Overview
Guru
Toptal
About
Guru is an established online freelancing marketplace that’s been facilitating the connection between employers and freelancers around the globe since 1998. Whether you’re looking for work, a new freelancer to join your team, or both, Guru is a solid option for getting the job done. Learn more.
About
Toptal is an exclusive freelance marketplace that connects the top 3% of Freelancers (aka Toptalers) specializing in fields like development, design, finance, project management, and product management, with Business Owners and Clients from around the world. Learn more.
Status
Active, LegitStatus
Active, LegitTrust Rating
Trust Rating
Platform Type
Freelance MarketplacePlatform Type
Freelance MarketplaceHelps You
Hire Help Make MoneyHelps You
Hire Help Make MoneyBest For
If you have a monetizable skill that you can deliver online and you’re looking for new clients or work, Guru is a potential place to find opportunities, make connections, and earn money.
If you’re a business owner or individual looking for help with a project or job, Guru can help you find workers from a wide range of backgrounds and with a variety of skills.
Best For
If you're a Developer, Designer, Finance Expert, Management Consultant, Project Manager, or Product Manager (or have related marketable skills), Toptal can potentially be a solid platform for finding clients.
If you're a Business Owner, Toptal can connect you to high-level freelancer(s) to help with your projects.
Age Requirement
18 years oldAge Requirement
13 years oldSupported Locations
Shared by Guru and Toptal:
Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, AustriaUnique to Guru:
NoneUnique to Toptal:
Afghanistan, Åland Islands, Algeria, American Samoa, AndorraSupported Languages
Shared by Guru and Toptal:
EnglishUnique to Guru:
NoneUnique to Toptal:
NoneSupported Devices
Shared by Guru and Toptal:
Computer Browser, Smartphone Browser, Tablet BrowserUnique to Guru:
NoneUnique to Toptal:
Android Phone, iPad, iPhoneOpportunities
Compare the opportunities on Guru vs the ones on Toptal.
Shared By Guru And Toptal:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computer Science Data Science Design Information TechnologyUnique To Guru:
Administration Audio Production Copy Editing Digital Marketing Event PlanningUnique To Toptal:
Computing Financial Planning Cryptocurrency Mining Internet Evaluation Search Engine EvaluationSummary
Guru has 98 total opportunities while Toptal has 60
Guru has 38 more opportunities than Toptal
Earner/Saver Comparison: Guru vs Toptal
Which platform is better for earning/saving money? Guru or Toptal? Compare earner and saver-related features and attributes below.
Guru
Toptal
About
Guru freelancers can sign up for free, showcase their skills/past work on their profiles, and browse and bid on available jobs. Once a job is landed, freelancers can track their time and invoice directly on the platform, and then get paid via PayPal, direct deposit, and other options.
About
Toptal freelancers (aka Toptalers, talent) can earn money by providing services related to development, design, finance, product management, and project management.
Commissions/Fees
Job fee of 9% on the basic plan, which can go down to as low as 5% with the executive plan. When cashing out, if you choose to receive a wire transfer, you’ll be charged a $9 fee.Commissions/Fees
NoneMinimum Payout
NoneMinimum Payout
NonePayout Options
Shared by Guru and Toptal:
Direct Deposit Wire TransferUnique to Guru:
Payoneer PayPalUnique to Toptal:
Prepaid Credit CardsPayout Speed
0-7 daysPayout Speed
1-14 daysEditorial Ratings
Editorial Ratings
User Ratings
Based on 1 reviews from Guru Freelancers. 0% of reviewers said they would recommend the platform to others.
User Ratings
No data. Submit a review to help us learn more about Toptal!
Pros
- Good selection of payout options.
- Can offer many different skills/services on the platform.
- Simple platform to use and get started with.
Pros
- Because of the lengthy application process, there's much less competition on Toptal vs similar platforms.
- No need to bid on dozens of projects, Toptal will match you with them automatically.
- Offers the opportunity for flexible remote work as well as potential full-time job placements.
Cons
- Lots of competition from other freelancers. Because of the bidding system, lots of underbidding happens on popular jobs.
- Unhelpful support.
- Technical issues can cause withdrawal delays.
Cons
- The application process for freelancers is involved and lengthy. It's also difficult to pass as Toptal only hires the top 3% of candidates.
- Clients expect very high-quality work, so the bar for freelancers is higher.
- Even though Toptal has less competition, there can still be dry spells.
Hourly Earning/Saving Stats
Hourly Earning/Saving Stats
No data. Submit a review to help us learn more about Toptal!
Monthly Earning/Saving Stats
Monthly Earning/Saving Stats
No data. Submit a review to help us learn more about Toptal!
Consumer Comparison: Guru vs Toptal
Which platform offers a better experience for consumers? Guru or Toptal? Compare consumer and buyer-related features and attributes below.
Guru
Toptal
About
Guru clients (i.e. employers) can sign up for free and find freelancers by posting jobs or searching for their profiles directly. After making a hire, all communications, project management tasks, and payments are done directly through the platform.
About
Toptal clients (i.e. business owners, companies, etc.) can use the platform to hire freelancers that specialize in skills like development, design, finance, product management, and project management.
Costs/Fees
2.9% handling fee on the invoice value. That said, if you pay using eCheck, physical check, or wire transfer, they offer 3% instant cashback, covering the fee completely.Costs/Fees
Fees are automatically built into freelancer rates.Payment Options
Check, Credit Card, Direct Deposit, PayPal, Wire TransferPayment Options
Credit Card, Direct Deposit, PayPalPros
- No data
Pros
- Good customer service.
- Can match you up with talent quite quickly.
- Straightforward pricing.
Cons
- No data
Cons
- As with any freelance marketplace, there is always the risk of getting matched with a freelancer that doesn't end up working out. Some buyers have reported freelancers billing them for more hours than they actually worked.
- More expensive than other freelance platforms.
Compare Other Platforms
Which platforms do you want to compare next? Select two from the dropdowns below.
Not sure where to start? Check out our Platform Discovery Tool to find and learn about new platforms.
