Toptal is renowned globally for linking companies to high-level independent technology freelancers. However, many firms will often go for Toptal alternatives for hiring due to factors such as cost, particular project needs or broader service. Therefore, let’s take a look at the top ten competitors and how they stand when compared to Toptal.
Indeed, Toptal has plenty to offer. It has access to the top 3% of software development, design, and finance freelancers. A strict process ensures only the best Toptal talent is brought on board. Moreover, the company offers flexibility in hiring for both short-term and long-term projects.
Regardless of the quality control of their talents, Toptal simply isn’t a match for some companies. That’s why they often choose alternatives more suitable to their needs.
Let’s take a look at some of the names that often come up.
Empat is a customer-centric software development company with over 300 completed projects across 12 markets. Its solutions encompass mobile app development, MVP development, web development, product development, entire tech team scaling, and outstaffing.
Empat works with clients from tech and non-tech sectors and has successful cases like PixShare, and Startup Obimy with Ignition Studio.
|
Toptal |
Empat |
Pricing |
Typically charge between $100 and $150+ per hour. |
50$-100$ per hour. |
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
5/5 on Clutch |
Trial version |
2 weeks risk-free trial period |
Not available |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe |
Worldwide |
CloudDevs is a platform that connects businesses with freelance developers for hire. They take pride in their small hourly rates, and quick processing of tasks.
The majority of their talent pool is based in Latin America, hence the lower rates. Nonetheless, they seem to offer experienced tech talent. There is a possibility to hire freelancers and permanent hires.
Toptal |
CloudDevs |
|
Pricing |
$100 – $150+ per hour. |
$45-$70 per hour |
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
5/5 on Clutch |
Trial version |
2 weeks risk-free trial period |
7 days risk-free guarantee |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe |
Latin America |
Guru is an online freelance platform that offers a wide array of professional services, including those related to tech, creative, and business projects. It boasts of having freelancers from different backgrounds and niches.
However, in case you find a freelancer on their platform, you will need to do the vetting process yourself. Guru provides you with a contact, and you do the rest, which isn’t suitable for most businesses.
|
Toptal |
Guru |
Pricing |
Typically charge between $100 and $150+ per hour |
N/A |
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
9,6/10 on Trustradius |
Trial version |
2 weeks risk-free trial period |
Not available |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe
|
Worldwide |
Arc.dev focuses on connecting startups and established enterprises with their talent pool. The services they provide are all-around, and they claim that their freelancers have gone through the vetting process prior to joining.
This Toptal alternative hosts talents from over 190 countries, which can be helpful for companies that need targeted skills for specific countries or markets.
|
Toptal |
Arc.dev |
Pricing |
Charge between $100 and $150+ per hour |
$60-$100 per hour |
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
4,8/5 on Clutch |
Trial version |
2 weeks risk-free trial period |
Up to two weeks (for contract/freelance positions)
3-month guarantee (for permanent roles) |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe
|
Worldwide |
Upwork is arguably one of the most popular freelancing marketplaces. However, this is mostly due to their lack of interviewing and evaluation processes. Even though Upwork offers plenty of skills that their remote freelancers claim to have, it can be difficult for clients to hire the right people, as they take the risk on themselves.
On the upper side, Upwork freelancing platform is suitable for companies that have needs for multiple experts, and have a small budget to cover for those.
|
Toptal |
Upwork |
Pricing |
Typically charge between $100 and $150+ per hour. |
$3-$100+ per hour;
|
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
7,4/10 on Trustradius |
Trial version |
2 weeks risk-free trial period |
Not available |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe
|
Worldwide, with a significant number from Asia and Eastern Europe
|
Fiverr is an online marketplace where small jobs and one-time gigs can be outsourced. This makes it popular among companies looking to engage in small-budgeted projects.
However, similar to Upwork, it lacks the high quality talent evaluation process. Virtually anyone can sign up to be a freelancer, and the only way that they can prove their expertise is by completing successful small tasks. That’s the risk that the client has to take rather than the platform (as we saw in other Toptal competitors).
|
Toptal |
Fiverr |
Pricing |
Typically charge between $100 and $150+ per hour. |
Range of $5-$100 |
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
3/5 on Trustpilot |
Trial version |
2 weeks risk-free trial period |
Not available |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe
|
Worldwide, especially the United States, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom.
|
Gun.io offers tech-only talents to companies looking for web or mobile development experts, just to name a few.
The freelance developers this platform offers have gone through extensive interviewing and rigorous screening process. Hence, they consider their diverse pool to be made out of top quality developers.
|
Toptal |
Gun.io |
Pricing |
Typically charge between $100 and $150+ per hour. |
$100-$200 per hour |
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
4,5/5 on G2 |
Trial version |
2 weeks |
Not available |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe
|
Worldwide |
Flexiple claims that it allows companies to hire developers at the top of their game. Similarly to Gun.io, their talents also undergo multiple tests that challenge their skills. This process ensures that only experienced freelancers make the cut.
The businesses can choose whether they want to hire vetted developers part-time, full-time, or on an hourly basis.
|
Toptal |
Flexiple |
Pricing |
Typically charge between $100 and $150+ per hour. |
$30 to $100 per hour |
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
4,5/5 on Trustpilot |
Trial version |
2 weeks risk-free trial period |
Available |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe
|
Worldwide |
Pangara is another Toptal competitor that has tech talent up on its sleeve. Or at least, they had them in the past. Their website seems to be out of date, with the last blog post published in 2021. Additionally, the newest Trust Pilot review was made in 2019, by one of the project managers.
Considering these, we tend to believe that Pangara isn’t around anymore to help in hiring freelance developers. However, we managed to find some information about them that seemed relevant back in the day. Here’s how they would’ve held up against Toptal freelancers in the modern day.
Toptal |
Pangara |
|
Pricing |
Typically charge between $100 and $150+ per hour. |
From $39 per hour |
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
4,5/5 on Trustpilot |
Trial version |
2 weeks risk-free trial period |
14-day |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe |
South Asia |
Gaper.io is a Toptal alternative for companies looking for AI-powered talents. Healthcare, fintech, and legal tech seem to be the areas where Gaper excels. They also claim to hire the top 1% of the talents, which seems to be the trend among Toptal alternatives.
Nonetheless, what separates them from other Toptal alternatives is their focus on hiring remote developers with AI knowledge.
Toptal |
Gaper |
|
Pricing |
$100-$150+ per hour |
$50-$100 per hour |
Services offered |
|
|
Customer ratings |
4,9/5 on Clutch |
4,3/5 on Clutch |
Trial version |
2 weeks risk-free trial period |
Available |
Talent location |
Americas and Europe |
China, USA, Brazil, Russia, India, Croatia |
Finding the right Toptal alternatives depends on the kind of need and project you have. The following are some situations that can help you choose:
Empat is your go-to Toptal alternative platform. Startup development is their expertise. All you have to do is fill out the contact form and explain your project details and growth expectations and the Empat team will determine which expert your project needs. From there, they will allocate the tasks and project requirements across their team while you sit back and watch the numbers grow.
Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are where you should go to. They are very similar but different at the same time. Both should get the job done, either way. Upwork can be your primary choice if the quality of work is your priority. However, if you care more about reaching your budgeting goals or hourly rates, Fiverr will do.
In the tech industry, AI talk is on everyone’s lips. This kind of technology is both impressive and helpful. This is why Gaper, another significant Toptal alternative, made it easier to find tech talent which is specialised in this area. If your company is looking to scale the business through the power of AI in tech projects, Gaper is the safest choice.
When remote hiring top tech talent, reviewing Toptal alternatives can provide better alignment with a limited budget, project scope, and specific needs of your company. Empat stands out with its client-focused approach, diverse service offerings, highly skilled developers, and extensive experience across various industries, such as Fintech.
Fill Contact Form now to get in touch with Empat professional IT solutions adapted specifically towards start-up developments. The Empat team will reach out to you with further details.
Which alternative to Toptal you choose depends on your specific needs. Empat is excellent for MVP development services, while other platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are better for smaller, budget-friendly tasks.
Both platforms have strict streamlined hiring process vetted by senior remote developers first, but Turing focuses its hiring time on long-term roles for experienced developers.
Reddit users, some which are project managements, often recommend Upwork for its broad talent pool and competitive pricing, especially for diverse freelance developers needs.
For companies that have high budgets for outsourcing software developers, Toptal is a good choice. Their rigorous vetting process makes sure that only the most experienced and skilled talents make the cut.