Head to head
Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.
$15/hr
Arc.dev is a vetted talent marketplace for remote developers and other tech roles. Freelancers cost $15 to $110+ per hour, and full-time placements cost 20% of annual salary, paid only on hire. It fits US startups and tech companies that want pre-screened remote engineers without running the whole search.
Where Arc.dev fits
$79/mo
Toptal is a vetted freelance network for companies that want senior contract talent fast. It costs a $79 monthly platform fee plus quoted talent rates. It fits teams that value speed and a trial period over the lowest hourly price.
Where Toptal fits
| Detail | Arc.dev | Toptal |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $15/hr | $79/mo |
| Free tier | –No | –No |
| MCP server | –No | –No |
| Public API | –No | –No |
| Listed under | Sourcing, Job boards | Sourcing |
Arc.dev
Stands out: Arc publishes its fees, which is rare among vetted developer networks: a clear hourly range for freelancers and a flat 20% of salary for full-time hires. HireAI screens applicants and auto-sources matching candidates, and every plan comes with a dedicated recruiter. Arc says full-time roles fill in about 14 days on average.
Watch out: A 20% of salary fee adds up quickly on senior engineering salaries. The freelance trial is described as risk-free, but the exact terms are not spelled out on the pricing page, so confirm them before you start. ATS integration is listed for full-time hires, but no ATS names are published.
Not the right fit for
Toptal
Stands out: Every engagement starts with a trial of up to two weeks, and you pay nothing if you are not satisfied; clients can trial up to three people per position. Toptal reports a 98% trial-to-hire rate and says 90% of clients hire the first candidate introduced.
Watch out: Talent rates are not published, so you only learn the real cost after a call with a matcher. Toptal does not offer screening or testing for candidates outside its own network.
Not the right fit for
Arc.dev
Toptal
Arc.dev
$15/hr
Arc.dev publishes two pricing models. Freelance hires are billed hourly at $15 to $110+ per hour depending on the talent, with a risk-free trial period of up to two weeks. Full-time hires cost a fee of 20% of the candidate's annual salary, paid only when you decide to hire, and Arc will match a replacement free of charge within the first three months if you are not satisfied. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.
Checked 26 Sep 2026
Toptal
$79/mo
Toptal charges a flat $79 monthly platform subscription once you move ahead with talent matching, and you can cancel at any time. Talent rates are not published; they depend on skills, seniority, location and whether the engagement is hourly, part-time or full-time. Invoices go out about twice a month on Net 10 terms. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.
Checked 26 Sep 2026
All Arc.dev alternatives All Toptal alternatives Every Sourcing tool
Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 26 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?