Top 13 Andela Alternatives for Hiring Developers 2025

The global hiring market is noisy, and you are spoiled for choice. If you’ve been searching for Andela alternatives, you already know why.

Andela built its reputation by connecting companies with vetted developers from emerging markets. That said, it isn’t the only kid on the block anymore. Today, dozens of platforms promise everything from lightning-fast matches to entire dedicated teams delivered on demand.

In this post, we’ll break down how Andela works, where it shines, and where it struggles. We’ll then dive into 13 of the strongest competitors. And we’ll finish by helping you map the right option to your hiring priorities and project lifecycle.

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Understanding Andela’s Role in Global Hiring

Before you can fairly judge the competition, it helps to understand what Andela actually brings to the table.

Andela’s Origin and Evolution

Andela was founded in 2014 with a bold experiment. Invest in overlooked talent markets, train developers to world-class standards, and export that talent to the global stage.

Its early focus was Africa, but it has since expanded into Latin America and other emerging markets, creating a broad global footprint. Today, Andela claims access to a large global talent pool of software developers, with powerful coverage across both continents.

Andela’s Vetting Process

If Andela is known for anything, it’s their vetting process. The company emphasizes developer quality and consistency through a multi-step screening pipeline.

Vetting stages include:

• Technical assessments to measure coding depth.

• English proficiency tests to ensure communication across teams.

• Live evaluations that simulate real-world challenges.

• AI-driven scoring to filter candidates against role requirements.

This is designed to give you confidence that every hire is a pre-vetted developer with the technical skills and communication ability to integrate seamlessly.

Key Features of the Andela Talent Cloud

The company’s platform, called the Andela Talent Cloud, powers its matching and engagement model.

Strengths of Andela’s Hiring Process

When considering Andela these advantages are possible:

• Access to a global network of skilled developers.

• A structured vetting process that ensures consistent quality.

• Flexible options for hiring individuals or dedicated teams.

• Alignment with industry demands for long-term projects.

Limitations of Andela’s Platform

No platform is flawless, and Andela is no exception. You should be mindful of its limitations:

• Tech-only focus: Andela excels in software development but does not encompass other business functions, such as finance, HR, or marketing.

• Pricing model: Premium compared to some emerging competitors.

• Project scope: Best suited for software-driven roles; less effective for companies needing support across the entire project lifecycle.

TLDR: Comparing Andela Alternatives

With so many platforms competing for executive attention, it helps to step back and see how they stack up side by side.

Disclaimer: The Andela alternatives highlighted here were chosen based on their market relevance, service diversity, and executive hiring value. While not an exhaustive list of every option on the market, these companies represent the most prominent and diverse options.

Below is a quick comparison showing what each platform is best for, their defining feature, and one trade-off to keep in mind.

Key Factors in Choosing an Alternative

Here are the top reasons businesses start looking for Andela alternatives:

• Breadth of Talent Coverage: They focus on software developers and engineering talent. Alternatives like 1840 & Company offer staffing across finance, HR, marketing, sales, and customer service.

• Speed to Hire: Their hiring process typically takes 1–3 weeks. Platforms like CloudDevs can match clients with developers in under 48 hours, while Lemon.io claims many clients hire the first developer they meet.

• Pricing Models: Their model skews toward premium pricing for emerging-market talent. Competitors like CloudDevs use a flat per-hour fee of $45–$75, offering transparent pricing that appeals to cost-sensitive executives.

• Risk Mitigation: Some platforms, like Toptal, offer a two-week free trial, while Lemon.io provides a 20-hour replacement guarantee. These risk-free offers lower barriers for executives testing new providers.

• Project Scope & Management Needs: If you need to manage projects beyond hiring individual developers, Andela is limited. Platforms offering managed services or dedicated teams (such as Terminal.io or 1840 & Company) step in with support throughout the entire project lifecycle.

The 13 Best Andela Alternatives

Some platforms prioritize speed, others focus on quality, and a few promise to handle the entire project lifecycle from sourcing to delivery.

To help you cut through the noise, we’ve broken down the 13 strongest competitors, starting with one of the most elite names in the space: Toptal.

1. Toptal

Best For: Executives seeking top-tier talent for critical projects where quality cannot be compromised.

Toptal has a reputation of exclusivity, positioning itself as an invite-only network of the world’s most talented developers, designers, and financial experts. With a five-step vetting process it rejects 97% of applicants.

Toptal’s biggest draw is risk mitigation. The two-week free trial functions as a safety net, giving you surety that you’re hiring pre-vetted developers with proven communication skills and domain expertise.

Standout Feature: A rigorous vetting process that accepts only the top 3% of applicants globally.

Company Rating: 4.8/5 (Clutch Verified)

Pros:

• Two-week free trial to test fit before committing.
• Covers not just software developers but also project managers, designers, and finance experts.
• Strong brand trust, widely used by Fortune 500s and startups alike.

Cons:

• Premium pricing model; often higher cost per hour than competitors.
• It may not be ideal for companies looking to scale large development teams quickly due to exclusivity.

READ NEXT: Toptal Alternatives for Elite Hiring: The 10 Most Popular Right Now

2. Upwork

Best For: Companies that need access to a large global talent pool for both short-term projects and ongoing work, with flexible budgets.

Upwork is often a first choice, and for good reason. It connects you with over 18 million freelancers across 180 countries, making it one of the largest global networks for remote developers and freelance professionals.

They offer flexible hiring but lack developer quality control found in invite-only networks. It requires client-driven filtering, making it harder to find pre-vetted talent. Good for small tasks or exploratory hiring, but scaling large teams can be resource-intensive.

Standout Feature: A massive developer marketplace that spans millions of freelancers across nearly every industry, not just software development.

Company Rating: 4.5/5 (Clutch Verified)

Pros:

• An enormous talent pool of freelance developers, writers, marketers, and project managers.
• Built-in project management tools and secure payment protection.
• Flexible pricing options, from pay-as-you-go hourly work to fixed project fees.

Cons:

• Wide quality variance; requires careful vetting of candidates.
• The hiring process can be time-consuming due to the high volume of applicants.
• Less structured onboarding compared to curated networks.

3. 1840 & Company

Best For: Companies who want a partner that can staff any department, manage payroll and compliance, and provide flexible engagement models.

At, 1840 & Company we act as a global outsourcing and staffing provider built for those who need comprehensive solutions. With our AI-powered Talent Cloud, we can present pre-vetted developers and professionals within five business days.

1840 offers dedicated teams and individuals across every department. Our model emphasizes flexible engagement models like BPO, RPO, and direct hire placements. We offer full project lifecycle support, including payroll, compliance, and benefits, reducing hiring costs by up to 70% while maintaining quality.

Standout Feature: An AI-powered Talent Cloud that delivers vetted candidates from 150+ countries within five business days, with a 98% placement success rate.

Company Rating: 4.8/5 (Clutch Verified)

Pros:

• Supports hiring for IT, finance, HR, marketing, sales, customer service, and executive leadership.
• Managed services options including BPO, RPO, and nearshore/offshore staffing.
• Provides transparent pricing and up to 70% cost savings compared to traditional hiring.
• Handles international hiring, payroll, compliance, and benefits.

Cons:

• Less niche compared to platforms that focus solely on engineering talent.
• May be more than what small startups need if they only want a single freelance developer.

4. Fiverr Business / Fiverr Pro

Best For: Executives who need freelance developers and creatives for short term projects with fast turnaround times.

Fiverr built its brand on accessibility, originally known for $5 “gigs,” but it has matured into a serious option if you’re looking for skilled developers and digital talent. With Fiverr Business, you can centralize your freelance hiring, manage projects, and collaborate more easily across teams.

Fiverr Pro, meanwhile, offers vetted developers, designers, and digital marketers who have been hand-selected for their technical skills and track record. However, it’s not designed to provide dedicated teams or manage the entire project lifecycle, making it less effective for companies scaling software development capacity over time.

Standout Feature: Fiverr Pro offers a vetted tier of freelancers, giving companies access to pre vetted developers and specialists with verified skills.

Company Rating: 4.1/5 (Glassdoor Verified)

Pros:

• Extremely fast hiring process, often within 24–48 hours.
• Wide variety of talent: from software developers to designers, marketers, and copywriters.
• Flexible pricing model with both fixed project fees and hourly options.

Cons:

• Primarily focused on short-term engagements; not ideal for long term projects.
• Less structured support for scaling entire development teams.
• Variable quality outside of Fiverr Pro tier.

5. Deel

Best For: Executives who already have matched talent and need a risk free solution for payroll, compliance, and international hiring.

Deel has quickly become one of the most recognized names in global HR tech, raising over $675 million in funding and growing to serve 35,000+ businesses worldwide. Instead of forcing you to navigate dozens of country-specific employment laws, Deel acts as the legal EOR.

This makes it easy to hire remote developers, marketers, or customer service teams with same or better benefits than in-house staff. If you’ve already identified pre-vetted developers through another platform, Deel becomes the infrastructure layer that makes international hiring both compliant and sustainable.

Standout Feature: Deel operates as a global EOR, allowing companies to hire in over 150 countries without setting up local entities.

Company Rating: 

Pros:

• Handles compliance, payroll, and benefits, ensuring same or better benefits for global staff.
• Transparent contracts and centralized dashboards simplify administration.
• Integrates with HR systems for streamlined operations.

Cons:

• Doesn’t source skilled developers directly. Companies must bring their own candidates.
• Costs can add up quickly if hiring large teams across multiple countries.
• Less suitable for executives who want a single provider to handle both sourcing and staffing.

6. Remote.com

Best For: Executives looking for a global network of compliance solutions to support remote hiring across borders.

Remote.com is often compared to Deel because both operate in the employer-of-record space, but it takes a different approach. Instead of partnering with third-party providers, Remote builds and owns its own legal entities in the countries where it operates.

Remote offers executives control and reliability in international hiring, payroll, and benefits, crucial for attracting senior talent with competitive packages. Its transparent pricing appeals due to predictable costs for global teams. But, like Deel, Remote lacks a talent marketplace, requiring executives to source developers elsewhere.

Standout Feature: Remote.com owns its own legal entities in dozens of countries, allowing companies to provide same or better benefits without intermediaries.

Company Rating: 4.7/5 (Trustpilot Verified)

Pros:

• Full EOR and contractor management platform with strong compliance coverage.
• Provides localized payroll, taxes, and benefits in 70+ countries.
• Transparent pricing model with no hidden fees.

Cons:

• Like Deel, it does not source vetted developers directly.
• Strongest fit for HR/legal infrastructure needs, less so for executives needing direct hiring pipelines.
• Less project-focused; not built for handling the entire project lifecycle.

7. Terminal.io

Best For: Executives who want dedicated teams of remote software engineers in Latin America, Canada, and Europe with strong time-zone alignment.

Terminal.io was designed with scaling tech companies in mind. Its strength lies in blending sourcing with managed services. Once you’ve choosen your pre-vetted developers, they handle the HR, payroll, and even workspace support where needed.

For U.S. companies, its focus on Latin America, transparent pricing, and nearshore engineering talent offer a practical alternative to Andela, balancing speed, quality, and compliance.

Standout Feature: A managed services model that not only sources talent but also provides HR, payroll, and local office support.

Company Rating: 4.5/5 (Glassdoor Verified)

Pros:

• Fast time-to-hire: often delivers a shortlist in under two weeks.
• Specializes in Latin American talent, aligning with U.S. business hours.
• Offers full project delivery support including HR compliance and onboarding.

Cons:

• Focused primarily on engineering roles; lacks multi-department coverage.
• Smaller global footprint than Andela or Toptal.
• Premium services can make scaling large teams costly.

8. Gun.io

Best For: Executives needing an invite only network of senior developers with proven communication skills for critical projects.

Unlike open platforms where anyone can list their services, Gun.io operates as an invite only network. Developers are handpicked and pass through a multi-stage vetting process run by humans, not just algorithms.

The platform primarily serves senior engineers, offering developers capable of handling complex software development challenges. In terms of cost, they balance quality with competitive pricing. However, its smaller scale compared means it’s best suited for critical projects where quality is paramount, rather than rapid, high-volume scaling.

Standout Feature: A human-run, multi-stage vetting process that ensures every developer is thoroughly evaluated beyond just technical skills.

Company Rating: 4.2/5 (Glassdoor Verified)

Pros:

• Focuses on senior engineers and senior developers with proven track records.
• Emphasizes transparency and strong collaboration during the hiring process.
• Competitive rates compared to other curated marketplaces.

Cons:

• Smaller talent pool than giants like Upwork or Toptal.
• Limited scalability for companies needing hundreds of hires quickly.
• Strong U.S. time-zone focus may not align with global hiring strategies.

9. Braintrust

Best For: Executives seeking a transparent pricing model and a community-owned platform that prioritizes consistent quality over markups.

Braintrust operates as a decentralized network. Instead of skimming fees off freelancers’ rates, Braintrust allows developers to keep their full earnings, while companies pay a flat fee that’s often lower than competitors. This structure is designed to attract talented developers increasing the developer quality available to clients.

While they are still growing, they’re quickly becoming a credible option if you’re frustrated with inflated fees. Braintrust offers access to skilled developers at fair rates, supported by a marketplace model designed to meet modern industry demands without the middleman markup.

Standout Feature: A decentralized, user-owned talent marketplace where talent keeps 100% of their earnings, and clients benefit from lower costs.

Company Rating: 4.4/5 (Clutch Verified)

Pros:

• No commissions taken from developers. You pay only what talent charges.
• Appeals to senior talent thanks to fairer economics.
• Built-in governance model fosters loyalty and accountability.

Cons:

• Still relatively young compared to established competitors.
• Smaller talent pool than giants like Upwork or Fiverr.
• Less traditional support for project management compared to managed services platforms.

10. CloudDevs

Best For: Executives who want to hire remote developers from Latin America quickly, with strong time-zone alignment and transparent rates.

CloudDevs has carved out a niche by focusing exclusively on Latin American talent. With a network of over 8,000 senior developers and designers, CloudDevs emphasizes professional expertise.

They are a particularly good option if you’re seeking long term projects with developers who can integrate smoothly into distributed teams during standard U.S. business hours. CloudDevs provides a strong balance of speed, cost, and quality for executives prioritizing Latin American talent.

Standout Feature: A curated network of 8,000+ senior developers and designers from Latin America, each with at least 7 years of experience.

Company Rating: 5/5 (Clutch Verified)

Pros:

• Matches clients with talent in under 48 hours.
• Flat per hour pricing model between $45–$75.
• Developers aligned with U.S. business hours for easier collaboration.
• Rigorous five-stage vetting process to ensure verified developers.

Cons:

• Regional focus means limited coverage outside of Latin America.
• Primarily software development and design roles; not a full cross-functional solution.
• Smaller network compared to global giants like Andela or Turing.

11. Turing

Best For: Executives who need access to a global talent pool of millions and want an AI-powered vetting process to identify Silicon Valley-caliber developers.

Turing has grown into one of the most recognizable names among Andela alternatives. Its platform uses AI not just for sourcing but for running a rigorous vetting process, which evaluates technical skills, coding capabilities, and soft skills like communication.

With access to over 2 million global developers, executives can scale both individuals and dedicated teams rapidly. They offer flexible engagement, including test projects for fit. Despite its large network potentially overwhelming some, it’s a strong choice for prioritizing breadth, automation, and consistent developer quality.

Standout Feature: A network of over 2 million qualified candidates worldwide, paired with an automated AI matching and assessment system.

Company Rating: 5/5 (Clutch Verified)

Pros:

• AI-driven vetting process to test technical skills, communication, and role fit.
• Access to a massive pool of remote software engineers from over 140 countries.
• Designed to support long term projects as well as test projects.
• Strong focus on scaling dedicated teams of engineers.

Cons:

• Primarily focused on engineering talent; less coverage outside technical roles.
• Sheer size of the pool can still mean variability in developer quality.
• Premium pricing compared to more regionally focused platforms.

12. Crossover

Best For: Executives seeking senior talent in full-time remote roles across engineering, finance, and operations, not just contract developers.

Crossover attracts senior engineers, software developers, and executives through a multi-stage vetting process that includes technical assessments, work simulations, and leadership evaluations. Its pitch is simple: find the top quality talent anywhere in the world and make them part of your permanent team.

Crossover suits those building stable, long-term development teams, prioritizing continuity over speed. Its focus on senior hires means higher costs, making it less ideal for flexible, hourly, or project-based needs. But, for securing top-tier senior engineers for the long haul, Crossover is a specialized Andela alternative.

Standout Feature: A rigorous assessment process designed to identify the top 1% of global professionals.

Company Rating: 4.1/5 (Glassdoor Verified)

Pros:

• Focuses on long term projects and stable full-time placements.
• Covers a broader scope of roles, including software, finance, and operations.
• Structured vetting ensures high developer quality and leadership-level hires.

Cons:

• Less flexible for short term projects or gig-style engagements.
• Hiring process is longer than marketplaces offering rapid matches.
• Premium compensation expectations for senior hires.

13. Arc.dev

Best For: Executives at startups and scaleups that need pre vetted developers for long term projects, typically filled within a few weeks.

Arc.dev grew out of Codementor, a platform that supported developer mentoring, and is now a serious developer marketplace for pre-vetted developers. With a hiring process that typically wraps up in 1–3 weeks, they balance speed with selectivity, making it ideal for startups and scaleups.

They aim to connect you with remote software engineers for long-term projects, bridging the gap between premium networks like Toptal and open marketplaces like Upwork. It’s a practical alternative, though not suitable for cross-functional or short-term hires.

Standout Feature: A six-step screening process, including HackerRank assessments, ensuring only skilled developers make it onto the platform.

Company Rating: 4.5/5 (Trustpilot Verified)

Pros:

• Stringent vetting process that weeds out unqualified candidates.
• Hiring window of just 1–3 weeks, faster than traditional recruitment.
• Strong emphasis on matching remote developers who are ready for full-time roles.

Cons:

• Primarily focused on software developers; lacks coverage for non-technical roles.
• Smaller talent pool compared to giants like Turing or Upwork.
• Less suited for short term projects due to its full-time orientation.

How to Choose the Right Alternative to Andela

The right choice depends on your company’s hiring process, your project scope, and whether you need a single developer or an entire department scaled across borders.

Match Hiring Needs to Platform Strengths

Here’s a simple framework for evaluating your options:

• Elite, high-stakes projects: Go with Toptal. Its rigorous vetting process and two week free trial make it best for critical projects where mistakes are costly.

• Freelance developers for short term projects: Choose Upwork or Fiverr Business/Pro. Both offer massive flexibility, with pay as you go contracts and tools to help manage projects.

• Payroll and compliance challenges: Consider Deel or Remote.com. These platforms excel at handling international hiring, ensuring employees get same or better benefits without legal risk.

• Time-zone aligned engineering talent: CloudDevs or Terminal.io are best if you need Latin American talent or nearshore dedicated teams that overlap with U.S. business hours.

• Scaling fast with automation: Turing is ideal if you want AI-driven matching across 2M+ developers.

• Stable long term projects with senior talent: Crossover and Arc.dev focus on senior engineers in full-time remote roles.

• Cross-functional staffing + managed services: 1840 & Company is the broadest solution, offering flexible engagement models across every department, plus payroll, compliance, and ongoing support for distributed teams.

Consider Key Features and Limitations

When weighing alternatives, you should ask:

• Developer quality: Does the platform emphasize verified developers with strong technical skills and communication skills?

• Vetting process: Is the screening automated, community-driven, or a human-run review? (Gun.io and Arc.dev emphasize human checks, while Turing leans on AI.)

• Pricing model: Are you looking for per hour transparency (like CloudDevs), fixed project fees (Fiverr), or long-term contracts (Crossover)?

• Project management support: Do you need a platform that will simply provide dev talent, or one that can manage projects and handle the entire project lifecycle?
• Flexibility: Do they offer flexible engagement models, such as trial periods, free trial guarantees, or easy scaling of development teams?

Final Thoughts

Andela may have pioneered global hiring, but today there’s a wide spectrum of alternatives. Some focus on freelance developers for short term projects, others provide dedicated teams for long term projects, and a few specialize in compliance, payroll, or Latin American talent.

If you need a single remote software engineer, there are marketplaces that can fill the gap. But if you need a partner that can handle cross-functional staffing, payroll, compliance, and ongoing support, 1840 & Company offers the most comprehensive option on the market.

With vetted candidates in as little as five days, up to 70% cost savings, and global coverage across 150+ countries, 1840 & Company helps build workforce tactics that go beyond just hiring developers. Contact us today to find out how we can help you design a global team built for growth.

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