Top 10 Remote Competitors & Alternatives in 2026

Looking for the best Remote competitors for your global hiring needs in 2026? Platforms like Remote helped popularize distributed teams by offering Employer of Record (EOR) services in over 80 countries and contractor/global payroll support in more than 170 countries, but many growing companies now find gaps in cost, support quality, and regional expertise. As businesses expand into multiple countries with different labor laws and workforce expectations, exploring Remote alternatives becomes a natural next step. From our experience guiding 500+ global companies through international hiring and workforce management, the real need is simple, reliable compliance, transparent pricing, and stronger local execution.

In this guide, we break down the top 10 Remote alternatives, comparing their global payroll capabilities, compliance support, and pricing, so you can choose the best fit for your global workforce management needs.

What is Remote?[toc=Remote Overview]

Remote is a well-known global employment platform that helps companies hire full-time employees and international contractors without setting up legal entities in multiple countries. It provides a unified way to manage global payroll, benefits administration, and tax compliance, making it popular among distributed teams and scaling global companies. From our experience working with employers expanding across several regions, Remote works well for broad coverage but often lacks the depth of support needed in complex markets.

Its core services include:

1. Global Employment Compliance: Manages local labor laws, tax regulations, and statutory benefits across 80 countries, including region-specific requirements like India's Provident Fund or Brazil's CLT regulations
2. Payroll and Benefits Administration: Remote automates multi-currency payroll, with local payouts in many markets and funding via major billing currencies, supported by partners like Nium.
3. Contractor Management: Supports independent contractors in 170+ countries with a built-in Risk Calculator to assess misclassification risks
4. IP Protection: Offers proprietary IP Guard to secure intellectual property rights for global teams
5. Pricing: EOR services at $599–$699 per employee per month; contractor management at $29/month, which is higher than regional specialists like Wisemonk ($99/employee/month for India)

Why consider Remote alternatives? Key pain points from user experiences[toc=Why Alternatives]

‍Despite its broad capabilities, Remote faces criticism across user forums and review platforms. Below are recurring issues reported by clients and employees:

1. Unresponsive Customer Support

Users highlight severe delays in resolving technical and compliance issues. One Reddit user lost a 14-month contract due to Remote’s failure to address onboarding glitches.

Read more on Reddit

2. Compliance Gaps and Legal Risks

Though Remote promotes compliance, clients report missteps in regions with complex regulations. A European company faced €20,000+ in penalties after Remote mishandled statutory allowances in France, incorrectly double-charging benefits. Users also warn of aggregator models in some countries, where Remote relies on third-party entities instead of owned subsidiaries, increasing compliance risks.

Read more on Reddit

3. Technical Onboarding Failures

Multiple Reddit threads describe onboarding breakdowns, such as document upload failures and camera compatibility issues. One contractor shared:

Read more on Reddit

4. High Costs and Hidden Fees

At $599+/employee/month, Remote’s pricing strains startups and SMEs. Users report unexpected charges, including double deductions for benefits and FX markup fees. Competitors like Multiplier ($400/employee/month) and Wisemonk ($100/employee/month) offer similar services at lower rates.

Read more on Reddit

5. Payroll Delays and Errors

Employees in countries like Brazil and India report delayed salaries due to payroll processing errors, impacting morale. Remote’s reliance on automated systems, while efficient in stable markets, struggles in regions with volatile tax laws.

Read more on Reddit

These challenges underscore the importance of evaluating EOR providers based on regional expertise, transparent pricing, and responsive support. Platforms like Wisemonk (specializing in India) and Rippling (offering HR-IT integrations) address Remote’s gaps while maintaining compliance and cost efficiency. For businesses prioritizing reliability, diversifying EOR partnerships or opting for regional experts may mitigate risks highlighted in user experiences

Top 10 Remote Competitors & Alternatives in 2026[toc=Top 10 Competitors]

Choosing the right Remote alternative really comes down to what your global hiring needs look like, compliance depth, pricing, global payroll accuracy, or simply better customer support. Based on industry research, user reviews, and global workforce trends, these are the strongest Remote competitors today:

1. Wisemonk
2. Deel
3. Rippling
4. Velocity Global (Now Pebl)
5. Oyster HR
6. Papaya Global
7. Globalization Partners (G-P)
8. Multiplier
9. Plane
10. Omnipresent

1. Wisemonk

Wisemonk is a leading India-specialist Employer of Record (EOR) built to help global companies hire, pay, and manage talent in India without setting up a local entity. Unlike traditional EOR, Wisemonk offers a full expansion stack EOR services, payroll management, compliance, recruitment, talent sourcing, equipment procurement, and even support for establishing Global Capability Centers (GCCs). The platform is designed around deep Indian regulatory expertise, handling complex labor laws, tax structures, and statutory filings with precision. Wisemonk also stands out for its transparent pricing and industry-low FX markups, making it one of the most cost-efficient and compliant ways for global teams to scale in India.

Key Features:

• Full EOR services with payroll management and compliance
• End-to-end talent sourcing and recruitment
• Equipment procurement and office setup assistance
• Contractor payment management
• GCC (Global Capability Center) setup support
• Advanced technology platform for seamless operations

Pricing:

• Starting at $99 per employee per month
• Industry's lowest FX markup (<0.6%)
• Includes benefits like expense reimbursements and employee gifting at no extra cost

Pros & Cons:

2. Deel

Deel is a leading global EOR and contractor management platform founded in 2019, supporting hiring, payroll, benefits, and compliance across 150+ countries. Its intuitive interface and wide feature set make it suitable for startups and large enterprises alike. A key advantage is Deel’s ability to manage both contractors and full-time employees in one unified platform, giving companies flexibility in global workforce management. The company invests heavily in localized expertise, ensuring accurate tax compliance and adherence to country-specific labor laws. Beyond core EOR services, Deel offers tools for expense management, equity compensation, multi-currency payroll, and visa and immigration support, along with frequent feature updates and integrations with major HR systems.

Key Features:

• Global payroll in 150+ countries
• Contractor and full-time employee management
• Built-in compliance and tax management
• Expense reimbursement and company card options
• Equity compensation support
• Visa and immigration assistance

Pricing:

• EOR services: $599 per employee per month
• Contractor management: $49 per contractor per month
• Custom enterprise pricing available for large-scale deployments

Pros & Cons:

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To learn more about alternatives to Deel, refer to this detailed guide on "Top 10 Deel Competitors & Alternatives in 2025"

3. Rippling

Rippling is a unified HR, IT, and finance platform founded in 2016 that now includes global payroll and EOR services, making it a powerful all-in-one solution for managing distributed teams. Its biggest differentiator is deep automation and integration, allowing companies to streamline onboarding, offboarding, device management, and app provisioning through a single system. Rippling’s EOR coverage spans 30 countries, with global contractor management available in 188 countries. While its EOR footprint is smaller than some competitors, Rippling excels in centralizing employee data across HR, IT, and finance, reducing manual work and improving accuracy for global workforce operations.

Key Features:

• Unified HR, IT, and finance management platform
• Global payroll and EOR services in 29 countries
• Contractor management in 188 countries
• Automated employee onboarding and offboarding
• Device and app management for remote teams
• Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities

Pricing:

• EOR services: Starting at $599 per employee per month
• Additional pricing for other services not publicly disclosed
• Custom pricing available for enterprise solutions

Pros & Cons:

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Read more: 10 Best Rippling Competitors & Alternatives & Deel vs. Rippling 2026: Reviewed & Compared

4. Pebl (Formerly Velocity Global)

Velocity Global (Now Pebl) is a Colorado-based EOR provider founded in 2014, offering one of the widest global footprints with hiring capabilities across all 50 U.S. states and 185+ countries. Its services span EOR, global payroll, contractor management, visa support, and compliance. The company’s Global Work Platform integrates with major ATS and HRIS systems, helping reduce administrative errors and streamline onboarding. Velocity Global is also known for strong immigration support, with local experts assisting with visa processing, relocation, and compliance across borders. In addition, the platform helps businesses convert contractors to full-time roles and manage statutory benefits, pensions, and international assignments all backed by 24/7 customer support for global teams.

Key Features:

• Extensive global coverage (185+ countries and all 50 US states)
• Immigration assistance and visa support
• Contractor conversion services
• Integration with ATS and HRIS systems
• 24/7 customer support
• International pension plans

Pricing:

• Based on a percentage of total employee cost
• Custom pricing available upon consultation
• No publicly disclosed fixed rates

Pros & Cons:

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Read more: 10 Best Velocity Global Competitors & Alternatives in 2025

5. Oyster HR

Oyster HR is a global employment platform built to simplify international hiring, offering EOR services, contractor management, and global payroll across 180+ countries. Designed for distributed teams, Oyster helps companies hire full-time employees and contractors without setting up local entities. The platform focuses heavily on compliance and automation, handling onboarding, local labor law adherence, and global hiring workflows through an intuitive interface. Oyster also stands out for its transparent, all-inclusive pricing model, making budgeting for international employees easier for growing businesses. Beyond core EOR features, Oyster provides tools and resources to strengthen remote work culture, helping companies support and engage globally distributed teams.

Key Features:

• Global hiring in 180+ countries
• Full EOR services and contractor management
• Automated compliance checks and onboarding
• User-friendly platform interface
• Tools for fostering remote work culture
• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing

Pricing:

• EOR services: $599 per employee per month ($499 if paid annually)
• Contractor management: $29 per contractor per month
• Global Payroll: $50 per user per month
• Scale plan: Custom pricing for larger teams

Pros & Cons:

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Read more:  Top 10 Oyster HR Alternatives and Competitors, Deel vs Oyster HR Comparison 2025: Which is better? and Rippling vs Oyster: EOR Comparison for 2025

6. Papaya Global

Papaya Global is a workforce management platform offering EOR services, global payroll, and contractor management in 160+ countries. Founded in 2016, it has become a major player in international hiring by using automation and AI to simplify global workforce operations. The platform is known for its strong analytics and real-time insights, giving companies detailed visibility into payroll costs, headcount trends, and compliance risks across multiple regions. Papaya also excels at handling complex payroll, including multi-country consolidation and payments in 120+ currencies, all backed by automated compliance updates to match changing labor and tax regulations. Serving both startups and enterprises, Papaya provides scalable solutions with enterprise-grade security, holding SOC 1 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications to protect sensitive payroll and employee data.

Key Features:

• Global payroll in 160+ countries
• EOR services and contractor management
• AI-powered compliance engine
• Real-time workforce analytics
• Multi-currency support (120+ currencies)
• Automated tax and benefits calculations

Pricing:

• Custom pricing based on services and employee count
• Typically ranges from $650 to $800 per employee per month for EOR services
• Contractor management fees start at around $25 per contractor per month

Pros & Cons:

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Read more: Rippling vs Papaya Global: Payroll Services Comparison

7. Globalization Partners

Globalization Partners (G-P) is a leading global Employer of Record (EOR) founded in 2012, enabling companies to hire and manage employees in 180+ countries without setting up local entities. Built as a premium global employment solution, G-P handles HR, payroll, compliance, and benefits administration for fully distributed teams. G-P differentiates itself through its owned network of in-country legal entities and AI-driven Global Work Platform, which streamlines onboarding, payroll, and workforce management without relying on third-party aggregators. The platform also offers global payroll, localized benefits, and M&A support for cross-border expansions. With seamless integrations into major HR systems, G-P provides real-time workforce insights along with visa and immigration assistance. Their strong security posture includes SOC 2 Type 2 certification and full GDPR compliance.

Key Features:

• Global coverage in 180+ countries
• AI-powered compliance engine
• Seamless integration with HR systems
• Visa and immigration support
• M&A-specific services for global expansion
• 24/7 customer support with dedicated account managers

Pricing:

• Custom pricing based on services and employee count
• Typically ranges from 15-20% of total employee cost
• No publicly disclosed fixed rates
• Low-cost contractor management via G-P Contractor (pricing varies by region and plan)

Pros & Cons:

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To know more about the alternatives and competitors of Globalization Partners, refer to this detailed guide on "Top 8 Globalization Partners (GP) Alternatives in 2025"

8. Multiplier

Multiplier is a modern EOR platform founded in 2020 that delivers global employment, payroll, and compliance services across 150+ countries. Designed for fast-growing companies, it offers a user-friendly interface and quick onboarding, making it easy to hire and manage international employees within minutes. The platform covers the full EOR workflow, contract creation, payroll processing, localized benefits, and tax compliance, supported by strong in-country expertise to ensure adherence to local labor laws. Multiplier is also known for its transparent, competitive pricing, which makes it appealing to startups and SMEs expanding globally. Beyond full-time employees, Multiplier provides robust contractor management tools, enabling businesses to manage both employee and contractor workflows from a single dashboard.

Key Features:

• Coverage in 150+ countries
• Instant contract generation in multiple languages
• Multi-currency payroll processing
• Comprehensive benefits administration
• Real-time compliance updates
• Contractor management tools
• 24/5 customer support

Pricing:

• EOR services: Starting from $400 per employee per month
• Contractor management: $40 per contractor per month
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Volume discounts available for larger teams

Pros & Cons:

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Read more: Top 8 Multiplier Competitors & Alternatives in 2025 and Deel vs Multiplier Comparison 2025: Which One is Best?

9. Plane

Plane is a fast-growing EOR platform launched in 2023, offering global hiring, payroll, and compliance services across 100+ countries. Built as a tech-forward solution, Plane focuses on streamlining international employment with an intuitive interface and automation-driven workflows. The platform covers end-to-end EOR needs onboarding, payroll management, global benefits, and compliance monitoring with advanced AI and machine learning powering contract generation, tax calculations, and multi-country payroll accuracy. Plane is especially popular among tech startups for its flexibility, allowing smooth transitions between contractor and full-time employee models. With strong API integrations, Plane fits easily into modern HR tech stacks, making it a practical choice for companies scaling distributed teams quickly.

Key Features:

• EOR coverage in 100+ countries and contractor payments to 240+ countries and territories.
• AI-powered compliance and payroll automation
• Flexible employment models (contractor to full-time transitions)
• Real-time analytics and reporting dashboard
• Extensive API integrations
• In-app messaging for direct employee communication
• Customizable benefits packages

Pricing:

• EOR services: Starting at $399 per employee per month
• Contractor management: $29 per contractor per month
• Volume-based discounts available
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Pros & Cons:

10. Omnipresent

Omnipresent is a global EOR and international payroll platform launched in 2019, designed to help companies hire, onboard, and manage employees across multiple countries without setting up local entities. Positioned as a compliance-first provider, it focuses on simplifying global workforce management for fully distributed teams. The platform offers automated onboarding workflows, localized employment contracts, multi-currency payroll, and country-specific benefits administration  with strong support in markets that have complex labor laws and strict tax compliance requirements. Omnipresent also emphasizes employee experience, delivering localized benefits, timely payroll, and self-service tools for global workers. Its balanced pricing, hands-on onboarding support, and compliance-focused approach make it a popular choice for companies expanding their international presence.

Key Features:

• Coverage across 160+ countries
• Localized employment contracts and statutory benefits
• Multi-currency payroll and automated payroll calculations
• Compliance monitoring for local labor laws
• Self-service employee portal for onboarding and documents
• Dedicated customer success and onboarding managers
• Immigration and visa support in select countries

Pricing:

• EOR services: Starting around $599 per employee per month
• Contractor management: Custom pricing based on region
• No setup fees; transparent per-employee pricing
• Discounts available for larger, multi-country teams

Pros & Cons:

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Comparison of Top Remote Alternatives 2026[toc=Comparison Table]

To help you evaluate these platforms quickly, here’s a clean, structured comparison of their global coverage, pricing, EOR capabilities, and key features:

‍

Note: Pricing and G2 ratings are based on publicly available data as of the latest update. Actual pricing may vary by country, plan type, and contract volume. Always verify details on the provider’s official website.

This comparison table highlights the key features and differences among the top Remote alternatives in 2026. While all providers offer core EOR services, global payroll, and compliance management, they differ in areas such as global coverage, pricing, and specialized services.

Wisemonk stands out for its India-focused expertise and comprehensive services including GCC setup and equipment management. Deel and Rippling offer strong tech integrations, while Velocity Global and Globalization Partners provide extensive global coverage. Oyster HR and Papaya Global emphasize user-friendly interfaces and analytics. Multiplier and Plane are newer entrants offering competitive pricing and flexible solutions.

Companies should consider their specific needs, target markets, and budget when choosing the most suitable Remote alternative.

To learn more about the best Employer of Record companies, refer to this article on "10 Best Employer of Record (EOR) Companies 2026".

What to consider when choosing a Remote alternative?[toc=How to Choose]

Selecting the right Employer of Record (EOR) requires balancing compliance, cost, and operational efficiency. Having guided several global companies through EOR transitions, we've identified the key factors that separate reliable providers from risky ones. Here's what to evaluate before switching from Remote:

1. Compliance and Legal Expertise

‍Global hiring hinges on adherence to local labor laws, tax codes, and statutory benefits. Prioritize providers with direct legal entities in your target countries rather than relying on third-party aggregators, which increase compliance risks.

For example, India’s Provident Fund Act and Brazil’s CLT regulations demand precise payroll deductions. Opt for platforms like Wisemonk (for India) or Multiplier (for APAC) that offer in-country legal teams to navigate region-specific requirements. Verify their track record in resolving disputes and audit support.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Verify if the provider has direct legal entities in your target markets, not third-party aggregators, to reduce compliance risks.
  • Ask for case studies demonstrating their resolution of disputes (e.g., tax errors, termination protocols).
  • Prioritize EORs with in-country HR and legal teams, especially for complex regions like India (e.g., Wisemonk’s expertise in Provident Fund compliance).

2. Geographic Coverage and Localization

‍Assess whether the provider operates in all your target markets. While Remote covers 180+ countries, alternatives like Remote or Velocity Global may offer deeper expertise in specific regions.

For instance, Wisemonk’s exclusive focus on India ensures nuanced handling of GST filings and Shops & Establishments Act compliance, critical for businesses scaling in tier-2 cities. Confirm if the platform supports localized benefits (e.g., ESI in India, thirteenth salary in Brazil) and multilingual contracts.

3. Transparent Pricing and Hidden Costs

‍Remote’s $599+/employee/month model can strain budgets, especially for startups. Compare alternatives like RemoFirst ($199/employee/month) or Wisemonk ($100/employee/month), which offer flat fees without percentage-based markups. Scrutinize hidden charges:

• Foreign exchange (FX) fees exceeding 1–2%
• Double deductions for benefits or payroll errors

4. Integration with Existing Systems

‍Incompatibility with your HR tech stack disrupts workflows. Choose platforms offering APIs for seamless integration with tools like QuickBooks (for accounting) or BambooHR (for talent management). Rippling, for example, unifies payroll, IT, and benefits management, reducing manual data entry

5. Customer Support Responsiveness

‍Delayed resolution of payroll errors or compliance issues can derail operations. Prioritize providers with 24/7 multilingual support and dedicated account managers. Users report Remote and Deel struggling with response times in emerging markets, while Multiplier and Rippling provide real-time chat and regional hubs.

6. User Experience and Onboarding

‍A steep learning curve delays team adoption. Test platforms for intuitive dashboards, automated onboarding workflows, and mobile accessibility. Papaya Global and Oyster HR offer AI-driven payroll automation and self-service portals, reducing administrative overhead by 30–50%.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when choosing remote alternatives?[toc=Mistakes to Avoid]

Selecting the right Employer of Record (EOR) requires careful evaluation to avoid costly missteps. Based on user experiences and industry insights, here are key mistakes to avoid:

1. Overlooking Local Compliance Expertise

Many providers lack in-country legal entities or regional specialists, risking non-compliance with labor laws and tax regulations. For example, users report Remote’s limited expertise in complex markets like India, leading to penalties.

‍Solution: Choose providers with direct legal entities (e.g., Wisemonk for India) and verify compliance track records.

2. Ignoring Payroll Reliability

Delays in salary processing can damage employee trust. Remote users cite payroll errors in countries with volatile tax systems.

‍Solution: Prioritize platforms like Wisemonk, which offer real-time payroll processing and multi-currency support.

3. Underestimating Hidden Costs

Providers often add unexpected fees for FX markups, setup, or termination. Remote’s pricing lacks transparency, complicating budgeting.

‍Solution: Compare flat-fee models (e.g., Wisemonk at $100/employee/month) and scrutinize contracts for hidden charges.

4. Neglecting Employee Experience

Generic benefits or poor equipment management reduce retention. Remote’s limited health insurance options and slow claim processing frustrate users.

‍Solution: Opt for providers offering localized benefits (e.g., ESI in India) and equipment procurement/logistics support.

5. Overlooking Customer Support Quality

Remote’s delayed responses in critical situations escalate compliance risks.

‍Solution: Verify 24/7 multilingual support and dedicated account managers (e.g., Wisemonk).

Wisemonk: Your Trusted Employer of Record Partner for Global Expansion[toc=How wisemonk Helps]

Wisemonk is an India-specialist Employer of Record (EOR) trusted by global companies to hire, pay, and manage talent seamlessly, without the hassle of opening a local entity. We take care of payroll, compliance, onboarding, and day-to-day HR so your team can focus on growth instead of navigating India’s complex regulatory landscape.

Here’s what you can expect with Wisemonk as your EOR partner:

• Fast, compliant hiring: Bring employees onboard in a matter of days with fully compliant contracts and smooth regional setup.
• Reliable payroll & tax compliance: We run accurate payroll, manage tax deductions, and ensure full statutory compliance for both employees and contractors.
• Competitive India-specific benefits: Provide health insurance, leave policies, and local perks that meet market expectations and help attract top Indian talent.
• Equipment procurement for remote teams: We handle laptop sourcing, delivery, and device management so your distributed workforce is productive from day one.
• Dedicated HR support: A local HR specialist manages employee relations, engagement, and daily HR queries—keeping your team supported and well-aligned.
• Full compliance & risk mitigation: Our deep local expertise shields your business from misclassification issues, labor law violations, and regulatory complexities.

While India remains our strongest market, Wisemonk also supports expansions into the United States, the United Kingdom, and other global regions, giving fast-growing companies a dependable partner for multi-country hiring.

Ready to make your global expansion hassle-free? Contact Wisemonk today and let our experts help you build and scale your team with confidence.

Client Review:

Wisemonk clients typically save up to 83% on EOR costs, benefit from quicker onboarding, and gain access to unmatched India-specific expertise. But savings alone aren’t why leaders choose us, it's the trust, responsiveness, and consistency that set us apart.

"Wisemonk is a key partner for EOM-Energy O&M Services, playing an essential role in supporting our operations. Their seamless payment solutions make transactions not only simple and fast but also reliable. The team’s responsiveness, professionalism, and proactive approach give us complete confidence in every interaction. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration, using Wisemonk both for Employer of Record services and for recruitment support, to help us expand our team in India in the short and medium term."
- José Enrique Montero Pérez, CEO at Couch Health

"I'm very happy that I discovered Wisemonk. They have been a pure pleasure to work with, and their attention to detail is impressive. They helped us understand their pricing model, find top-qualified individuals, interview them, and then onboard them. I gave them criteria for the type of people we sought, and they delivered. The individuals they were able to find have been some of the best engineers I have ever worked with. I recommend Wisemonk to anyone who is in need of staffing assistance."
- Dan Sampson, Head of Engineering at Cobu