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Updated November 6, 2026

Remote alternatives in 2026: 8 tools compared

Remote: Global employment platform for hiring in other countries. People look for alternatives when they need a lower price, a free plan or a better fit for a specific job.

These 8 tools cover similar ground. Each entry explains who it suits, how pricing works and what to watch out for.

Key takeaways

  • ADP Workforce Now: mid-size companies wanting an established provider.
  • BambooHR: small and mid-size companies replacing spreadsheets for HR.
  • Deel: companies hiring internationally.
  • Gusto: uS small businesses running payroll for the first time.
  • HiBob: mid-size, international companies focused on culture.
  • Justworks: uS small businesses that want better benefits access.
  • Paychex Flex: uS businesses that want a human payroll specialist.
  • Paylocity: uS mid-size companies.

Quick comparison

ToolBest forPricingFree plan
ADP Workforce NowMid-size companies wanting an established providerPaidNo
BambooHRSmall and mid-size companies replacing spreadsheets for HRFree trialNo
DeelCompanies hiring internationallyPaidNo
GustoUS small businesses running payroll for the first timePaidNo
HiBobMid-size, international companies focused on culturePaidNo
JustworksUS small businesses that want better benefits accessPaidNo
Paychex FlexUS businesses that want a human payroll specialistPaidNo
PaylocityUS mid-size companiesPaidNo

The best Remote alternatives

1.

ADP Workforce Now

Best for: Mid-size companies wanting an established provider

Payroll and HR platform from the largest payroll provider.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: Mid-size companies wanting an established provider.

What we like

  • Trusted, established provider
  • Strong compliance
  • Scales well

Watch out for

  • Pricing not transparent
  • Interface less modern
Full ADP Workforce Now review

2.

BambooHR

Best for: Small and mid-size companies replacing spreadsheets for HR

Friendly HR software for small and mid-size businesses.

Free trial

Paid plans with a free trial.

Who it suits: Small and mid-size companies replacing spreadsheets for HR.

What we like

  • Easy to use
  • Great onboarding
  • Good reporting

Watch out for

  • Payroll only in the US
  • Pricing by employee
Full BambooHR review

3.

Deel

Best for: Companies hiring internationally

Hire and pay employees and contractors in 150+ countries.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: Companies hiring internationally.

What we like

  • Huge country coverage
  • Handles compliance
  • Contractor payments

Watch out for

  • EOR is expensive
  • Support varies
Full Deel review

4.

Gusto

Best for: US small businesses running payroll for the first time

Easy payroll, benefits and HR for US small businesses.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: US small businesses running payroll for the first time.

What we like

  • Very easy to use
  • Automatic tax filing
  • Good for small teams

Watch out for

  • US only
  • HR features lighter than larger platforms
Full Gusto review

5.

HiBob

Best for: Mid-size, international companies focused on culture

Modern HR platform for mid-size, distributed companies.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: Mid-size, international companies focused on culture.

What we like

  • Modern and engaging
  • Strong for global teams
  • Good analytics

Watch out for

  • Pricing on request
  • Payroll varies by country
Full HiBob review

6.

Justworks

Best for: US small businesses that want better benefits access

PEO giving small businesses payroll and big-company benefits.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: US small businesses that want better benefits access.

What we like

  • Access to large-group benefits
  • Transparent pricing
  • Good support

Watch out for

  • US only
  • PEO model not for everyone
Full Justworks review

7.

Paychex Flex

Best for: US businesses that want a human payroll specialist

Payroll and HR services with dedicated support.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: US businesses that want a human payroll specialist.

What we like

  • Dedicated support
  • Broad services
  • Scales from small to large

Watch out for

  • Pricing not transparent
  • Add-ons increase cost
Full Paychex Flex review

8.

Paylocity

Best for: US mid-size companies

Payroll and HR platform with employee engagement tools.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: US mid-size companies.

What we like

  • Strong engagement tools
  • Broad features
  • Good mobile app

Watch out for

  • Pricing not transparent
  • Reporting has a learning curve
Full Paylocity review

How we chose

  • Every tool on this list does the core job of HR & payroll software, so it can replace Remote for most people.
  • We weighed pricing and free plans, ease of use, and the trade-offs you take on when switching.
  • Pricing comes from each vendor’s public pricing page and changes often, so confirm before you buy.

Buying guide: what to check before you switch

HR and payroll platforms run payroll and taxes, manage benefits, onboarding, time off and employee records. Some specialise in hiring and paying people in other countries.

  • Countries and states supported
  • Payroll tax filing
  • Benefits administration
  • Onboarding and time off

Prices and features change often. Check each vendor’s website for current plans before you buy.