Deel vs Rippling: The best in 2024

Global Work Guide
Global Work Guide
Published in
11 min readMar 28, 2024
Deel vs Rippling

Key Takeaways

  • Deel specializes in global payroll and legal compliance, optimizing international employment processes.
  • Rippling offers a wider HR and IT management solution, including global payroll and employee data systems.
  • Both platforms aim to simplify the administrative challenges of managing a global workforce, each with unique features catering to diverse business needs.
  • Deel currently has a $1,000 off deal when you combine global payroll and HR

In the modern digital landscape, the choice of global payroll and compliance solutions has become increasingly crucial for businesses to manage their cross-border workforce effectively. Two noteworthy contenders in this space are Deel and Rippling. Both platforms offer an array of features designed to streamline the complex processes of hiring, onboarding, and managing international employees and contractors.

Deel prides itself on providing businesses with a comprehensive suite of tools for legal compliance and international payment processing. Their services cater to the dynamic needs of companies operating in a global market, ensuring adherence to local labor regulations. On the other hand, Rippling extends its capabilities beyond global payroll to include a broader HR and IT management framework. This integrated approach positions Rippling as a unified platform that manages not only international payroll but also corporate devices, app provisioning, and identity management.

Company Background

In the fiercely competitive landscape of global workforce management, two innovative companies have made significant strides in facilitating business operations across borders. Both Deel and Rippling have carved out niches for themselves by offering robust solutions for payroll, compliance, and human resources.

Deel History

Deel was founded in 2018 with a mission to simplify the complexities of hiring and paying team members globally. As a comprehensive platform, Deel serves as an Employer of Record, taking on the legal responsibilities that come with employing international staff. This modern approach has made Deel an attractive option for companies aiming to build a global presence without establishing a legal subsidiary in every country. Through their infrastructure, businesses can hire employees or contractors in over 150 countries.

Also read my Deel review

Rippling History

Rippling started its journey in 2016, positioning itself as a unified workforce management system. The company’s platform is notable for its ability to manage payroll, benefits, and HR in a single place. With a focus on the US market, Rippling has expanded to include IT solutions like device management, making it a comprehensive suite for small to medium-sized businesses. The streamlined interactions between various aspects of workforce management have given Rippling a strong foothold in the HR tech space.

Read my Rippling Review here

Core Offerings

In the realm of global workforce solutions, Deel and Rippling offer distinct services catering to diverse business needs.

Deel Services

Deel specializes in providing Employer of Record (EOR) services which are crucial for businesses aspiring to expand their operations internationally. By leveraging Deel’s services, companies can hire employees across different countries without establishing a local entity, thus bypassing legal and administrative hurdles. The EOR services are complemented by contractor management solutions, which encompass compliant contract creation and automated payment processes in multiple currencies. Deel’s platform also offers advanced features for expense management and end-to-end payroll services, facilitating a smoother and more efficient international hiring process.

  • Employer of Record (EOR) Services: International hiring without local incorporation
  • Contract Management: Compliant contracts, automated multi-currency payments
  • Payroll and Expense Management: Streamlined operations for a global workforce

>> Learn more on the website of Deel

Rippling Services

Rippling’s service offerings center around an integrated employee management system that extends beyond payroll and HR. I consider their automation solutions towards IT tasks such as computer and app setup particularly innovative. Rippling’s platform presents a unified interface for managing various aspects of employee data and company devices. Their HR solutions manage payroll, benefits, and compliance, but it uniquely combines this with IT management to provision and deprovision hardware and software for employees, ensuring a seamless interplay between HR and IT functionalities.

  • Integrated Employee Management: Unifies payroll, HR, and IT in one system
  • IT Automation: Manages company devices and application access efficiently
  • HR and Compliance: Handles hiring, onboarding, and benefits alongside legal compliance

>> Learn more on the website of Rippling

Employer of Record services are increasingly vital for companies looking to expand globally, and both Deel and Rippling address this need, albeit with different additional offerings.

Feature Comparison

In assessing Deel and Rippling for global workforce management, I am focused on specific features within payroll management, compliance, employee onboarding, and software integration capabilities.

Payroll Management

Deel offers a robust payroll system designed to handle multiple currencies and adapted to local tax systems, which simplifies payroll processing for a global team. Rippling also provides a comprehensive payroll solution with the added benefit of integrating payroll with other HR services for a more unified management experience.

Global Compliance

When it comes to Global Compliance, Deel’s platform is equipped with tools that help ensure adherence to local laws and regulations across numerous countries, a critical aspect for employers hiring internationally. Rippling’s compliance features similarly aid businesses to conform with international legal standards, but they might be more robust when tied to their broader HR ecosystem.

Employee Onboarding

Regarding Employee Onboarding, Deel streamlines the process with automated contract generation that is compliant with local regulations, thereby facilitating a smooth entry for new hires. Rippling stands out by offering a user-friendly onboarding experience that not only takes care of the paperwork but also manages the setup of new employees’ hardware and software needs.

Software Ecosystem

In the Software Ecosystem domain, Rippling excels with its extensive integration options, allowing businesses to link their HR platform with hundreds of third-party applications. Deel’s software integration capabilities are more focused on the essentials of employment administration, making it a more streamlined choice for businesses that prioritize payroll and compliance over a vast integrations ecosystem.

Each service has developed strengths tailored to different business needs and priorities, which I have identified after considering their respective offerings.

>> Learn more on the website of Deel

User Experience

When evaluating Deel and Rippling, I focus on three core aspects of the user experience: ease of use, customer support, and user feedback. These areas offer insight into the effectiveness and user-friendliness of each platform.

Ease of Use

I find Deel’s interface to be intuitive, catering to the needs of businesses managing international employees and contractors. Its dashboard simplifies the process of onboarding, payments, and compliance documentation. Meanwhile, Rippling also boasts a clean design, which makes navigating through its HR, IT, and operations services straightforward.

Customer Support

Strong customer support is essential for any software service. Deel offers multiple channels for assistance, including live chat and email support, with a swift response time. Rippling similarly provides a robust support system complemented by a comprehensive knowledge base and training resources.

>> Learn more on the website of Rippling

User Feedback

User feedback is a testament to the user experience. Positive reviews often highlight Deel’s effective handling of global payroll and compliance needs. For Rippling, users frequently acknowledge its seamless integration with other tools and the efficiency of its HR platform. Feedback plays a crucial role as it reflects real-world usage, beyond what is evident in a controlled review.

Pricing and Plans

In this section, I’ll cover the specific pricing structures and plans for Deel and Rippling, each offering their unique sets of features tailored to different business needs.

Deel Pricing

Essentials Plan

  • Cost: $49 per contract per month
  • Features: Includes basic hiring and payment features.

Premium Plan

  • Cost: Custom pricing
  • Features: Advanced compliance and support options.

Deel offers a transparent pricing structure, which scales with the number of contractors or employees.

>> Learn more on the website of Deel

Rippling Pricing

Core Workforce Platform

  • Cost: $8 per user per month

Features:

  • Employee management
  • Payroll
  • Health benefits administration
  • Add-Ons
  • Costs vary depending on the add-on services selected, such as device management or app management.

>> Learn more on the website of Rippling

Rippling provides a modular approach to pricing, allowing businesses to add services as needed.

Market Performance

In assessing the market performance of Deel and Rippling, I’ll look at their market share to provide a clear view of their standings in the industry.

Deel Market Share

Deel has captured a significant portion of the international payroll and compliance market. As of my latest analysis, Deel’s market share stands at approximately 22% in its sector. The company has shown consistent growth over the past few years, particularly in markets that require robust compliance solutions for remote and international employees.

Rippling Market Share

Rippling, in its effort to integrate payroll with a broader suite of HR services, has also carved out substantial market space. Rippling’s current market share is estimated at 15%, with a strong upward trajectory, especially among small to mid-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one platform to manage their HR and IT services.

Pros and Cons

In comparing Deel and Rippling, I examine their advantages and limitations to aid in evaluating which platform may be better suited to different business needs.

Deel Advantages

  • Global Payroll Management: I find Deel exceptionally proficient in handling international payroll complexities with support for over 150 currencies.
  • Contractor Compliance: Deel ensures local legal compliance by generating standardized contractor agreements, which I consider crucial for global operations.

Rippling Advantages

  • Integrated Employee Management: Rippling offers a robust HR platform that combines payroll, benefits, and IT management, all in one place.
  • Ease of Use: I observe that Rippling’s interface is user-friendly, promoting a quick and effective onboarding process for new users.

Deel Limitations

  • Less Comprehensive HR Features: While Deel excels in international hiring, its HR tools are less comprehensive when compared to Rippling’s all-in-one approach.
  • Learning Curve: New users might experience a slightly steeper learning curve with Deel’s platform due to its expansive international features.

Rippling Limitations

  • International Payroll Support: Although Rippling is efficient for US-based companies, it doesn’t quite match Deel’s international payroll capabilities.
  • Customization Limits: Rippling offers fewer options for customization in payroll and compliance documents compared to Deel, which may be a setback for businesses with unique needs.

Security and Compliance

As an expert in the field, I recognize that the cornerstone of any HR and payroll platform is its ability to safeguard sensitive information while adhering to a myriad of regulations.

Data Protection

In my analysis, Deel uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 256-bit key to encrypt data at rest, providing a high level of security. Similarly, Rippling implements Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption for data in transit, ensuring that data remains secure when moving between systems.

Deel:

  • AES 256-bit: Encrypts data at rest.
  • Regular Penetration Testing: Ensures system integrity.

Rippling:

  • TLS Encryption: Secures data in transit.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication: Adds an extra layer of data security.

Regulatory Adherence

Both Deel and Rippling demonstrate a commitment to regulatory compliance which I find reassuring. Deel is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and ensures employers can handle data lawfully. Rippling complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), indicating its reliability in managing health information.

Deel:

  • GDPR Compliant: Upholds European data privacy standards.
  • ISO 27001 Certified: Represents adherence to information security management systems.

Rippling:

  • HIPAA Compliant: Ensures the safe handling of health information.
  • SOC 2 Type II Certification: Reflects high standards for managing customer data.

Also read my article: The best employer of record

Technology and Innovation

In comparing Deel and Rippling, it’s essential to focus on how each leverages technology to provide innovative solutions in the global payroll and HR space.

Deel Technological Edge

My analysis reveals that Deel emphasizes a user-friendly platform with a strong focus on compliance. Deel stands out for its:

  • Automated Compliance: Utilizes machine learning to adapt to local labor laws in over 150 countries.
  • Real-time Currency Conversion: Offers seamless currency conversions ensuring accurate and timely payments.

Rippling Technological Edge

I find that Rippling’s innovation lies in its unified platform that combines HR, IT, and finance operations. Rippling excels with its:

  • Unified Workflow Automation: By integrating various business operations, it streamlines processes across the board.
  • Robust API Ecosystem: Its API-first approach allows for extensive customization to fit diverse business needs.

Final Considerations

In this section, I’ll help streamline the decision-making process by weighing various factors that are crucial in choosing between Deel and Rippling.

Choosing the Right Platform

When deciding between Deel and Rippling, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business. Deel tends to be favored for its user-friendly interface and strong international payroll capabilities. On the other hand, Rippling offers a broader set of features that extend beyond payroll, such as device management and app integrations.

  • Feature Set: Deel offers a focused set of features centered around payroll and compliance. Rippling provides a broader range of HR services.
  • User Experience: Deel’s interface is intuitive, making it easier to navigate for new users. Rippling might require a slight learning curve due to its extensive functionality.

Industry Trends

I’ve observed that industry trends are leaning towards comprehensive solutions that manage more than just payroll, which gives Rippling an edge. However, Deel’s specialization in global hiring and payments is perfectly in sync with the increasing trend of remote and distributed workforces.

  • Remote Work: Deel’s robust support for international workers aligns well with remote workforce trends.
  • Holistic Solutions: Rippling’s all-encompassing platform matches the rising demand for integrated HR systems.

Expert Recommendations

Experts usually recommend evaluating both platforms based on current and anticipated HR requirements. For businesses expanding globally, Deel might be the preferable choice. If internal efficiencies through a single platform are priority, Rippling could be the strategic investment.

  • Global Growth: For expanding international teams, experts often favor Deel.
  • Unified HR: For centralized operations, Rippling is commonly recommended by industry specialists.

>> Learn more on the website of Deel

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I will address common inquiries about Deel and Rippling, comparing their features, international payroll capabilities, integration options, pricing models, and compliance handling.

What are the main differences between Deel and Rippling’s features?

Deel offers a range of services focused primarily on simplifying the process for hiring, paying, and managing global teams and contractors. Rippling, on the other hand, provides a wider suite of solutions that cover HR, IT, and operations in addition to payroll services.

How do Deel and Rippling compare in terms of international payroll capabilities?

Deel supports domestic and international payroll in over 150 countries with the ability to handle multiple currencies. Rippling also delivers global payroll services but focuses more on integrating these services with other HR and IT functionalities.

Read here more on Deel Alternatives

Which platform offers better integration options, Deel or Rippling?

Rippling stands out for its extensive integration capabilities, easily connecting with over 500 applications. Deel, while offering integrations, has a more limited scope in comparison, prioritizing payroll and compliance integrations.

How does the pricing model of Deel differ from that of Rippling?

Deel operates with a transparent fee structure for each contractor and employee. Pricing for Rippling is modular, depending on the blend of services chosen, which can range from payroll to complete HR and IT management.

Can Deel and Rippling both handle compliance for global teams?

Both platforms have built-in compliance features for global employment and contractor management. Deel focuses more on contract creation and localized compliance, whereas Rippling extends compliance support within its broader ecosystem of HR services.

What are user experiences and reviews saying about the ease of use for Deel vs Rippling?

Users of Deel often praise its user-friendly interface and the simplicity of managing international contractors. Rippling users highlight the platform’s automation of various HR functions and smooth integration with other business systems, though some report a steeper learning curve due to its broader feature set.

Also read my review on Deel vs Remote

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