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Top Global Payroll Services: a Comprehensive Review of Leading Platforms for 2024
Contents
5 min read
Published: Aug 29, 2024
Revised on: Aug 29, 2024
Here’s our curated shortlist and our reasons for liking each company; please click into each company to get more details:
Global payroll management is essential for companies operating across multiple countries, ensuring compliance with local regulations, managing diverse currencies, and providing accurate employee compensation. With numerous platforms available, selecting the right global payroll service is crucial for maintaining efficiency and compliance.- Deel
- Easy to use platform with an intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned how user-friendly Deel's platform is.
- Good customer support. Numerous reviews praised Deel's customer service for being responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful.
- Flexible payout options. Reviews liked the variety of payout methods offered by Deel, from bank transfers to PayPal and crypto.
- Simplifies international hiring and payments. Deel makes it easy to hire and pay contractors globally by handling compliance and paperwork.
- Offers features like advances. The ability to get advance payments on earnings was called out as a useful feature.
- Rippling
- Many users appreciate Rippling's intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which simplifies HR and payroll tasks.
- It offers a wide range of features including payroll management, time tracking, benefits administration, and more, all integrated into one platform.
- Rippling integrates well with other software systems like QuickBooks, which reduces manual data entry and streamlines accounting processes.
- It's praised for its ability to handle global HR needs such as compliance and payroll across different countries, making it suitable for multinational companies.
- Many users find customer support to be responsive and helpful.
- Multiplier
- Users appreciate having their global workforce managed on a single platform, which simplifies HR operations across multiple countries.
- Multiplier receives praise for its responsive and helpful customer support, with dedicated Customer Success Managers who provide valuable assistance.
- It automates payroll and provides compliance guidance, making it easier to navigate international employment laws and tax regulations.
- Users find the platform intuitive and user-friendly, which facilitates smooth onboarding and day-to-day operations.
- Positive feedback on the availability of comprehensive documentation and resources for hiring in different countries.
- Remote
- The platform automatically converts USD to the local currency, saving time and effort for freelancers.
- Payments are consistently timely and accurate, providing peace of mind for users.
- The platform is easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those not tech-savvy.
- Quick and helpful customer support is readily available for any issues that arise.
- Centralizes billing, invoicing, and time-off requests, making it a one-stop solution for remote work management.
- Atlas
- Offers worldwide coverage, enabling companies to hire employees in countries where they don't have a physical presence.
- Users appreciate the responsiveness of their account managers and the quick turnaround time for addressing queries and concerns.
- Provides comprehensive knowledge about legal requirements in various countries, which helps companies navigate complex international regulations.
- Users find Atlas's technology platform and payroll system efficient.
- Allows companies to expand their employee base globally while maintaining high standards.
What Are the Main Benefits of Using Global Payroll Services?
Global payroll services streamline the management of payroll processes across multiple countries, ensuring compliance with local regulations and handling various currencies. Key benefits include automated payroll processing, reduced administrative burden, accurate tax compliance, and integration with other HR systems. These services help businesses manage international employees efficiently while minimizing risks associated with cross-border payroll management.
How Do Global Payroll Services Ensure Compliance With Local Regulations?
Global payroll services ensure compliance by staying updated with the latest local labor laws, tax regulations, and benefits requirements in each country. They often employ local experts and use automated systems to handle compliance tasks, such as tax calculations and regulatory reporting. This helps prevent costly errors and ensures that payroll practices meet the legal requirements of each jurisdiction where employees are located.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Global Payroll Service Provider?
When selecting a global payroll service provider, consider factors such as the provider's coverage in the countries you operate, their ability to handle multiple currencies, the robustness of their compliance features, integration capabilities with your existing HR systems, and their support for various types of employees (full-time, part-time, contractors). Evaluate the platform's user interface, customer support, and overall cost-effectiveness to ensure it aligns with your company's needs.
Can Global Payroll Services Handle Both Employees and Contractors?
Yes, many global payroll services are equipped to manage both employees and contractors. They offer features such as flexible payment options, compliance management, and benefits administration tailored for different types of workers. This ensures that all personnel, regardless of their employment status, receive accurate and timely compensation while adhering to local regulations.
10 Best Global Payroll Services
We’re highlighting ten leading platforms that help businesses manage international payroll with ease and efficiency. Each platform is evaluated for its key features, including automation capabilities, compliance with local regulations, benefits management, and user experience to help you make an informed decision.
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
Deel is a global payroll and compliance platform focused on enabling businesses to hire remote workers and contractors worldwide. The platform emphasizes simplicity and flexibility, making global hiring and payroll more accessible.
Deel Key Features:
- Payroll processing in 150+ countries
- Automated compliance with local labor laws
- Flexible payment options for employees and contractors
- Integrated benefits and equity management
Best For:
- Deel is best suited for startups and SMBs looking to hire and manage remote teams globally, with an emphasis on simplicity and compliance.
Pros
- Easy to use platform with an intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned how user-friendly Deel's platform is.
- Good customer support. Numerous reviews praised Deel's customer service for being responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful.
- Flexible payout options. Reviews liked the variety of payout methods offered by Deel, from bank transfers to PayPal and crypto.
- Simplifies international hiring and payments. Deel makes it easy to hire and pay contractors globally by handling compliance and paperwork.
- Offers features like advances. The ability to get advance payments on earnings was called out as a useful feature.
Cons
- Expensive, high fees. The most common complaint was that Deel's fees were too high, especially for larger teams.
- Issues with transfers and payments. Some reviews cited problems with transfers getting lost or delayed.
- Limited customization and flexibility. Deel provides standardized contracts and processes which some found inflexible.
- Buggy interface and tech issues. Bugs and glitches with the platform were called out as annoyances.
- Lack of local knowledge and expertise. Reviews mentioned Deel lacking expertise on local laws and regulations in some countries.
2
Rippling
Pricing
$8.00 per user/month
- No Seat Minimum
Rippling offers an integrated platform that combines global payroll with HR, IT, and finance management. The platform's automation capabilities make it easy to manage employees across multiple countries.
Rippling Key Features:
- Global payroll processing and compliance in 100+ countries
- Automated workflows for onboarding, payroll, and benefits
- Integration with HR, IT, and finance systems
- Customizable reporting and analytics
Best For:
- Rippling is best suited for mid-sized to large businesses looking for a unified platform that combines global payroll with HR and IT management.
Pros
- Many users appreciate Rippling's intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which simplifies HR and payroll tasks.
- It offers a wide range of features including payroll management, time tracking, benefits administration, and more, all integrated into one platform.
- Rippling integrates well with other software systems like QuickBooks, which reduces manual data entry and streamlines accounting processes.
- It's praised for its ability to handle global HR needs such as compliance and payroll across different countries, making it suitable for multinational companies.
- Many users find customer support to be responsive and helpful.
Cons
- The pricing is often cited as a downside, particularly for small businesses, as some features and add-ons can be expensive.
- Several users mentioned difficulties during the implementation process, including overpromising features and delays in functionality.
- Additional features such as advanced reporting and automation come at an extra cost.
- There are complaints about inconsistent support quality and delays in issue resolution during critical times.
- Despite its user-friendly interface, there's still a learning curve for fully utilizing all features effectively, especially for complex organizational needs.
Pricing
$40.00 per user/month
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Multiplier is a versatile global payroll and workforce management platform that simplifies hiring and payroll across multiple countries. It offers a seamless experience for managing international employees and contractors.
Multiplier Key Features:
- Payroll and compliance management in 150+ countries
- Contractor management with flexible payment options
- Automated invoicing and expense management
- Localized benefits administration
Best For:
- Multiplier is perfect for companies managing a mix of full-time employees and contractors across different countries, offering a balanced solution for payroll and compliance.
Pros
- Users appreciate having their global workforce managed on a single platform, which simplifies HR operations across multiple countries.
- Multiplier receives praise for its responsive and helpful customer support, with dedicated Customer Success Managers who provide valuable assistance.
- It automates payroll and provides compliance guidance, making it easier to navigate international employment laws and tax regulations.
- Users find the platform intuitive and user-friendly, which facilitates smooth onboarding and day-to-day operations.
- Positive feedback on the availability of comprehensive documentation and resources for hiring in different countries.
Cons
- Some users experienced challenges during transitions between Customer Success Managers, resulting in communication gaps.
- Some found the billing process confusing, particularly regarding currency issues and the clarity of invoices.
- Users have noted missing features such as automatic bank transfers and enhancements needed in expense management modules.
- Occasionally, there are concerns about the response time for resolving issues, particularly in complex cases like payroll discrepancies or billing queries.
- Backend issues have been reported at times.
4
Remote
Pricing
$29.00 per user/month
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Remote is a robust global payroll platform designed to simplify the complexities of international payroll. With a focus on compliance and automation, Remote handles payroll, taxes, and benefits for employees worldwide.
Remote Key Features:
- Automated payroll processing across 170+ countries
- Compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations
- Integrated benefits management, including health insurance and retirement plans
- User-friendly interface with real-time payroll insights
Best For:
- Remote is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses expanding globally and seeking a straightforward, compliant payroll solution.
Pros
- The platform automatically converts USD to the local currency, saving time and effort for freelancers.
- Payments are consistently timely and accurate, providing peace of mind for users.
- The platform is easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those not tech-savvy.
- Quick and helpful customer support is readily available for any issues that arise.
- Centralizes billing, invoicing, and time-off requests, making it a one-stop solution for remote work management.
Cons
- The interface can sometimes feel overwhelming with too many features.
- Users need to manually adjust invoices for dynamic notes, which can be cumbersome.
- While helpful, the support team can sometimes be slow to respond.
- More comprehensive guides on tax and legal matters for international users would be beneficial.
- Occasionally, payment processing times can be lengthy, which might be inconvenient for some users.
5
Atlas
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
Atlas (formerly known as Elements Global Services) provides a comprehensive global payroll platform designed to support businesses in managing payroll, compliance, and HR functions across multiple countries.
Atlas Key Features:
- Payroll management in 160+ countries
- Real-time compliance monitoring
- Localized benefits administration
- Extensive HR management tools
Best For:
- Atlas is ideal for large enterprises that need a scalable and comprehensive global payroll solution with a strong emphasis on compliance.
Pros
- Offers worldwide coverage, enabling companies to hire employees in countries where they don't have a physical presence.
- Users appreciate the responsiveness of their account managers and the quick turnaround time for addressing queries and concerns.
- Provides comprehensive knowledge about legal requirements in various countries, which helps companies navigate complex international regulations.
- Users find Atlas's technology platform and payroll system efficient.
- Allows companies to expand their employee base globally while maintaining high standards.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with invoicing accuracy, indicating a need for improvement in communication and coordination within the invoicing team.
- Users have experienced difficulties due to communication gaps between different Atlas teams, leading to issues such as incorrect pay, portal problems, and employee frustration.
- The large size of Atlas's organization can lead to users interacting with multiple contacts for the same issue, resulting in inefficiencies and delays.
- While account managers are responsive, some users have encountered delays in receiving responses from global HR managers, necessitating follow-ups.
- Users suggest that having better contact with local partners, such as payroll providers, could help resolve issues faster and improve overall service delivery.
6
Workday
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
Workday is a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and HR, including global payroll management. The platform is designed for large enterprises seeking a unified solution for payroll, HR, and financial management.
Workday Key Features:
- Global payroll processing with real-time compliance monitoring
- Unified platform for HR, payroll, and financial management
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Integration with other enterprise systems
Best For:
- Workday is best suited for large enterprises that require a unified and scalable platform for managing payroll, HR, and finance on a global scale.
Pros
- User-friendly interface and easy to navigate. Many reviews praised how intuitive and easy to use Workday HCM is.
- Integrated system with many HR functions in one place like payroll, benefits, performance management, etc. This consolidation is seen as a major advantage.
- Strong analytics and reporting capabilities provide valuable insights into workforce data.
- Customizable to meet the specific needs of different organizations. Workday allows for custom business processes.
- Cloud-based system provides accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.
Cons
- Expensive, especially for smaller organizations. The licensing and implementation costs are seen as high.
- Complex to implement and configure. It requires careful planning and setup.
- Steep learning curve, especially for users who are not tech-savvy. Extensive training is often required.
- Lack of flexibility/customization unless you pay for it. Many features need to be purchased separately.
- Technical issues like slow performance, bugs, and glitches. Some reviews mentioned frustrations with technical problems.
Pricing
$15.00 per user/month
- No Seat Minimum
Papaya Global offers an all-in-one global workforce management platform that includes payroll, benefits, and compliance services. The platform is designed to streamline payroll processes while ensuring global compliance.
Papaya Global Key Features:
- Payroll automation for 160+ countries
- Centralized platform for payroll, benefits, and compliance management
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Integration with popular HR systems
Best For:
- Papaya Global is suited for large enterprises and fast-growing businesses that need an all-encompassing global payroll and workforce management solution.
Pros
- Papaya Global has designated payroll experts who resolve issues quickly and professionally, ensuring efficient payroll management.
- The onboarding process for new hires is user-friendly and quick, saving time for both HR teams and new employees.
- The customer success managers and support team are proactive, responsive, and professional, providing excellent service.
- Papaya Global centralizes payroll management for multiple countries on a single platform, streamlining processes and saving time.
- The platform is intuitive, easy to use, and well-organized, making it accessible for users to manage payroll and other HR functions effectively.
Cons
- Some users find the invoices lacking in detail, making it difficult to link specific items to employees or understand the charges fully.
- Updating employee data in mass can be cumbersome and requires requesting a specific file, which could be streamlined.
- The information provided when opening a new site could be improved to help customers better understand the implications and processes involved.
- Papaya Global's services can be more expensive compared to competitors.
- Some users have experienced communication challenges and delays in resolving invoice disputes.
8
Gusto
Pricing
46.00 per user/month
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Gusto is a user-friendly payroll platform that has expanded its capabilities to include global payroll services. While primarily known for domestic payroll, Gusto now offers global payroll solutions for small businesses.
Gusto Key Features:
- Payroll processing in 80+ countries
- Employee benefits management
- Automated tax filing and compliance
- Integration with popular accounting and HR software
Best For:
- Gusto is ideal for small businesses seeking an affordable and easy-to-use global payroll solution with basic features.
Pros
- Gusto's user-friendly interface simplifies payroll processing, making it accessible even for those without extensive payroll experience.
- Beyond payroll, Gusto offers benefits administration, time tracking, onboarding, and compliance management, providing a holistic HR solution.
- Users frequently commend Gusto's responsive and helpful customer support team, which assists with setup and ongoing issues.
- Gusto ensures accurate and timely filing of state and federal tax reports, reducing the risk of penalties.
- The platform is competitively priced, making it a cost-effective solution for small businesses.
Cons
- Some users have experienced delays in paycheck deposits.
- Assigning different vacation amounts to employees can be challenging, and some users find the customization options limited.
- Gusto generates payroll invoices at the end of each month, which cannot be paid in advance.
- During peak periods, such as tax season, customer support response times can be slow.
- Some advanced features, like integrating unemployment insurance or transitioning contractors to employees, have been problematic for certain users.
9
Paychex
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
- No Seat Minimum
Paychex is a well-established payroll and HR service provider that offers global payroll solutions for businesses of all sizes. The platform focuses on providing a comprehensive range of payroll, HR, and compliance services.
Paychex Key Features:
- Payroll processing in 100+ countries
- Compliance management and tax filing services
- Employee benefits administration
- Advanced HR management tools
Best For:
- Paychex is suitable for businesses of all sizes that need a reliable and comprehensive global payroll solution with a focus on HR and compliance.
Pros
- Paychex Flex is considered affordable for small businesses, offering a cost-effective solution for payroll and HR management.
- The platform includes a wide range of features like payroll processing, tax filing, 401K management, and insurance integration.
- The system is easy to navigate, making it straightforward for users to access important information like paystubs, tax forms, and benefits without needing to contact HR.
- Paychex Flex offers customizable features and integrates well with other systems, enhancing productivity and making it easier to manage employee data.
- The platform provides robust reporting tools, allowing for easy generation and access to automated reports, which helps in making informed business decisions.
Cons
- Many users report issues with customer support, including unresponsiveness, long wait times, and frequent changes in account managers.
- Users have experienced slow performance and technical glitches, particularly with outdated modules that are not fully integrated into the Flex system.
- The pricing discounts expire after a year and need to be renewed, leading to unexpected cost increases.
- There are frequent complaints about poor communication, with emails going unanswered and a lack of proactive follow-up from the support team.
- The platform may not be compatible with certain other products or systems used by businesses.
10
TriNet
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
Trinet provides a full-service HR solution that includes global payroll, benefits, and compliance management. The platform is designed to help businesses manage their global workforce with ease and efficiency.
TriNet Key Features:
- Payroll and tax processing in 100+ countries
- Comprehensive benefits administration
- Compliance management and risk mitigation
- Integrated HR and payroll reporting
Best For:
- Trinet is ideal for mid-sized to large businesses seeking a full-service HR and global payroll solution with a strong emphasis on compliance and risk management.
Pros
- TriNet is praised for its easy-to-use interface, which simplifies the process for employees and administrators. It provides a smooth user experience, making it accessible even for those without extensive technical knowledge.
- TriNet offers a wide range of HR services, including payroll support, policy management, time off management, onboarding, and compliance with multi-state regulations.
- Users frequently commend TriNet's customer service. They highlight the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team, available through multiple channels like phone, email, and chat.
- TriNet provides numerous training and development sessions covering various HR topics. This helps users stay updated with current HR trends and policy amendments.
- TriNet automates many HR processes, such as tracking PTO, setting up holidays, and processing payroll. This reduces the administrative burden and increases efficiency, allowing HR teams to focus on more strategic tasks.
Cons
- One common complaint is the requirement for significant advance notice to make changes to employee profiles before payroll processing.
- Users have noted that TriNet's Performance Development section lacks the necessary tools to implement performance management effectively.
- Some users have experienced delays in resolving support tickets, with issues sometimes taking longer than expected to be addressed.
- The platform, while generally user-friendly, is described by some as dated and lacking in seamless integration with other systems.
- Users have reported being surprised by additional fees, such as technology assessment fees, without prior warning.
Conclusion
Selecting the right global payroll service depends on your company's specific needs, including the size of your global workforce, budget, and compliance requirements. Platforms like Remote, Papaya Global, and Deel offer robust solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, while Workday and Atlas are better suited for large enterprises with more complex payroll and HR needs. By carefully evaluating these options, you can find the best platform to streamline your global payroll processes and ensure compliance across multiple countries.
