# Hire with Columbus vs Oyster: Same Service, 74% Less Cost

> Machine-readable page from Hire with Columbus (https://hirewithcolumbus.com/), a flat-fee employer of record (EOR) service.
> Canonical page: https://hirewithcolumbus.com/compare/oyster/
> Pricing: from $179/month per employee, one transparent flat fee with no percentage-of-salary markups and no setup fees (https://hirewithcolumbus.com/pricing/).
> To hire: tell us where you want to hire at https://hirewithcolumbus.com/get-started/ and onboard your first employee in 2-3 days.
> Last updated: 2025-12-27

Why pay $699/month when you can get the same EOR compliance and payroll at $179? More countries, faster onboarding, better value.

| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Saved per employee/month | $520 |
| Countries (vs Oyster's 130) | 185+ |
| Onboarding time | 2-3 days |
| Expert support | 24/7 |

## Why companies choose Hire with Columbus over Oyster

Oyster is a capable EOR platform, but their pricing doesn't match their value proposition. At $699/month per employee, you're paying a premium for a standard service.

Columbus delivers comprehensive EOR services at $179/month - same compliance, same payroll reliability, but with broader coverage (185+ vs 130 countries) and faster onboarding.

## Calculate your savings

See how much you could save by charting your course with Columbus

## Pricing & Costs

| Feature | Hire with Columbus | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| EOR monthly cost per employee | $179 | $699 |
| Contractor monthly cost | $25 | $29.00 |
| Setup fees | $0 | $0 |
| Contract minimums | None - month to month | Varies by plan |

## Global Coverage

| Feature | Hire with Columbus | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| Countries available | 185+ | 130 |
| Local compliance experts | ✓ In every country | ✓ In every country |
| Visa & work permit support | ✓ 85+ countries | ✓ Available |

## Service & Support

| Feature | Hire with Columbus | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| Response time guarantee | 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 | Hire with 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 |

## Common Oyster HR complaints, answered

### Slow and inadequate customer support

Oyster HR users report: Users report delayed responses, unhelpful answers, and difficulty reaching knowledgeable support staff

Hire with Columbus: Dedicated support team with deep local expertise and 24/7 availability

### Long onboarding and document processing delays

Oyster HR users report: Onboarding can take weeks with unclear processes and slow document handling

Hire with Columbus: 2-3 day onboarding with clear timelines and proactive communication

### Platform navigation and unclear processes

Oyster HR users report: Confusing interface, slow task resolution, and potentially incorrect country information

Hire with Columbus: Intuitive platform with straightforward workflows and verified local compliance data

### Invoicing and payment issues

Oyster HR users report: Billing errors and payment processing problems reported by customers

Hire with Columbus: Transparent pricing with reliable payroll processing and clear invoicing

## Switching

Moving from Oyster HR to Columbus is simple and completely free. Our migration team handles all the heavy lifting.