SigmaRemote vs Ontop — A Lean, Contractor-First Alternative
Ontop covers onboarding, contracts, and compliance—but paying contractors remains complex and costly. Learn why fast-moving teams prefer SigmaRemote for transparent fees, USD wallet payouts, and onboarding in under 15 minutes.
4.8
5k Satisfied Customers
4.8
5k Satisfied Customers
Side-by-Side on What Really Matters
Ontop
$49/month per contractor + 1% payment commission
$49/month per contractor + 1% payment commission
Currency conversion rates include 1% payment commission and a hidden markup on top of the mid-market rate.
Currency conversion rates include 1% payment commission and a hidden markup on top of the mid-market rate.
May incur $0–45 in SWIFT/intermediary fees, depending on country and rail.
May incur $0–45 in SWIFT/intermediary fees, depending on country and rail.
ACH to local bank takes 3–5 days; timing can vary by region and bank route.
ACH to local bank takes 3–5 days; timing can vary by region and bank route.
No hidden wallet fees, but $10 inactivity fee after two months of inactivity.
No hidden wallet fees, but $10 inactivity fee after two months of inactivity.
Portal-based setup; sales consult required; billing/contract details locked pre-payment.
Portal-based setup; sales consult required; billing/contract details locked pre-payment.
Inconsistent response times. Contractors report slow issue resolution and limited access to live help.
Inconsistent response times. Contractors report slow issue resolution and limited access to live help.
Sigma
$18/month per active contractor — reduced rates for teams of 20+
$18/month per active contractor — reduced rates for teams of 20+
0% FX with USD wallets; ~1% FX only if converting to local currency
0% FX with USD wallets; ~1% FX only if converting to local currency
$0 with USD wallet (no forced conversions)
$0 with USD wallet (no forced conversions)
1-2 business days, or instant with USDC. Optimized infrastructure
1-2 business days, or instant with USDC. Optimized infrastructure
Contractors hold USD wallet, choose when and how to convert
Contractors hold USD wallet, choose when and how to convert
<15 min mobile onboarding
<15 min mobile onboarding
Fast, human‑first support optimized for contractor payouts
Fast, human‑first support optimized for contractor payouts
Pain Points with Ontop
Pain Points with Ontop
Pain Points with Ontop
What frustrates founders and contractors using Ontop for international payments:
What frustrates founders and contractors using Ontop for international payments:
What frustrates founders and contractors using Ontop for international payments:
Expensive contractor SaaS model: $49/month plus 1% commission on each payment; discounts only apply at scale.
Expensive contractor SaaS model: $49/month plus 1% commission on each payment; discounts only apply at scale.
Hidden FX behavior: Payment fees and FX markups embedded in unlabeled conversion rates—not clearly disclosed pre-payment.
Hidden FX behavior: Payment fees and FX markups embedded in unlabeled conversion rates—not clearly disclosed pre-payment.
Unpredictable bank fees: Contractors in some markets lose $0–$45 to SWIFT or intermediary deductions.
Unpredictable bank fees: Contractors in some markets lose $0–$45 to SWIFT or intermediary deductions.
Delayed payout flow: Self-reported 3–5 day delay in fund arrival, even with nominal intra-US transfers.
Delayed payout flow: Self-reported 3–5 day delay in fund arrival, even with nominal intra-US transfers.
Limited contractor control: No universal USD wallet; contractors rely on platform-directed payout methods.
Limited contractor control: No universal USD wallet; contractors rely on platform-directed payout methods.
Heavy onboarding friction: Sales-driven setup, manual contract/legal handling, slow quote cycle.
Heavy onboarding friction: Sales-driven setup, manual contract/legal handling, slow quote cycle.
Inconsistent support experience: Delayed responses for payment issues, limited access to live help, and no dedicated account managers for small teams. Contractors may face long resolution times via email-only support.
Inconsistent support experience: Delayed responses for payment issues, limited access to live help, and no dedicated account managers for small teams. Contractors may face long resolution times via email-only support.
Expensive contractor SaaS model: $49/month plus 1% commission on each payment; discounts only apply at scale.
Hidden FX behavior: Payment fees and FX markups embedded in unlabeled conversion rates—not clearly disclosed pre-payment.
Unpredictable bank fees: Contractors in some markets lose $0–$45 to SWIFT or intermediary deductions.
Delayed payout flow: Self-reported 3–5 day delay in fund arrival, even with nominal intra-US transfers.
Limited contractor control: No universal USD wallet; contractors rely on platform-directed payout methods.
Heavy onboarding friction: Sales-driven setup, manual contract/legal handling, slow quote cycle.
Inconsistent support experience: Delayed responses for payment issues, limited access to live help, and no dedicated account managers for small teams. Contractors may face long resolution times via email-only support.
Expensive contractor SaaS model: $49/month plus 1% commission on each payment; discounts only apply at scale.
Hidden FX behavior: Payment fees and FX markups embedded in unlabeled conversion rates—not clearly disclosed pre-payment.
Unpredictable bank fees: Contractors in some markets lose $0–$45 to SWIFT or intermediary deductions.
Delayed payout flow: Self-reported 3–5 day delay in fund arrival, even with nominal intra-US transfers.
Limited contractor control: No universal USD wallet; contractors rely on platform-directed payout methods.
Heavy onboarding friction: Sales-driven setup, manual contract/legal handling, slow quote cycle.
Inconsistent support experience: Delayed responses for payment issues, limited access to live help, and no dedicated account managers for small teams. Contractors may face long resolution times via email-only support.
Why SigmaRemote Wins
Why SigmaRemote Wins
Why SigmaRemote Wins
A better approach for paying international contractors:
A better approach for paying international contractors:
A better approach for paying international contractors:
Flat Fees, No Surprises: $18/month per active contractor — reduced rates for teams of 20+. 0% FX on USD wallet payments; ~1% FX when currency conversion is required.
Flat Fees, No Surprises: $18/month per active contractor — reduced rates for teams of 20+. 0% FX on USD wallet payments; ~1% FX when currency conversion is required.
USD Wallets Built In: Contractors keep 100% of what you send — no forced conversion.
USD Wallets Built In: Contractors keep 100% of what you send — no forced conversion.
Faster Payouts, Globally: 1–2 business day transfers or instant stablecoin delivery via USDC/USDT.
Faster Payouts, Globally: 1–2 business day transfers or instant stablecoin delivery via USDC/USDT.
Better for LATAM, Africa, Asia: Mobile-first onboarding, crypto-native infrastructure, and wallet support.
Better for LATAM, Africa, Asia: Mobile-first onboarding, crypto-native infrastructure, and wallet support.
No Shutdown Surprises: Real human support helps your team stay paid — fast.
No Shutdown Surprises: Real human support helps your team stay paid — fast.
Flat Fees, No Surprises: $18/month per active contractor — reduced rates for teams of 20+. 0% FX on USD wallet payments; ~1% FX when currency conversion is required.
USD Wallets Built In: Contractors keep 100% of what you send — no forced conversion.
Faster Payouts, Globally: 1–2 business day transfers or instant stablecoin delivery via USDC/USDT.
Better for LATAM, Africa, Asia: Mobile-first onboarding, crypto-native infrastructure, and wallet support.
No Shutdown Surprises: Real human support helps your team stay paid — fast.
Flat Fees, No Surprises: $18/month per active contractor — reduced rates for teams of 20+. 0% FX on USD wallet payments; ~1% FX when currency conversion is required.
USD Wallets Built In: Contractors keep 100% of what you send — no forced conversion.
Faster Payouts, Globally: 1–2 business day transfers or instant stablecoin delivery via USDC/USDT.
Better for LATAM, Africa, Asia: Mobile-first onboarding, crypto-native infrastructure, and wallet support.
No Shutdown Surprises: Real human support helps your team stay paid — fast.
See Common Question and Answer
See Common Question and Answer
See Common Question and Answer
What sets Sigma apart from other payroll platforms?
Unlike existing payroll services, Sigma is designed with the worker in mind. We provide unique financial tools, such as USD savings wallets and flexible payment options, ensuring that contractors not only get paid but also have the resources to thrive, empowering you to attract and retain the talent that drives your company's success.
How does Sigma ensure that workers receive local-like benefits?
Is it easy to switch to Sigma?
What sets Sigma apart from other payroll platforms?
Unlike existing payroll services, Sigma is designed with the worker in mind. We provide unique financial tools, such as USD savings wallets and flexible payment options, ensuring that contractors not only get paid but also have the resources to thrive, empowering you to attract and retain the talent that drives your company's success.
How does Sigma ensure that workers receive local-like benefits?
Is it easy to switch to Sigma?
What sets Sigma apart from other payroll platforms?
Unlike existing payroll services, Sigma is designed with the worker in mind. We provide unique financial tools, such as USD savings wallets and flexible payment options, ensuring that contractors not only get paid but also have the resources to thrive, empowering you to attract and retain the talent that drives your company's success.
How does Sigma ensure that workers receive local-like benefits?
Is it easy to switch to Sigma?
What sets Sigma apart from other payroll platforms?
Unlike existing payroll services, Sigma is designed with the worker in mind. We provide unique financial tools, such as USD savings wallets and flexible payment options, ensuring that contractors not only get paid but also have the resources to thrive, empowering you to attract and retain the talent that drives your company's success.
How does Sigma ensure that workers receive local-like benefits?
Is it easy to switch to Sigma?
Can I customize the categories for my expenses and income?
Are there any hidden fees in your pricing plans?
How secure is my financial data within the platform?
Can I customize the categories for my expenses and income?
Are there any hidden fees in your pricing plans?
How secure is my financial data within the platform?
Can I customize the categories for my expenses and income?
Are there any hidden fees in your pricing plans?
How secure is my financial data within the platform?
Can I customize the categories for my expenses and income?
Are there any hidden fees in your pricing plans?
How secure is my financial data within the platform?
We get you to every country
We get you to every country
We get you to every country
From Buenos Aires to Manila, hire contractors and employees anywhere with Sigma.
From Buenos Aires to Manila, hire contractors and employees anywhere with Sigma.
From Buenos Aires to Manila, hire contractors and employees anywhere with Sigma.
160+ countries
Argentina
Guinea
Scotland
Ecuador
Argentina
Guinea
Scotland
Ecuador
Argentina
Guinea
Scotland
Ecuador
Argentina
Guinea
Scotland
Ecuador
Europe
Brazil
Romania
Vietnam
Europe
Brazil
Romania
Vietnam
Europe
Brazil
Romania
Vietnam
Europe
Brazil
Romania
Vietnam
Canada
Belgium
Paraguay
Argentina
Canada
Belgium
Paraguay
Argentina
Canada
Belgium
Paraguay
Argentina
Canada
Belgium
Paraguay
Argentina
Myanmar
Cayman
Qatar
Honduras
Myanmar
Cayman
Qatar
Honduras
Myanmar
Cayman
Qatar
Honduras
Myanmar
Cayman
Qatar
Honduras
To hire from.
Incorporated outside of the U.S.?
International companies can also use Sigma. Book a demo to learn more.
Analytics and Reporting
Grow Your Team, Grow Your Business
Grow Your Team, Grow Your Business
Grow Your Team, Grow Your Business
Streamline HR processes and empower your team with our products. Facilitate manage employee data, and more in one platform.
Streamline HR processes and empower your team with our products. Facilitate manage employee data, and more in one platform.
Streamline HR processes and empower your team with our products. Facilitate manage employee data, and more in one platform.
The payroll platform for businesses powered by global emerging talent.
© 2025 SigmaRemote. All rights reserved.
🏢 Company
🏢 Why Remote Teams choose us
🏢 Why Gig Platforms choose us
📚 Resources
🛡 Trust
The payroll platform for businesses powered by global emerging talent.
© 2025 SigmaRemote. All rights reserved.
🏢 Company
🏢 Why Remote Teams choose us
🏢 Why Gig Platforms choose us
📚 Resources
🛡 Trust
The payroll platform for businesses powered by global emerging talent.
© 2025 SigmaRemote. All rights reserved.
🏢 Company
🏢 Why Remote Teams choose us
🏢 Why Gig Platforms choose us
📚 Resources
🛡 Trust
The payroll platform for businesses powered by global emerging talent.
© 2025 SigmaRemote. All rights reserved.
🏢 Company
🏢 Why Remote Teams choose us
🏢 Why Gig Platforms choose us
📚 Resources
🛡 Trust