Top 15 Toptal Alternatives for Startups (2025): A Smarter Alternative to Agencies

The top 15 Toptal alternatives for startups in 2025 show that you don’t have to rely on a single option when it comes to building a strong team.

But What is Toptal?

Toptal is a premium, remote-first freelance platform and network that connects businesses with freelancers in software engineering, design, finance, and project management.

Toptal is recognized for its rigorous vetting process, which ensures top-quality talent for projects however there are 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.

Why Use a Freelancer Platform like Toptal?

Running a startup is no joke. It’s a whirlwind of deadlines, shifting priorities, and the pressure of making every dollar count with a likely limited budget. Plus, you have to launch, scale, and compete, often all at once.

The question then is, how do you make it happen without burning through your resources?

That’s where trusted talent and freelancer platforms come in. Instead of locking yourself into expensive agency retainers or hiring full-time staff too early, you can tap into vetted professionals who are flexible, skilled, and ready to deliver. For this reason, Toptal has become a go-to for many startups, but it isn’t the only choice.

If you’re looking for other platforms that can match you with world-class talent while aligning with your budget and pace, there are several strong alternatives worth considering.

Why Freelancer Platforms Are a Smarter Alternative to Agencies?

The US gig economy market is forecasted to exceed USD 450 billion by 2033, while the global gig economy is projected to reach USD 2178 billion by 2034. The statistics indicate that the market is gaining momentum, as demand is increasing and is predicted to continue doing so.

Innovative businesses are, therefore, plugging into this trend to hire talent without slowing down work.

Emma Charlton, Senior Writer of Forum Stories, a thought leadership section of the World Economic Forum, shares this sentiment when she says, “This … allows employers to quickly adjust their workforce size and expertise based on business needs, potentially saving time and money on recruitment and training.”

It also helps them “access specialized skills on-demand without the long-term commitment of full-time employees.”

Let’s take a look at the benefits for businesses in more detail.

1. Cost Efficiency

Agencies come with layers of overhead, such as managers, account leads, office expenses and they all get rolled into the bill you receive. Working with agencies often means paying premium prices for services that could be sourced more affordably elsewhere.

However, with gig platforms, you pay directly for the expertise you need, eliminating unnecessary middle costs. This makes it easier to stretch your budget while still accessing top-quality work.

2. Access to Vetted Talent

When you hire through an agency, you usually have little control over which professional gets assigned to your project. Gig platforms flip the script by giving you access to pools of vetted, pre-screened experts. You can review profiles, portfolios, and ratings before making a choice.

That level of transparency ensures you’re bringing on someone who actually fits your project requirements, rather than whoever is available at the agency.

3. Flexibility and Speed

Startups operate in unpredictable cycles. One month, you might need an entire design team; the next, only a single developer. Agencies often struggle with that level of adaptability and can lock you into fixed retainers.

On the other hand, gig platforms make it easier to scale your workforce up or down instantly, hiring on-demand talent only when you need it. That flexibility can make a lot of difference when speed and flexibility is a priority.

4. Direct Communication

Working through an agency often creates layers of communication because of the structure that has to be in place in an agency. Usually, you pass your ideas to an account manager, who then relays them to the team, sometimes losing nuance along the way.

Conversely, gig platforms allow you to speak directly with the talent working on your project. This clarity saves time, reduces misunderstandings, and fosters stronger collaboration, which is crucial when every move counts in a startup environment.

5. Global Reach

Agencies are usually limited by geography, talent rosters, and the industries they serve. Gig platforms, on the other hand, connect you to skilled professionals across the globe.

You can be a company in the US, with a blockchain developer in Eastern Europe, a product designer in Nigeria, or a content writer in Canada. Geography is not a limitation with gig platforms. And this global reach expands your options and helps you bring diverse perspectives into your startup’s work.

Top 15 Toptal Alternatives for Startups

1. AMAKA

AMAKA is more than just a gig platform, it’s designed for startups and small businesses that need creative and strategic support without the bloated costs of agencies. Beyond freelance gigs, AMAKA offers fractional teams, which function like a plug-and-play creative department for businesses who need a more structured or comprehensive creative services.

AMAKA helps you scale your team as your startup grows, without worrying about overhead or long retainers.

Toptal vs AMAKA

Price: AMAKA provides flexible pricing for individual gigs and affordable monthly rates for fractional teams, compared to Toptal’s premium costs.
Top Feature: Fractional teams that serve as an agency alternative.
Process: AMAKA matches you with vetted African and global talent quickly, while Toptal uses a longer screening and approval process.

2. Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, connecting startups with millions of freelancers across industries. You can post jobs, review proposals, and hire talent for short-term tasks or long-term contracts.

Toptal vs Upwork

Price: Upwork ranges from entry-level freelancers at $10/hr to pros at $100+, while Toptal generally starts higher.
Top Feature: Vast talent pool with every niche covered.
Process: Upwork requires browsing profiles and managing proposals; Toptal curates matches for you.

3. Fiverr

Fiverr is best known for quick, affordable projects where freelancers offer fixed-price “gigs.” It’s ideal for startups needing fast turnaround on design, copywriting, or digital marketing tasks.

Toptal vs Fiverr

Price: Fiverr starts as low as $5 per gig, while Toptal costs far more than that per hour.
Top Feature: Fixed-price packages for clarity and speed.
Process: Fiverr allows instant hiring from freelancer listings; Toptal screens and assigns talent.

4. Freelancer

Freelancer works like a global job board where you can post projects and receive bids. It’s highly competitive, making it possible to find affordable rates, though vetting can take effort.

Toptal vs Freelancer

Price: Freelancer talent can be hired for budget-friendly rates; Toptal talent is premium-only.
Top Feature: Competitive bidding that drives prices down.
Process: Freelancer requires sifting through bids; Toptal pre-matches and vets talent.

5. Lemon.io

Lemon.io focuses on connecting startups with vetted developers from Eastern Europe. It’s tailored to early-stage tech companies that need affordable but skilled engineering support.

Toptal vs Lemon.io

Price: Lemon.io developers typically start around $35–$50/hr, much lower than Toptal’s rates.
Top Feature: Pre-vetted software developers for startups.
Process: Both Lemon.io and Toptal match talents within 24-48 hours.

6. Gun.io

Gun.io specializes in placing freelance software engineers with startups and enterprises. It emphasizes senior-level developers who can integrate smoothly with teams.

Toptal vs Gun.io

Price: Gun.io averages around $75–$150/hr, around the same range as Toptal’s pricing, although it may skew higher for some talents.
Top Feature: Access to US-based developers.
Process: Both platforms vet talent, but Gun.io promises faster onboarding.

7. Turing

Turing brands itself as the platform for hiring AI-vetted developers for largely AI-powered companies. It offers long-term placements of developers who can work US hours.

Toptal vs Turing

Price: Turing developers are mid- to high-range in pricing, lower than Toptal.
Top Feature: AI-powered vetting of developer skills.
Process: AI handles talent placement for Turing, while Toptal uses a manual screening model.

8. Twine

Twine focuses on creatives rather than just tech talent. It’s ideal for startups that need marketers and designers to build their brand, create content, or launch campaigns.

Toptal vs Twine

Price: Twine projects start affordably, with freelancers charging flat or hourly rates far lower than Toptal’s.
Top Feature: Creative-first platform, not just developers.
Process: Twine allows browsing profiles while Toptal curates technical matches.

9. Gigster

Gigster operates more like a managed service, pulling together teams of freelancers for large-scale projects such as app development or product builds.

Toptal vs Gigster

Price: Gigster projects are expensive, often rivaling Toptal, but structured for outcomes.
Top Feature: Fully managed project delivery.
Process: Gigster assembles entire teams; Toptal focuses on individuals or small groups.

10. CloudDevs

CloudDevs connects startups with vetted Latin American developers who can work in US time zones. It’s a strong fit for startups needing nearshore development talent.

Toptal vs CloudDevs

Price: CloudDevs averages around $45–$75/hr, lower than Toptal.
Top Feature: Nearshore talent working in US hours.
Process: CloudDevs matches quickly, while Toptal’s onboarding is more formal.

11. RocketDevs

RocketDevs focuses on developer staffing for startups, with a particular emphasis on providing skilled engineers at competitive rates.

Toptal vs RocketDevs

Price: RocketDevs starts at $8/hr, which is far lower than Toptal’s.
Top Feature: Tailored to early-stage startups.
Process: RocketDevs promises rapid matching; Toptal’s process can be slower.

12. Andela

Like AMAKA, Andela started in Africa and has grown into a global platform for top engineering talent. It’s a go-to for startups wanting vetted developers at scale.

Toptal vs Andela

Price: Andela’s rates are competitive and vary widely; Toptal remains premium.
Top Feature: Global engineering talent at scale.
Process: Both platforms vet heavily, but Andela emphasizes long-term team integration.

13. Revelo

Revelo connects startups with full-time Latin American developers who align with US business hours and culture. They also handle HR, payroll, and compliance.

Toptal vs Revelo

Price: Revelo is cost-effective compared to Toptal’s hourly billing.
Top Feature: Compliance and payroll handled for you.
Process: Revelo focuses on long-term placements, while Toptal suits flexible, shorter-term hires.

14. Guru

Guru is a freelance marketplace with a broad range of professionals, from developers to designers to writers. It offers startups affordable options across skill sets.

Toptal vs Guru

Price: Guru’s rates vary from very low to mid-tier; Toptal charges premium only.
Top Feature: SafePay system ensures secure transactions.
Process: Guru lets clients post jobs and manage bids; Toptal curates matches.

15. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a UK-based platform that connects startups with freelancers across design, marketing, development, and more. It’s especially strong for small business projects.

Toptal vs PeoplePerHour

Price: PeoplePerHour offers budget-friendly rates, often far below Toptal.
Top Feature: Pre-vetted mostly UK-based talents with global reach.
Process: PeoplePerHour allows direct browsing and quick hiring; Toptal handles vetting for you.

Toptal vs Alternatives at a Glance

Final Word

Choosing the right talent platform can make or break how fast your startup grows. While Toptal has built a reputation for elite freelancers, it isn’t always the most practical choice for founders working with tight budgets and shifting priorities. That’s why exploring alternatives makes sense.

Thankfully, startups today have plenty of options. But if you want a smarter alternative to agencies, with vetted developers, creatives, and the flexibility to build fractional teams that grow with you, AMAKA stands out as the best choice. It combines affordability, speed, and reliability in a way few others do, making it the perfect partner for startups ready to launch and scale.