Arc vs Toptal (October 2026)
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Arc
Vetted remote developers for freelance or full-time roles, with AI screening and a dedicated recruiter.
Visit ArcToptal
Screened freelance developers, designers and finance experts at a fixed weekly price, with no recruiting fee.
Visit ToptalVerdict. Neither publishes a paid price we could compare, so the features below decide. Arc confirms 3 of our 3 key features; Toptal confirms 3.
Side by side
| Feature | Arc | Toptal |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan | — | — |
| Other plan or fee | Freelance hire: USD 15 per hour (from; up to USD 110+) | — |
| Another plan or fee | Full-time hire: Price on request | — |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free plan or trial | No | No |
| Pre-vetted developers | Yes | Yes |
| Risk-free trial period | Yes | Yes |
| Full-time hiring option | Yes | Yes |
| Number of plans listed | 2 | 0 |
| Our score | 55/100 (#1 of 4) | 35/100 (#2 of 4) |
| Best for | Most complete feature set | Best for custom or high-volume needs |
| A year on the cheapest paid plan | — | — |
| Notes | Risk-free trial of up to two weeks for freelancers | You are not charged if the trial hire is not a fit |
Shaded cells mark the lower price. Sources: Arc, Toptal.
Which to choose
Choose Toptal if you want the lower starting price.
Choose Arc if its features above matter more to you than price.
See all options: best remote talent platforms.
More: Arc pricing, Arc alternatives, Toptal alternatives, Toptal vs Andela, Lemon.io vs Toptal.