It might seem like all tech talent platforms are the same, but not all of them will get you the results you want. Toptal and Turing.com are two popular options, but which one truly stands out?

TL;DR: They’re both pretty good.  But let’s dig into the details. We’ll compare the quality of developers they offer and how much you should plan to spend. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer idea of which platform might be the better choice for your needs.

What is Toptal?

Toptal helps businesses connect with top-tier developers, designers, and project managers from all over the world. They focus on working with the top 3% of talent, which is why their vetting process is famously strict.

How does Toptal work?

1. Fill out a form on their website giving details of what you're looking for, like the number of devs needed and the specific tech stack you want.
2. After filling the form, a sales rep will call you to better understand your needs and answer any questions you have. 
3. Toptal will search their network and present a list of candidates that fit your requirements, usually within a few days.
4. You’ll have the chance to review the matched candidates to make sure they’re a good fit for your project and team.
5. Once you’ve signed off on your choice, you must pay a $500 security deposit. The developer then starts working with your team during a 2-week risk-free trial. If things don’t work out, you can either part ways or restart the entire cycle with a different developer at no cost.

What is Toptal’s vetting process?

Toptal’s vetting process is famously tough, with only about 3% of applicants making it through. Here’s how it works: 

1. Candidates start with a communication interview to test their language skills and ensure they can communicate effectively.
2. Next, they face coding assessments to prove their technical abilities are up to Toptal’s high standards.
3. Those who make it through move on to live coding exercises. Here, they’re tested on problem-solving skills, creativity, and experience.
4. The final round involves working on a real project for about 3 weeks. This step assesses how candidates perform in a real-world scenario.

Toptal’s pros & cons

Pros

1. Toptal devs have expertise in a broad range of technologies.
2. Rigorous vetting process ensures that you’re getting top-notch professionals.
3. You can try out your chosen developer with a 2-week risk-free trial.

Cons

1. Expensive. Toptal’s services come at a premium price.
2. It can sometimes take several weeks to hire a dev.
3. Developers are mostly based in Europe and the Americas, which also limits the size of the talent pool.

What is Turing?

Turing is a platform that connects companies with developers from all over the world using machine learning and AI technology.

Turing has over 2 million freelance developers from more than 150 countries in its talent pool. Some developers have even worked with top companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Apple. You can find engineers skilled in various tech stacks, such as Django, AWS, PHP, C#, and more.

How does Turing work?

1. Post a job on Turing sharing your project’s requirements, the skills needed, and the specific programming languages you want.
2. Turing’s AI algorithm will scan its database of devs to find potential matches. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
3. You’ll receive a shortlist of the best-matched developers. Then you can review and interview them to see if they’re the right fit.
4. After you’ve chosen a developer, discussed the terms, and finalized the agreement, you can start working with them. Turing offers a two-week, no-risk trial period to make sure everything goes smoothly.

What is Turing’s vetting process?

Candidates go through a four-step screening process after setting up their profiles: 

1. The first screening focuses on the candidate's work experience to ensure they have a solid background.
2. Candidates take on a live coding challenge, where their practical coding skills and problem-solving abilities are put to the test.
3. Candidates complete a multiple-choice test focused on their tech stack to make sure their knowledge meets the required standards.
4. Those who pass all the tests will have their profiles finalized and can start getting matched with jobs.

Turing’s pros & cons

Pros

1. Turing has a vast network of over 1.5 million devs. 
2. You get a free 2-week trial period with no cancellation fee if things don’t work out. 
3. Their AI and data-driven matching system helps find highly accurate matches.

Cons

• Turing’s services can be expensive.
• Although they claim a global talent pool, most developers are based in Asia.

Comparing Toptal and Turing

We’ve put together a number of factors to help you make a decision between these two platforms. 

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Toptal vs Turing user reviews

Still on the fence about which platform to choose? These customer reviews may help you decide. So, let's dive into what people are saying about Toptal and Turing.

Toptal reviews

Toptal boasts a strong 4.7-star rating on G2 and Trustpilot, with many clients praising the platform for the quality of software engineers. 

However, not everyone is thrilled. We found a common issue in the negative reviews: lack of transparency with Toptal’s risk-free trial. 

Turing.com reviews

Turing.com has a 2.6-star rating out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. However, most of the reviews come from developers, making it tricky to find genuine client feedback.

One 5-star client review, however, praised his Turing developer for his high-quality performance.

Among the negative reviews, effective communication was the common problem for clients. 

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What’s a better alternative to Toptal and Turing?

Now you know the pros and cons of both platforms. Still haven’t found the perfect fit? There’s still another great option…

ReactSquad

ReactSquad is a developer-matching company that provides expert React devs to startups to work with their in-house teams. 

Why Us?

• Unlike other alternatives, we’re fully focused on one specific tech stack (React & Node.js). Our developers also have high expertise and a niche focus on SaaS products.
• We have a rigorous vetting process for our developers; with 4 interview rounds and 4 weeks working on a paid test project.
• Only senior devs with 5+ years of experience.
• Startup-friendly rates (starting from $75/hr).
• 7-day free trial with your matched developer and a replacement guarantee at any point during your project.

How it works

1. Tell us your needs: Whether you need one developer or a whole team, we listen and do exactly what you want.
2. Quick matching: Our matching process is lightning-fast – we’ll connect you with a developer within 24 hours.
3. Meet your developer: A quick call to ensure the developer fits your team’s skill and culture.
4. 7-day free trial: Test your developer’s skills in real-time, with zero risks.

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We’ve presented three options in this article. But which is the best? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on what you’re looking for:

• If you need developers with a wide range of tech skills, Toptal is probably your best choice.
• If you want a faster and more efficient hiring process, Turing might be the better option.
• If you’re after the perfect blend of affordability and high-quality talent for a React-based project, then we’re the right fit for you.

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Ready to get started? Talk to us today and start working with the best React developers for your SaaS startup.