Toptal lists a $79 monthly subscription once you proceed with talent matching, on top of hourly rates. RemoteAI lets you post one job a month free (open 14 days, reviewed first if your website is not verified), with transparent pricing and zero markup on what you pay your hire.
Comparing more options? See Toptal alternatives for hiring AI talent, compared.
| Category | RemoteAI | Toptal |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring platform fee | None (one-time fees only) | $79/month once you proceed with matching (Toptal FAQ) |
| Focus | AI, ML, LLM & prompt engineering specialists | General software engineering & design |
| How candidates reach you | Talents apply to your post, matched automatically | A shortlist from a matcher |
| How you pay talent | Directly, no platform in the middle | Through Toptal, invoiced twice a month |
| Pricing model | Free, $49 per post, or $179 for 5 posts (one-time) | Hourly rate + $79/month subscription |
Toptal figures from Toptal's FAQ (toptal.com/faq), read October 30, 2026. Terms can change; check with Toptal before deciding.
Why teams switch
$0
to start hiring
No card required to post one job a month free (open 14 days; a short review first if your company website is not verified).
0%
markup on rates
The rate a freelancer sets is the rate you pay. Nothing added on top, nothing hidden.
Direct
you read every application yourself
No matcher between you and candidates.
FAQ
On platform fees, yes. Toptal lists a flat $79 monthly subscription fee, charged if you proceed with talent matching (Toptal FAQ, read October 30, 2026), on top of the hourly rates. RemoteAI has no recurring platform fee: you post one job a month free (open 14 days, reviewed first if your website is not verified) or pay a flat one-time fee ($49 per post, or $179 for 5 posts), then negotiate and pay the freelancer directly with no markup.
No. RemoteAI charges for access to the platform and candidate pool (posting, applications, direct contacts) — not a percentage of your contract. What you agree with the freelancer is exactly what you pay them.
Toptal describes a multi-stage screening process. On RemoteAI, new profiles are reviewed by our team (real name, real description, own photo); skills are not tested. The focus is on AI, ML, and LLM specialists rather than general tech talent.
Toptal says it usually introduces candidates from its network within 24 hours (Toptal FAQ, read October 30, 2026). On RemoteAI, your post goes live once published (after a short review if your company website is not verified) and is matched against the talent pool; you review and contact candidates directly, without an intermediary.
Toptal covers many engineering and design skills, with a $79 monthly subscription on top of hourly rates. RemoteAI is focused on AI, ML, LLM and prompt engineering talent.
See how many AI specialists apply before you pay anything. Free jobs are open 14 days and reviewed first if your website is not verified.