4 Toptal Alternatives And Competitors

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September 22, 2023
Productivity

Are you a startup looking to balance cost-effectiveness with efficiency? Or you are just looking at options for a short term project? Chances are, you need reliable talent for your tech operations. If you’ve been around in the freelance market for a while, you may have heard of Toptal. To be honest, they have proven themselves as a premium freelance talent provider.

However, reports show that the demand for freelancers has significantly increased with new companies emerging, old ones upscaling, and the age of the deadly pandemic. So, there's a need for alternatives to meet the demand. Besides, Toptal's high cost and rigidity can be a huge bummer. With that said, here are four Toptal alternatives and competitors you can adopt for tech solutions.

Before we jump right into the alternatives, let’s take a quick look at Toptal, including its pros and cons.

What is Toptal?

In a nutshell, Toptal is a platform that connects companies with free software engineers and developers. There's no head office, so all correspondence and activities are remotely-operated online.

They connect you to talent at the following rates:

Hourly: $60 to $95+/hour

Part-time: $1,000 to 1,600+/week

Full-time: $2,000 to $3,200+/week

Toptal's Pros

  • You'll find on Reddit that Toptal has a somewhat "overstrict" reputation of not hiring some of the most talented developers. It's one of their strong points as they pride themselves in a thorough vetting process.

  • You can get quick access to talents on the hour, part-time or full-time basis. This flexibility will translate to saving more money required for full-time staff. Also, you'll be able to execute a short term project quickly.

  • Toptal allows a 2-weeks no-risk test project. If you are not satisfied, they bear the cost.

  • At Toptal, you'll hardly find entry-level tech guys, so there's a high chance you are getting highly experienced software engineers.

Toptal's Cons

  • It's up to you to manage the freelancers you get from Toptal because the service doesn’t offer project managers.

  • Since the responsibility of managing your developer lies on you, the risk of late-delivery is higher.

  • You may have to pay an additional $500 deposit in addition to the above rate. Now, let's jump into the Toptal alternatives.



Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, or TopTal? How to Pick a Freelancing Platform

When searching for the best freelancing platform, your choice largely depends on your current situation. For further help, the below video is very insightful.

Toptal vs.Upwork

Upwork is one of the best alternatives and one of Toptal’s strongest competitors. It's by far the largest freelancing platform as it spreads; it covers other freelancers besides software development talents. Upwork is the product of a merger between oDesk and Elance. oDesk and Elance have been in operation since 2003 and 1998, respectively.

Connecting you to a freelancer

The company adopts a stand-off approach compared to Toptal. So, though they connect you to a freelancer, you have to test their skills and abilities. However, they run a detailed vetting process for their freelancers.

Rate/pricing

Quite similar to Toptal, you can hire a freelancer on the hour, per-project, one-off, or even on a pro-rata basis. These are available in tiers:

  • A free plan that offers the freelancer’s work history, proposals, and collaboration tools.
  • There's a $49.99 per month plan with a dedicated support project manager (not available on Toptal).
  • The business plan introduces a team of advisors with report management for businesses that need detailed updates for the project’s oversight maintenance at $849 per month.
  • The enterprise plan which comes with compliance service, almost zero risks, and a dedicated account executive

Talents

Whether it's web development, mobile platform management, customer service, financial analysts, back, or front end developers, the platform is robust enough to cater to your needs. Unlike Toptal, which runs a comprehensive, top-3% hire, Upwork offers entry-level talents. This feature provides the advantage of a cheaper cost.

If your project doesn't require a developer with a specific skill or amount of experience, then a low-cost entry-level package is a viable choice. Bear in mind that challenges arise with inexperienced developers, such as the possibility of low-quality jobs and unprofessionalism that could lead to property theft from public disclosure.

How Upwork works

Post a project on the platform for free, and an agent will contact you within a day with a possible proposal that may work for your business. You can then interview and choose the best freelancer.



Toptal vs. Codeable

Codeable is a platform that connects WordPress freelancers to clients. So when looking for WordPress experts, Codeable might be your go-to source.

Connecting you to a freelancer

‍In response to your needs, the platform provides a narrowed-down list of talents for your consideration instead of allowing you to go through the cumbersome process of looking for the right talent. Thanks to their top-notch algorithm, which matches talent with specific needs and offers a fair pricing system that cuts down issues like undercutting and overpricing.  

You'll get to discuss your details in an online workroom with the candidates; perhaps one to five, who’ll revert a  comprehensive estimate relating to your project needs. This approach circumvents discussing your project details and needs multiple times. Video chats with prospective developers make the interview process seamless.

This way, you'll ensure the freelancer is someone you can work with in terms of proficiency in a language of choice. Altogether, the codeable platform matches your needs with an excellent software developer in a fraction of the usual time.

Higher-quality standards & low risk

Unlike Toptal, Codeable avoids bidding for projects, so more responsibility lies on the platform in terms of thorough betting. This approach will ultimately reduce risk and promote quality.

Pricing

Codeable offers an hourly rate depending on the urgency, complexity, and scope of your project. You'll see a single price estimate 17.5%)  that circumvents bidding. With Codeable, you'll have to pay in full into a secure escrow account before your project can kick off. This payment style protects your funds in the eventuality of default.

However, payment for massive projects can be made in line with milestone completion. Furthermore, there's a money-back policy if a developer doesn't deliver the work to specification. The refund may be either partial or full.

How it works

Visit the platform to initiate interest. An available Codeable agent connects you with your needs within 24 hours.



Toptal vs. Cloud Employee

Cloud Employee provides remote developers in the Philippines to offshore clients. You can ensure that project execution is round the clock. The company exists with a physical zip code in London, UK; however, it is 100% remote.

Hiring

Cloud Employee and Toptal are similar in terms of vetting their freelancers. Applicants take assessment tests that cover English language proficiency. Then, they work on sample projects to prove competence. A further interview takes place to ascertain the suitability of the developer for a project.

Also, Cloud Employee’s hiring model smoothly assimilates the dedicated developers with your existing in-house development team, further reducing the possibility of any miscommunication and enabling your offshore developers to become a part of the in-house team without being physically present.

Pricing

Specific pricing depending on projects is made available once interest is expressed.

Unlike Toptal, Cloud Employee engages their freelancers on a full-time schedule, so your projects won't be passed to a freelancer working with multiple projects.

To provide a better and customer-oriented service, Cloud Employee has made its payment method easier and simplified. There is a one-time fee that includes the offshore team members’ monthly salary and the outsourcing provider’s service fee.

Talents

Like Toptal, Cloud Employee provides mainly IT-related talents, such as software engineers. They do not offer extensive freelancing services like Upwork.




Toptal vs. Fiverr

Co-founded by Shai Wininger and Micha Kaufman in 2010 and based in Tel Aviv, Fiverr is another well-known Toptal contender. Quite similar to Upwork, Fiverr has many freelancers for different projects, such as IT and finance-related. It also offers other services such as writing and design of logos.

Screening and interview process

Like Toptal, they vet their freelancers depending on their skill, year of expertise, interpersonal relations, and language proficiency.

Pricing

If you need a freelancer, you'll shop using project management tasks at rates as low as $5 to $995 depending on the kind of project. Contractors on Fiverr usually set their service rate, so it's technically a "survival of the most cost-effective" for the client. Remember that very cheap can come with low quality sometimes.

How Fiverr works

You will need to first register on the platform. Search the Fiverr's forum for the right freelancer and click “gig.” Order their service and let them know the details of your project. You'll be required to work directly with the freelancer to ensure prompt execution of projects.



Support

Fiverr protects your money since you'll be paying upfront. There's also a 24/7 customer service in case there are any unforeseen developments. Note that this support isn't a project management feature to ensure your project is executed correctly. Like Toptal, Fiverr does not provide a project overseer; that responsibility is on you.

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Cloud Employee is building a ‘Future of Work’ AI driven talent tech platform in the remote software engineer staffing space. 

In this strategic and hands-on creative role, you'll have the opportunity to shape the narrative of remote work and impact the tech industry at a global scale. 

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Senior Software Engineer (VB6)

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Senior /Lead Fullstack Developer - Brazil

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Senior Integrations Developer

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Senior Integration Backend Developer

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Senior Fullstack Python Developer with React

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Senior Fullstack PHP Laravel Developer

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Senior Fullstack Engineer

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Senior Frontend Developer (React)

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Senior NET Developer

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Senior DevOps Engineer

Cloud Employee, is a UK owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Our Client

A leading UK-company that specializes in providing foreign currencies solutions

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Robotics Software Engineer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

We pride ourselves on being supportive and cutting-edge work that continuously invests in staff development, engagement and well-being. We provide security, and career paths, along with individual training programs and mentoring.

A completely integrated innovation studio within the corporate framework, with a primary emphasis on making the future of the food industry accessible to all. Their core objective is to discover, create, and expand tailored automation remedies, utilizing a team of proficient individuals covering domains like engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Our central mission revolves around constructing automation technology solutions that empower individuals to achieve greater feats.

Position Summary

In your role as a Robotics Software Engineer, your expertise in Robotic Software Engineering will be the key to your success. Collaborating with our skilled team, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing our cutting-edge product development accelerator. Your responsibilities will involve crafting, programming, and evaluating top-notch software essential for ensuring the dependable and secure operations of commercial robots.

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Senior Python Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Python Developer (Senior Level)

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Python Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

We pride ourselves on being supportive and cutting-edge work that continuously invests in staff development, engagement and well-being. We provide security, and career paths, along with individual training programs and mentoring.

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Perl Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

We pride ourselves on being supportive and cutting-edge work that continuously invests in staff development, engagement and well-being. We provide security, and career paths, along with individual training programs and mentoring.

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Mid-Senior Mechanical Engineer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

We pride ourselves on being supportive and cutting-edge work that continuously invests in staff development, engagement and well-being. We provide security, and career paths, along with individual training programs and mentoring.

A completely integrated innovation studio within the corporate framework, with a primary emphasis on making the future of the food industry accessible to all. Their core objective is to discover, create, and expand tailored automation remedies, utilizing a team of proficient individuals covering domains like engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Our central mission revolves around constructing automation technology solutions that empower individuals to achieve greater feats.

Position Summary

The position of Mechanical Engineer corresponds to a mid-level role. An ideal candidate for this position possesses robust practical expertise in various technical systems. The responsibilities encompass a combination of individual input within projects and actively leading teams towards achieving a remarkable standard of technical proficiency.

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Mid-Senior Industrial Design Engineer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

We pride ourselves on being supportive and cutting-edge work that continuously invests in staff development, engagement and well-being. We provide security, and career paths, along with individual training programs and mentoring.

A completely integrated innovation studio within the corporate framework, with a primary emphasis on making the future of the food industry accessible to all. Their core objective is to discover, create, and expand tailored automation remedies, utilizing a team of proficient individuals covering domains like engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Our central mission revolves around constructing automation technology solutions that empower individuals to achieve greater feats.

Position Summary

In the role of an Industrial Design Engineer with a focus on cobotics, you will assume a crucial position in envisioning, crafting, and honing both the tangible and operational facets of our collaborative robotic solutions. Your collaboration will extend to cross-functional groups, including mechanical engineers, software developers, and UX designers, in the pursuit of devising cobotic systems centered around users. These systems will redefine effectiveness and safety within industrial settings.

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Backend Python Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

We pride ourselves on being a supportive and cutting edge workplace continuously investing in staff development, engagement and well-being. We provide security, career paths, along with individual training programs and mentoring.

A top rated and state of the art cloud based video interviewing solutions company based in the UK catering to over 5000 prominent companies around the world such as Samsung, Uber, Boohoo, Coinbase, 7-Eleven and many more.

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CNC Machinist

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CRM Data Specialist (MS Dynamics 365)

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Electrical Engineer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

We pride ourselves on being supportive and cutting-edge work that continuously invests in staff development, engagement and well-being. We provide security, and career paths, along with individual training programs and mentoring.

A completely integrated innovation studio within the corporate framework, with a primary emphasis on making the future of the food industry accessible to all. Their core objective is to discover, create, and expand tailored automation remedies, utilizing a team of proficient individuals covering domains like engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Our central mission revolves around constructing automation technology solutions that empower individuals to achieve greater feats.

Position Overview

In the role of an Electrical Engineer, your expertise and proficiency in designing electrical-mechanical systems will be a key asset, enabling you to stand out. Collaborating with our skilled team, you will play a vital role in expediting product development processes.

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Front-End Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Front End React Developer

Cloud Employee is a fast-growing UK-managed offshore recruitment and staffing company in the Philippines. We tackle the growing global IT skills shortage by connecting tech companies based in Europe, the US, and Australia to our pool of expert software developers in the country.

We are now seeking a passionate Front End React Developer to join our team of skilled talents. This is an excellent opportunity to join a fun and dynamic work environment and to significantly advance your career.

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Frontend Developer (NextJS and React)

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Frontend Developer (Senior)

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Frontend React Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Full-Stack Developer

Cloud Employee is a fast-growing UK-managed offshore recruitment and staffing company in the Philippines. We tackle the growing global IT skills shortage by connecting tech companies based in Europe, the US, and Australia to our pool of expert software developers in the country.

We are now seeking a passionate Full-Stack Developer to join our team of skilled talents. This is an excellent opportunity to join a fun and dynamic work environment and to significantly advance your career.

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Full-Stack Laravel/Vue Developer (Jr to Mid)

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

We pride ourselves on being supportive and cutting-edge work that continuously invests in staff development, engagement and well-being. We provide security, and career paths, along with individual training programs and mentoring.

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Full Stack .Net Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineering teams and grow their CV and skill-set.We pride ourselves on being a supportive and cutting-edge workplace that continuously invests in staff development, engagement, and well-being. We provide security, and career paths, along with individual training programs and mentoring.

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Full-Stack Node/VueJS Developer (Mid - Senior)

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Full-Stack PHP Developer (Mid to Senior)

Cloud Employee is a fast-growing UK-managed offshore recruitment and staffing company in the Philippines. We tackle the growing global IT skills shortage by connecting tech companies based in Europe, the US, and Australia to our pool of expert software developers in the country.

We are now seeking passionate mid to senior-level Fullstack PHP Developer to join our team of skilled talents. This is an excellent opportunity to join a fun and dynamic work environment and to significantly advance your career.

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Full-Stack PHP Developer Tech Lead

Cloud Employee is a fast-growing UK-managed offshore recruitment and staffing company in the Philippines. We tackle the growing global IT skills shortage by connecting tech companies based in Europe, the US, and Australia to our pool of expert software developers in the country.

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Full stack RoR/VueJS Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Fullstack Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Fullstack .NET Developer

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Lead/Senior Frontend Developer (UI/UX) - Brazil

Cloud Employee is a UK-owned business established eight years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent worldwide with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines and Brazil as part of international engineering teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Marketing Specialists

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Backend Developer (Python)

Cloud Employee, is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineer teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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Senior Full-Stack PHP Developer

Cloud Employee is a UK-owned Philippines business established 8 years ago. We connect high-performing software engineer talent in the Philippines with some of the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies. Developers join to work from the Philippines as part of international engineering teams and grow their CV and skill-set.

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4 Toptal Alternatives And Competitors

February 16, 2024

Are you a startup looking to balance cost-effectiveness with efficiency? Or you are just looking at options for a short term project? Chances are, you need reliable talent for your tech operations. If you’ve been around in the freelance market for a while, you may have heard of Toptal. To be honest, they have proven themselves as a premium freelance talent provider.

However, reports show that the demand for freelancers has significantly increased with new companies emerging, old ones upscaling, and the age of the deadly pandemic. So, there's a need for alternatives to meet the demand. Besides, Toptal's high cost and rigidity can be a huge bummer. With that said, here are four Toptal alternatives and competitors you can adopt for tech solutions.

Before we jump right into the alternatives, let’s take a quick look at Toptal, including its pros and cons.

What is Toptal?

In a nutshell, Toptal is a platform that connects companies with free software engineers and developers. There's no head office, so all correspondence and activities are remotely-operated online.

They connect you to talent at the following rates:

Hourly: $60 to $95+/hour

Part-time: $1,000 to 1,600+/week

Full-time: $2,000 to $3,200+/week

Toptal's Pros

  • You'll find on Reddit that Toptal has a somewhat "overstrict" reputation of not hiring some of the most talented developers. It's one of their strong points as they pride themselves in a thorough vetting process.

  • You can get quick access to talents on the hour, part-time or full-time basis. This flexibility will translate to saving more money required for full-time staff. Also, you'll be able to execute a short term project quickly.

  • Toptal allows a 2-weeks no-risk test project. If you are not satisfied, they bear the cost.

  • At Toptal, you'll hardly find entry-level tech guys, so there's a high chance you are getting highly experienced software engineers.

Toptal's Cons

  • It's up to you to manage the freelancers you get from Toptal because the service doesn’t offer project managers.

  • Since the responsibility of managing your developer lies on you, the risk of late-delivery is higher.

  • You may have to pay an additional $500 deposit in addition to the above rate. Now, let's jump into the Toptal alternatives.



Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, or TopTal? How to Pick a Freelancing Platform

When searching for the best freelancing platform, your choice largely depends on your current situation. For further help, the below video is very insightful.

Toptal vs.Upwork

Upwork is one of the best alternatives and one of Toptal’s strongest competitors. It's by far the largest freelancing platform as it spreads; it covers other freelancers besides software development talents. Upwork is the product of a merger between oDesk and Elance. oDesk and Elance have been in operation since 2003 and 1998, respectively.

Connecting you to a freelancer

The company adopts a stand-off approach compared to Toptal. So, though they connect you to a freelancer, you have to test their skills and abilities. However, they run a detailed vetting process for their freelancers.

Rate/pricing

Quite similar to Toptal, you can hire a freelancer on the hour, per-project, one-off, or even on a pro-rata basis. These are available in tiers:

  • A free plan that offers the freelancer’s work history, proposals, and collaboration tools.
  • There's a $49.99 per month plan with a dedicated support project manager (not available on Toptal).
  • The business plan introduces a team of advisors with report management for businesses that need detailed updates for the project’s oversight maintenance at $849 per month.
  • The enterprise plan which comes with compliance service, almost zero risks, and a dedicated account executive

Talents

Whether it's web development, mobile platform management, customer service, financial analysts, back, or front end developers, the platform is robust enough to cater to your needs. Unlike Toptal, which runs a comprehensive, top-3% hire, Upwork offers entry-level talents. This feature provides the advantage of a cheaper cost.

If your project doesn't require a developer with a specific skill or amount of experience, then a low-cost entry-level package is a viable choice. Bear in mind that challenges arise with inexperienced developers, such as the possibility of low-quality jobs and unprofessionalism that could lead to property theft from public disclosure.

How Upwork works

Post a project on the platform for free, and an agent will contact you within a day with a possible proposal that may work for your business. You can then interview and choose the best freelancer.



Toptal vs. Codeable

Codeable is a platform that connects WordPress freelancers to clients. So when looking for WordPress experts, Codeable might be your go-to source.

Connecting you to a freelancer

‍In response to your needs, the platform provides a narrowed-down list of talents for your consideration instead of allowing you to go through the cumbersome process of looking for the right talent. Thanks to their top-notch algorithm, which matches talent with specific needs and offers a fair pricing system that cuts down issues like undercutting and overpricing.  

You'll get to discuss your details in an online workroom with the candidates; perhaps one to five, who’ll revert a  comprehensive estimate relating to your project needs. This approach circumvents discussing your project details and needs multiple times. Video chats with prospective developers make the interview process seamless.

This way, you'll ensure the freelancer is someone you can work with in terms of proficiency in a language of choice. Altogether, the codeable platform matches your needs with an excellent software developer in a fraction of the usual time.

Higher-quality standards & low risk

Unlike Toptal, Codeable avoids bidding for projects, so more responsibility lies on the platform in terms of thorough betting. This approach will ultimately reduce risk and promote quality.

Pricing

Codeable offers an hourly rate depending on the urgency, complexity, and scope of your project. You'll see a single price estimate 17.5%)  that circumvents bidding. With Codeable, you'll have to pay in full into a secure escrow account before your project can kick off. This payment style protects your funds in the eventuality of default.

However, payment for massive projects can be made in line with milestone completion. Furthermore, there's a money-back policy if a developer doesn't deliver the work to specification. The refund may be either partial or full.

How it works

Visit the platform to initiate interest. An available Codeable agent connects you with your needs within 24 hours.



Toptal vs. Cloud Employee

Cloud Employee provides remote developers in the Philippines to offshore clients. You can ensure that project execution is round the clock. The company exists with a physical zip code in London, UK; however, it is 100% remote.

Hiring

Cloud Employee and Toptal are similar in terms of vetting their freelancers. Applicants take assessment tests that cover English language proficiency. Then, they work on sample projects to prove competence. A further interview takes place to ascertain the suitability of the developer for a project.

Also, Cloud Employee’s hiring model smoothly assimilates the dedicated developers with your existing in-house development team, further reducing the possibility of any miscommunication and enabling your offshore developers to become a part of the in-house team without being physically present.

Pricing

Specific pricing depending on projects is made available once interest is expressed.

Unlike Toptal, Cloud Employee engages their freelancers on a full-time schedule, so your projects won't be passed to a freelancer working with multiple projects.

To provide a better and customer-oriented service, Cloud Employee has made its payment method easier and simplified. There is a one-time fee that includes the offshore team members’ monthly salary and the outsourcing provider’s service fee.

Talents

Like Toptal, Cloud Employee provides mainly IT-related talents, such as software engineers. They do not offer extensive freelancing services like Upwork.




Toptal vs. Fiverr

Co-founded by Shai Wininger and Micha Kaufman in 2010 and based in Tel Aviv, Fiverr is another well-known Toptal contender. Quite similar to Upwork, Fiverr has many freelancers for different projects, such as IT and finance-related. It also offers other services such as writing and design of logos.

Screening and interview process

Like Toptal, they vet their freelancers depending on their skill, year of expertise, interpersonal relations, and language proficiency.

Pricing

If you need a freelancer, you'll shop using project management tasks at rates as low as $5 to $995 depending on the kind of project. Contractors on Fiverr usually set their service rate, so it's technically a "survival of the most cost-effective" for the client. Remember that very cheap can come with low quality sometimes.

How Fiverr works

You will need to first register on the platform. Search the Fiverr's forum for the right freelancer and click “gig.” Order their service and let them know the details of your project. You'll be required to work directly with the freelancer to ensure prompt execution of projects.



Support

Fiverr protects your money since you'll be paying upfront. There's also a 24/7 customer service in case there are any unforeseen developments. Note that this support isn't a project management feature to ensure your project is executed correctly. Like Toptal, Fiverr does not provide a project overseer; that responsibility is on you.

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