Overview
Toptal
Upwork
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.
About
Upwork, "the world's work marketplace," is one of the largest online freelance marketplaces in existence. Clients go here to find global talent while freelancers and agencies use the platform to monetize their digital skills and services. 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'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.
Best For
If you have a skill or service to sell, Upwork can be a good place to promote and monetize your abilities (no matter if you're a beginner freelancer or a seasoned expert).
If you're a business owner (or just someone looking for help with a project), Upwork can connect you with global talent within a range of skill levels and prices.
Age Requirement
13 years oldAge Requirement
18 years oldSupported Locations
Shared by Toptal and Upwork:
Afghanistan, Åland Islands, Albania, Algeria, American SamoaUnique to Toptal:
Cuba, Iran, North Korea, SyriaUnique to Upwork:
NoneSupported Languages
Shared by Toptal and Upwork:
EnglishUnique to Toptal:
NoneUnique to Upwork:
NoneSupported Devices
Shared by Toptal and Upwork:
Android Phone, Computer Browser, iPhone, Smartphone Browser, Tablet BrowserUnique to Toptal:
iPadUnique to Upwork:
NoneOpportunities
Compare the opportunities on Toptal vs the ones on Upwork.
Shared By Toptal And Upwork:
Animation Brand Management Business Writing Cloud Computing Computer ScienceUnique To Toptal:
Computing Financial Planning Cryptocurrency Mining Internet Evaluation Search Engine EvaluationUnique To Upwork:
Administration Audio Production Copy Editing Digital Marketing Event PlanningSummary
Upwork has 98 total opportunities while Toptal has 60
Upwork has 38 more opportunities than Toptal
Earner/Saver Comparison: Toptal vs Upwork
Which platform is better for earning/saving money? Toptal or Upwork? Compare earner and saver-related features and attributes below.
Toptal
Upwork
About
Toptal freelancers (aka Toptalers, talent) can earn money by providing services related to development, design, finance, product management, and project management.
About
Upwork freelancers (i.e. service providers, sellers) can sign up for free and make money selling their skills to clients. This can happen organically (the client reaches out to you) or by applying to available jobs. After landing a job, all project communications and payouts happen directly through Upwork.
Commissions/Fees
NoneCommissions/Fees
Upwork seller fees vary based on the amount billed to the client (20% for the first $500, 10% for total billings between $500.01 and $10,000, and 5% for total billings over $10,000). Depending on the payout option you choose, you may also be charged a fee for each withdrawal.Minimum Payout
NoneMinimum Payout
NonePayout Options
Shared by Toptal and Upwork:
Direct Deposit Wire TransferUnique to Toptal:
Prepaid Credit CardsUnique to Upwork:
M-Pesa Payoneer PayPalPayout Speed
1-14 daysPayout Speed
5-19 daysEditorial Ratings
Editorial Ratings
User Ratings
No data. Submit a review to help us learn more about Toptal!
User Ratings
Based on 30 reviews from Upwork Freelancers. 100% of reviewers said they would recommend the platform to others.
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.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Fast withdrawals.
- Lots of clients looking for freelancers and therefore lots of work to be found.
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.
Cons
- Lots of competition from other freelancers on the platform. Other freelancers may undercut your prices.
- Upwork takes a large 20% cut of earnings from freelancers.
- Clients can at times be unprofessional (e.g. by changing the scope of work at the last minute).
Hourly Earning/Saving Stats
No data. Submit a review to help us learn more about Toptal!
Hourly Earning/Saving Stats
Monthly Earning/Saving Stats
No data. Submit a review to help us learn more about Toptal!
Monthly Earning/Saving Stats
Consumer Comparison: Toptal vs Upwork
Which platform offers a better experience for consumers? Toptal or Upwork? Compare consumer and buyer-related features and attributes below.
Toptal
Upwork
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.
About
Upwork clients (i.e. service buyers, employers) can sign up for free, discover talent (i.e. freelancers), post jobs, and make hires. After a hire is made, communication, contracts, and payments go directly through Upwork, with Upwork taking a small marketplace fee.
Costs/Fees
Fees are automatically built into freelancer rates.Costs/Fees
Clients are charged 5% per transaction (or 3% for eligible U.S. clients who pay with a checking account). These fees don't apply to Upwork Enterprise clients.Payment Options
Credit Card, Direct Deposit, PayPalPayment Options
Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPalPros
- Good customer service.
- Can match you up with talent quite quickly.
- Straightforward pricing.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- No data
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.
