If you’re reading this, you’re probably at a crossroads on what platform to use for your startup.

Finding the right tech talent for your startup can be stressful. Platforms like Gigster promise to make it easy, but sometimes, they just don’t hit the mark.

Maybe you’ve used Gigster and felt like something was missing or maybe you haven’t tried it yet and you’re just curious if there are better options out there.

Here’s the good news: There are.

The tech hiring world has changed, and there are more options than ever before. You don’t have to settle for one platform when you can explore multiple Gigster alternatives that might fit your needs better.

Whether it’s about cutting costs, finding the perfect developer, or just having more control over your project, there’s an alternative waiting for you.

But where do you start?

We’ll walk you through the top 11 alternatives to Gigster, each with its own strengths. Whether you’re looking for more affordable developers, faster turnaround times, or just something different, you’ll find it here.
 

Criteria for a Great Gigster Alternative

Before we get into the list of Gigster alternatives, it’s important to know what makes a good alternative in the first place. Sure, any platform can promise to connect you with developers, but what exactly should you be looking for?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices, especially when you’re a startup trying to get things moving fast. Let’s break it down into a few simple criteria that will help you identify which platform is the best fit for your specific needs.
 

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1. Affordability

Most startups don’t have bottomless pockets. You want top-tier developers, but you don’t want to blow your entire budget on one project. That’s where affordability comes in. One of the main reasons people look for Gigster alternatives is to find a more cost-effective solution.

Gigster is known for delivering great talent, but it can be expensive. When searching for alternatives, you want to find platforms that offer high-quality developers at prices that won’t leave you sweating every time you look at your balance sheet. Affordable doesn’t mean cheap, it means getting great value for your money.
 

2. Flexibility

Every startup is different, and every project has its own unique demands. Some projects are small and quick; others are more complex and long-term. A good alternative to Gigster should give you the flexibility to hire for both.

Maybe you need someone for just a few weeks, or maybe you’re looking for a long-term engagement.

The key is to find a platform that doesn’t box you into rigid contracts or long-term commitments when that’s not what you need. Flexibility should also extend to pricing models. Some platforms allow you to pay hourly, while others offer fixed rates per project, having options is always a plus.
 

3. Developer Quality

The main reason you’re hiring from these platforms is to get access to high-quality developers. Whether you’re building a mobile app, upgrading your website, or handling some backend complexities, you need developers who know what they’re doing.
 

4. Speed and Efficiency

Startups move fast. One of the frustrations people often have with Gigster is that the onboarding process can take some time. You want a platform that moves as quickly as you do. Whether it’s getting matched with developers, setting up your project, or troubleshooting issues, the faster, the better.
 

5. Support and Communication

Working with remote developers can sometimes feel like a gamble, especially if communication isn’t strong. This is where customer support plays a crucial role.

The best Gigster alternatives balance affordability, flexibility, and quality. They also offer strong support and efficient processes to keep your project on track. Keeping these criteria in mind will help you navigate through the alternatives and find the right platform for your startup’s specific needs.
 

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Top 11 Gigster Alternatives

 
Here are the top 11 Gigster alternatives to consider:

1. Rocketdevs
2. Turing
3. Upwork
4. Lemon io
5. Fiverr Pro
6. Freelancer
7. Gun io
8. Freeup
9. Codementor
10. 99 Designs
11. Toptal
     

Now that you know what to look for in a great Gigster alternative, let’s take a look at the top 11 platforms that can meet those needs.

Each of these alternatives offers a unique set of features, and whether you’re looking for affordability, specialized talent, or rapid turnaround times, there’s something here for every type of startup.

Whether you need a freelancer for a short-term project or an entire team for a long-term build, these alternatives provide flexible options. Ready? Let’s get started!
 

1. RocketDevs

RocketDevs is the best top Gigster alternative, especially for startups looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. Unlike other platforms that focus on global talent pools, RocketDevs is dedicated to connecting businesses with top-tier developers from Africa.

This unique focus allows RocketDevs to offer some of the most competitive rates on the market while ensuring that you still get highly skilled, vetted developers.

What makes RocketDevs particularly appealing to startups is its affordability and flexibility. The platform offers a tailored experience that matches your project needs with the best developers, whether you’re working on a small one-off project or need a long-term partnership.

Developers at RocketDevs are thoroughly vetted, so you can be sure you’re getting quality talent that can deliver on your vision.

Ready to elevate your startup with top-tier developers? Hire a developer now!
 
Best for: Startups looking for high-quality, affordable development talent.
Pros: Competitive pricing, top-tier African developers, personalized support.
Cons: Might not be suitable for individuals who are not seeking to hire African developers but excels at providing affordable and reliable solutions for startups.
 

2. Turing

Turing is all about connecting companies with remote software engineers from around the globe. What sets Turing apart from other Gigster alternatives is its focus on remote teams and its ability to scale quickly.

Turing’s developers are vetted through a series of rigorous technical tests, ensuring that they are both skilled and experienced. This makes Turing a great choice for startups that are scaling fast and need to add remote engineers to their team quickly.

However, like Toptal, Turing’s quality comes at a price. It’s still more affordable than Gigster, but it’s not the cheapest option on this list. That being said, if you need a remote team that can get up and running quickly, Turing is a solid choice.
 
Best for: Startups with remote workforces looking for scalable development solutions.
Pros: Fast onboarding, high-quality remote developers.
Cons: Still more expensive than other alternatives.
 

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3. Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest freelance platforms out there, and for good reason. It offers a vast range of freelancers, including developers, designers, and marketers.

The platform’s flexibility is one of its biggest strengths, you can find freelancers for both short-term and long-term projects at various price points. Upwork allows you to post jobs and receive bids from freelancers, giving you control over who you hire and how much you pay.

One thing to note is that the talent pool on Upwork is not as curated as some of the other Gigster alternatives. You might find great developers, but you’ll also need to do some vetting yourself to ensure you’re getting the right fit for your project.

 
Best for: Startups looking for flexibility and a wide range of freelancers.
Pros: Huge talent pool, flexible pricing, and project types.
Cons: You need to do your own vetting to find the best talent.
 
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4. Lemon io

Lemon io has made a name for itself by focusing on connecting startups with top-tier, pre-vetted developers from Eastern Europe. One of the biggest selling points of Lemon io is its affordability.

If you’re looking for highly skilled developers without the premium price tag that platforms like Gigster or Toptal come with, this is a great option. The platform is known for its fast turnaround times, meaning you can get a developer onboarded in just a few days, sometimes even hours.

That said, Lemon io is most ideal for short-term projects. If you’re looking for long-term engagement or need a full development team, you might want to explore other Gigster alternatives.

However, for startups in need of quick, affordable solutions without sacrificing quality, Lemon io hits the mark. The platform ensures that the developers you hire have passed rigorous vetting, so you won’t have to worry about subpar results.
 
Best for: Startups needing short-term developers quickly and affordably.
Pros: Fast hiring process, affordable pricing, skilled developers.
Cons: Best for short-term projects; limited options for long-term engagements.
 

5. Fiverr Pro

You’ve probably heard of Fiverr, but you might not know about Fiverr Pro; the premium version of the popular freelance platform. Fiverr Pro is designed specifically for businesses that need higher quality services, including software development, without the typical back-and-forth of lower-tier gigs.

While Fiverr is great for smaller tasks, Fiverr Pro steps up to handle bigger, more complex projects, making it a viable Gigster alternative for startups.

Fiverr Pro is much more affordable than Gigster, which is a huge plus for startups on a budget. The platform also vets its freelancers, so you can expect higher quality work compared to the general Fiverr pool.

However, similar to Lemon io, Fiverr Pro tends to focus on project-based work, which makes it better suited for one-off jobs rather than ongoing development.
 
Best for: Startups needing quick, affordable project-based development services.
Pros: Vetted freelancers, affordable, wide range of services.
Cons: Best for smaller, one-off projects; limited long-term options.
 

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6. Freelancer

 

Freelancer is one of the most well-known freelance platforms globally, with millions of users. Like Upwork, it offers a wide range of services, from software development to marketing and design.

One of the biggest advantages of Freelancer is its flexibility. You can post projects with any budget and receive bids from freelancers all over the world. This makes Freelancer a solid choice for startups looking for Gigster alternatives that offer a wide variety of pricing and service options.

However, the wide range of freelancers on the platform can also be a downside. You’ll find a mix of highly skilled professionals and less experienced freelancers, so it’s crucial to vet each candidate thoroughly before hiring.

Freelancer is ideal for startups that are looking for cost-effective solutions but are willing to invest time in selecting the right talent for their projects.
 
Best for: Startups with a variety of project needs and flexible budgets.
Pros: Huge talent pool, flexible pricing, and bidding system.
Cons: Quality can vary; requires careful vetting of freelancers.

7. Gun io

Gun io specializes in connecting companies with top-tier freelance developers. What sets it apart from other Gigster alternatives is its focus on speed and quality.

The platform ensures that every developer is carefully vetted before joining, which is a huge plus if you’re worried about quality control. Gun io is designed to help you get matched with a freelancer within 48 hours, which is perfect for startups that need to move fast.

The developers on Gun io are often experienced professionals with years of expertise in their respective fields. This makes the platform ideal for startups working on more complex, high-stakes projects.

However, like Toptal, the quality comes with a price. Gun io is not the cheapest option, but for businesses that can afford it, the speed and quality of talent are worth the investment.
 
Best for: Startups with urgent, high-stakes projects that need top talent quickly.
Pros: Vetted developers, fast onboarding, high-quality talent.
Cons: More expensive than some other alternatives.
 

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8. FreeUp

This is a freelance platform with a unique twist: it pre-vets all of its freelancers before allowing them to join. This gives it an edge over platforms like Upwork and Freelancer, where you’re responsible for vetting candidates yourself.

FreeUp’s screening process ensures that the developers you hire are experienced and reliable, which can save you a lot of time and hassle.
 
Best for: Startups that want pre-vetted talent for quick placements.
Pros: Vetted freelancers, fast hiring process, flexible pricing.
Cons: Smaller talent pool compared to other platforms.

 

9. Codementor

Codementor offers something a little different from the typical freelance platform. While it connects businesses with freelance developers, it also focuses on providing mentorship and hands-on guidance.

If your startup is working on a complex project and could benefit from expert advice, Codementor is a strong Gigster alternative. You can hire developers for short-term projects, or you can bring them on as mentors to help guide your internal team.

If you’re tackling a challenging project and want an expert to help mentor your team or troubleshoot complex issues, Codementor is a fantastic option. The platform’s unique offering of pairing mentorship with development makes it stand out from other Gigster alternatives.

 
Best for: Startups needing both coding help and technical mentorship.
Pros: Offers expert guidance and mentorship along with development.
Cons: More suitable for short-term or mentoring projects rather than long-term engagements.

 

10. 99designs

While primarily known for its design services, 99designs also offers tech talent, particularly in web and app development. If your startup needs both design and development services in one place, 99designs can be a solid Gigster alternative.

The platform works on a competition-based model, where freelancers submit their work based on your project brief, and you choose the best design or solution.

99designs is ideal if you need a combination of design and development work, particularly for smaller-scale projects like website redesigns or app prototypes.
 
Best for: Startups needing both design and development services under one roof.
Pros: Access to both design and development talent, competition-based model.
Cons: More focused on design than development; less specialized tech talent pool.
 

11. Toptal

Toptal is known for its elite talent pool, boasting the top 3% of freelancers across a range of industries, particularly in software development and design. If your startup is looking for top-tier developers who have worked with major global brands, Toptal is a fantastic option.

The platform prides itself on its rigorous vetting process, which ensures that you’re only matched with the best talent.

That said, Toptal isn’t for everyone. It’s one of the pricier Gigster alternatives, so if you’re a cash-strapped startup, this might not be your first choice.

However, for startups with a larger budget, it’s an excellent way to ensure quality and reliability.
 
Best for: High-budget startups that need specialized, top-tier developers.
Pros: Highly vetted developers, excellent customer support.
Cons: Expensive compared to other alternatives.
 

Related: Toptal Vs Gigster: Which is Better? (Full Comparison)

 

Platform	Best for	Pros	Cons
RocketDevs	Startups looking for high-quality, affordable development talent	Competitive pricing, top-tier African developers, personalized support	Might not be ideal for those not seeking African developers, but excels in affordable, reliable solutions
Toptal	High-budget startups needing specialized, top-tier developers	Highly vetted developers, excellent customer support	Expensive compared to other alternatives
Turing	Startups with remote workforces needing scalable development solutions	Fast onboarding, high-quality remote developers	Still more expensive than other alternatives
Upwork	Startups looking for flexibility and a wide range of freelancers	Huge talent pool, flexible pricing, and project types	Requires own vetting to find the best talent
Lemon io	Startups needing short-term developers quickly and affordably	Fast hiring process, affordable pricing, skilled developers	Best for short-term projects; limited long-term options
Fiverr Pro	Startups needing quick, affordable project-based development services	Vetted freelancers, affordable, wide range of services	Best for smaller, one-off projects; limited long-term options
Freelancer	Startups with a variety of project needs and flexible budgets	Huge talent pool, flexible pricing, bidding system	Quality can vary; requires careful vetting of freelancers
Gun io	Startups with urgent, high-stakes projects needing top talent quickly	Vetted developers, fast onboarding, high-quality talent	More expensive than other alternatives
FreeUp	Startups wanting pre-vetted talent for quick placements	Vetted freelancers, fast hiring process, flexible pricing	Smaller talent pool compared to other platforms
Codementor	Startups needing both coding help and technical mentorship	Offers expert guidance and mentorship along with development	More suitable for short-term or mentoring projects rather than long-term engagements
99designs	Startups needing both design and development services under one roof	Access to both design and development talent, competition-based model	More focused on design than development; less specialized tech talent pool

 

Why RocketDevs is the Best Choice for Startups

When it comes to choosing a platform for your startup’s tech needs, RocketDevs checks all the boxes. The platform has quickly gained a reputation as one of the top Gigster alternatives, and for good reason.

RocketDevs isn’t just about connecting you with developers, it’s about providing a full, tailored experience that ensures your project is successful from start to finish.

One of the key reasons why RocketDevs is perfect for startups is its focus on affordability. Unlike many other platforms that charge a premium for top-tier talent, RocketDevs offers highly skilled developers at a fraction of the cost. This is largely due to its focus on African talent, where developers are not only skilled but also available at more competitive rates.

As a startup, you’re likely working within a tight budget, and RocketDevs understands that. They offer the perfect balance between cost and quality, making it easier for startups to build their products without worrying about skyrocketing costs.

But affordability isn’t the only thing that makes RocketDevs stand out. The platform is also incredibly flexible. Whether you’re looking for a short-term developer to help with a one-time project or a long-term partnership to build out your tech stack, RocketDevs has options.

They tailor their services to meet the unique needs of each startup, which is something not all platforms can offer.
 

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform to hire developers for your startup can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market.

Gigster has been a go-to for many, but as we’ve seen in this article, there are plenty of other platforms that might better suit your needs; whether it’s affordability, flexibility, or speed.

That said, if you’re looking for a platform that offers the perfect balance of affordability, quality, and personalized support, RocketDevs is hard to beat. The platform is designed with startups in mind, offering a curated pool of talented developers who are not only highly skilled but also available at competitive rates.

Whether you need help with a one-time project or are looking for a long-term partner to build out your tech team, RocketDevs has you covered.

So why settle for anything less? If you’re ready to elevate your startup and hire developers who can help turn your vision into reality, try RocketDevs today, let’s help you get started

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