Callstack delivers top-tier React Native development, but their enterprise focus and premium pricing can leave startups feeling priced out. Many founders discover that what works for Fortune 500 companies doesn't always fit a lean startup budget or timeline.

Callstack excels at complex enterprise projects and has genuine React Native expertise. But if you're a startup needing quality developers without the enterprise overhead, agency timelines, or hefty minimum project commitments, you're probably ready to explore alternatives.

This comparison breaks down five solid alternatives based on your specific needs: budget constraints, hiring speed, team size, and technical requirements.

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What is Callstack?

Callstack is a React and React Native development agency founded shortly after React Native's release. They’re known to be consultants and core contributors to the React Native ecosystem, serving enterprises and established companies.

The agency targets businesses that need complex, large-scale React Native implementations with dedicated teams of senior developers. They're known for their open-source contributions and deep technical expertise in the React ecosystem.

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Callstack Pricing

Callstack doesn't publish standard rates. They operate on a custom quote model like most premium agencies. But based on industry standards for agencies of their caliber, expect rates in the $150-250+ per hour range for senior developers.

Projects typically require minimum commitments and longer engagement periods. According to Clutch, while Callstack’s minimum project size is about $25,000, projects were usually in the $50K to $200k range. This may exceed most startup budgets, hence why Callstack is more suitable for enterprise companies. 

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How Callstack Vets Developers

We couldn't find any publicly available details about Callstack's developer vetting or screening process. They don’t publish a formal "how we hire" guide on their website so there’s no concrete way to determine their quality, except to rely on what former clients have said.  

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Callstack Client Reviews

Specific client reviews about Callstack are limited due to their enterprise focus and NDA requirements. However feedback from their clients on Clutch praised their technical expertise and highly recommended them for React Native projects. The downsides had to do with the premium pricing.

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How to Hire Software Developers from Callstack

Here's how Callstack’s website describes how you can engage their talent:

1. Reach out via email or the contact form on their website.
2. A member of their team (likely a business developer or technical lead) will contact you to discuss your project, technologies, objectives, timelines, and so on.
3. After discussions, Callstack will present you with a proposal detailing roles, deliverables, estimates, and rates.
4. If accepted, Callstack will assign engineers to join your team under a staff augmentation arrangement and get started. The whole process typically takes a week but may be longer. 

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Callstack Pros

• Proven track record with enterprise clients.
• You can scale the size of your team as needed.

Callstack Cons

• The minimum project commitment may exceed startup budgets.
• Their custom quote model lacks pricing transparency.
• Their enterprise focus may not align with startup agility needs
• You can’t verify the quality of devs as their vetting process is private 

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Best Callstack Alternatives

Probably Callstack’s enterprise-level pricing might blow your budget. Or perhaps you want more transparency over the quality of their talent. Check out these 5 alternatives below: 

#1 ReactSquad

We’re a marketplace of vetted React developers specifically for startups and SaaS companies. Our engineers specialize exclusively on React, Next.js, and the broader JavaScript ecosystem.

Best for: Startups needing experienced React developers quickly without agency overhead

What ReactSquad offers

• Rigorous vetting process: Each dev undergoes three interviews plus a 4-week paid test project. We don’t accept anyone with less than 5 years of experience. 
• CTO-curated talent: All developers handpicked by Jan Hesters, a former Hopin senior engineer.
• Startup-friendly pricing: Transparent $75/hour rate with no hidden fees
• Rapid hiring: Get matched with developers within 48 hours
• Specialized expertise: 100% focus on React, Next.js, Node.js, and JavaScript frameworks
• Risk-free trial: 7-day free trial with replacement guarantees

Pricing: $75/hour with no upfront costs or hidden fees

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ReactSquad vs Callstack Compared

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Where ReactSquad Beats Callstack

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#2 Gun.io

Gun.io is a talent-matching platform that connects companies with vetted software developers for remote freelance or full-time positions across multiple technology stacks.

Best for: Companies needing flexible hiring options across various tech stacks

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What Gun.io offers

• AI-powered matching: Automated talent matching based on project requirements
• Strong vetting: Three-stage process including coding tests and technical interviews
• Flexible engagement models: Hire for short-term projects, long-term contracts, or full-time hires.
• Multiple tech stacks: Broad range of programming languages and frameworks
• Two-week trial: Risk-free evaluation period

Pricing: Gun.io doesn't have set prices or hourly rates listed on their website. They provide custom quotes based on project requirements.

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Gun.io vs Callstack Compared

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Where Gun.io Beats Callstack

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#3 Andela

Andela is a global talent network that connects companies with software developers, primarily from Africa and other emerging markets, for full-time remote positions.

Best for: Companies seeking senior developers for long-term, full-time positions.

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What Andela offers

• Global talent pool: Access to developers from diverse geographic locations
• Full-time employment: Permanent hires and long-term contracts rather than project-based work
• Ongoing support: Talent management and retention assistance.

Pricing: Andela charges an average monthly flat rate of up to $15,000 per developer. Since contracts are signed for at least 12 months, you could be paying as much as $180,000. If you choose to hire a developer full-time, you’ll pay an extra $50,000 direct hiring fee. 

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Andela vs Callstack Compared

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Where Andela Beats Callstack

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#4 DevSquad

DevSquad is a software development agency that provides dedicated software teams, with talent mainly from Latin America. DevSquad employs a ‘software development as a service’ model, where you only pay a monthly fee based on the work done that month.

Best for: Companies who need complete dev teams with Latin American talent.

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What DevSquad offers

• Full team deployment: Complete development teams including project managers
• Latin American talent: Access to skilled developers in compatible time zones
• Flexible engagement: Monthly subscription model with cancellation flexibility
• No upfront fees: Start projects without initial commitments

Pricing: Hourly rates range between $100 - $150/hour per developer.

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DevSquad vs Callstack Compared

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Where DevSquad Beats Callstack

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#5 Arc.dev

Arc.dev is a remote developer marketplace that connects companies with pre-vetted software developers worldwide for both short-term and long-term projects.

Best for: Companies needing vetted developers for long-term contracts across various technologies.

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What Arc.dev offers

• Global talent network: Access developers from around the world.
• Multiple engagement types: Freelance, contract, and full-time options
• Comprehensive vetting: Technical assessments and background checks
• Broad technology stack: Support for most programming languages and frameworks
• Flexible trial periods: Enjoy a risk-free trial of up to 2 weeks.

Pricing: Rates are between $70 - $120/hour depending on developer experience and location.

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Arc.dev vs Callstack Compared

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Where Arc.dev Beats Callstack

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Quick Comparison of Callstack Alternatives

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Best Callstack Alternative Per Use Case

Here are the best alternatives for different use cases and scenarios. 

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Final Thoughts

Callstack remains the popular choice for enterprise React Native development with complex requirements and generous budgets. They're ideal for established companies that need proven expertise and can afford premium pricing.

But for startups and growing companies, Callstack's enterprise focus often creates misalignment. The lengthy onboarding, custom pricing, and minimum commitments can slow down the rapid iteration that startups need.

ReactSquad is the best overall alternative for startups. Our $75/hour transparent pricing, 48-hour matching, and React-focused expertise addresses the core issues that drive teams away from expensive agencies. Plus our rigorous vetting process and CTO-curated talent pool ensure you get quality developers without the agency overhead.

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