8 best EOR providers for startups in winter 2025
We evaluated dozens of EOR providers and selected the top 8 for startups. Our picks balance pricing, ease of use, and features that matter most when you're building a team while keeping costs in check.
Oyster won the Best for Startups award for Winter 2025, followed by Remote and Deel.
Startups hiring internationally face a unique challenge: they need the same global hiring infrastructure as larger companies, but without the budget or resources to match. The right EOR provider can make the difference between expanding your team across borders or staying limited to local talent.
What makes an EOR provider great for startups? It starts with transparent pricing that won't eat up your runway. Startups need to know exactly what they're paying per employee, with no hidden fees that appear later. The platform should be simple enough that your small team can manage it without hiring a dedicated HR person.
Speed matters too. When you find the right candidate in another country, you can't afford a two-month onboarding process. The best providers get new hires set up in days, not weeks. They also understand that startups often need flexibility as they figure out their hiring strategy, whether that means adding employees in new countries or adjusting quickly as plans change.
The providers on this list all offer EOR services starting between $299 and $599 per employee per month. Each brings something different to the table, from the fastest onboarding to the most user-friendly interface to the widest country coverage.
Winter 2025 winners
Oyster excels with startup-friendly pricing, no minimum employee requirements, and exceptional self-service tools that empower small teams.
- •Zero employee minimums
- •Transparent flat-rate pricing
- •Quick 2-week implementation
Compare all 8 providers
| Rank | Provider | EOR pricing | Countries | Rating | Key strength | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  OysterWinner | $599/mo | 88+ | 4.5(1,161) | Zero employee minimums | Visit |
2 |  RemoteRunner-up | $599/mo | 186+ | 4.6(7,141) | Flexible month-to-month contracts | Visit |
3 |  Deel3rd place | $599/mo | 88+ | 4.7(25,490) | All-in-one platform | Visit |
4 |  MultiplierTop 5 | $400/mo | 164+ | 4.6(4,625) | No setup fees | Visit |
5 |  HorizonsTop 5 | $299/mo | 130+ | 4.8(512) | Dedicated account managers | Profile |
6 |  RipplingTop 10 | $499/mo | 53+ | 4.5(18,651) | Automated workflows | Visit |
7 |  Papaya GlobalTop 10 | $599/mo | 15+ | 4.5(117) | Scalable platform | Visit |
8 |  Velocity GlobalTop 10 | $599/mo | 164+ | 4.2(275) | Flexible engagement models | Visit |
Winners: Share your achievement
Display your EOR Overview award badge on your website, email signature, or documentation to showcase your recognition.
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Email signatures
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Documentation
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How to choose a startup-friendly EOR provider
When evaluating providers in the Best for Startups category, consider these key factors to find the best fit for your needs.
Pricing & Total Cost
Compare base fees, per-employee costs, and hidden charges. Consider setup fees, currency conversion rates, and any minimum commitments required.
Country Coverage
Verify the provider operates in all countries you need, with proper legal entities. Check if they use owned entities or third-party partners.
Compliance & Legal
Ensure the provider handles local labor laws, tax compliance, and employment contracts correctly. Look for IP protection and data security measures.
Customer Support
Evaluate response times, support channels, and dedicated account management. Consider timezone coverage and language support for your team.
Platform Experience
Test the dashboard usability, employee self-service features, and integration capabilities with your existing HR and payroll systems.
Onboarding Speed
Compare typical onboarding timelines and what documentation is required. Some providers can onboard in days, others take weeks.
How winners were selected
We evaluated EOR providers based on criteria that matter most to early-stage companies. Pricing was a major factor, looking at the monthly cost per employee and any setup fees. We examined how quickly each provider can onboard employees in new countries and how many countries they support. We analyzed user reviews from startup founders and HR teams, paying attention to feedback about ease of use, customer support responsiveness, and billing transparency. We also looked at minimum commitments, contract flexibility, and whether providers offer self-service tools that small teams can use without constant support tickets. Each provider was scored on these factors, with extra weight given to aspects that directly impact startups: predictable costs, fast setup times, and platforms that don't require extensive training.
Data-driven
Quantitative metrics and performance data
Customer reviews
Real user feedback and satisfaction scores
Expert analysis
Industry expertise and comprehensive evaluation
Our methodology ensures fair, transparent, and accurate recognition of excellence in best for startups. Rankings are updated quarterly to reflect the most current performance data.
Explore more award categories
Discover winners across all Winter 2025 award categories
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