Toptal Alternatives for Hiring Developers in 2024

If you’re exploring Toptal alternatives for hiring developers, this guide is for you. We’ll delve into the top seven Toptal competitors to look out for in 2024, helping you navigate the talent landscape to find the ideal fit for your specific needs.

While Toptal remains a leader in the premium freelance developer hiring market, its dominance is no longer uncontested. As more companies, regardless of size, embrace freelance talent, the remote talent space has witnessed the emergence of innovative solutions. These range from traditional bidding marketplaces to curated talent networks, all buoyed by the growing popularity for remote work.

So, if you’re looking to tap into quality software developers and programmers beyond Toptal, we’re here to guide you through your options. 

When to Consider Toptal Alternatives:

Before delving into the array of Toptal competitors, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind seeking an alternative to Toptal. This understanding will help you select the most suitable Toptal alternative for your specific needs.

• More Pricing Options: If you require flexibility in pricing or wish to negotiate rates directly with freelancers, alternative platforms may offer more suitable pricing models.
• Unavailability of Freelancers: In situations where Toptal does not have freelancers that meet your requirements or budget constraints, exploring Toptal alternatives becomes imperative.

Our Top 7 Toptal Alternatives for Hiring Developers:

When you’re seeking an alternative to Toptal, your goal often revolves around finding a platform that offers a comparable level of service, particularly in terms of providing pre-vetted talent. However, not everyone requires this level of curation. Some individuals with technical expertise may prefer platforms that offer a broader talent pool, allowing them to personally vet and interview candidates.

Below, we present a selection of platforms that serve as excellent Toptal alternatives, each catering to specific needs and preferences.

1. CloudDevs VS Toptal

CloudDevs is the closest Toptal alternative in 2024 to hire developers and designers offering you a unique approach to pre-vetted tech talent acquisition. Focusing on providing high-quality developers for companies. CloudDevs operates on a curated model, handpicking senior LatAm-based developers based on their skills and experience.

Similar to Toptal, CloudDevs emphasizes the quality of its developers, ensuring that only top-tier talent is available for hire. CloudDevs expert recruitment team is able to match companies with the right talent from their time zone within 24 hours.

CloudDevs Developer Rates:

CloudDevs offers competitive rates of $45–$75 per hour for developers depending upon the talent’s skills and experience level. While CloudDevs may not have the same level of exclusivity as Toptal, it provides a viable alternative for companies looking to hire top tech talent.

CloudDevs Key Features:

• All senior developers on board with minimum of 5 years of experience
• Fast hiring process of only 24 hours
• Timezone match with US clients
• 7-day risk-free trial period
• The option of a weekly rolling contract with no minimum commitment

Dev Hiring Process through CloudDevs:  

• Schedule a call with the CloudDevs consultants and a dedicated consultant will help you identify the skills required for your project.
• CloudDevs will provide a curated shortlist of top developers within 24 hours.
• Start working with your selected developer immediately, then take them on a week-long free trial to ensure a good fit. 

Read more about CloudDevs Vs. Toptal here.

2. Arc.Dev VS Toptal

Arc.Dev offers a fresh approach to hiring freelance and remote developers. With a focus on transparency and efficiency, Arc connects you with top-tier talent tailored to your needs.

Arc.dev Hiring Cost: 

Freelance developers on Arc determine their own rates, typically ranging from $70 to $100+ per hour. For permanent hires, Arc charges a one-time fee based on the developer’s annual salary.

Key features: 

• Arc’s transparent vetting process ensures you recruit the best freelance contractors and remote full-time team members for short or long-term projects. 
• If you’re expanding your team, Arc can help you build a top-tier, co-located remote hub aligned with your preferred time zone.
• Offers a risk-free trial period and the option to cancel any time.

Dev Hiring Process through Arc.Dev:  

Arc streamlines the dev hiring process through a bespoke AI-powered matching system. For freelance developers, Arc.dev aims to provide a shortlist of highly skilled candidates within 72 hours. For permanent hires, Arc collaborates with you to understand your requirements and matches you with pre-vetted developers who possess the necessary skills. 

3. Gun.io VS Toptal 

Gun.io sets itself apart from other freelance networks by being an exclusive, invite-only community of elite software developers. Similar to Toptal, Gun.io matches developers with companies through a customized recommendation process, emphasizing stringent vetting and personal relationships to handpick developers.

Dev Hiring Process through Gun:  

Get in touch with the Gun.io team and state the role and specific skills needed for your project. Within 3-5 business days, Gun.io will present you with a curated list of top candidates tailored to your requirements.

Choose which candidates you wish to hire and Gun.io will facilitate introductory conversations. Gun.io will then assign a dedicated project manager to oversee your account and ensure smooth project delivery.

Gun.io Cost:

Gun.io’s pricing reflects its focus on elite talent, with hourly rates ranging from $75 to $150 per hour. While this makes it a pricey option, companies can expect top-tier expertise and professionalism from Gun.io’s developers.

Find out more about Gun.io Vs. Toptal here.

4. Turing VS Toptal 

Turing focuses on providing high-quality developers for remote tech projects. One of Turing’s standout features is its talent pool, which consists of developers from around the world. This global reach allows companies to access a diverse range of talent and expertise. 

Developer Hiring Process at Turing:

Turing’s efficient matching process to hire developers enables most companies to find the right developer for their needs within 3 to 5 business days, and sometimes even on the same day. The hiring process through Turing.com is straightforward and involves four steps:

• Specify the required skills for the position.
• Provide additional details about the company and the job.
• Turing.com presents a list of pre-vetted candidates.
• Schedule interviews with selected candidates.

Turing Cost:

Turing offers competitive rates for its coders, with hourly rates varying based on the developer’s location and experience level. Their general pricing is around $55 per hour. Additionally, Turing provides a seamless hiring process, allowing companies to quickly and efficiently onboard developers for their projects.

Key Features of Turing:

• Global talent pool spanning multiple time zones
• Pre-screened tech talents
• AI powered matching system

Find out more about Turing Vs. Toptal here.

5. Gigster VS Toptal

Gigster stands out as a comprehensive solution for quickly augmenting tech teams, making it ideal for enterprise companies. It offers a pool of top-tier developers and project managers, leveraging AI-based algorithms to assemble the right team for each project’s scope and requirements. Gigster focuses on projects above a certain minimum threshold and charges a per-project fee, setting it apart from most vetted marketplaces.

Gigster Pricing:

Gigster’s minimum project cost is $52,000 per license, although specific pricing information is not provided on their website. To inquire about Gigster pricing and other details, interested parties can contact Gigster directly.

Dev Hiring Process through Gigster:

Gigster’s innovative business model supports entrepreneurs with app concepts by offering a team of freelance developers specifically tailored to each project. 

• Project selection triggers the Gigster Talent Network to receive project details.
• Qualified candidates compete for inclusion in the team.
• The project’s Engagement Manager adjusts the team composition as needed for optimal skills in each phase.

Gigster Key Features:

• Specialize in offering comprehensive tech teams for project development outsourcing.
• Gigster uses AI technology to determine project quotes and match talent to new projects.
• Gigster operates globally, tapping into a diverse pool of talent.

Learn more about Gigster Vs. Topta here.

6. Fiverr VS Toptal 

Fiverr revolutionized the freelance platforms for hiring developers with its bidding system, where freelancers offer services for one-off, small-scale, specific tasks. Services on Fiverr start at five dollars, with freelancers setting their own rates based on the project’s complexity. Fiverr is a great freelancer alternative to Toptal for those looking to hire devs on a budget. 

Dev Hiring Process through Fiverr:  

To hire a dev on the Fiverr talent marketplace, you simply use the search bar to find a suitable candidate, order their services, confirm and pay, and provide your requirements. Fiverr ensures payment protection, offers guaranteed upfront pricing, and provides 24/7 customer support. While Fiverr offers a wide pool of freelance developers, it lacks a screening process, leading to varying quality of work.

Developer Cost on Fiverr: 

Fiverr’s pricing ranges from $5 to $995, depending on the complexity of the task. It’s important to note that while Fiverr is suitable for small tasks and working on a limited budget, Toptal is better suited for larger, more complex projects requiring top-tier talent. However, if you find Toptal pricing too steep for your budget, you can opt for searching for talent who fit your requirements through Fiverr.

Key Features of Fiver:

• Non-vetted global talent pool requiring additional screening and interviewing from clients
• Highly competitive bidding system enabling clients to find talent and low rates

Read more about Toptal vs Fiverr here.

7. Upwork VS Toptal

While Upwork and Toptal are both popular platforms for hiring freelance talent whether on a part-time or full-time basis as they cater to different needs and preferences. Upwork, unlike Toptal, does not offer a screening process for developers. If you have the resources and time to vet developers yourself, Upwork can is a viable freelancer alternative to Toptal. 

Dev Hiring Process through Upwork:  

Upwork operates on a bidding system, where freelancers compete by offering their lowest prices for your project, unlike Toptal pricing which is set by the talent themselves. This makes Upwork suitable for short-term projects and one-off tasks where cost efficiency is a priority over quality. 

Upwork Cost:

Upwork offers a range of plans. The free plan includes verified work history, unlimited proposals, and collaboration tools while the Plus plan, priced at $20 per month, adds dedicated account managers and tailored search results.

More on Toptal vs Upwork here.

What’s the best Toptal alternative for you?

As you can see, while Toptal has established itself as a prominent player, there are numerous alternative platforms offering unique features and services that may better suit your specific needs.

A) If you’re seeking high-quality talent at an affordable price

CloudDevs and Gun.io are excellent options for maintaining high-quality standards while also accessing affordable developers. They offer rigorous developer screening, personalized matching, and a fast, scalable approach to expanding your tech team.

B) If speed is an essential component for your hiring process:

For rapid developer hiring, CloudDevs and Gun.io are the top alternatives to Toptal as you can kickstart your project within 24 to 48 hours.

C) If you prefer not to incur any platform costs or commissions:

Upwork and Fiverr are ideal if you want to avoid expenses and prefer to screen developers independently.

D) If you require developers for short-term projects

For small projects and one-time tasks, Upwork and Fiverr are viable freelancing platforms to consider.

However, their bidding systems and lack of prior freelancer screening make them less suitable for risk-averse projects, particularly for small coding tasks.

E) If you need developers for long-term projects

For long-term projects requiring consistent development, premium platforms like CloudDevs, Gun.io, and Arc.dev are optimal choices.

F) If you require an entire team of developers

For comprehensive outsourcing of the development process and a team to handle all aspects, Gigster is the go-to platform. However, its high pricing may be prohibitive for many startups and businesses.

Brief Overview of The Best Toptal Alternatives in 2024:

By exploring these alternatives to Toptal and carefully examining their offerings, you can pinpoint the platform that best aligns with your demands and preferences. This approach ensures you make a well-informed decision that serves your business’s long-term interests.

Get in touch with CloudDevs today to onboard your ideal developer within 24 hours. Schedule your call here.