7 Best Oyster Competitors & Alternatives for 2025

TL;DR of the Leading Oyster Alternatives:

1. Playroll
2. Deel 
3. Remote 
4. Rippling 
5. Multiplier 
6. Papaya Global 
7. Globalization Partners 

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What is Oyster?

Oyster is a global employment platform that helps businesses hire, onboard, and manage remote employees across the world, without having to set up local entities. It provides Employer of Record services to ensure compliance with local labor laws while managing payroll, benefits, and taxes. Oyster is particularly popular among startups and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that want to scale internationally without dealing with the complexities of setting up foreign subsidiaries.

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Why Look for an Oyster Alternative?

While Oyster offers a comprehensive global employment solution, some businesses might be looking for alternatives for a few reasons:

1. Cost Concerns

Oyster’s EOR services start at $699 per employee per month, which is at the upper end of the market. Their fees might be too high for smaller businesses or startups with tight budgets.

2. Limited Customization & Integrations

Some users have reported that Oyster’s platform can be rigid in terms of customization and integrations with other tools, which could impact workflow optimization.

3. Customer Support Challenges

Certain users have experienced delays or less-than-ideal support, especially when issues require more advanced escalation.

4. Complicated Onboarding

There have been complaints about slow and cumbersome onboarding processes, especially in regions where Oyster relies on third-party EOR partners.

5. Geographic Limitations

Despite operating in over 180 countries, some users have noted that Oyster’s coverage may not be as robust in certain regions as compared to other platforms.

Considering these factors, companies looking for more cost-effective, customizable, and responsive global employment solutions may want to explore alternatives that better meet their needs.

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The 7 Best Oyster Alternatives to Streamline Global Workforce Management

1. Playroll

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Best For: Personal support and robust compliance solutions.

‍Playroll stands out as an alternative that prioritizes personalized support, transparent pricing, and flexibility to adapt their solutions to each client's needs. It’s known for being an affordable and straightforward solution for global payroll and EOR services. Playroll is ideal for companies that want to scale globally without the high fees and complexity of traditional services. The platform is easy to use, allowing businesses of all sizes to manage global payroll, compliance, and employee benefits in a streamlined way.

Playroll’s strong suit lies in its customer-centric approach ensuring that businesses have the support they need at every step of the way, making global employment simpler and more manageable.

💡 Compare Playroll vs Oyster in more depth here!

Key Features of Playroll:

• Global Hiring & Payroll Compliance: Hire and manage employees in over 180 countries with a robust network of local entities.
• Centralized Payroll Management: Keep things simple by consolidating payroll data into a single platform.
• Compliant Contracts: Customized contracts for every employee, ensuring both legal compliance and intellectual property protection.
• Localized Benefits: Automated compliance and optional perks tailored to each country’s regulations.
• Visa Management & Relocation: Handle employee visas and relocation with end-to-end support, including automatic alerts for visa renewals.

Pricing Plans

Pricing starts at $399 per month per employee with no hidden costs. meaning you can save up to $3600 per employee annually with Playroll over Oyster.

Scaling your team? Book a demo to get a tailored quote for your needs.

What Users Think
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Playroll focuses on our problems and how to solve them, instead of forcing a textbook approach on us. The support team is very professional, cheerful and always on the ball. They are way faster than their competitors – we have an answer in a matter of hours instead of days.

Peter Verhaert, HR Manager, Exalate

Read Case Study

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2. Deel 

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‍Best For: Companies looking for a large brand with an established network of local entities.

Deel is a prominent name in the global payroll and EOR market. With services spanning over 150 countries, Deel offers a robust platform for companies looking to manage remote workers and contractors. While Deel provides comprehensive coverage and legal support, the platform has faced some criticism due to hidden fees, high pricing, and recent legal controversies involving a lawsuit for corporate espionage, which could impact its credibility.

Key Features of Deel:

• Global Entity Coverage: Operate legally in 100+ countries through Deel’s network of local entities.
• International Payroll & Contractor Payments: Pay employees and contractors in their local currencies, ensuring seamless international transactions.
• Compliance & IP Protection: Full compliance with local labor laws and protection of intellectual property rights in every region where you operate.
• HR & Accounting Integrations: Integration with existing HR and accounting tools to simplify operations.

Pricing Plans

EOR services start at $599 per employee per month.

What Users Think 

"I have quick access to my contracts and multiple options for withdrawing money. However, the fees are quite high, and it would be great to see lower costs."
– Verified G2 User

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💡 Compare Playroll vs Deel here

Read About The 7 Best Deel Competitors & Alternatives here

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3. Remote 

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Best For: Companies looking for an all-in-one global employment solution with strong benefits support.

Remote is a solid choice for businesses aiming to manage remote teams across multiple countries. Offering EOR services in over 90 countries, Remote is known for its strong employee benefits offerings, making it a great option for companies wanting to ensure competitive benefits packages for their global employees. However, its customer support has received some negative feedback, with some users reporting slow response times.

Key Features of Remote:

• Global Workforce Management: Manage teams remotely across 90+ countries, with the ability to scale globally.
• Compliant Hiring: Easily create compliant contracts and stay updated with local labor laws.
• Employee Benefits: Tailor benefits packages for employees in different countries, offering perks and coverage that match local standards.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Detailed insights into payroll, taxes, and compliance to ensure a smooth process.

Pricing Plans

Starting at $599 per employee p/month for EOR services.

What Users Think 

"Remote made our international expansion much smoother. The only downside is the complexity of their interface. It took us a bit of time to get used to it."
– Emily P., Talent Acquisition Lead, Verified on G2

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💡 Compare Playroll vs Remote here

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4. Rippling 

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Best For: Companies needing a unified platform for HR, payroll, and IT management.

Rippling is a powerful all-in-one solution that integrates HR, payroll, and IT management into a single platform. This makes it a good choice for companies that want a comprehensive solution for their global workforce, covering everything from employee benefits to IT asset management. However, the software is known for its steep learning curve. Some users find the platform’s vast array of features overwhelming, especially those who only need payroll services.

Key Features of Rippling

• Integrated HR & Payroll: Handle everything from payroll and benefits to HR tasks like employee onboarding and compliance within one platform.
• Global Payroll: Automate payroll and tax compliance for employees in multiple countries.
• Employee Benefits: Manage health insurance, stock options, and other employee benefits.
• IT Management: Onboard employees, manage devices, apps, and access permissions.

Pricing Plans

Custom pricing based on your company’s needs and size.

What Users Think 

"Rippling is a great platform for managing HR, payroll, and IT, but it can be a bit overwhelming with all its features."
– Tom R., Operations Manager, Verified on G2

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💡 Compare the best Rippling alternatives

Read About The 7 Best Rippling Competitors & Alternatives here

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5. Multiplier 

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Best For: Fast, cost-effective onboarding of international contractors and employees.

Multiplier is a good platform for businesses looking to onboard international teams quickly and affordably. It simplifies payroll and compliance across multiple countries, making it easier for companies to scale without establishing foreign subsidiaries. However, its customer support and user interface have room for improvement, as some users have encountered difficulties navigating the platform and resolving issues.

Key Features of Multiplier

• Contractor & Employee Management: Manage both contractors and full-time employees from one platform.
• Multi-Currency Payroll: Pay employees and contractors in their local currencies with built-in foreign exchange management.
• Automated Compliance: Create compliant contracts for over 150 countries with ease.
• Localized Benefits: Offer retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits specific to each country.

Pricing Overview

• Employer of Record (EOR): Starts at $400 per employee/month.
• Contractor Services: From $40 per contractor/month.
• Custom Packages: Available for larger teams or multi-region setups.

User Feedback

 “Multiplier offers a cost-efficient way to handle global payroll and works well for our remote teams. It’s easy to navigate, though we wish the reporting tools gave us more insights.”

- Katherine B., HR Director (G2 Verified)

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💡 Compare Playroll vs Multiplier here

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6. Papaya Global 

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Best For: Enterprises seeking a high-tech solution for payroll, compliance, and workforce management.

Papaya Global is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that integrates payroll, compliance, and contractor management across more than 160 countries. It’s known for offering advanced analytics and real-time reporting, providing businesses with in-depth insights into their global workforce. However, its reliance on third-party providers for EOR services may lead to slower response times and delays in support.

Key Features of Papaya Global

• Global Payroll & EOR: Manage payroll and employment in over 160 countries without establishing local entities.
• Integrated Payments: Secure cross-border transactions through Papaya’s licensed payments platform.
• Advanced Analytics: Real-time insights into payroll costs, compliance status, and workforce metrics.
• Seamless Integrations: Integrate with major HR and ERP systems, including Workday and BambooHR.

Pricing Plans

Tiered pricing based on the number of employees and services required. The company offers EOR services starting at $599 per employee per month and Contractor Management at $30 per contractor per month. 

What Users Think

“The platform is also user-friendly, and the Payroll experts are available for any question.”

“However, salaries are usually paid on time, however not always correctly.”

— Verified G2 User in Information Technology and Services, Enterprise (>1000 employees)

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💡 Compare Playroll vs Papaya Global

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7. Globalization Partners (G-P)

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Best For: Enterprises requiring white-glove support for global expansion.

Globalization Partners (G-P) provides a full-service EOR solution, helping large enterprises expand internationally without needing to set up foreign subsidiaries. G-P is known for its expert legal and tax support, providing businesses with payroll and compliance management in over 180 countries. However, its premium pricing and slightly outdated user interface may not appeal to smaller businesses.

Key Features of Globalization Partners

• Global Entity Infrastructure: Hire employees in 180+ countries without forming local entities.
• Compliance & Tax Expertise: G-P’s in-house compliance teams manage local labor laws and taxes.
• Custom Benefits Packages: Offer tailored benefits packages with expert guidance on country-specific offerings.

Pricing Plans

 Custom pricing based on the size and needs of your enterprise.

What Users Think

"We’ve been using G-P for our global workforce, and their support is exceptional. The platform is robust, but the interface could use some improvement—it’s not as intuitive as I’d like."

– Jonathan D., Senior HR Manager, Verified on Capterra

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‍💡 Compare Playroll vs Globalization Partners here

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How Easy Is It to Switch from Oyster to Playroll?

Making the switch from your current provider to Playroll is a seamless experience designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible. We know that transitions can be daunting, so we’ve created a process that minimizes disruptions for both employers and employees. With Playroll, you’ll have an easy onboarding experience, a dedicated support team for both employees and employers, and all the resources you need to make the switch effortlessly.

What to Expect:

• Effortless Data Migration: Moving your data over to Playroll is straightforward. Whether it's payroll details, employee information, or any other critical data, our platform makes it simple and secure to transfer everything smoothly and on your timeline.
• Step-by-Step Onboarding: You’ll never be alone during the transition. Our team is with you every step of the way, offering clear guidance and ensuring that all aspects – from compliance to global payroll setup – are handled without a hitch.
• Support at Your Fingertips: We believe in giving you all the tools you need to succeed. From detailed FAQs to a dedicated customer success team, we’re here to help you manage your global workforce with ease.

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Ready To Make The Switch?

Switching from your current EOR to Playroll is easier than you think. Get dedicated support to onboard your team without delays.

Learn More

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Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Oyster Alternative

When looking into alternatives to Oyster, ask yourself these important questions to make sure the solution is the right fit for your needs:

• Does the platform support your specific use case? Ensure the software is equipped with features that cater to your business’s industry and operational needs.
• What are the total long-term costs, including hidden fees? Get a full picture of what you’ll be paying, from setup fees to subscription costs and transaction charges.
• How easy is it to switch from your current solution? Consider how smooth the data migration process and system integration will be.
• What level of customer support is available? Check for accessible, responsive support teams who can quickly resolve any issues.
• Can the platform grow with you? Ensure the solution has the scalability to support your organization’s growth as you expand.
• Is the platform compliant with local labor laws? Verify that the platform provides full compliance with labor laws and regulations in every region where you operate, and ask for their compliance credentials.
• Does it integrate well with your existing systems? Check if the platform syncs seamlessly with your HR, financial, and payroll systems.
  
• How secure is your data? Find out about the security protocols in place, such as encryption and access controls, to protect sensitive employee data.
• What is the user experience like? Think about how user-friendly the platform is for both your HR teams and employees, ensuring an intuitive experience for everyone.
• How reliable is the platform? Look into public customer reviews, industry case studies, and accolades to evaluate its track record.

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Why Choose Playroll Over Oyster for Your Global Expansion

Playroll offers several advantages over Oyster, making it a compelling choice for organizations looking to expand globally:

• Competitive Pricing: Playroll provides cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or compliance.
• Comprehensive Global Coverage: With operations in over 170 countries, Playroll ensures seamless global expansion.
• Robust Compliance Framework: Playroll stays updated with local labor laws and regulations, mitigating compliance risks.
• User-Friendly Platform: The intuitive interface simplifies HR and payroll management for both administrators and employees.
• Dedicated Support: Access to a dedicated account manager and responsive customer service ensures smooth operations.

In short, you don't have to compromise when it comes to cost, compliance and support. Playroll is an ideal choice for businesses seeking the full package of responsive service, transparent pricing, personalized support, and a focus on employee success during their global expansion. Check out Playroll’s detailed comparison page for a side-by-side look.

Book a demo with our team to find out how we can support your global growth.