Choosing the Right Contractor Payment Platforms: Insights from Industry Research Market research shows that selecting the best contractor payment platform can be a game changer for agencies and studios, especially when working with freelancers. Analysis of thousands of customer reviews indicates that platforms like PayPal and Square often rank highly for their ease of use and integration capabilities, making them popular among creative professionals. In fact, Square is frequently mentioned in third-party comparisons for its transparent fee structure and user-friendly interface, which customers say helps them manage their payments without a hitch. But beware: some platforms tout features that sound great in theory but don’t deliver in practice. For instance, while QuickBooks may be commonly recommended for accounting, users often report frustrations with its contractor payment functionalities, suggesting it may not be worth the investment if you’re looking for a straightforward payment process. And why does everyone think you need to spend a fortune on these services?Choosing the Right Contractor Payment Platforms: Insights from Industry Research Market research shows that selecting the best contractor payment platform can be a game changer for agencies and studios, especially when working with freelancers.Choosing the Right Contractor Payment Platforms: Insights from Industry Research Market research shows that selecting the best contractor payment platform can be a game changer for agencies and studios, especially when working with freelancers. Analysis of thousands of customer reviews indicates that platforms like PayPal and Square often rank highly for their ease of use and integration capabilities, making them popular among creative professionals. In fact, Square is frequently mentioned in third-party comparisons for its transparent fee structure and user-friendly interface, which customers say helps them manage their payments without a hitch. But beware: some platforms tout features that sound great in theory but don’t deliver in practice. For instance, while QuickBooks may be commonly recommended for accounting, users often report frustrations with its contractor payment functionalities, suggesting it may not be worth the investment if you’re looking for a straightforward payment process. And why does everyone think you need to spend a fortune on these services? Studies indicate that options like Wave can provide robust features at no cost, making it a go-to for those on a tight budget. When it comes to the nitty-gritty, customer feedback highlights that platforms offering customizable invoicing features tend to get higher satisfaction ratings. Additionally, FreshBooks is known for its mobile app performance, which users love for tracking payments on the go. Fun fact: FreshBooks started as a simple invoicing tool in a basement and has grown into a multi-million dollar SaaS provider catering to small businesses. So, whether you're managing a tight budget or seeking advanced features, the key is to align your choice with your specific needs. Remember, the right platform may help streamline your workflow and keep your contractors happy—just don’t fall for the shiny marketing pitches!
Thunes Global Contractor Payments is a leading SaaS solution specifically designed for agencies and studios that need to pay contractors worldwide. The platform is built for reliability, featuring transparent FX and full international bank account support, addressing the need for efficient, secure, and global contractor payment processing in this industry.
Thunes Global Contractor Payments is a leading SaaS solution specifically designed for agencies and studios that need to pay contractors worldwide. The platform is built for reliability, featuring transparent FX and full international bank account support, addressing the need for efficient, secure, and global contractor payment processing in this industry.
GLOBAL PAYMENTS
Best for teams that are
Gig economy platforms and EORs needing mass payout infrastructure
Enterprises requiring API-driven global payment networks
Skip if
Small businesses wanting a simple dashboard for a few payments
Non-technical teams unable to integrate payment APIs
Expert Take
Thunes replaces the slow correspondent banking network with a proprietary 'Direct Global Network,' enabling real-time payouts to 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts. Our analysis shows they hold over 50 regulatory licenses, ensuring compliance in hard-to-reach emerging markets where other providers struggle. This unique infrastructure allows businesses to pay contractors in local currencies instantly, bypassing intermediaries.
Pros
Direct access to 7B+ wallets/accounts
Real-time payments in 130+ countries
50+ regulatory licenses worldwide
Single API for global coverage
Supports 80+ currencies
Cons
Support response times vary
Fee structure can be unclear
Occasional transfer delays reported
Limited pre-built ERP connectors
Time zone support challenges
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.8/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Contractor Payment Platforms for Agencies and Studios. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.3
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of the payment network, payout methods, currency support, and transaction speed available for global contractor payments.
What We Found
Thunes offers a massive proprietary network connecting to 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts across 130 countries, supporting 80 currencies with real-time processing capabilities.
Score Rationale
The score of 9.3 reflects the exceptional reach of their 'Direct Global Network' which bypasses traditional correspondent banking for faster settlement, though minor delays are occasionally reported.
Supporting Evidence
The platform enables real-time transactions and instant payment confirmation. Our API provides real-time transactions, tracking and reporting across our global network
— thunes.com
Thunes supports payouts in over 80 currencies. 130 + Payout Countries. 80 + Currencies.
— thunes.com
The network connects to over 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts, plus 15 billion cards, across 130 countries. Our Direct Global Network connects to over 7 billion bank accounts and mobile wallets, 15 billion cards and 320 payment methods across 130 countries.
— thunes.com
The platform offers transparent foreign exchange rates, as outlined in the product's feature set.
— thunes.com
Documented in official product documentation, Thunes supports payments to international bank accounts, ensuring global reach.
— thunes.com
9.6
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess regulatory licenses, industry certifications, and the caliber of enterprise clients trusting the platform with funds.
What We Found
Thunes holds over 50 regulatory licenses globally (including FCA, MAS, FinCEN) and powers payments for tier-1 giants like Uber, PayPal, and Grab.
Score Rationale
A near-perfect score of 9.6 is justified by their extensive regulatory footprint in 50+ jurisdictions and adoption by the world's largest fintechs and gig economy platforms.
Supporting Evidence
Major global companies like Uber, Deliveroo, and PayPal use Thunes. Thunes is a B2B company that powers payments for the world's fastest-growing businesses - from Gig Economy giants such as Uber and Deliveroo... to global Fintech leaders such as PayPal
— featuredcustomers.com
Thunes is licensed by major bodies including the FCA (UK), MAS (Singapore), and FinCEN (USA). Authorised Payment Institution by UK's Financial Conduct Authority... Major Payment Institution issued by Monetary Authority of Singapore... Registered as a Money Service Business with FinCen
— thunes.com
Recognized by industry publications for its global payment capabilities, enhancing its credibility.
— finextra.com
8.5
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We examine the ease of use of the dashboard and API, as well as the quality and responsiveness of customer support.
What We Found
While the interface is described as straightforward and the API as easy to integrate, users report frustration with support responsiveness and time zone availability.
Score Rationale
The score is held at 8.5 due to documented user complaints regarding unhelpful support and inconvenience caused by Asia-centric support hours.
Supporting Evidence
Reviews indicate customer support can be unhelpful and difficult to reach due to time zones. Customer support is available but not very helpful. There offices are based in Asia so the Time Difference was slightly inconvenient.
— g2.com
Users find the user interface straightforward and reporting detailed. The UI is straightforward and detailed reports are available daily.
— g2.com
The platform's ease of integration is highlighted in user documentation, facilitating adoption.
— thunes.com
8.4
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We analyze pricing models, fee transparency, and cost savings compared to traditional banking methods.
What We Found
Thunes markets itself as up to 10x cheaper than bank transfers with transparent FX, but user reviews cite unclear fee structures and unexpected costs.
Score Rationale
Despite strong marketing claims of 10x savings, the score is limited to 8.4 because verified user reviews contradict the 'transparency' promise, citing unexpected fees.
Supporting Evidence
Users have reported that the fee structure is not always clear. The fee structure isn't always clear—sometimes it feels like I'm hit with unexpected costs when I'm just trying to send money.
— g2.com
Thunes claims to be up to 10x cheaper than traditional bank transfers. Just fast, transparent and reliable payments at up to 10x cheaper than most bank transfers.
— thunes.com
Pricing is based on transaction volume, but requires custom quotes, limiting upfront cost visibility.
— thunes.com
8.9
Category 5: Developer Experience & API Quality
What We Looked For
We assess the quality of API documentation, availability of sandboxes, and ease of technical integration for developers.
What We Found
Thunes provides a comprehensive REST API with a dedicated developer portal, sandbox environment, and single-integration access to their entire global network.
Score Rationale
The score of 8.9 highlights the strength of their 'single API' value proposition and robust developer portal, though it lacks the extensive pre-built ERP ecosystem of some competitors.
Supporting Evidence
A sandbox environment is available for testing integration. This API is available in 2 environments: production and sandbox (test)
— docs.thunes.com
Thunes offers a REST API that provides access to their entire network via a single integration. The Money Transfer API is organised according to REST principles... With one seamless API integration, you can simplify and streamline your payment process
— docs.thunes.com
Listed in the company's integration directory, Thunes supports easy integration with existing systems.
— thunes.com
9.5
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We evaluate security certifications, data protection standards, and compliance features essential for cross-border payments.
What We Found
Thunes maintains rigorous security standards including ISO 27001 and PCI DSS certification, backed by their 'Fortress Compliance Platform' for screening.
Score Rationale
A score of 9.5 is awarded for achieving the highest industry standards (ISO 27001, PCI DSS) and integrating advanced compliance screening directly into the payment flow.
Supporting Evidence
The Fortress Compliance Platform includes dynamic risk scoring and real-time sanctions screening. Smart screening: Performs real-time scans against international sanctions lists... to proactively block high-risk transactions.
— thunes.com
Thunes is certified under ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS. Advanced security measures: Certified under ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS, and uses tokenization and encryption
— thunes.com
Outlined in published security policies, Thunes ensures secure payment processing.
— thunes.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Some users experience delays in international transfers, contradicting the real-time processing claims for certain corridors.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
TalentDesk is a comprehensive SaaS solution specifically designed for agencies and studios to manage global contractors efficiently. It streamlines workflows, ensures compliance, simplifies payments, and provides a single platform for all contractor management needs, making it an ideal choice for industries dealing with freelancers and contractors on a global scale.
TalentDesk is a comprehensive SaaS solution specifically designed for agencies and studios to manage global contractors efficiently. It streamlines workflows, ensures compliance, simplifies payments, and provides a single platform for all contractor management needs, making it an ideal choice for industries dealing with freelancers and contractors on a global scale.
COST-EFFECTIVE
1-CLICK PAYROLL
Best for teams that are
Agencies managing large volumes of freelancers and projects
Finance teams wanting a single consolidated monthly invoice
Skip if
Small businesses with very low transaction volumes
Companies seeking a full-service EOR for permanent hires
Expert Take
Our analysis shows TalentDesk stands out by combining a robust management platform with direct access to a massive talent pool of 3 million freelancers via PeoplePerHour. Research indicates their 'unlimited freelancers' pricing model and Agent of Record service—which includes $100,000 in misclassification coverage—provide exceptional value and security for scaling companies. Based on documented features, it effectively consolidates global compliance, payments, and sourcing into a single unified workflow.
Pros
Unlimited freelancers included in base pricing
Access to 3 million vetted freelancers
$100k misclassification coverage per contractor
Consolidated monthly invoicing for global payments
Highly responsive 'amazing' customer support
Cons
Time tracker lacks auto-stop on inactivity
Limited payment withdrawal methods for freelancers
Reporting filters lack deep customization
Starting price of $450/mo high for micro-teams
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.6/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Contractor Payment Platforms for Agencies and Studios. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.0
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the platform's ability to handle the full freelancer lifecycle, from sourcing and onboarding to project management and payments.
What We Found
TalentDesk offers a complete suite including custom onboarding workflows, e-signature for legal docs, project task allocation, and automated time tracking. Uniquely, it integrates directly with PeoplePerHour to provide access to a pool of 3 million vetted freelancers.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a comprehensive feature set that covers sourcing, management, and payments seamlessly, exceeding standard FMS capabilities with its built-in talent marketplace.
Supporting Evidence
Features include a 360-degree project dashboard for managing deadlines and budgets. TalentDesk has a 360-degree project dashboard that helps your managers create projects, manage upcoming deadlines... and enjoy a real-time view of project budgets
— talentdesk.io
The platform supports custom onboarding templates and digital document signing. Get tailored custom templates to capture essential information... With our e-signing integration, handling legal documents is a breeze
— talentdesk.io
Users can access a database of 3 million freelancers via PeoplePerHour integration. TalentDesk enables this by integrating with PeoplePerHour, to give users access to its database of 3 million freelancers.
— talentdesk.io
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's industry experience, client base quality, and public reputation among users.
What We Found
Built by the team behind PeoplePerHour with over 12 years of experience, TalentDesk serves reputable clients like Apartment Therapy and Euromonitor. User reviews on G2 are consistently high, citing reliability and excellent support.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to the vendor's established pedigree in the freelance economy and verified case studies from recognizable global brands.
Supporting Evidence
Major clients include Apartment Therapy and Euromonitor. We speak with Kevin Hoopes, Director of Finance at Apartment Therapy... We speak with Marta Barriga, Head of Research Operations at Euromonitor
— talentdesk.io
TalentDesk was founded by the team behind PeoplePerHour, leveraging over a decade of freelance market experience. An easy to use Freelancer Management System (FMS) built by the team behind PeoplePerHour, UK's leading freelance marketplace.
— getapp.com
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user feedback regarding interface design, ease of adoption, and the quality of customer support.
What We Found
Users frequently describe the platform as "intuitive" and "easy to use," with specific praise for the "amazing" responsiveness of the customer success team. Some minor friction points exist around navigation and specific feature flexibility.
Score Rationale
A strong score is warranted by enthusiastic user testimonials regarding support and ease of setup, though minor usability quirks prevent a perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
Customer support is frequently cited as a standout feature. The customer support is amazing... Whenever we raise an issue, the tech team immediately jumps in to solve it.
— talentdesk.io
Users rate the platform's recommendability highly due to its speed and simplicity. I appreciate TalentDesk.io for its speed and simplicity... highlighted by a rating of 10 out of 10 in my willingness to recommend it.
— g2.com
8.7
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine pricing structures, hidden fees, and the balance of features provided relative to cost.
What We Found
Pricing starts at $450/month for the Growth plan, which includes unlimited freelancers—a significant value differentiator compared to per-user pricing models. The company is transparent about its partnership with Wise for payments.
Score Rationale
While the starting price may be a barrier for very small teams, the 'unlimited freelancers' model offers exceptional value for scaling companies, justifying a high score.
Supporting Evidence
The CEO emphasizes a policy of no hidden layers or costs. At TalentDesk, there's no hidden layers or costs ready to scare you when you least expect it.
— g2.com
The Growth plan starts at $450/month and includes unlimited contractors. Starting at $450.00... Unlimited contractors / freelancers for free
— g2.com
Pricing requires custom quotes, limiting upfront cost visibility, but offers flexibility for enterprise needs.
— talentdesk.io
9.4
Category 5: Global Compliance & Payments
What We Looked For
We investigate capabilities regarding international payments, tax compliance, and legal protection for hiring overseas.
What We Found
TalentDesk offers robust Agent of Record (AOR) services with up to $100,000 misclassification coverage per contractor. It handles global payments in 55+ currencies and automates tax filings like 1099s.
Score Rationale
This category scores exceptionally high due to the combination of automated global payments and the tangible financial protection offered against misclassification risks.
Supporting Evidence
Payments can be made in over 55 currencies across 190+ countries. Get your freelancers paid on time in 190+ countries, 55+ currencies, without the admin.
— talentdesk.io
TalentDesk handles 1099 filings and AML/KYC checks. AML and KYC compliance checks... 1099 filings made easy... we'll even file them for you directly to the IRS.
— talentdesk.io
The platform provides misclassification coverage up to $100,000 per contractor. Misclassification coverage up to $100,000 per contractor (per successful claim)
— g2.com
Listed in the company's integration directory, TalentDesk supports integrations with major platforms like Xero and QuickBooks.
— talentdesk.io
8.8
Category 6: Integrations & Ecosystem
What We Looked For
We review the availability of APIs and native integrations with key business software like accounting and project management tools.
What We Found
The platform integrates natively with major accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks and offers an Open API for custom connections. It also uniquely integrates with the PeoplePerHour marketplace.
Score Rationale
Solid integration capabilities with essential financial software and an open API provide flexibility, supporting a strong score.
Supporting Evidence
An Open API is available for custom workflow integrations. Sync your systems with TalentDesk's API technology for a more efficient workflow and better visibility
— talentdesk.io
Native integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Sync your invoices and freelancer data with your internal systems including Xero, ClearBooks and Microsoft Dynamics 365
— talentdesk.io
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Users have noted that reporting and filtering options lack deep customization, making it difficult to tailor views to specific workflow needs.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Some users express frustration with limited payment withdrawal methods (primarily Bank Transfer, Wise, Payoneer), wishing for more options to reduce conversion fees.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Payapps is a SaaS solution designed specifically for main contractors. It streamlines the payment claims process, reduces approval time significantly, and standardizes claims. This directly addresses the pressing need in the industry for efficient, time-saving, and cost-effective ways to handle contractor payments.
Payapps is a SaaS solution designed specifically for main contractors. It streamlines the payment claims process, reduces approval time significantly, and standardizes claims. This directly addresses the pressing need in the industry for efficient, time-saving, and cost-effective ways to handle contractor payments.
Best for teams that are
Construction main contractors managing subcontractor progress claims
Firms needing compliance with construction payment security acts
Skip if
Digital agencies or non-construction businesses
Small businesses not dealing with retention or progress claims
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Payapps effectively solves the specific, high-risk problem of 'pencil draw' payment claims by digitizing the entire workflow. Research indicates its deep integration with Procore and recent acquisition by Autodesk validate its position as a market leader. While the cost model for subcontractors creates some friction, the platform's ability to enforce compliance and automate retention calculations offers significant risk reduction for main contractors.
Pros
Reduces claim approval time by 50%
Deep bi-directional Procore integration
ISO 27001 security certified
Automated retention and compliance tracking
Acquired by Autodesk (Market Validation)
Cons
Subcontractors may pay submission fees
Reporting customization can be limited
High annual costs for large contractors
Variation workflows can feel rigid
Requires buy-in from subcontractors
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.6/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Contractor Payment Platforms for Agencies and Studios. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.0
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the software's ability to handle complex construction progress claims, retention management, and variation workflows specific to main contractors.
What We Found
Payapps provides a specialized cloud platform for standardizing progress claims, automating retention calculations, and reconciling variations in real-time. It replaces spreadsheet-based 'pencil draw' processes with a digital workflow that syncs directly to ERPs.
Score Rationale
The score reflects its specialized depth in solving a specific, high-value industry problem (progress claims) effectively, though it is a focused point solution rather than a broad project management tool.
Supporting Evidence
Includes built-in compliance tracking for insurance and subcontractor declarations. Enables the capture and validation of compliance requirements such as insurances, subcontractor declarations and any other contractual requirements.
— payapps.com
Reduces progress claim approval time by up to 50% through digital standardization. Cut progress claim processing time by at least 50%.
— marketplace.procore.com
Streamlines financial workflows by automating claim posting, project syncing, and real-time variation reconciliation. Real-Time Variation Reconciliation... Retention Management Integration... Safeguarding and Validation Checks.
— payapps.com
Documented in official product documentation, Payapps streamlines the payment claims process for main contractors, significantly reducing approval time.
— payapps.com
9.5
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's stability, industry adoption, and backing by major technology players in the construction sector.
What We Found
Payapps was acquired by Autodesk in early 2024, validating its technology. It processes over $12 billion in claims annually and is used by more than 42,000 users globally.
Score Rationale
The acquisition by industry giant Autodesk and significant global transaction volume justify a near-perfect score for credibility.
Supporting Evidence
The platform supports a massive scale of industry usage. 42,000+ Users that have relied on Payapps... $12 Billion+ Payment claims managed through Payapps on average per annum.
— payapps.com
Autodesk completed the acquisition of Payapps in February 2024 for approximately $390 million. Autodesk, Inc. (NasdaqGS:ADSK) completed the acquisition of Payapps Ltd. for approximately $390 million on February 20, 2024.
— au.marketscreener.com
Referenced by Construction News as a key player in contractor payment solutions, highlighting its industry relevance.
— constructionnews.co.uk
8.8
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We look for ease of adoption for both main contractors and their subcontractors, as well as the quality of support resources.
What We Found
Users generally report high satisfaction with the interface and support, though some note that the rigid workflows can be less flexible than manual methods for complex variations.
Score Rationale
Strong user reviews and support channels drive a high score, slightly tempered by reports of workflow rigidity for specific edge cases.
Supporting Evidence
Support is readily available via multiple channels including in-app chat. The easiest and quickest way to speak with our support team is via the in-app chat, phone, or email.
— payapps.com
Users praise the system for simplifying paperwork and providing excellent customer service. Payapps have made managing the paperwork easy, customer service is also awesome.
— getapp.com
Outlined in product documentation, Payapps offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the payment process for contractors.
— payapps.com
8.2
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate the pricing model's clarity and fairness for all parties involved, including potential costs passed to subcontractors.
What We Found
Main contractors pay a fixed annual fee, but the model often requires subcontractors to pay subscription or per-claim fees, which can be a point of friction. Pricing for main contractors is quote-based.
Score Rationale
The score is lower because the cost burden placed on subcontractors (pay-to-submit) is a documented friction point and transparency issue in the industry.
Supporting Evidence
Users have noted the high cost for main contractors and the 'double charge' dynamic where subs also pay. We pay lot more for our ERP system but €350k/year just for managing payment applications seems a bit ridiculous... They also required each sub to pay for submitting an application.
— reddit.com
Subcontractors face fees ranging from $49/month to $65 per claim, which can be a source of complaint. Pay as you go... $ 65 per claim... Basic... $ 49 [per month].
— payapps.com
Main contractors are charged a fixed annual fee based on project volume. Payapps offers pricing based on the number of projects and payment claims you assess and approve on a monthly basis. A fixed annual fee gives you certainty.
— payapps.com
We look for deep, two-way synchronization with major construction ERPs and accounting software.
What We Found
The platform offers deep, real-time integration with Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Xero, and Jobpac, automating data flow for commitments, variations, and approved payments.
Score Rationale
The integration capabilities are a core strength, particularly the deep bi-directional sync with Procore and the strategic alignment with Autodesk.
Supporting Evidence
Procore integration includes syncing commitments, variations, and pushing back approved claims. Payapps imports project and commitment details from Procore... Upon claim approval, Payapps sends the approved claim to Procore as a requisition on the commitment.
— marketplace.procore.com
Integrates seamlessly with major construction ERPs to eliminate double handling. Payapps connects seamlessly with leading construction ERP and project management software... Access Coins, Jobpac, Cheops, MYOB Acumatica, Xero, Vista.
— payapps.com
9.2
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We check for industry-standard security certifications and features that ensure compliance with construction payment legislation.
What We Found
Payapps holds ISO 27001 certification and includes specific features to help contractors comply with Security of Payment Acts (SOPA) across different regions.
Score Rationale
ISO 27001 certification combined with built-in regulatory compliance tools for construction payments warrants a premium score.
Supporting Evidence
Helps users meet regulatory deadlines for security of payments legislation. Payapps also helps builders and subcontractors to stay compliant with the various state-based security of payment legislation acts (SOPA).
— payapps.com
The platform has achieved the highest standard for information security. Payapps has achieved ISO 27001 certification, reinforcing our commitment to information security.
— payapps.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Some users find the workflow for variations inflexible, particularly regarding how subcontractors can raise or claim variations compared to manual methods.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Remote's Contractor Management software is a highly efficient solution designed for agencies and studios. It caters to the industry's need for simplifying and automating contract templates, agreements, onboarding, and payroll processes, all within a single platform.
Remote's Contractor Management software is a highly efficient solution designed for agencies and studios. It caters to the industry's need for simplifying and automating contract templates, agreements, onboarding, and payroll processes, all within a single platform.
STREAMLINED WORKFLOWS
INTUITIVE INTERFACE
Best for teams that are
Companies prioritizing strict IP protection and global compliance
Startups planning to convert contractors to full-time employees
Skip if
Teams needing deep project management features
Businesses looking for the absolute lowest cost for simple transfers
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Remote stands out by using its own legal infrastructure rather than relying on third-party aggregators, which significantly enhances compliance control and IP protection through its 'IP Guard' system. Research indicates the 'Contractor Management Plus' plan offers a documented $100,000 indemnity warranty against misclassification, a level of financial assurance that is rare in this category.
Pros
Owned legal entities (no third-parties)
Indemnity up to $100k/contractor (Plus)
Free plan for management without payments
Remote IP Guard for IP protection
Transparent flat-rate pricing ($29/mo)
Cons
3.5% fee for credit card payments
Support reported as slow/ticket-based
Exchange rates may differ from market
Termination options limited in some regions
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.5/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Contractor Payment Platforms for Agencies and Studios. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.1
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of global coverage, contract localization, and specific features for managing contractor lifecycles from onboarding to offboarding.
What We Found
Remote offers contractor management in 200+ countries with localized contracts, automated tax forms (like 1099-NEC), and a unique 'Plus' tier that provides indemnity coverage against misclassification risks.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to the robust 'Contractor Management Plus' indemnity feature and owned-entity infrastructure, though some termination limitations in specific regions prevent a perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
Remote handles tax document generation, specifically mentioning Form 1099-NEC for US contractors. We generate and prepare Form 1099-NEC for you, taking the hassle out of tax season.
— remote.com
The platform supports hiring contractors in over 200 countries and territories. Hire contractors across 200+ countries and territories confidently
— remote.com
Contractor Management Plus offers indemnity coverage up to $100,000 USD per contractor and $1 million USD per client. With Remote Contractor Management Plus, we will cover penalties up to a limit of $100,000 USD per contractor and $1 million USD per client.
— remote.com
Documented in official product documentation, Remote Contractor Management offers automation of contracts, agreements, and payroll processes.
— remote.com
9.3
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's infrastructure reliability, legal structure (owned vs. aggregated), and public reputation among users.
What We Found
Remote distinguishes itself by owning its legal entities rather than relying on third-party aggregators, significantly increasing compliance control and reducing intermediary risks.
Score Rationale
The 'owned-entity' model is a major trust signal that outperforms competitors using partner networks, justifying a score above 9.0.
Supporting Evidence
The company offers a 'Transparent Price Guarantee' to eliminate hidden fees. Remote's Transparent Price Guarantee means no hidden fees or surprises.
— remote.com
Remote owns its legal entities in all countries where it operates, avoiding third-party reliance. We directly own all of our legal entities around the world and never rely on third parties to employ workers
— remote.com
8.6
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We look for intuitive interface design, ease of onboarding, and the responsiveness of customer support channels.
What We Found
Users consistently praise the platform's clean UI and ease of use, though there are documented complaints regarding slow, ticket-based support compared to competitors.
Score Rationale
While the software interface is excellent (rated highly in reviews), the documented friction in support responsiveness pulls the score down from the 9.0+ range.
Supporting Evidence
Some users report that support can be impersonal or slower compared to competitors like Deel. Remote sometimes felt a bit more impersonal.
— reddit.com
Users describe the platform as simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Remote.com is a highly user-friendly platform that is simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate.
— g2.com
The platform's all-in-one hub simplifies complex processes, as outlined in product documentation.
— remote.com
8.9
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate the pricing structure, hidden fees, and the value provided relative to the cost.
What We Found
Pricing is highly transparent with a $29/month standard plan and a free tier for management-only; however, credit card processing fees and exchange rate spreads are noted costs.
Score Rationale
The existence of a free tier for non-billable management and clear flat-rate pricing supports a high score, slightly tempered by the 3.5% credit card fee.
Supporting Evidence
Credit card payments incur a 3.5% service fee. A 3.5% service fee applies to credit card payments
— remote.com
Management is free if contractors do not perform billable activities like invoicing. You can get started with Remote Contractor Management for free – onboard and manage contractors, paying only for active contractors each month.
— remote.com
Standard contractor management costs $29 per contractor per month. If your contractors perform billable activities... the cost is $29 per contractor per month.
— remote.com
We look for API availability, pre-built integrations with HRIS/accounting tools, and partner ecosystem maturity.
What We Found
The platform supports essential integrations with HRIS and accounting software and offers API access for custom workflows, though the ecosystem is less extensive than some legacy HR platforms.
Score Rationale
Solid integration capabilities cover most standard use cases, justifying a strong score, though it is not the primary differentiator of the product.
Supporting Evidence
Contractors receive payments via Stripe Connect. Contractors receive payments directly to their nominated bank accounts via Stripe Connect.
— remote.com
Remote connects to thousands of apps via Zapier and offers a REST API. Connect to thousands of apps (5,000+) via Zapier, set up SAML SSO, or use the REST API for custom workflows.
— hr.software
Listed in the company's integration directory, the software supports easy integration with existing systems.
— remote.com
9.4
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We examine intellectual property protection mechanisms, data security standards, and compliance guarantees.
What We Found
Remote offers a unique 'IP Guard' feature ensuring two-step IP transfer and provides uncapped indemnity for IP rights, setting a high standard for the industry.
Score Rationale
The combination of the proprietary IP Guard system and the specific indemnity coverage for misclassification (in the Plus plan) merits a near-perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
The company provides indemnity protection against misclassification risks on the Plus plan. guarantee indemnity protection against contractor misclassification... cover penalties up to a limit of $100,000 USD per contractor
— remote.com
Remote IP Guard uses a two-step process to transfer IP from the contractor to Remote, then to the client. Remote IP Guard uses a seamless two-staged approach to ensure maximum protection and ownership for our clients.
— remote.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Users have noted that the foreign exchange (FX) rates for contractor payouts can be slightly lower than the prevailing market mid-market rate.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Documented limitations exist regarding termination reasons in specific regions (e.g., France), where 'operational reasons' were removed as an option, potentially forcing clients into costlier settlement agreements.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Users have reported that customer support can be slow and impersonal compared to competitors, with reliance on a ticket-based system rather than real-time chat.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Multiplier's Contractor Management System is a specialized software designed for agencies and studios managing numerous contractors. The platform addresses industry-specific needs by providing a variety of payment options including bank transfers, crypto, PayPal, and Payoneer, allowing contractors to choose their preferred payment method and currency.
Multiplier's Contractor Management System is a specialized software designed for agencies and studios managing numerous contractors. The platform addresses industry-specific needs by providing a variety of payment options including bank transfers, crypto, PayPal, and Payoneer, allowing contractors to choose their preferred payment method and currency.
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS
Best for teams that are
Companies expanding specifically into Asia-Pacific markets
Startups wanting to offer ESOPs to international contractors
Skip if
Small local businesses with no international workforce
Teams relying on extensive third-party software integrations
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Multiplier stands out for its transparent, flat-fee pricing and specialized strength in the Asia-Pacific region. Research indicates it is one of the few platforms offering robust cryptocurrency payment options for contractors alongside traditional methods. Based on documented features, it effectively democratizes access to enterprise-grade benefits for contractors, making it a compelling choice for startups and mid-sized companies building global teams.
Pros
Transparent $40/month pricing per contractor
Supports cryptocurrency payments for contractors
Rapid onboarding often within 24-48 hours
Strong expertise in Asia-Pacific markets
Comprehensive benefits administration for contractors
Cons
Support limited to 24/5 (no weekends)
Fewer native integrations than market leaders
Reporting features less advanced than enterprise tools
Global payroll pricing requires sales contact
Smaller market presence than Deel or Remote
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.4/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Contractor Payment Platforms for Agencies and Studios. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.8
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of contractor management features, including onboarding speed, payment flexibility, and compliance tools.
What We Found
Multiplier offers instant contract generation, benefits administration, and multi-currency payments (including crypto), though reporting features are less advanced than market leaders.
Score Rationale
The score reflects strong core capabilities like crypto payments and benefits administration, slightly offset by documented limitations in reporting depth compared to enterprise competitors.
Supporting Evidence
The platform allows companies to offer insurance benefits to contractors, a feature not universal in the market. Multiplier's platform supports hiring and offering benefits for both employees and contractors.
— usemultiplier.com
Users can onboard contractors in minutes with instant compliant contract generation. Contractor service features: Instant contracts and agreements generation; Worker classification assistance
— ins-globalconsulting.com
The platform supports payments in over 120 currencies and includes cryptocurrency payment options. Make multi-currency payments in 120+ currencies... Crypto payments enable you to pay independent contractors in the cryptocurrency of their choice
— usemultiplier.com
Offers multi-currency support, allowing contractors to be paid in their preferred currency.
— usemultiplier.com
Documented support for multiple payment methods including bank transfers, crypto, PayPal, and Payoneer.
— usemultiplier.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the company's funding, investor backing, and user sentiment across major review platforms.
What We Found
Multiplier is backed by top-tier investors like Tiger Global and Sequoia, with exceptionally high user ratings across G2 and Trustpilot.
Score Rationale
With a $400M valuation and near-perfect review scores (4.7-4.9/5), the product demonstrates high market trust, though its market share is smaller than unicorn competitors like Deel.
Supporting Evidence
The product maintains a 4.9/5 rating on Trustpilot and 4.7/5 on G2. Multiplier G2 = 4.5/5 (174 reviews); Multiplier Trustpilot = 4.9/5 (903 reviews).
— remotepeople.com
Multiplier raised a $60M Series B led by Tiger Global and Sequoia India, reaching a $400M valuation. We just raised our series-B of $60 million led by Tiger Global and Sequoia India Capital... valuing the company at $400 million.
— usemultiplier.com
9.0
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We look for ease of use, onboarding speed, and the quality of customer support available to users.
What We Found
Users consistently praise the intuitive interface and rapid onboarding (24-48 hours), though support is limited to weekdays (24/5).
Score Rationale
The platform's user-friendly design and fast onboarding drive a high score, with a minor deduction for the lack of weekend support coverage found in some competitors.
Supporting Evidence
Reviewers highlight the platform's intuitive design and ease of use for managing global teams. Once you become familiar with it, the interface is user-friendly and intuitive.
— g2.com
Most companies complete their first hire within 24 to 72 hours due to automated workflows. rapid implementation. with most companies completing their first hire within 24 to 72. hours
— youtube.com
Intuitive user interface simplifies contractor management processes.
— usemultiplier.com
9.1
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing competitiveness, transparency of fees, and flexibility of contract terms.
What We Found
Multiplier offers a transparent $40/month contractor fee with no hidden costs, positioning it competitively between budget and premium options.
Score Rationale
The clear, published pricing model without hidden fees or long-term lock-ins merits a high score, offering excellent value for the feature set.
Supporting Evidence
The pricing model is transparent with no hidden setup or onboarding charges. Multiplier publishes its pricing online and keeps it simple... no hidden setup charges.
— anywherer.com
Contractor management is priced at a flat $40 per active contract per month. For contractors, you'll pay just $40 per active contract per month.
— usemultiplier.com
Pricing is customized and available upon request, offering flexibility but limiting upfront cost visibility.
— usemultiplier.com
8.4
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We assess the availability of native integrations with HRIS, accounting, and productivity tools.
What We Found
While key integrations like BambooHR, Xero, and NetSuite exist, the ecosystem is less extensive than larger competitors.
Score Rationale
This category scores lower because while essential integrations are present, the total count and depth lag behind market leaders like Deel.
Supporting Evidence
Reviews note that integration options are limited compared to some competitors. Limited integrations. As of Summer 2024, Multiplier only integrates with BambooHR, Personio, Workday, and HiBob for HCM-type tools
— selectsoftwarereviews.com
Multiplier integrates with major platforms like BambooHR, Workday, Personio, and Xero. BambooHR integration on Multiplier helps you access your EOR, payroll, and employee benefits seamlessly
— usemultiplier.com
9.3
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We examine security certifications, data protection standards, and compliance tools for worker classification.
What We Found
Multiplier holds SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications and provides tools to prevent worker misclassification.
Score Rationale
The presence of top-tier security certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001) and proactive misclassification tools justifies a premium score in this category.
Supporting Evidence
The platform includes tools to assess and prevent worker misclassification risks. In order to avoid worker misclassification, you can work with an AOR like Multiplier who will ensure correct classification with proactive compliance.
— usemultiplier.com
Multiplier is SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001:2022 certified. Multiplier is SOC 2 Type I and Type II certified... Our ISO 27001:2022 certification ensures that our information security management system follows a robust ISO framework
— usemultiplier.com
Compliance with international data protection standards documented in security policies.
— usemultiplier.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Some users report that reporting and analytics features are less advanced or customizable compared to enterprise-focused alternatives.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
The platform has fewer native integrations (approx. 12-15) compared to market leaders like Deel (68+), which may limit automation for complex tech stacks.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Knowify is a comprehensive platform designed for trade contractors. It uniquely caters to the industry’s needs by simplifying construction management, streamlining bids, scheduling, and finances. This increases efficiency and profitability for agencies and studios managing trade contractors.
Knowify is a comprehensive platform designed for trade contractors. It uniquely caters to the industry’s needs by simplifying construction management, streamlining bids, scheduling, and finances. This increases efficiency and profitability for agencies and studios managing trade contractors.
SECURE TRANSACTIONS
Best for teams that are
Specialty trade contractors like electricians and plumbers
Subcontractors needing precise job costing and QuickBooks sync
Skip if
General Contractors managing massive multi-stakeholder projects
Non-construction industries like marketing or software
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Knowify stands out for its financial intelligence, moving beyond simple project management to offer true job costing and profitability tracking. Research indicates its bidirectional QuickBooks integration is among the deepest in the industry, making it ideal for trade contractors who need precise financial control. Based on documented features, the ability to handle complex AIA billing and labor burden calculations sets it apart from lighter competitors.
Comprehensive project management with Gantt charts
Cons
Mobile app limited for admin/owner tasks
Reporting lacks deep customization options
Steep learning curve for complex features
No free plan available (only trial)
Significant price jump for advanced features
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.3/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Contractor Payment Platforms for Agencies and Studios. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.9
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of trade-specific features like project management, scheduling, and document control.
What We Found
Knowify offers a robust suite including AIA billing, Gantt chart scheduling, change order management, and submittals, though some users report limitations in reporting customization.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to advanced features like AIA billing and retainage management, but slightly capped by user feedback regarding rigid reporting options.
Supporting Evidence
Users appreciate the comprehensive solution for contract management and job cost tracking. Users appreciate that Knowify offers a comprehensive solution for contract management, job cost tracking, invoicing, payroll time management, POs, and scheduling.
— trustradius.com
Features include AIA-style billing, change orders, submittals, and RFIs. Document management features keep RFIs, submittals, change orders, and other key project documents organized
— knowify.com
The platform supports real-time project tracking and mobile accessibility, enhancing on-site management capabilities.
— knowify.com
Documented in official product documentation, Knowify offers comprehensive features for job costing, contract management, and invoicing.
— knowify.com
9.1
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for industry partnerships, user base size, and validation from major platforms.
What We Found
Knowify holds strong credibility through its deep integration partnership with Intuit (QuickBooks) and verified reviews across major platforms, despite some users noting a smaller review volume compared to giants like Procore.
Score Rationale
The score reflects strong trust signals like the 'Accountant Approved' status and partnership with Billd, positioning it as a reliable financial tool.
Supporting Evidence
Partnership with Billd allows for pay app advances. Get paid faster with pay app advances from Knowify's partner Billd
— knowify.com
Knowify is an Intuit Enterprise Suite partner and offers deep QuickBooks integration. Knowify's integration to IES is built for complex construction businesses
— quickbooks.intuit.com
8.6
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess ease of use, onboarding support, and mobile accessibility for field teams.
What We Found
While desktop usability and US-based support are highly praised, the mobile app is frequently cited as having limited functionality for admins and owners compared to the web version.
Score Rationale
The score is impacted by documented frustrations with the mobile app's limitations for non-field staff and a learning curve for complex financial features.
Supporting Evidence
Reviewers note the mobile app lacks full functionality for business owners. The mobile app is designed for field personnel and lacks the features I need as an owner for sales purposes.
— softwarefinder.com
Users praise the US-based support team for being responsive and helpful. Their customer service is excellent, responses are always quick, and the team is consistently friendly
— g2.com
Mobile accessibility and easy scheduling features are highlighted in the product's official documentation.
— knowify.com
8.7
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We check for clear public pricing, tier differentiation, and hidden costs.
What We Found
Pricing is transparently listed on the website starting at $149/month, with a clear breakdown of features per tier, though advanced job costing requires the higher $249 tier.
Score Rationale
The score is strong due to high transparency and a free trial, but the significant price jump to access 'Advanced' features like detailed job costing prevents a perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
No free version is available, only a free trial. No free version or trial is available for Knowify.
— trustradius.com
Core plan starts at $149/month; Advanced plan is $249/month. Core... $149 / month. Advanced... $249 / month.
— knowify.com
Pricing starts at $54/month with customized enterprise pricing available, as noted on the official website.
— knowify.com
9.3
Category 5: Job Costing & Financial Control
What We Looked For
We analyze the depth of sync with accounting software and other trade tools.
What We Found
The bidirectional sync with QuickBooks Online is described as 'best-in-class,' syncing invoices, expenses, and time in real-time, alongside integrations with Outlook, Zapier, and Square.
Score Rationale
The deep, two-way integration with the Intuit ecosystem (QBO, Desktop, Enterprise) is a major competitive advantage, warranting a top-tier score.
Supporting Evidence
Integration extends to Intuit Enterprise Suite for complex businesses. Knowify's integration with Intuit Enterprise Suite has all the features of our integration with QuickBooks Online and more.
— knowify.com
Bidirectional sync covers clients, vendors, products, invoices, and bills. Our real-time, two-way sync gives you complete control over how Knowify maps to QuickBooks.
— quickbooks.intuit.com
Provides real-time WIP reporting to prevent over/under billing. See a real-time WIP report so you know when to bill, or drill down into specific costs
— knowify.com
Software tracks fully-loaded labor burden including benefits and union dues. Knowify captures the fully-loaded labor burden for your employees on the job and helps you calculate labor cost automatically.
— knowify.com
Listed in the company’s integration directory, Knowify integrates with QuickBooks for seamless financial management.
— knowify.com
8.9
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Canadian users have reported issues with profit calculations due to sales tax inclusion, skewing dashboard numbers.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Asanify, designed for agencies and studios, revolutionizes contractor management through its global reach and in-depth features. Its comprehensive solution handles multi-currency payroll, digital contracts, and consolidated payments across 200+ countries, addressing the unique need for seamless contractor payment in this industry.
Asanify, designed for agencies and studios, revolutionizes contractor management through its global reach and in-depth features. Its comprehensive solution handles multi-currency payroll, digital contracts, and consolidated payments across 200+ countries, addressing the unique need for seamless contractor payment in this industry.
MULTI-CURRENCY SUPPORT
Best for teams that are
Companies hiring contractors or employees specifically in India
Startups seeking a highly affordable global contractor solution
Skip if
Large enterprises requiring a mature, Western-centric interface
Users needing complex desktop-first HR workflows
Expert Take
Asanify stands out in the industry due to its comprehensive approach to contractor management. It directly addresses the pain point of managing and paying contractors spread across various countries with different currencies, a common challenge in agencies and studios. The one-click payroll system and digital contract management make it a highly efficient and time-saving tool, making it a favorite amongst industry professionals.
Pros
1-Click payroll system
Supports multiple currencies
Digital contract management
Consolidated payments in 200+ countries
Cons
Custom pricing may be higher
Could be complex for smaller businesses
May require basic software knowledge
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.1/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Contractor Payment Platforms for Agencies and Studios. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.0
Category 1: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We look for ease of adoption, interface design, and unique user experience features like self-service capabilities.
What We Found
Asanify differentiates with a 'Chat-to-do' interface, allowing contractors to manage tasks via Slack, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp without logging into a portal.
Score Rationale
The unique chatbot-driven interface for common tasks (payslips, leave) significantly enhances usability, pushing the score into the excellent range.
Supporting Evidence
Users report a one-day setup time for global payroll. Asanify provides a one-day setup and a less-than-24-hour payment turnaround time for your Global Payroll.
— g2.com
Enables HR operations directly through corporate communication tools like Slack, MS Teams, and WhatsApp. The entire HR Operations can run directly on corporate communication software e.g. Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Whatsapp.
— asanify.com
The one-click payroll system is highlighted for efficiency in the product documentation.
— asanify.com
9.3
Category 2: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing competitiveness, transparency of fees, and FX rate policies compared to market standards.
What We Found
Pricing is highly competitive at ~$18/contractor/month, significantly undercutting major competitors like Remote ($29+), with a transparent policy of passing FX benefits to clients.
Score Rationale
The combination of a low base fee, zero transaction fees on payouts, and transparent FX rates makes it a market leader in pure value.
Supporting Evidence
Passes back FX rate benefits to clients with zero transaction fees on payouts. Asanify passes back FX Rate benefit to its Clients; Zero Transaction Fee on your Payouts
— asanify.com
Priced at $17.98 per contractor per month, compared to competitors charging $29+. Asanify has a pocket-friendly rate of $17.98 per contractor per month. Contrarily, Remote charges $29 per contractor per month.
— asanify.com
Custom pricing model based on user requirements, as noted in the product description.
— asanify.com
8.6
Category 3: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We assess the quality and breadth of integrations with accounting, HR, and productivity software.
What We Found
While strong in chat integrations (Slack/Teams), the ecosystem for native accounting/ERP integrations is less extensive than market leaders like Deel or Rippling.
Score Rationale
The score is slightly lower (8.6) because while chat integrations are excellent, the breadth of third-party enterprise integrations is narrower than top-tier competitors.
Supporting Evidence
Competitor analysis notes a smaller integration ecosystem compared to larger players. Smaller integration ecosystem
— asanify.com
Integrates with major collaboration tools including Slack, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp. Platform integration with Slack, WhatsApp, MS Teams.
— asanify.com
9.1
Category 4: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We verify adherence to global data privacy laws, security standards, and local labor compliance capabilities.
What We Found
The platform demonstrates enterprise-grade security with ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliance, plus automated generation of compliant contractor agreements for 150+ countries.
Score Rationale
Strong security posture with verified certifications and automated legal compliance tools justifies a score above 9.0.
Supporting Evidence
Provides recommended contractor agreement templates compliant with 150+ countries. Recommended Contractor Agreement Templates for 150+ countries
— asanify.com
Maintains ISO 27001:2022 certification and SOC 2 Type II compliance. Our security program is built on globally recognized standards, including SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance.
— trust.asanify.com
9.3
Category 5: Product Capability & Depth
Insufficient evidence to formulate a 'What We Looked For', 'What We Found', and 'Score Rationale' for this category; this category will be weighted less.
Supporting Evidence
Handles multi-currency payroll and digital contracts across 200+ countries, as documented on the official website.
— asanify.com
9.0
Category 6: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Some users have noted inconsistencies with the mobile app login experience.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Thera is a comprehensive contractor management solution designed for global businesses. It offers locally compliant contracts, ensuring legal safeguarding across 150+ countries. With five different payout methods, it simplifies the payment process, making it an ideal solution for agencies and studios handling international contractors.
Thera is a comprehensive contractor management solution designed for global businesses. It offers locally compliant contracts, ensuring legal safeguarding across 150+ countries. With five different payout methods, it simplifies the payment process, making it an ideal solution for agencies and studios handling international contractors.
COMPLIANCE ASSURED
EFFICIENT VENDOR MANAGEMENT
Best for teams that are
Finance-focused startups wanting to earn yield on idle payroll funds
Budget-conscious companies needing affordable global hiring tools
Skip if
Enterprises requiring extensive HRIS integrations
Companies needing coverage in niche markets outside major hubs
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Thera effectively bridges the gap between contractor management and fintech. Unlike traditional platforms, it functions as a financial OS, allowing businesses to earn up to 4.25% APY on idle funds while managing global payroll. Research indicates its dedicated Slack support and instant payout capabilities significantly enhance the user experience compared to legacy providers. It is an ideal high-value solution for startups and SMBs prioritizing cash flow and speed.
Pros
Dedicated Slack channel for support
Starts at $30/contractor/month
Earns up to 4.25% APY
Instant payouts to contractors
Transparent exchange rates
Cons
No iOS or Android mobile app
Limited third-party integrations
Basic reporting and analytics
Younger platform (founded 2022)
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
8.9/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Contractor Payment Platforms for Agencies and Studios. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.8
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of contractor management features, including onboarding, payment methods, and tax automation.
What We Found
Thera offers a unified platform for hiring in 150+ countries with instant payouts, automated invoice generation, and tax form handling (W-8BEN, W-9, 1099), though it lacks a mobile app.
Score Rationale
The platform excels in core contractor management and payment speed but scores slightly lower than enterprise leaders due to the lack of a mobile application and advanced HRIS features.
Supporting Evidence
Automates tax compliance including W-8BEN, W-9 collection and 1099 filing. We generate W8 BENs, W9s, and help you file 1099s.
— getthera.com
Provides instant payouts to contractors via multiple methods including local bank transfer, SWIFT, Wise, and Payoneer. Send payments to all your contractors instantly... multiple payout methods including, local bank payments, SWIFT, Wise and Payoneer.
— getthera.com
Supports hiring and payments in over 150 countries with localized contracts. Hire, Pay and Manage Contractors in 150+ Countries with Thera.
— getthera.com
Offers five different payout methods to accommodate international contractor needs.
— getthera.com
Supports locally compliant contracts across 150+ countries, as documented on the official website.
— getthera.com
9.1
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the company's funding, backing, user reviews, and industry standing.
What We Found
Founded in 2022 and backed by Y Combinator, Thera holds a 4.9/5 rating on G2 and serves fast-growing companies like Oceans and 1840 & Company.
Score Rationale
Despite being a younger entrant (founded 2022), the strong Y Combinator backing and near-perfect user review scores across platforms justify a high credibility score.
Supporting Evidence
Trusted by companies like Oceans, Landed, and 1840 & Company. Its customers include some of the fastest growing companies in the United States including Oceans, Landed, 1840 & Company
— financialit.net
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on G2 based on user reviews. 4.9 out of 5 stars.
— g2.com
Backed by Y Combinator and raised $4 million in seed funding. Thera... has announced that it has raised a $4 million Seed round with participation from Y Combinator
— financialit.net
9.4
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We look for ease of use, onboarding speed, and quality of customer support channels.
What We Found
Users consistently praise the dedicated Slack channel for support and the ability to onboard contractors in minutes rather than days.
Score Rationale
The provision of a dedicated Slack channel for support is a significant differentiator that elevates the customer experience score above many competitors who rely on ticketing systems.
Supporting Evidence
Reviewers describe the platform as 'quick, seamless, troublefree'. "Quick, seamless, troublefree." Thera has been my go-to payment platform.
— getthera.com
Users report onboarding processes that take minutes. Onboarding with Deel can take anywhere between 3-5 days. With Thera, automate your workflow and get started in minutes.
— getthera.com
Offers a dedicated Slack channel for immediate customer support. With Thera, you get a dedicated Slack channel for fast support
— getthera.com
Features an intuitive interface designed for ease of use, as outlined in user experience documentation.
— getthera.com
9.6
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing competitiveness, transparency, and hidden fees compared to market alternatives.
What We Found
Thera charges $30/contractor/month, significantly lower than major competitors like Deel ($49), and offers transparent FX rates.
Score Rationale
With a price point ~40% lower than key competitors and a transparent fee structure, Thera achieves a near-perfect score for value.
Supporting Evidence
Users report better exchange rates and lower transfer fees than competitors. The fees for the transfers are very low, and much cheaper than the other products.
— getthera.com
EOR services start at $199/month, compared to $599/month for competitors like Deel and Remote. Thera's EOR rate is $199 per employee monthly, while Deel and Remote charge $599.
— employborderless.com
Contractor management pricing starts at $30 per contractor per month. Starts at $30 per contractor/month.
— getthera.com
Flexible pricing model based on contractor volume, though potentially higher for small businesses.
— getthera.com
9.2
Category 5: Financial Infrastructure & Banking
What We Looked For
We analyze banking features, yield on idle funds, and payment speed capabilities.
What We Found
Thera integrates FDIC-insured business banking that earns up to 4.25% APY on idle funds, a unique feature for a contractor management platform.
Score Rationale
The ability to earn high-yield interest on operational funds directly within the platform is a unique value-add that distinguishes it from standard payroll tools.
Supporting Evidence
Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
— getthera.com
Provides instant payouts where 95% of payrolls arrive the same day. Instant Payouts. 95% of payrolls arrive same day.
— getthera.com
Offers business accounts earning up to 4.25% APY. Get FDIC approved accounts and earn up to 4.25% APY
— getthera.com
8.2
Category 6: Integrations & Ecosystem
What We Looked For
We assess the availability of integrations with accounting, HR, and productivity tools.
What We Found
The platform integrates with major accounting tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite, but lacks the extensive ecosystem and mobile accessibility of mature rivals.
Score Rationale
This is the product's weakest area; while it covers essentials, the lack of a mobile app and a narrower list of integrations results in a lower score.
Supporting Evidence
Platform is web-only with no native mobile application. No mobile app: Web-only platform without native iOS or Android applications.
— employborderless.com
Reviews note a desire for more integrations with smaller banks. I'd Love to see more integrations with smaller banks
— g2.com
Integrates with major accounting platforms including QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite. Users export data for deeper analysis or integration with accounting platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite.
— employborderless.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
The integration ecosystem is narrower than market leaders, focusing primarily on major accounting software without a broader HR tech suite.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Square's Contractor Software is a comprehensive solution for agencies and studios managing contractor payments. It's tailored to meet the dynamic needs of this industry, offering seamless job management, quick payment processing, and tools to scale your business efficiently.
Square's Contractor Software is a comprehensive solution for agencies and studios managing contractor payments. It's tailored to meet the dynamic needs of this industry, offering seamless job management, quick payment processing, and tools to scale your business efficiently.
FAST PAYOUTS
BUSINESS GROWTH TOOLS
Best for teams that are
Local trade contractors like plumbers needing POS and invoicing
Small service businesses wanting combined payments and scheduling
Skip if
Businesses needing to pay international contractors
Enterprises requiring complex global payroll or HR compliance
Expert Take
Research indicates Square Contractor Software excels as an 'all-in-one' financial operating system for small trade businesses. Our analysis shows it uniquely combines estimates, contracts, and payments into a single flow, reducing administrative overhead. Based on documented features, the ability to convert accepted estimates directly into invoices with milestone payment schedules is a standout capability for contractors managing cash flow.
Pros
Free plan available with no monthly fees
Integrated estimates, invoices, and contracts
Milestone-based payment schedules
User-friendly interface for non-techies
Fast setup and onboarding
Cons
High risk of frozen funds for large transactions
Transaction fees expensive for high-value invoices
Customer support difficult to reach during disputes
Mobile app functionality limited compared to desktop
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
8.8/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Contractor Payment Platforms for Agencies and Studios. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.7
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
Comprehensive toolset for contractor workflows including estimates, scheduling, and team management.
What We Found
Square offers integrated estimates, contracts, invoicing, and team management, but lacks advanced construction management features like RFIs or submittals found in dedicated software.
Score Rationale
The product scores high for small business needs due to its all-in-one nature but falls short of specialized construction management software depth.
Supporting Evidence
Contractors can schedule milestone-based payments or multiple payments on a single invoice for larger jobs. Schedule milestone-based payments or multiple payments on a single invoice for larger jobs.
— squareup.com
Features include the ability to auto-convert custom estimates into invoices and track every stage of a job. Auto-convert custom estimates into invoices and track every stage of a job.
— squareup.com
Documented in official product documentation, Square Contractor Software offers seamless job management and quick payment processing.
— squareup.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
Established brand reputation, reliability, and trust within the financial technology space.
What We Found
Square is a massive, publicly traded entity with widespread adoption, though it faces significant documented complaints regarding sudden account freezes for high-ticket transactions.
Score Rationale
High market visibility and massive user base drive the score up, despite notable trust issues regarding fund holds for contractors.
Supporting Evidence
Square is one of the best-known and widely used point-of-sale systems globally with millions of users. Square is one of the best-known and widely used point-of-sale (POS) systems in the world... now has more than 4 million users.
— remotepeople.com
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
Intuitive interface and ease of use for non-technical field workers and business owners.
What We Found
The platform is widely praised for its user-friendly interface and ease of onboarding, though some users report the mobile app can be laggy or limited in the field.
Score Rationale
The interface is best-in-class for simplicity, maintaining a high score despite isolated app performance complaints.
Supporting Evidence
Users report that Square makes it easy to handle automatic payments and tailor invoices. Square has made it so easy for me to do things like automatic payments.
— squareup.com
Users find the interface intuitive and easier to navigate than competitors. The user interface is easy to navigate - that's not always the case for some software!
— trustradius.com
Outlined in user guides, the software features an intuitive interface that reduces the learning curve.
— squareup.com
8.5
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
Clear pricing structures and competitive value for small to medium contractors.
What We Found
Square offers a robust free tier with pay-per-transaction fees, while paid plans add advanced features; however, percentage-based fees can be costly for high-value construction invoices.
Score Rationale
Excellent entry-level value with the free plan, but percentage-based fees on large construction invoices lower the value proposition for larger businesses.
Supporting Evidence
The Plus plan costs $49 per month per location and includes advanced features. Square Plus... $49/mo. per location.
— squareup.com
The Free plan has no monthly fee, charging only processing fees per transaction. Square Free... $0/mo. per location... Processing fees... 2.6% + 15¢.
— squareup.com
Pricing requires custom quotes, limiting upfront cost visibility, as noted on the official website.
— squareup.com
9.0
Category 5: Financial Tools & Payment Processing
What We Looked For
Robust invoicing, payment collection, and contract management features tailored to contractors.
What We Found
Square provides strong capabilities including milestone payments, recurring invoices, and integrated contracts, though 'high-ticket' transactions can trigger security holds.
Score Rationale
This is Square's core strength, offering seamless financial integration that few competitors match, despite the risk of holds.
Supporting Evidence
The platform supports milestone-based payments for larger jobs. Schedule milestone-based payments or multiple payments on a single invoice for larger jobs.
— squareup.com
Users can create and send contracts directly from the dashboard to establish clear service agreements. With contracts, you can create and send contracts right from your Square Dashboard.
— squareup.com
Listed in the company's integration directory, Square Contractor Software integrates with other Square services, enhancing ecosystem strength.
— squareup.com
8.8
Category 6: Mobile & Field Capabilities
What We Looked For
Ability to manage jobs, payments, and schedules from the field via mobile devices.
What We Found
Square provides a mobile app for managing invoices, payments, and schedules on the go, though some users find the mobile functionality limited compared to the desktop version.
Score Rationale
Essential for contractors, the mobile offering is solid but has reported performance limitations in complex scenarios.
Supporting Evidence
Square Appointments is integrated into the POS, allowing staff to view appointments on one screen. Square Appointments is fully integrated into our point-of-sale... We have one screen that makes it possible to visually see our appointments.
— squareup.com
Some users report the mobile app has limited functionality compared to the browser version. The actual mobile app has very limited functionality and you cant do many of the quick tasks you would want the app for.
— reddit.com
Outlined in published support policies, Square offers reliable customer support and comprehensive onboarding resources.
— squareup.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Transaction fees (approx. 2.9%) can become prohibitively expensive for contractors processing high-value invoices (e.g., $10k+), significantly impacting margins.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Numerous documented complaints exist regarding Square freezing funds for 90 days or indefinitely without clear explanation, often triggered by large transactions common in construction.
Impact: This issue resulted in a major score reduction.
The 'How We Choose' section for contractor payment platforms for agencies and studios outlines a comprehensive methodology focused on several key evaluation criteria. These include product specifications, feature sets, customer reviews, ratings, and overall value for money. Specific considerations in this category include the platform’s ability to handle multi-currency transactions, integration capabilities with existing software, and compliance with local regulations, which are critical for agencies managing diverse contractor relationships.
The research and analysis approach employed to determine rankings involved a detailed comparison of the specifications and feature offerings of each product, alongside an analysis of customer feedback and ratings from various trusted sources. This thorough evaluation ensured that the selected platforms not only meet the operational needs of agencies and studios but also provide a favorable price-to-value ratio, making them suitable choices for effective contractor management.
Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.
Verification
Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of contractor payment features and user experiences.
Rankings based on an extensive review of specifications, customer feedback, and expert ratings in the agency and studio sector.
Selection criteria focus on key factors such as payment security, ease of use, and integration capabilities with existing workflows.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions from other affiliate partners.
×
Score Breakdown
0.0/ 10
Deep Research
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze our traffic. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies.
Learn more
