Toptal vs Upwork vs Arc: Your Ideal Freelance Platform

Toptal vs Upwork vs Arc
Summary:

From Toptal’s premium talent pool to Upwork’s versatile pricing and Arc’s specialized focus on software development, find the perfect fit for your project. Make an informed decision for successful collaboration.

In today’s ever-evolving work landscape, freelancing has become seamlessly integrated into the modern workforce — providing a flexible, dynamic solution to businesses and individuals alike. As we delve into the vast freelance landscape, the critical decision of selecting the right platform emerges as a pivotal factor influencing the success of your project.

Toptal, Upwork, and Arc, each with unique strengths, demand careful consideration. In this comprehensive article, we explore all essential aspects related to those platforms, including a platform overview, pricing models, freelancer vetting, trial periods, and billing processes.

By the end of this in-depth comparison, you’ll gain detailed insights into each platform’s distinctive features, pricing structures, and suitability. This knowledge will make you well-equipped to decide on which freelance platform to use for your upcoming freelance projects.

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Toptal vs Upwork vs Arc TL;DR

ToptalUpworkArc
DescriptionToptal is an exclusive network of the top freelance software developers, designers, finance experts, product managers, and project managers in the world.Work with the largest network of independent professionals and get things done—from quick turnarounds to big transformations.Effortlessly hire world-class remote software developers.
Talent TypeDevelopers, designers, project managers, product managers, finance expertsGeneralDevelopers, designers
Pricing & Fees$500 deposit3% fee$300 deposit
Vetting Processx
Trial Periodx

Getting to Know Toptal vs Upwork vs Arc

Toptal

Toptal stands out as a beacon in the freelance world, positioning itself as a premier freelance marketplace. Since its inception in 2010, Toptal has meticulously built a reputation for connecting clients with exclusive top talent. This is because only top 3% of all applicants, specializing in software development, design, and finance, are selected to become Toptal freelancers. 

Toptal’s rigorous screening process ensures that only the most skilled and experienced freelancers make the cut. By working with Toptal, clients can expect to gain access to a pool of highly qualified professionals.

Upwork

Established in 2015 after the merger of O-desk and Elance, Upwork has become one of the largest freelance platforms globally. Distinguished by its open model, Upwork provides its clients with the freedom to explore a diverse range of freelancers across various industries. 

While Upwork clients have the autonomy to post jobs and find freelancers by themselves, Upwork also offers a premium service, called Upwork Plus. This subscription-based service, for an additional fee, grants clients access to a curated selection of pre-vetted freelancers.

Arc

Launched in 2019 by Codementor founder Weiting Liu, Arc is a specialized freelance platform with a pronounced focus on software development. Having emerged from CodementorX, Arc streamlines the process of hiring top-tier developers for both freelance gigs and permanent remote positions. What sets Arc apart is its niche market approach, providing clients with pre-vetted developers tailored to their specific needs. 

Additionally, Arc’s recently launched Al recruiter, HireAI, is a game changer. All you have to do is upload your job post, and HireAI will provide you with a refined shortlist of freelance developers. HireAI eliminates manual tasks like resume screening and outreach so that you can focus on interviewing and hiring freelancers according to your company’s needs.  

Read More: Remote Developer Salary Calculator compares salaries in different regions

Toptal vs Upwork vs Arc Pricing and Fees

Toptal Fees & Pricing

Toptal’s pricing model reflects its commitment to premium talent. While Toptal costs may vary depending on your projects, Toptal is known for its premium pricing. Working with Toptal’s best freelancers, who are highly skilled professionals, requires a big financial investment. 

Generally, Toptal’s part-time developer hourly rates range from $60-$150+ per hour to $1000-$2400+ per week. Toptal offers full-time remote developer hiring services as well. For full-time devs, Toptal rates sit in the range of $2000-$4800+ per week. 

Lastly, while Toptal doesn’t charge any extra processing fees, you must put down a $500 deposit to start the matching and hiring process.

Upwork Fees & Pricing

Upwork, in contrast, offers a versatile pricing structure designed to accommodate a range of budgets for both individuals and companies. The platform’s basic services come free of charge, which allows you to freely explore and engage with freelancers. 

For clients seeking a more curated experience, Upwork Plus provides access to a handpicked selection of pre-vetted freelancers, albeit at an additional cost.

Also, note that on each transaction, Upwork levies a 3% processing fee.

Arc Fees & Pricing

Arc takes a straightforward approach toward pricing by allowing software engineers and developers to set their own rates. Clients initiate the engagement process with a $300 deposit. In contrast to other platforms, Arc doesn’t impose additional processing fees. 

This transparent fee structure positions Arc as an attractive option for clients operating within budget constraints.

Read More: Freelance Developer Rate Explorer: How Much Do Freelance Developers Charge Per Hour?

Toptal vs Upwork vs Arc Vetting Process

Toptal Vetting

Toptal sets itself apart from other platforms by implementing an intensive screening process focused on hiring only the top 3% of its applicants. This rigorous vetting process ensures that you are connected with Toptal freelancers who have exceptional technical skills and excel in communication and problem-solving. As a result, Toptal’s freelancer pool stands out due to their exceptional abilities across various dimensions.

Upwork Vetting

Upwork’s basic version lacks a formalized vetting process, relying on clients to make decisions based on the freelancers’ work histories and reviews. Nonetheless, considering the need for enhanced vetting, Upwork Plus offers an alternative for clients seeking a higher level of assurance by providing access to pre-screened developers, vetted for their skills and experience.

Arc Vetting

Arc takes pride in its transparent, stringent vetting process, which encompasses assessments of communication skills and technical abilities. This ensures that clients are matched with developers possessing the precise skill sets required for their projects. This commitment to quality places Arc above competitors like Upwork in terms of providing pre-vetted talent.

Read More: Freelance vs In-House Developers: Pros & Cons of Hiring or Contracting

Toptal vs Upwork vs Arc Trial Periods

Trial periods are crucial for assessing the compatibility of a developer’s working styles with specific projects, particularly on larger projects.

Toptal Trial Period

Toptal distinguishes itself by offering risk-free trials, allowing clients to evaluate the fit of a freelancer with their project goals. The platform’s commitment to risk mitigation aligns particularly well with the needs of clients undertaking large-scale projects, providing them with a valuable opportunity for assessment.

Upwork Trial Period

While Upwork doesn’t offer a formal trial period, clients can initiate engagements with smaller projects. This allows the clients to assess the capabilities of a freelancer before committing to more extensive, resource-intensive tasks.

Arc Trial Period

Similar to Toptal’s approach, Arc also offers a risk-free trial. This allows clients to assess the compatibility of working styles, a particularly advantageous feature when considering large projects that demand seamless collaboration.

Read More: 10+ Things to Consider BEFORE Hiring a Freelance Software Developer

Toptal vs Upwork vs Arc Billing Processes

Understanding the billing process is vital for businesses managing projects with varying budgets and financial constraints.

Toptal Billing

Toptal’s billing process aligns with its premium service — involving specific negotiations between the client and the freelancer. However, given the top-tier talent available on the platform, you can anticipate a large financial commitment to secure the highly skilled professionals that fit your requirements.

Upwork Billing

Upwork’s billing system is versatile, including both hourly and fixed-price options. This flexibility caters to a diverse range of project structures and financial preferences. For hourly contracts, you’ll be required to pay for the hours recorded in your freelancers record in their work diaries. With fixed-price contracts, on the other hand, you’ll be able to make upfront or milestone-based payments. 

Arc Billing

Arc’s billing process involves daily time logging by freelance contractors, and the clients being invoiced weekly. The platform’s commitment to simplicity, coupled with the absence of additional processing fees, positions it as an attractive option for clients seeking transparent billing structures and efficient financial management.

Read MoreGood Developers Don’t Always Make Good *Freelance* Developers

Beyond the Basics: Toptal vs Upwork vs Arc

Platform Interface and User Experience

Toptal

Toptal has a sleek and intuitive interface, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use. The platform’s design facilitates smooth client-freelancer interactions, streamlining the hiring process and enhancing the overall user experience.

Upwork

Despite boasting an abundance of features, Upwork’s interface can be complicated to use, making it overwhelming for users who are just getting started on the freelance platform. However, if you’re willing to invest time in navigating its intricacies, Upwork can provide you with a comprehensive, powerful toolset for connecting with freelancers across diverse industries.

Arc

As a specialized platform, Arc has an interface tailored to the unique needs of software developers and hiring managers. Its user experience focuses on efficiency and precision in connecting clients with the right talent. By honing in on the specific requirements of the tech industry, Arc ensures streamlined and effective platform interactions for both clients and freelancers.

Project Management and Collaboration Tools

Toptal

Toptal goes beyond just connecting clients with freelancers. It integrates project management and collaboration tools into its platform seamlessly — ensuring efficient communication and progress tracking and fostering a collaborative environment that enhances your project’s overall success.

Upwork

In line with its comprehensive approach, Upwork offers a comprehensive suite of project management and collaboration tools, including time tracking and milestone management. These tools provide clients and freelancers with the resources necessary to enhance productivity and transparency on all projects.

Arc

Focused on the software development domain, Arc provides tailored project management tools within its platform. These tools cater specifically to the unique needs of software projects, offering a customized approach to collaboration aligning with the intricacies of the development process.

Customer Support

Toptal

Toptal’s commitment to excellence extends to its customer support, which is renowned for its personalized and dedicated service. You gain access to support representatives who possess in-depth knowledge and are able to assist with various issues, ensuring a consistently high level of service throughout your engagement with Toptal’s freelancers.

Upwork

Upwork’s approach to customer support is comprehensive, offering assistance through self-help resources, community forums, and direct channels. While the support is extensive, the level of personalization may vary, considering the platform’s vast user base.

Arc

Arc prioritizes customer support tailored to the tech industry. Clients benefit from assistance provided by support representatives and hiring gurus with a deep understanding of software development projects. With this focused support, Arc ensures that clients always receive targeted and relevant assistance, contributing to a smoother freelance experience.

Making the Right Choice for Your Projects: Upwork vs Toptal vs Arc

For navigating the intricate landscape of freelance platforms, you must carefully consider your unique project requirements. Upwork, Toptal, and Arc — each of them offers a distinct approach to freelance hiring, catering to different needs and preferences.

Upwork, with its flexibility and diverse pool of freelancers at varying rates, provides a versatile option suitable for a wide range of projects. Toptal’s focus on supplying only pre-screened top-tier talent positions it as an ideal choice for critical projects where excellence is paramount. Arc’s specialization in software development makes it the perfect choice for clients seeking tailored solutions and expertise in this niche.

As you embark on your freelance journey, consider the nuances of each platform, weighing factors such as vetting processes, pricing models, user experience, and support services. In general, an ideal platform should seamlessly align with your project goals and facilitate successful collaboration between you and your chosen freelancers.

We believe this detailed comparison will guide you in making an informed decision, ensuring that your chosen platform aligns seamlessly with your project objectives and expectations. , Each platform’s unique proposition — Upwork’s flexibility,  Toptal’s premium quality, or Arc’s specialization — will help you fulfill your freelance hiring needs.

You can also explore HireAI to skip the line and:

⚡️ Get instant candidate matches without searching
⚡️ Identify top applicants from our network of 350,000+ devs with no manual screening
⚡️ Hire 4x faster with vetted candidates (qualified and interview-ready)

Try HireAI and hire top developers now →

Disclaimer: Arc does not claim ownership of mentioned platforms’ logos, slogans, and trademarks, which were used for descriptive purposes only and belong to their respective owners. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the platforms mentioned in this post. The information provided is based on our research, and we do not claim that any of the information was approved by third parties (e.g., the platforms mentioned in this post). Platform service offers also change over time. We encourage all readers to do their own research.

Written by
Jennifer Fu