In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses need access to the best tech talent to stay ahead of the competition. With a plethora of platforms promising to connect companies with exceptional professionals, the choice can be overwhelming. Two such platforms, Hired and Toptal, have emerged as popular choices for tech hiring. In this article, we’ll explore Hired vs Toptal in depth, examining their key differences, similarities, pros and cons, and situations where one may be preferable to the other.

What is Hired and what is Toptal?

Hired is an online marketplace that connects companies with pre-screened and top-tier tech professionals. The platform aims to provide a hassle-free hiring process, offering a selection of vetted candidates for companies to choose from. Hired focuses primarily on tech roles such as software developers, data scientists, and product managers.

Toptal, on the other hand, is a global network of top freelance talent. It specializes in connecting businesses with expert professionals in the fields of software development, design, finance, project management, and more. Toptal prides itself on its rigorous screening process, with only the top 3% of applicants accepted into its network.

Key Differences between Hired and Toptal

1. Focus on Job Types: Hired is primarily focused on tech positions, whereas Toptal offers a broader range of professionals, including designers, finance experts, and project managers.
2. Employment Type: Hired caters to both full-time and contract-based positions, while Toptal focuses on freelance and contract work.
3. Screening Process: Toptal’s rigorous vetting process accepts only the top 3% of applicants, while Hired has a more accessible pre-screening process for candidates.
4. Pricing Model: Hired operates on a subscription-based model for employers, while Toptal uses an hourly or project-based pricing system.
5. Talent Pool: Toptal has a global network of talent, while Hired’s talent pool is primarily focused on the United States.

Key Similarities between Hired and Toptal

1. High-Quality Talent: Both platforms prioritize offering top-tier professionals to their clients.
2. Matching Process: Hired and Toptal utilize advanced algorithms to match companies with the most suitable candidates based on their requirements.
3. User Experience: Both platforms are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making it easy for clients to navigate and find the talent they need.
4. Trial Periods: Hired and Toptal both offer trial periods to ensure the selected candidate is a good fit for the company.
5. Customer Support: Both platforms provide dedicated support teams to assist clients throughout the hiring process.

Pros of Hired over Toptal

1. Variety of Employment Types: Hired offers both full-time and contract-based positions, providing greater flexibility for companies.
2. More Accessible Talent Pool: Hired’s less stringent pre-screening process offers a wider range of candidates to choose from.
3. Transparent Pricing: Hired’s subscription-based pricing model allows companies to budget for hiring costs more easily.
4. Specialization in Tech Roles: Hired’s focus on tech roles ensures a more targeted selection of candidates for tech-based companies.
5. Localized Talent: Hired’s US-centric talent pool can be beneficial for companies seeking local candidates.

Cons of Hired compared to Toptal

1. Limited Global Reach: Hired’s talent pool is primarily US-based, potentially limiting options for companies seeking international talent.
2. Narrower Professional Range: Hired’s focus on tech roles may not be suitable for companies seeking professionals in other fields.
3. Less Rigorous Vetting: Hired’s screening process may not be as stringent as Toptal’s, which could result in a lower overall quality of candidates.
4. Subscription Model: Hired’s subscription-based pricing may not be ideal for companies looking to hire on a project-by-project basis.
5. Limited Non-Tech Talent: Hired’s specialization in tech roles means that companies seeking professionals outside of the tech industry may not find the platform as useful.

Pros of Toptal over Hired

1. Global Talent Pool: Toptal’s worldwide network of talent provides companies with a more extensive range of candidates to choose from.
2. Rigorous Screening Process: Toptal’s strict vetting process ensures only the top 3% of applicants are accepted, resulting in higher-quality candidates.
3. Wider Range of Professionals: Toptal offers talent across various fields, including design, finance, and project management, making it suitable for a broader array of businesses.
4. Flexible Pricing: Toptal’s hourly or project-based pricing allows companies to pay for services as needed, rather than committing to a subscription.
5. Freelance Focus: Toptal’s emphasis on freelance and contract work can be advantageous for companies looking to hire for specific projects or short-term needs.

Cons of Toptal compared to Hired

1. Limited Full-Time Options: Toptal’s focus on freelance and contract work may not be suitable for companies seeking full-time employees.
2. Higher Costs: Toptal’s hourly and project-based pricing can potentially result in higher overall costs for companies.
3. Stringent Vetting Process: Toptal’s rigorous screening may limit the number of available candidates, making it more challenging to find the right match.
4. Less Specialization in Tech Roles: While Toptal does offer tech professionals, its broader focus may result in a less targeted selection for tech-focused companies.
5. No Subscription Model: Toptal’s lack of a subscription-based pricing model could be a drawback for companies that prefer predictable hiring costs.

Situations when Hired is better than Toptal

1. Hiring for Full-Time Tech Roles: Companies seeking full-time tech professionals may find Hired’s specialized focus more beneficial.
2. Seeking Local US Talent: If a company prefers to hire local talent within the United States, Hired’s US-centric talent pool can be advantageous.
3. Budgeting for Hiring Costs: Hired’s subscription-based pricing model allows companies to better plan and budget for hiring costs.
4. Expanding Tech Teams: Companies looking to grow their tech teams with a diverse range of skill sets may find Hired’s accessible talent pool more suitable.
5. Requiring On-Site Presence: If a company requires professionals to work on-site, Hired’s focus on full-time and local candidates can be beneficial.

Situations when Toptal is better than Hired

1. Seeking Global Talent: Toptal’s worldwide talent pool is ideal for companies looking to hire professionals from various countries and backgrounds.
2. Hiring for Non-Tech Roles: If a company needs professionals in design, finance, or project management, Toptal’s broader range of talent can be more suitable.
3. Short-Term Projects: Companies seeking freelancers or contractors for specific projects may find Toptal’s flexible pricing and freelance focus more appealing.
4. Emphasis on Quality: Toptal’s stringent vetting process ensures only the highest-quality candidates, making it ideal for companies that prioritize quality over quantity.
5. Diverse Industry Requirements: Businesses operating across multiple industries can benefit from Toptal’s wide range of professional offerings.

Hired vs Toptal Summary

When it comes to Hired vs Toptal, the choice largely depends on a company’s specific needs and priorities. Hired is an excellent choice for companies seeking full-time or contract-based tech professionals, particularly those located in the United States. Its specialization in tech roles, subscription-based pricing model, and accessible talent pool make it a strong option for businesses focused on growing their tech teams.

On the other hand, Toptal is ideal for companies looking for a broader range of professionals across various industries, as well as those seeking top-quality freelancers for short-term projects. Its global network of talent, rigorous screening process, and flexible pricing cater to the diverse needs of businesses operating in multiple sectors.

Ultimately, the decision between Hired and Toptal comes down to understanding your organization’s unique requirements and goals. By carefully considering the pros and cons of each platform, as well as the specific situations in which one may be more suitable than the other, you can make an informed choice that will help your business access the top tech talent it needs to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.