The 5 best Deel alternatives
Short answer
The best Deel alternatives are Gusto, FreshBooks, QuickBooks. Gusto is our top pick — it scores 9/10 and is best for US-based agencies and studios with a mix of W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. The right choice depends on your budget, team size, and which features matter most.
Why look for a Deel alternative?
Deel scores 9/10 in our review and works well for many teams — but it is not the right fit for everyone. The most common reasons readers look elsewhere:
- ✗Employer of Record service carries a significant per-employee monthly fee
- ✗Not the right tool for US-only hiring (Gusto is simpler and cheaper)
- ✗EoR margins vary by country — can be expensive in some markets
Deel alternatives, ranked
Gusto
Top pickPayroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses
Gusto is the leading payroll and HR platform for US small businesses, handling full-service payroll (direct deposit, tax filings, W-2s, and 1099s), employee benefits (health insurance, 401k), and basic HR tools (offer letters, onboarding checklists, PTO tracking). It automates federal, state, and local payroll tax filings — one of the most time-consuming compliance tasks for small business owners. Gusto is contractor-friendly, making it popular with agencies and studios that mix employees and freelancers.
Strengths
- ✓Automated payroll tax filings — federal, state, and local handled automatically
- ✓1099 contractor payments and management alongside employee payroll
- ✓Employee benefits (health, dental, 401k) integrated in one system
Best for
- →US-based agencies and studios with a mix of W-2 employees and 1099 contractors
- →Small businesses that want payroll, HR, and benefits in one place
FreshBooks
Invoicing and accounting for small businesses
FreshBooks is an accounting and invoicing platform designed for service businesses and freelancers. It covers invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, estimates, and basic double-entry accounting. Much easier to use than QuickBooks, though less powerful for complex accounting needs.
Strengths
- ✓Extremely easy to use
- ✓Beautiful invoices
- ✓Time tracking built in
Best for
- →Freelancers and consultants billing by project or time
- →Service businesses
QuickBooks
Small business accounting that does the heavy lifting
QuickBooks is the dominant small business accounting software in the US. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, tax preparation, and financial reporting. Best for businesses that work with a bookkeeper or accountant.
Strengths
- ✓Gold standard for accountants and bookkeepers
- ✓Comprehensive payroll features
- ✓Huge integration ecosystem
Best for
- →Small businesses with employees
- →Anyone working with a US-based accountant or bookkeeper
Xero
Beautiful accounting software for small businesses
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform popular outside the US, particularly in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It's cleaner and more modern than QuickBooks, with excellent multi-currency support and a strong app marketplace.
Strengths
- ✓Best multi-currency accounting
- ✓Cleaner UI than QuickBooks
- ✓Strong international accounting standards support
Best for
- →International businesses or remote-first teams
- →Businesses outside the US looking for modern accounting
Wave
Free accounting software for freelancers and small businesses
Wave offers genuinely free accounting software — invoicing, expense tracking, double-entry bookkeeping, and financial reports with no subscription fee. Revenue comes from optional paid add-ons: payroll (US and Canada only) and payment processing (per-transaction fee). Acquired by H&R Block in 2019. Wave is especially well-suited to self-employed individuals and very small businesses that don't need the complexity of QuickBooks or Xero.
Strengths
- ✓Core accounting (invoicing, expense tracking, reports) is genuinely free
- ✓Double-entry bookkeeping — proper accounting, not just spreadsheets
- ✓Easy bank reconciliation via bank connections
Best for
- →Freelancers and self-employed individuals who need real accounting at $0
- →Very small businesses that want proper books without a subscription
Deel vs. the alternatives
| Tool | Score | Starting price | Free plan | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deel(current) | 9/10 | — | Yes | 8/10 |
| Gusto | 9/10 | — | No | 8.5/10 |
| FreshBooks | 8.2/10 | $19/mo | No | 9/10 |
| QuickBooks | 8/10 | $17/mo | No | 7/10 |
| Xero | 8.3/10 | $15/mo | No | 8/10 |
| Wave | 8.2/10 | — | Yes | 8.5/10 |
Deel alternatives — FAQ
What is the best Deel alternative?
Gusto is our top-rated Deel alternative, scoring 9/10. It is best for US-based agencies and studios with a mix of W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
Is there a free Deel alternative?
Yes — Wave offers a free plan you can use to evaluate the tool before paying.