Toptal has long been a market leader in the freelance talent market, particularly among businesses and entrepreneurs seeking tech talents such as software developers, graphic designers, and product managers. Toptal careers functions as a liaison by outsourcing highly vetted offshore tech talent, specializing in fields such as product and project management, web design, and software development, to companies and startups seeking remote tech talent for freelance or contract work.
However, Toptal is no longer the only marketplace for tech talent. While Toptal was a pioneer in sourcing vetted developers and designers, you now have access to a variety of worthwhile Toptal reviews alternatives.
We have compiled this comprehensive guide to assist you in narrowing your search for freelance developers and designers by providing in-depth research on all of Toptal’s primary competitors on the market today. Therefore, before we discuss the finest Toptal alternatives, let’s examine what Toptal offers its clients.
Brief Overview of Toptal’s Offerings:
- Unlike most other Toptal alternatives available today, Toptal talents are rigorously screened through a multi-stage vetting process to ensure the quality of talent on the platform.
- Toptal offers you the possibility to hire developers under both short and long-term engagements.
- Toptal’s remote freelancers are sourced from all over the world.
- All Toptalers set their own rates and they have the flexibility to quote their price based on their skill sets, seniority, and location they’re from.
- Most Toptal talents are expert devs that work for some of the largest tech firms in the US and they offer their services as freelancers on Toptal company.
How Much Does Toptal Cost?
As the platform allows freelancers to establish their own rates, Toptal developer rates can vary from talent to talent. However, rates may vary based on the developer’s location and their level of seniority.
To obtain an accurate cost estimate for your project, you must communicate with Toptal and outline all of its specifications. Based on your requirements, they can locate you a developer match from their pool. The rates would not be determined until the developer is selected, so you may not be able to obtain an accurate estimate of the project cost immediately.
How Long Does it Take to Hire Talent Through Toptal?
Hiring pre-screened tech talent from Toptal’s talent pool is contingent upon availability, as each candidate is matched to the client’s needs. Due to Toptal’s stringent hiring standards, their talent pool is somewhat limited compared to the other Toptal alternatives presented in this article.
Top 14 Toptal Alternatives To Find The Right Freelancer in 2023
This article provides information about Toptal alternatives. Listed below are the specifics.
As a business proprietor, you recognise that time is money. To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of the finest Toptal alternatives. Consider these options for assistance in locating the ideal freelancer for your business.
1. 99DESIGNS
99Designs has everything you need to get started, whether you’re looking for a logo for your business cards or custom T-shirts for you and your company. The variety of benefits provided by 99Designs makes locating the optimal design simple and effortless. They have a large number of talented designers who can assist you in realising your vision, from logo creation to the creation of entirely customised designs.
On 99Designs, there are two ways to find a designer: through a design competition or by directly employing a designer. In a design competition, you would first draught a brief delineating the desired design characteristics. The competition would then be launched, and designers would begin to submit their ideas. In just a few days, it is possible to receive more than 100 submissions.
Although contests may generate high-quality designs, not all contests will be successful. In addition, if you do not hold a “blind contest,” you can anticipate a large number of duplicate concepts. Some independent contractors submit multiple documents with minimal differences at the absolute last minute.
There are many opportunities for add-ons, including creative project managers who can assist you through the hiring and design processes, faster project completion, and exclusive competitions.
2. FIVERR
Fiverr, one of the most well-known freelancer marketplaces, offers more than 300 service categories. You can find anything on Fiverr, from website design to social media marketing. Additionally, as suggested by the platform’s moniker, many services are available for $5. This makes Fiverr an attractive option for businesses with limited resources.
It is essential to recognise that the quality of work on Fiverr can vary substantially. Given the abundance of low-cost services available, some freelancers may take shortcuts or limit modifications in order to earn money rapidly. This is another alternative to Toptal.
If you’re considering using Fiverr, be sure to read the reviews thoroughly and only hire independent contractors with a demonstrated track record. Obtaining high-quality, custom-tailored work may require you to invest a bit more, but it is well worth it.
In addition, Fiverr Pro offers a superior service commencing at $500 per assignment. This is an excellent option if you want to work with a reputable independent contractor. Check out our detailed comparison of Fiverr and Upwork, or click here to learn more about Fiverr.
3. HUBSTAFF TALENT
Hubstaff Talent, a more recent website, connects companies with remote employees. They have 3,400 agencies and over 119,000 contractors in 205 countries operating on their platform. This platform is completely free to use for enterprises and independent contractors alike. Free job postings make risk-free testing uncomplicated. You can directly publish your position on Hubstaff, as well as distribute it on a number of job platforms and social networking sites, to reach a larger talent pool.
Their cloud-based service is easy to use, and you can even integrate Hubstaff with Zapier to automate processes. Hubstaff’s substantially smaller freelancer pool compared to some of the other options on our list is a disadvantage. This means that it may be more challenging for you to find the ideal candidate for your specific needs.
If you’re having difficulty finding the ideal freelancer for your business, you can always reach out to the customer success team, which will do its best to connect you with the ideal freelancer.
4. GIGSTER
If you’re seeking to launch an app or SaaS solution, Gigster is an excellent resource for finding freelancers. In 2015, Gigster joined Silicon Valley’s Y-Combinator. At this juncture, the company experienced a significant turning point, and prosperity soon followed. Gigster endeavours to provide software development services that are user-friendly, scalable, and affordable for SaaS companies that cannot afford an in-house development team.
With the assistance of an AI-powered computer programme and a Gigster team member, you may receive a quote. A team of designers, engineers, and a project manager can be assembled in a matter of days. Thanks to this convenient white-glove service, you can focus on your business objectives rather than administering or recruiting employees. This is a true “set it and forget it” platform. This is another alternative to Toptal.
Some clients prefer a more hands-on approach to product development than the one Gigster provides. Gigster provides a comprehensive service that administers every aspect of your project from beginning to end. This strategy is more difficult for business leaders who have trouble delegating responsibility or letting go of control.
5. UPWORK
Upwork, formerly oDesk, is one of the largest and most well-liked platforms for independent contractors. It has been available since 1999 and continues to be an excellent option for businesses of all sizes. Utilising Upwork’s extensive selection of services is one of its benefits. On the platform, you can find freelancers for virtually any project. Within the over 12 million freelancers available, you can locate the ideal candidate for your company. Additionally, try out Yikyak alternate Apps
We have an extensive tutorial on Upwork scams and how to detect and avoid them, but some Upwork clients have reported forgeries that cost them time and money. Due to the platform’s exceedingly low entry barrier, this is the case. Anyone, regardless of qualifications or experience, can create a profile and submit bids for assignments.
Before hiring freelancers through Upwork, be sure to conduct exhaustive background checks on them. You can avoid fraud by reading reviews and ratings. Through our comparison of Upwork and Toptal, you can learn more about how the two services compare.
6. PEOPLEPERHOUR
PeoplePerHour has long been a reliable resource for freelancers and remote workers in the United Kingdom, and it is now a global phenomenon. It is one of the best alternatives to Toptal because it allows you to find competent local and remote contractors and outsourcers. PeoplePerHour has assisted over 11 million people in 89 countries in obtaining employment since its inception in 2007.
Using PeoplePerHour, businesses can locate qualified remote workers from all over the world. You can post a project and receive competitive estimates from independent contractors. The offers will be sent together, allowing for an organised and comprehensible comparison of the alternatives.
PeoplePerHour’s AI technology is designed to match freelancers with duties that match their expertise and skill set. The 15 distinct categories available to business proprietors and independent contractors include design, development, writing, and marketing.
Customers have complained about the subpar customer service and inconsistent quality of freelancers on this platform. You can find exceptional talent on PeoplePerHour, however, if you take the time to carefully evaluate proposals and freelancer ratings.
7. LEMON.IO
Do you need rapid access to independent developers? Then the Lemon.io platform may be suitable for you. They guarantee a freelancer match within 24 hours. As soon as you give your freelancer the green light, they will begin working on your project within 24 to 48 hours.
Each freelance developer on the platform has undergone a comprehensive evaluation procedure that includes a background check, an English exam, a coding exam, and a live interview. You can have confidence that the majority of the tech talent is genuine.
The forum is ideal for entrepreneurs who are just starting out. The contractors concentrate on constructing equipment for construction locations. A programme such as CodeMentor is more useful for locating and diagnosing coding issues than for fixing them. However, Lemon.io is an excellent option if you’re just starting out and need fundamental business development assistance.
8. DESIGNBRO
DesignBro only accepts the best 5% of designers due to their stringent screening procedures. With this method, you won’t have to worry about employing subpar designers who cannot meet the requirements. DesignBro’s two methods of operation are initiating a design competition and hiring a designer.
Before launching a design competition, you would first compose a design brief. The contest would then commence following your payment. Then, designers will start submitting concepts that adhere to the design brief. During your seven-day design contest, a small number of designers will compete for your proposal.
If you’d rather locate remote talent on your own, you can peruse the archives of their highly qualified freelancers. After reviewing their portfolios, you can choose a designer who is suitable for your project.
These design plans begin at $199, but they can become quite expensive. However, there is a money-back guarantee if you are unhappy with the service, so you can rest assured that your investment is secure.
9. GURU
Looking for salespeople, project managers, software architects, or software developers? Then you should go to Guru. This website facilitates over 1,600,000 independent developers and has an extremely user-friendly layout. Since their establishment in 1998, they are one of the most seasoned platforms on this list. It is among the best Toptal alternatives available.
Not only does Guru make it easy to post jobs, but it also allows you to review resumes and estimates without having to contact freelancers directly, sparing you time during the recruitment process. Unfortunately, the likelihood of fraud increases when there is a large volume. According to the BBB’s website, freelance developers should be hired with caution because the marketplace does not offer refunds or dispute protection. This is another alternative to Toptal.
10. BEHANCE
Some believe Pinterest and Behance are comparable because they both provide a platform for creators to share their work and gain inspiration. Artists can sign up for Behance using an email address, social media account, or Adobe ID.
Artists have been able to share their work on Behance for quite some time, but the site has only recently acquired popularity. Once administered by Adobe as a simple scrapbook-style website, Behance is now considerably more complex. People from all over the world use Behance frequently due to its job listings, live streaming, and moodboards.
On the Behance platform, freelancers can communicate with companies and showcase their work. It provides free job postings, but there is no way for freelancers to contact their employers if they are hired.
This forum may not be the best option for business proprietors who prefer a more guided experience than those offered by Toptal’s competitors. However, if you are comfortable independently vetting freelancers and wish to promote independent contractors, this website is an excellent option.
11. FREELANCER
Freelancer is the platform for you if you need access to a large number of freelancers. They are one of Toptal’s main competitors when it comes to providing remote workers for a variety of tasks, including software developers, designers, engineers, and IT specialists. Check additionally TreeSize Alternatives
Due to the size of the platform, you will undoubtedly receive an abundance of applications. Freelancer offers entrepreneurs FAQs that are well-written and support around the clock. You will be able to quickly and easily communicate your freelancer requirements.
Due to the size of the platform, it can be difficult to avoid plagiarism and find trustworthy freelancers who are willing to work on protracted projects. If you’re willing to seek among independent freelancers to find your ideal match, this may be a cheaper option.
12. POPULAR PAYS
Popular Pays is a piece of software that makes it easy for businesses to collaborate with influencers and content creators. The platform facilitates rapid connections between businesses and their community of over 60,000 users by providing a dependable search engine and an extensive set of relationship management tools.
A few of the platform’s strong characteristics include a robust search and filtering tool, simple administration of creators and projects, effective collaborations, and campaign assistance from highly qualified project managers.
If your company requires assistance with content development but does not wish to manage freelancers, this is an excellent option. In addition to selecting the top talent for your endeavour, Popular Pays will carry out this task for you.
13. CLOUDPEEPS
On CloudPeeps, businesses post job openings for which remote employees can apply. Members of CloudPeeps can offer their services as bundles through the Storefront, a specialised service. This is another alternative to Toptal.
On CloudPeeps, you can find both standard and expert freelancers. Pro Peep is a prestigious award given to individuals who have excelled in their respective disciplines and made significant contributions. These independent contractors have received over $5,000 from CloudPeeps, have at least 24 months of active experience, and have ratings of at least 80%.
Although posting a job is free, you can pay up to $150 to promote it and make it visible to Pro Peeps. This is an excellent option if you want to ensure that only the absolute best individuals observe your work.
14. UPSTACK
UpStack is an excellent alternative to Toptal if you need assistance with technical or development tasks. This platform connects businesses with remote independent developers, designers, and other tech specialists. This is another alternative to Toptal. Upstack’s AI algorithm is designed to match freelancers with projects that match their level of training and expertise. Check also ChatGPT Alternatives
You must first complete a quick questionnaire detailing the abilities and objectives you expect from your developer. Then, you will list the distinct job requirements. A UpStack account manager will then compile a list of independent software engineers who are the best match for your project.
You will be required to submit a deposit after evaluating and selecting a developer. After that, you have up to two weeks to evaluate the developer’s suitability for the position by working with them. This method is ideal for those who do not wish to invest hours searching for qualified remote engineers. They manage the majority of the process for you, so it’s not the best option if you want a completely hands-on approach to hiring freelance developers.
