Toptal is a fit if
You want a global freelance marketplace, a very fast introduction, and the flexibility of hourly or part-time work. Their matchers will quote the rate.
Alternatives
Toptal alternatives for hiring senior engineers
Toptal is a marketplace for freelance developers. On its developers page it says the average time to match is under 24 hours, and that you can typically hire in about 48 hours. It does not publish one hourly rate. Arca places senior engineers from the Philippines and Asia at $35/hr, all-in, with a shortlist in 7 working days and full US-hours overlap.
| Arca | Toptal, as published | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Senior engineer on your team, month-to-month | Freelance marketplace. Hourly, part-time, or full-time, and they also describe project delivery. |
| Rate | $35/hr, all-in, senior only | No single public hourly rate on the page we checked. Cost depends on location, seniority, and commitment. |
| Speed | Shortlist in 7 working days | They say average time to match is under 24 hours, and that you can typically hire in about 48 hours. |
| Where | The Philippines and elsewhere in Asia, on your full US business day | A global network |
| If it is not a fit | Unlimited replacements while you are a client | They describe a no-risk trial period |
Toptal claims are from https://www.toptal.com/developers, last checked October 18, 2026. We are not repeating screening percentages from that page.
Arca is a fit if
You want a senior engineer from the Philippines or elsewhere in Asia, on your full US business day, at a published $35/hr all-in, month to month.
Toptal questions
Does Toptal publish an hourly rate?
Not a single one on the developers page we checked. They say cost depends on location, seniority, and whether the engagement is hourly, part-time, or full-time.
How is Arca priced?
Senior engineers from $35/hr, all-in, month-to-month, with no recruiting fee and unlimited replacements while you are a client.
Where is the talent?
Toptal describes a global network. Arca places engineers from the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia, working your full US business day.
See also Full Scale and Arca pricing.
Book a call if the role is a senior seat.
We will say so if a marketplace is the better tool.