Top-Rated EOR Platforms for Tech Startups Hiring in the USA
When you think of tech talent, your mind may immediately head to Silicon Valley. After all, the innovation hub in Northern California is home to some of the world’s technology powerhouses (including companies like Apple and Cisco) with an estimated combined workforce of around 1.7 million.
But cities like Seattle, New York and Los Angeles are similarly synonymous with tech-focused industries, making the US one of the most attractive hiring markets for tech startups and entrepreneurs.
Of course, if you’re based outside the US — maybe you’re located in Bangalore, the so-called Silicon Valley of India — tapping into this vast pool of innovation-driven talent might be difficult. But it’s not impossible.
With remote work now the norm for software engineers, data scientists, and many other tech-centric roles, companies rarely have to limit themselves to hiring in their local area. And what’s more, employer of record (EOR) platforms remove the legal constraints that were once associated with global hiring.
Launching or growing a tech startup? Looking to add US-based tech talent to your team? Try one of these EOR platforms for size.
Remote
Let’s start with an aptly-named US EOR provider — Remote. Whether you’re looking to recruit web developers in Wyoming or cloud engineers in Colorado, this global hiring platform is the standout choice for tech startups hiring talent outside their own borders.
Remote’s biggest advantage? It owns legal entities in every country it operates in. This isn’t the case with every EOR service provider (some rely on third-party intermediaries) and gives you more flexibility and stronger control over important factors like compliance.
What’s more, the onboarding process is intuitive, with Remote providing localized guidance around US labor laws, taxes and benefits. You can easily set up compliant benefits packages and manage employment documentation with minimal hassle.
Remote’s flat pricing is another major plus — there are zero hidden fees and no percentage-based surprises — while they offer the support and resources to ensure your US-based hires have everything they need to thrive remotely.
For startups that want peace of mind and long-term scalability with transparent pricing, Remote is hard to beat.
Remote People
Remote People is quickly gaining attention as a reliable and flexible EOR partner for tech startups hiring in the United States. Focused on making global employment simple and compliant, Remote People operates its own legal entities, which translates to better control, reduced risk, and streamlined hiring — particularly for startups entering the US market for the first time. And with prices starting at $199 per employee per month, it is also one of the most cost-effective EORs.
What makes Remote People especially appealing is its specialization in helping companies onboard talent in key US tech hubs like San Francisco, Austin, and New York. In addition to full EOR services, Remote People also offers recruitment support, making it easier for startups to source and hire top-tier tech talent without needing separate vendors for hiring and employment compliance.
The platform provides comprehensive employment support, including compliant contracts, localized benefits, and tax filings — without requiring a US legal entity on your end.
Remote People places a strong emphasis on user experience and client support, providing startups with dedicated assistance throughout the hiring journey. For growth-stage companies looking for an efficient, compliance-first hiring solution in the US, Remote People offers a compelling mix of recruitment expertise, affordability, and service quality.
Deel
As a global hiring tool, Deel has become synonymous with fast, flexible global hiring — and it performs especially well when it comes to hiring tech talent in the United States.
With coverage in over 100 countries and an extensive network of legal experts, Deel makes it simple to hire employees (or contractors) depending on your needs.
For US hires, Deel handles everything from W-2s to benefit provisioning to local tax compliance. The platform also has integrations with tools like Greenhouse and BambooHR, making it easy to plug into your existing HR stack.
What’s particularly useful for tech startups is the built-in expense management and contractor invoicing — a real win for remote-first engineering or product teams.
That said, Deel’s tiered pricing can become expensive as your team scales, especially if you’re managing multiple roles across different markets. Still, for speed, scalability and a modern UX, Deel is a strong player in the EOR field.
Rippling
Offering a full-stack solution for managing global teams, Rippling combines EOR capabilities with traditional HR, IT and finance tools — all in one unified dashboard.
While this means its EOR capabilities aren’t quite as rigid as tools such as Remote or Deel, this “complete package” approach can be pretty beneficial for tech startups looking to streamline operations while growing quickly.
For US hires, Rippling automates the onboarding process, runs compliant payroll, handles tax filings, and even manages employee devices and software access. It’s actually incredibly efficient for scaling engineering or operations teams where time-to-hire and operational control matter.
What sets Rippling apart is the level of customization available — workflows, permissions and integrations can all be tailored to fit your startup’s needs.
True, Rippling doesn’t yet rival many of its competitors in geographic breadth. But if your focus is predominantly hiring in the US with a roadmap to expand slowly, Rippling is a powerful option with excellent automation.
Oyster
Oyster is quite unique in the space, in that it combines EOR functionality with a socially conscious mission — helping companies build more inclusive global teams.
The platform excels when hiring in developed markets like the US, offering services like localized employment support, benefits benchmarking and tax compliance tailored to American labor laws.
One of Oyster’s biggest strengths is its emphasis on fair pay — the tool offers global compensation intelligence to help you remain competitive when hiring engineers, developers or designers in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York.
Oyster’s interface is sleek, and its onboarding flows are pleasingly employee-friendly. But it’s likely best suited to values-driven startups that care about team culture and transparency.
A minor gripe is that its integration and customization options are more limited than other platforms mentioned here, but for startups that value ethical global hiring and a thoughtful employee experience, Oyster is a strong contender.
Velocity Global
Velocity Global has cemented itself as a steady force in the EOR world, known for its “white-glove” service and consultative approach to support.
Its US hiring capabilities are mature and well-supported, with localized benefits and onboarding handled by experienced in-house teams. Tech startups hiring developers, marketers, or project managers in the US will appreciate the platform’s legal precision — everything from employment contracts to tax filings is reviewed and executed with meticulous care.
Velocity’s support teams are often praised for responsiveness — a major plus if you’re entering the US hiring market for the first time — while the platform also supports equity issuance, which is vital for startups offering stock options to US-based hires.
The one trade-off is the platform’s interface — while functional, it feels a bit dated compared to more modern competitors. If a strong compliance backbone and expert support outweigh your UX preferences, however, Velocity Global shouldn’t be overlooked.
Papaya Global
Named after a fruit that’s native to Mexico, Papaya Global is ideal for startups that value visibility and control over their global workforce data.
Its strength lies in payroll centralization and reporting — making it easier to manage your US-based hires alongside international employees from a single platform.
For companies hiring engineers or product managers in the US, for example, Papaya ensures compliance with IRS regulations, state-specific benefits laws and healthcare requirements. It also supports integration with ERP and HRIS systems, which is helpful for scaling startups with complex operations.
The automation features cut down on admin, and detailed reporting helps you track spend, taxes and benefits allocation.
Papaya does tend to lean toward an enterprise-first approach — the platform is powerful, but might be slightly more complex than needed for very early-stage startups. So be sure to consider your options carefully.
With the right EOR, hiring top tech talent in the US can be seamless — even if your HQ is halfway across the world. Whether you prioritize airtight compliance or an all-in-one experience, there’s an EOR platform designed to support your startup’s needs. Just remember to take the time to assess each platform’s strengths and consider how they align with your goals and growth plans.
