← Back to Toptal
Compare
Toptal vs Truelancer
Toptal and Truelancer are both freelance sites. Fees — Toptal: 0% - no commission on freelancer's set rate. Truelancer: Commission by project type.
Updated · from each platform’s published fees and payout terms · how we verify
Key differences
- Fees — Toptal: 0% - no commission on freelancer's set rate. Truelancer: Commission by project type.
- Both pay out via PayPal, Payoneer and Bank transfer.
- Toptal screens providers before they can join, while Truelancer 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, 4 years before Truelancer (2014).
- Toptal is based in United States, Truelancer in India.
- Truelancer focuses on India, while Toptal operates internationally.
Which should you choose?
Choose Toptal if…
- You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
- You want built-in payment protection.
Choose Truelancer if…
- You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
- You live in India.
Side by side
|
Toptal
A premium network that screens applicants and accepts only a small percentage of freelance developers, designe…
Visit
|
Truelancer
A freelance marketplace with a large community across South Asia, covering writing, design, development, and d…
Visit
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Type | Freelance sites like Upwork | Freelance sites like Upwork |
| Category | Vetted Talent | General Marketplace |
| Vetted | Yes | No |
| Work from home | Yes | Yes |
| Fees | 0% - no commission on freelancer's set rate | Commission by project type |
| Payment protection | No-risk trial period for clients | — |
| Withdraw via | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer | PayPal, Payoneer, Bank transfer |
| Availability | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Local to | — | India |
| Founded | 2010 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | United States | New Delhi, India |
| Popularity | 69 views · 0 likes | 88 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Toptal or Truelancer?
Toptal: 0% - no commission on freelancer's set rate. Truelancer: Commission by project type.
Where are Toptal and Truelancer available?
Toptal: Worldwide. Truelancer: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, Toptal or Truelancer?
Truelancer — anyone can sign up, while Toptal screens providers before accepting them.