5 Best Employer of Record Companies To Work With

Recruiting international talent can feel like navigating a maze of red tape. 

That’s where Employer of Record (EOR) companies come in, taking the hassle out of cross-border hiring. 

From employment and payroll to taxes and local compliance, these services have you covered—leaving you free to focus on what really matters: scaling your business.

So, which employer of record companies are the best in the game?

My pro tip: Check out my guide What Does EOR Stand For if you’re new to the global recruitment game.

Join me as I look at the 5 best employer of record companies to work with.

Ready? Let’s roll.

5 Best Employer of Record Companies for Effortless Global Hiring

Here’s my list of the best EOR companies.

1. Sauce

• Region of Operation: South Africa
• Best For: Hiring affordable remote talent
• Year Established: 2024

If you're looking to dive into South Africa's diverse talent pool, Sauce is your go-to. 

This rising star specialises as an employer of record in South Africa.

They connect UK and US companies with skilled remote workers in sales, marketing, and admin—without the usual compliance or payroll headaches.

Clients rave about their smooth onboarding process and the high-caliber talent they deliver. 

Sauce's secret sauce? 

Cost-efficiency, without compromising on quality. It's the perfect blend for companies that want great talent at an affordable price.

Pros:

• Laser-focused on affordable remote hiring from South Africa, ensuring excellent cultural alignment for English-speaking roles.
• Personalised support to find the perfect fit for your team’s needs.

Cons:

• Limited to South Africa, so it might not be ideal if you're scouting for a broader global reach.

2. Remote

• Region of Operation: Worldwide
• Best For: Businesses needing wide global reach
• Year Established: 2019

Remote is an international employer of record, offering its services in over 60 countries. If your hiring strategy covers multiple regions, this platform is a top contender. 

It’s particularly praised for making international compliance a breeze, which is no small feat when dealing with diverse markets.

Customers consistently applaud Remote's intuitive interface, along with the standout customer support that simplifies managing complex compliance. 

Whether you're scaling fast or just navigating the global talent landscape, Remote makes sure the process is smooth and headache-free.

Pros:

• Extensive international reach, paired with robust compliance management in multiple regions.
• User-friendly platform, making it easy for employers to handle tasks efficiently.

Cons:

• Premium pricing could be a hurdle for smaller businesses with tighter budgets.

3. Deel

• Region of Operation: Over 150 countries
• Best For: Fast, efficient payroll solutions
• Year Established: 2018

When it comes to handling payroll across borders, Deel is a powerhouse. 

Operating in more than 150 countries, it’s your go-to for paying remote employees quickly and accurately, no matter where they are.

Deel is especially loved for its speed and efficiency—users often mention how seamless it is to pay their teams without delays.

However, some wish the platform offered more in-depth HR features to complement its payroll expertise.

My pro tip: Check out my detailed Deel review for a deep dive into this EOR platform.

Pros:

• Perfect for businesses seeking a comprehensive, hassle-free payroll solution.
• Operates globally, making it ideal for scaling teams across multiple regions.

Cons:

• The focus on payroll may leave other HR services feeling a bit less robust.

4. Oyster

• Region of Operation: Global
• Best For: Ethical hiring practices and employee perks
• Year Established: 2020

Oyster is all about doing things the right way—emphasising ethical employment practices and treating global hires fairly. 

If you're looking to hire with integrity while offering standout employee perks, Oyster is a strong choice. 

Their commitment to equitable treatment really resonates with clients who want to build sustainable, ethical teams.

That said, some users have pointed out that Oyster’s premium perks and benefits packages might be a stretch for early-stage startups.

Pros:

• Strong emphasis on ethical employment, ensuring fair treatment for remote workers globally.
• Offers enticing perks and benefits that make it a win for attracting top talent.

Cons:

• Their pricing can be higher, especially if you're opting for the full perks and benefits package.

5. Papaya Global

• Region of Operation: Over 140 countries
• Best For: Automation and large-scale hiring
• Year Established: 2016

For those looking to streamline their global hiring processes, Papaya Global brings automation front and center. 

Its unified platform handles everything from payroll processing to EOR and contractor management, making it a solid choice for scaling businesses.

Users love how Papaya reduces manual tasks and errors with its robust automation features, though some mention that the interface has a learning curve, especially for the less tech-savvy.

Pros:

• Extensive automation helps cut down on manual work and minimises errors.
• Integrated system for managing payroll, EOR, and contractors all in one place.

Cons:

• The platform can be a bit overwhelming if you're not familiar with tech-heavy systems.

My Final Thoughts

And there you have it: your choice between these employer of record companies really comes down to what your business needs most. 

Sauce excels at delivering affordability and cultural alignment in South Africa. 

Remote and Deel dominate the global stage, while Oyster focuses on ethical hiring. And for those who crave automation and scalability, Papaya Global is the way to go. 

Whichever you choose, the right EOR can turn global hiring from a headache into a breeze, letting you concentrate on what matters most: growing your business.