Deel vs Papaya vs Oyster: Best Platform for Hiring Contractors

Companies everywhere are hiring contractors to help them scale quickly and flexibly. It’s faster than hiring employees. It’s often more cost-effective. And it gives access to talent in markets you couldn’t reach before.

But global contracting isn’t simple. Paying people across borders brings different banking systems, currencies, and fees. On top of that, compliance rules vary by country, and misclassification risks can expose your business to penalties and legal action.

That’s why platforms like Deel, Papaya Global, and Oyster exist. They give teams a way to hire, pay, and manage contractors with less friction. Each with a different approach.

So, which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll compare Deel, Papaya, and Oyster side by side so you can see how they stack up on coverage, compliance, payments, and more. That way, you can choose the platform that matches your team’s needs today and supports your growth tomorrow.

Quick comparison table for the best platform for hiring contractors

Discover how Tiqets hires compliantly around the world with Deel Contractor of Record.

Deel for contractors

Deel offers a full suite of products designed to make hiring and paying contractors simple, compliant, and scalable. With Deel Contractor, companies can run classification checks, create localized contracts in minutes, pay contractors in their local currency, and manage everything from a single dashboard.

For organizations that want to minimize the risk of misclassification, Deel also offers Contractor of Record services. Deel takes on the liability so you can focus on growing your global workforce. From localized contracts and background checks to payments and equipment, everything is managed in one place. And unlike other providers, Deel lets you onboard international hires in days while cutting down on admin—complete with automated invoices, one-click payments, and seamless HRIS integrations.

As teams mature, Deel makes it just as easy to transition contractors into employees with its Employer of Record (EOR), Entity Setup and Management, and Global Payroll solutions—so you can keep scaling without ever needing to switch platforms.

Key features

• Global coverage across 230+ countries
• Built-in contractor misclassification tools to reduce compliance risks
• Hands-off contractor hiring—Deel takes on liability so you don’t have to
• Payments in 150+ currencies with multiple payout options
• Fast, reliable transfers that contractors can track in real time
• Integrations with accounting and HR systems like QuickBooks, Xero, and Workday
• Customizable, compliant contracts with built-in IP and confidentiality protections

Potential limitations

Deel's platform may feel like more than needed for small teams hiring just a handful of contractors.

Discover how Hyqoo scales its global contractor workforce with Deel Contractor of Record.

See also: When to Transition From Contractors to Full-Time Employees

Papaya for contractors

Papaya Global is a contractor management product that aims to simplify compliance and payments for international teams. It makes up part of Papaya’s broader global payroll suite and is a strong choice for companies already managing employees and contractors across multiple regions.

Key features

• Contractor support in 160+ countries
• Centralized platform for onboarding, contracts, and payments
• Payments in local currencies with support for multiple methods
• Compliance resources to help mitigate misclassification risks
• Analytics and reporting tools for workforce visibility

Limitations

• Platform can feel complex for smaller teams
• Pricing is not always transparent, making cost comparisons harder
• Customer experience is often viewed as more enterprise-focused than SMB-friendly

Oyster for contractors

Oyster is a contractor management solution designed to make it easier for smaller teams to bring on international contractors. The platform focuses on compliance and straightforward payments, giving startups and SMBs the basics they need to get going quickly. Oyster has built-in guides for different countries, helping teams understand local rules so they can stay compliant as they grow.

Key features

• Contractor coverage in 180+ countries
• Simple onboarding flow with digital contracts
• Built-in compliance tools to reduce misclassification risks
• Local currency payments with transparent exchange rates
• Access to Oyster’s library of country guides and hiring insights

Limitations

• Coverage does not extend to every country
• Fewer add-ons compared to Deel, such as benefits and equity
• May lack advanced features needed by larger, scaling teams

Key considerations when choosing a platform

When choosing the right platform for your company, you need to consider several key considerations. Firstly, and most importantly, make sure it supports the countries where your contractors live.

Next, check that you’ll have access to all the compliance features you need to avoid misclassification and tax issues. Then make sure the platform you choose offers fast and flexible payments, ideally in local currencies. Crucially, you also want to choose a platform that is equipped to grow with you.

Country coverage

Global teams need global reach. Check that the platform supports the countries where your contractors live. Some tools only cover certain regions, which can slow hiring or force you to manage multiple systems. Ideally, your platform should allow you to hire anywhere with a single workflow.

See also: How to Hire & Manage International Contractors in 2025

Compliance

Contractor misclassification is a major risk. Look for platforms that provide compliant contracts, local tax reporting, and support for NDAs or IP clauses. Built-in compliance tools reduce legal exposure and make onboarding faster. Platforms that guide you through country-specific requirements also save time and prevent errors.

See also: Best Contractor Management Software 2025: Efficiency, Compliance & Payments

Discover how Project44 saves around $500k a year since switching to Deel Contractor of Record.

Payment options

Contractors expect to be paid on time and in their local currency. Check payment methods, payout frequency, and foreign exchange fees on your prospective platforms. Some platforms offer multiple wallets, instant transfers, or batch payments—features that streamline global payments. Hidden fees or slow transfers can frustrate contractors and harm your working relationships.

See also: Top 8 Methods for Paying Independent Contractors in 2025

Contracts

Your hiring requirements are likely to change over time. So, your chosen platform should ideally let you customize contracts for project scope, termination clauses, or IP protections. Some platforms make it easy to update agreements as laws or policies evolve, keeping you compliant without extra legal work. Those are the platforms to look out for.

See also: Independent Contractor Agreements: Client Guide + Free Template

Scalability

Think long-term. Will the platform scale with your team? Look for features like transitioning contractors to employees, integrating with HR or payroll systems, and managing large, distributed teams without juggling multiple tools.

Reporting and insights

A good platform provides visibility. From tracking spending and payment history to compliance status. The best platforms for hiring contractors will allow you to do all this from one single dashboard.

User experience

Finally, consider both your team and your contractors. You both want to have a positive user experience. That means intuitive dashboards, straightforward onboarding, and responsive support. These features make everyone’s life easier.

Discover how Platzi hired global talent with Deel EOR and Deel Contractor.

Scale your contractor workforce with Deel

Deel makes hiring and paying contractors simple, no matter where they’re located. It works for teams scaling across multiple countries, providing fast payments, compliant contracts, and seamless transitions from contractors to employees.

For long-term growth and flexibility, Deel gives you everything in one platform. Compliant contracts, multiple payment options, local currencies, and integrations all in one place.

So if you’re considering contractors in multiple countries, Deel helps you scale quickly and compliantly. Explore Deel’s contractor hiring solution or book a demo today.