Streamlined but non-transparent for developers - Principal Architect Toptal Employee Review

3.0
22 May 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working fully remotely. A lot of flexibility in work. Working 20 hours. The job search system is extremely streamlined. Great community.

Cons

Low hourly rates: They make a big deal about signing up, with a very complicated set of tests. This gives expectations of very high payout. The opposite is true. - The system sort of encourages to accept lower rates than you'd get elsewhere. - The rate system is non-transparent; it is unclear how big a cut does Toptal take and they are very secretive about it. I accidentally found out this can be very high compared to other recruiters.

Explore other reviews about Toptal

5.0
7 Jul 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Professional and interested in quality work.

Cons

Not really a con, but more work waiting than hours allow.

1.0
3 Jul 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Met some good dedicated employees and freelance workers.

Cons

Lack of any real industry solutions or capabilities since 100% of delivery services are freelance contractors. Model has been successful as providing staff augmentation to clients, but all intellectual capital and outcomes are owned by the clients or the freelancer. Toptal is simply a staffing platform broker who marks up the freelance talent. Great if you need a plumber, but not if you're planning to build a bathroom.

2
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