Deel vs Steward
Which Compliance AI tool is better in 2026?
Deel
Global payroll, EOR, and HR platform with AI-powered compliance and workforce tools
Steward
AI-first AML platform for complex investor onboarding
Side-by-side
Deel leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($982M) and a lower entry price than Steward.
| Metric | Deel | Steward |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Global payroll, EOR, and HR platform with AI-powered compliance and workforce tools | AI-first AML platform for complex investor onboarding |
| Foundedi | 2019🏆 | 2024 |
| HQi | San Francisco, United States | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 6300🏆 | 1-10 |
| Neuron scorei | 77🏆 | 52 |
| Total fundingi | $982M🏆 | $5M |
| Latest roundi | Series E · Oct 2025 | Seed · Mar 2026 |
| Valuationi | $17.3B🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | From $19/mo🏆 | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Paid · From $19/mo | Free trial |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Deel and Steward.
| Capability | Deel | Steward |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✓ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Deel
- Has raised more capital ($982M vs $5M)
- Higher Neuron score (77 vs 52)
- Lower starting price ($19/mo)
- More mature (2019)
🔵 Strengths of Steward
- Offers a free trial
- Newer company (2024)
Which should you choose?
Choose Deel if price matters most — it starts at Paid · From $19/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Compliance tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Deel if you want the most established option — it has raised $982M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Deel vs Steward — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Deel has raised more capital and is the more established option; Steward has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Deel cheaper than Steward?
Yes — Deel's cheapest paid plan is Paid · From $19/mo, while Steward's is Free trial.
Do Deel and Steward offer free plans?
Deel: Paid only. Steward: Free trial only.
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