Near vs. Toptal: Which Should You Use to Hire Remote Talent?

You're here because you're weighing Near vs. Toptal. You need top talent, and you're deciding between two very different approaches to finding it.

Both companies connect US businesses with skilled remote professionals, but we solve fundamentally different problems. Toptal operates as a global freelancer marketplace with managed delivery services for project-based work. Near provides full-service recruiting focused exclusively on Latin America for companies building permanent teams.

The choice comes down to what you need and how you prefer to work.

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Near: The Full-Service Staffing & Recruiting Partner

G2 Rating: 4.9

Near (Hire With Near) is a full-service staffing and recruiting agency that helps US companies hire top-performing remote talent in Latin America across finance, accounting, sales, software engineering, AI, data, marketing, operations, and virtual assistance.

We're not a platform. We don't supply freelancers. We're a white-glove recruiting partner for companies building permanent teams where people stick around, contribute expertise, and help your company win. We handle everything from sourcing to vetting to payroll and compliance, so hiring feels simple on your side.

[fs-toc-omit]Key strengths:

• Quality-first approach: Our 97% candidate placement rate and 9.1+ client satisfaction come from obsessing over fit. We screen for drive, readiness, and cultural match to find people who contribute from day one and stay for years.
• Latin America specialization: We know the LatAm market inside out with recruiters and talent hunters on the ground. We understand local salary benchmarks, cultural nuances, and where to find A-players across Latin America.
• Built for retention: 80% of our hires stay 2+ years because we screen for long-term fit, not just availability. We'll advise against hiring someone if red flags emerge, even when it means starting over.
• Talent pool depth + reach: While we maintain a pre-vetted network of 45,000+ candidates, we don't stop there. We source until we find talent that meets your exact requirements and expectations.
• 180-day guarantee: If a placement doesn't work out in the first six months, we find a replacement at no additional cost.
• Video shortlists that save time: See and hear candidates before investing in live interviews. Curated video introductions in 3-5 days with pre-screened professionals who want permanent roles.‍
• Equipment & workspace support: Part of our white-glove approach is helping with the extras that matter. From laptops to office space, if your team needs it, we’ll make it happen.

Toptal: Global Freelancer Marketplace

G2 Rating: 4.7

Toptal is a global talent marketplace connecting the "top 3%" of freelance professionals with companies for project-based and ongoing work. With a network spanning 150+ countries, they offer multiple service models beyond simple talent matching.

[fs-toc-omit]Key features:

• Global reach: Access to talent across 150+ countries with no specific regional focus, giving you worldwide options for contractors and freelancers.
• Multiple service models: Beyond marketplace access, Toptal offers Managed Delivery (end-to-end project execution) and Managed Services (ongoing managed support) for companies wanting hands-off execution.
• Fast matching: Claims under 24 hours to match talent and 48 hours to hire, with 90% hiring the first candidate introduced.‍
• Risk-free trials: Up to 2-week trial periods where you only pay if satisfied, with unlimited replacements if needed.

Where Near and Toptal Align

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Where Near Stands Out Compared to Toptal

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What Clients Say About Near

G2 and client feedback consistently highlight what sets Near apart across these key areas:

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Example Salary Ranges When You Hire Through Near

With Near, you stay in control of compensation.

We provide the benchmarks and breakdown; you set the final compensation offer and timing for raises.

Below are a few examples of salary ranges by role. Our comprehensive LatAm vs. US Salary Guide has figures for many more.

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On average, our clients save $35,000 to $55,000 annually per role compared to hiring in the US.

During your no-commitment discovery call, we’ll share recommended ranges to attract the best talent and explain our fees clearly, which are separate and depend on the support you need (recruiting only or payroll and compliance too).

With Near, there are never upfront costs.

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What To Do Next

This isn't about which company is "better." Both Near and Toptal deliver results for our target clients. The decision comes down to matching our approaches with your actual needs.

Most likely, you’ll speak with a few providers before you decide. We’d like to be one of them.

Comparisons help, but a call answers the real questions related to your role, timeline, and budget.

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We'll provide role-specific salary benchmarks and walk you through exactly how we'd approach building your team. You’ll be able to interview candidates for free and see the calibre of talent we can find you.