10 Best Gigster Alternatives for Hiring Top Tech Talent

When clients look for Gigster alternatives, they often report issues with high costs, unclear pricing, or limited control over teams. 

Top alternatives like AiDOOS, Toptal, Gun.io, Upwork, and CloudDevs offer more transparent pricing, better direct control, and fit for different project sizes.

We’ve sorted them by their strength to help you find the right fit for your next software project.

Top 10 Gigster Alternatives - Overview

Here’s an overview of top 10 Gigster alternatives:

When clients search for Gigster alternatives, they often report dealing with high costs, large minimum project sizes, or limited control over their teams.

One Quora user said they faced “uncertainty with the final pricing” and couldn’t manage the team directly. 

Another report noted Gigster’s minimum contract size of $52,000, which may not fit smaller projects.

Another user mentioned concerns about quality control and the business model itself:

“Gigster’s business model is based on clients not understanding what they're paying for. That’s not sustainable long term.” (reddit.com)

Because of these gaps, many businesses now prefer Gigster alternatives like AiDOOS, Toptal, Gun.io, and Upwork. 

These platforms give clients better cost control, clearer deliverables, and more reliable access to skilled tech talent.

Here are 10 best Gigster 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 Gigster?

AiDOOS uses an outcome-based billing model, clients only pay when tasks are completed.

It offers no big upfront costs, no fixed-bid risk. You pay only for finished work, unlike Gigster’s full-project licensing model.

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2. 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 Gigster?

With global developers vetted through a multi-step process, Toptal provides top-tier talent and escrow protection.

Clients see full profiles and transparent hourly rates (often $60–150/hr), without commitment to a large team budget like Gigster imposes.

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3. 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 Gigster?
Gun.io offers fast matching (within 48 hours) and matches you with senior, vetted developers.

You hire elite engineers directly from a curated network, no fixed bid, just clear hourly or contract rates and fast placements.

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4. 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 Gigster?
Catalant connects businesses with vetted experts in consulting, strategy, and technical execution.

If you need business and tech strategy, not just software, Catalant offers direct access to specialists without the full-team overhead.

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5. 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 Gigster?

X-Team offers dedicated remote teams embedded into your own workflows for as long as needed.

You get stable, ongoing teams, no contest-based outcomes or team turnover issues common with Gigster's short-term bundling.

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6. 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  Gigster?

CloudDevs connects you with Latin American senior developers, available in 24–48 hours and risk-free for 7 days.

It offers quick onboarding, vetted senior devs, and no high minimum spend, unlike Gigster’s $50K+ project threshold.

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7. 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 Gigster?

Clients post tasks or projects, receive bids, and hire directly.

No need to sign for full-team or project fees, ideal for smaller, custom engagements where Gigster's fixed-price model can be too large.

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8. 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 Gigster?

Upwork is a huge freelancer marketplace offering both hourly and fixed-price models with escrow safety.

You post your project, review bids, and hire directly, without signing expensive managed-team contracts like Gigster.

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9. Fiverr Pro

Fiverr Pro is Fiverr’s premium tier offering highly vetted professionals. Unlike Gigster, 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 Gigster?

Fiverr Pro offers vetted professionals selling ready-made service packages at fixed prices.

Clients choose based on deliverables and cost, no complex contracts, no hidden fees, and no need to manage a full development team.

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10. CrowdSPRING

CrowdSPRING is a crowdsourced design platform where many designers submit actual work, and clients pick the best. 

It works differently than single-hire sites, focusing on contests rather than direct hiring.

Clients appreciate that you get many creative options, often over 100 submissions per project.

They enjoy the money-back guarantee and global talent access/

However, designers sometimes complain about payment delays over months and being blocked after winning. Also, reviewing scores of entries takes time.

• Best For: Clients wanting many design ideas and willing to review multiple entries.

• Project Types: Logo design, branding, naming, print and marketing materials.

• Delivery Model: Contest style, multiple designers submit, client selects one.

• Pricing Model: Fixed prize packages, often starting around $200–$300 and up.

• Platform Fees: Fees included in package cost; clients pay upfront.

• Vetting Process: Access is limited to experienced designers.

• Payment Terms: Hosted in escrow, released after client accepts; initial payment held for 14–30 days.

Why is it a Better Alternative to Gigster?

CrowdSPRING runs creative contests, clients receive many design submissions and choose the best.

Ideal for design-heavy projects or branding work where creative variety matters. No developer teams needed or overpriced package deals like on Gigster.

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Conclusion

Gigster 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 Gigster

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

Several platforms offer alternatives to Gigster, such as AiDOOS, Toptal, Gun.io, Catalant, and CloudDevs. These platforms offer better pricing control, simpler hiring, and faster delivery for many types of tech projects.

2. Why are some businesses moving away from Gigster?

Businesses leave Gigster because they want lower costs, faster project starts, or more control over teams. Some also feel Gigster’s process is too closed, they don’t know who’s doing the work.

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

No, not really. Gigster is made for full, one-time projects. If you need ongoing help or long-term support, platforms like AiDOOS or X-Team are better options. You can keep the same people for longer.

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

Gigster uses a full-package model. They give you a team, but you don’t always choose who’s on it. Platforms like Upwork or Gun.io let you pick freelancers directly, which gives you more control.

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

Yes. AiDOOS doesn’t charge until the work is complete, which lowers risk. Platforms like Fiverr Pro or Freelancer.com also show prices upfront, so you know what you’ll spend.

6. Which platforms offer better delivery support than Gigster?

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 Gigster?

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.