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In this review, I’m going to share my analysis using Skuad based on my hands-on experience. But first, if you’re just beginning your search for the best employer of record service provider, check out my picks of the employer of record software.

You probably already know Skuad is among the most popular service providers for Employer of Record (EOR) platforms out there, but you need to better understand what’s good and not so good about it. This in-depth Skuad review will walk you through pros and cons, features, and functionality to help guide you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your scenario.

skuad review screenshot
Skuad is an Employer of Record (EOR) service provider that manages global hiring, payroll, and compliance for companies.

Summary: Skuad

Skuad is a leading platform for global employment solutions. HR professionals and recruiters use Skuad to manage international hiring, payroll, and compliance, simplifying their day-to-day operations. It helps businesses by automating payroll and facilitating the management of a global workforce.

Skuad addresses common pain points like compliance with local labor laws, managing multi-currency payroll, and navigating complex tax regulations. Its best features are automated payroll, compliance management, and intuitive employee onboarding.

Skuad Pros

  • Compliance expertise: Skuad ensures businesses remain compliant with local labor laws across various countries.
  • Automated payroll: The platform simplifies payroll processing by automating calculations and payments in multiple currencies.
  • User-friendly interface: Skuad’s intuitive design makes it easy for HR professionals to navigate and manage international operations.

Skuad Cons

  • Limited customization: The platform offers limited options for tailoring services to specific business needs.
  • Customer support: Users report that the customer support response time can be slower compared to competitors.
  • Onboarding complexity: Initial setup and onboarding can be more complex and time-consuming than expected for some users.

Skuad Expert Opinion

In my opinion, Skuad stands out as a reliable employer of record platform, particularly excelling in compliance and automated payroll features. Skuad offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies managing a global workforce, which is a significant advantage for HR professionals dealing with complex international regulations. However, the platform falls short in terms of customization options and customer support responsiveness. Onboarding can also be more intricate than some competitors. 

Despite these drawbacks, Skuad is well-suited for businesses prioritizing compliance and efficient payroll processing across multiple countries. For companies needing more tailored solutions or quicker support, it may be worth exploring other options. Overall, Skuad is a strong contender in the EOR market, particularly for organizations focused on compliance and ease of use.

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We've been testing and reviewing employer of record software since 2019. As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We've tested more than 2,000 tools for different HR management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our Skuad review methodology.

Are You A Good Fit For Skuad?

Who Would Be a Good Fit for Skuad?

Companies with a global presence or those planning to expand internationally would benefit the most from using Skuad. Its strength in compliance management and automated payroll across multiple countries simplifies managing a diverse workforce. HR professionals looking for an intuitive interface to handle international hiring and payroll processes will find Skuad particularly useful.

Who Would Be a Bad Fit for Skuad?

Small businesses with minimal international operations or companies needing highly customizable solutions may not find Skuad appropriate. Its limited customization options and slower customer support response can be drawbacks for users who need tailored features or immediate assistance. Additionally, businesses that require a simpler onboarding process might find Skuad's initial setup too complex.

Best Use Cases for Skuad

  • Tech startups: Skuad is ideal for tech startups expanding globally, offering seamless compliance and payroll solutions.
  • HR departments: HR teams managing international employees benefit from Skuad's user-friendly interface and compliance expertise.
  • Global enterprises: Large companies with a multinational workforce use Skuad to handle complex payroll and labor laws efficiently.
  • Remote workforces: Organizations with remote teams in multiple countries rely on Skuad to manage international hiring and payroll.
  • Finance departments: Finance teams appreciate Skuad’s automated multi-currency payroll processing for accurate and timely payments.
  • Legal firms: Legal departments use Skuad to ensure adherence to diverse labor regulations, reducing legal risks in global hiring.

Worst Use Cases for Skuad

  • Small businesses: Small companies with minimal international operations find Skuad's advanced features unnecessary.
  • High customization needs: Organizations needing extensive customization find Skuad's options too limited.
  • Local retailers: Retail businesses operating within a single country do not benefit from Skuad’s global features.
  • Immediate support needs: Companies requiring rapid customer support might find Skuad's response times too slow.
  • Simple onboarding: Businesses looking for straightforward onboarding processes might struggle with Skuad's complex setup.
  • Niche industries: Highly specialized industries with unique compliance needs might find Skuad's general compliance features insufficient.

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Skuad Evaluation Summary

  • Core functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Standout features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Ease of use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Onboarding: ⭐⭐⭐
  • Customer support: ⭐⭐⭐
  • Integrations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Value for money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review Methodology

We're a team of software experts who obsess about the features and functionality of different platforms. We know how critical—yet difficult and confusing—software selection can be. We test and score software to find the best solutions, whatever the use case may be.

Using our objective, data-driven testing methodology, we've tested 300+ software. We dedicate ourselves to being objective in fully and fairly testing software, to get beyond the marketing fluff and truly understand the platform.

We've developed robust testing scenarios to use the software in the same way you will. We leverage our own first-hand, practical experience with the tools, complemented by interviews with users, experts, and software vendors.

How We Test & Score Employer of Record Software


We've spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system for software tools. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection, and what makes, in this case, an employer of record (EOR) platform effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.

Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring work across eight criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.

Core Functionality (25% of final scoring)

For an employer of record tool, the core functionalities we test and evaluate are:

  • Payroll management: Ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple countries.
  • Compliance assurance: Adhering to local labor laws and regulations to avoid legal issues.
  • Employee onboarding: Simplifying the process of hiring and onboarding new employees internationally.
  • Tax management: Handling multi-country tax compliance and reporting efficiently.
  • Benefits administration: Managing employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
  • Contract management: Creating, maintaining, and managing employment contracts in various jurisdictions.

Standout Features (20% of final scoring)

We evaluate uncommon, standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality defined and typically found in employer of record platforms. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.

Ease of Use (15% of final scoring)

We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High-scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.

Onboarding (10% of final scoring)

We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use the employer of record with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the software with no experience. High-scoring software indicates little or no support is required.

Customer Support (10% of final scoring)

We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Employer of record platforms that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.

Integrations (10% of final scoring)

We evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Employer of record service providers offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.

Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)

Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the employer of record again for the core functionality. A high-scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.

Value for Money (10% of final scoring)

Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry-level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.

Through this comprehensive approach, focusing on core functionalities, standout features, usability, onboarding, customer support, value, and customer reviews, I aim to identify employer of record platforms that not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring teams have the tools they need to succeed.

Skuad Review

Core Employer of Record Functionality

Payroll Management: Skuad ensures accurate and timely payroll processing for employees in multiple countries. It automates payroll calculations, making it easy to handle different currencies and tax regulations.

skuad payroll management screenshot
Skuad handles global payroll, ensuring accurate and timely payments across multiple countries.

Compliance Assurance: Skuad helps businesses stay compliant with local labor laws and regulations. It continuously updates legal requirements to ensure all employment practices are lawful.

skuad compliance assurance screenshot
Skuad ensures compliance by managing and storing essential legal and policy documents securely.

Employee Onboarding: Skuad simplifies the process of hiring and onboarding new employees internationally. The platform provides a structured onboarding process that ensures new hires are integrated smoothly and efficiently.

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Skuad streamlines employee onboarding with efficient tracking and management of new hires.

Tax Management: Skuad manages multi-country tax compliance and reporting. It handles various tax requirements, ensuring that businesses avoid legal issues and penalties.

skuad tax management screenshot
Skuad manages tax compliance by accurately handling tax deductions and filings globally.

Benefits Administration: Skuad manages employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. It simplifies the administration of benefits, ensuring employees receive their entitlements without delays.

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Skuad simplifies benefits administration by managing employee details and benefit adjustments.

Contract Management: Skuad creates, maintains, and manages employment contracts across different jurisdictions. It ensures contracts are legally compliant and tailored to specific regional requirements.

skuad contract management screenshot
Skuad manages contracts by tracking employee details, probation periods, and compensation information.

Skuad Standout Features

Automated Compliance Updates: Skuad offers real-time updates on compliance changes in various countries. This feature ensures that businesses are always aligned with the latest legal requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance.

skuad automated compliance updates screenshot
Skuad ensures compliance by automating updates and storing signed legal documents securely.

Multi-Currency Payroll: Skuad supports payroll processing in multiple currencies. This unique feature is especially beneficial for companies with a diverse international workforce, simplifying complex financial transactions.

skuad multi-currency payroll screenshot
Skuad's multi-currency payroll feature processes salaries and payments in various currencies.

Ease of Use

Skuad is relatively easy to use compared to other employer of record platforms. Its intuitive design and user-friendly interface make it accessible for HR professionals, even those without extensive technical knowledge. The platform offers clear navigation and practical tools that simplify complex tasks such as payroll and compliance management.

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Skuad's intuitive design simplifies payroll and compliance for HR professionals.

Onboarding

New users can expect a thorough onboarding process with Skuad. The platform provides detailed guides, tutorials, and dedicated support to help users get started quickly. Compared to other employer of record solutions, Skuad’s onboarding is comprehensive, ensuring that HR teams can utilize the platform effectively with minimal training.

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Skuad offers comprehensive onboarding with guides and support, ensuring quick and effective use.

Customer Support

Skuad offers customer support through email, phone, and live chat. The platform also has a comprehensive knowledge base for self-help and provides regular product updates. Additionally, Skuad offers a status page to monitor downtime and channels for customer feedback to continuously improve their services.

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Skuad provides support via email, phone, live chat, and a comprehensive knowledge base.

Integrations

Skuad integrates natively with QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, SAP, Oracle, Workday, ADP, Gusto, Zoho, and Microsoft Dynamics.

Skuad also offers additional options through API access, enabling users to create custom integrations. For further flexibility, users can leverage Zapier to connect with a wide range of other tools, enhancing the platform's utility.

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Skuad integrates with major software and offers API access and Zapier for custom connections.

Value for Money

As an experienced HR professional who has tested many different software tools over the years, I find that Skuad generally falls into the average pricing range for an EOR service. While it isn't the cheapest option available, it also isn't the most expensive, offering a balanced approach to cost and features.

Pricing Plans

  • Contractors: Starting from $19/month. Hire and pay contractors globally with payments in 100+ currencies and contracts tailored to local laws. Includes milestone, hourly, or fixed invoicing, perks, benefits, time-off, expenses, IC compliance, secure IP, and multi-channel support.
  • Full-time Employees: Starting from $199/month. Hire full-time employees anywhere with payments in 100+ currencies and contracts tailored to local laws. Includes perks, benefits, time-off, expenses, employee tax management, IC compliance, secure IP, and multi-channel support.
  • Enterprise: Get a quote. Includes localized employment agreements, payroll in 100+ currencies, taxes, and deductions. Benefits, time-off, expenses, bonuses, bullet-proof IP protection, dedicated employee and employer manager, and customized systems integrations and reporting.
skuad pricing screenshot
Skuad offers full-time employee management at $199/month and contractor management at $19/month.

Product Specifications

FeatureSkuad
Payroll Management
Compliance Assurance
Employee Onboarding
Tax Management
Benefits Administration
Contract Management
Multi-Currency Support
Automated Compliance Updates
Time Tracking
Expense Management
Mobile App
Performance Management
Employee Self-Service Portal
HR Analytics
Global Mobility Solutions
Learning Management System
Document Storage
Custom Reports
Dedicated Account Manager
Live Chat Support
Phone Support
Knowledge Base

Skuad Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternative employer of record options to Skuad, here are a few worth checking out:

  • Remote: Focuses on providing extensive global compliance and benefits administration for remote teams.
  • Deel: Offers a user-friendly interface and seamless integrations with major HR and payroll systems.
  • Papaya Global: Known for its strong analytics and reporting capabilities, making it easier to manage and understand global workforce data.
  • Velocity Global: Provides comprehensive support for international expansion with a wide range of global employment solutions.

Skuad Frequently Asked Questions

What is Skuad?

Skuad is an employer of record platform designed to help businesses hire and manage employees internationally. It handles payroll, compliance, benefits administration, and more, ensuring companies adhere to local labor laws and regulations. Skuad simplifies global workforce management by providing a single platform for all employment needs.

Is there a mobile app for Skuad?

Yes, Skuad offers a mobile app that allows HR professionals to manage payroll, compliance, and employee onboarding on the go. The app provides real-time updates and notifications, making it easier to stay on top of important tasks. Users can access essential features from their smartphones, ensuring flexibility and convenience.

Is Skuad HIPAA compliant?

No, Skuad is not HIPAA compliant. It focuses on providing global employment solutions and may not meet the specific requirements needed for handling protected health information. Businesses in the healthcare industry should consider this when evaluating Skuad for their needs.

Is Skuad SOC 2 compliant?

Yes, Skuad is SOC 2 compliant. This means it adheres to strict information security policies and procedures, ensuring customer data is handled securely. SOC 2 compliance demonstrates Skuad’s commitment to maintaining high standards of data protection and privacy.

Is Skuad secure?

Yes, Skuad is secure. It employs advanced security measures to protect user data, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits. These measures ensure that sensitive information is safeguarded against unauthorized access and breaches.

Is Skuad FedRAMP certified?

No, Skuad is not FedRAMP certified. FedRAMP certification is specific to cloud service providers that work with U.S. federal agencies, which is not the primary focus of Skuad. Organizations requiring FedRAMP certification should explore other options that meet this specific requirement.

Is Skuad GDPR compliant?

Yes, Skuad is GDPR compliant. It ensures that all personal data is handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards. This includes obtaining proper consent, protecting data privacy, and allowing users to access and manage their data.

Is Skuad easy to integrate with other tools?

Yes, Skuad integrates easily with various other tools commonly used in HR and payroll management. These integrations help expand the platform’s functionality and provide a more seamless experience for users. By connecting with other systems, Skuad enhances its utility and efficiency in managing a global workforce.

Skuad Company Overview & History

Skuad is an employer of record (EOR) platform that helps businesses hire and manage employees globally, handling tasks like payroll, compliance, and benefits administration. The company's headquarters is located in Singapore, and it employs a diverse team of professionals worldwide.

Skuad is recognized for its innovative approach to global workforce management and its commitment to maintaining high standards of data security and compliance. Notable clients include tech startups and large enterprises expanding their global operations. Skuad is still relatively new and growing and thus, specific financial details such as Skuad's valuation, earnings, revenue, and stock information are not publicly disclosed.

Skuad Major Milestones

  • 2019: Skuad was founded.
  • 2020: The product was officially released to the market.
  • 2021: Skuad raised significant funding in a Series A round.
  • 2022: Featured in major business news outlets for its rapid growth and innovation.
  • 2023: Expanded its customer base significantly, adding several high-profile clients.
  • 2024: Launched new features and updates, further enhancing its global employment solutions.

Want to learn more about Skuad? Check out their site for additional information.

Price:

From $199/employee/month or $19/contractor/month

Trial:

Free demo available

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Faye Wai
By Faye Wai

Faye Wai is a HR Technology Analyst and contributor to People Managing People, with a background in branding, public relations, and content marketing. She has vet vendors as an end-user in both consultancy and in-house capacities, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the people operations sector.