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Guru vs Toptal
Guru and Toptal are both freelance sites. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $910–$950 on Guru 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 $910–$950 on Guru and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
- Both pay out via PayPal, Payoneer and Bank transfer.
- Toptal screens providers before they can join, while Guru is open to anyone.
- Guru is the older platform — founded in 1998, 12 years before Toptal (2010).
Which should you choose?
Choose Guru if…
- You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
- You prefer a long track record (since 1998).
Choose Toptal if…
- Keeping more of each payment matters most — its fee is lower.
- You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
Side by side
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Guru
One of the oldest freelance marketplaces, matching companies with freelancers across programming, design, writ…
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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 | 5% to 9% handling fee | 0% - no commission on freelancer's set rate |
| Payment protection | SafePay escrow | No-risk trial period for clients |
| Withdraw via | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer, Direct deposit | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer |
| Availability | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Founded | 1998 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States | United States |
| Popularity | 63 views · 0 likes | 69 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Guru or Toptal?
On a $1,000 payment you keep about $910–$950 on Guru and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Where are Guru and Toptal available?
Guru: Worldwide. Toptal: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, Guru or Toptal?
Guru — anyone can sign up, while Toptal screens providers before accepting them.