Should You Hire Javascript Freelancers, or a Remote Javascript team?

For eight years running, Javascript has been the most commonly used programming language, used by a whopping 67.7% of developers in the most recent Stack Overflow Developer Survey. This is in large part due to its simplicity, versatility, and interoperability, as we discussed in our recent article on Pros and Cons of Javascript Development. Indeed, its ubiquity in mobile app development has led Javascript to become the foundation of many cutting-edge libraries and frameworks like VueJS, AngularJS, and ReactJS.

Since it is such a widespread language, there is no shortage of developers to choose from when looking for when building your next Javascript project. But is it more advantageous to pursue an individual freelancer or contract with a fully dedicated Remote Javascript team?

This article will help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches, and help you determine the best option for you. However, if you want an even more personalized approach, just tell us what you need and we’ll do the work for you! Within 72h we will connect you with up to 5 companies that match your needs - all for free!

Hiring a Javascript Freelancer

Typically the go-to choice for augmenting a development team, individual freelancers are often the cheapest and easiest way to add a bit of Javascript know-how to your company. Developers are available at almost every skill and price point imaginable, so you have flexibility in finding a candidate that exactly fits your needs and budget.

These days, there are a plethora of options for connecting with freelance support from online directories to simple word of mouth. Plus, it’s easier than ever to evaluate the ability of freelancers based on their portfolios and their performance during interview testings. Check out our article on best practices for hiring Javascript developers to get pointers on how to attract the top talent!

Pros

• Usually the most affordable option
• Easy to find a freelancer with the specific skill set required for your demands
• Can evaluate on team fit as you would with a normal hiring process

Cons

• It requires a significant amount of time and energy to adequately find and vet candidates
• There are many opportunities for freelancers, making attracting the top talent quite competitive
• No matter how many background checks, it can be hard to guarantee consistent and reliable support
• Inherently limited to an individual’s personal style and coding habits
• May not always use the most advanced tools and best practices

Hiring a Remote Javascript Team

Compared to hiring an individual freelancer, whose abilities and skillsets can often be quite narrow and specific, contracting with a remote Javascript development team ensures that you have a wide range of experience and a comprehensive knowledge base.

Remote development teams generally offer a wealth of experience across the whole lifecycle of a product from idea generation to delivering a viable MVP, and so can provide added value at each step of the development process. This includes insights into the non-technical side of things like business application and release strategies.

These teams are already familiar with working with each other and often have well-established methodologies which help them to provide deliverables efficiently and consistently. Moreover, with their own project managers and quality assurance, remote teams require little oversight on your end.

Finally, remote teams are often distributed around the world so can provide support 24/7, and are dedicated to a single focus, without having to juggle attention between other potential clients as is typical with a freelancer.

Plus, if you have any doubts about finding the right team, we at Pangea are here to help! Just tell us what you need and within 72h we will connect you with a free list of 5 companies that match your needs!

Pros

• Comprehensive support through the entire lifecycle of a project
• Multidisciplinary experience providing everything from engineers and QA to project management and DevOps
• Dedicated support for your project, and your project only
• Usually up do date with the latest languages and best practices, or even have their own internal methodologies to streamline the development process
• Reliable support for as long as you require

Cons

• Generally more expensive than filling roles individually
• Harder to maintain a personal relationship between all team members

Should You Choose a Javascript Freelancer or Remote Javascript Team?

The choice between hiring a dedicated freelance professional and a remote Javascript development team is undoubtedly a difficult one, and largely dependent on your specific needs. Your budget, timeframe, and the scale of your project all factor into which option to choose.

If all you need is a quick Javascript specialist to temporarily join your team for a specifically defined role, a freelancer will likely be sufficient for your needs. However, if your aims are a bit larger in scale you should really consider a remote Javascript team.

While there is ultimately no wrong choice, in general, remote development teams offer less risk and more reliably consistent expertise despite their somewhat higher cost. Plus, depending on the location of the team, such costs are often much less than might be expected.

All in all, the success of your project depends on if the Javascript specialist or team can quickly and efficiently perform the role assigned to them. Remote development teams live and die on their reputation, and so tend to be the safest option for all your Javascript needs!