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Freelancer vs Toptal
Freelancer and Toptal are both freelance sites. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $900 on Freelancer 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 $900 on Freelancer and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
- Both pay out via PayPal, Payoneer and Bank transfer. Only Freelancer offers Skrill.
- Toptal screens providers before they can join, while Freelancer is open to anyone.
- Only Toptal lists built-in payment protection (No-risk trial period for clients).
- Freelancer is based in Australia, Toptal in United States.
Which should you choose?
Choose Freelancer if…
- You want to withdraw via Skrill.
- You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
Choose Toptal if…
- Keeping more of each payment matters most — its fee is lower.
- You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
- You want built-in payment protection.
Side by side
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Freelancer
A global freelance marketplace where clients post projects and freelancers bid on them, alongside contests for…
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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 | 10% or $5 minimum on projects | 0% - no commission on freelancer's set rate |
| Minimum payout | $50 after withdrawal fees | — |
| Payout speed | First withdrawal waits 15 days. After processing, PayPal, Skrill or Payoneer within 24 hours, express bank 2 to 3 business days, wire 3 to 5. | — |
| Payment protection | — | No-risk trial period for clients |
| Withdraw via | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, Wire transfer | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer |
| Availability | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | United States |
| Stock ticker | ASX: FLN | — |
| iOS app | App ↗ | — |
| Android app | App ↗ | — |
| Popularity | 51 views · 0 likes | 70 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Freelancer or Toptal?
On a $1,000 payment you keep about $900 on Freelancer and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Where are Freelancer and Toptal available?
Freelancer: Worldwide. Toptal: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, Freelancer or Toptal?
Freelancer — anyone can sign up, while Toptal screens providers before accepting them.