Fourth vs Oyster HR

Fourth PEO, a leading Human Capital Management (HCM) software company headquartered in Austin, Texas, specializes in Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With a foundation in HCM since 1999, they have expanded into the PEO sphere, incorporating AI-driven technology into their platform. Catering to industries like restaurant, hospitality, and retail, Fourth offers a range of services, including payroll, HR solutions, benefits administration, tax management, and compliance assistance. While praised for live chat support, a dedicated HR team, and AI-driven tech, drawbacks include the lack of ESAC accreditation and limited pricing transparency. Despite some mixed customer feedback, Fourth remains a reputable choice for SMBs seeking streamlined business operations.

Oyster HR was founded in 2020 with a straightforward mission: to make quality jobs accessible to people everywhere, regardless of geography. Headquartered in the US and operating across more than 180 countries, they have grown rapidly since launch, reaching a valuation of $1.2 billion as of 2024 and raising $286 million in total funding from investors including Salesforce Ventures, PayPal Ventures, and Slack Fund. Their platform is built primarily around Employer of Record services, though they also offer a US PEO product, global payroll, and contractor management. Key features include automated compliance, localized employment contracts, multi-currency payroll, and an employment cost calculator that helps businesses plan hiring budgets by country. On review platforms, they hold a 4.4 out of 5 on G2 and a 4 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with users most frequently praising the onboarding experience, platform usability, and compliance reliability. Common criticisms center on customer support responsiveness and pricing relative to competitors.