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Toptal vs Twine

Toptal and Twine are both freelance sites. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on Toptal and $1,000 on Twine, 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 $1,000 on Toptal and $1,000 on Twine, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
  • Only Toptal offers PayPal, Payoneer and Bank transfer. Only Twine offers Twine Vault and direct invoice.
  • Toptal screens providers before they can join, while Twine 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, 2 years before Twine (2012).
  • Toptal is based in United States, Twine in United Kingdom.

Which should you choose?

Choose Toptal if…

  • You want to withdraw via PayPal and Payoneer.
  • You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
  • You want built-in payment protection.

Choose Twine if…

  • You want to withdraw via Twine Vault and direct invoice.
  • You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.

Side by side

Toptal A premium network that screens applicants and accepts only a small percentage of freelance developers, designe… Visit Twine A marketplace for creative and digital freelancers including designers, video editors, musicians, and AI speci… 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 No commission, optional Pro $13.99/mo
Payment protection No-risk trial period for clients —
Withdraw via PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer Twine Vault, direct invoice
Availability Worldwide Worldwide
Founded 2010 2012
Headquarters United States Manchester, United Kingdom
Popularity 69 views · 0 likes 71 views · 0 likes

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Toptal or Twine?

On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on Toptal and $1,000 on Twine, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.

Where are Toptal and Twine available?

Toptal: Worldwide. Twine: Worldwide.

Which is easier to join, Toptal or Twine?

Twine — anyone can sign up, while Toptal screens providers before accepting them.

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