Finding the right tech talent for your startup can completely change everything for your business, but it’s not always easy.

If you’ve been researching your options, chances are Toptal has popped up quite a few times. While Toptal is known for providing skilled, vetted freelancers, it’s not the only option out there.

In fact, plenty of Toptal alternatives offer highly qualified talent but with greater flexibility, affordability, or unique perks that make them worth considering, especially for a growing startup.

Whether you’re looking to scale your product, build a prototype, or find an entire development team, these platforms have something for everyone.

 

Top 15 Toptal alternatives for 2025

1. RocketDevs
2. Upwork
3. Lemon io
4. Fiverr Pro
5. Arc Dev
6. Gun io
7. CloudDevs
8. Freelancer
9. Gigster
10. Turing
11. PeoplePerHour
12. Worksome
13. Hubstaff Talent
14. Revelo
15. Flexiple

 

1. RocketDevs

Best for: Startups looking for affordable, pre-vetted developers.

RocketDevs is the best value for developers on the web.

When it comes to matching startups with skilled, affordable engineers, RocketDevs is in a league of its own. The platform specializes in connecting early-stage companies with pre-vetted tech talent from Africa, a region that’s fast becoming a global hotspot for world-class developers.

This focus doesn’t just deliver cost efficiency, it unlocks access to a growing pool of engineers who bring technical expertise and startup-ready mindsets to the table.

With over 15,000 developers vetted each month across 20+ countries, RocketDevs is building one of the most dynamic developer ecosystems in the world.

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Why RocketDevs?
RocketDevs combines speed, quality, and a deep understanding of what startups actually need.

Every developer in their network is rigorously screened for technical skill, communication, and startup experience, and only the top 5% make the cut. This reduces hiring risk and helps founders avoid long, expensive recruitment cycles.

The platform has already matched over 13,000 developers successfully, and maintains a 98% success rate on placements.

More than just a marketplace, RocketDevs operates like a partner, prioritizing long-term fit and startup-specific context.

RocketDevs’ developers are battle-tested, often having worked with startups across the U.S., Europe, and Africa. That’s why more than 500 startups have chosen RocketDevs since 2023 and why over 70% of clients come back to hire again within three months.

And because RocketDevs sources from regions with lower living costs, startups get senior-level talent at a fraction of the usual price, often saving up to 70% on hiring costs compared to traditional agencies.

Best of all, the process is lightning fast as developers are typically matched within 24–48 hours, a major edge over slower platforms like Toptal.

So, if you’re trying to move fast, stay lean, and build with confidence, RocketDevs is one of the smartest talent bets you can make.

 

2. Upwork

Best for: Businesses needing a wide range of freelance services

Upwork is one of the most established freelancing platforms, offering services in everything from web development and marketing to accounting and customer support.

With millions of freelancers worldwide, it provides unmatched diversity. Upwork offers both hourly and fixed-price contracts, time-tracking tools, and payment protection.

While the platform doesn’t guarantee top-tier quality, its rating system, client reviews, and talent badges help you assess freelancers before hiring. Businesses of all sizes can post jobs, invite freelancers, or browse profiles. 3

The sheer scale of Upwork makes it a solid Toptal alternative for companies looking for a self-serve hiring process and access to global talent.

 
Pros:

• Huge pool of freelancers
• Escrow protection for payments
• Easy project management tools

 
Cons:

• Varying quality
• Time-consuming vetting process

 
Related: Upwork vs RocketDevs: Full Comparison
 

3. Lemon Io

Best for: Quick developer matches for startups

Another great Toptal alternative for startups, Lemon Io connects businesses with pre-vetted developers, particularly from Eastern Europe.

Lemon Io has a reputation for affordability without compromising on quality, thanks to its focus on talent from regions known for their skilled developers at competitive rates.

Their platform is especially well-suited to startups that want high-quality work but are mindful of budget constraints.

 
Why Lemon Io?
They streamline the hiring process, so within days, you’re matched with the right developer for your project. They even offer a money-back guarantee, which shows their confidence in the talent they provide.

 
Related: Top 5 Lemon io Alternatives (2025)
 

4. Fiverr Pro

Best for: Creative and tech professionals

Fiverr Pro is the premium offering from Fiverr, showcasing freelancers who have been thoroughly vetted for quality and professionalism.

While Fiverr is known for quick, low-cost gigs, Fiverr Pro flips the script by offering top-tier talent in categories like web development, branding, animation, copywriting, and more.

It’s ideal for small to mid-sized businesses that want high-quality creative output without committing to a long hiring process.

Each Pro freelancer is reviewed for skill, experience, and reliability. If you’re looking for creative talent that can deliver impactful results, Fiverr Pro is a versatile and lower-cost Toptal alternative.

 
Why consider it over Toptal:

• Transparent pricing
• Easier to experiment with multiple vendors
• Ideal for creative startups and agencies

 
Related: Top 15 Underrated Fiverr Alternatives (2025)
 

5. Arc Devs

Best for: Long-term developer hires

Arc Dev provides startups with a streamlined way to hire vetted developers. Their hiring process is quick, with a matching algorithm that pairs you with ideal candidates.

Arc Dev also offers flexible hiring models, allowing you to choose between full-time, part-time, or contract-based engagements based on your startup’s needs.
 
Why Arc Dev?
With an efficient algorithm for fast matching and a pool of vetted talent, Arc Dev appeals to startups that need to fill positions quickly without sacrificing quality.

 

6. Gun io

Best for: U.S.-based teams needing freelance developers
Gun Io prides itself on being developer-focused, with a small but highly vetted pool of engineers.

They have a hands-on approach to hiring, where each client is assigned a dedicated project manager to ensure everything runs smoothly.
This platform works well for startups looking for U.S.-based developers with more personal hiring experience.

 
Why Gun io?
Gun io’s focus on developer satisfaction translates to higher-quality work for clients. Their hands-on approach with dedicated project managers is ideal for startups that prefer a managed experience.
 

7. Cloud Devs

Best for: Remote Latin American developers

If you’re looking for talent closer to your time zone, Cloud Devs might be the right fit.

This platform focuses on connecting startups with skilled developers in Latin America, making it easier to collaborate if you’re in the U.S. or Canada.

Cloud Devs offers pre-vetted developers and transparent pricing, allowing you to know upfront what you’ll be paying.

 
Why Cloud Devs?
Cloud Devs specializes in Latin American developers, so there’s minimal time zone difference, making collaboration smoother and more efficient.

 
Toptal Vs Turing: Which Is Better? (2025 Full Comparison)
 

8. Freelancer

Best for: Budget-conscious companies with high-volume projects

Freelancer is a massive freelance marketplace that supports over 1,800 different skill categories.

It’s often used by small businesses and startups looking for affordable help on tasks ranging from design and writing to web development and data entry. Clients post a job, receive bids, and select a freelancer based on their skills, reviews, and price.

While quality can vary, the platform is highly cost-effective for one-off or low-priority tasks. Freelancer is an excellent Toptal alternative if you’re looking to test ideas quickly or need help with repeatable work that doesn’t require senior expertise.

 
Considerations:

• Lower barrier to entry
• Good for non-core or repetitive tasks
• Needs careful vetting
   

9. Gigster

Best for: Full development teams on demand

Gigster stands out because it provides entire development teams, not just individual freelancers. This platform is well-suited to startups that need a fully managed approach to project development.

Gigster’s teams handle everything from planning and design to final implementation, making it ideal for startups that want a hands-off solution.

 
Why Gigster?
Gigster’s managed approach makes it a good fit for startups looking to outsource an entire project rather than manage individual hires.

 
Read Also: Top 11 Gigster Alternatives for Startups
 

10. Turing

Best for: Silicon Valley-caliber remote engineers

Turing is often called a “Toptal rival” because of its stringent vetting process and its mission to connect U.S. companies with the top 1% of global engineers.

The platform uses AI to match candidates based on skill, availability, and time zone alignment. Turing handles the logistics, which includes HR, compliance, and payments, so you can focus on integrating your new team member.

Their developers work full-time and are ideal for long-term roles. Turing is especially valuable for tech startups and enterprises looking for quality, commitment, and seamless global collaboration.

 
Benefits:

• Strong developer screening
• Emphasis on full-time remote roles
• Time-zone aligned matches

 

Related: Top 13 Turing Alternatives (2025)
 

11. PeoplePerHour

Best for: European SMBs and one-off projects

PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelance platform designed for quick project hires across categories like development, content creation, design, and digital marketing.

The platform supports hourly or fixed-price engagements, and you can either post a job or buy pre-defined services called “Offers.” With strong traction in Europe, PeoplePerHour is a go-to for startups looking for regionally aligned talent.

Their rating system and escrow services help ensure successful outcomes. It’s a more affordable, user-driven Toptal alternative that gives you flexibility without sacrificing quality.

 
Highlights:

• User-friendly dashboard
• Easy job posting and proposals
• Transparent pricing
   

12. Worksome

Best for: Corporate freelance compliance

Worksome focuses on simplifying the hiring of freelancers and contractors in a compliant, scalable way.

It’s ideal for companies with large freelance workforces or international contractor operations. Worksome handles onboarding, contracts, invoicing, and tax compliance, making it easier for HR and procurement teams to manage external talent.

It also provides detailed dashboards, background checks, and integration capabilities. If you’re managing a distributed team and want to ensure everything is legally compliant, Worksome is a Toptal alternative designed for scalability and peace of mind.

 
Key advantages:

• Tax/legal compliance
• Onboarding support
• Good fit for large teams
   

13. Hubstaff Talent

Best for: Remote teams hiring without fees

Hubstaff Talent is a free, remote talent directory by the creators of Hubstaff.

This platform is different from many freelance sites because it provides startups with a straightforward way to search and contact freelancers directly.

Hubstaff Talent doesn’t take any commission, which can be an attractive option for budget-conscious startups.
 

Why Hubstaff Talent?
It’s a free resource with no hidden fees, and it allows you to work with talent across different skill sets, from development to marketing. For startups that want to avoid traditional freelancing fees, Hubstaff Talent is a great resource.
 

For You: Top 15 Upwork Alternatives
 

14. Revelo

Revelo focuses on connecting Latin American developers with U.S.-based startups, making it a solid nearshore option. Like Toptal, Revelo pre-vets its developers, ensuring you get quality candidates without the long screening process.

Their model also emphasizes cost savings compared to hiring domestically.

 
Why Revelo?
With Revelo, you get skilled developers in similar time zones, reducing communication lags and enhancing productivity for your startup.
 

15. Flexiple

Best for: Elite freelancers without the Toptal pricing

Flexiple is a highly curated freelance platform that matches startups with elite developers and designers.

The platform emphasizes quality over quantity—only a small percentage of applicants make it through their vetting process, which includes technical interviews, portfolio reviews, and soft skills assessments.

Flexiple offers a trial period and assigns a dedicated account manager to assist with matching and onboarding. It’s a particularly good fit for tech startups seeking Silicon Valley-caliber talent without Toptal’s premium pricing.

Their blend of speed, quality, and flexibility makes them one of the top emerging alternatives in 2025.

 
What to expect:

• 1-week free trial
• Focus on product-first talent
• Fast matching
   

How to Choose the Right Toptal Alternative for Your Startup

With so many Toptal alternatives available, it can be overwhelming to decide which platform is best suited for your startup’s unique needs. The following factors can help narrow down your options and make the decision process a bit easier:
 

1. Budget and Cost Expectations

Every startup operates on a different budget, and it’s essential to find a platform that aligns with your financial constraints. Some platforms, like RocketDevs and Lemon Io, are known for their affordability, making them ideal for budget-conscious startups.

Platforms like Gigster, however, may charge a premium for their managed service approach. Startups with lean budgets might want to focus on alternatives that provide high-quality talent at competitive rates without hidden fees.
 

2. Time Zone and Regional Preferences

Time zone compatibility can play a crucial role in effective communication, especially if your project requires real-time collaboration.

Platforms like Cloud Devs and Revelo, which focus on Latin American talent, make it easier for U.S.-based startups to work within the same or similar time zones.

RocketDevs offers a slightly different approach by sourcing vetted African talent, allowing for overlap with European and some U.S. time zones.
 

3. Type of Engagement (Project-Based vs. Long-Term)

Some platforms cater specifically to project-based needs, while others are better suited for long-term engagements.

Worksome, for instance, is excellent for startups that need specific coding tasks completed quickly through competitions. Arc Dev offers more flexibility for ongoing projects and long-term commitments.

If you need an entire development team or a managed solution, Gigster might be the right choice.
 

4. Skill Specialization and Vetted Talent

Each platform tends to have its own area of expertise. For example, Gun.io is popular for its focus on U.S.-based, highly vetted developers.

RocketDevs emphasizes access to vetted software engineers and developers from Africa, providing high-quality work at affordable rates.

Consider the specific skill sets your project requires, and check whether the platform offers pre-vetted talent to save time and ensure quality.
 

5. Platform-Specific Features and Support

Some Toptal alternatives, like Arc Dev and Lemon io, have algorithms and matching systems that speed up the hiring process.

Others, like Gun io, assign dedicated project managers to assist you throughout the hiring process.

Look for platform features that support your hiring process and offer the assistance you need to make collaboration smooth and efficient.
 

6. Flexibility and Scalability

If you’re looking to scale quickly, platforms that offer flexible hiring models, like RocketDevs, will be more suitable. They allow you to start small and scale up as your project grows.

Alternatively, if you need to add or change talent mid-project, consider platforms that offer flexibility in contract lengths and allow for easy adjustments to your team as your needs evolve.
 

By understanding and prioritizing these factors, you’ll be better positioned to choose a Toptal alternative that aligns with your startup’s goals, budget, and project requirements.

Keep in mind that each platform has unique strengths, so identifying what’s most important to your project will help you make the right choice.
 

Unique Advantages of Toptal Alternatives

Platform	Best For	Pricing Model	Region Focus
RocketDevs	Startups & MVP builds	Flexible	Africa
Upwork	All business sizes	Hourly/Project-based	Global
Lemon io	Fast developer hires	Fixed hourly	Eastern Europe and U.S
Fiverr Pro	Creative professionals	Project-based	Global
Arc	Mentorship + development	Project/Hourly	Global
Gun io	U.S. dev teams	Project/Hourly	U.S.-based
CloudDevs	Latin American developers	Hourly ($45–$70)	Latin America
Freelancer	Budget hiring	Bid-based	Global
Gigster	Full dev teams	Fixed project	U.S.-centric
Turing	Full-time remote engineers	Monthly/Retainer	Global
PeoplePerHour	Short-term gigs	Hourly/Project	Europe
Worksome	Freelance compliance	Subscription	Global
Hubstaff Talent	Fee-free freelancer discovery	Direct Negotiation	Global
Revelo	Payroll + HR + hiring	Subscription	Latin America
Flexiple	Elite freelancers	Hourly/Project	Global

 

Although Toptal is known for its vetted, high-quality talent, many alternatives provide similar standards with additional benefits.

Here are some unique advantages that Toptal alternatives can offer, making them great options for startups looking for flexibility and cost-efficiency.
 

RocketDevs: The Best Of All

While Toptal remains a popular choice, RocketDevs provides highly qualified, pre-vetted talent without some of the limitations and high costs associated with Toptal.

Whether your startup needs affordable rates, specific regional expertise, or a fully managed team, RocketDevs offers flexibility to meet unique startup needs.

RocketDevs in particular stands out for startups that want high-quality, affordable talent from a diverse talent pool in Africa, making it a great first choice.

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