Hiring poorly skilled developers can be disastrous for any SaaS company. Your codebase will suffer, leading to more bugs and higher maintenance costs. This slows down development and makes your product less reliable. Customers expect high-quality software, and failing to deliver can damage trust. 

So, if hiring quality developers is non-negotiable, where should you look?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the ten best websites to hire developers for your startup in 2024. Whether you need ReactJS specialists or full-stack engineers, these platforms can provide the talent that fits your needs.

ReactSquad

ReactSquad.io is a software engineering agency for fast-paced startups. We provide React developers who seamlessly integrate into your team and work with you on your projects. Unlike other platforms, you don’t need to go through the hassle of creating an account, posting project details, sifting through countless profiles, or conducting interviews—though you can if you’d like.

Our developers are full-time employees of ReactSquad. This means you get access to top-notch talent without the overhead costs of traditional hiring.

How hiring with ReactSquad works

1. Book a call to tell us what you need
2. We’ll match you with a developer who fits the bill within 24 hours
3. We’ll set up a brief call to introduce your dev. You can move forward if they’re both a technical and cultural fit for you. Start your project with a 7-day free trial. 

Pricing

Transparent pricing of $75/hour with a flexible monthly billing.

Pros 

• We work as an extension of your internal team. Our embedded developers function just like your regular employees, fully integrating into your workflow.
• We’re 100% focused on React.JS, so you can trust that our work is top-notch.
• Our hiring process is faster than most platforms. We match you with a developer in less than 24 hours, and they can start shipping code within a week.
• We offer a 7-day risk-free trial.
• Startup-friendly pricing at just $75/hour.

Cons 

• We specialize exclusively in React.JS engineers. So if your project requires another tech stack, we’re not the right fit for you.

Gun.io

Gun.io is designed to connect companies of all sizes with reliable software engineers. The platform has features like a talent directory, project management tools, and a payment system, to streamline your hiring process. Whether you need a freelancer or a full-time employee, Gun.io has you covered.

How hiring with Gun.io works

1. Sales call with their talent team to discuss the skills you’re looking for.
2. Within 5 days, the talent team will present you with a list of candidates who match your requirements.
3. You can then interview the candidates to see who fits best with your team and make your hire.

Pricing  

Gun.io doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all pricing model. Instead, they work with clients to create a package that fits their budget. However, they have a monthly retainer that starts at $5,000.

Pros 

• Every candidate is thoroughly vetted by senior developers on the talent team.
• They offer flexible packages tailored to fit any budget.
• If you’re not satisfied with your hire, you can easily swap talents.
• You can complete the hiring process within 13 days.

Cons 

• While the service is strong, a risk-free trial would’ve been a nice addition, especially considering the relatively high retainer fee.

‍Toptal

Toptal prides itself as a hub for the world’s best developers. But it’s not just developers—you can also find designers, product managers, and finance professionals on the platform.

How hiring on Toptal works

1. Reach out to the talent team and specify the type of talent you need.
2. They search for a match and notify you within a few days, but it can also take up to three weeks.
3. Once you’ve chosen, complete the hiring process and bring the freelancer onto your team.

Pricing

Hiring a freelancer on Toptal costs between $60 and $200 per hour. Additionally, there’s a one-time, refundable deposit of $500, which you get back if you decide not to hire anyone.

Pros 

• The process is quicker than traditional employment.
• You can hire talent for both short and long-term projects.
• Since all candidates are vetted, the chances of a mismatch are relatively low.

Cons 

• If you need a developer urgently, waiting up to three weeks might be too long.
• Most developers charge over $100 per hour, so the service can be pricey, especially for startups. 

Lemon.io

Lemon.io is another platform that connects you with the best match from their pool of vetted freelance developers. One standout feature is their ability to deliver a match within 24 hours. Most of their developers are based in Eastern Europe.

How hiring on Lemon.io work

1. Sign up: Start by signing up on their website.
2. Consultation: A sales representative will reach out to gather more details about your project.
3. Matching: After you submit your project details, they’ll work to match you with a developer within 24 hours.

Pricing

Lemon.io’s rates range between $45 to $80 per hour. They also require a security deposit before beginning your project.

Pros

• Quality developers: You gain access to vetted, high-quality developers.
• Quick service: The matching process is fast, often within 24 hours.
• Affordable rates: Their fees are generally lower than many competitors

Cons

• Matching delays: If your project requires rare tech skills, the matching process might take longer.

Flexiple

Flexiple is a platform that offers a network of freelance developers and designers, specifically to growth-stage startups.

How hiring on Flexiple works

• First contact: You reach out and share your needs and objectives with them.
• Personalized match: They’ll give you a personalized recommendation based on the information you provide.
• Candidate interviews: You get to interview the recommended candidates to see who fits your project best.

Pricing

Their hourly rates can range from $30 to $100, depending on the developer’s experience and the specifics of your project.

Pros 

• Quick service: They deliver suitable candidates within 72 hours.
• Affordable rates: Their fees are relatively affordable compared to other platforms.
• Screened talent: Freelancers are vetted and categorized by experience level, making finding the right match for your project easier.

Cons

• Limited Information: There’s not much information available online about this service.
• Since it’s not very well-known, a risk-free trial would have been a nice addition.

Guru

Guru is a versatile platform offering freelance talents across various skills, especially in the tech space.

How hiring on Guru works

Guru provides two main hiring options for hiring:

1. Search and browse: You can manually search and browse through available profiles to find the right freelancer.
2. Post a job: Alternatively, you can post a job and wait for freelancers to apply. This platform puts you in control of the entire hiring process with little assistance from Guru.

Pricing

Freelancers set their rates, so you’ll find a wide range. Prices are typically between $20 and $100 per hour. Guru also charges a 3% fee on every transaction. Lastly, if you want to boost the visibility of your job listing, you can do this for $29.95 per month.

Pros

• With over 300,000 developers to choose from, you have plenty of options.
• You can find skilled developers even if you’re working with a tight budget.

Cons

• Guru doesn’t vet its freelancers, so you’ll need to do your own due diligence.
• With so many freelancers available, finding the right fit can take some time.

Arc.Dev

Arc.dev is a freelancing platform that helps businesses connect with developers for full-time roles. Whether you’re looking to add extra support to your existing team or build an entirely new software development crew, Arc.dev can help.

The platform makes hiring easier by using strict vetting processes, ensuring you get access to top-tier freelance engineers.

How hiring on Arc.dev works

1. Book a call to discuss your dev needs.
2. Arc.dev matches you with pre-vetted developers who fit the bill
3. Interview shortlisted candidates for cultural fit.
4. Make your choice and start working with your developer.

Pricing

Fees start at $60 and go as high as $110 for more experienced freelance engineers.

Pros 

• Relatively fast recruitment time of up to 5 days.
• 14-day risk-free trial for freelance hires
• Strict vetting process

Cons 

• Not suitable for long-term projects.

Upwork

Upwork is a general freelance website for hiring different kinds of skilled professionals, including freelance software engineers. 

How hiring on Upwork works

• Start by posting a job or product with your requirements
• Upwork displays your job ad to freelancers whose skills match your job.
• Freelancers bid for your project with proposals.
• After interviewing and selecting your preferred candidate, you can start the contract.

You can also review freelancers' profiles and invite them to apply for your job.

Pricing

Developer fees on Upwork are between $21 and $52 per hour. In addition, Upwork charges a 2.75% to 3.75% service fee on each transaction.

Pros 

• Easy and quick access to a large talent pool
• Reasonable prices that won't break the bank
• Safe and secure payments
• Quick customer support

Cons 

• With only a few quality developers on the platform, you need to spend a lot of time searching for good picks.

Revelo

Revelo connects you with fully vetted Latin American developers who can work within US time zones. With over 300,000 vetted tech talents available, Revelo is a strong option for finding skilled developers.

How hiring on Revelo works

Revelo offers more than just talent matching. Their process includes handling all the back-office operations, such as employee benefits, compliance, and other administrative tasks, so you can focus solely on your project.

Pricing

The exact cost of hiring a developer isn’t disclosed, but we know there’s an additional fee of $2,500 on top of the monthly developer salaries.

Pros 

• Quick hiring: The average time to hire a developer is about 14 days.
• Experienced talent: Nearly half (46%) of their developers have mid to senior-level experience.

Cons 

• The extra $2,500 per month charge is higher than the industry average.
• The lack of pricing transparency can be a drawback. 

Scalable Path

Scalable Path is a platform that connects companies with freelance software developers and designers from over 138 countries.

How hiring on Scalable Path works

Scalable Path’s team hand-picks candidates based on your specific project requirements. They prioritize the screening process according to your needs to find the right fit for your project. However, you should note that the whole hiring process can take up to 3 weeks. 

Pricing

The hourly rates for developers on Scalable Path generally range between $50 and $70.

Pros 

• No recruitment fees: You don’t have to worry about extra recruitment charges.
• Strict vetting: Candidates are thoroughly vetted to match your project’s needs.

Cons 

• Limited reviews: There aren’t many online reviews available for Scalable Path. While the few are positive, the lack of reviews could suggest that the platform is not yet widely used.
• The process can take about 3 weeks, sometimes more.

Alternative Ways To Hire Freelance Software Developers

If you're looking to hire freelance developers, several alternative methods exist beyond traditional platforms. Here are some options:

Job boards and Remote working platforms

Job boards and online communities specifically for developers can be excellent places to connect with top talent. Some popular options include:

• Flexjobs
• RemoteOk
• Inclusivelyremote
• Authenticjobs.com
• Freelancer
• Indeed
• Adzuna
• Jooble
• LinkedIn

Newsletter

Newsletters like No CS Degree, SitePoint, and Software Lead Weekly reach a large audience of developers. Sponsorship fees for these newsletters can be quite affordable, sometimes as low as $200, making it a cost-effective way to attract talented developers.

Coding platforms and communities

In communities like GitHub and StackOverflow, developers share tips, tricks, and best practices and build great software. These communities are full of passionate developers committed to helping each other grow. They can be fantastic places to connect with top talent and find developers who can bring your project to life.

Ask for referrals

Sometimes, the best way to find a great developer is through word-of-mouth. Tapping into your network can be incredibly effective—recommendations from people you trust can be more reliable than online reviews. LinkedIn is particularly useful for this, as it allows you to reach out to your connections and get referrals from professionals with firsthand experience with the developers they recommend.

Tips for hiring a developer

Regardless of your chosen platform, follow these tips when hiring a freelance software developer:

Define your project requirements

Identify the programming languages and technical tools your project needs. You can communicate effectively with your potential developer when you understand the technical aspects.

Define the length of the project

Knowing how long your project will take helps you choose the right platform. Some platforms are better for short-term projects, while others are ideal for long-term commitments. Clarifying the project duration will help you pick the platform that aligns with your needs.

Decide on the experience level for your project.

You’ll also need to determine the appropriate experience level based on your project needs—whether you need a beginner, mid-level, or senior developer. Choosing the right experience level will place your project in the hands of capable expertise.

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Every platform mentioned in this blog post has its own set of pros and cons. For instance, if you need a developer for a quick, short-term project and are looking for an affordable option, Upwork might be a great fit.

However, if your goal is to scale your company quickly with reliable, affordable React developers, we’re here to help. Schedule a call with us today to get started.