The AI Reports

Toptal

What is Toptal?

Toptal is an exclusive network that connects you with the top 3% of freelance talent, including software developers, designers, marketing experts, finance experts, product managers, and project managers. The platform conducts rigorous testing and vetting to ensure you work with highly skilled professionals. With a presence in over 140 countries, Toptal allows you to hire quickly, scale up or down as needed, and engage flexible talent from hourly to full-time commitments.

The network is renowned for leveraging advanced skills in emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain, fostering an adaptive and innovative work environment for you to tackle business challenges. Boasting a high trial-to-hire success rate, Toptal ensures that you can scale your teams efficiently and effectively. You can assemble teams tailored to your specific project needs and maintain high standards of professionalism and expertise.

Toptal’s dedicated approach to matching talent with project requirements helps you achieve organizational goals and navigate complex project landscapes. It emphasizes speed, with an average matching time of under 24 hours, and offers a trial period where you only pay if you are satisfied with the hired freelancer, making it a reliable option for critical business projects.

M. Kooiker

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Toptal use cases

  1. If you are an IT manager needing seasoned software engineers with expertise across various technologies.
  2. If your creative team requires expert UI/UX designers or visual designers for digital product development.
  3. If you are a financial executive seeking experts in financial modeling, valuation, and funding for strategic projects.
  4. If your project management office needs digital and technical project managers with diverse tool expertise.
  5. If you are a product owner developing a digital product and need specialized scrum product owners and industry experts.

Toptal functionalities

  • Hire Top Talent: Connects you with verified experts.
  • Flexible Engagements: Offers hourly to full-time commitments.
  • High Success Rate: 98% trial-to-hire success rate.
  • Quick Match: Average matching time under 24 hours.

Toptal review summary

4.7

Based on 2077 reviews online

Pros

Most reviews highlight Toptal's outstanding service, high-quality talent, and efficient matching process. People praise the experienced professionals, stellar communication, and smooth project management. Toptal’s support team also receives accolades for their proactive assistance and effective onboarding process.

Cons

Some reviews mention challenges such as difficulty in the initial vetting process, payment delays, infrequent project availability, and issues with their third-party payment system.

Exceptional Quality of Talent

Many people commend Toptal for providing top-tier professionals who meet and exceed expectations in various projects.

Challenging Entry Process

Several people note that the vetting process is rigorous and time-consuming, although they acknowledge it ensures high-quality talent.

The experience of talent on their teams is very impressive.
Getting into the Toptal platform is difficult and requires a lot of preparation and several interview rounds.

Efficient Matching and Onboarding

People appreciate the seamless process of matching them with the right professionals quickly.

Payment and Financial Issues

There are mentions of delays in payment processing even though the payments are eventually reliable.

They understood our needs, paired us with a solid developer, and were off to the races within a few days.
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.

Excellent Customer Service

People consistently mention the responsiveness and helpfulness of Toptal’s customer support and account managers.

Limited Project Availability

Some people experience difficulty in finding projects that match their skills and time zones.

Our account manager, Maci, keeps constant communication with us to see where we're at and make recommendations for our every need.
Sometimes there are fewer projects to take on.

High Satisfaction with Project Outcomes

Many reviews highlight satisfaction with the final deliverables and successful completion of projects.

Issues with Third-Party Payment System

A few reviews express dissatisfaction with the third-party payment system used by Toptal.

The talent has been outstanding, to say the least. They are communicative, solve problems very efficiently, and are also knowledgeable.
The third-party payment system called Payoneer.

Reliable and Timely Payments

Toptal’s financial services and payment schedules receive high praise for ensuring security and consistency.

Project Cancellations

There are occasional inconveniences caused by clients canceling engagements unexpectedly.

With Toptal, I never have to worry about contracts or deposits before and after projects.
A client can end an engagement at any time even if the original estimated time was much longer.

Pros

Most reviews highlight Toptal's outstanding service, high-quality talent, and efficient matching process. People praise the experienced professionals, stellar communication, and smooth project management. Toptal’s support team also receives accolades for their proactive assistance and effective onboarding process.

Exceptional Quality of Talent

Many people commend Toptal for providing top-tier professionals who meet and exceed expectations in various projects.

The experience of talent on their teams is very impressive.

Efficient Matching and Onboarding

People appreciate the seamless process of matching them with the right professionals quickly.

They understood our needs, paired us with a solid developer, and were off to the races within a few days.

Excellent Customer Service

People consistently mention the responsiveness and helpfulness of Toptal’s customer support and account managers.

Our account manager, Maci, keeps constant communication with us to see where we're at and make recommendations for our every need.

High Satisfaction with Project Outcomes

Many reviews highlight satisfaction with the final deliverables and successful completion of projects.

The talent has been outstanding, to say the least. They are communicative, solve problems very efficiently, and are also knowledgeable.

Reliable and Timely Payments

Toptal’s financial services and payment schedules receive high praise for ensuring security and consistency.

With Toptal, I never have to worry about contracts or deposits before and after projects.

Cons

Some reviews mention challenges such as difficulty in the initial vetting process, payment delays, infrequent project availability, and issues with their third-party payment system.

Challenging Entry Process

Several people note that the vetting process is rigorous and time-consuming, although they acknowledge it ensures high-quality talent.

Getting into the Toptal platform is difficult and requires a lot of preparation and several interview rounds.

Payment and Financial Issues

There are mentions of delays in payment processing even though the payments are eventually reliable.

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.

Limited Project Availability

Some people experience difficulty in finding projects that match their skills and time zones.

Sometimes there are fewer projects to take on.

Issues with Third-Party Payment System

A few reviews express dissatisfaction with the third-party payment system used by Toptal.

The third-party payment system called Payoneer.

Project Cancellations

There are occasional inconveniences caused by clients canceling engagements unexpectedly.

A client can end an engagement at any time even if the original estimated time was much longer.

Toptal user reviews

04/04/2023
G2
Extremely well organized for remote...
What do you like best about Toptal?
Premium clients, a clean payment schedule and excellent support, is where I feel Toptal excels in the "remote...
What do you like best about Toptal?
Premium clients, a clean payment schedule and excellent support, is where I feel Toptal excels in the “remote work” fraternity. Apart from that, many other perks like community programs, personal development and learning programs come as an added bonus. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What do you dislike about Toptal?
There is not much to dislike about. But one thing that I feel Toptal can improve or restart is their Toptal Partner / Agency program to support companies and just individual talents. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What problems is Toptal solving and how is that benefiting you?
Toptal is helping clients connect with top talents across the world. And on the other hand, talent like me gets to work with premium clients at my desired rates without worrying about timely payments and other hassles. And if a project is complete, Toptal’s matching process helps talent to find another soon without much delay between the two. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
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The whole experience at TopTal has ...
The whole experience at TopTal has been great. From vetting the professionals to actually working with a contractor, they really care about the right ...
The whole experience at TopTal has been great. From vetting the professionals to actually working with a contractor, they really care about the right match and quality of work. I’m impressed by the organization and the experience of talent on their teams. Date of experience:
August 22, 2024
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Phenomenal service and talent
We cannot recommend working with Toptal enough. We have worked with two contractors on various different web development jobs, from designing and sett...
We cannot recommend working with Toptal enough. We have worked with two contractors on various different web development jobs, from designing and setting up beautiful course pages to helping migrate and update our site, and we have been truly happy with the services provided each time. Our account manager, Maci, also keeps constant communication with us to see where we’re at and make recommendations for our every need. Everyone at Toptal has been absolutely wonderful, extremely professional and talented. If you are thinking about employing their services for your business needs, you will not be disappointed. Date of experience:
August 19, 2024
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01/08/2024
Top talent like they say
Top talent like they say. We hired a developer through them and they understood our needs, paired us with a solid developer, and were off to the races...
Top talent like they say. We hired a developer through them and they understood our needs, paired us with a solid developer, and were off to the races within a few days. Huge relief after a headache of a time going through talent on Upwork or Fiverr. Date of experience:
July 20, 2024
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29/05/2024
Surpassed expectations
This was my first project with Toptal and I could not be more pleased. The initial interviews were helpful in refining the specifications of what I ne...
This was my first project with Toptal and I could not be more pleased. The initial interviews were helpful in refining the specifications of what I needed. The selection of potential developers more than met my needs and quickly moved to hiring Syed. His work was exemplary in that he updated the CodeIgniter code and migrated the databases to a new server without incident. A few minor glitches were corrected easily and within a reasonable timeframe. In sum, this was an excellent experience all around. Date of experience:
May 29, 2024
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03/06/2024
Android and iOS developer…
We needed an Android and iOS developer that could work on our B2B app, and ended up finding an amazing dev with many years of experience who we retain...
We needed an Android and iOS developer that could work on our B2B app, and ended up finding an amazing dev with many years of experience who we retained through TopTal for an extended duration of time on the project. Very happy with the results Date of experience:
May 29, 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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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

Toptal stands out for its exceptional service, experienced professionals, and efficient matching process, making it a strong choice for those requiring top-notch talent for their projects. You can rely on their customer support and appreciate the high-quality deliverables. Toptal’s financial reliability and secure payment processes are also major positives. However, be prepared for a rigorous vetting process, potential delays in payments, and the occasional difficulty in landing suitable projects. Keep in mind that some users experience payment system issues and unexpected project cancellations. Overall, the sentiment is positive, but you should be aware of these potential challenges.

Toptal pricing

Here is the pricing breakdown for the service:

Enterprise Hourly Part-Time Full-Time
Price Custom Pricing From $60 per hour From $1,000 per week From $2,000 per week

User reviews

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

Toptal FAQ

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About the author

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.