Toptal.com and Turing.com are great platforms for hiring freelance talent, but they each have their different strengths and weaknesses. If you are considering using one of them, then it’s essential to understand their differences to make the right choice for your business. So, which one is the best for you? Toptal vs Turing? Let’s dive straight into the comparison.
 Toptal |  Turing | |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | 0-2 week hiring process, no recruiting fee, no termination cost, 98% “trial-to-hire success rate, pre-screened candidates, quality guarantee | No-risk 2-week free trial, no recruiting fee, no termination cost, AI-candidate matching, pre-screened candidates, quality guarantee |
| Pricing | From $60 per hour, flexible pricing: – Per hour – Per day – Per project – Fixed fee | From $30 per hour, flexible pricing: – Per hour – Per day – Per project – Fixed fee |
| Hiring fees | No upfront costs $500 deposit (refundable) is required | No upfront costs |
| Candidates | 10K+ vetted freelancers that have gone through a complete skills review, with rigorous vetting process and practical tests for all freelancers | 2M+ vetted developers that have gone through a complete skills review, with rigorous vetting process and practical tests for all freelancers |
| Support | Dedicated account manager with phone, email, and chat support for all clients | Personalized customer support via email and chat for clients |
| Notable clients | Gucci, Hewlett-Packard, USC, Shopify, KraftHeinz + more | Pepsi, Dell, Disney+, Coinbase, Volvo, Red Bull + more |
| Best for? | Large and medium-sized companies wanting to recruit the very best, most qualified talent. | Large and medium-sized companies looking to hire web and software developers |
| Website | www.toptal.com | www.turing.com |
Key Takeaways:
Toptal is more expensive than Turing. If you are on a tight budget, Turing may be a better option.
If you need talent from a wide range of industries, Toptal is a better choice. If you only need specialized web and software development, Turing may be a better option.
If you are looking for the best possible talent and a wide range of services, Toptal is a good choice. If you are looking for remote developers and a risk-free trial period, Turing is a good option.
Summary: Which is better, Toptal vs Turing?
- Toptal is a better option for companies looking for the best possible talent. It has a rigorous vetting process that ensures that only the top 3% of freelancers are accepted. Toptal also offers a wide range of industries, so businesses can find the talent they need for any project.
- Turing is a better option for companies looking for remote developers and a risk-free trial period. It has a large pool of pre-vetted freelancers from around the world, so businesses can find the talent they need without worrying about location. Turing also offers a risk-free two-week trial period, so businesses can try out their new hires before they commit to a long-term engagement.
What is Toptal, and How Does it Work?
Toptal (short for “top talent”) is a freelancer marketplace that only works with “the top 3%” of freelancers.
Although Toptal features freelancers representing a wide variety of services, backgrounds, and skills, some of the most common are game designers, web developers, UX/UI experts, project managers, and finance experts.
Browse more industries:
- Scrum Masters
- AI Engineers
- QA Engineers
- Software Developers
- AI Designers
- Salesforce Developers
- Data Scientists
- Virtual CFO
- Blockchain Consultants
- Ruby on Rails Developers
Hiring Process
The hiring process for Toptal is rigorous. Candidates must pass a technical screening test and then be interviewed by a Toptal recruiter.
If they are selected (only 3% are), they will then complete a practical exam (e.g., a coding challenge) and a personality assessment.
- Create a project brief: This is where you will describe your project, the skills you are looking for, and your budget.
If you’re a company or an individual looking to hire a freelancer on Toptal, you’ll first need to develop a project or job description that clearly expresses your goals and expectations for the project.
- Review proposals: Toptal will send you proposals from 3-5 top-rated freelancers who are a good fit for your project.
Once you’ve done this, a Toptal team member will vet your application. That’s right – just like their freelancers, their clients also need to meet their standards before being allowed to use the platform.
- Interview candidates: You can interview the candidates to get to know them better and see if they are a good fit for your team.
- Make a decision: Once you have interviewed the candidates, you can make a decision on who to hire.
Finally, once your job or project proposal has been accepted, you can either review freelancer profiles yourself and reach out to them personally or work with a Toptal recruiter to find the best freelancer for your specific needs.
Toptal offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with your freelancer, you can cancel the contract and get a full refund.
Vetting Process
Because of Toptal’s rigorous vetting and screening process, it can take up to three weeks (but is usually days) to be assigned (or find) a freelancer and make a deal.
This is a clear downside if you’re hiring in a rush, but the relatively slow pace of their matching process is deliberately designed to ensure the best results for both your company and their freelancers.
If you want to learn more, check out my full Toptal review.
Fees & Pricing
There is no recruiting fee and no termination cost for using Toptal.com.
To hire your first freelancer on Toptal, you need to make a one-time, refundable deposit of $500. If you decide not to hire at any stage of the process, you will get a refund.
If you decide to go ahead with the candidate, the $500 will be added as a credit to your account and will be used to pay the freelancer. This deposit tells Toptal that you are serious about hiring a freelancer.
How much does Toptal cost?
Toptal freelancers set their own rates based on their experience level, skills, and location. On average, the fees range between US$60 to US$250 per hour.
Toptal does not provide a fixed public pricing table. The platform prides itself on connecting clients with elite freelancers, and as such, the pricing often depends on the specific skill set, experience level, and demand for a particular professional.
To get precise and up-to-date rates for specific job titles, you would need to reach out to Toptal directly or begin the process of hiring on their platform.
| Job Title | Estimated Hourly Rate * |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $60 – $250+ |
| Data Scientist | $80 – $200+ |
| UI/UX Designer | $70 – $150+ |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $100 – $250+ |
| Project Manager | $90 – $180+ |
| Finance Expert | $100 – $250+ |
| Product Manager | $100 – $200+ |
What is Turing, and How Does It Work?
Hiring Process
The Turing hiring process is rigorous, but it is designed to find the best possible talent for each role. If you are a software developer looking for a remote job, Turing is a great option.
The hiring process ensures that only the most qualified developers are accepted. And with a risk-free two-week trial period, companies can try Turing without risk.
The hiring process is a four-step process:
- Sign up and create a profile: This is where the company will provide information about their company, the role they are looking to fill, and the skills and experience they are looking for in a candidate.
- Define the role: The first step is to define the role that needs to be filled. This includes identifying the skills, experience, and qualifications that the ideal candidate will have.
- Source candidates: Once the role has been defined, the next step is to source candidates. This can be done through a variety of channels, such as online job boards, social media, or employee referrals.
- Screen candidates: The next step is to screen candidates. This can be done by reviewing resumes, conducting phone interviews, or asking candidates to complete an online assessment.
- Interview candidates: The next step is to interview candidates. This can be done in person or virtually. The interview process should be designed to assess the candidate’s skills, experience, and fit for the role.
- Make an offer: Once the best candidate has been identified, the next step is to make an offer. The offer should be competitive and should be tailored to the candidate’s skills and experience.
- Onboard the new hire: The final step is to onboard the new hire. This includes providing the new hire with training, resources, and support.
The Turing hiring process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the role and the number of applicants.
Screening Process
The Turing screening process is designed to find the best possible talent for each role. It is a rigorous process, but it is designed to ensure that only the most qualified developers are accepted.
The Turing screening process is a four-step process:
- Profile review: Turing will review your profile and assess your skills and experience.
- Technical assessment: You will be given a technical assessment to test your knowledge of programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.
- Phone interview: You will have a phone interview with a Turing recruiter.
- Live coding challenge: You will be given a live coding challenge to test your ability to solve a real-world coding problem.
The Turing screening process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the role and the number of applicants.
The Turing screening process is designed to be challenging, but it is also designed to be fair. The screening process is designed to ensure that only the most qualified developers are accepted.
Fees & Prices
Turing freelancers set their own rates and are paid in full, without any deductions or commissions. Turing charges companies a small premium for using its platform and services. This premium covers the costs of recruiting, onboarding, and supporting developers.
Turing also offers a risk-free two-week trial period. This means that you can try out a Turing developer without any risk. If you are not satisfied with the developer, you can cancel the contract and get a full refund.
How much does Turing cost?
Turing freelancers set their own rates based on their experience level, skills, and location. On average, the fees range between US$30 to US$200 per hour.
Turing does not provide a fixed public pricing table and the below is just estimates and the actual cost may vary depending on the skills and experience of the developer.
| Job Title | Estimated Hourly Rate * |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $40 – $100+ |
| Front-end Developer | $30 – $80+ |
| Back-end Developer | $40 – $100+ |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $100 – $200+ |
| Full-stack Developer | $40 – $100+ |
| DevOps Engineer | $50 – $120+ |
| QA Engineer | $30 – $80+ |
| UI/UX Designer | $40 – $100+ |
Key Differences
So, what are the most crucial differences between Toptal and Turing? It comes down to two things: cost and the freelancer’s area of expertise.
Cost and area of expertise are two of the key differences between Toptal and Turing. Because:
- Toptal is generally more expensive than Turing. This is because Toptal only accepts the top 3% of freelance developers, so they can command higher rates. Turing, on the other hand, accepts a wider range of developers, which means that their rates are lower.
- Toptal offers a wider range of services than Turing. Toptal has experts across many industries, including software development, design, finance, marketing, and more. Turing only focuses on software and development services.
There are some other key differences between Toptal and Turing as well:
- Hiring process: The hiring process for Toptal is more rigorous than Turing. Toptal has a multi-step process that includes a technical screening test, an interview with a Toptal recruiter, and a live coding challenge. Turing’s hiring process is less rigorous and only includes a technical screening test and an interview with a Turing recruiter.
- Guarantee: Toptal offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. This means that you can cancel your contract with Toptal within 30 days of the start date and get a full refund. Turing does not offer a satisfaction guarantee. But it does offer a no-risk free 14-day trial.
- Support: Toptal offers dedicated account managers to help you with the hiring process and throughout your engagement with your freelancer. Turing does not offer dedicated account managers.
In the end, the best platform for your circumstances will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for the best possible talent and a wide range of services, Toptal is a good choice. If you are looking for remote developers at a lower cost, Turing is a good option.
Build your next project with the top 3% of global freelancers on Toptal. Experience top-tier talent and a virtually risk-free hiring process.
Pros and Cons
Toptal Good & Bad
Pros:
- Dedicated account managers: Toptal provides dedicated account managers to help you with the hiring process and throughout your engagement with your freelancer.
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee: If you are not satisfied with your freelancer, you can cancel the contract and get a full refund.
- Wide range of services: Toptal offers a wide range of services, so you can find the talent you need for any project.
- All freelancers on the platform are carefully vetted and screened, resulting in an exclusive pool of highly ranked professionals.
- Great onboarding: A Toptal team member will help you find the right freelancer and act as a liaison.
Cons:
- It can take a fair amount of time (up to three weeks) to get matched with a freelancer.
- Not the best fit for small projects (or small companies working on a tight budget.)
Turing Good & Bad
Pros:
- Risk-free two-week trial period: Turing offers a risk-free two-week trial period, so you can try out your freelancer before you commit to a long-term engagement.
- Flexible rates based on experience and location: Turing’s pricing is based on the freelancer’s experience and location, so you can find someone who fits your budget.
- Global talent pool: Turing has a large pool of pre-vetted software developers from around the world, so you can find the talent you need without having to worry about location. This can be a great advantage for businesses that are looking to expand their reach or tap into a specific talent pool.
- Easy to use: Turing’s platform is easy to use, even for businesses that are new to hiring remote developers. The platform provides a clear and concise process for finding and hiring developers, as well as managing your engagements.
- Flexible engagement models: Turing offers a variety of engagement models, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. You can hire developers on a full-time, part-time, or hourly basis.
- 24/7 support: Turing offers 24/7 support, so you can get help whenever you need it. This can be helpful if you have any questions or problems during the hiring process or your engagement.
Cons:
- Not as many services as Toptal: Turing may not offer as many services as Toptal, so you may have to look elsewhere for certain types of projects.
- Developers may not be as experienced as Toptal: Turing’s developers may not be as experienced as Toptal’s developers, depending on your needs.
- The hiring process can be slow: The hiring process for Turing can be slow, as it takes time to vet and select the best candidates.
Common Questions Answered
Our Verdict ⭐
Turing and Toptal offer similar services, but they are also very different in many ways, and both platforms have their pros and cons.
Turing.com is geared towards mid-sized and larger companies and startups looking for remote developers to do the job quickly and effectively. Turing may not cover as many industries as Toptal, and its developers may not be as experienced, but the risk-free two-week trial period lets businesses try out their new hires before they commit to a long-term engagement.
Toptal.com, is aimed at larger and mid-sized companies looking to pay for the best freelance talent around. Toptal has a highly skilled pool of talent and offers a no-risk trial with personalized support and guidance from start to finish to ensure that you’re happy with the quality of the work and the finished delivery.
In short, if it’s within your budget, Toptal is a better talent marketplace for companies wanting to hire the absolute best freelancers.
Toptal only lets the absolute best talent join their platform, so if you want to hire the top 3% of freelancers in the world, then this Toptal is the exclusive network to hire them from.
The cost of hiring a freelancer from Toptal depends on the type of role you are hiring for, but you can expect to pay between $60-$200+ per hour.
How We Evaluate Freelancer Marketplaces: Our Methodology
We understand the critical role that freelancer hiring marketplaces play in the digital and gig economy. To ensure that our reviews are thorough, fair, and helpful to our readers, we’ve developed a methodology for evaluating these platforms. Here’s how we do it:
- Sign-Up Process and User Interface
- Ease of Registration: We evaluate how user-friendly the sign-up process is. Is it quick and straightforward? Are there unnecessary hurdles or verifications?
- Platform Navigation: We assess the layout and design for intuitiveness. How easy is it to find essential features? Is the search functionality efficient?
- Variety and Quality of Freelancers/Projects
- Freelancer Assessment: We look at the range of skills and expertise available. Are freelancers vetted for quality? How does the platform ensure skill diversity?
- Project Diversity: We analyze the range of projects. Are there opportunities for freelancers of all skill levels? How varied are the project categories?
- Pricing and Fees
- Transparency: We scrutinize how openly the platform communicates about its fees. Are there hidden charges? Is the pricing structure easy to understand?
- Value for Money: We evaluate whether the fees charged are reasonable compared to the services offered. Do clients and freelancers get good value?
- Support and Resources
- Customer Support: We test the support system. How quickly do they respond? Are the solutions provided effective?
- Learning Resources: We check for the availability and quality of educational resources. Are there tools or materials for skill development?
- Security and Trustworthiness
- Payment Security: We examine the measures in place to secure transactions. Are payment methods reliable and secure?
- Dispute Resolution: We look into how the platform handles conflicts. Is there a fair and efficient dispute resolution process?
- Community and Networking
- Community Engagement: We explore the presence and quality of community forums or networking opportunities. Is there active participation?
- Feedback System: We assess the review and feedback system. Is it transparent and fair? Can freelancers and clients trust the feedback given?
- Platform Specific Features
- Unique Offerings: We identify and highlight unique features or services that distinguish the platform. What makes this platform different or better than others?
- Real User Testimonials
- User Experiences: We collect and analyze testimonials from actual platform users. What are common praises or complaints? How do real experiences align with platform promises?
- Continuous Monitoring and Updates
- Regular Re-evaluation: We commit to re-evaluating our reviews to keep them current and up to date. How have platforms evolved? Rolled out new features? Are improvements or changes being made?
Learn more about our review methodology here.
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