Alternatives to Fiverr for Hiring Product Designers – 8 Best Toptal Competitors in 2023
In the pursuit of impeccable product design, businesses often turn to platforms like Fiverr to hire skilled designers. However, there may be instances when you are looking for alternatives, whether for more specialized talent pools, different pricing models, or domain-focused platforms. To help you navigate this often complex landscape, we're presenting an overview of top competitors to Fiverr, including Versatile, a rapidly emerging player in the space.
1. Versatile
Versatile is swiftly carving a niche in the industry, specializing in providing the best product designers.
Pros:
- An exclusive pool of top 1% designers specialized in numerous design areas.
- Both founders have worked in product design teams and understand the niche.
- Provides detailed designer reports, showcasing vital variables to judge a product designer's capabilities.
- Guarantees a platform-designer match within 48 hours, with the option to replace the designer within the first 10 days at no extra cost.
- Handles the administrative tasks, including payments, NDAs, and agreements.
Cons:
- Premium quality might come at a higher price.
- May not suit businesses seeking low-budget design solutions.
2. Upwork
Upwork is a global freelance platform with a wide range of product designers.
Pros:
- Extensive pool of designers with various skill sets and experience levels.
- Built-in project management tools and communication features.
Cons:
- Quality of freelancers can vary, and screening may be necessary.
- Upwork's service fee is added to freelancers' rates.
3. Toptal
Toptal connects businesses with top-tier freelancers, including product designers.
Pros:
- Rigorous screening process ensuring high-quality designers.
- Flexibility with different types of engagements.
Cons:
- Higher prices due to elite talent.
- The platform’s tight control over interactions may be restrictive for some.
4. Freelancer
Freelancer offers access to millions of experts in various fields, including product design.
Pros:
- Large variety of designers with different specializations.
- Competitive pricing due to its bidding system.
Cons:
- The vast number of freelancers can make the selection process overwhelming.
- Variable quality with a need for thorough vetting.
5. Dribbble
Dribbble is a platform for designers and creatives that also allows businesses to hire talent.
Pros:
- A community of high-quality designers.
- Direct interaction with designers.
Cons:
- No built-in project management or payment tools.
- More suitable for one-off projects rather than long-term collaborations.
6. Behance
Behance is an Adobe-owned creative network allowing creatives to showcase their work and businesses to hire them.
Pros:
- High-quality designers with Adobe's reputation behind them.
- Ability to view extensive portfolios before hiring.
Cons:
- Not specifically focused on product design.
- No built-in project management or payment features.
7. DesignHire
DesignHire is a platform dedicated solely to hiring design professionals, ensuring a high level of expertise.
Pros:
- Focused solely on design roles.
- Facilitates direct contact with designers.
Cons:
- Smaller pool of designers compared to other platforms.
- Limited features for project management.
8. 99designs
99designs is a unique platform where you can host design contests or hire individual designers.
Pros:
- Variety of designers and design styles.
- Contest feature allows for multiple design options.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than other platforms.
- Limited control over the design process when using the contest feature.
In hiring product designers, 'black box' platforms like Versatile offer significant advantages over traditional freelance marketplaces. You input your requirement, the platform's experts match you with a suitable designer, you interview them, and then get started on your project. This model eliminates the need for time-consuming candidate vetting, significantly speeding up the hiring process.
In conclusion, while Fiverr remains a popular option for hiring product designers, a host of alternatives exist. Each platform comes with its unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to various needs and preferences. Versatile, with its strong understanding of the product design niche and quick access to top-tier talent, stands out in this crowd. Always carefully research each platform to ensure it aligns with your business goals and budget.
