Papaya Global vs Arc.dev: Which Should You Choose in 2026?

Choosing between Papaya Global and Arc.dev comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

Papaya Global

Global payroll platform

Best for you if:

  • • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
  • • You need payroll features specifically
  • Global payroll and HR platform
  • Hire and pay in 160+ countries

Arc.dev

Hire remote developers

Best for you if:

  • • You need recruiting features specifically
  • • You need hire remote developers
  • • You need professional-grade features
At a Glance
Papaya GlobalPapaya Global
Arc.devArc.dev
Price
PaidPaid
Best For
PayrollRecruiting
Rating
80/100/100
FeaturePapaya GlobalArc.dev
Pricing ModelPaidPaid
Editorial Score
80
Community RatingNo ratings yetNo ratings yet
Total Reviews00
Community Upvotes
0
52
Categories
PayrollHRIS
RecruitingPayroll

Understanding the Differences

Both Papaya Global and Arc.dev solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Papaya Global positions itself as "global payroll platform" while Arc.devfocuses on "hire remote developers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.

When to Choose Papaya Global

Papaya Global makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 80/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.

When to Choose Arc.dev

Arc.dev is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.

Who Should Use What?

Bootstrapped or small team?

Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.

We'd pick: Arc.dev

Growing fast?

Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Papaya Global handles scale better in our testing.

We'd pick: Papaya Global

Enterprise with complex needs?

You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Papaya Global is built for organizations like yours.

We'd pick: Papaya Global

Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions

1

How much can you spend?

Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Papaya Global—it scored higher.

2

Do you care what other users think?

Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.

3

Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?

Our team rated Papaya Global higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Arc.dev more (52 votes). Pick your source of truth.

Key Takeaways

What Papaya Global Does Better

  • Higher overall score (80/100)
  • Our recommendation for most use cases

Consider Arc.dev If

  • Its specific features better match your workflow
  • You prefer its interface or design approach

The Bottom Line

If we had to pick one, we'd go with Papaya Global (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Papaya Global scores higher in our analysis, but Arc.dev might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Papaya Global or Arc.dev better?

Based on our analysis, Papaya Global scores higher with 80/100. Papaya Global ispaid while Arc.dev is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.

Can I switch from Papaya Global to Arc.dev easily?

Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.

Do Papaya Global and Arc.dev offer free trials?

Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Papaya Global is paid with potential trial.Arc.dev is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.

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