Toptal vs. Upwork - Which is the Best Platform to Hire From?

Sifting through countless resumes, conducting endless interviews, and risking costly mis-hires take a lot of time. It's even a high-stakes game where the wrong move can cost you money and momentum. CareerBuilder says a staggering 74% of 2,257 employers surveyed admit to losing up to $14,900 in wasted resources per poor hire.

You need a reliable platform with the best in the business, but with so many options, how do you choose? Toptal and Upwork are notable, with thousands of happy customers, but you want to ensure which works better for your business needs.

In this article, we'll break down the key differences between Toptal and Upwork, clearly showing their strengths and weaknesses. We'll also review their pricing models, talent pools, screening processes, and overall user experience so you can decide in line with your company's goals and budget.

Toptal vs. Upwork Summary

Toptal

Toptal positions itself as an exclusive network of the top 3% of freelance talent. If you seek experienced, specialized professionals for mission-critical projects, go with Toptal. The platform promises a personalized matching service and premium bespoke project delivery.

Since its inception in 2010, Toptal has evolved into a versatile platform with flexible models catering to various project needs and budgets. Its uniqueness is in the rigorous talent screening procedure that ensures the best talent.

Upwork

Upwork emerged in 2014 from the merger of Elance(founded in 2008) and oDesk (founded in 1998). This rich legacy positions Upwork as a seasoned player in the freelance marketplace with freelancers across various skill levels and budgets.

The platform's flexibility and control allow you to browse profiles, compare proposals, and manage projects directly. Upwork is suitable if you have diverse project needs. However, you are responsible for vetting and selecting the right talent.

Pricing and Cost Comparison

Toptal

Toptal's hourly rates are generally higher than Upwork's. Depending on the freelancer's experience, skills, and project complexity, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $250+ per hour. They allow you to agree on a fixed project fee with the freelancer for projects with a defined scope and timeline.

Upwork

Upwork's pricing model is more flexible, with freelancers setting hourly rates or project fees. You can find the talent within your budget, but vetting and comparing candidates require more effort.

As a client on Upwork, you'll pay the freelancer directly for the work they deliver. On top of that, Upwork charges a 5% processing fee on your payment. So, for a $10,000 job, you'd pay Upwork an extra $500.

Quality and Screening Process

Toptal

Toptal rigorously vets every new freelancer to ensure a high-quality talent pool. Their approach involves multiple stages, from language and personality screening to assessing communication skills and ensuring a good fit. This is followed by in-depth skills assessments, testing technical proficiency and expertise through comprehensive evaluations and live screenings.

They also thoroughly review a freelancer’s past work and client references to verify a proven track record. Their primary focus on senior talent with established experience makes them an attractive option for complex projects requiring specialized skills and expertise.

Upwork

Unlike Toptal, Upwork doesn't screen talents. It operates as an open marketplace with a vast and diverse pool of freelancers and agencies with varying skill levels and experience. Upwork shows previous clients' reviews and ratings on a freelancer's performance and reliability. You can then invite the freelancer with an impressive track record of what you seek.

Your incoming talents can also take skill tests to demonstrate their proficiency in specific areas. Upwork features a project catalog where freelancers can showcase pre-defined project scopes and pricing, which should streamline your hiring process for specific project types.

Services Offered

Toptal

Toptal focuses on providing access to highly skilled professionals in specific fields, such as software development, design, finance, project management, and product management. The team handpicks and matches freelancers to projects based on specific requirements, saving you time and effort in the vetting process.

Although you pay for it, Toptal offers a refundable trial period so you can assess a freelancer's suitability before committing to a long-term engagement. They also handle project management services to ensure smooth collaboration and project delivery.

Upwork

Upwork provides you access to a massive global network of freelancers with skills and industries ranging from software and web development to writing, marketing, and customer service.

The platform's algorithm shortlists freelancers who have satisfied past clients, usually with "Top Rated," "Top Rated Plus," and "Expert Vetted” tags whenever you search.  

Flexibility and Contract Length

Toptal

Toptal doesn't have a minimum contract length. You can hire freelancers for specific projects with defined timelines or engage them on an ongoing basis for longer-term collaboration.

Toptal gives a two-week trial period to assess a freelancer's suitability before committing to a more prolonged engagement. Toptal's contracts typically include a termination clause that allows you to end the engagement if the freelancer's performance doesn't meet your expectations.

Upwork

Upwork supports both short-term and long-term projects. You can hire freelancers for one-off tasks or ongoing engagements, depending on your needs. Upwork freelancers often offer flexible work schedules and can adapt to your project's specific timeframes.

Upwork offers hourly and fixed-price contracts, allowing you to choose the model that best suits your project. You can break down payments into milestones for fixed-price projects, ensuring you only pay for completed work.

The Pangea.ai Advantage for Businesses

Pangea features a curated network of pre-vetted software development agencies with proven track records of delivering successful projects. We thoroughly scrutinize these agencies to ensure they meet high quality, expertise, and reliability standards.

We'll provide you with end-to-end project support, including project scoping, team matching, and ongoing management, so you can focus on your core business goals.

Our Verdict Between Toptal and Upwork

Toptal curates top-tier talent with rigorous vettings, but Upwork requires you to do the vettings even when their algorithm links you up with a supposedly good freelancer. Go for Toptal if you have the budget, but if you're considering affordability, consider Upwork.

The choice ultimately boils down to your priorities, but if you're seeking a middle-ground that combines quality assurance with cost-effectiveness, Pangea is your go-to.

Our curated network of pre-vetted software development agencies provides top talent without the premium price tag. We handle project management, ensuring smooth collaboration and successful delivery.

If you're ready to build your tech team, submit a brief with us today, free of charge.

FAQs

Is Upwork better than Toptal?

It depends on your preference. Upwork is diverse, affordable, and more controllable, while Toptal provides top-tier talent, expertise, and project management support. Upwork suits budget-conscious projects needing varied skills, while Toptal works better if you need quality and hiring process speed.

Is it worth working for Toptal?

Toptal offers high-paying projects, a prestigious network, and a streamlined process, but with a competitive screening, less control, and limited flexibility. It's ideal for experienced freelancers seeking high earnings and a simplified workflow but not for those prioritizing autonomy and diverse project options.