Remote vs. Deel — international payroll provider comparison

Remote vs. Deel — international payroll provider comparison

If you’re looking for the best payroll software for international businesses, you have no doubt come across Deel and Remote.

These two major players both offer global payroll, Employer of Record services, and contractor management for international employees.

In this guide, we’ll examine the similarities and differences between Deel and Remote to help you decide which global payroll solution is right for your needs.

For a comparison of Remote vs. Multiplier, check out our comparison on those remote payroll providers.

For a comparison of Deel vs. Multiplier, check out our comparison of those remote payroll providers.

Key Takeaways

  • Deel offers payroll services in over 100 countries, while Remote covers 75 countries and is expanding.
  • Deel provides more HR tools compared to Remote, making it a better choice for companies needing comprehensive HR solutions.
  • Remote is generally better priced for contractor management services.
  • Deel offers a forever free plan for companies with fewer than 200 employees, making it an attractive option for small businesses.

Insider Opinions on Remote and Deel

Several users have shared their experiences and preferences between Deel and Remote, highlighting different aspects of each service:

Pros of Deel:

Wider Country Coverage & Support

Deel is favored for its extensive country coverage and responsive customer support, which some find superior to Remote.

Efficient Onboarding and User Interface

Users report an easy onboarding process and a user-friendly dashboard with Deel, making it straightforward for managing contracts and compliance.

Additional Services

Deel provides useful additional services such as immigration and visa support, which are noted to be competitively priced.

Pricing Structure

While not the cheapest, Deel's pricing structure is straightforward and predictable, a feature that users appreciate for financial planning.

Cons of Deel:

Higher Costs for Contractors

Some users note that Deel's per contractor fee is higher than some of its competitors, which could be a disadvantage for companies with a large number of contractors.

Expanding Beyond Core Services

There are observations that Deel is expanding its range of tools and services beyond core EOR functions, which has introduced some clutter into the user experience.

Pros of Remote:

Customer Support and Platform Usability

Remote is preferred by some for its superior customer support and the appealing design and functionality of its platform.

Cost-Effectiveness for Startups

Remote is viewed as more cost-effective and simpler, particularly beneficial for smaller startups.

Cons of Remote:

Limited Local Entity Support

Remote's lack of local entities in certain countries (e.g., Serbia) has been a limitation for some businesses.

Initial Customer Service Issues

Some potential customers have faced challenges with Remote’s responsiveness and capability in addressing pre-sales questions, which influenced their decision to opt for Deel.

Overview of Deel and Remote

Deel and Remote are both platforms that help companies hire and manage remote workers. However, there are some key differences between the two platforms. Deel offers a more streamlined and automated approach to global employment, while Remote provides more personalized support and services. Deel also offers a wider range of payment options and integrations with other tools, while Remote focuses more on compliance and legal support.

Company Backgrounds

Deel and Remote have distinct backgrounds that shape their service offerings. Deel is known for its innovative approach to global payroll and HR automation, making it easier for companies to manage their international workforce.

Remote, on the other hand, emphasizes compliance and legal support, ensuring that companies meet local regulations when hiring abroad.

Core Services Offered

Both Deel and Remote offer a suite of services designed to simplify remote work management. These include:

  • Payroll management
  • Tax deductions and reporting
  • Time-off requests and bonuses
  • Contractor management
  • Employer of Record (EOR) services

Global Reach

Deel and Remote have a significant global presence, enabling companies to hire and manage employees in multiple countries.

Deel's platform supports a wide range of payment options and integrations, making it easier for companies to transition independent contractors to direct employees.

Remote, meanwhile, focuses on providing robust compliance and legal support to help companies navigate the complexities of international hiring.

With Deel, companies can easily transition independent contractors to direct employees and use Deel global payroll to manage their payments, tax deductions, and other HR tasks. This streamlined approach is complemented by Deel HR, which automates every aspect of HR, while bringing all of your employee data from around the world into a single global HRIS.

Payroll Management Capabilities

Payroll Calculation

Both Deel and Remote offer comprehensive payroll calculation services. These include payroll tracking & auditing, direct deposit files, and off-cycle/on-demand payment options. Deel provides a robust system for salary revision & increment management, ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time.

Tax Deductions and Reporting

Tax compliance is a critical aspect of payroll management. Deel and Remote both excel in this area by offering detailed tax deductions and reporting features. They ensure that all tax-related matters are handled efficiently, reducing the risk of non-compliance.

Time-off Requests and Bonuses

Managing time-off requests and bonuses can be complex, but both Deel and Remote simplify this process. Employees can easily request time off and view their job history through the employee self-service portals. Additionally, both platforms support the management of bonuses and other incentives, making it easier for companies to reward their employees.

Efficient payroll management is crucial for any business, especially when dealing with international employees. Deel and Remote provide the necessary tools to handle these tasks effectively.

Employer of Record Services

One of the most common services that attract customers to both of these companies is that of Employer of Record often referred to as EOR. This service allows you to employ employees internationally without any of the hassle and admin that comes with this, it also helps to ensure you abide by any local taxes, compliance and ability to offer localized benefits.

Both Deel and Remote offer Employer of Record (EOR) services. An EOR acts as a third-party go-between that assumes all the hassle and compliance risk of hiring and paying employees internationally. You might sometimes see EOR called international PEO (professional employer organization) or global employment services.

Contractor Management

Deel offers a comprehensive contractor management solution that includes 15 different payment methods and the Deel card, a debit card that contractors can use to make payments directly from their Deel account.

This ensures that the service provider handles contractor payments and ensures compliance with local labor laws. Deel's platform also allows for easy tracking of onboarding statuses and accelerates the onboarding process.

Remote provides a budget-friendly contractor management service with plans starting at just $29 per contractor per month.

This makes Remote a more cost-effective choice compared to Deel, which starts at $49. Remote's platform excels in managing global teams from a single panel and offers features like time tracking and management, as well as time off/vacation tracking.

Feature Remote Deel
Starting Price $29/mo/contractor $49/mo/contractor
Payment Methods Multiple 15 different methods
Onboarding Efficient tracking Accelerated process
In nearly every scenario, both Remote and Deel can cater to all your contractor management needs. However, when it comes to pricing, Remote stands out.

Overall, if you're specifically seeking the best contractor management service and don't anticipate needing additional features, Remote's offering is the more budget-friendly choice due to its lower pricing.

HR Tools and Features

Onboarding Tools

Deel and Remote both offer comprehensive onboarding tools designed to streamline the process of integrating new hires into the company. These tools include features like a new hire portal, pre-built reports, and compliance data to ensure that all necessary documentation is completed efficiently.

Benefits Management

Both platforms provide robust benefits management solutions. This includes benefit plan administration, payroll tracking & auditing, and reimbursement management. These features help employers manage employee benefits effectively, ensuring that all benefits are administered correctly and on time.

Additional HR Features

In addition to onboarding and benefit management, Deel and Remote offer a variety of other HR features. These include:

  • Performance and goals tracking
  • Succession planning
  • Recruiting / ATS
  • Employee self-service options
  • Manager tracking tools
With these comprehensive HR tools, companies can manage their workforce more effectively, ensuring that all HR processes are handled smoothly and efficiently.

Pricing and Plans

Deel offers a simple pricing structure that includes a monthly subscription fee of $49 per user, plus a 1% fee on all payments processed through the platform. This pricing structure is transparent and easy to understand, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Remote, on the other hand, offers a more complex pricing structure that includes a monthly subscription fee of $99 per user, plus additional fees for features such as time tracking and invoicing. While this pricing structure may be more flexible, it can also be more difficult to navigate and may result in higher costs for businesses.

Remote offers a 30-day free trial for their contractor management plan, which is priced at $29 per contractor per month. Deel does not currently offer a free trial, but their straightforward pricing model is often seen as a cost-effective solution for many companies.

When comparing pricing structures, it's important to consider both the base subscription fees and any additional costs that may arise from using extra features or services.

User Experience and Interface

Ease of Use

Having software and a platform that has an easy-to-use interface is an important factor when it comes to selecting which payroll software to use.

Luckily, both Remote and Deel have equally impressive interfaces which won't take long for you or whoever will manage the software to get to grips with. Deel’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to manage contracts and payments. Remote’s interface is also simple but lacks some of the advanced features offered by Deel.

Customer Support

  1. Efficiency and Expertise: Users appreciate Remote's digital offerings and legal expertise, ensuring they can achieve desired results with confidence in the support team's ability to solve questions.
  2. Intuitive Platform: Remote.com's platform is described as intuitive and complete, simplifying navigation and doubt resolution.
  3. Centralized Employment Details: Users benefit from having all their employment details, documents, and vacation tracking in one place.

Mobile Accessibility

Both Deel and Remote offer mobile accessibility, allowing users to manage their payroll and HR tasks on the go. This feature is particularly useful for businesses with remote teams spread across different time zones. The mobile apps are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that all essential functions are easily accessible from a smartphone or tablet.

One thing users appreciate about Deel is the easy-to-use, friendly interface, and excellent customer service. The fact that users can receive payment via crypto is also an added advantage.

Local Compliance

Both Deel and Remote comply with industry standards and regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. Deel is SOC 2 Type II certified, which means they adhere to strict security and data protection standards.

Remote is also compliant with GDPR and CCPA, and they have a dedicated compliance team that ensures they are meeting all necessary regulations.

Deel and Remote offer comprehensive compliance and legal expertise, including immigration support in 25+ countries and a robust HR system. It's known for comprehensive compliance and legal expertise, offering immigration support in 25+ countries and a robust HR system.

Risk Management

  • Adhering to legal mandates
  • Handling tax payments
  • Embracing cultural responsibilities
Learn how to balance flexibility with compliance in your WFA schemes with expert insights from mobility expert Masha Sutherlin.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Deel has received positive reviews from clients for its user-friendly interface and efficient payment system. Clients appreciate the ease of use and the transparency of the platform. Deel makes it easy for clients to manage their team and track their progress.

Remote User Feedback

Remote has garnered favorable feedback for its comprehensive payroll and HR solutions. Users highlight the platform's ability to streamline global hiring and payroll processes. The intuitive design and robust features make it a preferred choice for many businesses.

Case Studies

Several case studies showcase how both Deel and Remote have successfully helped companies manage their international payroll and HR needs. These case studies often highlight the platforms' strengths in simplifying complex processes and improving overall efficiency.

Integration Capabilities

Software Integrations

Both Deel and Remote provide SaaS, web-based solutions to hire and pay employees locally and internationally using locally compliant contracts. This ensures seamless integration with various HR and payroll systems.

API Access

Deel and Remote offer robust API access, allowing businesses to integrate their existing systems with the platforms. This flexibility is crucial for companies looking to streamline their operations and maintain control over their data.

Third-Party Tools

Both platforms support a wide range of third-party tools, enhancing their functionality and making it easier for businesses to manage their global workforce. From time tracking to equipment management, these integrations provide a comprehensive solution for international payroll and compliance needs.

The ability to integrate with various tools and systems is a significant advantage for businesses looking to expand their global reach.

Security and Data Protection

Data Encryption

Both Deel and Remote prioritize security and data protection. Deel ensures that all data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and only authorized personnel have access to it.

They also have regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address any vulnerabilities. Remote also has strict data protection policies in place, including encryption and access controls.

Compliance with Regulations

Both Deel and Remote comply with industry standards and regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. Deel is SOC 2 Type II certified, which means they adhere to strict security and data protection standards. Remote is also compliant with GDPR and CCPA, and they have a dedicated compliance team that ensures they are meeting all necessary regulations.

In summary, both Deel and Remote prioritize security and data protection. While Deel offers a specific feature for secure storage of sensitive information, Remote has similar measures in place. Both platforms are compliant with industry standards and regulations, but it’s important to confirm that they meet the specific requirements for your industry and location.

Conclusion

Choosing between Deel and Remote for your international payroll needs ultimately depends on your specific business requirements. Both platforms offer robust global payroll solutions, but they have distinct differences that may sway your decision.

Deel excels in providing comprehensive HR tools and offers a forever free plan for companies with fewer than 200 employees, making it an attractive option for small businesses.

On the other hand, Remote covers more countries and may be better suited for companies that operate in a wider range of locations. Additionally, Remote's pricing for contractor management is more competitive.

By carefully evaluating the features, coverage, and pricing of each platform, you can determine which solution best aligns with your business goals and operational needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Deel and Remote?

Deel offers payroll services in over 100 countries with additional HR tools, while Remote provides payroll in 180 countries but with fewer HR features.

Which platform is better for small businesses?

Deel may be more suitable for small businesses as it offers a forever free plan for companies with fewer than 200 employees.

Does Remote offer better pricing for contractors?

Yes, if you mainly hire contractors, Remote is generally better priced for contractor management services.

Can both Deel and Remote handle local tax deductions and reporting?

Yes, both Deel and Remote can manage local tax deductions and reporting as part of their payroll services.

Which platform offers better global reach?

Remote has a broader global reach, offering services in 180 countries compared to Deel's 100+ countries.

Do both platforms offer Employer of Record (EOR) services?

Yes, both Deel and Remote provide Employer of Record services to help you employ people abroad using their local entities.

What additional HR features does Deel offer?

Deel provides a range of HR tools including onboarding, benefit management, and more, which are not as extensive in Remote.

Is there a free trial available for either platform?

Deel offers a forever free plan for companies with fewer than 200 employees, while Remote's trial options may vary.


Curtis Duggan

Curtis Duggan

Curtis is a serial tech entrepreneur, content creator and the host of the Remotely Serious podcast on the future of remote work and digital nomadism.

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