Toptal Review
Toptal is a premium freelance marketplace that connects clients with top-tier professionals in fields such as software development, design, and finance.
Toptal is a premium freelance marketplace that connects clients with top-tier professionals in fields such as software development, design, and finance. Founded in 2010, Toptal emphasizes a rigorous screening process to ensure that only the top 3% of applicants are accepted as freelancers. This vetting process includes assessments of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills, providing clients with access to highly qualified experts.
The platform offers a more tailored and high-quality service compared to other freelance marketplaces. Clients benefit from a dedicated account manager and a focus on long-term projects or complex tasks that require specialized expertise. While Toptal’s services come at a higher cost compared to platforms like Fiverr, the emphasis on top-notch talent and personalized service makes it a strong choice for companies seeking exceptional professionals.
4.8
Pricing
Freelancers start from ₹4981
Key Features
Seller Ratings ✓
Conflict resolution ✓
Selection & filtering ✓
Ease of use ✓
Mobile app ✓
Ranked 3 from 22 Freelance Websites
Performance: |4.9| 
Toptal is known for its high performance, largely due to its rigorous screening process that ensures access to top-tier talent. The platform provides a seamless experience with efficient matching of clients to freelancers, typically resulting in high-quality work and successful project outcomes. Toptal’s emphasis on elite professionals and dedicated account management contributes to its strong reputation for reliability and effectiveness in handling complex and long-term projects.
Uptime: |4.9|
Toptal maintains high uptime, ensuring reliable access to its platform for users globally. The site is supported by robust infrastructure and redundancy measures to minimize downtime and service interruptions. Users generally experience consistent availability, although, like any online service, occasional maintenance or unexpected issues may briefly affect access.
Customer Service: |4.8|
Toptal offers exceptional customer service with dedicated account managers who assist clients throughout the engagement process. The platform provides personalized support to ensure a smooth experience, from matching clients with the right freelancers to addressing any project-related issues. This high level of service, coupled with a focus on quality and professionalism, contributes to Toptal’s strong reputation for client satisfaction.
Pricing: |4.7|
Toptal operates on a premium pricing model, reflecting its focus on top-tier talent and personalized service. Rates are generally higher than on other freelance platforms due to the high level of expertise and the rigorous vetting process. Pricing is typically customized based on the project’s scope, duration, and the specific skills required, making it a cost-effective choice for complex and high-stakes projects where quality is a priority.
Overview
| 🏁 Starting price | Free to use. Freelancers from $60/hour |
| 💲 Fees | $500 deposit applied as credit to first invoice |
| 🏆 Top freelance categories | Software developers, designers, finance experts, product managers and project managers |
| 🔎 Freelancer screening process | Yes |
| ⚖️ Dispute resolution | Yes |
| 💬 Live chat support | Yes |
Is Toptal Really Worth It?
Toptal positions itself as a top-tier global network of elite talent, and it’s not shy about it. Out of the approximately 100,000 applicants each year, only about 3% are accepted as freelancers.
The platform primarily offers access to developers, designers, finance experts, project managers, and product managers. However, with 200 different developer specialties available, it’s ideal if you need someone with a highly specific skill set.
Though Toptal claims to offer the best talent, it comes at a premium price. Given these claims, it’s understandable to be cautious – I certainly was.
To put it to the test, I explored Toptal’s customer support, pricing, and the services it provides so that you can make an informed decision before spending any money.
Toptal isn’t a budget-friendly option. However, if you’ve had experience with hiring low-cost freelancers and ended up disappointed, you know the saying: you get what you pay for. If you’re prepared to invest in your business and the talent you bring on board, Toptal could be the solution you’re looking for.
Details in Short
What Is Toptal & Who Is It For?
What Is Toptal?
Premium Freelance Marketplace: Toptal is an online platform that connects clients with elite freelancers in fields such as software development, design, finance, and project management.
Rigorous Screening: The platform is known for its rigorous vetting process, accepting only the top 3% of applicants to ensure high-quality talent.
High-Quality Talent: Toptal focuses on providing highly skilled professionals for complex and high-stakes projects, offering tailored solutions and personalized support.
Who Is It For?
Businesses and Enterprises: Companies needing top-tier talent for complex projects or long-term engagements, particularly in tech, design, or finance.
Startups: New ventures looking for expert freelancers to help with critical aspects of their business, such as software development or market research.
High-Profile Projects: Organizations with high-stakes or specialized needs that require exceptional expertise and a high level of service.
Clients Seeking Premium Quality: Those who prioritize quality over cost and want assurance of working with some of the best professionals in their field.
FEATURES |4.8|
Toptal offers several key features designed to connect clients with top-tier freelancers and ensure high-quality project outcomes:
Rigorous Screening Process: Toptal’s freelancers undergo a comprehensive vetting process, including skill assessments, problem-solving tests, and interviews, to ensure they are among the top 3% of applicants.
Personalized Matching: Clients are matched with freelancers based on their specific needs and project requirements, facilitated by dedicated account managers who understand both client and freelancer profiles.
Dedicated Account Management: Toptal provides dedicated account managers who oversee the project, ensure smooth communication, and address any issues that arise during the engagement.
High-Quality Talent: Focuses on connecting clients with highly skilled professionals in software development, design, finance, and project management.
Flexible Engagement Models: Supports various project types, including short-term contracts, long-term engagements, and ongoing consulting, tailored to the client’s needs.
Scalable Solutions: Offers scalable talent solutions to accommodate projects of varying sizes and complexities, from startups to large enterprises.
Confidentiality and Security: Ensures secure handling of client information and project details, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality throughout the engagement.
Quality Guarantee: Provides a satisfaction guarantee where clients can request a replacement or a refund if the freelancer’s work does not meet expectations.
Intensive 5-Week Screening Process
The freelancers you’re connected with on Toptal have gone through quite the journey to reach you. Before they ever interact with a client, they must complete a demanding screening process. This process consists of five stages and can take up to five weeks to finish.
Fail to pass the first stage, and that’s the end of the road with Toptal. But those who clear every stage become part of the network. Think of it as the professional version of a talent competition – without the live performances or record deals.
So, what are the five stages?
Language and Personality – a thorough evaluation of English language skills and communication abilities
In-Depth Skill Review – a test of the candidate’s technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities
Live Screening – an interview with Toptal screeners that includes live practical exercises
Test Projects – candidates are assigned a project that may take 1-3 weeks to complete
Continued Excellence – freelancers must consistently meet high standards to stay in the network, so every project serves as an ongoing assessment
With only the top 3% making it through, you can be confident that any freelancers Toptal connects you with are highly experienced in their field. Each successful applicant has a LinkedIn-style profile where you can view their previous work, experience, and availability.
You won’t need to browse through countless profiles, as Toptal handles the matching process for you. Simply provide your requirements, and Toptal will compile a shortlist of candidates for you to review. That’s where it truly excels.
Risk-Free Trial
Whenever you begin working with a new freelancer on Toptal, you’re given a trial period of up to two weeks to determine if they’re the right fit for you. If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be charged for that time, and you can move on to a new candidate. You have the full two weeks to evaluate the freelancer without incurring any costs.
At that point, you can either end the process or ask Toptal to find more candidates. If a new freelancer is matched, you’ll get another two-week trial with them.
Hundreds of Specialized Skills Available
While Toptal focuses on five core categories—designers, developers, finance experts, product managers, and project managers—each one is further divided into specific areas of expertise. For instance, within the developer category alone, you’ll find over 200 distinct specialties listed in the skills directory.
From Uber Developers to Chrome Extension Developers, Toptal likely has a freelancer that meets your specific needs. And if you don’t find what you’re after, you can schedule a call with the team, and they’ll begin the search for you. According to Toptal, it usually takes one to three weeks to locate, screen, and onboard a new expert with confidence.
Fast and Efficient Matching
Toptal uses a unique callback system that aims to connect you with the right freelancer within 48 hours of your initial call. Thanks to its rigorous selection process, Toptal boasts a 98% success rate from trial to hire. If you’re in a time crunch and need additional resources quickly, this platform is a solid option.
Popular Freelance Websites
Service Offered
Toptal specializes in providing access to elite freelance professionals across several key areas, including software development, design, finance, and project management. Their services are geared towards high-stakes and complex projects that require top-tier talent. Toptal offers expertise in fields such as web and mobile development, UI/UX design, financial modeling, and product management, ensuring that clients receive highly skilled professionals tailored to their specific project needs.
The platform’s unique selling point is its rigorous screening process, which ensures that only the top 3% of applicants are accepted as freelancers. This focus on quality allows Toptal to deliver exceptional service and results, making it a preferred choice for companies looking for premium talent and personalized support.
Collaboration Tools
Toptal provides robust collaboration tools to facilitate seamless interaction between clients and freelancers. One of the primary tools is the dedicated account manager, who acts as a liaison between the client and freelancer, ensuring clear communication, managing project milestones, and addressing any issues that may arise. This personalized approach helps streamline the project and maintain alignment with client goals.
Additionally, Toptal’s platform includes a user-friendly interface for project management and communication. This includes features for sharing files, providing feedback, and tracking progress, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively and stay informed about project developments.
For enhanced security and confidentiality, Toptal implements secure communication channels and data handling practices. This ensures that sensitive information and project details are protected throughout the engagement, fostering a secure and trusted environment for collaboration.
PROS AND CONS OF TOPTAL
Pros of Toptal
Top 3% of Talent: Toptal’s rigorous vetting process ensures access to highly skilled, experienced freelancers.
High-Quality Work: The platform is known for delivering exceptional quality, particularly for complex and high-stakes projects.
Dedicated Account Management: Personalized support from dedicated account managers helps streamline communication and project management.
Wide Range of Expertise: Offers services in software development, design, finance, and more, catering to diverse project needs.
Flexible Engagements: Supports both short-term and long-term projects, providing scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Confidentiality and Security: Toptal places a strong emphasis on security and maintaining confidentiality in all client engagements.
Cons of Toptal
High Cost: Toptal’s premium pricing model makes it more expensive compared to other freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
Smaller Talent Pool: While highly skilled, the talent pool is smaller due to the selective screening process, which may limit options in some niches.
Not Ideal for Small Projects: The platform’s premium focus may not be the best fit for small, low-budget projects where cost efficiency is a priority.
Longer Onboarding: The rigorous matching process may take longer to connect with a freelancer compared to other platforms offering faster, broader acces.
Why you should consider Toptal?
You should consider Toptal for its unparalleled access to top-tier professionals who are among the best in their fields. The platform’s rigorous screening process ensures that only the top 3% of applicants are accepted, providing you with highly skilled freelancers for complex and high-impact projects. This focus on elite talent can significantly enhance the quality of your project outcomes, whether you need software development, design, or financial expertise.
Additionally, Toptal offers personalized service through dedicated account managers who facilitate smooth communication and project management. This personalized support ensures that your specific needs are met, and any issues are promptly addressed. The combination of high-quality talent and tailored support makes Toptal a strong choice for organizations seeking exceptional results and a premium experience.
EASE OF USE |5.0|
Toptal is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring a streamlined and intuitive interface that simplifies the process of finding and hiring top-tier talent. The platform’s matching system is efficient, using detailed project requirements to connect clients with the most suitable freelancers. This minimizes the time spent searching for candidates and helps ensure a good fit for project needs.
Additionally, Toptal provides personalized support through dedicated account managers, making the process even smoother. These managers assist with project setup, manage communication between clients and freelancers, and address any issues that arise, further enhancing the user experience. This combination of a user-friendly platform and tailored support contributes to a hassle-free and effective hiring process.
Toptal Simplifies the Process, but with a Unique Approach
Toptal strives to make everything as straightforward as possible, though its approach differs from other platforms. It essentially handles the entire hiring process for you. Here are a few ways Toptal manages recruitment.
It Begins with a Phone Call
Toptal’s process revolves around requesting a callback and speaking with their team over the phone. This sets it apart from most other platforms, but it can be a good thing if you’re comfortable with phone communication.
To initiate the call, simply click “Hire Top Talent” and fill out a few basic questions about the skills you need, the project duration, and your budget.
Eventually, you’ll reach a contact page where you can enter your details and request a callback. You can choose a specific time and day, or opt for a “Now” callback. Callbacks are available from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday, in your time zone. I received an email within 10 minutes confirming my callback details with a Toptal team member.
If you’re not comfortable handling this process over the phone and prefer online communication, Toptal might not be the right platform for you. However, discussing your needs directly with a Toptal recruiter allows them to ask the right questions and go over your project brief, guidelines, and deal-breakers. This method is particularly useful if you’re looking for a long-term contractor, as it increases the chances of finding the perfect freelancer.
After your call, you’ll receive a status update, and if there are matches, they’ll start coming in. If no immediate matches are found, the team promises to “work tirelessly” to locate the right candidate for you.
Detailed User Profiles
While your Toptal recruiter handles most of the heavy lifting by finding and sending you the best matches, you can still browse through the results and gather plenty of information on each freelancer. Every candidate has a comprehensive, résumé-style profile that includes a bio, education, skills, certifications, work history, location, and key project highlights.
Create a Account with Toptal
1. Visit the Toptal Website
Go to Toptal’s website.
Click on the “Hire Top Talent” or “Apply as a Freelancer” button, depending on whether you’re looking to hire or offer services.
2. Select Your Role
Choose whether you’re a client looking to hire or a freelancer applying to join Toptal.
For freelancers, you’ll proceed through an application process.
3. Enter Your Details
Provide your basic information, including name, email address, and a password.
Clients may need to provide company details, while freelancers will need to provide skill-related information.
4. Submit Project or Skills Information
Clients: Describe the type of project or talent you need.
Freelancers: Highlight your skills and experience in your specific area of expertise (e.g., design, software development).
5. Schedule a Consultation
For clients, you’ll be asked to schedule a consultation with a Toptal account manager to discuss your project and requirements in detail.
Freelancers will enter the screening process, which includes tests and interviews.
6. Verify and Confirm
Click the link that was delivered to your inbox as a confirmation to confirm your email address.
Once verified, clients will be matched with potential freelancers, and freelancers will proceed through Toptal’s screening process.
GTMetrix
SUPPORT |4.8|
Toptal offers excellent customer service and support to both clients and freelancers through the following key features:
Dedicated Account Managers: Clients are assigned a dedicated account manager who assists with the entire hiring process, including matching clients with freelancers, managing communication, and addressing any concerns.
Personalized Assistance: Toptal provides personalized support tailored to each client’s project needs, ensuring smooth collaboration and prompt resolution of issues.
24/7 Support: The platform offers round-the-clock customer support via email, live chat, and phone to handle any technical issues or urgent queries.
Project Monitoring: Account managers regularly check in on the project progress, ensuring that milestones are met and that both clients and freelancers are satisfied.
Dispute Resolution: Toptal offers a structured resolution system to help resolve any disputes between clients and freelancers efficiently.
This comprehensive approach to customer service ensures a high level of satisfaction and successful project outcomes.
Review:
PRICING |4.6|
Is Toptal a Wise Choice?
Even if Toptal is unquestionably a superb platform for independent contractors, it’s vital to recognize that not every company will always be the ideal fit for it. Toptal’s premium pricing may be prohibitive for many budget-conscious firms, notwithstanding its stringent vetting procedure and favorable ratings. Additionally, their services may be rather limited for firms looking for more flexible and cheap solutions, as well as for entry-level freelancers.
Furthermore, Toptal might not be as good for companies with unique demands since specialized skill sets could be more difficult to get or more expensive. When making a selection, it’s critical to carefully analyze the project needs and budgetary constraints—especially in light of the availability of more flexible employment alternatives.
In conclusion, even if Toptal has a solid industry reputation and provides access to outstanding freelancing talent, it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks before choosing a choice. Even though Toptal offers a network of support and high-quality services, it might not be the best option for every type of business. Before deciding on freelancing platforms, we advise you to have a closer look at our IT staffing services and our distinctive methodology.
Top Talent Comes at a Price
Toptal requires an initial $500 deposit, which is credited toward your first invoice. If you decide not to proceed with any freelancers, the deposit is fully refundable. This gives you a chance to try out the platform with minimal risk, but it can be a significant upfront cost for smaller businesses. The good news is, there are no other fees—once you make that initial investment, the only cost going forward is paying your freelancer.
So, what are the freelancer rates?
Here’s where you’ll need to weigh your options. Keep in mind, Toptal promises access to the best freelancers in the world (or at least, thoroughly vetted ones). Quality like this doesn’t come cheap. Each freelancer has a high price tag, but if Toptal’s screening process is as rigorous as advertised, they could be well worth the cost. In fact, true experts might work more efficiently, saving you money over time.
Toptal provides a helpful pricing guide, but the rates vary significantly. Developers might start at $60 per hour, while a full-time finance expert could cost as much as $8,000 per week (and yes, I feel like I’m in the wrong career too!).
Additionally, there’s the two-week no-risk trial mentioned earlier, so if you’re not satisfied, you won’t be charged, which is reassuring given the potential costs involved.
Freelancers can be hired on an hourly, daily, project-based, part-time, or full-time basis.
Billing is done twice a month, but Toptal offers flexibility, which is great for smaller businesses. You can review all charges before they are processed. Invoices have Net 10 payment terms, meaning payment is due within 10 days of the invoice date. While this might be a quick turnaround for you, it helps keep your freelancers happy.
Toptal accepts all major credit cards, ACH payments, bank wires, and PayPal.
Toptal
FREELANCERS START FROM
₹4981
/ one-time fee
Transaction fees: $500 deposit applied as credit to first invoice
Toptal
FREELANCERS START FROM
₹4981
/ one-time fee
Transaction fees: $500 deposit applied as credit to first invoice
Toptal Alternatives
Frequently Asked Question.
The top 3% of independent contractors in software development, design, finance, and project management may be found by customers using Toptal, a premium freelancing marketplace. It is known for its rigorous vetting process and high-quality talent.
Toptal has a rigorous five-step screening process that includes language and personality tests, skills reviews, live interviews, and test projects. Only the top 3% of applicants are accepted to ensure quality.
Toptal is ideal for businesses or individuals seeking top-tier professionals for complex, long-term, or high-stakes projects. It caters to companies looking for elite talent and personalized service.
You can hire experts in software development, design (UI/UX), finance, product management, and project management. Toptal offers specialists in various industries and roles.
Toptal’s pricing is customized based on the project’s scope, complexity, and the freelancer’s expertise. The platform typically operates at a premium price compared to other freelance sites.
Toptal usually matches clients with freelancers within 24-48 hours, although it may vary depending on project complexity and requirements.
Yes, Toptal offers a trial period for clients. If you are not satisfied with the freelancer’s work after the trial, you can stop the engagement without any charge.
Toptal accepts payments through various methods, including credit cards and bank transfers. Payments are typically processed through an escrow system for added security.
Yes, Toptal is a good fit for startups, especially those looking to hire high-quality talent for critical tasks like software development, design, and financial consulting.
Toptal assigns dedicated account managers to oversee the hiring process, ensuring that freelancers meet client expectations. Additionally, freelancers are thoroughly vetted to ensure they are qualified for the task.