8 Best Platforms To Outsource Web Development

Upwork

If you want one place to find web developers for any type of project, Upwork works well. It’s the most accessible starting point when you’re new to outsourcing.

Upwork connects you with millions of freelancers worldwide. You can browse developer profiles, check their portfolios, and read reviews from past clients. The platform vets freelancers before they can join, which helps filter out low-quality options.

What makes Upwork stand out is its flexible payment system. You can choose hourly rates or fixed-price contracts. For fixed-price jobs, Upwork holds your payment in escrow until you approve the work. This protects you if the developer doesn’t deliver what you agreed on.

But that’s not all, there’s more:

• You can search for developers using specific filters like skills, location, and hourly rate
• The platform charges clients a 3–10% fee depending on your plan tier
• Web developers on Upwork typically charge between $15 and $200 per hour
• You get payment protection for both hourly and fixed-price contracts

While Upwork works for most web development projects, the fees can add up. The platform takes a percentage of every payment you make. You also need to spend time screening developers since quality varies widely.

Upwork fits best when you want maximum choice and flexibility. It’s less ideal for complex, mission-critical projects where you need guaranteed elite talent.

Fiverr

Fiverr connects you with over 3 million registered service providers worldwide. The platform shows you clear, pre-packaged pricing upfront. You know exactly what you’ll pay before you hire anyone. This transparency helps you plan your budget without surprises.

What makes Fiverr work for budget projects is its pricing structure. You can find web development services starting at just $5 for basic tasks. More complex projects still cost significantly less than traditional agencies. According to Fiverr’s own research, a simple website with basic design can cost between $175 and $1000.

You can browse services by category, check seller ratings, and read reviews from past clients. The platform offers chat and video tools to communicate with developers. You can share files, track progress, and manage your project directly on the platform.

• You get secure payment protection through Fiverr’s escrow system
• The platform handles dispute resolution if issues arise
• You can contact freelancers before booking services
• Fiverr offers both pre-packaged services and custom quotes

While Fiverr works well for budget projects, quality can vary between sellers. You need to check reviews and ratings carefully. The lowest-priced options might not deliver the quality you expect.

Fiverr fits best when you have a clear, well-defined project and want to control costs. It’s less ideal for complex, ongoing development work where you need consistent high-quality output.

Toptal

When your project needs the absolute best developers available, Toptal delivers. It’s perfect for complex, mission-critical work where quality matters more than cost.

Toptal connects you with the top 3% of freelance developers worldwide. The platform’s rigorous screening process filters out all but the most skilled professionals. These developers typically come from leading tech companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon.

What makes Toptal stand out is its personalised matching approach. You don’t just browse profiles – a dedicated account manager helps find the perfect developer for your specific project. According to Toptal’s screening documentation, each applicant must pass comprehensive English language, communication, and technical skill evaluations.

You get a no-risk trial period with Toptal. You can work with a developer for up to two weeks before committing. You only pay if you decide to continue the engagement. This trial-to-hire rate sits at 98%, showing how well the matching process works.

But that’s not all, there’s more:

• You get dedicated account managers who understand your project needs
• The platform offers 24/7 customer service and support
• You can hire developers in about 48 hours through their matching system
• Toptal handles everything from matching to payment processing

While Toptal delivers elite talent, the cost reflects that quality. Developers typically charge between $60 and $200+ per hour. Highly specialised roles like AI consultants can push even higher. The platform focuses on complex implementations rather than simple website fixes.

Toptal fits best when you have a critical project that needs expert handling. It’s less ideal for basic website work or when you’re working with a tight budget.

Codeable

When you need WordPress-specific development work, Codeable delivers. It’s perfect for businesses that run on WordPress and want experts who understand the platform inside out.

Codeable connects you exclusively with verified WordPress developers worldwide. The platform focuses only on WordPress, which means every developer specialises in this specific content management system. According to Codeable’s pricing documentation, developers follow consistent pricing guidelines of $80-$120 per hour.

What makes Codeable stand out is its rigorous verification process. The platform screens every developer before they can accept projects. This vetting ensures you work with WordPress experts who know what they’re doing. You don’t have to guess about their skills or experience.

You get a dedicated project manager with every Codeable project. This person helps coordinate between you and the developer, making sure communication stays clear and work progresses smoothly. The project manager handles the administrative details so you can focus on your business.

• You get 24/7 customer support for WordPress-specific issues
• The platform handles secure payment processing and escrow protection
• Codeable offers a quality guarantee for peace of mind
• You can submit projects and get estimates based on scope and complexity

While Codeable works well for WordPress projects, the pricing reflects its specialisation. Developers charge $80-$120 per hour plus a 17.5% service fee. The platform focuses exclusively on WordPress, so it doesn’t handle other development frameworks or technologies.

Codeable fits best when you have WordPress-specific needs like theme customisation, plugin development, or site optimisation. It’s less ideal for non-WordPress projects or when you need developers who work with multiple platforms.

Braintrust

Braintrust connects you with skilled developers using blockchain technology. This approach eliminates platform fees for freelancers, which means developers keep more of what they earn. According to industry analysis, this model attracts top talent who might avoid traditional marketplaces with high commission structures.

What makes Braintrust stand out is its Braintrust AIR technology. This AI-powered system matches you with developers up to 50% faster than traditional methods. The platform serves Fortune 1000 companies including Nestlé, Porsche, and Nike, showing its enterprise-level capabilities.

But that’s not all, there’s more:

• You get transparent governance where the community helps shape platform decisions
• The platform offers zero upfront costs for clients starting projects
• Braintrust AIR conducts initial candidate screening and interviews automatically
• You benefit from blockchain-based payment protection and dispute resolution

While Braintrust offers innovative technology, the decentralised model might feel unfamiliar if you’re used to traditional platforms. The talent pool focuses on tech professionals rather than general freelancers. The blockchain aspect adds transparency but requires some understanding of how decentralised networks work.

Braintrust fits best when you want to work with developers who prefer modern, fee-free platforms. It’s less ideal for simple projects or when you need developers outside the tech specialisation.

Lemon.io

When you want senior developers matched by humans rather than algorithms, Lemon.io works well. It’s perfect for businesses that value personal matching and want experienced developers from Eastern Europe.

Lemon.io connects you with a curated pool of 1,500+ vetted senior developers. These developers primarily come from Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine. The platform focuses on senior-level talent rather than junior developers.

• You get developers who average 13+ months of engagement on projects
• The platform accepts only 1.2% of applicants through rigorous vetting
• You can hire developers for full-time or part-time work arrangements
• Lemon.io focuses on startups and midsized companies across 100+ tech stacks

While Lemon.io offers quality senior developers, the pool is smaller than global marketplaces. The platform focuses on Eastern European talent, which might not suit all geographic preferences. It works best for long-term projects rather than quick fixes.

Lemon.io fits best when you want senior developers matched by human specialists. It’s less ideal when you need developers from specific regions outside Eastern Europe or want maximum choice from a huge talent pool.

Gun.io

Gun.io connects you with top-tier developers who specialise in difficult projects. According to industry analysis, the platform ranks #1 in 2025 hiring guides for connecting businesses with elite development talent. The platform focuses on U.S.-based developers who understand complex technical requirements.

You can find and hire senior developers faster than traditional recruitment methods. The platform vets developers thoroughly before they can join, ensuring you work with experienced professionals.

But that’s not all, there’s more:

• You get developers who typically charge $75–$200+ per hour depending on specialization
• The platform adds its service fee on top of developer rates
• You can work with freelancers hourly with no minimum commitment
• Gun.io offers pay-as-you-go engagements for flexible project arrangements

While Gun.io delivers premium talent, the cost reflects that quality. Developers charge premium rates, and the platform adds its own service fee. The focus on U.S.-centric talent might limit geographic options if you prefer developers from other regions.

Gun.io fits best when you have complex projects that need senior developers with proven experience. It’s less ideal for simple website fixes or when you’re working with a limited budget.

Index.dev

Index.dev is perfect for startups and enterprises that need vetted senior talent but want protection if things don’t work out.

Index.dev connects you with pre-vetted senior developers through a global talent network. According to their platform comparison, they offer a 30-day risk-free trial and handle all legal complexities for you. This means you can try developers before committing fully.

You submit your project requirements, and they find suitable developers within two days. The platform uses a rigorous 5-step vetting process that screens only the top 5% of talent from their 20,000+ developer database.

• You get zero upfront costs and no platform fees when hiring through Index.dev
• The 30-day risk-free trial lets you evaluate developers before making long-term commitments
• They handle all legal paperwork and compliance issues for international hiring
• You can hire developers for full-time, part-time, or project-based work arrangements

While Index.dev offers strong risk protection, the focus on senior developers means higher hourly rates. The platform works best for long-term projects rather than quick fixes. The smaller, curated talent pool might limit options compared to massive marketplaces.

Index.dev fits best when you want senior developers with financial protection through trial periods. It’s less ideal for simple, one-off tasks or when you need developers from a specific geographic region outside their network.