Top 10 Toptal alternatives for hiring skilled tech professionals in 2026

Are you looking for skilled professionals for your next software development projects? Toptal is popular, but it’s not the only choice. Many businesses and project managers search for alternatives. Why? Every project has different needs. Maybe you want a more flexible hiring process. Maybe you don’t want to pay subscription fees to access top talent.

When you explore multiple platforms, you open the door to new options. You get access to an extensive network of talent with specialized skills and unique features. Some platforms offer a rigorous vetting process. Others focus on fast project management and seamless collaboration. By comparing these options, you can find the right match for your projects, budget, and timeline.

In this article, you’ll learn about the top Toptal competitors. Let’s look at the best options so serious clients hire the right people on time and on budget.

What is Toptal?

Toptal is an exclusive freelance network that claims to select only the “top 3%” of global talent in areas like software development, design, marketing, project management, and consulting. It connects premium clients with vetted experts through a managed matching process, often within 48 hours, emphasizing high success rates and enterprise-level service.​

Key client requirements

• $500 deposit: Clients typically pay a refundable $500 deposit upfront, credited toward the first invoice or returned if no project starts. This acts as a commitment filter for serious engagements.​
• Monthly subscription fee: Some plans include a fixed access fee (around $79/month) for the talent network, though details vary by account type and aren’t always prominently listed.​

Pricing model

Toptal uses a “blended hourly rate” where clients see a single all-in price (e.g., $100/hr), without a public breakdown of the freelancer’s share versus the platform’s margin. Independent analyses estimate Toptal’s cut at 20-40% or more, depending on the rate and role, but exact splits aren’t disclosed to clients. This provides convenience but less transparency compared to direct marketplaces.​

Matching process

Clients rely on Toptal recruiters for curated matches rather than self-browsing the full talent pool, which suits enterprises seeking speed but may limit control for hands-on hirers.​

If you prefer transparency and want to avoid hidden margins, check the list of alternatives below.

1. Useme: the transparent & secure choice

Useme is a unique platform that connects freelancers and clients, making it easy to work together without extra formalities. Unlike Toptal, they don’t hide costs. 

Access to our database of vetted freelancers is free for clients – there is no monthly subscription or access fee. You pay only the service fee if you hire and work with a matched freelancer.

Key features:

• Handle the paperwork: We take over the administrative tasks. We sign and manage contracts on your behalf with freelancers. You receive a consolidated tax invoice. This ensures your project’s progress is not slowed down by paperwork.
• Western quality, Eastern rates: Our database is full of 200k+ freelancers from the EU and neighboring regions. You get access to software developers, web development experts, and graphic designers who balance high quality with competitive rates.
• Free recruitment support: You don’t have to search alone. Our team can help you find the right person for your project details for free. We verify their identity to ensure quality clients get safe results.

Pros for freelancers:

• Low, transparent commission.
• No subscription or monthly fees.
• Fast, secure payments.
• The platform handles invoicing and paperwork on your behalf.
• Access to quality clients from the EU and beyond.

Cons for freelancers:

• Smaller marketplace than global giants like Upwork.
• Focusing on the EU/EEA may limit global exposure.

Pros for business:

• No monthly subscription fees.
• You get a valid VAT/tax invoice for every job. You can pay for multiple projects in one transfer (convenient bulk payments).
• Free recruitment support. We verify freelancers’ identity through a standard KYC process. This helps reduce risk, especially when you’re working with a new freelancer. We also check whether the freelancer appears on international watch lists or sanction databases.
• Payments to freelancers are processed within 48 hours – among the fastest in the industry.

„The main benefit is simplicity – Useme removes obstacles that often slow down or even prevent collaborations. The bulk payment option for multiple invoices is the feature that saves us the most time and effort.” – Igor Glas, Epidemic.co

Cons for business:

• The marketplace is smaller than global giants like Upwork, but highly curated.

Pricing for freelancers:

• Commission: 4.99%; never pay more than $99.
• Subscription: None. Pay only when you get paid.

Pricing for business:

• Model: Pay-as-you-go. No subscription.
• Service fee:  4.99%; never pay more than $99.
• Transparency: 100% transparent. You see exactly what the freelancer earns and what our fee is.

Who is it for? 

Clients who value a secure payment system, need tax invoices, and want to hire safely from abroad without legal risks. Freelancers who want hassle-free invoicing and tax handling.

Why is it better than Toptal? 

Useme offers transparency. Toptal hides their margin; we show it. Plus, we don’t charge a $500 deposit to start, and we handle the tax/legal compliance, which Toptal leaves to the “blended rate” structure.

2. Upwork: the king of competitive bidding

Upwork is one of the broadest freelance marketplaces in the world. It operates on a massive scale, connecting millions of freelancers with clients ranging from small startups to large enterprises.

Key features:

• Huge talent pool: With over 12 million registered freelancers, you can find experts for almost any niche, from software engineers to legal consultants.
• Talent Scout: Unlike Toptal’s mandatory recruiter model, Upwork offers “Talent Scout” as an optional service to help you recruit if you don’t want to search yourself.
• Bidding system: You post a job, and freelancers submit proposals. This allows you to compare prices and technical capabilities directly.

Pros for freelancers:

• A vast market with diverse projects spanning all industries.
• Ability to build long-term client relationships.
• The escrow system protects payments.
• Profile ratings and reviews help build a reputation.

Cons for freelancers:

• High competition, especially for entry-level jobs.
• Bidding can be time-consuming.
• Clients sometimes expect very low rates.

Pros for business:

• Access to millions of remote experienced developers.
• You control the hiring process completely.
• Hourly contracts, fixed-price projects, or long-term engagement.
• Optional Talent Scout service for hands-off recruiting.

Cons for business:

• No rigorous vetting process for the general marketplace. You must carefully interview candidates to ensure they possess the necessary soft skills and technical knowledge.
• Quality varies widely; requires careful selection.

Pricing for freelancers:

• Commission: up to 15%.
• Connects: You need “Connects” to bid on jobs (can be purchased or earned).

Pricing for business:

• 5% service fee for the Basic plan. The Business Plus plan service fee charges 10%.​
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale solutions.

Who is it for? 

Businesses that need variety, volume, and full control over the budget. Freelancers looking for a wide range of projects and the ability to set their own rates.

Why is it better than Toptal alternatives? 

Cost control and variety. You can find a developer for $20/hr or $200/hr. You aren’t locked into Toptal’s high minimum rates, and you don’t pay a monthly subscription just to browse profiles.

3. Arc.dev: vetted remote developers

If you are looking for long-term contracts and permanent hires, Arc.dev is a strong competitor. Formerly known as Codementor, they focus heavily on vetted freelancers and vetted developers, aiming to speed up the hiring process for tech companies.

Key features:

• Rigorous vetting: They claim to accept only a small percentage (around 1.1%) of applicants. Their vetting focuses on “Silicon Valley caliber” skills.
• AI matching: They use AI tools to match your job description with candidates instantly, reducing the time to hire to just a few days.
• Global network: They connect you with developers worldwide who are ready for remote work across different time zones.

Pros for freelancers:

• Higher rates than open marketplaces.
• Less competition once accepted.
• Access to high-quality, long-term projects.
• Platform support during engagements.

Cons for freelancers:

• Very difficult to get accepted (1.1% acceptance rate).
• Less flexibility in setting your own terms.

Pros for business:

• Good for finding senior developers for complex projects.
• Helps with seamless collaboration for remote teams.
• Offers a “risk-free trial” period (usually 2 weeks).
• AI matching speeds up the process.

Cons for business:

• Like Toptal, the costs can be significantly higher than open marketplaces.
• Smaller pool than Upwork.

Pricing for freelancers:

• Commission: No direct platform fee; Arc.dev takes a margin from the client rate.
• Rates: Developers typically earn $50–$80+/hr depending on experience.

Pricing for business:

• Contractors: Hourly rates typically range from $60 to $100+.
• Permanent hires: You pay a recruitment fee based on the candidate’s annual salary (similar to a headhunter fee).

Who is it for? 

Fast-growing tech companies and startups are looking for permanent, high-quality remote team members. Senior developers seeking stable, well-paying contracts.

Why is it better than Toptal alternatives? 

Speed and permanent hiring focus. While Toptal is great for gigs, Arc.dev excels at helping you build a permanent remote team. Their AI matching is often faster than Toptal’s manual recruiter process.

4. Lemon.io: speed for startups

Lemon.io positions itself as a startup-friendly alternative, specifically targeting early-stage companies. They focus on matching you with software developers quickly, often within 24 hours.

Key features:

• Personalized matching: You do not browse profiles. They match you with a developer based on your project scope.
• Focus on soft skills: Beyond code, Lemon.io heavily vets for English proficiency and communication skills. This solves a common pain point when outsourcing.
• Eastern European talent: Like Useme, they leverage talent from Eastern Europe to offer competitive rates.

Pros for freelancers:

• Fast access to projects without constant bidding.
• The platform handles client matching for you.
• Community support and resources.
• Competitive rates for Eastern European developers.

Cons for freelancers:

• Rigorous vetting process to get accepted.
• Mainly for developers; limited opportunities for designers or marketers.
• Less control over which projects you work on.

Pros for business:

• Fast hiring process (matches in < 24h).
• Ideal for technical projects that require a developer quickly.
• “No-risk” replacement guarantee.
• Strong vetting for communication skills.

Cons for business:

• Smaller talent pool compared to Upwork.
• Mainly focused on coding, less on digital marketing or design.

Pricing for freelancers:

• No commission. Developers keep 100% of their quoted rate. Platform covers fees via client payments.

Pricing for business:

• Pay a deposit (pre-payment for the month/week of work, depending on the billing cycle chosen). It will be returned at the end of our cooperation.
• Hourly rates range from $55 to $95, depending on developer experience and tech stack.

Who is it for? 

Early-stage startups (Seed to Series A) that need to scale their dev team fast without breaking the bank. Developers from Eastern Europe are seeking stable, well-paying remote work.

Why is it better than Toptal alternatives? 

Speed and lower barrier to entry. You don’t pay a $500 deposit. You get matched faster (often within 24 hours vs. Toptal’s days/weeks), and the rates are generally more affordable for startups.

5. Fiverr Pro: for defined deliverables

Fiverr is known for cheap gigs, but Fiverr Pro is for serious business buyers. It features vetted talent that has been manually checked for quality, education, and professional history.

Key features:

• Project-Based: It is best suited for specific tasks with clear deliverables, such as logo design, a specific code module, or an explainer video.
• Top-tier talent: Only highly rated freelancers get the “Pro” badge. This eliminates the risk of hiring a beginner.
• Business tools: Fiverr Pro offers tools for team collaboration, allowing you to manage projects with multiple freelancers under one account.

Pros for freelancers:

• Higher rates than standard Fiverr gigs.
• “Pro” badge builds credibility and attracts serious clients.
• No need to bid; clients come to you.
• Clear, upfront pricing model.

Cons for freelancers:

• High platform fee (20% of earnings).
• Difficult to get accepted into the Pro program.
• Less flexibility in pricing (gig-based model).

Pros for business:

• Great for graphic designers and marketing tasks requiring specialized expertise.
• Clear upfront prices – you buy a service like a product.
• No negotiation needed.
• Vetted quality.

Cons for business:

• Not ideal for large IT builds requiring ongoing project oversight.
• Less flexibility if the scope changes mid-project.

Pricing for freelancers:

• 20% fee on all earnings.
• No subscription.

Pricing for business:

• Pay a 5.5% fee on orders in the regular and Pro Essential plans. 
• Pro Advanced plan costs $129 per month (plus normal commission). It offers additional benefits, such as for Enterprise.

Who is it for? 

Businesses that need specific, one-off digital assets (logos, videos, landing pages) completed quickly with zero management overhead. Freelancers with strong portfolios looking for premium clients.

Why is it better than Toptal alternatives? 

Simplicity. You don’t need to interview anyone. You just add the service to your cart and check out. It is much faster for smaller, well-defined tasks.

6. Gun.io: for technical excellence

Gun.io is a platform built by engineers for engineers. They have a specialized focus on elite talent. Unlike other platforms, they don’t rely solely on algorithms; they invest heavily in the human side of matching.

Key features:

• Senior focus: They specialize in seasoned developers with years of experience. They are known for having a very high retention rate on their platform.
• Dedicated account manager: They help you manage the relationship and provide ongoing support. They act more like a concierge service than a job board.
• Vetting: Every developer goes through a live technical interview with a senior engineer to ensure skill development is up to par.

Pros for freelancers:

• High rates ($75–$150+/hr).
• Long-term, stable projects.
• Personal account manager support.
• Respect for seniority and experience.

Cons for freelancers:

• Very exclusive; hard to get accepted.
• Less variety in project types (mainly enterprise).

Pros for business:

• High-quality development teams.
• Great for enterprise clients with high standards.
• 100% money-back guarantee if the match isn’t right.
• Personal account manager for ongoing support.

Cons for business:

• Pricing is premium. It is not a budget option.
• Smaller pool than open marketplaces.

Pricing for freelancers:

• Commission: No direct fee; Gun.io takes a margin from the client rate.
• Rates: Developers typically earn $60–$120+/hr.

Pricing for business:

• Hourly/Retainer: Rates usually start at $75/hr and go up to $150+.
• Plan: They offer flexible retainers or salary-based hiring.

Who is it for? 

Established companies and enterprises that need high-end engineering talent and want a “white-glove” service experience. Developers seeking premium, long-term engagements.

Why is it better than Toptal alternatives? 

The human touch. Gun.io is known for better developer retention. Because they treat their developers well, the talent stays longer, which is crucial for long-term project oversight.

7. Turing: AI-Driven matching

Turing uses advanced AI to match companies with remote developers. They focus on the “Intelligent Talent Cloud” to vet candidates automatically.

Key features:

• AI Matching: Their system analyzes code and skills to match you with remote developer teams.
• Global Vetting: They claim a rigorous vetting process with a 1-3% acceptance rate.
• Compliance: They handle payments and compliance for global talent.

Pros for freelancers:

• Access to long-term, full-time roles with US companies.
• No need to bid on jobs constantly.

Cons for freelancers:

• Rigorous testing process to get in.

Pros for business:

• Very fast matching thanks to AI.
• Good for scaling startups needing skill development support.

Cons for business:

• Less human touch in the initial selection compared to boutique agencies.

Pricing:

• Clients: No monthly subscription or separate access fee. Sometimes a refundable deposit ($500–$1,000) may be required to start, but this is credited toward your first invoice. 
• Freelancers: No direct fee.

Who is it for? 

Scaling startups and tech companies that need to hire fast and want to rely on data-driven matching.

Why is it a better alternative to Toptal? 

AI Speed. Turing’s automated matching can be faster than Toptal’s manual recruiters. It is also generally more affordable for long-term hires.

8. Andela: diversity and dedicated teams

Andela specializes in connecting companies with engineering talent from emerging markets, particularly Africa and Latin America.

Key features:

• Global Focus: They emphasize diversity and tap into underutilized talent pools.
• Soft Skills: They vet heavily for communication and teamwork, not just code.
• Dedicated Teams: They excel at building full remote squads for enterprises.

Pros for freelancers:

• Training and mentorship opportunities.
• Access to top global companies.

Cons for freelancers:

• Strict schedule requirements to overlap with client time zones.

Pros for business:

• High retention rates.
• Time zone alignment with US/EU clients.

Cons for business:

• It can be expensive compared to direct hiring.

Pricing:

• Clients: No subscription or access fee to browse or interview talent. Rates usually range from $50 to $100+/hour.
• Freelancers: No direct fee.

Who is it for? 

Enterprises and companies that value diversity and need integrated, long-term teams.

Why is it a better alternative to Toptal? 

Team Integration. Andela focuses on engineers who fit into your culture and team structure, offering better ongoing support than typical gig platforms.

9. Index.dev

Index.dev focuses on connecting US and EU companies with high-performing developers from Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Key Features:

• Fast hiring: They promise candidates in 24–72 hours.
• High retention: They boast a 95% retention rate for their developers.
• Personalized matching: Similar to Toptal, they assign a recruiter to help you.

Pros for freelancers:

• Long-term projects with stable clients.
• Support from the platform during the project.

Cons for freelancers:

• High barrier to entry (rigorous vetting).

Pros for business:

• 30–50% cheaper than Toptal for similar quality.
• Great for MVPs and affordable quality.

Cons for business:

• Smaller database.

Pricing:

• Clients: No access or subscription fee. You pay the hourly rate for the developer’s work: $40–$70/hr.
• Freelancers: No direct fee.

Who is it for? 

Startups and scale-ups looking for reliable, long-term developers at a fair price.

Why is it a better alternative to Toptal? 

Cost Efficiency. You get a similar “white glove” matching service but at significantly lower rates.

10. CloudDevs: speed and time zones

CloudDevs focuses on Latin American talent to ensure time zone alignment for US companies.

Key features:

• Senior talent: They focus on devs with 5+ years of experience.
• Speed: They aim to match you within 24 hours.
• Time zone: Most developers are in US time zones.

Pros for freelancers:

• Work with US clients without night shifts.
• Fast placement.

Cons for freelancers:

• Limited to the Latin American talent pool mostly.

Pros for business:

• No platform fees (they take a cut from the rate).
• Real-time collaboration due to time zones.

Cons for business:

• Geographically limited if you want global talent.

Pricing:

• Clients: No fee to access, interview, or post a job. Client hourly rate: $40–$70/hr.
• Freelancers: No direct fee.

Who is it for? 

US-based startups are seeking cost savings without sacrificing real-time collaboration.

Why is it a better alternative to Toptal? 

Time zone alignment. Perfect for teams that need to collaborate synchronously without paying US rates.

How to choose the best Toptal alternative

When exploring Toptal alternatives, you must look at your specific situation.

1. For admin & compliance: If you want to hire safely without legal risks, Useme is the best choice. We ensure the client’s legal compliance when collaborating with freelancers worldwide.
2. For full teams: If you need a managed squad, look at Andela.
3. For speed & startups: If you need a coder in 24 hours, try Lemon.io or Turing.
4. For volume: If you need to see 50 proposals for a low price, use Upwork.
5. For quality assurance: If you need top-tier developers and have a larger budget, look at Gun.io or Arc.dev.

FAQ

What is the best alternative to Toptal?

It depends on your project needs. For transparent pricing and administrative safety with global freelancers, Useme is a top choice. For a massive variety of freelance marketplaces, Upwork is popular.

Why look for Toptal alternatives?

Toptal can be expensive. They charge a deposit and high margins. Alternatives to Toptal often offer lower platform fees, more flexibility, and direct communication with skilled professionals.

Is Toptal the only platform for elite talent?

No. Many skilled developers prefer platforms where they set their own rates. You can find top-tier freelance talent on other sites without the high markup.

Summary

The best freelance platform for you depends on your budget and needs. You don’t need to pay Toptal’s high fees to find skilled professionals. The best Toptal alternatives offer flexible pricing, diverse opportunities, and secure environments. Platforms like Useme give you the best of both worlds: access to a global database of talented freelancers and a secure payment system. We automate your payment process and ensure you get a valid tax invoice every time.

Ready to hire? Don’t waste time on complicated contracts.