Hire with Columbus vs Oyster HR
Hire with Columbus vs Oyster: Same Service, 74% Less Cost
Why pay $699/month when you can get the same EOR compliance and payroll at $179? More countries, faster onboarding, better value.
How we compare
We deliver the same core EOR services at a fraction of the cost. Here's what you get with Columbus.
Columbus
Our advantage: Same quality service, 70% lower cost with transparent pricing
Oyster HR
Their advantage: Extensive HR tech integrations and contractor management platform
Save $520 per employee/month
That's 74% less than Oyster HR - same quality, smarter pricing
Get started from $179/month →What Oyster customers struggle with
Common complaints from Oyster users and how Columbus solves them
Slow and inadequate customer support
Users report delayed responses, unhelpful answers, and difficulty reaching knowledgeable support staff
How we solve this
Dedicated support team with deep local expertise and 24/7 availability
Long onboarding and document processing delays
Onboarding can take weeks with unclear processes and slow document handling
How we solve this
2-3 day onboarding with clear timelines and proactive communication
Platform navigation and unclear processes
Confusing interface, slow task resolution, and potentially incorrect country information
How we solve this
Intuitive platform with straightforward workflows and verified local compliance data
Invoicing and payment issues
Billing errors and payment processing problems reported by customers
How we solve this
Transparent pricing with reliable payroll processing and clear invoicing
Switching from Oyster HR? We'll help you avoid these common issues.
Is Columbus right for you?
We're not for everyone. Here's how to decide if Columbus or Oyster HR is the better fit.
Columbus is great for you if...
Cost efficiency is a priority
You want enterprise-grade service without the enterprise price tag
You need transparent pricing
No hidden fees, no surprises—just straightforward costs from day one
Speed matters
Get employees onboarded in 2-3 days with dedicated support
You're a growing startup or mid-market company
Scale globally without breaking your budget
You value personalized support
Work with a dedicated team that knows your business
Oyster HR might be better if...
You need extensive HR tech integrations
Connects with hundreds of HR tools and platforms
Brand recognition matters
Well-established name in the EOR space
You're a large enterprise
Managing 500+ global employees with complex requirements
Budget isn't a concern
Premium pricing for comprehensive platform features
You need contractor + EOR management
Unified platform for mixed workforce types
Calculate your savings
See how much you could save by charting your course with Columbus
Columbus
Oyster HR
No hidden fees, ever
What you see is what you pay. The $179/employee/month price includes compliance, payroll, benefits administration, local tax filing, and 24/7 support. No surprise charges.
Feature comparison
See how we compare on the features that matter for global employment.
Pricing & Costs
| Feature | 🧭Columbus | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| EOR monthly cost per employeeKey difference | $179 | $699 |
| Contractor monthly costKey difference | $25 | $29.00 |
| Setup fees | $0 | $0 |
| Contract minimums | None - month to month | Varies by plan |
Global Coverage
| Feature | 🧭Columbus | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| Countries availableKey difference | 185+ | 130 |
| Local compliance experts | ✓ In every country | ✓ In every country |
| Visa & work permit support | ✓ 85+ countries | ✓ Available |
Service & Support
| Feature | 🧭Columbus | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| Response time guaranteeKey difference | 15 minutes | 24-48 hours |
| Support availability | 24/7 live support | Business hours |
| Dedicated account manager | ✓ From day one | ✓ Available |
| Onboarding time | 2-3 days | 3-5 days |
Features & Platform
| Feature | 🧭Columbus | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll processing | ✓ Multi-currency | ✓ Multi-currency |
| Benefits administration | ✓ Local benefits | ✓ Local benefits |
| Background checks | ✓ 185+ countries | ✓ Available |
| Equipment management | ✓ Global shipping | ✓ Available |
Switch from Oyster HR? We'll handle everything
Moving from Oyster HR to Columbus is simple and completely free. Our migration team handles all the heavy lifting.
Quick setup review
New or switching? We analyze your needs and create a tailored onboarding plan
Smooth transition
We handle employee data, contracts, and compliance—whether migrating or starting fresh
Ready to go
Your team is up and running on Columbus—typically within 2-3 days for new setups
What's included in your free migration
Already using Oyster HR?
Chat with our team to see how much you could save by switching. No commitment required.
Why Columbus wins
Oyster HR vs Columbus FAQ
Common questions about switching from Oyster HR to Columbus
Columbus charges $179/month per employee while Oyster HR charges $699/month. That's a savings of $520/month per employee, or 74% less than Oyster HR.
Yes. Columbus delivers the same core EOR services—compliance, payroll, benefits administration—through trusted local partners with 20+ years of experience. You get the same reliability and legal protection, just with smarter economics that eliminate enterprise overhead.
Most migrations from Oyster HR complete in 2-3 weeks with zero disruption to your team. We offer free migration support including employee data transfer, contract setup, and parallel running periods to ensure a smooth transition.
No. Unlike some providers with 12-month minimums, Columbus offers month-to-month pricing. You can cancel anytime with no penalties or questions asked. We earn your business every month through quality service, not contractual lock-in.
Columbus covers 185+ countries worldwide. Our extensive network of local partners means we can support your global team wherever they are, with the same compliance quality and faster onboarding than most competitors.
Switch from Oyster and save $6,240/year per employee
Get the same compliance and payroll services with better coverage and support. Free migration assistance for Oyster customers.
Get started with Columbus — Starting from $179/month →No credit card required • Cancel anytime • 2-3 day onboarding