The AI Reports

Toptal

What is Toptal?

Toptal is an exclusive global network that connects top freelance professionals with leading brands and startups. Specializing in technology services, marketing, and management consulting, Toptal caters to businesses needing agile and highly skilled talent to address complex challenges. It features experts in software development, design, project management, finance, and more.

With a focus on rigorous vetting, Toptal ensures clients work with the top 3% of talent worldwide. This helps you assemble high-caliber teams swiftly, whether for short-term projects or ongoing engagements. The platform’s flexibility in scaling teams and customizable services supports diverse business needs.

Incorporating new technology practices, including AI innovation and blockchain, Toptal stays at the cutting-edge of industry developments. Emphasizing integrity and professionalism, the network offers a robust foundation for companies seeking to enhance productivity and drive growth across various sectors.

M. Kooiker

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Toptal use cases

  1. If you’re a recruiter managing a hiring process for diverse skills.
  2. If you’re an entrepreneur building a startup with limited resources.
  3. If you’re an enterprise seeking expert consultants for business growth.
  4. If you’re a project manager needing specialized talent for IT projects.
  5. If you’re a marketing director executing large-scale digital campaigns.

Toptal functionalities

  • Hire Top Talent: Connect to vetted professionals globally.
  • Flexible Engagements: Choose hourly to full-time projects.
  • Fast Hiring Process: Hire within 48 hours.
  • Industry Expertise: Utilize skills across various sectors.

Toptal review summary

4.7

Based on 2114 reviews online

Pros

Toptal excels in connecting top-tier talent with high-quality projects across various industries. Their platform offers exceptional support, streamlined processes, and a secure environment for both freelancers and clients. Many praise their rigorous vetting process, which ensures only the best talents are matched with suitable projects, enhancing professional growth and success.

Cons

While Toptal is generally well-received, there are some concerns regarding their user interface and occasional client-project alignment issues. Entry into the platform is challenging due to its rigorous vetting process, which can be stressful. Some freelancers find payment cycles to be longer than expected and express the desire for a more relaxed work-hour policy.

Exceptional Talent and Rigorous Vetting

Toptal is praised for its rigorous screening process, allowing only the top 3% of talent, ensuring businesses get high-quality professionals.

Challenging Entry Process

The rigorous vetting process makes entering Toptal challenging, but ultimately it ensures a high level of talent.

Toptal is known for its rigorous screening process, which ensures that only the top 3% of talent is accepted into the network, making it a popular choice for businesses in need of top-tier talent.
The entry process is hard and takes a lot of time, but this also validates the high quality of freelancers and the reward they receive for the first class services.

Seamless Integration and Professional Support

Toptal provides seamless onboarding and excellent support, allowing freelancers to focus on projects while Toptal handles client relations and payments.

User Interface Improvements

Some users have noted issues with the user interface and suggest improvements in tool choices for video conferencing.

Toptal community has professional career coaches, hiring managers, communities of practice, and different resources and opportunities outside of projects.
Occasional issues with the UI. They might consider switching video clients to Google Meet or Zoom.

Reliable Payments and Financial Security

The platform is well-organized, offering punctual payments, which provides freelancers financial security and removes worries about contract negotiations.

Project Alignment Concerns

Few projects misalign with client needs, causing freelancers to miss opportunities or face delays in project starts.

With Toptal, I never have to worry about contracts or deposits before and after projects. This financial security has not only eased my mind but also given me the confidence to focus on what I do best - delivering quality work to my clients.
Sometimes, projects tend to fall through before they start. I don't think it's TT's fault, but it is frustrating to the talent, especially when they have turned down other opportunities in the meanwhile.

Broad Range of High-Quality Projects

Freelancers enjoy a broad range of projects that cater to various skills, allowing them to gain diverse experiences and enhance their professional skills.

Payment Processing Delays

Payment cycles can be longer than expected, which may inconvenience freelancers accustomed to faster timelines.

The best thing about Toptal is the large variety of projects and industries. You can collaborate with both startups and enterprises to help them build and launch great products.
The only thing I dislike is that after you land a job, it takes a long time, from when the payment is paid to when you get money in your account. But it's something you get used to after a while.

Supportive Freelancer Community

Many freelancers appreciate the supportive community at Toptal, which includes professional development opportunities and a network that fosters career growth.

Restricted Working Hours

The platform enforces a maximum working hour limit, which some freelancers find restrictive.

Honestly, it is the support team at Toptal. All the coaches, matchers and mentors support you throughout your journey.
However, they don't allow a resource to work more than 60 hrs per week (a threshold to avoid burnout). In my opinion, this threshold should be removed as every resource has its own definition of burnout.

Pros

Toptal excels in connecting top-tier talent with high-quality projects across various industries. Their platform offers exceptional support, streamlined processes, and a secure environment for both freelancers and clients. Many praise their rigorous vetting process, which ensures only the best talents are matched with suitable projects, enhancing professional growth and success.

Exceptional Talent and Rigorous Vetting

Toptal is praised for its rigorous screening process, allowing only the top 3% of talent, ensuring businesses get high-quality professionals.

Toptal is known for its rigorous screening process, which ensures that only the top 3% of talent is accepted into the network, making it a popular choice for businesses in need of top-tier talent.

Seamless Integration and Professional Support

Toptal provides seamless onboarding and excellent support, allowing freelancers to focus on projects while Toptal handles client relations and payments.

Toptal community has professional career coaches, hiring managers, communities of practice, and different resources and opportunities outside of projects.

Reliable Payments and Financial Security

The platform is well-organized, offering punctual payments, which provides freelancers financial security and removes worries about contract negotiations.

With Toptal, I never have to worry about contracts or deposits before and after projects. This financial security has not only eased my mind but also given me the confidence to focus on what I do best - delivering quality work to my clients.

Broad Range of High-Quality Projects

Freelancers enjoy a broad range of projects that cater to various skills, allowing them to gain diverse experiences and enhance their professional skills.

The best thing about Toptal is the large variety of projects and industries. You can collaborate with both startups and enterprises to help them build and launch great products.

Supportive Freelancer Community

Many freelancers appreciate the supportive community at Toptal, which includes professional development opportunities and a network that fosters career growth.

Honestly, it is the support team at Toptal. All the coaches, matchers and mentors support you throughout your journey.

Cons

While Toptal is generally well-received, there are some concerns regarding their user interface and occasional client-project alignment issues. Entry into the platform is challenging due to its rigorous vetting process, which can be stressful. Some freelancers find payment cycles to be longer than expected and express the desire for a more relaxed work-hour policy.

Challenging Entry Process

The rigorous vetting process makes entering Toptal challenging, but ultimately it ensures a high level of talent.

The entry process is hard and takes a lot of time, but this also validates the high quality of freelancers and the reward they receive for the first class services.

User Interface Improvements

Some users have noted issues with the user interface and suggest improvements in tool choices for video conferencing.

Occasional issues with the UI. They might consider switching video clients to Google Meet or Zoom.

Project Alignment Concerns

Few projects misalign with client needs, causing freelancers to miss opportunities or face delays in project starts.

Sometimes, projects tend to fall through before they start. I don't think it's TT's fault, but it is frustrating to the talent, especially when they have turned down other opportunities in the meanwhile.

Payment Processing Delays

Payment cycles can be longer than expected, which may inconvenience freelancers accustomed to faster timelines.

The only thing I dislike is that after you land a job, it takes a long time, from when the payment is paid to when you get money in your account. But it's something you get used to after a while.

Restricted Working Hours

The platform enforces a maximum working hour limit, which some freelancers find restrictive.

However, they don't allow a resource to work more than 60 hrs per week (a threshold to avoid burnout). In my opinion, this threshold should be removed as every resource has its own definition of burnout.

Toptal user reviews

24/10/2024
I interviewed 2 recommended program...
I interviewed 2 recommended programmers in my budget. Both were very good. I selected one. Did great work solving WordPress code issues and finding er...
I interviewed 2 recommended programmers in my budget. Both were very good. I selected one. Did great work solving WordPress code issues and finding errors as we moved tot he current WordPress and PHP programs. Great communicator and great followup. I would use them again. Date of experience:
October 01, 2024
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22/10/2024
I highly recommend Toptal
I highly recommend Toptal! They connected us with talented back-end and front-end engineers who collaborated seamlessly to deliver a fantastic MVP pro...
I highly recommend Toptal! They connected us with talented back-end and front-end engineers who collaborated seamlessly to deliver a fantastic MVP product. The developers on this platform are truly exceptional – a cut above the rest. They genuinely care about the success of your project and consistently go the extra mile. Their professionalism and dedication are unmatched. If you’re looking for top-tier developers, look no further! Date of experience:
October 22, 2024
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22/10/2024
Andrea has been a great help to us
Andrea has been a great help to us. His clear communication and deep knowledge of AWS and GitHub has driven real improvements in our release process. ...
Andrea has been a great help to us. His clear communication and deep knowledge of AWS and GitHub has driven real improvements in our release process. Date of experience:
October 17, 2024
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21/10/2024
We recently engaged with Toptal toâ...
We recently engaged with Toptal to bring on board two developers for a project that was critical to our roadmap. Our experience with Toptal has been o...
We recently engaged with Toptal to bring on board two developers for a project that was critical to our roadmap. Our experience with Toptal has been overwhelmingly positive. The developers demonstrated a high level of professionalism and adaptability, integrating seamlessly with our existing team. They were proactive in their approach, often going beyond the call of duty to ensure top-quality results. Date of experience:
October 18, 2024
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04/10/2024
Toptal provides a great service
Toptal provides a great service. They got me linked up with Harshay, who is a phenomenal coder and managed to finish a very compilated project. Commun...
Toptal provides a great service. They got me linked up with Harshay, who is a phenomenal coder and managed to finish a very compilated project. Communication was always on point with Harshay and Toptal and was great working with him! Date of experience:
September 30, 2024
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26/09/2023
G2
Toptal: Where Freelancing Finds Fre...
What do you like best about Toptal?
Toptal has been a game-changer for me in the world of freelancing. One of the standout features is the seamle...
What do you like best about Toptal?
Toptal has been a game-changer for me in the world of freelancing. One of the standout features is the seamless financial service they provide. With Toptal, I never have to worry about contracts or deposits before and after projects. This financial security has not only eased my mind but also given me the confidence to focus on what I do best – delivering quality work to my clients.
The exclusivity of the platform and the exceptional user interface and user experience of both the website and the app have been instrumental in my success. Toptal’s exclusivity ensures that I’m part of a community of top-tier freelancers, and the user-friendly interface makes applying to projects incredibly easy. It’s clear that Toptal values both its clients and freelancers, making the entire process smoother and more efficient.
Lastly, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the coaches and support staff at Toptal. Their guidance and assistance have been invaluable on my freelancing journey. Toptal is not just a platform; it’s a supportive ecosystem that empowers freelancers to excel. Thank you, Toptal! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What do you dislike about Toptal?
The Third-party payment system called Payoneer. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What problems is Toptal solving and how is that benefiting you?
Toptal has truly transformed the way I perceive freelance work and the process of finding freelancing opportunities. Prior to joining this platform, I had a somewhat traditional view of freelancing as a sporadic and uncertain endeavor. However, Toptal’s approach to freelancing has shattered those preconceptions.
Toptal doesn’t just offer freelance jobs; it provides a gateway to a world of high-quality, reliable projects. The rigorous vetting process ensures that both clients and freelancers are of the highest caliber. This, in turn, has redefined my perception of freelancing as a dependable and lucrative career path.
Moreover, the user-friendly interface and the abundance of resources available on Toptal have made it incredibly easy to discover and apply for projects that align with my expertise and interests. It has turned the daunting task of finding freelance opportunities into a streamlined and efficient process.
In essence, Toptal has changed the way I look at freelancing. It’s no longer just about “gig work”; it’s a dynamic and fulfilling career choice with a supportive community and endless possibilities. Toptal has redefined what it means to be a freelancer in the modern age, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities it has opened up for me. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
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14/06/2023
G2
I must say I'm pleasantly surprised...
What do you like best about Toptal?
I must say I'm pleasantly surprised with Toptal after using Upwork unsuccessfully.
Highly recommend dev ...
What do you like best about Toptal?
I must say I’m pleasantly surprised with Toptal after using Upwork unsuccessfully.
Highly recommend dev Vipul Bhardwaj. Right to the point. Your gateway to highly personalized large language model / natural language processing chains, and superpowered development thanks to using LangChain.
https://www.toptal.com/z9QRMTr/worlds-top-talent
They can be your ChatGPT or Claude+ interpreter (or any others). And if you need more than developers they’ve got you covered there too.
Lots of time to see how it feels and find the right person for the job before you’re out of pocket. Really pleasant and easy experience from start to finish.
https://linkedin.com/in/vipulbhj/
https://github.com/vipulbhj
Cheers to onboarding team Pablo Cardenas and Madison Mascali too. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What do you dislike about Toptal?
Occasional issues with the UI. They might consider switching video clients to Google Meet or Zoom.
Might be good to have three or more suggested consultants when getting started. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What problems is Toptal solving and how is that benefiting you?
Creating a cutting edge version of my vision of a product. I’d tried Upwork or WordPress on my own and it just didn’t have the functionally I needed. Better to have a lightweight and fast product that is streamlined to do exactly what you need. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
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11/04/2023
G2
Toptal is by far the best platform ...
What do you like best about Toptal?
Toptal is by far the best freelance platform I have been involved with so far. The support they offer is 10/1...
What do you like best about Toptal?
Toptal is by far the best freelance platform I have been involved with so far. The support they offer is 10/10, payment is guaranteed, and staff works hard to fill talents with enough work. As a freelancer, Toptal is your best way to focus on actual work rather than searching for clients, ensuring you get paid, etc. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What do you dislike about Toptal?
So far my experience with Toptal is so good that it is hard to come up with something negative. I am aware that Toptal takes a cut for the services it offers me – therefore clients are paying more for my designs, but that is to be expected – the service that Toptal is giving me for that cut is more than satisfactory. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What problems is Toptal solving and how is that benefiting you?
Finding clients
Ensuring payment
Scheduling calls with potential clients before active engagement
Toptal is benefiting me in a way that I can focus on my work as a product designer rather than on the “sales, legal, accountant” part of being a freelancer. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
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28/03/2023
G2
1 Year at Toptal and Many More Upco...
What do you like best about Toptal?
It's been just one year at Toptal and I've had the chance to work in the comfort of my home with many differe...
What do you like best about Toptal?
It’s been just one year at Toptal and I’ve had the chance to work in the comfort of my home with many different clients across the globe, dealing with different cultures and gaining different experiences. It’s been a fantastic year with Toptal, and looking for many more upcoming years. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What do you dislike about Toptal?
I don’t think there is the too-bad stuff that can make me dislike Toptal. They are doing great, and they are talent oriented. They always offer their best to have you land your dream jobs and achieve your career goals. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What problems is Toptal solving and how is that benefiting you?
I don’t have to deal with clients’ legal terms, payments, etc… All I have to do is focus on my work and deliver the best quality. They also offer competitive rates and an amazing application/system that always keeps you updated with new job posts, job interest requests, and more! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
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02/03/2023
G2
Opportunity for most interesting wo...
What do you like best about Toptal?
With Toptal, one can get to work on very exciting projects with minimal effort. From short-term appointments ...
What do you like best about Toptal?
With Toptal, one can get to work on very exciting projects with minimal effort. From short-term appointments to longer projects, the clients seem to look for highly skilled talents for specialized tasks. So going from one project to another, one can acquire very different skills and improve.
Toptal is the best experience in my career that makes me grow professionally beyond expectations, so I’d recommend it to anyone who likes dynamic and demanding work. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What do you dislike about Toptal?
None whatsoever, even payments are punctual. Really sorry I can’t help with any “suggestions for improvement”. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What problems is Toptal solving and how is that benefiting you?
Toptal takes away the need and anxiety when going from one client to another. “Losing a job” at Toptal really means just a brief pause before the next exciting thing, not something dreadful. Toptal matchers take care that new clients are ready to accept you, so hiring period is short and there are no “cold calls” and just a few rejected applications. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
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Overall

If you’re looking to work with top-tier developers, Toptal may be an excellent choice. Their rigorous vetting ensures you engage with highly qualified talent who deliver outstanding results. The platform offers reliable support, making project management and payment processes seamless. You might find their variety of projects appealing, significantly contributing to your professional growth. However, expect a challenging entry process and occasional client-project alignment issues. Payment cycles may be longer than expected, and there might be restrictions on work hours. Overall, the sentiment leans positive with high praise for quality and community support, although a few areas could see improvement.

Toptal pricing

No pricing is available.

User reviews

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Toptal FAQ

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About the author

Picture of M. Kooiker

M. Kooiker

As an experienced online marketeer with a longstanding interest in AI, I've immersed myself in the latest AI advancements in recent years. Passionate about innovation, I actively test AI tools and dedicate myself to guiding users in selecting the right technology. My mission is to connect people with cutting-edge AI solutions.