Introduction

We spend hundreds of hours researching the best HR and recruiting software so you don’t have to. We never take money from vendors during our research phase and rely heavily on practitioners and experts to help us recommend the right software. However we may earn a small fee if you click on vendor links on this page.

Learn More

Deel Versus the Competition

Deel’s main advantage is that they offer a full range of global operations services rolled into one user-friendly platform. Their tool covers compliance, insurance, payroll, and taxes. As a start-up having spent the last three years in hypergrowth, it offers a technology-driven approach to operations.

If you're ready to get a Deel demo, we suggest getting in touch for a look at the product and quote. Otherwise, read on!

Ratings

4.2

Ease of Use

Best For

Key Differentiator

Price

Starts at $49 per month for Contractors, $599 for EOR

Free Trial

No

PROS

  • Excellent 24/7 customer service with fast onboarding (2-3 days) and local payroll experts in each jurisdiction.
  • Deel HR is free for companies of all sizes.
  • Seamless integration with platforms like QuickBooks, BambooHR, and Greenhouse, plus custom integration options.
  • User-friendly, self-service features enable quick setup; identity verification often takes under 24 hours.
  • Automated invoices simplify payments, provided they're in English.

CONS

  • Key features like onboarding automation are add-ons, which may increase costs.
  • Limited flexibility in modifying contracts or service agreements; changes often require an addendum.
  • Invoices cannot be generated in languages other than English.

Deel Alternatives:

Deel

Deel can manage payroll compliance in 150+ countries and has a notably easy-to-use interface, using one platform for all countries.
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Visit Website

Deel

Deel can manage payroll compliance in 150+ countries and has a notably easy-to-use interface, using one platform for all countries.
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Learn More

Multiplier

Multiplier’s global payroll solution helps you process payroll in over 120 currencies. You can also use the platform to administer benefit plans, give bonuses and grant equity to employees, among many other things.
Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5
Visit Website

Multiplier

Multiplier’s global payroll solution helps you process payroll in over 120 currencies. You can also use the platform to administer benefit plans, give bonuses and grant equity to employees, among many other things.
Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5
Learn More

ADP

ADP GlobalView is the solution for international payroll from one of the most reputable and long-standing companies in the space.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Visit Website

ADP

ADP GlobalView is the solution for international payroll from one of the most reputable and long-standing companies in the space.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Learn More

Lano

Lano is a B2B and B2C platform. Businesses can use it to process global payroll, hire remote talent, and manage contractors, while employees and freelancers can benefit from its payslip service, invoicing app, multi-currency wallet, and more.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.9 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Visit Website

Lano

Lano is a B2B and B2C platform. Businesses can use it to process global payroll, hire remote talent, and manage contractors, while employees and freelancers can benefit from its payslip service, invoicing app, multi-currency wallet, and more.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.9 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Learn More

Remote

Remote global payroll software enables employers to hire and pay contractors and employees in locations around the world. They also offer IP protection, data security, 24/7 localized customer service, and ample platform customization.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Visit Website

Remote

Remote global payroll software enables employers to hire and pay contractors and employees in locations around the world. They also offer IP protection, data security, 24/7 localized customer service, and ample platform customization.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Learn More

Need Help? Talk to an HR Software Advisor!

Get 1:1 help from an HR Software Advisor
Save time with recommendations in less than 20 minutes
Save up to 30% with our pricing insights

Tell us more about your company & an HR Software Advisor will help you find the right software

Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast

Need Help? Get Custom Recommendations for Top Global Payroll Services

Talk to An Advisor
Over 3 million HR leaders trust our advice

Deel Review

We first came across Deel in early 2021, relatively shortly after their foundation in 2019, in the midst of the pandemic. Back then, they were amongst a small-but-growing group of exciting new companies spearheading the category of Global Payroll Software.

While researching those companies and testing their products, Deel immediately stood out for their crisp and sleek design, ease of use, intuitive workflows, and highly attentive customer support and sales team.

Years later, it’s great to still see them among the now ‘usual suspects’ when it comes to international payroll software. That being said, they’ve also expanded and are currently among the top companies developing HR software specific to remote teams.

We last tested their tool in 2023, and it was immediately clear that it had grown quite a bit since the last demo. While initially focused on hiring and payroll, the platform has expanded its functionality to include a wider range of capabilities, such as Core HR tools, equity management, flexible workspaces, benefits, and other perks like discounts from brands.

The main modules, like hiring, have also acquired a new level of sophistication. The product's core now includes immigration support, background checks, and a module called “Shield”, which provides further advice on the best way to avoid fees when hiring team members and freelancers overseas.

Deel is notable for having a good balance of EOR and contractor focus. This flexibility is part of what we find great about the international payroll platform. For instance, we know of small businesses that started their Deel journey using it only to hire contractors globally. After a while, if their business is ready, they can use the same tool to hire people locally via the EOR offering.

For EOR customers, their international team helps with navigating local labor laws, compliance documents, essentially hiring the employee on your behalf and acting as the legal entity. One thing to note is that, depending on the country, the legal entity might not be Deel itself but one of their partners.

Lastly, the previously-mentioned “Shield” module is worth a closer look. It’s basically an extension of their contractor hiring workflow that includes an expert assessment for individual workers to determine whether, given the particular set of factors, the worker and employer would be better served by the individual working as a contractor, or as an employee. At the same time, engaging people this way means that Deel will absorb all the liability should there be any compliance issues.

Between this flexibility and their transparent pricing, we’ve always been happy to include Deel among our selection of the best Global Payroll, EOR, PEO software, and other software categories related to human resources software.

What users think of Deel

Reviewer's Rating
8/10

I use Deel to manage multiple contractors in various countries and to maintain compliance with contractor/freelancer working relationships. Deel provides a reliable solution for handling international payments efficiently.

The platform processes payments quickly and in a streamlined way. I also have the ability to conduct background checks on international workers, which I find to be very valuable. Deel also provides compliance guides for employers to help keep everything organized and in one place.

What do you like about this tool?

I like the following aspects of Deel:

  • The ability to pay international contractors/freelancers in US currency or their local currency.
  • The ability to pay international contractors/freelancers on a timely schedule without delays.
  • The compliance guides and knowledge base that Deel provides for customers.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

My organization decided to implement Deel for several key reasons. Last year, I was managing multiple projects that required hiring contractors from various countries. I needed a solution that could handle international payments seamlessly and efficiently.

While I had been using platforms like Bill.com and QuickBooks, the payment processing times for international contractors were often lengthy. Deel offered a much faster and more streamlined process, including the ability to conduct background checks on international contract workers and freelancers. This made it the ideal solution for my organization's needs.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • Deel's customer service is not always available during EST or PST hours when issues arise.
  • Deel can be costly when hiring multiple workers; there should be bundled rates or plans for several workers.
  • There have been issues with entering banking information, and Deel doesn't work with certain banks, without providing an explanation.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

Deel is similar to Oyster. I have tried both with clients and prefer Deel, as it is more cost-effective and provides a more streamlined process.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Consider what countries the freelancers/contractors/workers are located in and whether Deel supports those countries.

The company also needs to consider compliance and how contracts should be executed. Several countries, including the US, have strict labor laws regarding how a freelancer/contractor should be classified versus an employee.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I have been a Deel customer for almost two years. During that time, they have resolved many issues with the platform, and it is now much more user-friendly and easier to use.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is good for businesses that hire freelancers and contractors and want to avoid the risk of misclassification.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Deel is not good for companies that do not hire any freelancers or contractors.

Reviewer's Rating
9/10

Deel simplifies the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding to payroll and benefits administration. It enables us to create an onboarding experience tailored to each location’s compliance requirements, ensuring a seamless transition for new hires. We also rely on Deel for contract generation and global payroll, allowing us to automate payments without concerns about timing or location.

Additionally, the platform streamlines benefits administration by allowing employees to easily enroll in the benefits they need directly through the system. The expense management feature enables us to process and pay employee expenses through payroll, consolidating everything in one place for efficiency.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Deel consolidates HR, IT, and payroll processes into a single platform, reducing the need for multiple systems.
  • Its workflows and automation free up time for HR staff, allowing them to focus more on employee engagement rather than administrative tasks.
  • The platform is cost-effective, and the time savings provide a strong return on investment.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

As a global organization, one of our biggest challenges has been incorporating the unique requirements of the countries we operate in while maintaining a system that works across different regulations.

Deel has evolved into a robust platform that supports compliance in multiple countries, making it an ideal solution for our needs. It also simplifies global payroll, allowing us to pay employees and contractors anytime, anywhere.

With recent advancements in the platform, we can do even more at a reasonable price while benefiting from an integrated system. Since adopting Deel over a year ago, we have successfully streamlined multiple processes into a single platform.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • Deel is a complex system, which may not be suitable for all businesses.
  • Due to its complexity, it requires extensive training and experience to use it effectively.
  • The user interface has a learning curve and could benefit from additional improvements in usability and navigation.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

Deel stands out because of its comprehensive features, covering multiple aspects of HR, payroll, and global workforce management. While similar tools tend to specialize in specific areas, such as payroll or HR data management, Deel offers a wide range of modules that address nearly every HR and operations need in one platform.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

One of the most overlooked aspects of selecting a platform like Deel is post-implementation customer support. Many issues arise after deployment, so it’s crucial to research the level of ongoing support provided.

Also, consider any hidden costs for features that may not be included upfront but could become necessary later. Evaluating the full range of available features—even those you don’t need right now—can help ensure the tool remains valuable as your business scales.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Deel continues to expand its platform, adding new features to support the evolving needs of HR and operations teams. The company actively enhances its offerings to provide more comprehensive workforce management solutions.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is ideal for medium to large businesses with a global workforce or those that frequently hire contract workers. It is particularly valuable for companies that do not have entities in every country where they employ workers, as Deel can serve as an Employer of Record (EOR) in such cases.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Deel may not be the best option for small organizations with fewer than 100 employees that have minimal HR processes. Additionally, businesses that operate exclusively within the U.S. may not fully benefit from its global payroll and compliance features.

Reviewer's Rating
7/10

Deel is a crucial tool for payroll systems. As a payroll admin, you would use it almost daily to optimize payroll operations, manage payroll structures, and handle Employer of Record (EoR) services.

Some organizations opt for additional compliance support or custom reporting features. Deel workflows also include employee onboarding, offer letter generation, document collection for compliance, and payroll-related benefits administration.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Deel is an excellent solution for organizations with international contractors, offering a smooth and simplified process.
  • It provides EoR services in over 150 countries and includes additional features like onboarding and time-off tracking for international contractors.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

I worked with a company expanding into two international markets as part of a tech stack selection project. My engagement lasted about six months and involved selection, implementation, and change management for onboarding.

Deel is a global payroll solution designed to streamline compensation operations for organizations. The company needed a system to manage international payroll efficiently while ensuring compliance across different regions.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • Deel is only worthwhile if you fit its niche. It can be expensive, and if you don’t have a high volume of international hires, the cost may not be justified.
  • If you need a more streamlined international hiring process with lower volume, alternatives like Oyster, Remote, or Papaya may be better options.
  • Customer support is lacking.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

Deel is uniquely positioned to expedite international hiring, particularly for contractors, seasonal hires, or high-turnover roles. It outperforms most competitors in this area for the price. However, if your needs don’t align with this niche, Deel may not be the best choice.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  • What does your international hiring strategy look like, and what types of employees are you hiring?
  • What is your budget?
  • What HRIS features do you need?
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Deel’s primary strength is its extensive EoR services, which have expanded to meet user demand. The company has focused on increasing its EoR coverage in new countries to strengthen its niche. Additional onboarding and benefits features support this strategy, but overall, Deel has not evolved significantly beyond its core offering.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?
  • Companies with high-volume international hiring can benefit from Deel, particularly for contractors or high-turnover roles.
  • Organizations managing extensive international payroll and compliance requirements.
  • Employers needing to sponsor immigration visas.
What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?
  • Companies that do not hire internationally don’t need Deel.
  • Organizations prioritizing integrated HRIS features or complex HR operations.
  • Honestly, most organizations.
Reviewer's Rating
5/10

We use Deel to onboard and pay contractors. After hiring someone, we invite them to Deel, where they upload their information. We run a background check and request specific documents from them. If everything is uploaded successfully, we then use Deel to pay contractors on a weekly basis.

Deel also serves as our central repository for employee information, securely storing details such as legal name, address, SSN, and birthday. It provides new hire paperwork, such as W-9 forms, and ensures these forms are fully completed.

What do you like about this tool?

Deel has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The 24/7 chat feature is helpful whenever I have questions. Creating background checks through Deel is straightforward.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We purchased Deel in the spring of 2024. Our company was expanding its contractor base and needed payroll software to streamline the process. Our goals included simplifying contractor onboarding and payment while allowing contractors to upload their timesheets.

We needed a platform that could support these tasks, answer questions along the way, and assist with tax filing. We used Deel for about two months before deciding to switch to a different platform.

What do you dislike about this tool?

I’m not a fan of the pricing model, as it charges for all contractors added, even if they haven’t been paid. It feels as though there is a fee associated with nearly every action. Contractors also often seem confused when uploading their timesheets.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

I appreciate Deel’s customer service, especially the 24/7 chat feature. Other tools require calling during business hours, which can be inconvenient.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

I suggest prioritizing ease of use, price, and potential hidden costs. Ask whether the tool charges for customer service inquiries, monthly fees, and how pricing is structured for each contractor or employee. Personally, I prefer not to pay for a contractor I haven’t actually paid yet.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

The home page and navigation were recently updated and look improved, though I don’t find this to be a significant change.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is suitable for established small businesses.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Deel may not be ideal for new small businesses. Due to various fees, costs can add up unexpectedly, which might be challenging for businesses aiming to manage expenses carefully while growing.

Reviewer's Rating
10/10

I utilized Deel due to its international capabilities for hiring remote workers without needing a physical presence. It assisted in managing expenses, payroll, benefits, PTO, and ensuring compliance with labor laws in different countries such as India, China, and England. Replit also engaged contractors through the platform and hired in that way. This helped organize us while Replit was on a few different HR platforms such as Justworks, Culture Amp, and Rippling. I enjoyed using Deel as it was straightforward, and the key workflows made sense to me. It was easy to understand, and if I had any questions, I could chat with the representative right away.

What do you like about this tool?
  • I appreciated Deel for its user-friendly interface and straightforward usability.
  • It was easy to navigate and intuitive, which made managing tasks efficient.
  • The sales representative I interacted with was highly competent and responsive, which enhanced the overall experience of using the platform.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Replit bought Deel because of its global capacities, and I have used it for six months. It helped with the global side of payroll and compliance. It assisted in managing expenses when people onboarded, traveled, and took paid time off or leaves of absence. Other considerations included hiring contractors on their platform, which made it easier to hire people from different countries. This greatly diversified the workforce.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • I found Deel somewhat costly, and accessing the backend could be challenging if you weren't familiar with its setup.
  • It takes time to get familiar with different systems.
  • Keeping up with international laws was occasionally problematic and required multiple communications to align everyone. I appreciate that Deel is actively expanding its platform to address these issues.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

Deel stands out due to its strong innovation and proactive market presence. Compared to Rippling, they were more responsive, which led me to believe that we should have onboarded everyone onto their platform. Deel's proactive approach to innovation kept them ahead in the market, offering solutions that were more responsive and tailored to our needs compared to Rippling. Their platform's capabilities and customer service exceeded expectations, making the transition smooth and efficient. Deel proved to be a valuable partner in streamlining operations and enhancing our business processes.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

When considering Deel as an HR person, think about the specific needs of your organization, such as managing remote workers across different countries and ensuring compliance with international labor laws. Evaluate Deel's platform for its user-friendliness, scalability, and ability to handle payroll and contractor management efficiently. Consider the responsiveness and support provided by their customer service team, especially in resolving issues related to backend access and legal compliance. Assess Deel's pricing structure to ensure it aligns with your budget and provides value for the services offered.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Deel has continually adapted to meet users' evolving needs by enhancing its platform's functionality and user interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. They have expanded their global capabilities, allowing businesses to manage remote teams across diverse jurisdictions seamlessly. Deel's responsiveness to customer feedback has led to improvements in customer support and backend accessibility, ensuring smoother operations for HR professionals managing payroll and compliance tasks internationally. These advancements highlight Deel's commitment to evolving alongside the needs of modern businesses, facilitating efficient and compliant workforce management worldwide.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is well-suited for small and medium-sized companies, offering capabilities that cater to their needs effectively. One standout feature is the ability to update people's compensation promptly, which proves beneficial for companies planning growth and scalability. This feature ensures that organizations can adapt quickly to changing circumstances and reward their workforce dynamically, fostering a supportive environment for ongoing expansion.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Deel may not be ideal for very large companies that require highly complex and customized HR solutions. Its streamlined approach and user-friendly interface are more suited to smaller and medium-sized businesses. Larger enterprises with extensive and intricate HR needs might find Deel's capabilities less flexible or scalable compared to enterprise-level solutions that offer more robust customization and integration options.

Reviewer's Rating
8/10

We use Deel on a weekly basis to hire, manage, and pay international employees for clients. Once a candidate has accepted our verbal offer, we use Deel to send the offer letter, new hire documentation, and collect information for payroll. Deel stores all of our new hire information such as employee benefits selections, tax information, and signed offer letters. We also use Deel to coordinate with our outside payroll vendor to ensure everyone is paid correctly and the proper withholdings are implemented.

What do you like about this tool?

The first thing that we love is Deel HR is free! Not only is it free, it still offers all the bells and whistles of your typical paid platforms. I like that you can use Deel as the employer of record for international employees. Deel ensures we are compliant with local labor laws. Deel HR has replaced our need to purchase an HRIS system to serve as our employee management system.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We purchased Deel because we were seeking an affordable HR tool for our startup company. We were experiencing pain in the areas of documentation management, managing employee files on multiple databases, and wanted to streamline our operations. We were also seeking an onboarding solution that could integrate with our recruitment process. Deel has helped us centralize our HR functions and improve our efficiency in managing employee data and onboarding new hires.

What do you dislike about this tool?

The cost for the employer of record is very high for a startup company. This is an amazing solution to offer for a growing company, but I wish the price was lower or split into two payments across the month. Although it is easy to navigate, the UI could be nicer.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Deel is a one-stop shop for domestic and international hires. They have a built-in background check and visa and EOR in one platform. Other platforms require the use of multiple tools to accomplish these tasks.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

First, they need to consider their hiring needs. Determine how many international hires annually to be able to do a cost-benefit analysis. They also need to have a defined hiring workflow to determine if Deel has everything they need to enhance their existing workflow.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Deel has done a great job with API and adding new integrations as the market evolves.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Global and domestic organizations of all sizes.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Deel is great for all companies and industries, especially if they want an all-around tool to take care of all HR needs including global payroll and EOR.

Reviewer's Rating
8/10

Deel serves as our HRIS system for all personnel outside the US, including contractors and employees through EOR in countries like Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and the Netherlands. We use it for payroll processing, employee tracking, managing time off, and ensuring legal compliance in each country. Compliance is crucial, as Deel helps ensure we adhere to local employment laws. Additionally, it manages expenses and other HR processes for our non-US employees.

What do you like about this tool?

Deel simplifies the hiring process, particularly for contractors, making it incredibly user-friendly. The compliance features are invaluable, keeping us informed of legal changes across different countries. Moreover, the platform itself is straightforward and easy to navigate.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our organization needed a system that would enable us to quickly hire contractors in Europe while scaling with our growth. Deel was chosen for its clarity, ease of setup, and cost-effectiveness. Initially, it was used for managing our European contractors, but as we transitioned from contractors to full-time employees, Deel's capacity to handle EOR and contractors across multiple countries proved ideal. We have been using Deel for just over a year, starting with contractors and recently expanding to include EOR services for our European employees.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Navigating the platform can sometimes be confusing when trying to locate specific features. Currently, Deel does not support adding US employees, necessitating separate HRIS systems for our US and international staff. Additionally, we occasionally encounter unexpected fees.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Deel offers a more affordable solution compared to its competitors, although it's important to consider potential hidden fees. While the platform's overall look and functionality are similar to others in the market, the differences are relatively minor.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

When considering a tool like Deel, evaluate your hiring needs outside the US. Inquire about all potential costs, including benefits and administrative fees. Also, plan strategically for the countries you intend to hire in, as adding multiple countries can complicate the process.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Deel is actively developing new features aimed at becoming a comprehensive solution for US-based employers managing international hires. This ongoing evolution is geared towards creating a single platform that can accommodate a variety of HR needs.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is exceptionally well-suited for SMBs to small enterprise businesses that need an efficient platform for managing contractors. It offers simplicity and ease of use that is ideal for businesses at this scale.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Larger companies may find Deel lacking in features necessary to manage a large employee population effectively, making it less suitable for bigger enterprises.

Reviewer's Rating
9/10

We use it to track our contractors, pay their invoices, collect W9s. As our EOR, it allowed us to bypass the financial and time costs with establishing a subsidiary overseas. It keeps us in compliance with international labor laws, includes global payroll, offers benefits/participates in local social welfare programs and ultimately retains key employees we would have lost as 1099 contractors.

What do you like about this tool?

I like that the process and layout is very similar regardless of which product and service you use from them - quite intuitive. It supports employers ability to maintain compliance by listing out requirements and flagging missing items or expired items. Lastly, being able to file 1099s digitally is a luxury I hadn't had previously. A total time saver.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We implemented Deel initially as a way to pay our onshore 1099 contractors, track their contracts and contact information outside of our HRIS. After two years, we had a new problem to address and changed our Deel platform to include an EOR. We had offshore contractors that we wanted to bring on as full-time employees to retain them and ensure compliance with the IRS. The change was seamless and the EOR is intuitive, informative and our offshore employees have been satisfied with the service from their end.

What do you dislike about this tool?

I think there is room to improve the connection between employer and the EOR service representatives in that a dedicated point-of-contact that is in house with Deel and not an international partner. Another consideration for EOR is having to pay a month's salary deposit up front for payroll is not ideal for cash flow. Lastly, I would love to see more employee and contractor features that you might find on a traditional HRIS because I believe it would be a better and more enriched experience for them.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

For 1099 contractor management, oftentimes you use an ERP or accounting SaaS which has limitations. Deel bridges the gap between accounting SaaS/ERPs and an HRIS. For EOR, Deel is middle of the road in value. It is a great option for smaller OPEX budgets, but there are other EOR companies who offer more desirable features and better in-house service partners.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Consider the number of contractors or employees you would need for the upfront and annual costs to be justified. Whether or not you are familiar with global payroll, consider how much compliance support you need or is desirable for you. Lastly, consider whether you are up to converting your local currency to the international currency. Deel does not currently offer this in the employee profile, they only show the employee's local currency.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

There is better customer service and help tutorials. Further, I have found there is an increase in the amount of educational materials available through Deel in order to stay current on contractor and global payroll trends and compliance.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

I have known it to be used by HR and Finance professionals alike. Payroll administrators, regardless of where they fall organizationally, will find this tool beneficial. I believe organizations where these contracts or payrolls are relatively straightforward can benefit. Running payroll and paying invoices takes 10 mins or less per pay period.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I believe complex and large organizations may not find Deel to be scalable to their needs. At volume, Deel is not the best for tracking or reporting. For smaller teams, these features are acceptable and function appropriately.

Reviewer's Rating
8/10

We used Deel as a payment processor for our international employees. The system is customizable to pay contractors on a weekly, bi-weekly or semi-monthly basis. We were able to pay some contractors weekly, and another group semi-monthly. The system also allows for you to submit payments on behalf of the contractor or out of their usual payroll cycle in an off-cycle payroll. Reimbursements could be paid out by the use of the off-cycle payroll. They could be paid immediately after approval by the admin or included in the next payroll cycle run.

What do you like about this tool?

I liked the customization of contracts. I liked that our contractors could manage their funds after they were available. It was very easy to get help and a solution through their chat feature or by phone with a representative.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We were in search of an international HRIS tool to employ our international contractors and full employees temporarily. We chose Deel due to the ease of onboarding, customization, and 0 dollar up front cost to onboard our international contractors. We used the platform on a weekly basis to onboard and pay our contractors for 6 months. I especially liked that once a contract ended we could still pay out hours via an off-cycle payroll. This was helpful if a contractor missed a timesheet submission deadline. Another benefit to the platform that our contractors favored was the ability to withdraw their funds in their currency of choice; or split payments into various currencies. Once timesheets were approved and processed from an administrative perspective, funds were available, in most cases within 24hrs to the contractors Deel account.

What do you dislike about this tool?

As we were considering hiring international employees we could only do so by paying upfront cost before onboarding them, this was not ideal for us. I did not like that I couldn't set a semi-monthly rate for a few of our contractors. Onboarding manager wasn't easy to reach for quick questions when onboarding contractors.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

The management fees were lower and contractors had more control over their funds.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

If you are hiring contractors or employees and how many. Have a solid understanding of what countries they are located in, as this affects the management fee. Also, management fees are paid each payroll, which could get costly, so be sure the contractor or employee is aware of their pay schedule.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

We only used this tool for about 6 months and did not see any significant changes during that time.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Remote first companies with employees or contractors across the world.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

None

Reviewer's Rating
10/10

Deel was used on a daily basis for us. It was used to manage all of our international contractors, manage contracts, payments, and payroll, and we used their employer-of-record model to hire in certain areas as well. Being able to run international payroll for various countries outside of the US using one system was extremely helpful. The customer support for Deel is also great, as you get an employment advisor as well who will help you understand how to best use Deel's international PEO/Employer-of-Record services. To summarize, hiring, international payroll, understanding employment/payroll laws of various countries, and making it digestible are the highlights of using Deel. It saved us a lot of time, money, and energy.

What do you like about this tool?
  • I like that you can use one platform to run multiple payrolls for different countries.
  • I like that they make hiring contractors in other countries easier.
  • I like that they make understanding other countries' payroll and employment laws easy with all sorts of helpful resources.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our small start-up company of under 50 employees was looking to hire international consultants in various areas, mainly Canada, Brazil, and later Poland and Ireland. We've used Deel for about 2 years now mainly for contract management and international payroll, and used their PEO and Employer of Record services as well. The key benefit is being able to hire great talent outside of the US and being protected and advised around payroll and employment laws for various countries.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • I dislike their reporting function as it's essentially just Excel and doesn't allow for advanced filtering/reporting.
  • I dislike that the integration with Rippling is a bit wonky. Some employee info will flow in, but not all.
  • I dislike that making changes in contracts can be difficult and that the e-signature capability is not great.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

I believe that Deel is the best in class in terms of international hiring/payroll/compliance/PEO. They have a great team behind getting the system of hiring set up in each individual country. Their customer service is really great and they are great consultants that help you meet your goals. If you use their PEO or Employer of Record service it can be costly depending on where you're hiring.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  • Location of Hiring - Depending on where you're hiring, Deel may not support that region so it's important to take a look at which areas they cover. They do cover most major areas of international hiring.
  • Cost - Overall it's an affordable and effective system for international payroll. It does sit outside of the HRIS ( if you use one) so that's something to think about as an additional cost.
  • HRIS Compatibility - It's also important to think about the compatibility with your HRIS, otherwise you have a lot of data sitting outside of your HRIS which you can manually upload through CSV reports.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

In the time that I used Deel, they developed their PEO availability regions. I believe they do a good job at customer listening, and their team is extremely attentive.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is great for small to medium-sized businesses that are looking to quickly expand internationally. It's also important to note that in each new location you're hiring in, if you're looking to have a hiring hub of 20+ more employees in that particular company, using Deel may only be a short-term solution. But for quick hires, small hiring hubs, and hiring consultants across countries, it's a great platform.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I imagine it may not be the best for a very well-established company with a significant number of hires in particular locations. For example, having 20+ employees in one country would not be the best fit for Deel.

Reviewer's Rating
10/10

We use Deel to pay our international contractors. When we process our bi-weekly payroll for our company, we run a separate payroll in Deel for these individuals. We have contractors in multiple countries, such as Jamaica, Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. The tool is used by myself as the Head of People as well as our Controller and Assistant Controller.

What do you like about this tool?

Deel makes it easy for us to pay our international contractors. It ensures we are adhering to each country's legal and compliance standards. It is very easy to process separate payroll along with our regular payroll system. The tool is affordable and straightforward, and it only charges us for what we use each month.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We implemented Deel in order to pay our international contractors. The software we were using did not offer international payroll services and it became a necessity for us to look for one that offered such a feature. In addition, we also had to adhere to the compliance and pay standards of other countries, so we needed a third-party payroll system. We've been using Deel for over 2 years now, helping us solve all the problems we had before.

What do you dislike about this tool?

It does not integrate with our HRIS, Rippling. It does integrate with several other HRIS tools, however. No other negative feedback to share.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

I like how simple Deel is. I can create contracts and payment schedules for contracts easily. I can terminate a contractor quickly and I feel confident that I am doing so in a compliant way. It is easy for new admins to be added to the tool so my finance team is involved with payments and contracts.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

You should use Deel if you have international contractors. If your current payroll tool does not offer an easy or affordable way to pay global employees, consider using Deel.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Some new features I've seen in the tool include an onboarding tracker and a global payroll feature with more robust offerings. They add new countries as well and service 90+ countries currently.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

One with global contractors.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

If you do not have international employees or contractors, you would not benefit from this tool.

Who shouldn't buy Deel

Deel might be a bit pricey for companies who want to use their Employer of Record services, which start at $499. And since this vendor is best suited for teams engaged in multinational or multistate hiring and payroll, it’s less ideal for organizations without such needs.

Deel Customers

Deel serves over 10,000 customers, including big names like Nike, Shopify, Dropbox, Notion, Reddit, and Airtable. Their client roster also has a strong contingent of SMBs and start-ups.

Deel: Balance between EOR & Contractor focus
visit Deel

Deel Key Features

  • Employee Onboarding & Offboarding: Deel claims that you can “onboard or offboard anyone in minutes” with its platform. Collect and send documents, background checks, and other necessary documents to maintain compliance.‍
  • Global Payroll: Operate payroll for contractors and full-time employees alike in over 90 countries. Deel has entities in 90+ countries with in-house payroll experts who can provide direct, country-specific support. Deel also provides tax services to make paying taxes a breeze. It almost goes without saying, but you can pay international employees in their currencies of choice.‍
  • Employer of Record: For countries where your company does not have a local entity, Deel offers EOR services and can hire employees on your behalf.‍
  • Global HR Management Tool: Deel HR combines onboarding, time off, expenses, documents, compensation changes, and more in its user-friendly self-serve platform. Additionally, they also offer org charts and searchable personnel directories.‍
  • In-house Open API: Deel can help leverage your existing tech stack to automate tedious and time-consuming HR operations like contract creation, timesheet syncing, and more.

Deel Key Integrations

Deel offers pre-built integrations with 15+ HRIS, accounting, and ATS platforms like Quickbooks, Bamboo, Greenhouse, and more. According to their website, an integration with Lever is coming soon. The Deel API allows HR managers to build custom integrations to automate across their tech setups.

Deel Pricing

Deel offers pricing tailored to specific business needs across its products:

  • Deel Contractor: $49/month, covering compliance, payments, and contractor management in 150+ countries.
  • Deel EOR (Employer of Record): $499/month, enabling international hiring without an entity, including payroll, taxes, and benefits.
  • Deel Payroll: $29 per employee/month, for payroll services in businesses with existing entities.
  • Deel US Payroll: $19 per employee/month, for US-specific payroll, tax calculations, and compliance across all states.
  • Deel US PEO: $89 per employee/month, for HR, payroll, and benefits in the US.
  • Deel Engage: $20 per employee/month, for performance, learning, career, and feedback management tools.
  • Deel IT: $99/month, for device lifecycle management, app provisioning, and IT support.
  • Deel HR: Free, offering global HR management, compliance, and automation tools.
  • Deel Immigration: Custom pricing for relocation, visa sponsorship, and immigration management in 40+ countries.

Custom quotes are available for enterprise and specialized needs.

Deel is Best For

Deel is best for SMBs that are growing and want to explore different global markets and talent pools, though there is also a large market for mid-market and enterprise companies.

How has Deel Changed Over Time?

As a new product, Deel has changed a lot since its inception. Its newest offering, DeelHR, allows companies to complete most of their HR operations tasks in Deel.

Deel Implementation

Deel is quite quick to implement if you choose to hire people solely as contractors. It’s somewhat of a self-service process if you go at it like this, but we do recommend getting a demo and emailing their support team as much as you need, especially if it’s your first time setting up a global payroll solution for a remote team.

You’d start by signing up, inviting team members to join, and having them onboard themselves by signing a contract, validating their ID, and choosing a fund withdrawal method. We found the process to be quite straightforward. One notable thing is how strong the platform is with GDPR compliance and security. For instance, they send a verification code each time you sign in, right to your email, which is far more convenient than having to use a separate app for it.

For the EOR part, implementation is more complex, but you certainly get more hand-holding from the Deel team in the process. So, you’d get an estimated timeline upon beginning.

Deel Customer Success

Deel has a fairly comprehensive searchable FAQ section accessible to current and prospective customers. For current clients, they offer 100% in-house support with a 1.25 min first response time from local country experts. Additionally, they have a large database of video tutorials explaining how to utilize their software.

About Deel

Deel was founded in 2019 by Shuo Wang and Alex Bouaziz. After they graduated from MIT in 2014, the pair began to notice a common occurrence among their friends; they would get rejected from high-skilled jobs that they were great fits for only because of visa and immigration hurdles.

Years later, as the trend continued to hold true, they decided to create an EOR and couple it with the right tech that could let people hire an employee overseas in a few minutes. As they say around the Bay Area, where the company was founded, they ate their own dog food, using Deel to hire people wherever they needed.

The product continued to expand with the vision of becoming a global HR and payroll platform. Their payroll services are now available in 100+ countries while contractor management are in over 150 countries.

As of this writing, Deel has grown to 4,500+ employees across 110 countries, with an ARR of over $500 million.

Company HQ

SF Bay Area

Number of Employees

4,500+ employees across 110 countries

Year Founded

2019

Amount Raised

Series D, current total raised $679M

FAQ

Deel Alternatives

Multiplier

Top global payroll provider for teams expanding in APAC region

Popularity score
4.7 / 5
user score
4.3 / 5
Product score
4.4 / 5
ADP

Best for global payroll processing and HR at large enterprises

Popularity score
4.3 / 5
user score
4 / 5
Product score
4.1 / 5
Lano

Flexible international payroll services for EMEA-based companies

Popularity score
4.9 / 5
user score
4.9 / 5
Product score
4.1 / 5
Remote

Global payroll and EOR services for remote-first organizations

Popularity score
4.7 / 5
user score
4.6 / 5
Product score
4.5 / 5
Oyster

Among the best global payroll systems for distributed SMBs

Popularity score
4.4 / 5
user score
4.4 / 5
Product score
4.2 / 5
Rippling

Ideal for combining global payroll & a fully-fledged HRMS

Popularity score
4.8 / 5
user score
4.2 / 5
Product score
4.1 / 5

Review Methodology

We take our research process seriously and want to make sure we are presenting our readers with the very best solutions in a given software category. Check out this guide to learn how we evaluate vendors before featuring them in our buyer guides.

Learn More