Toptal is one of the leading websites to hire a freelancer. Whether you’re looking for a designer, writer, or developer, Toptal has 3% of the best in their network. While it’s one of the top places to hire a freelancer, steep fees can be a drawback for many small companies or those on a budget. What you can do is consider Toptal alternatives before making a final decision.
Here are nine Toptal alternatives to consider when hiring a developer
Toptal alternatives
1. Arc.dev
When it comes to Arc.dev, finding a developer is as easy as 1-2-3. First, you have to make a request by detailing your technical demands and requirements. Then, you can interview two candidates. Finally, hire a developer that matches your preference and budget.
Pricing
Freelance rates: $60 to $100/hr
Pros
- Hire a freelance developer in 72 hours or a permanent one in 14 days.
- Arc.dev handles all your paperwork.
Cons
- Freelancer rates may be higher than most of its competitors.
- Since Arc.dev is connected to Codementor, some have said that mentors on the site may lack knowledge on certain subjects.
2. Crewscale
Crewscale is similar to Arc.dev, wherein only tech-related talents are part of their network. Like most sites here, they have a vetting process, but unlike Toptal and other sites, it only takes four steps to vet a freelancer there. Plus, you can hire a freelancer easily too. You submit your requirements first, and then their automated engine will reduce your hiring time. After that, they match you with a suitable developer based on your needs, and you can start working with the developer without a deposit.
Pricing
Freelancer rates start at $30/hr
Pros
- There’s a two-week trial before employing the remote developer.
- They match you with freelance developers.
Cons
- There could be limited options when hiring freelancers.
- The job posting is only done before matching; there’s no way to advertise your job listing.
3. Topcoder
Unlike most tech-focused freelance developer websites, Topcoder offers a developer contest as one option to complete your project. And their other option is their freelancer-on-demand service, where you can find a developer by role or skill. Or you could even submit a brief to get you started.
Pricing
It varies depending on the service you want to get.
Pros
- May fulfill your project quicker, considering they have a contest option.
- Much more affordable option for most small businesses.
Cons
- The site can be difficult to navigate.
- Pricing is not available before considering it as a site to hire web developers.
4. Fiverr
Fiverr is one of the many Toptal alternatives to consider when finding and hiring a developer. You can hire freelance developers through gigs. And those who aim to use Fiverr for all their hiring needs can use Fiverr Business to scale and manage their workers.
Pricing
Regular Fiverr freelancers: starts at $15/hr
Fiverr Pro freelancers: starts at $100/hr
Pros
- More affordable freelancer rates are available.
- Fiverr Pro has vetted freelancers, allowing you to work with professional and expert freelancers.
Cons
- Time-consuming to find affordable freelancers if you’re in a hurry to find one.
- Some gigs are not legitimate.
5. Upwork
Another affordable Toptal alternative is Upwork. Many go to Upwork, considering there’s a vast selection of freelance developers on the platform. Here, you can post jobs or browse through different profiles.
Pricing
It starts at $15/hr
Pros
- Variety of freelance developers available for hire.
- You can guarantee safety and protection when paying the developer.
Cons
- Most freelancers are not vetted and may not be legitimate.
- It can take time to find a developer that will match with your company.
6. Gun.io
Gun.io is another tech-focused freelance website to hire a developer. Like most sites here, they can find you a freelance developer in a matter of days. Whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time developers, they can match developers to your needs.
Pricing
Freelancer: Gun.io takes 30% of the pay
Salaried employee: Gun.io takes 15% of the salary on the first year
Pros
- Vetted developers are available to take on your project.
- Refund guaranteed.
Cons
- It can become expensive considering that only expert and skilled developers get hired on the site.
- Customer service isn’t great.
7. Upstack
Upstack is one of the best Toptal alternatives, considering their focus is only vetting developers to their site. The process starts when you talk to a dedicated manager, then match you with a suitable developer. From there, you have a two-week trial before fully committing and working with the developer.
Pricing
Deposit costs $399 when hiring a developer
Freelance rates: $50 to $80/hr
Pros
- HR and support management handled by Upstack.
- Hire vetted developers to ensure quality and professional work.
Cons
- They charge a $399 deposit.
- It can be too pricey for small businesses.
8. Gigster
Gigster is different from other freelance websites here. While they do hire remote developers in their network, they assign a team depending on your requirements. They use AI to ensure that the right team works for you.
Pricing
It starts at $52,000 per gig
Pros
- They’re the only ones who offer a project management service.
- Clients are given regular updates about the progress of their project.
Cons
- Expensive for small businesses.
- Most of the freelancers there are part-timers, which may take time to finish the project.
9. Stack Overflow
Stack Overflow is like the Quora of the tech community. While it’s not primarily a freelance website, it’s one of the best places to hire a remote developer for your business as well. After all, you can post a job on this site and let the developers flock to you.
Pricing
$149 per job listing
Pros
- Hire a tech team or individual to work for you.
- Search and connect with talents via their Candidate Search feature.
Cons
- Job ad promotion stays only on the site.
- No free option to post a job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to hire a remote freelance developer?
If you’re cash-strapped, a remote freelance developer can certainly make it lighter on your wallet. After all, you can find freelance developers for $50/hr on any freelance platform. You can hire them for a long-term, short-term, part-time, or full-time scheme.
Can freelance developers also work on UI/UX design?
Not all developers may have UI/UX design capabilities. What you can consider is hiring a web designer aside from a developer. You can either find web designers on freelance websites or outsource them by subscribing to graphic design services that offer web design.
