10 Best Arc.dev (CodementorX) Alternatives for Hiring Tech Talent

When businesses look for Arc (formerly CodementorX) alternatives, they often report issues like unclear vetting, poor support, or surprise fees. 

Top alternatives like AiDOOS, Toptal, Gun.io, and CloudDevs offer clearer pricing, stronger vetting, better client support, and faster delivery.

We’ve grouped them by their strengths like outcome-based billing, expert screening, fast hiring, and full project control to help you choose the right one for your next development project.

Top 10 Arc.dev Alternatives - Overview

Here’s an overview of top 10 Arc (formerly CodementorX) alternatives:

When clients search for Arc (formerly CodementorX) alternatives, they often find things missing—like weak support, middleman issues, or unclear vetting.

One Social media user reported they withdrew after years because of “spam emails and horrible customer service” . Other clients say:

“I get the feeling the company just acts as a middleman with the client and then leaves you hanging.”

These gaps led clients to platforms offering better communication, stronger vetting, task-based delivery, or faster hiring, notably AiDOOS, Toptal, Gun.io, CloudDevs, and Upwork.

Here are 10 best Arc (formerly CodementorX) alternatives for tech talent:

1. AiDOOS

AiDOOS is a platform that helps businesses complete tech projects without hiring full-time staff. 

It uses a model called the Virtual Delivery Center (VDC), where AiDOOS builds and manages a team for you, handles tasks, and ensures the project is finished on time. 

This makes it different from platforms where you have to find and manage freelancers yourself.

It focuses on outcomes rather than hours, which helps everyone stay on the same goal.

• Best For: Companies needing help with IT, software, or cloud projects but don't want to hire full-time employees.

• Project Types: Software development, cloud services, data analytics, and other tech-related tasks.

• Delivery Model: AiDOOS creates and manages a team for your project, taking care of everything from start to finish.

• Pricing Model: Costs are based on the tasks or outcomes you want. You can also get a free estimate for your project.

• Platform Fees: AiDOOS takes a portion of the project cost as a fee, but this doesn't affect what the experts are paid.

• Vetting Process: Experts go through technical tests and interviews to ensure they are qualified.

• Payment Terms: Payments are made after the project or parts of it are completed and accepted. You can pay using different methods like bank transfers.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

AiDOOS works on a task-outcome basis, so you pay only when tasks finish.

You don’t pay for time or wait for milestones, just for results, creating clear value and no surprises.

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2. Lemon.io

Lemon.io is a platform that connects clients with pre‑vetted Eastern European and LATAM developers, offering fast matching (within 48 hours) and a no‑risk trial. 

It’s different because it combines human-led vetting with quick placement, making it great for businesses needing reliable, startup‑ready developers.

Clients say Lemon.io makes hiring easy and respectful, matching them with well‑skilled developers quickly. 

Some report that developer replacements happen occasionally, which can disrupt ongoing projects. 

Also, few note that deposits or upfront payments are required, which may not suit all budgets.

• Best For: Startups and small teams looking for vetted developers fast.

• Project Types: Web and mobile development, backend systems, cloud solutions, AI/ML, and testing roles.

• Delivery Model: Clients submit needs; Lemon.io handpicks 1–3 candidates within 48 hours and manages contracts and trials.

• Pricing Model: Developers usually charge $55–$95/hour; clients pay weekly or monthly after an initial deposit.

• Platform Fees: Fees are included in developer rates; there is an upfront deposit equal to one week or month’s fee.

• Vetting Process: A 4‑step human-led review: CV check, soft‑skills interview, technical interview, and live coding, accepting only about 1 % of applicants. 

• Payment Terms: Clients pay for actual hours worked weekly or monthly. A no-risk paid trial of up to 20 hours is offered, and Lemon.io will replace developers for free if needed.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

Lemon.io connects you with vetted Eastern European and LATAM developers within 48 hours, with no deposit and pay‑as‑you‑go billing.

You get fast, high-quality individual hires with full visibility, instead of relying on hidden matches.

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3. Andela

Andela is a global talent platform that connects companies with mid-to-senior engineers, mainly from Africa and Latin America. 

It handles the full hiring cycle, vetting, payroll, and onboarding.

Clients praise Andela’s skilled engineers who integrate well into teams

But some social media users describe their experience as an “interview loop,” with many rounds, unclear hiring steps, and no guaranteed timeline, ultimately reducing the pool size of vetted professionals.

Some report that developer availability is limited and project options can be few, making it hard to start work quickly.

• Best For: Companies want embedded, long-term engineering talent from emerging markets.

• Project Types: Backend, frontend, mobile, DevOps, AI/ML, cloud, and team builds.

• Delivery Model: Clients post needs; Andela sources and employs engineers on 12-month contracts.

• Pricing Model: Monthly flat rates range between $6,000–$14,000 per developer.

• Platform Fees: Included in monthly rate; no hidden fees.

• Vetting Process: AI/ML matching, English test, coding challenge, live technical interview.

• Payment Terms: Clients pay monthly; payroll and compliance managed by Andela.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Toptal?

Andela builds long-term remote teams on 6–12 month contracts with full payroll and compliance support.

If you need ongoing, managed development capacity, Andela handles legal and HR, something Arc doesn’t provide.

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4. Fiverr Pro

Fiverr Pro is Fiverr’s premium tier offering highly vetted professionals. Unlike Arc (formerly CodementorX), clients select ready-made service packages from top-rated experts.

Clients value upfront pricing and fast delivery. But Fiverr’s quality varies, and some feel support can be inconsistent.

• Best For: Small businesses and individuals seeking one-off tasks handled quickly by vetted talent.

• Project Types: Design, writing, simple apps, small components.

• Delivery Model: Clients pick from “Gigs” (basic, standard, premium tiers); freelancers deliver the work.

• Pricing Model: Fixed-price packages; buyer pays upfront before work begins.

• Platform Fees: Freelancers pay 20% fee; buyers pay 5.5%, plus ~$2 fee for small orders.

• Vetting Process: Fiverr Pro vets freelancers via application for quality, background, skills.

• Payment Terms: Payment is held in escrow and released on delivery acceptance.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

Fiverr Pro offers fixed-price “gigs” by vetted experts for quick delivery.

You see deliverables and cost upfront and pay only once the gig is done, no hourly rates or unexpected charges.

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5. Upwork

Upwork is a global freelance marketplace where clients post jobs and review bids. It suits clients of all sizes who want to hire hourly or fixed-price freelancers with transparent processes.

Clients appreciate the massive talent pool and escrow payments, plus scoring systems like Job Success Score. 

But they mention paying connection fees to freelancers, and seeing many low‑ball bids or ghosted jobs.

• Best For: Developers, designers, data experts, etc. for short or long engagements.

• Project Types: Hourly tasks, fixed-price jobs, long-term roles.

• Delivery Model: Clients review proposals and hire directly. Work tracked by Upwork for hourly contracts.

• Pricing Model: Hourly rate or fixed-price; clients pay into escrow for fixed projects.

• Platform Fees: Clients pay a 3% processing fee; freelancers pay 10–20% (based on earnings per client)

• Vetting Process: Profile-based with badges (e.g., Top Rated), client skills tests; no strict vetting, clients decide.

• Payment Terms: For fixed jobs, escrow. For hourly, automatic via tracked hours with Protection.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

Upwork lets you post work, get bids, and manage projects with escrow safety.

It gives total control over hiring, pricing, and milestones, no middle layer keeping you from choosing.

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6. X-Team

X‑Team offers dedicated remote engineering teams to businesses, with a focus on long-term collaboration and developer growth. 

It differs from marketplaces by providing company‑led team management and ongoing skill development.

Many clients praise the deep integration of developers into their teams and long-term partnerships .

Some say the hiring process is slow and unclear, including redundant interviews. There are few external reviews or public feedback, making it hard to assess reliability.

• Best For: Businesses seeking long-term, integrated remote developer teams.

• Project Types: Software development, mobile apps, web systems, DevOps, and continuous innovation roles.

• Delivery Model: Company-managed remote teams embedded in client workflows.

• Pricing Model: Developer rates range from $40–$50/hour, suited for multi-month or year-long engagements.

• Platform Fees: Included in hourly rates; no separate platform fees.

• Vetting Process: Thorough interviews and skills assessments, company-led vetting.

• Payment Terms: Hourly payments or retainer-style billing paid monthly or per project.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

X-Team provides dedicated remote teams who integrate into your workflow long-term.

You get stable partnerships and a team that adapts to your culture. rather than one-off mentors or freelancers.

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7. CloudDevs

CloudDevs connects businesses with top-level Latin American developers, offering fast placement (within 24–48 hours) and a flexible trial week. 

It handles legal compliance, payroll, and taxes, making it ideal for companies wanting full support in remote hiring.

Clients and developers appreciate the fast match process and strong support; one public review praised their coordination and reliable payments.

But some candidates report disorganized hiring, no follow-up after interviews and delays in response.

A G2 review noted payments often arrive two months late, and no one follows up until the freelancer reaches out, ultimately affecting the quality of vetted professionals.

• Best For: Businesses wanting vetted Latin American developers with full remote hiring support.

• Project Types: Full-stack development, backend systems, cloud apps, AI/ML, and more.

• Delivery Model: Clients share job needs and receive vetted candidates within 24–48 hours, then start a one-week trial.

• Pricing Model: Developer rates between $45–$75/hour, with CloudDevs keeping a 20% fee. No extra costs.

• Platform Fees: 20% markup included in hourly rate. No setup fee; trial deposit ($500 is refunded or credited)

• Vetting Process: Three-stage vetting: English + attitude screen, technical evaluation, and live coding challenge.

• Payment Terms: Billing hourly or weekly after trial. Payroll and compliance handled by CloudDevs. Trials and replacements are risk-free.

Why is it a Better Alternative to  Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

CloudDevs connects clients with senior Latin American developers, matched in 24–48 hrs and with a risk-free trial.

You start fast with no upfront fees and clear costs unlike platforms requiring deposits or slow matches.

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8. Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is an online platform where businesses and individuals can hire freelancers for various tasks. 

Unlike some platforms where clients browse predefined services, Freelancer.com allows clients to post projects and receive bids from freelancers. 

This setup is ideal for clients who have specific project requirements and want to choose from multiple proposals.

Freelancer.com has over 59 million users, making it easy to find clients in many categories. You can bid on tech, writing, design, and more. 

But because so many freelancers bid on each job, often 20 or more, it is hard for new or smaller profiles to win work. 

In addition, many social media users note that clients sometimes post jobs paying under $10 per hour, which can be discouraging for skilled freelancers.

• Best For: Clients and businesses looking to hire freelancers for tasks like software development, writing, design, marketing, and more.

• Project Types: Suitable for a range of projects, including app development, graphic design, content writing, data entry, and digital marketing.

• Delivery Model: Clients post a project with details and budget. Freelancers then bid on the project, and the client selects the most suitable freelancer.

• Pricing Model: Clients set a budget for their project. Freelancers place bids, and the client chooses based on the proposal and price.

• Platform Fees: A fee of 3% or $3 USD (whichever is greater) is charged when a project is awarded.

• Vetting Process: Freelancer.com has a general open marketplace where freelancers can sign up and offer services. The Preferred Freelancer Program, freelancers undergo a vetting process that includes evaluation of their qualifications, past work experience, and performance. 

• Payment Terms: Clients can deposit funds using various methods like credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers.Payments to freelancers are made upon project completion and client approval.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

Clients post projects, review bids, and hire freelancers directly from a global pool.

You pick your own vendor, set your price, and own the contract, no intermediary middleman taking control or fees.

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9. Gun.io

Gun.io connects clients with senior, pre-vetted software developers using both AI screening and human review. 

It focuses on full-time or long-term contract roles, and it’s well-suited for businesses that want highly experienced remote developers without upfront hiring costs.

Many clients appreciate access to highly skilled developers with an average of 8+ years of experience and a fast hiring process; on average, clients find a match in about 13 days. 

They also offer a two-week trial period with no upfront fees, which lets clients test the developer before fully committing.

While the talent is strong, several reviewers say the developer may go over budget, and Gun.io may not manage costs or offer support during the project.

• Best For: Companies needing senior-level developers for long-term or full-time remote projects.

• Project Types: Backend systems, frontend development, DevOps, architecture, and other complex tech roles.

• Delivery Model: Clients get matched with candidates in about 13 days, followed by a two-week trial before a long-term hire.

• Pricing Model: Flexible monthly retainers starting at $5,000, or 20% of the developer’s first-year salary for full-time placement.

• Platform Fees: Included in retainers or salary fees; no extra charge displayed separately.

• Vetting Process: Developers undergo algorithmic screening, background checks, work history reviews, and live technical interviews with senior engineers.

• Payment Terms: Clients pay monthly on net-30 terms after the trial period. Developers are paid weekly for logged hours.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

Gun.io matches you with senior-level developers fast (usually within 48 hrs).

You work directly with experienced devs, not via a middle layer. This gives clearer communication and faster execution.

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10. Toptal

Toptal is a platform that connects businesses with highly skilled freelancers in areas like software development, design, finance, and project management. 

Unlike other platforms, Toptal accepts only the top 3% of applicants after a strict screening process. 

On the downside, many social media users say there are too many freelancers for each available job, making the application process long and time-consuming. 

Also, some report that client fees on Toptal can be almost double what freelancers actually earn.

• Best For: Companies looking for highly experienced freelancers in tech, design, finance, and project management.

• Project Types: Software development, UI/UX design, financial consulting, product management, and project management.

• Delivery Model: Toptal matches clients with freelancers based on project needs. Clients can hire for short-term or long-term projects.

• Pricing Model: Freelancers set their own rates, typically ranging from $60 to over $200 per hour.

• Platform Fees: Toptal charges clients a $79 monthly platform fee . Additionally, Toptal applies a markup to freelancer rates, which can be up to 50% 

• Vetting Process: Toptal has a rigorous screening process that includes language and communication tests, in-depth skill reviews, live screening, and test projects. Only about 3% of applicants are accepted.

• Payment Terms: Clients are invoiced twice a month with Net 10 terms, allowing time for review before processing .

Why is it a Better Alternative to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

Toptal gives access to the top 3% of global talent with strong vetting and escrow payment protection.

Profiles are public, rates are transparent, and support is consistent, unlike hidden-match processes on Arc.

Conclusion

Arc (formerly CodementorX) is built for full-package software delivery, but it's not the best fit for every client. 

Many businesses say it's too expensive, has fixed models, and doesn’t let them control or talk directly to the people doing the work. 

Some social media users also shared concerns about unclear pricing and rigid contracts.

Platforms like AiDOOS, Toptal, Gun.io, and CloudDevs are becoming better choices. They offer more flexible pricing, faster hiring, and clear control over projects. 

AiDOOS is especially helpful if you want to get work done without hiring a team or spending too much upfront, you only pay when tasks are finished.

Why is AiDOOS a Better Alternative to Arc.dev

AiDOOS is not a regular freelancer marketplace like Arc (formerly CodementorX). Instead of making you hire and manage people, AiDOOS takes your project and handles everything from start to finish. 

You get outcome-based work, which means you focus on what needs to be done, not how or who does it.

Ready to try a new way of getting work done? Explore AiDOOS and see how easy project delivery can be!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best alternatives to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

Several platforms offer alternatives to Arc (formerly CodementorX), such as AiDOOS, Lemon.io, Andela, Upwork, and Gun.io. These platforms give you more control, clear pricing, and access to skilled tech talent.

2. Why are some businesses moving away from Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

Businesses leave Arc (formerly CodementorX) because many clients say Arc is too expensive, and some don’t like the middleman setup where they can’t speak directly with the freelancer. Others report poor support or unclear fees.

3. Is Arc (formerly CodementorX) suitable for long-term or recurring projects?

Arc can work for longer projects, but it’s not ideal if you want a stable, long-term team or developers who grow with your company. 

4. How is the hiring process on Arc (formerly CodementorX) different from other sites?

Arc matches you with developers, but you can’t always choose or view full profiles before the match. With platforms like Freelancer.com or Upwork, you browse, compare, and decide who to hire, giving you more control.

5. Are there platforms with lower service fees than Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

Yes. AiDOOS charges only when the task is completed. Platforms like Fiverr Pro and Lemon.io also offer clear fixed pricing without hidden costs, making budgeting easier.

6. Which platforms offer better delivery support than Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

AiDOOS offers full project delivery, where the client doesn’t need to hire or manage freelancers. This helps businesses that want results without managing each step.

7. How is AiDOOS a smarter alternative to Arc (formerly CodementorX)?

AiDOOS doesn’t just connect you with freelancers, it takes care of the whole project through an outcome-based model. You don't need to hire, track, or manage people. This makes it easier and faster for many businesses to get work done.