Best HR software for remote teams — Ranked
#1 Best all-in-one
HR, IT, and Finance unified platform
Why we picked it: Rippling uniquely combines HR, IT (device management, app provisioning), and payroll in one platform — perfect for remote teams where IT provisioning is as important as payroll.
From $8/mo + $8/emp
Global payroll
Pros
- Best-in-class automation
- Unified HR+IT+Finance
- Global payroll
Cons
- No free trial
- Can be complex to setup
- Expensive for small teams
#2 Best for global contractors
Global payroll and HR for remote teams
Why we picked it: Deel operates in 150+ countries with automated compliance, multi-currency payments, and a free HRIS. The best option if you regularly hire contractors across borders.
Free plan
From $49/mo + $49/emp
Global payroll
Pros
- Hire in 150+ countries
- Fast contractor payments
- EOR services
Cons
- Expensive for large teams
- No time tracking
- Best for contractors not employees
#3 Best for EOR transparency
Global HR platform for distributed teams
Why we picked it: Remote owns its legal entities in 70+ countries (rather than using partners), giving better compliance guarantees. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Free plan
From $29/mo + $29/emp
Global payroll
Pros
- 170+ countries
- Transparent pricing
- Great EOR services
Cons
- Newer platform
- Less US-focused features
- Limited integrations vs competitors
#4 Best for US remote teams
Full-service payroll and HR for small businesses
Why we picked it: For US-based remote teams working across multiple states, Gusto handles multi-state tax compliance automatically — a significant pain point for distributed US teams.
Free trial
From $40/mo + $6/emp
Pros
- Easy setup
- Great customer support
- All-in-one payroll + HR
Cons
- US-only
- Pricier for large teams
- Limited reporting
#5 Best fast onboarding
Simplify global employment for your remote team
Why we picked it: Multiplier onboards employees in under 2 days in 150+ countries. The fastest option if you need to hire internationally at speed.
From $40/mo + $40/emp
Global payroll
Pros
- Fast onboarding in days
- Competitive EOR pricing
- 150+ countries
Cons
- No time tracking
- No mobile app for iOS
- Limited HR features beyond payroll
#6 Best ethical EOR
Hire and pay talent anywhere in the world
Why we picked it: Oyster is a B-Corp certified EOR committed to fair employment practices globally. Best for companies that care about ethical global employment.
Free plan
From $29/mo + $29/emp
Global payroll
Pros
- 180+ countries supported
- B-Corp certified ethical employer
- Transparent pricing
Cons
- No mobile app
- Newer platform less proven
- Limited time tracking
#7 Best US-focused HRIS
HR software for small and medium businesses
Why we picked it: For US-only remote teams, BambooHR provides excellent HRIS with strong onboarding, performance management, and e-signatures — without paying for global features you don't need.
Free trial
From $10/mo + $10/emp
Pros
- Beautiful UI
- Strong onboarding tools
- Good mobile app
Cons
- Payroll is US-only add-on
- Limited customization
- No built-in recruiting
Frequently asked questions
What HR software is best for a fully remote company?
Rippling is the most complete solution for fully remote companies, combining HR, IT, and payroll. For international teams, Deel and Remote are the strongest for global compliance.
Do I need an EOR for remote international employees?
Yes, if you're hiring employees (not contractors) in countries where you don't have a legal entity. EOR services like Deel, Remote, and Oyster HR act as the legal employer on your behalf.
How much does global HR software cost?
EOR services typically cost $299-$599/employee/month for full-time employees. Contractor management is cheaper at $29-$49/contractor/month. US-only HR software like BambooHR starts around $10/employee/month.
Can remote teams use free HR software?
Zoho People and Freshteam offer free plans, but they're limited. Remote and Oyster HR offer free contractor management. For serious global employment, paid EOR services are necessary for legal compliance.