Contractors are definitely easier UNTIL one of them files IRS form SS-8 (they normally will do it around April 15 when they haven't paid their taxes) and the IRS reclassifies all your contractors as employees. Then you get a bill for ALL the taxes including what would have been deducted from their paychecks. Unless you are running a hit & run business, plan to change corporate identities within 3-5 years and are operating a business that can't be linked to you ( ie. the IRS will at least have a hard time arguing you are the responsible party / dummy corporation, BEARER shares, New Mexico LLC ) Then stay away from misclassifying workers ! If you control the scheduling of the jobs, when the worker will do it, require them to wear a uniform, or provide the equipment , they will be ruled an employee.
Most bullshit operators that do this contractor crap operate as the worker is an employee EXCEPT when it come to taxes. That won't fly and the service loves nailing small businesses for it. I know a bunch of guys that have gone out of business over this to only have a huge tax bill follow them for years.