Outlier vs micro1: countries, interview, pay compared
By AI Global Work editorial team · Facts checked Nov 15 · live numbers update daily
Short answer
Outlier accepts people only in the countries on its published list and pays weekly. micro1 decides country by country on each role, with many roles open globally, and pays twice a month through Deel. If Outlier doesn't accept your country, micro1's roles are worth checking.
At a glance
- Who runs it: Outlier is operated by Scale AI. micro1 is an independent, venture-backed company.
- Countries: Outlier has one published list. micro1 states a location on each role.
- Screening: Outlier uses skill screenings, ID verification and project assessments. micro1 uses an on-demand AI interview with Zara, and tells you straight away whether you meet its criteria.
- Payouts: Outlier pays on Tuesdays through PayPal, Airtm or ACH. micro1 pays in USD through Deel, around the 5th and the 20th.
- After you pass: both depend on projects. Qualifying on Outlier, or being certified by micro1, does not guarantee work.
Which countries each accepts
Outlier's list covers much of Europe and the Americas plus countries such as India, the Philippines, Egypt and South Africa, and leaves out others such as Nigeria, Kenya and Pakistan. micro1 has no single list: read the Location line on each posting. Some say global, others name a few countries. Our role pages show what each micro1 posting says.
Pay
Outlier sets rates by country and shows the rate before a project. micro1 lists a rate on each role; the box at the top of this page shows the median and top rate across its open roles today. Neither is guaranteed income.
Which to choose
- If Outlier's list doesn't include your country, start with micro1 roles that name your country or say global.
- If you prefer a weekly payout through PayPal, Outlier fits; if Deel works for you, micro1 does.
- If you dislike AI interviews, note that micro1's Zara interview is required for each application.
Questions people ask
Is Outlier or micro1 better?
It depends on where you live. Outlier only accepts the countries on its list. micro1 sets location role by role and has many roles open globally.
Which pays faster, Outlier or micro1?
Outlier pays weekly on Tuesdays. micro1 pays twice a month.
Does micro1 accept countries Outlier doesn't?
Often, yes. micro1 roles that say global are open to countries missing from Outlier's list. Check the Location line on each posting.
Do both require an interview?
micro1 requires its Zara AI interview. Outlier uses skill screenings and project assessments rather than an interview.
Best-paid micro1 roles right now
Energy Regulatory Counsel
micro1
Law · United States only
Gaming/Gambling Regulatory Attorney
micro1
Law · Countries not confirmed
Consumer Product Safety Attorney
micro1
Law · Countries not confirmed