Toptal Reviews in 2024: Key Features Pros, Cons for Hiring Developers

Toptal is a talent-matching platform, widely recognized for connecting businesses with freelancers specializing in software development, design, and finance. As a major competitor to Flexiple, another platform known for providing top-quality freelance developers and designers, Toptal serves businesses that prioritize expertise and efficiency in their hiring needs.

Reviews of Toptal reveal a mix of positive and critical experiences. Many clients and freelancers commend the platform for its high standards, meticulous matching process, and the quality of talent available. Clients often praise Toptal for enabling seamless project completion with skilled professionals who need minimal guidance, while freelancers appreciate the access to quality projects and well-defined client relationships. 

However, some users have shared frustrations over Toptal's pricing, communication delays, and support responsiveness, particularly in handling unexpected issues. These reviews from third-party sources provide a comprehensive view of Toptal’s strengths and areas for improvement, giving potential users valuable insights into what they can expect when engaging with the platform.

What is Toptal?

Toptal is a premier freelancing platform known for connecting companies with the top 3% of freelance talent across a range of fields. From software developers and finance experts to project managers and designers, Toptal offers access to a rigorously vetted talent pool. Established in 2010, the platform prides itself on its commitment to excellence, serving businesses that require the highest level of skill and expertise.

Toptal is a short form for “Top Talent,” and the platform lives up to its name by employing a rigorous screening process. Companies that partner with Toptal can expect quality professionals who have undergone a stringent selection procedure. This review dives deep into the inner workings of Toptal, analyzing its key features, user experience, pros and cons, and how it compares with other platforms in the market.

How Does Toptal Work?

Toptal’s model stands out due to its rigorous screening process. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how Toptal works for both companies looking to hire and freelancers hoping to join:

For Companies:

• • Step 1: Define Your Needs
    Clients start by outlining the specific skills and experience they require in a freelancer. Toptal’s team works closely with clients to match them with suitable talent.
  • Step 2: Talent Matching
    Toptal utilizes a data-driven matching system. Within days, the platform connects clients with talent that meets their project requirements.
  • Step 3: Interview and Onboarding
    Clients have the opportunity to interview and select candidates. Once satisfied, the freelancer can be onboarded swiftly, allowing the project to commence without delay.
  • Step 4: Project Execution and Support
    Throughout the collaboration, Toptal provides ongoing support to ensure seamless communication and deliverables.

For Freelancers:

• • Step 1: Application and Screening
    Freelancers interested in joining Toptal must first complete a multi-step screening process. This includes language and personality assessments, technical skill tests, and real-world project evaluations.
  • Step 2: Profile Approval and Matching
    Once approved, freelancers can create a profile and be matched with potential projects. Toptal’s platform offers continuous opportunities for skilled professionals.
  • Step 3: Engagement
    Freelancers can negotiate terms and work on projects that match their expertise, all while benefiting from the security and reliability of Toptal’s infrastructure.

Toptal's Business Model

Toptal's business model is designed to facilitate seamless connections between clients and freelancers while maintaining a sustainable and scalable revenue structure.

Revenue Streams

Toptal generates revenue through a combination of commission-based fees and deposit charges. These revenue streams are strategically designed to ensure profitability while providing value to both clients and freelancers.

1. Commission-Based System

Toptal's primary revenue stream is its commission-based system, where the platform earns a percentage of the total project cost. This commission varies based on several factors, including the nature of the project, its duration, and the freelancer's level of experience.

• Flexible Commission Rates: The commission percentage adjusts according to the complexity and length of the project. More intricate or long-term projects may incur higher commissions due to the increased value provided by Toptal in matching the right talent.
• Experience-Based Pricing: Freelancers with higher levels of expertise and specialized skills attract higher commission rates, reflecting their premium value on the platform.
• Transparent Pricing Structure: Clients are informed about the commission fees upfront, ensuring transparency and building trust in the platform's pricing model.

2. Deposit Fee

In addition to the commission-based system, Toptal requires clients to pay a deposit fee upfront. This deposit is credited towards the client's first invoice upon the successful completion of the project, serving as a commitment device for both parties.

• Upfront Commitment: The deposit fee ensures that clients are serious about their projects, reducing the likelihood of cancellations and fostering a committed working relationship.
• Credit Towards First Invoice: The deposit is not an additional cost but rather a prepayment that is applied to the first invoice, making it a seamless part of the billing process.
• Flexible Deposit Amounts: Depending on the project scope and client requirements, the deposit amount can vary, providing flexibility and accommodating different project sizes.

Review of Toptal’s Key Features

Toptal is a leading platform that bridges the gap between top-tier freelancers and businesses seeking exceptional talent. By maintaining rigorous standards and offering a diverse range of services, Toptal ensures that both clients and freelancers benefit from a seamless and productive partnership. Below are the key features of Toptal that provide significant value to both parties.

Talent Network

Toptal connects businesses with a vast network of elite freelancers, including software engineers, designers, finance experts, product managers, and project managers. This extensive network ensures that clients can find the exact expertise they need, while freelancers have access to a wide array of job opportunities across various industries.

Vetting Process

Toptal employs a multi-stage screening process to evaluate both technical skills and communication abilities of freelancers. This rigorous vetting ensures that clients receive high-quality professionals, and freelancers are part of a respected and credible network, enhancing their marketability.

Global Reach

With a presence worldwide, Toptal allows clients to hire talent from any geographic location. This global reach benefits freelancers by providing access to international projects and clients, while clients can tap into a diverse pool of experts regardless of their own location.

Pre-screened Talent

All freelancers on Toptal are pre-screened before they become available for hire. This pre-screening assures clients of the quality and reliability of the talent they are hiring, and it gives freelancers the confidence that they are part of a prestigious and trusted platform.

Selective Recruitment

Only the top 3% of applicants pass Toptal’s stringent vetting process. This selective recruitment ensures that clients have access to highly skilled and proficient freelancers, while freelancers benefit from being part of an exclusive network that enhances their professional reputation.

Trial Periods

Toptal offers a trial hiring period, allowing clients to assess the suitability of freelancers for their specific projects before making a long-term commitment. For freelancers, this trial period provides an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and fit within a client's team, increasing their chances of securing ongoing work.

Quick Onboarding

Toptal enables the onboarding of talent within 24 hours upon request. This swift process allows clients to quickly fill urgent roles with qualified freelancers, and it allows freelancers to start new projects without unnecessary delays, maximizing productivity for both parties.

Remote Operations

Operating entirely remotely, Toptal facilitates seamless collaboration between clients and freelancers regardless of their physical locations. This remote setup benefits clients by offering flexibility in hiring and allows freelancers to work from anywhere in the world, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Diverse Expertise

Toptal's network includes experts not only in technology but also in finance, design, and project management. This diversity ensures that clients can find specialized talent for a wide range of projects, and freelancers from various disciplines can find opportunities that match their skills and interests.

Variable Freelancer Rates

Toptal offers flexible payment models, including hourly and weekly rates, which can vary based on a freelancer's specialty, location, and the nature of the contract. This variability allows clients to choose payment structures that best fit their budget and project needs, while freelancers can select rate models that align with their financial goals.

Authentic Connections

Toptal ensures that all professionals in its network are verified and genuine, fostering trust between clients and freelancers. This authenticity helps build strong, reliable working relationships, ensuring successful project outcomes and ongoing collaborations.

Toptal Pricing Review

Toptal does not have a low-cost model, and pricing depends heavily on the freelancer's experience and the project's complexity. While some clients find the pricing to be a significant investment, they acknowledge the quality delivered. Freelancers, on the other hand, appreciate the opportunity to earn competitive rates.

Toptal User Experience Review

Toptal offers a premium user experience by connecting clients with the top 3% of global freelancers across various disciplines, ensuring access to highly skilled and vetted professionals. Clients benefit from a streamlined hiring process, flexible engagement models, and rapid onboarding, while enjoying the reliability of Toptal’s rigorous vetting and backup options. The platform’s global reach and diverse talent pool allow businesses to find specialized expertise tailored to their specific needs, albeit at a higher price point.

For freelancers, Toptal provides access to high-quality, reputable clients and competitive compensation, enhancing their professional portfolios and career growth. The rigorous screening process elevates their marketability and credibility, while flexible work arrangements and extensive support resources facilitate a satisfying and adaptable work environment. However, the stringent entry requirements and the necessity to maintain elite status can be challenging for some professionals. Overall, Toptal excels in delivering exceptional value to both clients and freelancers who meet its high standards, fostering successful and impactful professional collaborations.

Pros and Cons of Toptal: Positive & Negatives

Toptal’s emphasis on quality and expertise has made it a go-to platform for companies seeking reliable, skilled freelance support, particularly for complex or long-term projects. However, its premium approach does not suit everyone—especially those looking for budget-friendly options or freelancers for smaller, simpler tasks. By prioritizing quality over quantity, Toptal operates with a smaller, highly curated pool of freelancers, offering an exclusive but limited selection. Additionally, some negative reviews highlight concerns around pricing and customer support, which potential users may want to consider.

To help you decide if Toptal aligns with your needs, here’s a breakdown of its key pros and cons.

Pros

• Rigorous Vetting Process: Toptal is known for its strict screening process, accepting only the top 3% of applicants. This ensures clients have access to highly skilled and experienced professionals, reducing the risk of hiring underqualified talent.
• High-Quality Talent: With Toptal’s focus on quality, clients can expect freelancers with extensive expertise in fields like software development, design, finance, and project management. This high caliber of talent often results in faster and more efficient project completion.
• Efficient Matching Process: Toptal’s team assists in matching clients with freelancers who best fit their project needs, saving time and effort in the hiring process. Clients don’t have to sift through countless profiles or proposals, as they receive carefully curated matches.
• Reliable Customer Support: Toptal offers a more responsive and hands-on support system compared to many freelance platforms, providing clients and freelancers with assistance when needed and addressing issues more effectively.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: Toptal offers a trial period for clients to assess a freelancer's fit with their project. If the client isn’t satisfied, they can end the trial without incurring costs, which provides an added layer of security in the hiring process.

Cons

• Higher Cost: Due to its stringent vetting and premium talent pool, Toptal’s services are more expensive than other freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. This makes it less ideal for clients with tight budgets or smaller projects.
• Limited Talent Pool Size: While Toptal provides top talent, its highly selective process means the talent pool is smaller than those on open marketplaces like Upwork. For highly specific or niche roles, this may sometimes limit the options available. Some clients have reported occasional issues with low-quality freelancers slipping through the vetting process.
• Less Flexibility for Smaller Tasks: Toptal is best suited for long-term or more complex projects. For small or quick tasks, clients might find the platform less convenient than more flexible options like Upwork, where finding affordable freelancers for short-term needs is simpler.
• Challenging Application Process for Freelancers: For freelancers, getting accepted on Toptal is highly competitive, with a rigorous application process that may not be suitable for those early in their careers or without substantial experience.
• Reported Delays in Support Response: While generally better than some other platforms, Toptal's support has occasionally received criticism for slow response times, especially when dealing with complex or unexpected issues, which can be frustrating for both clients and freelancers.

Toptal Reviews from Clients & Tech Talents

Toptal has established itself as a trusted platform for top-tier freelancers and companies seeking high-quality talent. However, all is not perfect. Some clients have raised concerns about Toptal’s premium pricing, finding it difficult to justify the cost, especially for smaller projects.

There have also been occasional reports of mismatches, where clients felt the freelancer’s skills did not entirely align with their specific project needs. Additionally, some freelancers have pointed out that Toptal’s application process is highly demanding and lengthy, and they feel the platform could improve communication and support during onboarding and project issues.

On the other side, tech talents who work with Toptal value the platform’s commitment to quality and its focus on matching them with projects that suit their expertise and interests. Nonetheless, a few freelancers have mentioned that the high expectations and intense vetting process can add pressure, and they sometimes encounter challenges in navigating the platform’s support system.

Here are some of the reviews from third-party trusted review websites, offering further insight into Toptal’s reputation among clients and freelancers alike.

Toptal Review 1

In this review, the freelancer describes a frustrating experience with Toptal's support system, particularly for developers. They recount an instance where a client missed a scheduled interview, and the Toptal matcher responsible was also unavailable, making it difficult to resolve the situation. The reviewer mentions that Toptal previously offered quicker support through Slack, but now freelancers must rely on email, with concerns that support staff may be on vacation, adding to delays.

Toptal Review 2 

In this review, the client expresses satisfaction with their overall experience on Toptal, describing it as "solid." They praise Toptal for its thorough vetting process, dedication to matching clients with the right talent, and commitment to high-quality work. The reviewer is particularly impressed with Toptal's organization, the expertise of the professionals on its teams, and the transparency of the hourly rate structure for freelancers.

Toptal Review 3

In this review, the client expresses disappointment with their experience on Toptal, feeling that the marketing consultant they hired did not deliver value for the nearly $14,000 spent. The client states they could have found similar talent on Upwork at a much lower cost. They describe the work provided as lacking depth, resulting in delays, especially with a website migration that set back their project timeline. 

Additionally, when they shared their dissatisfaction with Toptal, the platform offered only a $500 discount on their next hire, which the client felt was an inadequate response. The reviewer concludes by saying they would prefer to use Upwork in the future.

Top Alternatives to Toptal for Clients

When considering alternatives to Toptal for hiring top freelance talent, clients have several robust platforms to choose from. Each alternative offers unique features and benefits tailored to different business needs, ensuring that clients can find the right match for their projects.

Flexiple

Flexiple is a premier network that connects clients with top freelance developers and designers through a meticulous vetting process evaluating over 50 unique data points. This ensures that only the best talent, including alumni from renowned companies like Amazon, Adobe, and Microsoft, join their network. Clients can expect a perfect match within 48 hours and have the option to trial developers for a week to assess compatibility and skills before making a hiring decision. 

Flexiple’s flexible hiring models allow for part-time or full-time engagements, supported by a dedicated success manager who facilitates smooth communication and project alignment. With a diverse talent pool spanning technologies such as .NET, JavaScript, React, and Flutter, Flexiple caters to a wide range of project requirements for high-profile, venture-backed companies like Urban Ladder and MobiKwik.

Upwork

Upwork stands out as a versatile freelancing platform that evolved from its original incarnation as Elance-oDesk to better engage both freelancers and companies. It offers businesses the flexibility to post detailed job requirements, which are then visible to a vast global network of freelancers across multiple categories, including web development, creative design, consulting, and more. Upwork’s Expert-Vetted program highlights the top 1% of freelance talent, ensuring clients can connect with pre-vetted professionals for high-quality outcomes. 

The platform handles secure payments through milestone-based or full project payments and provides extensive resources like candidate-screening guides to aid in the hiring process. With major brands like Microsoft and Airbnb utilizing Upwork, clients benefit from a credible and expansive marketplace that supports various hiring methods, including AI-driven talent matching and a comprehensive project catalog for immediate solutions.

Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace, boasting over 75 million users across 247 countries. Established in 2009, it connects employers with a vast pool of skilled freelancers in diverse categories such as web and graphic design, software development, writing, data entry, and more. The platform offers flexible pricing models, including hourly and fixed-price projects, allowing clients to negotiate terms that best fit their project scope and budget. 

Freelancer.com streamlines the hiring process with efficient job postings, profile reviews, and a secure payment system that releases funds upon milestone completion. With robust support from a team of recruiters and a mobile app for on-the-go project management, businesses of all sizes—from startups to large enterprises—can find tailored freelance talent to meet their specific needs. Trusted by major companies globally, Freelancer.com ensures secure transactions and access to a wide range of technical skills, making it a reliable alternative for clients seeking comprehensive freelance solutions.

Alternatives to Toptal for Tech Talent

If you're new to freelancing, you can consider other similar platforms to Toptal.com, like:

• Upwork
• Freelancer.com 

If you're an experienced developer, these vetted tech talent networks might be a better fit:

• Flexiple 
• Arc.dev 
• Hired.com

Is Toptal the Right Platform for You?

Toptal can be a powerful solution for those seeking top-tier freelancers for specialized projects in areas like software development, design, finance, and project management. The platform's focus on high standards ensures that clients are matched with professionals who can deliver excellent results with minimal oversight, often within less than a week.

However, Toptal’s premium service comes at a higher price point compared to other freelance platforms like Flexiple, Upwork, or Fiverr. For businesses or individuals with a tighter budget or less specialized needs, these alternatives offer more cost-effective solutions.

For freelancers, Toptal offers access to high-quality projects and reputable clients, though the application process is competitive and challenging. Those with proven expertise who want to work on impactful projects may find Toptal an excellent fit.

FAQs on Toptal Reviews

Who are Toptal consultants, and what services do they provide?
Toptal consultants are highly skilled professionals who specialize in offering expert guidance across various fields, including software development, design, finance, project management, and strategy consulting.

How can I join Toptal as a freelancer?
To join Toptal as a freelancer, you need to go through a rigorous selection process designed to identify top-tier talent. The process includes several stages: an initial language and communication assessment, a skills review relevant to your field, a live screening, and a test project to demonstrate your expertise.

Is Toptal worth the cost?
If quality is your primary concern, Toptal delivers significant value. However, for simpler projects, the cost may outweigh the benefits.

What types of projects can Toptal freelancers work on?
A Toptal freelancer can work on a wide range of projects, from short-term assignments to long-term, complex projects. They specialize in areas like software development, UX/UI design, financial modeling, project management, and more.