Key Takeaways

• Toptal’s premium rates and rigid enterprise focus are pushing startups and top-tier candidates to explore more agile, cost-efficient platforms.
• Startups today want speed, transparency, and risk-free engagement, qualities often lacking in traditional models.
• Founder-friendly, startup-focused alternatives like epicX are rapidly gaining traction by offering fast onboarding, real ownership, and dramatic cost savings.
• There’s no one-size-fits-all solution: each platform has strengths and tradeoffs, but some are clearly better fits for nimble teams who value speed, context, and flexibility.

Top 15 Toptal Alternatives to Hire Top-Tier Talent in 2025

Wait, you’re telling me I can consider Toptal alternatives too?

Exactly, many startups are discovering a world beyond Toptal’s high costs and rigid processes, finding platforms that better suit their need for speed, flexibility, and budget-friendly talent.

Whether you’re a founder racing against time or a CTO building a lean team, the right hiring platform can make or break your roadmap.

The good news? There are founder-friendly, cost-effective options designed for startups like yours.

In this guide, we’ve curated the top 15 Toptal alternatives for 2025, focusing on platforms that deliver pre-vetted developers fast, without enterprise bloat.

From epicX’s 48-hour matching to Lemon.io’s boutique approach, you’ll find solutions tailored for startups and scale-ups.

Ready to hire top-tier talent without breaking the bank?

Explore the best platforms to hire developers for startups now!

Why Startups (and Talent) Are Moving Away from Toptal

Let’s be blunt: Toptal built its reputation on premium vetting, but the cracks are showing.

If you’ve spent time in startup and developer Reddit threads, you’ll see the same frustrations crop up again and again.

Here's what the top Reddit threads look like if you search "Toptal Alternatives"

Now you may wonder, what exactly are the reasons for such opinions lately. Well, here are a few that top this list:

• Rigid, Enterprise-Focused Process

Toptal’s “top 3%” claim comes with exhaustive paperwork, long matching cycles, and a process built for legal teams, not startup speed.

• High Markups and Mandatory Deposits

Their $500 up-front deposit, platform subscription fees, and 30-50% markups put serious strain on startup budgets. Many founders report sticker shock after seeing final invoices.

• Lack of Transparency and Flexibility

Candidates and clients can’t freely browse talent or opt for short-term trials. You get what you’re given, on Toptal’s terms.

• Ownership Gaps and Communication Friction

Inconsistent support, timezone mismatches, and proxy hiring complaints leave many feeling disconnected from their own teams.

• Elite Talent Moving On

The most ambitious engineers (and clients) are seeking platforms that value context, autonomy, and real partnership over bureaucracy.

In short, if you’re a founder, CTO, or lead engineer in a high-velocity environment, the old playbook just isn’t cutting it.

That’s why so many are turning to next-gen platforms built for speed, transparency, and founder alignment.

Top 15 Toptal Alternatives to Hire Top-Tier Talent in 2025

We’ve cut through the noise and handpicked the 15 best Toptal alternatives for startups, scale-ups, and innovation-driven teams.

Here’s how they compare at a glance:

The Best Toptal Alternatives for 2025

Founder-First Alternatives

epicX

Founded in 2021 in London with operational hubs in Pakistan and South Africa, epicX was created by startup veterans to solve the hiring pain points they faced themselves.

Serving startups in healthtech, fintech, HRTech, and digital marketing globally, epicX delivers pre-vetted developers who integrate seamlessly with fast-moving teams.

At epicX, we’ve built everything around startup velocity and founder alignment. Our mission is simple: understand your mission, then build the right team to make it real, fast.

We’re transparent, hands-on, and unapologetically pragmatic. No middlemen, no proxies, just real engineers who ship. Here’s why more founders are calling us the most founder-friendly Toptal alternative for 2025:

• Lightning-Fast Matching: Get senior, pre-vetted, startup-trained engineers on your timezone in under 48 hours. No more weeks of waiting on recruiter queues.
• 2-Week True Risk-Free Trial: Test your engineers’ fit, context, and velocity before you commit. If it’s not a match, you pay nothing. We want you to hire with total confidence.
• Up to 65% Lower Cost: With our direct, transparent model, startups routinely save up to 70% compared to Silicon Valley rates (source). No platform fees, no deposits, no hidden markups.
• No Proxies, No Middlemen: You interview and work directly with your engineers. Every developer is product-ready, startup-tested, and takes true ownership of outcomes.
• Aligned Hours, Seamless Fit: Our teams overlap with US/UK workdays for 5+ hours, ensuring tight, real-time communication, no more async bottlenecks.
• Flexible, No-Commitment Engagement: Scale up or down, month-to-month. Cancel anytime, no lock-ins, ever.
• Founder-First Support: You talk directly to our founders, not sales reps. We’re here to solve your problems, not upsell you.

"We scaled our engineering team by 3x without touching recruitment or burning budget." , Rosalia Miller, CTO, VISBA-AI

"It was the fastest we've ever hired vetted devs. And the quality? Outstanding." , Hunain, PM, SmartBenefits

"epicX plugged in senior devs fast. Absolute lifesavers." , John Stevens, CTO, MedCure

For more proof, check our client case studies or read unsolicited feedback on Trustpilot and Clutch.

Why epicX Could Be Your Go-To Choice for Hiring Top-Tier Talent

• Startup Context, Not Just Code: Our engineers are trained for ambiguity, pivots, and rapid delivery, just what scale-ups and Y Combinator startups need.
• Hands-On Partnership: We don’t just fill seats; we solve your tech hiring headaches for good. Think of us as your velocity partner, not a vendor.
• Transparent Pricing: You pay only for the hours worked. No subscriptions, no up-front deposits, no minimum project size. Keep your burn under control and your roadmap moving.
• Global Talent, Local Fit: Our core talent network spans Pakistan, South Africa, and Eastern Europe, native English speakers, fully aligned with Western startup hours and standards.

Lemon.io

Lemon.io is a boutique platform connecting startups with pre-vetted developers from Europe and Latin America. Known for its human-centric vetting and fast matching (24–48 hours), it’s a favorite for startups needing reliable, startup-ready talent.

Pricing ranges from $55–$85/hr, with a high first-match success rate. It’s ideal for founders seeking a personalized touch, though its focus is primarily on developers.

Pros

• Startup-Specialized Talent: Developers are vetted for startup environments, ensuring they handle ambiguity and tight deadlines.
• Fast Matching: Matches in 24–48 hours, perfect for urgent startup needs.
• Transparent Pricing: Clear rates with no hidden fees, ideal for budget-conscious founders.
• High First-Match Success Rate: Most clients hire their first recommended candidate.

Cons

• Smaller, Regionally-Focused Pool: Limited to Europe and Latin America, reducing global diversity.
• Limited Non-Developer Roles: Primarily developer-focused, less suited for design or marketing needs.
• Minimum Hour Commitments: Requires a minimum weekly commitment, less flexible for short gigs.

Gun.io

Gun.io positions itself as a freelancer network built specifically for scaling startups and growing businesses. They emphasize hand-vetted software developers, most of whom are based in North America, ensuring cultural alignment and senior-level expertise.

Rates typically range from $75–$150/hr, making it a premium but reliable option for startups prioritizing quality. Unlike open marketplaces, Gun.io maintains a curated network to ensure trust and consistency.

Pros

• North America-Focused: Strong cultural alignment for US-based startups.
• Curated Developers: Hand-vetted, senior-level engineers with proven track records.
• Trust-Based Hiring: Emphasizes long-term relationships between clients and developers.
• Personalized Matching: Focuses on startup-specific challenges, not generic placements.

Cons

• Higher Pricing: Premium rates compared to platforms like Lemon.io or EpicX.
• Smaller Talent Pool: Limited compared to global marketplaces like Upwork.
• Primarily Developers: Not ideal for hiring non-technical startup roles.

CloudDevs

CloudDevs specializes in connecting startups with senior developers from Latin America. With rates starting around $40–$70/hr, it appeals to founders seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.

CloudDevs guarantees time zone overlap with US clients, and candidates are thoroughly vetted for technical and communication skills. While their pool is smaller, their niche focus on Latin American talent makes them attractive for startups prioritizing cultural proximity and affordability.

Pros

• Latin America Specialists: Focus on developers within US-friendly time zones.
• Affordable Pricing: Competitive rates compared to US or European developers.
• Vetted Candidates: Rigorous screening ensures strong communication and coding skills.
• Quick Onboarding: Streamlined process allows for hiring within days.

Cons

• Smaller Pool: Limited to Latin America, reducing global diversity.
• Developer-Only: Narrower focus compared to larger platforms offering broader roles.
• Less Brand Recognition: Not as widely known as competitors like Toptal or Arc.

Moonlight (by PullRequest)

Moonlight is a platform designed for startups to find part-time or contract developers who thrive in startup environments. Now part of PullRequest, it offers flexible arrangements and is especially suitable for startups that don’t yet need full-time hires.

Rates vary depending on the role, but the emphasis is on quality over quantity, making it a strong choice for early-stage startups experimenting with their development needs.

Pros

• Flexible Engagements: Great for startups not ready for full-time developers.
• Startup-Focused: Engineers familiar with lean, fast-moving environments.
• Strong Community: Taps into a curated network of motivated developers.
• Integrated Code Review: Benefit from PullRequest’s code review expertise.

Cons

• Limited Roles: Primarily developer-focused, not a broader talent marketplace.
• Smaller Network: Less reach compared to platforms like Turing or Upwork.
• Less Enterprise Support: Tailored more to small teams and startups.

AI and Algorithm-Driven Platforms

Arc.dev

Arc.dev uses AI and algorithm-driven vetting to connect startups with remote developers worldwide. With a strong focus on full-time remote placements, Arc is popular among startups that want a global reach but streamlined vetting.

Developers go through technical assessments, soft skill checks, and timezone matching before being recommended. Rates typically range from $60–$100/hr, and most matches occur quickly thanks to their matching algorithm.

Pros

• Algorithmic Matching: AI-driven vetting speeds up the hiring process.
• Global Pool: Wide reach across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
• Full-Time Remote Focus: Great for startups scaling distributed teams.
• Strong Vetting: Includes technical and communication assessments.

Cons

• Less Human Touch: Automated matching may feel impersonal compared to boutique services.
• Higher Rates: Not always budget-friendly for early-stage founders.
• Limited Non-Tech Roles: Primarily developer-focused like Toptal.

Turing

Turing brands itself as a “deep jobs” platform, leveraging AI to vet and match developers with startups. Their automated vetting process includes coding challenges, communication tests, and timezone compatibility.

Startups get access to developers from over 100 countries, and Turing emphasizes long-term placements. While it competes closely with Toptal in scope, it’s often more accessible in terms of pricing, usually ranging between $40–$70/hr.

Pros

• AI-Powered Vetting: Thorough automated testing ensures quality matches.
• Global Coverage: Access to developers from 100+ countries.
• Time Zone Matching: Ensures overlapping working hours.
• Long-Term Fit: Focused on ongoing engagements, not just short projects.

Cons

• Less Personalized: AI-driven approach can feel transactional for founders.
• Developer-Heavy: Not as strong for non-technical roles.
• Minimum Engagements: Not ideal for very short-term gigs.

Adeva

Adeva is a remote-first talent network using data-driven vetting to connect startups with software developers, product managers, and designers. Its focus on inclusivity and diversity makes it unique among algorithmic platforms.

Rates are generally $50–$90/hr, with matching timelines of just a few days. Adeva works well for startups that need not only technical expertise but also leadership or design roles beyond development.

Pros

• Diverse Talent Network: Prioritizes inclusivity and global representation.
• Multi-Role Support: Developers, designers, and product managers available.
• Data-Driven Vetting: Uses structured assessments for quality assurance.
• Quick Matching: Typical hires made within days.

Cons

• Smaller Brand: Not as widely recognized as Toptal or Turing.
• Less Suitable for Short-Term: Better for ongoing or mid-term projects.
• Higher Pricing: May stretch budgets of early-stage startups.

Revelo

Revelo specializes in matching startups with full-time remote developers from Latin America using AI-driven tools. Their focus on time zone alignment with the US makes them a go-to for American startups.

With an emphasis on payroll, compliance, and HR support, Revelo acts as both a hiring and employment partner. Rates typically fall in the $40–$70/hr range, making it cost-effective compared to North American talent.

Pros

• LatAm Time Zones: Perfect overlap for US-based startups.
• End-to-End Support: Handles compliance, payroll, and HR administration.
• AI-Driven Vetting: Automates technical screening and candidate matching.
• Cost-Effective: Lower costs than hiring within the US.

Cons

• Developer-Centric: Not suitable for non-tech startup hires.
• Commitment-Oriented: Best for startups hiring full-time staff.
• Regional Focus: Limited to Latin America.

RemoteOK Talent

RemoteOK Talent leverages job board data and AI-driven insights to match startups with remote workers globally. Unlike traditional marketplaces, it blends algorithmic matching with a self-serve database of remote candidates. Its pool spans developers, designers, and marketers, making it slightly broader than Toptal’s developer-heavy approach.

Pros

• Broad Talent Pool: Includes developers, marketers, and designers.
• Affordable Rates: Flexible pricing for startups on a budget.
• AI Insights: Matching powered by remote-work data and algorithms.
• Global Reach: Access to talent in multiple time zones.

Cons

• Less Curation: Self-serve database requires more screening by founders.
• Varied Quality: Broader pool means higher variance in talent.
• Limited Vetting: Less rigorous than Arc or Turing.

Freelance Talent Marketplaces

Upwork

Upwork is the world’s largest freelancing marketplace, connecting startups with millions of freelancers worldwide. Its bidding system allows founders to set budgets and timelines while choosing from a wide range of skills beyond development, including design, marketing, and operations.

Hourly rates range anywhere from $10–$150 depending on expertise. While it offers flexibility and scale, quality can vary, requiring careful vetting on the founder’s part.

Pros

• Huge Talent Pool: Millions of freelancers across categories.
• Flexible Budgets: Rates fit any startup budget, from small to enterprise.
• Multi-Skill Marketplace: Covers development, design, marketing, and more.
• Global Access: Talent from every major region worldwide.

Cons

• Quality Variance: Inconsistent results, requires extra screening.
• Time-Consuming Hiring: Bidding system may slow down urgent projects.
• Transactional Feel: Less community or long-term relationship building.

Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is a global freelancing marketplace where startups can post projects and receive competitive bids. It spans roles from software development to marketing, writing, and admin work. Pricing is flexible, with options for hourly or project-based engagements.

While it’s one of the largest marketplaces worldwide, startups need to invest time in filtering candidates, as quality assurance is less rigorous than curated networks like Toptal or Lemon.io.

Pros

• Large Marketplace: Access to freelancers across diverse skill sets.
• Competitive Pricing: Startups can find affordable options through bidding.
• Flexible Contracts: Both hourly and project-based options available.
• Broad Role Coverage: Beyond developers, includes writers, designers, and more.

Cons

• Inconsistent Quality: Variable skill levels, less predictable outcomes.
• Founder Burden: Requires extra screening and management.
• Less Vetting: Limited candidate verification compared to curated networks.

Fiverr Pro

Fiverr Pro builds on Fiverr’s massive marketplace by curating top professionals into a premium service tier. It’s designed for startups that need high-quality talent without the hassle of sorting through thousands of profiles.

Services span design, development, writing, and more. Rates start at $50–$100/hr depending on expertise. While more reliable than standard Fiverr, it’s still best suited for short-term projects rather than long-term hires.

Pros

• Curated Talent: Handpicked professionals in multiple categories.
• Wide Skill Coverage: Developers, designers, marketers, and writers available.
• Startup-Friendly: Quick, easy-to-launch projects for founders.
• Scalable Marketplace: Access to talent globally.

Cons

• Higher Pricing: Premium compared to Fiverr’s base marketplace.
• Short-Term Focus: Better for projects than ongoing hires.
• Less Personalized: Not startup-specific like EpicX or Lemon.io.

PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelancing platform offering startups access to talent across design, development, and marketing. The platform allows fixed-price offers or hourly rates, making it flexible for small teams. Popular among European startups,

PeoplePerHour blends marketplace flexibility with light vetting for quality assurance. Rates vary widely, from $20–$120/hr. While convenient, it is less startup-specialized than boutique networks and requires hands-on filtering for the best matches.

Pros

• Flexible Pricing: Hourly and fixed-price options available.
• Multi-Skill Marketplace: Includes design, dev, marketing, and admin.
• European Talent: Stronger footprint in Europe compared to global platforms.
• Quick Posting: Easy project launch for startups.

Cons

• Light Vetting: Less rigorous screening than boutique networks.
• Variable Quality: Founders must invest time in filtering.
• Smaller Scale: Not as large as Upwork or Freelancer.com.

Workana

Workana is a freelancing marketplace popular in Latin America, providing startups with affordable access to regional talent. It spans development, design, writing, and digital marketing. Rates are lower than North American or European platforms, usually between $15–$50/hr.

For startups seeking Spanish or Portuguese-speaking talent, Workana is particularly attractive. However, its regional focus and lighter vetting process make it less competitive for startups seeking global coverage.

Pros

• LatAm Specialists: Ideal for Spanish and Portuguese-speaking founders.
• Affordable Rates: Cheaper than Western-based marketplaces.
• Wide Talent Range: Developers, designers, writers, and marketers available.
• Startup-Friendly: Good for small-budget projects.

Cons

• Regional Focus: Limited reach outside Latin America.
• Light Vetting: Less stringent screening than curated networks.
• Short-Term Orientation: Better suited for projects, not dedicated hires.

Wrapping Up

The market for elite tech talent has changed, startups are done playing by old rules. If you’re seeking pre-vetted, startup-ready engineers (without the enterprise bloat, endless fees, or slow onboarding), the alternatives above give you more options than ever.

At epicX, we’re obsessed with making your mission real, fast, and we invite you to experience a truly founder-first, risk-free way to hire.

FAQ

What are the main reasons startups and scale-ups are leaving Toptal for alternatives?

In our experience, it comes down to speed, transparency, and cost. Toptal’s enterprise-style process, mandatory deposits, and high markups don’t align with the needs of fast-moving startups. Many founders also want more flexibility, risk-free trials, and a partner who truly understands startup urgency.

How does epicX compare to Toptal in terms of cost and speed?

epicX matches startups with pre-vetted, startup-ready engineers within 48 hours, compared to Toptal’s typical weeks-long process. Our clients routinely save up to 65% compared to Silicon Valley rates, with no up-front deposits or platform fees. Plus, we offer a true 2-week risk-free trial, something Toptal doesn’t provide. See our full comparison here.

Which Toptal alternative is best for non-technical founders?

In our view, founder-first platforms like epicX (with hands-on partnership and transparent pricing) or Lemon.io (for boutique, startup-focused matches) are ideal. Platforms relying on self-vetting or algorithmic matching (like Upwork or Arc) may require more technical screening from your side.

Can I try out an engineer before committing?

Yes, at epicX, you get a 2-week, no-obligation trial. If the fit isn’t right, you pay nothing. This lets you test the engineer’s skills, ownership mindset, and communication in your real environment, risk-free.

What if I need a full dedicated team, not just individual hires?

epicX specializes in assembling dedicated, startup-aligned teams fast. Whether you need a full squad or to augment your existing team, our process is built to scale with you, without friction, fees, or lock-ins. Just book your strategy call and we’ll show you how simple it can be.

How do I ensure quality when hiring offshore developers?

With platforms like epicX, quality is ensured through rigorous vetting, including technical tests, startup-context interviews, and native English proficiency. Our developers align with US/UK time zones and are trained for startup agility, minimizing communication or cultural gaps.

What technologies do these platforms support?

Most platforms, including epicX, support popular stacks like JavaScript, Python, React, and Node.js, as well as AI/ML and cloud technologies. Check platform-specific tech offerings (e.g., epicX’s case studies) to ensure alignment with your project’s needs.

Are these platforms suitable for short-term projects?

Some platforms, like epicX and Lemon.io, offer flexible, no-lock-in contracts ideal for short-term needs. Others, like Turing or Gigster, are better for long-term engagements. Review contract terms to match your project duration.