Horizons vs Deel: Which Is Better for Contractors in 2025?
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Horizons | Deel | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (10 contractors) | $490/mo | $490/mo | $99/mo (Kontrable) |
| Payment flow | Through platform | Through platform | Direct (you control) |
| Best for | Employees + contractors | Employees + contractors | Contractors only |
Horizons Overview
Horizons (formerly Globalization Partners) is an established Employer of Record (EOR) platform that specializes in hiring full-time employees internationally. The platform offers comprehensive payroll, benefits, and compliance services across 180+ countries.
Key strengths include deep compliance expertise, established local entities in many countries, and white-glove service for enterprise clients. Horizons also offers contractor management, charging $49/month per contractor plus payment processing fees.
Deel Overview
Deel is a comprehensive global workforce platform offering EOR services, contractor management, and payroll solutions. The platform has grown rapidly and serves companies of all sizes, from startups to enterprises.
Deel's contractor management includes automated contracts, payment processing in 120+ currencies, and compliance tools. Pricing starts at $49/month per contractor, with additional fees for payments and currency conversion.
The Problem Both Platforms Share
Both Horizons and Deel are built primarily for Employer of Record (EOR) services—hiring full-time employees internationally. This makes sense if you need:
- • Local payroll compliance and tax withholding
- • Benefits administration and health insurance
- • Employment law coverage and HR support
But if you're working with independent contractors who handle their own taxes and already have Wise, PayPal, or Payoneer accounts, you're paying for infrastructure you don't need. Both platforms charge per-contractor fees and take a cut of every payment—even though contractors aren't employees and don't require payroll processing.
A Different Approach: Kontrable
We built Kontrable specifically for businesses working with contractors (not employees):
- Direct payments: Pay via your Wise, PayPal, or Payoneer account—no middleman, no payment processing fees
- $99/month flat: Up to 25 contractors (vs $490+ on EOR platforms)
- Contractor-focused: Contracts, milestones, payment tracking, and audit trails—built for independent contractor workflows
- No EOR fees: Because you're hiring true independent contractors who manage their own taxes and benefits
Kontrable gives you the structure and audit trail you need without the overhead of an EOR platform. You keep control of payments, avoid per-contractor fees, and maintain direct relationships with your contractors.
Who Should Choose What
Choose Horizons if:
You need to hire full-time employees in multiple countries and require comprehensive EOR services with white-glove support. Horizons excels at complex, enterprise-scale international employment with deep compliance expertise.
Choose Deel if:
You need a comprehensive platform for both employees and contractors with modern tooling and broad country coverage. Deel's platform is particularly strong for companies scaling quickly across multiple countries.
Choose Kontrable if:
You're working with 5-25 independent contractors who handle their own taxes and benefits. You want to pay them directly (via Wise/PayPal/Payoneer), avoid per-contractor fees, and maintain a clean audit trail without EOR overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Kontrable if I have both employees and contractors?
Yes. Use an EOR platform (like Horizons or Deel) for your employees, and Kontrable for your contractors. This gives you the right tool for each type of worker without overpaying.
How does Kontrable handle compliance?
Kontrable helps you maintain proper contractor relationships through clear contracts, scopes of work, and documentation. We provide templates and guidance, but contractors remain independent—they handle their own taxes and aren't on your payroll.
What if I'm not sure if my workers are contractors or employees?
This is an important question. Review worker classification tests for your jurisdictions, and consult with legal counsel if you're unsure. If they're true independent contractors (control their own work, use their own tools, work for multiple clients), Kontrable is the right fit.