TL;DRDeel IT is a device management module within Deel's HR platform. It makes sense if you already use Deel for EOR or payroll. If you don't, or if you just need devices shipped globally without an HR subscription, there are better-fit tools. The top alternatives are: Raal (logistics-first, per-shipment, no subscription), GroWrk (full ITAM platform), Workwize (European focus), Firstbase (stipend + procurement), and OOMNEX (EMEA specialist).
Deel IT shows up on a lot of IT vendor shortlists. It's well-known because Deel is well-known. But for companies evaluating it purely for device logistics, shipping laptops to new hires and getting them back from departing employees, Deel IT is often not the best fit.
The core issue: Deel IT is a feature inside a large HR platform. If you're already using Deel for employer-of-record services or payroll, the device management add-on can make sense. If you're not, you're paying for a platform you don't need to get access to the logistics functionality you do.
This guide compares six Deel IT alternatives honestly, including what each is best for, what it costs, and where it falls short.
What Is Deel IT?
Deel IT is the device management module within Deel's broader global HR platform. It allows companies to procure, deploy, and manage company devices, primarily laptops, for employees in multiple countries. It's built on top of Deel's existing contractor and EOR infrastructure, which means it benefits from Deel's country coverage and compliance framework.
Key features include device procurement, MDM integration, device tracking, and retrieval. It's available as an add-on to existing Deel plans.
Why Look for a Deel IT Alternative?
There are four common reasons companies look for alternatives to Deel IT specifically for device logistics:
1. You're not using Deel for HR
Deel IT is designed to work within the Deel ecosystem. If your company uses a different HRIS (Rippling, Workday, BambooHR) or a different EOR provider, you'll be managing devices in a separate platform rather than an integrated one. That removes much of the workflow benefit.
2. You need pure logistics, not a platform
Some IT teams don't need asset tracking dashboards, MDM integration, or procurement catalogues. They need a reliable way to get a laptop from point A to point B in another country, with customs handled, the employee communicated with, and nothing falling through the cracks. For that specific need, a logistics-first service is often simpler and cheaper.
3. Subscription cost vs per-shipment cost
Deel IT is priced as a subscription service. For companies with low or irregular device movement, seasonal hiring, small team, project-based growth, paying a monthly subscription for a service you use 10 times a year doesn't make financial sense. Per-shipment pricing is often more cost-effective.
4. Sensitive offboarding scenarios
When a termination is acrimonious or sensitive, having the HR platform handle device retrieval creates awkward dynamics. A neutral third-party logistics service, one that's not associated with the HR processes that led to the separation, can coordinate retrieval more smoothly.
What to Look for in a Deel IT Alternative
| EVALUATION CRITERION | WHY IT MATTERS |
|---|---|
| Country coverage | Actual coverage with customs expertise vs nominal "we ship to 150 countries" with no real local knowledge |
| Pricing model | Subscription vs per-shipment: which is cheaper for your volume? |
| Speed to first order | Can you place an order today, or does it require a demo, contract, and implementation period? |
| Offboarding capability | Does it handle device retrieval as well as provisioning? Who coordinates with the employee? |
| Integration with your stack | Does it connect to your HRIS, MDM, or ticketing system? Does it need to? |
6 Deel IT Alternatives: Honest Comparison
1. Raal
Best for: Lean IT teams, no subscription
Raal is a logistics-first device operations platform built specifically for distributed teams. It handles outbound provisioning (shipping laptops to new hires) and return retrieval (getting devices back from departing employees) across 150+ countries, including packaging, customs, insurance, carrier coordination, and employee communication.
The key differentiator: Raal is a managed service, not a software platform. You place an order and Raal handles everything. There's no subscription, no implementation period, no demo required to get started. You pay per shipment.
Raal works alongside your existing MDM (Jamf, Intune, Kandji) rather than replacing it. It doesn't manage what's on the device, only where the device is and how it gets there.
✓ Strengths
- No subscription, pay per shipment
- 5-minute order placement
- Neutral 3rd party for sensitive offboarding
- Full insurance included
- 150+ countries with real customs expertise
- No setup or implementation required
✗ Limitations
- Not a full ITAM platform (by design)
- No device procurement, works with your existing hardware
- No MDM integration (works alongside your MDM)
Best for: Companies that already own their devices and need a reliable, no-hassle way to move them globally. Particularly strong for offboarding and retrieval from remote employees. Get a live estimate →
Get a full comparison overview of Raal vs Deel IT here →
2. GroWrk
Best for: Mid-market and enterprise ITAM
GroWrk is a full IT asset management platform covering procurement, deployment, retrieval, storage, and end-of-life recycling. It's SOC 2 Type 2 certified, integrates with 40+ HRIS and MDM tools, and has a global warehouse network for device storage and redeployment.
GroWrk also has an "A La Carte" option, a pay-as-you-go version of the platform for companies that want access without a full subscription commitment.
✓ Strengths
- Full ITAM lifecycle (procurement to recycling)
- 40+ integrations
- SOC 2 Type 2 certified
- Global warehouse network
- AI help desk for IT support
✗ Limitations
- More complex than many teams need
- Subscription pricing; demo required
- Best value at higher employee counts
Best for: Companies with 100+ employees who need full lifecycle management, procurement, and deep integrations with their HR stack.
3. Workwize
Best for: European-headquartered companies
Workwize is an IT asset management platform with strong European coverage and a focus on the full device lifecycle from procurement to retrieval. It's commonly compared to GroWrk and Hofy in the European market and has a solid integration story with popular HR tools.
✓ Strengths
- Strong EU market expertise
- Good HRIS integrations
- Competitive in European countries
- Full lifecycle including disposal
✗ Limitations
- Less coverage depth outside Europe
- Subscription pricing
- Demo and implementation required
Best for: European companies managing devices across EU countries, particularly if you're looking for a GroWrk alternative with more EU-specific expertise.
4. Firstbase
Best for: Stipend-first remote work programs
Firstbase started as a remote employee home-office stipend platform, giving employees a budget to purchase their own home office setup. It has expanded into device management, but its roots are in the stipend model rather than company-owned device logistics. It's a better fit for companies with BYOD or bring-your-own-peripherals policies.
✓ Strengths
- Strong home office / peripherals use case
- Good for BYOD programs
- Employee-friendly experience
- Well-integrated with HR tools
✗ Limitations
- Less suited to company-owned laptop logistics
- Weaker on international customs complexity
- Subscription pricing
Best for: Companies with a strong BYOD culture or those looking to give employees a stipend for home office equipment alongside managed IT devices.
5. OOMNEX
Best for: EMEA + Middle East complexity
OOMNEX is an IT logistics specialist with deep expertise in EMEA markets, including some of the harder-to-serve countries in the Middle East and Africa. It's less well-known than GroWrk or Workwize but is respected in the enterprise segment for its country coverage in regions where other providers struggle.
✓ Strengths
- Strong EMEA and MENA coverage
- Good for complex customs environments
- Enterprise-grade reliability
✗ Limitations
- Less consumer-friendly UX
- Not as scalable for US/LATAM-first companies
- Less self-serve
Best for: Enterprise companies with significant operations in EMEA and MENA where standard providers lack coverage depth.
Full Comparison Table
| TOOL | PRICING MODEL | BEST FOR | PROCUREMENT | RETRIEVAL | INTEGRATIONS | SPEED TO START |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raal | Per shipment | Logistics-first, lean IT | No (use your own) | ✓ Full managed | MDM-agnostic | Same day |
| GroWrk | Subscription + A La Carte | Mid-market to enterprise ITAM | ✓ Full catalogue | ✓ Full managed | 40+ HRIS/MDM | Demo required |
| Workwize | Subscription | European companies | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ HRIS integrations | Demo required |
| Firstbase | Subscription | BYOD + stipend programs | ✓ Stipend model | Limited | ✓ HR tools | Demo required |
| OOMNEX | Enterprise contract | EMEA/MENA enterprise | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Enterprise | Longer |
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Use Raal if: You already own your devices and primarily need them moved globally, to new hires and back from leavers, without a platform subscription. Especially good if you have sensitive offboarding situations or are tired of spending hours per device on logistics.
Use GroWrk if: You need a full ITAM platform: procurement, tracking, storage, recycling. And you have 100+ employees who justify the subscription cost and implementation investment.
Use Workwize if: You're a European company looking for an ITAM platform with strong EU-market expertise and HRIS integrations.
Use Firstbase if: Your model involves employee home office stipends or BYOD for peripherals alongside some managed IT devices.
Use Deel IT if: You're already deeply integrated with Deel for EOR/payroll and the device management add-on fits naturally into that workflow.
→ See the full Raal comparison page (vs Deel IT, GroWrk, and others)
→ Related: Raal vs Managing IT Devices In-House
→ Related: What Is IT Asset Lifecycle Management? A Practical Guide
FAQ
What is Deel IT?
Deel IT is Deel's device management module, a feature within the broader Deel HR platform that allows companies to procure, deploy, and manage employee devices globally. It's primarily useful for companies already using Deel for employer-of-record or payroll services, as it integrates with that workflow. Standalone, it's often more complex and expensive than alternatives focused purely on device logistics.
Is there a free alternative to Deel IT?
Raal offers free platform access with no subscription. You pay only when you need a device shipped. GroWrk also has a free tier (A La Carte) for on-demand use. Neither requires a monthly commitment.
What is the cheapest way to manage IT devices for remote employees?
The cheapest approach depends on your volume. For low-volume shipping (under 5–10 devices per month), a per-shipment service like Raal avoids subscription costs. For higher volumes with complex procurement needs, a platform like GroWrk may offer better per-unit economics at scale. The hidden cost most companies underestimate is IT staff time. 3+ hours per device managed in-house adds up quickly.
Can I use Raal without a subscription?
Yes. Raal's platform is free to access. You pay per shipment with no minimum commitment. There is no setup fee and no subscription required. See live pricing →
About Raal: Raal handles device logistics for global teams, shipping laptops to new hires and retrieving them from departing employees across 150+ countries. No subscription. No setup. 5 minutes to place an order. Get a live estimate →
