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Fastwork vs Toptal
Fastwork and Toptal are both freelance sites. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $830–$930 on Fastwork and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Updated · from each platform’s published fees and payout terms · how we verify
Key differences
- On a $1,000 payment you keep about $830–$930 on Fastwork and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
- Both pay out via Bank transfer. Only Toptal offers PayPal and Payoneer.
- Toptal screens providers before they can join, while Fastwork is open to anyone.
- Only Toptal lists built-in payment protection (No-risk trial period for clients).
- Toptal is the older platform — founded in 2010, 5 years before Fastwork (2015).
- Fastwork is based in Thailand, Toptal in United States.
- Fastwork focuses on Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, while Toptal operates internationally.
Which should you choose?
Choose Fastwork if…
- You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
- You live in Thailand, Indonesia or Vietnam.
Choose Toptal if…
- Keeping more of each payment matters most — its fee is lower.
- You want to withdraw via PayPal and Payoneer.
- You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
- You want built-in payment protection.
- You prefer a long track record (since 2010).
Side by side
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Fastwork
A Southeast Asian freelance marketplace with packaged services and escrow, strong in Thailand, Indonesia, and…
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Toptal
A premium network that screens applicants and accepts only a small percentage of freelance developers, designe…
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|---|---|---|
| Type | Freelance sites like Upwork | Freelance sites like Upwork |
| Category | General Marketplace | Vetted Talent |
| Vetted | No | Yes |
| Work from home | Yes | Yes |
| Fees | 17% commission, sliding to ~7% high-value | 0% - no commission on freelancer's set rate |
| Payment protection | — | No-risk trial period for clients |
| Withdraw via | Automatic weekly bank transfer | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer |
| Availability | Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam (as Fastlance) | Worldwide |
| Local to | Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam | — |
| Founded | 2015 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Bangkok, Thailand | United States |
| Popularity | 98 views · 0 likes | 66 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Fastwork or Toptal?
On a $1,000 payment you keep about $830–$930 on Fastwork and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Where are Fastwork and Toptal available?
Fastwork: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam (as Fastlance). Toptal: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, Fastwork or Toptal?
Fastwork — anyone can sign up, while Toptal screens providers before accepting them.