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Malt vs Toptal
Malt and Toptal are both freelance sites. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $900 on Malt 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 Malt 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 Malt 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, 3 years before Malt (2013).
- Malt is based in France, Toptal in United States.
- Malt focuses on France, Germany and Spain, while Toptal operates internationally.
Which should you choose?
Choose Malt if…
- You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
- You live in France, Germany or Spain.
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.
Side by side
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Malt
A European freelance marketplace where companies find consultants, developers, and creatives for project work.…
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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 | Commission around 10% | 0% - no commission on freelancer's set rate |
| Payout speed | Within 10 days of work approval | — |
| Payment protection | — | No-risk trial period for clients |
| Withdraw via | Bank transfer (SEPA) | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer |
| Availability | Europe | Worldwide |
| Local to | France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium | — |
| Founded | 2013 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Paris, France | United States |
| Popularity | 49 views · 0 likes | 66 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Malt or Toptal?
On a $1,000 payment you keep about $900 on Malt and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Where are Malt and Toptal available?
Malt: Europe. Toptal: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, Malt or Toptal?
Malt — anyone can sign up, while Toptal screens providers before accepting them.