10 Best Braintrust Alternatives for Hiring Trusted Tech Talent

When clients search for Braintrust alternatives, they usually want faster hiring, better vetting, or more support.

Top alternatives include AiDOOS, Toptal, Gun.io, Upwork, and CloudDevs. These platforms offer things like pay-per-task billing, faster matches ( in 1–2 days), or direct freelancer selection.

In this article, we’ll break down each Braintrust alternative by hiring speed, cost, and talent quality, so you can choose the best one for your next project.

Top 10 Braintrust Alternatives - Overview

Here’s an overview of top 10 Braintrust alternatives:

When clients search for Braintrust alternatives, they often want more support, clearer vetting, or faster hiring. 

On Reddit, some users say the platform is “still new and can feel empty if you’re looking for fast help” or that “you have to do a lot yourself compared to Toptal or Upwork.” 

Others mention that while Braintrust has no talent fees, there’s less guidance for picking the right person and not as many developers to choose from (reddit.com)

That’s why many clients turn to Braintrust alternatives like AiDOOS, Toptal, Gun.io, Upwork, and CloudDevs.

Here are 10 best Braintrust 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 Braintrust?

AiDOOS lets you pay only for finished tasks. No need to hire or manage people, just get the job done.

You save time and only pay for real results. No platform learning curve or need to build your own team, unlike Braintrust.

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2. 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 Braintrust?

CloudDevs matches you with senior developers from Latin America in 24–48 hours and lets you try with no upfront fees.

Quick start, clear prices, and easy to replace talent, while Braintrust can feel slow and hands-off.

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3. 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 Braintrust?

Upwork is a huge freelance marketplace where you post a job and pick who you want.

More talent to choose from, instant hiring, and you control the whole process, not just a pool of profiles.

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4. 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 Braintrust?

Andela builds remote tech teams for you, handles payroll, and supports your projects.

Managed service, smoother onboarding, and global talent, better if you want a team set up for you, not just introductions.

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5. Turing

Turing is an AI-driven platform that matches clients with remote software developers through a deep vetting system. 

It's different from other platforms because it focuses on full-time, long-term placements and offers a two-week risk-free trial, making it well-suited for businesses seeking dependable remote engineers.

Many developers earn more than the average in their country after passing Turing’s 5+ hour vetting tests, which cover coding, system design, and soft skills.

Clients appreciate the two-week no-risk trial, which helps them test the fit before committing.

But the vetting and onboarding process is lengthy, taking over two weeks and involving multiple interviews and tests.

Some developers and clients report inconsistent communication, racial bias, and unclear pay structures, with unexpected hourly fluctuations.

• Best For: Businesses looking to hire full-time remote software engineers from a pre-vetted global pool.

• Project Types: Long-term development work like backend systems, frontend apps, DevOps, and system architecture.

• Delivery Model: Full-time or long-term contractor arrangements, often with a two-week trial period to assess fit.

• Pricing Model: Hourly rates range from $100 to $200 per hour.

• Platform Fees: No upfront fees; clients pay hourly rates that include support and vetting costs.

• Vetting Process: Developers go through an AI-powered vetting system covering coding languages, data structures, algorithms, system design, and communication; only around 1% are accepted.

• Payment Terms: Clients pay hourly based on actual work; there is a two-week trial before full commitment.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Braintrust?

Turing uses AI to match you with vetted remote developers in 1–2 days.

Fast, clear matching, and you get support through the process, no “do it yourself” feeling like Braintrust.

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6. 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 Braintrust?

Toptal connects you with the top 3% of freelancers, with strong vetting and hourly/project rates.

Easier to find elite talent, with more guidance and help than Braintrust offers.

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7. 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 Braintrust?

Gun.io matches you quickly with senior engineers, and is known for direct access and flexible projects.

Faster onboarding, no learning curve, and more hands-on help than Braintrust’s self-serve setup.

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8. 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 Braintrust?

Lemon.io has a big pool of pre-vetted developers and can match you in 48 hours.

Clear pricing, quick matches, and no hidden fees, good if you want speed and certainty.

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9. Fiverr Pro

Fiverr Pro is Fiverr’s premium tier offering highly vetted professionals. Unlike Braintrust, 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 Braintrust?
Fiverr Pro gives you fixed-price gigs from vetted pros. Simple, pay-as-you-go, with no need to learn a new platform or wait for talent to appear.

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10. Catalant

Catalant is a freelance marketplace focused on business and technical consulting. It connects clients with vetted experts in strategy, finance, and operations and not just tech talent.

Clients say Catalant offers high-value, professional projects with strong vetting. 

But the consultants note that competition can be high, and Catalant reviews pitches before passing them along. Many find the process opaque.

• Best For: Mid-sized to large businesses seeking expert consultants in strategy, operations, finance, and specialized services.

• Project Types: Market research, business strategy, financial modeling, interim management.

• Delivery Model: Client posts project → Catalant recommends experts → client interviews and hires directly.

• Pricing Model: Hourly or project-based rates negotiated per project; fee is added on top.

• Platform Fees: Client pays a markup on consultant fees; exact fee agreed in contract.

• Vetting Process: Experts vetted by machine learning and internal review; proposals vetted pre-submission .

• Payment Terms: Managed through the platform; terms depend on contract (often milestone-based and invoiced).

Why is it a Better Alternative to Braintrust?
Catalant connects you with expert business and tech freelancers for short or long-term work.

Great for strategy, consulting, and technical projects, not just coding or developer roles.

Conclusion

Braintrust is a good platform if you want no talent fees, but some clients find it slow, hard to use, or wish there was more support. 

If you want to hire faster, see clear prices, or get more hands-on help, there are many strong alternatives.

AiDOOS is great because you only pay for completed tasks, no hiring needed and no platform learning curve. 

Platforms like CloudDevs, Upwork, Turing, and Toptal make it easy to find the right talent, control your costs, and get started quickly.

Why is AiDOOS a Better Alternative to Braintrust

AiDOOS is not a regular freelancer marketplace like Braintrust. 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 Braintrust?

Some popular alternatives to Braintrust are AiDOOS, CloudDevs, Upwork, Turing, Toptal, and Gun.io. They help you hire fast and give you more control over your project.

2. Why are some businesses moving away from Braintrust?

Businesses leave Braintrust because it can be slow, hard to use, or has less support for picking the right talent. They want faster hiring, clearer prices, and more help from the platform.

3. Is Braintrust suitable for long-term or recurring projects?

Yes, Braintrust can work for long-term projects, but many clients say it’s better for one-off jobs.

4. How is the hiring process on Braintrust different from other sites?

On Braintrust, you search and match yourself, which can take time. On AiDOOS, you get faster results and pay only for the outcome-based results.

5. Are there platforms with lower service fees than Braintrust?

Yes. AiDOOS only charges when your task is done. Other platforms like Fiverr Pro and Lemon.io show prices up front so you know what you’ll pay.

6. Which platforms offer better delivery support than Braintrust?

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 Braintrust?

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.