1. Toptal
Toptal connects startups and businesses with the top talent in software engineering from around the world. The company uniquely boasts that they can give you access to the top 3% of freelance developers all over the world. They do this by screening all applicants before they enter their freelancing talent pool.

Toptal’s screening process includes a language and personality test, timed algorithm testing, technical screenings with other Toptal engineers, a test project and an ongoing commitment for these freelance developers to maintain a perfect track record while working with clients.

As rigorous as this process is for potential freelance engineers, Toptal aims to make it the opposite experience for clients. First, clients will tell Toptal how many engineers they need and the type of technology they are working with.

Then, the Silicon Valley-based startup will provide a status report letting you know of any possible matches. If found, they can become part of your team right away, even starting on a 100 percent risk-free trial basis. If a match doesn’t exist, Toptal will keep working until it finds one.

2. Upwork
Upwork is a freelance service that works with clients throughout the whole hiring process, from posting to payment, aiming to provide users with a great experience on their marketplace.
Upwork’s process is simple enough. Start by describing the type of job you need done. It can be practically any job – big or small, individual or team, short term or long term. Potential candidates will apply to your posting, allowing you to compare profiles, feedback and portfolios.

Then, you interview and select the best candidate to join your team and take on the project. Payments can be per project or hour, your choice. Payments will also go through Upwork’s payment system with Upwork keeping a fee.

3. Guru
Guru is similar to Upwork in that you start your freelancer search by describing and posting your job on their site. However, unlike Upwork, Guru adds another layer through the ability to search for a specific freelancer based on specialties, categories, location, feedback, rate and more. This allows top freelancers to stand out from the crowd instead of having to apply for jobs each time.
Guru also provides a collaboration and project workspace called Work Room. In Work Room, you can share project deadlines and milestones or simply communicate with your freelancer within the Guru system. Payments can be made through the Guru Safepay system or by invoice. With SafePay, an employer deposits money into Guru’s Safepay account and Guru pays your freelancer only after you approve the work.

4. Freelance
Much like the websites mentioned above, Freelancer.com allows you to list your project and receive competitive bids from freelancers. They also have a reputation system to simplify the process of finding the right freelancer.
In addition, you can add upgrades for a fee to your project such as marking your project as featured within the posting system or having Freelancer’s recruiters help you screen your candidates.

5. Fiverr
Fiverr takes the freelance marketplace and sizes it down into smaller project chunks. Freelancers make profiles introducing who they are and what services they offer with the website even offering an introduction video. Companies can search from their talent pool by typing in a keyword or going straight into defined categories such as “Web Mobile Design.”
True to their name, most Fiverr freelancers will have little services that they offer for $5, but jobs will also include a listing of “Gig Extras” that can be added for higher fees.

6. UpStack
As a network of engineering talent, UpStack helps small businesses expand their development team without having to hire anyone new. Each candidate listed on UpStack is vetted to make sure they are proficient in the areas they say they specialize in. This process results in just 1% of applicants being accepted into the UpStack roster of freelancers. Access to this curated group of freelancers comes at a high cost, with a deposit worth hundreds of dollars required to start.

7. Craigslist
Craigslist is much more than a marketplace for apartment rentals or used furniture. It actually can be a solid source for freelancing services. You can browse their vast listings by specific cities and view postings for computer services being offered there.
Listings are sorted by date posted and you can search by keyword for the specific services you are looking for.

8. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour provides three ways for companies to get started on their quest for freelance work. The first option is to browse Hourlies, which are fixed offers that are ready to begin right away. The second option is to post a job and wait for proposals to roll in. Finally, the third option allows you to search the directory of freelancers and contact them directly
From inside PeoplePerHour’s system, you can manage your project, communicate with your hire and pay them for a job well done.

9. GitHub Jobs
GitHub is a Microsoft owned subsidiary that hosts software development sessions and helps with version control using Git. More than 50 million developers use the service and GitHub Jobs regularly has postings for various types of development jobs. Though most of the listings are for full-time positions, freelance offerings have shown up from time to time. If you’re looking to post a job, it costs $450 per listing.

10. Gigster
Built to help companies find development talent, Gigster can help connect your company with qualified teams of developers. Billed as an on-demand service, Gigster allows companies to build tech projects without already having a development team on hand.

11. Dice
With more than three million tech professionals registered on its tech and IT job board, Dice is a strong tool for finding freelancers. Like some other job boards in this field, a single job listing costs approximately $400, though given the importance of development work, this may be worth it for your business.

12. Authentic Jobs
This job board is aimed at helping big and small companies find designers, developers and creatives to help fill empty roles. Part-time, full-time and freelance positions make up the board and all kinds of industries are represented on it. Unlike other job boards, Authentic Jobs has a lower job listing price of $149 per month or $199 per month for a featured job listing.