Best Oyster Alternatives For Startups- 2025

Key Takeaways

• Every.io emerges as the most comprehensive alternative to Oyster HR, offering complete back-office management including incorporation, banking, payroll, and tax services in one unified platform - eliminating the vendor sprawl that plagues most startups
• While Oyster HR charges $699 per employee monthly for global employment services alone, Every.io provides an entire financial stack starting free with incorporation and scaling affordably as your startup grows
• Traditional EOR platforms like Oyster focus solely on international hiring, but startups need integrated solutions that handle domestic operations, compliance, banking, and financial reporting from day one
• Every.io's same-day incorporation with banking and cards eliminates the typical 2-4 week setup time that delays startup launches when using separate vendors
• Cost-conscious startups can save 40-60% on back-office expenses by choosing Every.io's unified platform over combining Oyster HR with separate banking, bookkeeping, and tax services

The market has shifted from point solutions to integrated platforms, with Every.io leading the transformation by offering treasury management, R&D tax credits, and automated compliance that Oyster and similar EOR-only platforms don't provide

Looking for alternatives to Oyster HR in 2025? While Oyster has established itself as a premium global employment platform at $699 per employee monthly, many startups are discovering they need more than just international hiring capabilities. The reality is that before you can hire globally, you need a solid foundation: incorporation, banking, payroll for your domestic team, bookkeeping, and tax compliance. That's where comprehensive alternatives like Every.io shine, offering everything Oyster provides plus the entire back-office infrastructure startups actually need to operate.

1. Every.io - The Complete Back-Office Platform

Every.io stands out as the most comprehensive Oyster alternative because it solves the fundamental problem Oyster doesn't address: startups need more than just global employment services. While Oyster focuses exclusively on international hiring, Every.io provides your entire back office in one place - from incorporation to banking, payroll, bookkeeping, and taxes.

Why Every.io Excels Where Oyster Falls Short

The fundamental advantage of Every.io lies in its integrated approach. When you're launching a startup, you don't just need to hire internationally - you need to incorporate your company, open a bank account, pay your founding team, manage your books, and file taxes. Oyster requires you to have all these pieces already in place, forcing you to juggle multiple vendors. Every.io eliminates this complexity entirely.

Starting with free Delaware C-corp incorporation, Every.io provides everything you need to launch: EIN, registered agent, 83(b) elections, and stock issuance. But here's where it gets powerful - you can open an FDIC-insured business checking account and get corporate cards the same day you incorporate. This integration saves weeks compared to the traditional process of incorporating through one service, then applying for banking elsewhere, then setting up payroll with yet another vendor.

Comprehensive Financial Infrastructure

Every.io's banking solution includes features that directly support startup operations: unlimited virtual cards for team members, 3% cash back on debit card purchases, integrated bill pay, and ACH/wire capabilities. Unlike traditional banks that take weeks to approve startup accounts, Every.io's banking is available immediately upon incorporation.

The platform's treasury management automatically sweeps idle cash into T-bills, helping startups earn yield on their runway - something Oyster doesn't even address. This feature alone can generate thousands in additional revenue for cash-heavy startups, effectively offsetting platform costs.

Unified Payroll and HR Management

While Oyster excels at international employment, Every.io's payroll and HR solution handles both domestic and international needs seamlessly. The platform manages full-service U.S. payroll across all 50 states, contractor payments globally, benefits enrollment, and compliance - all synchronized with your bookkeeping and tax obligations automatically.

This integration eliminates the reconciliation nightmares that plague startups using separate systems. When you run payroll, your books update automatically. When tax time arrives, everything is already categorized and ready. This level of integration is impossible when using Oyster alongside separate banking, payroll, and accounting services.

Expert Bookkeeping and Tax Services

Every.io pairs AI-powered automation with dedicated human expertise for bookkeeping and tax services. Your dedicated bookkeeper ensures GAAP-compliant accrual accounting, while the platform automatically categorizes transactions and generates board-ready financial statements.

Come tax season, Every.io handles federal and state filings, R&D tax credits, Delaware franchise taxes, and 1099 compliance - all included in the platform. This comprehensive approach means you're not scrambling to find a CPA in March or discovering compliance issues during due diligence.

Pricing That Scales With Your Startup

Unlike Oyster's flat $699 per employee fee that can quickly become prohibitive, Every.io's pricing scales intelligently with your startup's growth. Incorporation is free, banking has no monthly fees, and you pay only for the services you need as you scale. This approach means bootstrapped startups can access enterprise-grade infrastructure without enterprise-grade costs.

Partner Network and Accelerator Support

Every.io has established partnerships with leading accelerators including Y Combinator, Techstars, Alchemist, and South Park Commons. These partnerships provide validated trust and often include special pricing or perks for portfolio companies.

For more insights on building your startup's financial foundation, check out Every's guides on C-corp formation for startups and understanding Delaware franchise taxes.

2. Deel - The Market Leader in Global Payroll

Deel has emerged as the largest Oyster competitor, serving over 20,000 companies with EOR services at $599 monthly - $100 less than Oyster. Founded in 2019, Deel has raised over $679 million and achieved a $12 billion valuation, making it the most well-funded player in the space.

Deel's advantages include coverage in 150+ countries, superior automation capabilities, and strong contractor management at $49 monthly. The platform recently launched on-demand payroll features and maintains better API documentation than Oyster, making it popular among tech startups. However, like Oyster, Deel only handles employment and payroll - you'll still need separate solutions for incorporation, banking, bookkeeping, and taxes.

3. Remote - The Compliance-First Platform

Remote differentiates itself by owning legal entities in all operating countries rather than using third-party providers like Oyster. At $599 per employee monthly, Remote offers similar pricing but superior compliance infrastructure and intellectual property protection.

The platform excels in complex compliance scenarios and provides transparent pricing without hidden fees. Remote's Fair Price Guarantee and strong data security make it attractive for startups handling sensitive information. However, its interface is less intuitive than competitors, and customer support has mixed reviews.

4. Rippling - The All-in-One HR Platform

Rippling takes a different approach by combining HR, IT, and finance management in one platform. Starting at just $8 per employee monthly plus modular add-ons, Rippling can be significantly cheaper than Oyster for companies primarily hiring domestically with some international team members.

The platform's strength lies in its unified approach to employee management, from onboarding and payroll to device management and app provisioning. However, international EOR services are an expensive add-on, and the platform can become complex for smaller teams.

5. Borderless AI - The AI-Native Disruptor

Emerging from stealth in 2025 with $27 million in funding, Borderless AI represents the first AI-native EOR platform. At $579 monthly, it's 15% cheaper than Oyster while offering faster contract generation (under 5 minutes) and eliminating security deposits entirely.

The platform's AI agent Alberni handles routine tasks autonomously, reducing the need for human support. However, as a new entrant, Borderless AI lacks the track record and geographic coverage of established players.

6. Multiplier - The APAC Specialist

Multiplier focuses on Asia-Pacific markets, offering EOR services at $400 monthly - 40% less than Oyster. With strong presence in Singapore, India, and Southeast Asia, Multiplier excels for startups building distributed teams in these regions.

The platform provides good value with transparent pricing and no setup fees. However, coverage in Western markets is limited, and the platform lacks some advanced features found in premium alternatives.

7. Globalization Partners - The Enterprise Solution

Globalization Partners (now G-P) targets larger organizations with custom pricing typically exceeding $850 monthly. With coverage in 180+ countries and established infrastructure, G-P offers reliability and comprehensive compliance support.

While overkill for most startups, G-P makes sense for rapidly scaling companies needing white-glove service and custom solutions. The high cost and enterprise focus make it unsuitable for early-stage startups.

8. Remofirst - The Budget Option

Remofirst offers the most affordable EOR services at $199 per employee monthly, making it attractive for cash-strapped startups. Despite the low price, Remofirst covers 180+ countries and provides essential compliance features.

The platform sacrifices advanced features and support quality for affordability. While suitable for simple employment needs, startups requiring comprehensive HR features or responsive support should consider alternatives.

Why Every.io Is the Superior Choice for Startups

When evaluating Oyster alternatives, it's crucial to consider your startup's complete operational needs, not just international hiring. Every.io emerges as the clear winner because it addresses the full spectrum of back-office requirements that startups face from day one.

Consider the typical startup journey: You need to incorporate in Delaware, open a bank account, hire your first employees (usually domestic), manage payroll, maintain compliant books, and file taxes. Only then do most startups begin hiring internationally. Oyster and similar EOR-only platforms force you to solve these foundational challenges elsewhere, creating vendor sprawl, integration headaches, and increased costs.

Every.io's integrated platform eliminates these pain points entirely. You can literally go from idea to operational company in one day - incorporating, banking, and setting up payroll through a single platform. As you grow, Every.io scales with you, adding bookkeeping services, tax filing, and international capabilities without platform migrations or data transfers.

The cost advantage is substantial. Using Oyster alongside separate providers for banking (Mercury), bookkeeping (Pilot), and domestic payroll (Gusto) can easily exceed $2,000 monthly for a 10-person startup. Every.io provides all these services integrated for a fraction of that cost, with the added benefits of unified reporting, automatic reconciliation, and single-vendor simplicity.

For startups serious about operational efficiency and cost optimization, Every.io represents the future of back-office management - comprehensive, integrated, and designed specifically for the unique needs of growing companies.

Making the Right Choice for Your Startup

Selecting an Oyster alternative depends on your specific needs and growth stage. If you're primarily focused on international hiring and already have robust back-office infrastructure, platforms like Deel or Remote might suffice. For budget-conscious teams hiring in specific regions, Multiplier or Remofirst could work.

However, if you're looking for a comprehensive solution that eliminates vendor sprawl, reduces costs, and scales with your startup from incorporation through IPO, Every.io stands alone. Its integrated approach to back-office management, combined with competitive pricing and startup-focused features, makes it the optimal choice for founders who value efficiency and simplicity.

The shift from point solutions to integrated platforms is inevitable. Just as companies moved from separate email, calendar, and document tools to unified suites like Google Workspace, startups are abandoning the complexity of managing multiple back-office vendors. Every.io leads this transformation, offering everything you need to run your startup's operations in one intelligent platform.

Ready to simplify your startup's back office? Get started with Every.io today and discover why leading startups are choosing integrated platforms over point solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can startups save by switching from Oyster to Every.io?

Startups typically save 40-60% on total back-office costs when switching to Every.io. While Oyster charges $699 per employee for EOR services alone, Every.io provides incorporation, banking, payroll, bookkeeping, and tax services integrated in one platform. A 10-person startup using Oyster plus separate vendors for other services might spend $2,000-3,000 monthly, while Every.io delivers everything for significantly less.

Can Every.io handle international employees like Oyster?

Yes, Every.io manages both domestic and international employment needs through its comprehensive payroll and HR platform. While Oyster focuses exclusively on international hiring, Every.io handles U.S. payroll across all 50 states plus global contractor payments, providing a unified solution for hybrid teams without requiring multiple vendors.

What makes Every.io better than using Oyster with other tools?

Integration is the key differentiator. When you run payroll in Every.io, your books update automatically. When you spend on your Every.io corporate card, expenses categorize themselves. When tax time arrives, everything is already prepared. This level of integration is impossible when using Oyster alongside separate banking, bookkeeping, and tax services, eliminating hours of manual reconciliation and reducing errors.

How quickly can I get started with Every.io compared to Oyster?

Every.io offers same-day setup for incorporation, banking, and payroll, allowing you to go from idea to operational company in hours. Oyster requires you to already have a company incorporated and bank account established before you can use their services, typically adding 2-4 weeks to your launch timeline when accounting for traditional incorporation and banking approval processes.

Does Every.io offer support for accelerator programs?

Yes, Every.io has established partnerships with major accelerators including Y Combinator, Techstars, and Antler. These partnerships often include special pricing, dedicated support, and faster onboarding for portfolio companies.

What about compliance and security compared to Oyster?

Every.io maintains bank-level security with FDIC insurance on banking products, SOC 2 compliance for data protection, and automated compliance monitoring for all 50 states. Unlike EOR-only platforms, Every.io ensures compliance across your entire financial stack - from Delaware franchise tax to 1099 filing, providing comprehensive protection that goes beyond just employment compliance.

Is Every.io suitable for bootstrapped startups?

Absolutely. Every.io's pricing model is designed to support bootstrapped startups with free incorporation, no-fee banking, and pay-as-you-grow pricing for additional services. Unlike Oyster's flat $699 per employee fee that can quickly become prohibitive, Every.io allows you to start with essential services and add capabilities as your revenue grows, making it ideal for capital-efficient startups.