7 Best HR & Payroll Software for Remote Teams (2026)
We compared 7 top tools for this category. Deel is our #1 overall recommendation, boasting a 4.8/5 rating and excelling at global hiring. If you are looking for an alternative specifically for ethical global hiring, Remote is a highly capable runner-up.
Deel
The global leader for remote payroll, allowing companies to hire contractors or employees in 150+ countries instantly.
Runner Ups
Remote
Ethical global hiringFocuses on providing fair benefits and localized contracts for remote employees worldwide with no hidden fees.
- No hidden fees
- Local IP protection
- Easy interface
- EOR costs high
- Fewer countries than Deel
Starting at
$29/mo (contractor)
Rippling
IT/HR automationIntegrates HR, IT, and Finance to automate laptop shipping and software provisioning for new remote hires.
- Device management
- Global payroll
- App provisioning
- Price scales quickly
- US-centric features
Starting at
$8/user
Oyster
Borderless hiringA global employment platform designed to make borderless hiring as easy as hiring locally.
- Localized benefits
- Compliance dashboard
- Resource library
- Expensive for EOR
- Interface can lag
Starting at
$29/mo (contractor)
Papaya Global
Enterprise analyticsAn enterprise platform for global workforce management with deep analytics and local expertise in every region.
- Advanced analytics
- End-to-end global
- Payment network
- Steep setup fees
- Complex UI
Starting at
$25/user
Multiplier
Fast onboardingFocuses on speed, allowing remote teams to generate and sign local contracts in minutes.
- Very fast
- Solid insurance options
- One-click payments
- Customer support
- Platform is newer
Starting at
$40/mo
Gusto
US-based remoteWhile primarily US-based, Gusto is the gold standard for remote teams based entirely in the USA.
- Auto tax filing
- Contractor payments
- Employee app
- No international EOR
- Limited state coverage for some benefits
Starting at
$40/mo
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about choosing the right software.
Based on our analysis of 7 options, Deel is the best overall choice for remote teams, earning a 4.8/5 rating. Key strengths include Global compliance and Multi-currency. For a different focus, Remote (4.7/5) is a strong alternative specializing in ethical global hiring.
Deel (4.8/5, From $49/mo (contractor)) is best for global hiring, while Remote (4.7/5, From $29/mo (contractor)) excels at ethical global hiring. Deel takes the top spot overall, but Remote is the better pick if your priority is specifically ethical global hiring.
While none are entirely free, Rippling starts at From $8/user, making it the most budget-friendly option. Most hr & payroll software in this roundup offer free trials so remote teams can evaluate before committing.
Key criteria for remote teams include: global hiring, ethical global hiring, it/hr automation. Our #1 pick Deel leads in global hiring, while Rippling (4.9/5) is a noteworthy option for it/hr automation. Consider your specific workflow needs and budget to narrow down the best fit.
In this comparison of 7 tools, pricing ranges from From $8/user (Rippling) at the low end to premium enterprise tiers. All tools require a paid subscription, though most offer free trials. For the best balance of features and value, we recommend Deel at From $49/mo (contractor).