Expanding your workforce internationally is one of the smartest ways to scale, as nearly 97% of consumers live outside the U.S. But it also comes with complex legal, compliance, and payroll challenges. That's where Employer of Record (EOR) solutions come in. They make hiring in new markets seamless — handling payroll, benefits, contracts, taxes, and compliance on your behalf.
Two names consistently at the top of the list are Papaya Global and Atlas HXM. Both are major players in the global payroll companies space, but they take very different approaches — and those differences can significantly impact your bottom line, compliance risk, and long-term growth strategy.
In this guide, we'll compare Papaya Global EOR pricing against Atlas EOR and show you how a direct EOR model can deliver greater value, scalability, and peace of mind for global expansion.
Understanding Papaya Global EOR Pricing: What You Get
Papaya Global is a well-known provider of global payroll solutions and EOR services. Its platform enables companies to hire employees or contractors in over 160 countries without establishing a local entity.
EOR Papaya Global Pricing Structure
Contractor Payments & Management: $30 per contractor/month
Grow Global Plan: $25 per employee/month
Scale Global Plan: $20 per employee/month
Enterprise Global Plan: $15 per employee/month
Enterprise-Grade EOR Plan: $599 per employee/month
At first glance, Papaya Global's pricing looks competitive — especially for larger enterprises with significant headcounts. But it's important to note that these prices can increase with additional services like onboarding customization, payment transaction fees, and extra digital wallets.
Key Features of Papaya EOR
Auto-generated contracts and digital signing
Benefits administration and statutory payments
Mass worker onboarding and attendance tracking
Papaya's approach to EOR is functional, but it often relies on third-party partners to deliver services in-country. This indirect model can lead to slower onboarding, less transparent compliance oversight, and limited control — key drawbacks for companies scaling across multiple markets.
How Atlas EOR Outperforms Papaya EOR
While Papaya offers a comprehensive platform, Atlas HXM takes a different — and often more powerful — approach. As one of the few global payroll companies with a fully direct EOR model, Atlas HXM owns and operates legal entities in 160+ countries, giving clients greater control, faster onboarding, and stronger compliance protection.
Transparent Atlas EOR Pricing
Direct EOR Atlas: Starting from $599 per employee/month
Volume Discounts: Available as your workforce grows
Visa & Mobility Support: Custom pricing based on location and scope
Unlike Papaya, Atlas HXM's EOR pricing model provides full cost transparency before you sign — every fee is itemized upfront. That means your finance teams can plan budgets accurately without worrying about hidden charges or surprise markups.
Why Choose Atlas Employer of Record
Direct EOR Ownership: Atlas HXM doesn’t outsource compliance — we own it. That means faster onboarding, fewer delays, and minimized risk.
Full Legal Employment: Handle contracts, benefits, payroll, and taxes in 160+ countries.
Local HR & Legal Expertise: In-country experts manage complex employment laws and labor compliance.
Premium Benefits: Access healthcare, life insurance, EAP, and global mobility support.
Scalability: Save up to 82% compared to establishing your own entities.
With Atlas Employer of Record services, you don't just get a platform — you gain a strategic partner capable of supporting long-term expansion and workforce growth worldwide.
Papaya Global EOR vs Atlas EOR: Key Differences That Matter
When comparing Papaya Global and Atlas HXM's offerings, it's important to look beyond the monthly cost. Here's where Atlas HXM pulls ahead:
EOR Model: Direct vs. Indirect
Atlas HXM: Fully direct model — we own all legal entities, delivering end-to-end compliance and faster employee start dates.
Papaya: Relies on third-party partners in many regions, introducing potential compliance gaps and longer onboarding times.
Cost Transparency
Atlas HXM: All costs are fully itemized upfront, with pricing that scales down as your workforce grows.
Papaya: Base pricing is clear, but additional costs (transactions, onboarding, extra services) can quickly add up.
Local Expertise and Support
Atlas HXM: Provides 24-hour support from in-country experts who understand local labor laws, taxes, and compliance nuances.
Papaya: Offers global support but often relies on partner networks, limiting in-depth local guidance.
Speed to Market
Atlas HXM: With entities already established worldwide, you can hire talent and get them working in less than two weeks.
Papaya: Onboarding may take longer when third parties are involved.
Best Alternatives to Papaya for EOR
When exploring the best alternatives to Papaya for EOR services, Atlas HXM consistently ranks as a top choice for companies serious about global expansion. Our direct EOR model offers a more reliable, transparent, and scalable solution for managing international teams.
Compared to other global payroll companies like Deel, Remote, or Multiplier — which often use indirect or hybrid EOR models — Atlas's Employer of Record model ensures full compliance control, better employee experience, and faster market entry. It's an ideal solution for companies outsourcing HR functions as part of their global growth strategy.
And because Atlas HXM handles everything from payroll and benefits to visa sponsorship and global mobility logistics, you get a complete global payroll solution without juggling multiple vendors.
Choosing the Right EOR Partner for Global Growth
Choosing the right Employer of Record partner is one of the most important decisions your business will make as it scales internationally. While Papaya Global may seem attractive initially, the true cost of indirect service delivery — compliance risks, slower onboarding, and limited control — can outweigh the savings.
Atlas HXM stands out as a strategic partner for global expansion. With a direct EOR model, transparent pricing, local legal expertise, and premium global payroll solutions, we empower businesses to hire confidently, scale faster, and operate compliantly in over 160 countries.
Whether you're hiring your first overseas employee or expanding into multiple new markets, Atlas HXM offers the infrastructure, support, and expertise you need to succeed. Contact Atlas HXM to learn more about how our services are the best alternative to Papaya for EOR. Simplify your global hiring strategy today.