21 Best Toptal Alternatives to Hire Tech Talent

Toptal is known for its top-tier freelance talent, but the sky-high costs and inconsistent support can make your hiring experience a headache.

Fortunately, there are better options. Many alternatives provide top-tier talent at more affordable rates, with reliable support to guide you through the hiring process.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 13 top Toptal alternatives with vetted freelancers, transparent hiring processes, and flexible pricing to meet your project needs.

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⚡️ Find developers, designers, marketers, and more
⚡️ Freelance or full-time remote + fully vetted
⚡️ Save up to 80% with global hires

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What is Toptal and what is its pricing?

Toptal connects you with freelance developers, designers, marketers, finance experts, and project managers from around the world. It’s known for its rigorous vetting process, ensuring top-quality talent for your projects.

However, Toptal has some limitations. You won’t find candidate search filters or a resume database to browse. Instead, you’ll get an alert when a match is made, and a Toptal expert will contact you to discuss the next steps.

Pricing on Toptal includes a flat monthly subscription fee of $79, along with bi-monthly invoices based on freelancer roles. Costs vary depending on the freelancer’s expertise, location, and project requirements.

If you’re curious about how Toptal stacks up against competitors, check out our in-depth comparison article.  Now that you know what Toptal offers, let’s explore other platforms that might be a better fit for your freelance hiring needs.

Best Toptal alternatives to hiring tech talent

Platform	Best For	Typical Hourly Rates	Vetting Process	Key Features
Arc	Hiring pre-vetted freelance and full-time remote tech talent quickly	$15 to $110+ per hour	Transparent vetting for the top 2% talent	AI-powered instant matching, global hiring, paperwork handled, and real human support
BairesDev	Full-cycle software development outsourcing	$50 to $99 per hour (based on reviews)	Top 1% of tech talent rigorously vetted	Autonomous teams, IT staff augmentation, global market access, and support across time zones
Turing	Hiring developers and software engineers for long-term projects	$50 to $99 per hour (based on reviews)	AI-vetted professionals	Developers matched to your timezone, strong task ownership to minimize micromanagement, developers matched within 3-5 days
X-Team	Building teams of pre-vetted developers for long-term projects	Not provided	Pre-vetted developers	Full-time developer support, flexible monthly contracts, professional development for hires
Gigster	Assembling and managing distributed teams for complex projects	$100 to $149 per hour (based on reviews)	Top 1% of talent	Quick team assembly (under 10 days), reduced staffing risks, tailored project planning
Lemon.io	Hiring developers from Europe and Latin America	$55-$85 per hour (minimum 160 hours)	Top 1% talent	Matches developers within 24-48 hours, Lemon.io handles contracts, payments, and logistics, flexibility to switch hires

1. Arc

Arc is a global talent marketplace connecting fast-growing startups and tech companies with top-tier professionals across roles like developers, designers, marketers, product managers, project managers, assistants, and more. 

With transparent vetting and instant matching, Arc delivers pre-vetted freelance or full-time talent in days. Affordable and efficient, Arc is your best alternative to Toptal.

If you need to make multiple hires, Arc can assist in building a global team tailored to your company’s preferred time zone, ensuring seamless collaboration across borders.

Pricing

Freelancer’s rate ranges from $15-$110 per hour, depending on the role, skills, and location. You pay an hourly rate for the hours worked without any extra fees.

For full-time permanent hires, Arc charges a one-time hiring fee.

How it works

Arc’s HireAI simplifies hiring. Enter your requirements and budget, and it instantly matches you with vetted candidates that meet your needs.

Review the shortlisted profiles, conduct interviews, and let Arc handle the paperwork. Most users hire within 24 to 72 hours, saving time and effort.

Pros	Cons
Instant matching for quick talent sourcing	Limited to remote freelancers only
Work with the top 2% freelancers	Verified freelancers on Arc may have higher expected rates compared to other platforms
Pay only for the hours freelancer worked without any additional fees
Flexible hiring options to suit various project needs
Save costs by leveraging global hiring opportunities

Read More: Software Developer vs Engineer vs Programmer (& More Related Titles)

2. BairesDev

BairesDev connects you with top-tier developers and ensures effective collaboration with bilingual talent based in Latin America, aligned with your time zone.

Pricing

BairesDev doesn’t provide pricing information, but review sites indicate that their rates typically range from $50 to $99 per hour.

How it works

Tell them about your business and discuss your goals, team structure, timeline, budget, and required skill sets. Within days, the BairesDev team will finalize the project details, agree on an engagement model, and onboard your team. 

Once milestones are set, they’ll get to work immediately, track performance, and keep you updated every step of the way.

Pros	Cons
Prioritizes hiring top-tier developers within the region	Non-transparent pricing
Provides access to Latin America-based talent for seamless collaboration and productivity	Not suitable for short-term projects
Rigorously vets candidates to provide access to the top 1% of tech talent

Read More: On-Site vs Remote vs Distributed Engineering Teams: How to Choose?

3. Turing

Turing helps you scale development teams on demand, matching developers to your timezone for at least a 4-hour overlap with your workday. With strong communication skills, they take ownership of tasks and deliver results without requiring micromanagement.

Pricing

Turing helps you hire vetted developers and software engineers with no upfront recruiting fees. While pricing isn’t listed on their website, reviews indicate that Turing developers typically cost between $50 and $99 per hour.

How it works

Discuss your needs with a technical matching expert to access their global pool of developers. Share the skills or roles you’re looking for, or get expert recommendations.

Within days, select your preferred talent, onboard them, and start a free 2-week trial with AI-vetted remote developers.

Pros	Cons
Access the top 1% talent	AI-vetted professionals may not always meet the desired standards
2-week no risk trial period	Not suitable for short-term projects
Get matched to the developers within 3-5 days

Read More: Freelance Web Developer vs Dev Agency: Which is Best for My Project?

4. X-Team

X-Team provides full-time developers to seamlessly integrate with your team. They offer flexible, simple contracts billed monthly and actively invest in developer growth to keep their talent motivated.

Pricing

X-Team doesn’t share pricing details on its website, but you can contact their team directly for more information.

How it works

While their exact process isn’t outlined, X-Team assigns a dedicated account manager to coordinate with their developers. Their talent pool includes specialists in front-end and back-end programming, blockchain, data science, and more.

Pros	Cons
Supports businesses of all sizes, from growing startups to Fortune 500 companies	Non-transparent pricing
Provides access to pre-vetted developers	Not suitable for short-term projects
Includes ongoing support and professional development for hired candidates
Offers flexible hiring options

Read More: How to Build and Maintain a Distributed Software Engineering Team

5. Gigster

Gigster takes full ownership of your project, managing software development projects from start to finish to ensure delivery within scope, time, and budget. With dedicated teams tailored to your needs, Gigster offers the flexibility to scale and meet your business goals seamlessly.

Pricing 

Gigster doesn’t list pricing details on its website, but reviews indicate typical rates range from $100 to $149 per hour. You can contact them directly for more information.

How it works

Share your project details, goals, and initiatives with Gigster. You’ll create a tailored plan with a Gigster representative to meet your needs. They will assemble a team based on your specific requirements if you require a team.

For building fully remote teams, Arc is a better alternative to Gigster. It offers global, high-quality talent at lower costs with instant candidate matching, enabling faster hiring to meet project deadlines.

Pros	Cons
Access to the vetted talent	Non-transparent pricing
Staffing period completed in less than ten days	No trial period is available to test the platform’s services
Achieves 30% more efficient staffing with 60% lower risk	No instant talent-matching

Read More: Contract to Hire: The Flexible Remote Engineering Team Scaling Solution

6. Lemon.io

Lemon.io connects you with rigorously vetted developers from Europe and Latin America in as little as 24 hours, with an average matching time that ensures fast and efficient hiring.

Pricing

Initial payments are based on the estimated workload. Rates start at $55-$85 per hour, with weekly or monthly payments throughout the project.

How it works

Tell your requirements to Lemon.io, and they’ll match you with 2-3 experienced developers within 24-48 hours. Browse profiles or schedule interviews to find the right fit. 

Once you’ve made your choice, your developer can start within a week while they handle contracts, payments, and logistics.

If you’re looking to hire fast, Arc stands out with instant, customized talent matching, providing freelance solutions without any additional costs.

Pros	Cons
Top 1% developers	Minimum 160-hour work commitment, unsuitable for short-term projects
Switch hires at no additional cost if your priorities change or the developer isn’t the right fit	No options for fixed-price projects
Work on a month-to-month basis without being locked into extended contracts

Read More: How to Integrate Freelance Software Developers Into Your Current Team

Overview of freelance platforms for tech talent

We’ve compiled some of the best Toptal alternatives to help you find freelance tech experts based on your specific needs.

Arc stands out as the top alternative to Toptal, offering vetted tech freelancers and free hiring support. You can hire top talent with no deposits or long-term commitments.

If you’re a startup looking for risk-free, Lemon.io connects you with vetted developers at flexible hourly rates. For software outsourcing, BairesDev can provide the support you need.

If you have a small project and a tight budget, Fiverr is a good potential option. If you want an entire team assembled for your project, Gigster can build one for you.

For a scalable, full-time team billed monthly, consider X-Team. For hiring vetted developers and software engineers with no upfront recruiting fees, Turing is an excellent option, offering a 2-week, no-risk trial to ensure a good match.

Read More: US vs International Developers: Do Overseas Developers Get a Bad Rap?

Alternatives to Toptal for hiring designers

Platform	Best For	Pricing	Vetting Process	Key Features
Crowdspring	Affordable, crowd-driven designs for a variety of needs	$299 (60 designs) or $499 (90 designs, top-level designers option)	No formal vetting	220,000+ designers, unlimited submissions, free consultations, 24/7 support
Designhill	Flexible hiring with extensive design options	Starting prices for popular design contest categories are Website ($549), Label Design ($349), and Packaging Design ($499). Pricing varies by category, and one-to-one projects include a 5% commission	Designers compete for projects	330,000+ designers, 24/7 customer support, 100% money-back guarantee, unlimited revisions
99designs	Quick turnaround with flexibility between contests and direct hiring	Starting prices vary by design category: website ($599), blog ($299), and landing page ($349). One-to-one projects incur a 5% platform fee	Ranked as Entry, Mid, or Top	90+ design categories, fast turnaround for simple projects, customer rating of 4.8/5, 24/7 creativity

7. Crowdspring

Crowdspring is home to over 220,000 designers. With 24/7 customer support and free design consultations, they make the process seamless and stress-free.

Pricing

Crowdspring offers tier-based pricing for freelance graphic designers. For $299, you get ~60 designs, full copyright ownership, and unlimited submissions. The $499 plan adds ~90 designs, top-tier designers, focus groups, and promotional features.

How it works

Start by completing an interactive Q&A tailored to your product category. Designers will then submit concepts for your review. You’ll rate, provide feedback, and choose a winning design. After final adjustments, you’ll gain full rights to your purchased work.

Pros	Cons
Work with a network of creatives, receive custom designs, and pick a winner	Crowdworking can result in noise and inconsistency, requiring additional effort to filter through submissions
1-on-1 working option available	Lack of personalized hiring support
Pricing starts at $299 for 60 designs	No free trial

8. Designhill

Designhill is a creative marketplace that delivers design options within 24 hours to 10 days of posting a project. The platform features 330,000+ designers, 24/7 customer support, and a 100% money-back guarantee for peace of mind.

Pricing

Designhill offers contest pricing starting at $249, making it easy to find designers for various projects. For one-on-one projects, a 5% commission applies.

How it works

Start by filling out a design brief and posting your project. Designers will compete for your business by submitting concepts. Once you choose your favorite design, you’ll receive source files and full copyright and ownership rights to your winning design.

Pros	Cons
100% money-back guarantee	5% commission on one-to-one projects
Flexible hiring options available	The cheapest design contest package includes designers with the shortest experience level
Unlimited revisions to ensure satisfaction

9. 99designs

99designs lets you launch design contests or hire a designer directly. The platform offers flexible pricing to suit all budgets, access to design experts in over 90 categories, and a 100% money-back guarantee on contests. 

Pricing

99designs pricing starts from $599 for web page design, $349 for landing page design, and $299 for logo design. These are the minimum prices for running contests. One-to-one projects include a 5% platform fee in addition to designer rates.

Whereas, if you hire designers through Arc, you get vetted talent without additional costs; you only pay the freelancer’s rates for hours worked.

How it works

To get started, you’ll fill out a design brief and post your project. You can either hire a designer directly or launch a contest. Once you’ve selected your favorite design, you’ll receive source files along with full copyright and ownership rights.

Pros	Cons
Choose between hiring a designer directly or running a contest based on your project needs	Lack of formal vetting process for designers
Fast turnaround time for simple projects	Only fixed price option available
Designers are ranked as Entry, Mid, or Top Level for easy selection	Turnaround times are not specified

Key points on freelance platforms for designers

Crowdspring offers tier-based pricing, making it a great Toptal alternative for flexible budgets and varying design needs. For website redesigns, Designhill is a strong contender. If you need landing pages, banner ads, or blog designs, 99designs delivers competitive pricing and quality work.

Arc also stands out as one of the excellent options for hiring the top 2% of designers tailored to your needs.

Sites like Toptal to hire expert marketers

Platform	Best For	Pricing	Vetting Process	Key Features
MarketerHire	Companies needing fast, pre-vetted marketing experts for short-term or long-term projects	$5,000, $10,000 and $15,000 per month; custom options available for full-time hires	Pre-vetted marketing experts from top global brands and startups	Matches with a marketer within 48 hours, two-week trial to ensure the right fit, flexible contract options (hourly, part-time, full-time), bi-weekly check-ins for project progress
Mayple	SaaS companies needing AI-driven, data-based marketing expert placement	Starts at $1,000 for a paid media audit, with costs varying based on the marketing area and add-ons	Data-based vetting with AI and machine learning for precise talent placement	AI and machine learning for efficient talent placement, 1-on-1 consultations with experienced C-suite executives, actionable recommendations for improving marketing efforts
Growtal	Businesses needing vetted freelance marketers for flexible, on-demand hiring	No upfront fees; a $500 refundable deposit is required before hiring	Hand-selected and personally vetted freelancers	Freelancers set their own rates based on market averages, hire within 7 days, invoices sent bi-weekly for cost control, custom matches based on business goals and budget

10. MarketerHire

MarketerHire connects you with skilled marketers in just 48 hours. They offer a two-week trial, so you can ensure the marketer is the right fit.  Their marketers come from top global brands and startups, ready to tackle your needs. 

Pricing

MarketerHire pricing starts at $5,000 per month for the Starter plan, $10,000 per month for the Pro plan, and $15,000 per month for the Elite plan. Custom options are available for full-time hires or tailored budgets.

Arc, on the other hand, requires no upfront costs or monthly payments. You only pay for the hours worked, with no deposits or long-term commitments, making it suitable for teams of all sizes.

How it works

Describe your project, and MarketerHire will match you with a marketer within 48 hours. You’ll meet the recommended marketer on an intro call to review the project, with the option to explore other candidates if needed.

Once approved, the marketer will integrate into your team and start the project, with MarketerHire providing bi-weekly check-ins to ensure everything runs smoothly and offering replacements if necessary.

Pros	Cons
Pre-vetted marketing experts	Pricing starts at $5,000/month for the starter level
Fast hiring process, typically within 48 hours	No option to browse the pre-vetted talent in the network
Flexible contracts (hourly, part-time, or full-time)	No dashboard or application to manage hiring and invoices
Save 70% on hiring costs

11. Mayple

Mayple uses AI and machine learning to match you with top marketing professionals. Experts audit your marketing activities, offer actionable recommendations, and provide 1-on-1 consultations with experienced C-suite executives.

Pricing

Mayple’s pricing starts at $1,000 for a paid media audit. They offer services across various marketing niches like SEO, social media, and email marketing, with costs varying by specialization.

How it works

Share your brand, marketing efforts, and goals with Mayple, and their AI will match you with a top expert. After refining your strategy in a meeting, review and approve the plan, and they’ll get started right away.

Pros	Cons
Precise talent placement using AI	Requires a minimum $5000 monthly budget in paid advertising
Data-based vetting of marketing experts	AI-based approach may not suit every company
Tailored platform for SaaS businesses

12. Growtal

Growtal connects you with vetted freelance marketers on demand. Every marketer is personally vetted and hand-selected to match your business needs, ensuring you work with top-tier marketing talent.

Pricing

Marketers on Growtal set their own rates based on average market rates for their skills, ensuring flexibility and transparency. 

If you choose to proceed with a marketer, a $500 refundable deposit is required.

How it works

You tell Growtal about your marketing needs, a channel you want to explore, or a role you need to fill. Next, they gather details about your business, goals, and budget to ensure the right match.  

Once you sign an agreement outlining the partnership, the Growtal team reviews its network of pre-vetted freelancers and identifies 2-to 4 ideal candidates. You make the final decision or rely on their recommendation.  

Within as little as seven business days, your freelancer starts working, helping you meet your goals efficiently.  

Pros	Cons
Vetted and hand-selected freelancers	Only US-based marketers may lead to higher costs
Hire within 7 days	Requires a $500 deposit before hiring your first freelancer

Summary of best sites for hiring marketers

MarketerHire connects you with vetted marketing experts without requiring a long-term commitment. For auditing your marketing activities, actionable recommendations, and 1-on-1 consultations, Mayple is an excellent choice. 

Growtal is ideal if you need to hire a U.S.-based marketer with the option of bringing them onsite.

For expert marketers, Arc is a top option, providing vetted talent with flexible, cost-effective hiring for both long-term and short-term projects.

Toptal competitors for finding freelance finance experts

Platform	Best For	Pricing	Vetting Process	Key Features
Finance Hire	Hiring senior finance professionals	Claims to offer unbeatable prices, but exact details are not provided on the website	Rigorously vetted finance experts	Suitable for businesses at every stage, quick hiring process, with professionals available within 3-5 days
Paro	High-quality, customized finance teams for businesses	Not disclosed; contact for details	Top 2% via AI matching	Proprietary AI matching, data-rich insights, tailored fit across 60+ industries and 250+ skill sets
1840 & co	Hiring cost-effective talent	Pricing details aren’t listed, but reviews suggest an hourly rate of less than $25	Human and AI-vetted freelancers	AI Talent Clouds for quick, cost-effective matching, potential to reduce hiring costs by up to 70%, and options for self-managed and fully managed staffing solutions

13. Finance Hire

Finance Hire helps you connect with top finance professionals using its proprietary sourcing system. Designed for advanced business needs, it allows you to hire seasoned professionals, including CFOs and finance controllers.

Pricing

Finance Hire claims to provide access to finance experts at unbeatable prices, though their website does not list exact pricing details.

How it works 

To hire through Finance Hire, simply fill out a form, and their team will respond promptly. You can hire top finance professionals within 3-5 days.

Pros	Cons
Hire within 3-5 days	Limited to hiring senior finance professionals
Finance experts vetted over 5+ hours of tests and interviews	Non-transparent pricing

14. Paro

Paro is a network of top-tier financial professionals offering CFO leadership, financial planning and analysis, accounting, bookkeeping, and more. They specialize in building expert finance teams tailored to your business needs.

Pricing

Paro doesn’t list pricing details on its website, but you can contact them directly for more information.

How it works

Start with a consultation where Paro’s financial consultants assess your needs across people, processes, and platforms. Based on your industry, experience, and technology requirements, they’ll match you with finance experts. 

Paro will then facilitate the project kickoff and provide ongoing support.

Pros	Cons
Get paired with the top 2% of finance professionals 20x faster	Non-transparent pricing
Proprietary AI matching across 60+ industries and 250+ skill sets ensures the perfect fit	Provides no support in employment-related issues or disputes
Data-rich insights guide you to solutions and match you with professionals who have relevant experience

15. 1840 & Company

Eighteen Forty (1840) provides strategic staffing and outsourcing with local, remote, and outsourced talent. With their help, you can outsource financial operations and hire freelance or full-time accounting professionals to achieve your fiscal goals.

Using AI Talent Clouds, 1840 reduces hiring costs by up to 70%, quickly connecting businesses with skilled talent, locally or remotely.

Pricing

The company website doesn’t list pricing details, but reviews indicate an hourly rate of less than $25.

How it works

The first step is to schedule a call with 1840’s growth experts to discuss your financial goals, challenges, and budget. They’ll recommend tailored solutions to scale your team efficiently while reducing costs.  

For self-managed options, they provide pre-vetted candidates for you to select. For fully managed solutions, they handle sourcing, onboarding, and more to ensure a seamless process.  

Pros	Cons
Human and AI-vetted finance experts	Lack of trial period
70% hiring cost reduction	Lacks in-app project management tools
Get matched to a freelancer within 48 hours

Overview Toptal competitors for hiring finance experts

If you’re looking for senior finance experts, Finance Hire is a good Toptal alternative. Paro is a good choice to consider if you’d prefer to be matched with a finance expert and given more project support. 

For flexible financial support, including outsourcing or hiring freelance finance experts at reduced costs, 1840 is an excellent option.

Websites like Toptal for finding freelance product managers

Platform	Best For	Pricing	Vetting Process	Key Features
Freelancer.com	Fast, competitive bidding for product managers	Pay the freelancer’s quoted rate or your direct offer	Optional freelancer verification with no formal vetting	Free job posting, real-time chat, progress tracking, 24/7 support, satisfaction guarantee
Guru	Low-cost service fees and built-in project management tools	Freelancer’s quoted rate; 2.9% invoice fee (cashback for eCheck or wire transfer payments)	Unvetted product managers	WorkRooms for collaboration, 99% customer satisfaction rate, 800,000+ employers, 1M+ paid invoices
Upwork	Access to a large talent pool with flexible hiring options	Free plan or $49.99/month (Plus) for tailored search; $849/month (Business); custom pricing for Enterprise plan	Vetted freelancers in Enterprise plan	Vast talent pool across 90+ categories, dedicated account managers (Plus/Business), and flexible billing options. Dedicated hiring support, freelancer tracking, and additional tools in Enterprise plan

16. Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelance marketplace, offering competitive bidding, safe payments, live chat, 24/7 support, progress tracking, and a satisfaction guarantee to ensure a smooth hiring experience.

Freelancer.com offers optional freelancer verification to ensure quality assurance, giving you added confidence in hiring skilled and reliable professionals.

Pricing

You’ll pay the rate on your freelance product manager’s winning quote or the direct offer rate you made to your chosen product manager.

How it works 

Post your project for free to receive bids from freelance product managers, or browse profiles and make a direct offer. Compare proposals, chat in real-time, and release payments based on milestones or upon completion.

Pros	Cons
80% of jobs receive bids within 60 seconds	Only an optional Freelancer verification program with no formal vetting
Only pay when you’re 100% satisfied with the work	High competition among candidates results in longer hiring times

17. Guru

Guru has served 800,000 employers, offering a 99% customer satisfaction rate and custom enterprise solutions. Posting a job is free, and the platform has paid $250 million to freelancers across 1 million invoices.

Pricing

You’ll pay your freelance product manager’s quoted rate. While Guru charges a 2.9% invoice fee, paying with eCheck or wire transfer gives you 100% cashback on the handling fee.

How it works

Hiring on Guru starts with posting a free job listing and reviewing quotes from product managers. You can evaluate profiles based on performance, feedback, portfolios, and earnings before finalizing a scope of work agreement and hiring. 

Once hired, you can collaborate seamlessly through Guru’s WorkRooms.

Pros	Cons
Claims the lowest service fee	Unvetted product managers
Built-in project management, communication, and payment-handling features	Fewer freelancers compared to Upwork

18. Upwork

Upwork is one of the most popular freelance marketplaces, offering free job postings, bids, easy collaboration, and simplified payment. Its Enterprise solution provides vetted talent, dedicated hiring support, and freelancer tracking to streamline hiring.

Pricing 

Upwork offers tiered pricing to meet different needs. The basic plan includes a 5% service fee, verified work history, reviews, unlimited proposals, and tools for payment and collaboration. 

For businesses requiring advanced features, the Business plan charges a 10% service fee and includes consolidated billing, a dedicated advisory team, and detailed reporting. 

The Enterprise plan, with custom pricing, provides configurable contracting, worker classification compliance, and a dedicated account executive for tailored support.

How it works

To hire on Upwork, post your project and receive proposals from freelancers within 24 hours. You can compare bids, reviews, and portfolios, then interview candidates to find the best fit. 

Payment options include hourly or fixed-rate, with invoices managed through Upwork’s platform.  

With Upwork Enterprise, tell them about your project and the skills you need. Instantly browse vetted product managers and hire quickly using customizable tools and dedicated hiring support.  

Pros	Cons
Access to a vast talent pool spanning 90+ categories, including product managers	Service fee starting from $5, plus a contract initiation fee of up to $14.99
Built-in project management and communication tools	Hiring vetted freelancers has non-transparent, custom-pricing
Offers flexible billing options

Key points on freelance platforms for product managers

Freelancer.com lets you search for freelance product managers, make direct offers, or accept bids, giving you plenty of hiring options.

Guru offers the lowest handling fees in the industry, making it a great choice if you’re on a tight budget.

Upwork offers tiered pricing and flexible services for hiring product managers. Enterprise users gain access to vetted talent, dedicated support, and advanced hiring tools.

Read More: Lean vs Agile: Differences Between Two Top Development Methodologies

Toptal alternatives for finding project managers

Platform	Best For	Pricing	Vetting Process	Key Features
Fiverr	Best for one-time projects, but sign up for Fiverr Pro for complex tasks and dedicated hiring support	Starting at $5	Pro plan: Freelancers vetted by expert evaluation team	Payment protection, guaranteed upfront pricing, 24/7 customer support, a wide range of services
Braintrust	Hiring project managers	15% platform fee	Vetted project managers	30-day satisfaction guarantee, instant matching with candidates
RemotePanda	Hands-on support and personalized candidate matching for a more managed project management approach	$15–$60+	No information provided	Guarantees results, personalized matching, project oversight by RemotePanda team

19. Fiverr

Fiverr connects you with freelancers, offering diverse services, payment protection, upfront pricing, and 24/7 support. Its Fiverr Pro feature offers vetted freelancers, dedicated hiring support, project managers, and tools for seamless team collaboration.

Pricing

Fiverr offers freelancers for project management tasks, with rates starting as low as $5. Freelancers set their rates, so depending on your project’s complexity, you might find a competitive rate or face a more limited pool of options.

How it works

Use Fiverr’s search bar to find project managers that fit your needs. Once you’ve identified a suitable candidate, order their services, confirm payment, and provide your project details. From there, collaborate directly with your new freelance project manager.

Pros	Cons
Offers gig-based services with clear, predefined deliverables	Potential for variability in quality due to low costs and diverse skill sets across industries
Affordable pricing starting as low as $5	Without Fiverr Pro, you’ll need significant time and effort to review profiles and select the right freelancer
Hire vetted project managers through Fiverr Pro	Vetted freelancers cost more

20. Braintrust

Braintrust offers an AI-powered hiring solution for instant talent matching, with every hire backed by a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee to ensure the perfect fit for your project.

Pricing 

Braintrust connects you with three highly qualified project managers in minutes, charging a transparent 15% fee. Freelancer rates are not listed on the website.

How it works

Post your job for free and browse top talent instantly. Once you’ve reviewed candidates and made your choice, Braintrust handles onboarding, invoicing, and compliance, allowing you to focus on your project. 

Pros	Cons
Vetted project managers	15% platform fee
Get matched with candidates within minutes.	Primarily suited for long-term, complex projects, limiting flexibility for smaller or short-term needs

21. RemotePanda

RemotePanda offers seasoned freelancers across 100+ services and claims they are the only platform that guarantees results. They actively manage your freelance project manager and oversee project progress to ensure success.

Pricing

While the RemotePanda website does not provide details, if you fill out a Typeform with your requirements, a RemotePanda team member will contact you to discuss rates and options.

How it works

RemotePanda assigns you a personal assistant, your “Success Panda,” to guide you through the entire hiring process. They’ll help you access detailed candidate profiles, create a tailored shortlist, and assist in every way during live interviews so you can make confident hiring decisions. 

Pros	Cons
Work with seasoned freelancers across 100+ categories	No details on freelancer vetting
Personalized candidate matching	No information on the pricing structure

Summary of top platforms to hire project managers

For short-term projects on a tight budget, Fiverr is a great choice to get the job done quickly. Use Fiverr Pro for vetted talent and personalized support within a budget.

If you’re exploring Toptal alternatives for complex projects in software, machine learning, data analytics, and related fields, Braintrust is a good choice. Want more oversight and hands-on support? RemotePanda could be the perfect fit for your project management needs.

Common questions about choosing Toptal alternatives

Are there any affordable alternatives to Toptal?

Arc is a cost-effective alternative to Toptal, offering access to the top 2% of freelance talent. Plus, you only pay for the work completed, with no additional fees beyond the freelancer’s rate.

Which freelance platform is better than Toptal for hiring developers?

Arc and BairesDev are excellent alternatives to Toptal for hiring developers. However,  BairesDev requires a minimum project size of $50,000, according to verified user reviews. 

Arc imposes no such restrictions. It provides vetted talent, personalized support, and no additional costs, regardless of your project size.

How do I choose between Toptal and other platforms?

To choose the most suitable platform, consider pricing, talent quality, project scope, and support. 

For example, Upwork offers a budget-friendly option, but quality can vary since developers aren’t vetted. On the other hand, Arc provides access to pre-vetted developers without additional costs, ensuring consistent quality. 

Which platforms provide vetting processes similar to Toptal?

Arc, BairesDev, Gigster, and Paro all connect you with vetted freelancers, ensuring access to skilled professionals for your projects. Arc stands out with its rigorous vetting process, offering the top 2% of talent for exceptional results.

How does Toptal compare to Upwork?

Toptal and Upwork differ in talent quality, pricing, and project suitability. Toptal vets the top 3% of freelancers, ideal for high-stakes projects, while Upwork offers a broader talent pool with more variability in quality. 

Toptal is costly, requiring a flat monthly subscription fee of $79 and bi-monthly invoices determined by freelancer roles. On the other hand, Upwork provides budget-friendly options with flexible pricing.  

Wrapping up our list of Toptal alternatives

While Toptal offers vetted professionals, its high costs, limited transparency, and unresponsive customer support might not work for everyone.

Thankfully, excellent alternatives provide top-tier talent, often at a fraction of the cost. Whether you prioritize flexible pricing, faster hiring timelines, or a more hands-on support system, platforms like Arc can meet your needs.

Still deciding on the best Toptal alternative? Contact us for a free, no-deposit consultation and connect with top, interview-ready professionals. Find your next top hires with Arc and build your future success today.

You can also try Arc, your shortcut to the world’s best remote talent:

⚡️ Access 450,000 top developers, designers, and marketers
⚡️ Vetted and ready to interview
⚡️ Freelance or full-time

Try Arc and hire top talent now →