Whether you're looking to expand your global presence, hire international contractors, or simply switch from your current payroll provider, choosing the right global payroll solution is crucial to your success. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Do you need a provider that can handle contractor invoices, offer employee benefits, or provide employer-of-record services? What about pricing, ease of use, and customer support?

We've done the research for you. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the top 10 global payroll providers, comparing their features, pricing, and unique advantages. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, we'll help you find the perfect fit for your business.

Quick Comparison: Top 6 Global Payroll Providers at a Glance

Thera

Thera is a cloud-based global payroll and HR platform designed for multinational companies whether they're hiring Canada, North America or in Asia, Australia or anywhere in the world. It offers end-to-end payroll processing, HR management, and compliance solutions across over 190 countries. Thera's key strength lies in its ability to handle complex global payroll scenarios while ensuring local compliance.

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Key Features

1. All-in-one platform: Thera provides an ecosystem of apps, consolidating payroll, AP/AR, and compliance management into a single platform
2. Fast transfers: It uses advanced AI models to ensure quick and cost-effective money transfers.
3. Comprehensive tax compliance: Thera simplifies year-end processes with automated generation and distribution of W-2s, ensuring compliance.
4. Transparent pricing: It offers clear pricing with no hidden fees, and provides advanced reporting for better cash flow insights.
5. Dedicated Slack channel: Thera provides a dedicated Slack channel for customer support and quick communication.
6. Competitive pricing: Thera offer rates that allow contractors to take home 3% more of their earnings compared to other payroll providers.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Faster payout options ensure contractors receive their payments promptly.
• Thera's platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, saving time and effort in managing payroll and HR processes.
• The dedicated Slack channel provides direct access to responsive customer support.

Cons:

• As a relatively new player in the global payroll industry, Thera may have a limited track record compared to more established competitors.
• The company's focus on contractor payroll might not suit businesses with more complex payroll needs

Pricing Info

Thera offers custom quotes tailored to each business's needs. The pricing can be as low as $10 per user per month, depending on the specific requirements and the number of users.

Thera provides bulk discounts, making it more cost-effective for businesses with a larger number of employees or contractors. Schedule a demo today so you can start focusing on strategic business decisions quickly, rather than handling payroll.

Rating

Thera has an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5 on G2, based on 24 user reviews. This is a strong indication that Thera is delivering on its promises of providing a user-friendly, all-in-one platform for managing global payroll, AP/AR, and compliance.

ADP Globalview Payroll

ADP Globalview is a comprehensive global payroll and HR solution from the industry giant ADP. It provides a centralized platform for managing payroll, talent, time and attendance, and HR data for a multinational workforce. ADP's extensive global presence and expertise in local regulations make it a popular choice for large enterprises.

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Key features

1. Garnishment payment service: ADP's Enhanced Payroll package includes a garnishment payment service, which helps businesses manage and process employee wage garnishments, such as child support or tax levies, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
2. State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) management: ADP's Enhanced Payroll package also offers SUI management, which assists businesses in managing their state unemployment insurance obligations, including calculating and filing SUI taxes accurately.
3. Flexible payment options: ADP's payroll services provide flexible payment options, allowing businesses to choose the best method for their needs, such as direct deposit, paper checks, or pay cards.
4. Integration with tools systems: ADP GlobalView Payroll integrates with other tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, BambooHR, Workday, Slack, etc. reducing manual work and improving accuracy.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Self-service portal: Employees have easy access to their payroll information and pay stubs, enabling them to view and manage their data independently.
• Mobile app accessibility: Users worldwide can access their payroll data through a mobile app that is customized to comply with each country's labor regulations, providing convenience and flexibility.
• Comprehensive payroll management: ADP offers payroll solutions for both employees and contractors, catering to diverse workforce needs.
• Multilingual support: ADP provides support in multiple languages, facilitating effective communication and assistance for global teams.

Cons:

• Mobile app usability issues: Some users find the mobile app experience to be cumbersome and in need of streamlining for better navigation and performance.
• Inadequate customer support: Users report that customer support often redirects inquiries back to the organization, even for basic functionalities, rather than providing direct assistance.
• Lack of unified global payroll: ADP does not allow simultaneous processing of payroll for US employees and those in other countries, which can be inconvenient for international organizations.

Pricing info

ADP does not disclose specific pricing details for its payroll services on its website. Instead, they offer customized pricing based on the unique needs of each business.

To get a price quote, interested companies can:

1. Request a free demo to see ADP's payroll solutions in action and discuss their specific requirements with a sales representative.
2. Provide some basic information about their business, such as the number of employees, company name, and contact details, to receive a tailored pricing quote.

ADP's payroll pricing is generally considered on the higher end compared to some competitors, reflecting its comprehensive features and services.

Capterra rating

ADP Globalview Payroll has a rating of 4.9 for 18 reviews on Capterra.

Deel

Deel is a global payroll and compliance platform that simplifies the process of hiring, managing, and paying international employees and contractors. With Deel, businesses can quickly and easily onboard talent from over 150 countries while ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.

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Key features

1. International hiring: Hire employees and contractors globally without setting up local entities.
2. Automated compliance: Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, including contracts, taxes, and benefits.
3. Flexible payment options: Pay your global team in their local currency using a variety of payment methods.
4. Self-serve platform: Manage your global team, contracts, and payments through an intuitive platform.
5. Expert support: Access a team of global HR and legal experts to help navigate international hiring and compliance.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Simplifies the complex process of international hiring and payroll.
• Ensures compliance with local laws and regulations, reducing legal risks.
• Offers a wide range of payment options and supports over 150 countries.

Cons:

• Pricing can be higher compared to some competitors, especially for smaller teams.
• Some users report occasional delays in customer support responses.
• The platform may have a learning curve for users new to global payroll and compliance.

Pricing info

The Contractor Management service starts at $49 per month and helps businesses avoid misclassification of contractors by providing AI-powered tools, locally compliant contracts, and the option to have Deel hire, manage, and pay contractors on the client's behalf.

Contractors receive a Deel card, flexible payment options, perks, discounts, and 24/7 support.

The EOR service, starting at $599 per month, allows businesses to hire employees in more than 150 countries without setting up a local entity.

Both services are available in over 150 countries.

Thera vs Deel

We ran an experiment recently where we sent $1000 through Thera, and $1000 through two of our top competitors, Gusto & Deel.

Across five sample currencies, Thera significantly outperformed Gusto and Deel, with contractors receiving 1.6% - 3% more in their bank accounts compared to other providers. That's why many startups switch from Deel to Thera.

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Capterra rating

As of June 2024, Deel has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Capterra, based on 532 user reviews. Users praise the platform's ease of use, global coverage, and responsive customer support. Some users mention that the pricing could be more affordable for smaller teams.

Gusto

While primarily known for its US payroll and HR solutions, Gusto has expanded its offerings to include global payroll capabilities. It provides a comprehensive platform for managing payroll, benefits, and HR processes for businesses with employees or contractors in multiple countries.

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Key Features

1. Payroll Processing: Gusto simplifies payroll by allowing businesses to set salaries or hourly wages, automate payroll runs, and choose flexible payroll schedules.
2. Tax Compliance: The platform automatically calculates and files payroll taxes, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
3. Benefits Administration: Gusto offers a range of benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, commuter benefits, and more, with recommendations tailored to employee needs.
4. Time Tracking: Integrated time tools for managing time off, tracking hours worked, and syncing with payroll for accurate payments.
5. Employee Self-Service: Employees can manage their own information, view pay stubs, access tax documents, and handle PTO requests through a self-service portal.
6. HR Tools: Gusto includes features for onboarding, applicant tracking, background checks, and employee records management

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• User-Friendly Interface: Gusto is known for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users with varying levels of tech proficiency.
• Comprehensive Payroll and HR Solutions: The platform offers a wide range of features that cover payroll, benefits, and HR needs, making it a one-stop solution for small businesses.
• Transparent Pricing: Gusto's pricing plans are clear and straightforward, with no hidden fees, making it easier for businesses to budget.

Cons:

• Customer Service Issues: Some users report slow response times and unhelpful customer service, which can be frustrating when dealing with urgent payroll or compliance issues.
• Limited Customization: Gusto may lack flexibility in certain areas, such as pay period customization and specific state compliance requirements.
• Benefits Administration Challenges: Users have experienced difficulties with the benefits administration process, including errors and delays in setting up health insurance.

Pricing info

Gusto offers three main pricing plans:

• Simple Plan: $40 per month plus $6 per person, ideal for small businesses with straightforward payroll needs.
• Plus Plan: $80 per month plus $12 per person, includes additional features like next-day direct deposit, time tracking, and PTO management.
• Premium Plan: Custom pricing, includes all features of the Plus plan along with dedicated support and advanced HR tools.

For businesses that only hire contractors, Gusto offers a plan with no monthly base fee, charging $6 per contractor per month.

Capterra rating

4.6/5 based on user reviews, highlighting its ease of use and comprehensive feature set.

Rippling

Rippling stands out with its "native" global payroll system, means it is built entirely within Rippling's own platform, rather than relying on integrations with third-party local payroll providers or vendors in each country. It offers real-time updates, automated compliance, and unified reporting across teams, locations, and currencies.

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Key Features

1. Native Global Payroll System: Rippling allows you to run a single pay run for your global workforce across countries and currencies. Changes like terminations or raises take effect in real-time, and you can run off-cycle payrolls seamlessly.
2. Unified Global Data and Reporting: Rippling provides global reporting on employee data like salary, equity, expenses across regions with automated currency conversions. Benefits administration is integrated with the global payroll system.
3. Automated Global Compliance: Rippling automates compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and statutory requirements like overtime calculations across countries. It handles paperless tax filings like W-2, W-4, 1099 globally.
4. Global Employee Experience: You can create custom holiday calendars, design worldwide and country-specific policies like PTO, offer localized rich benefits like pensions in every country through Rippling.
5. Paperless Filings: Automated filings for tax forms like W-2, W-4, 1099, and new hire forms globally.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Truly Unified Global System: Rippling's native approach eliminates the need for multiple local vendors or manual data consolidation, providing a seamless global payroll experience.
• Real-Time Updates and Flexibility: Changes like terminations or raises take effect immediately, and off-cycle payrolls can be run seamlessly without disruption.
• Automated Compliance: Rippling's automated compliance engine ensures accurate calculations for local labor laws, taxes, and statutory requirements across regions.

Cons

• Limited Customization: Some users may find Rippling's standardized approach to global payroll lacking in customization options for specific local requirements.
• Learning Curve: The comprehensive and unified nature of Rippling's platform may require a steeper learning curve for users accustomed to traditional payroll systems.
• Pricing Structure: Rippling's pricing model, which includes a base fee and additional charges based on employee location and features, may be more expensive for businesses with a large global workforce.

Pricing Info

Rippling offers a transparent pricing model with a base fee of $8 per employee per month. Additional fees apply based on the employee's location, ranging from $25 to $200 per employee per year.

Rippling also charges for additional features like benefits administration and applicant tracking. You need to contact them for a custom quote based on your requirements.

Capterra Rating

4.9/5 based on 3033 reviews, with users praising its automation, and comprehensive features.

Oyster

Oyster is a global employment platform that simplifies the process of hiring, paying, and managing a distributed workforce. It offers a range of services, including global payroll, compliance, and HR support, making it a one-stop solution for businesses looking to expand their global footprint.

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Key features

1. Streamlined workflows: Users can track, change, and approve payroll in minutes through simple workflows. The platform also provides access to payslips, gross-to-net reports, and other payroll reports for clear visibility into payroll data.
2. Compliance and accuracy: Oyster ensures that teams are paid compliantly, with the right taxes and deductions, even when laws change. They promise >99% accuracy in payroll processing.
3. Integrations with HR tools: It integrates with popular HRIS and expense management software like BambooHR, Expensify, Hibob, Personio, and Workday. This allows users to sync payroll data and workflows, ensuring accuracy and avoiding manual data entry.
4. Consolidated platform: Oyster allows businesses to pay all their team members, including EOR team members (full-time employees hired through Oyster), contractors, and direct employees (in Spain, Canada, and the U.K.), using a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple systems and manual workflows.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Simplifies global payroll by consolidating payments for international workers onto a single invoice, making it easier for businesses to manage their global workforce.
• Provides a quick and efficient onboarding process for international employees, reducing the time and effort required to get new hires up and running.
• Offers integrated tools such as time tracking, localized contracts, and a misclassification analyzer to help ensure compliance and streamline HR processes.

Cons:

• Requires businesses to pay salaries well in advance for international workers to receive timely payments, which may create cash flow challenges for some companies.
• Currently only supports monthly payroll cycles for employees, which may not accommodate businesses with more frequent pay schedules.
• The level of coverage and pricing can vary significantly depending on the country, which may result in higher costs and limited service availability in certain regions.

Pricing info

Oyster offers transparent pricing plans for contractors, employees, and larger teams:

• For contractors: $29 per contractor per month
• For direct employees: $50 per employee per month
• For employees: $599 per employee per month ($499 if paid annually in a lump sum)
• For larger teams/enterprises: Custom pricing, billed annually

Oyster provides a 30-day free trial for contractors but does not offer a free trial for employee plans.

The pricing is structured per user/employee, with unlimited users allowed under each plan. All plans include features like PTO management and expense management via integration with Expensify.

Capterra rating

It has a 4.5 rating with 68 reviews which is not very high compared to other global payroll tools we've covered in this blog. The low rating is mainly because of the lack of quick customer support, and unclear exchange rates.

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