Upwork Alternatives for Hiring Developers in 2023

• Upwork does not conduct a vetting process on their talent and hence it’s very easy for unqualified individuals to register on the platform.
• Due to the huge concentration of sub-par talent in the platform, recruiters have to waste a lot of time going through unworthy applications to find something even remotely relevant.
• Even though Upwork has a rating system for their talent, it doesn’t necessarily signify the talent’s overall skills such as communication and work ethic. Furthermore, the rating system is partial to those that have been with the platform for longer, hence many qualified talents that have joined more recently can get easily overlooked.
• It is next to impossible to make a hire for an urgent position as the vetting and screening have to be done by the clients themselves.
• The success rate of projects is known to be exceptionally low as clients end up making bad hires.
• Upwork has seen quite some criticisms due to poor customer support when clients need to resolve concerns and they’re also infamous for slow response rates.

Due to the above reasons, we find that more and more clients are veering away from Upwork, towards Upwork competitor platforms that offer freelance talent.

Take a look at some of Upwork’s more recent Trustpilot reviews featured below:

If the above statements are evidence enough and you want to consider an Upwork alternative that offers a better overall experience, then keep reading!

Top Upwork Alternatives for Developer Hiring in 2023:

What is Unicorn.Dev? 

Unicorn.Dev is an exclusive pool of highly vetted, remote developers and designers for hire. This Upwork alternative specializes in the tech talent niche and is considered one of the market’s most affordable tech talent platforms. Unlike Upwork and most other Upwork competitors, Unicorn.Dev is entirely focused on the quality of talent and ensures that all its talents are seniors with a minimum of 5 years of work experience in their specialties. In addition, Unicorn.Dev talents have to undergo 5 stages of screening and vetting in order to enter the exclusive platform which makes the caliber of their talent stand apart from Upwork.

Why use Unicorn.Dev as an alternative to Upwork for your developer requirements:

• Unlike the millions of talents spread across different specialties on Upwork, Unicorn.Dev offers a more niche-based platform that makes it convenient for clients to hire all their tech talent from one place
• While Unicorn.Dev offers a global talent base similar to that of Upwork, all Unicorn talents are highly vetted and screened which makes them stand apart from the thousands of non-vetted sub-par talent that crowd Upwork’s platform.
• Unicorn.Dev can provide a talent match within 24 hours due to their existing pre-vetted pool. Unlike sourcing talents through Upwork and other similar Upwork competitors that would require up to 3 or 4 weeks as the client has to conduct the screening and interview processes themselves, having access to Unicorn.Dev’s pre-vetted save so much time.
• Although Unicorn.Dev presents a global talent pool similar to Upwork, this Upwork alternative provides a 4-hour time-zone overlap for clients with their talent, which makes it easier to collaborate and communicate with their internal teams.
• Finally, Unicorn.Dev provides a 1 week-long free trial for the clients with each new tech talent their hire, which is not a possibility through platforms like Upwork and most of its competitors.

3. Toptal: 

4. Freelancer: 

5. Fiverr

What is Fiverr?

Billing itself as one of the pioneers of online marketplaces for freelance talent worldwide, Fiverr originally offered their services at $5, hence their name! Although since then, this Upwork competitor has grown a great deal, and today you can find pretty much any type of service that’s needed, from simple data entry to more complex software engineering services for anything between $5 to $200 per hour within their platform.

Why Use Fiverr as an Upwork Alternative?

• The client is able to post a job or browse through gig offers till they find something that meets their requirement.
• The clients can create an account on Fiverr for free and communicate with the talent prior to making an order so they can gauge the fit beforehand.
• It is best suited for those who want small tasks completed fast within a limited budget.
• It covers a wide range of talent and does not have a specific focus.

Due to its distributed focus and the lack of a screening or vetting procedure, you’re unlikely to receive high-quality output through Fiverr hires. However, if you were to discover some capable and reliable talent, it is very likely that you can stick to working with this alternative to Upwork in the future.

6. Gun.io

What is Gun.io?

Gun.io is a reputable platform in the world of freelance talent, offering a diverse array of services tailored to meet your specific needs. With a name that echoes reliability and excellence, Gun.io stands as a dependable alternative for those seeking top-notch freelancers. Originally, this platform focused on connecting clients with skilled professionals who could deliver outstanding results, and today, Gun.io has expanded its offerings to cater to a wide spectrum of services, ensuring that you can find the right expertise for your project.

Why Choose Gun.io as an Upwork alternative for hiring developers?

1. Customizable Job Posting: Clients have the flexibility to post job listings that align precisely with their project requirements.
2. Direct Communication: Gun.io fosters open and direct communication between clients and freelancers, allowing for meaningful discussions before committing to a project.
3. Wide Talent Pool: Whether you require a quick solution for small tasks or seek comprehensive services for larger projects, Gun.io offers a diverse pool of talented professionals who can meet your needs.
4. Quality Assurance: Unlike some platforms, Gun.io places a strong emphasis on quality and expertise. Freelancers undergo rigorous screening and vetting procedures, ensuring that you receive top-quality work.
5. Long-Term Relationships: When you find a reliable freelancer through Gun.io, you have the opportunity to build lasting working relationships, streamlining future collaborations and ensuring consistent results.

7. Guru

What is Guru?

Guru brings together a range of software developers, designers, and tech workers across a range of experience levels to pick from.

Similar to Fiverr and Upwork, Guru is another generic freelancer marketplace that offers all manner of services within its platform. They too do not offer vetted talent, however, there is a large pool of talent to pick from at very cheap prices. As with Fiverr and Upwork, the risks are higher when recruiting through Guru as the likelihood of making bad recruitment is significantly high. Yet it is possible to find a few good talents if you have the time and the patience to sift through the scammers. On the plus side, Guru’s customer care has better reviews from clients and it’s known to be more reliable than Upwork.

How to Choose the Best Upwork Alternative for You

The best Upwork alternative for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:

• The type of project you need help with. Some platforms are better suited for certain types of projects than others. For example, Toptal is a good choice for highly skilled developers for complex projects, while Fiverr is a good choice for small projects or tasks that don’t require a lot of specialized expertise.
• Your budget. The pricing of Upwork alternatives can vary widely. Toptal is the most expensive option, while Fiverr is the most affordable.
• The quality of talent. The quality of talent on Upwork alternatives can vary. Toptal and Guru have a reputation for having high-quality talent, while Fiverr and Freelancer have a wider range of talent, including some less experienced developers.
• The ease of use. The ease of use of Upwork alternatives can also vary. Some platforms are more user-friendly than others.

In Conclusion

While Upwork remains a prominent player in the freelance developer hiring landscape, it’s essential to explore the diverse array of upwork alternatives available before you make your hire. Your choice of platform should align with your goals, expertise, and expectations. Whether you’re a freelancer seeking the perfect project or a client looking for specialized developer, the world of online freelance platforms has something unique to offer. 

From tech-focused platforms like CloudDevs to those celebrating the extraordinary like Unicorn.Dev, the choices are as diverse as the talents and aspirations of freelancers and clients alike.