether you prioritize advanced automation (Rippling), broad contractor support (Deel), best-in-class compliance (Remote), or aggressive pricing (Hire With Columbus) — there’s a solution tailored for you.
If you’d like, I can also create comparison charts for user reviews, pricing calculators, or templates for ROI analysis — just let me know!