Hiring software engineers comes with trade-offs. Speed, cost, skill level, and how closely a developer needs to integrate with your team.
Toptal, Gun.io, and Pi Tech all offer access to vetted talent, but they serve different types of businesses and priorities.
- Toptal focuses on high-end freelancers across a range of industries.
- Gun.io connects companies with U.S.-based engineers for freelance and contract work.
- Pi Tech provides full engineering teams for companies in regulated and complex industries like healthcare and fintech.
If you're deciding between them, it helps to be clear on what kind of support you need. Are you looking for an individual contributor for a specific task? Or do you need an embedded team that can collaborate with your product managers and handle long-term development?
To help you decide, we've done a deep dive comparing Toptal, Gun.io, and Pi Tech. From their vetting processes and team structures to their engagement models and overall value. Let's take a look.
Toptal vs. Gun.io vs. Pi Tech at a Glance
Pi Tech Overview
At Pi Tech, we're a global software development partner built for companies operating in high-stakes, regulated environments like healthcare and fintech.
You won’t need to micromanage. Our senior engineers, designers, and compliance experts take ownership from day one. From strategy to delivery, we lead the process while keeping your goals front and center.
Over the years, we’ve helped our clients unlock new revenue streams, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-impact features, without the overhead of managing scattered freelancers or junior-heavy dev shops.
What sets us apart is how we work:
- Specless Engineering: You focus on outcomes. We’ll handle the how.
- Developers with Opinions: We don’t just take orders. We contribute ideas that push your product forward.
- Compliance Built-In: HIPAA, FDA, ISO, we get it right the first time.
We’re your technical partner. And we’re trusted by some of the most demanding names in the industry because we consistently deliver on time, on budget, and with zero drama.
Pi Tech Core Features
- Specless Engineering
- Senior-Only Talent
- Industry-Specific Compliance Expertise
1. Specless Engineering
Specless Engineering is our proprietary delivery model, and a core reason clients choose Pi Tech. Unlike traditional approaches that demand fully documented specs upfront, our model starts with clear objectives, not rigid blueprints.
We prioritize progress over perfection. That means fast iterations, smarter pivots, and shorter launch timelines, especially critical in industries where requirements shift as regulations evolve.
Here’s how it works:
- Discovery: We align with your business goals and priorities.
- Proposal: You get a clear, transparent scope with costs and timelines.
- Delivery: Our senior pods handle execution from start to finish.
- Maintenance: We continue supporting and improving the product post-launch.
This model helped one client launch a telemedicine platform 30–40% faster than with traditional, specification-heavy methods.
2. Senior-Only Talent
At Pi Tech, every engineer on your project has 10+ years of experience. We don’t hire juniors. You work directly with seasoned professionals who’ve already solved problems like yours in complex, regulated domains.
Why it matters:
- Less Oversight Needed: Our teams are self-directed and take ownership.
- Faster Results: No hand-holding, no ramp-up delays.
- Better Decisions: Our developers challenge assumptions, propose alternatives, and optimize for real-world impact.
- Smarter Collaboration: We foster “constructive confrontation,” where ideas are debated and the best ones win, regardless of hierarchy.
In one cardiovascular wearable project, our team integrated real-time analytics and advanced data security with no micromanagement required. The client stayed focused on the business, while we handled the build.
3. Industry-Specific Compliance Expertise
We work almost exclusively in regulated industries, so compliance is never an afterthought. It’s built into every layer of how we operate.
Our teams bring deep knowledge of:
- Healthcare regulations like HIPAA, FDA, HITRUST, and GDPR
- Security best practices including encryption, access controls, and audit logs
- Integration standards like HL7 and FHIR for EHR systems
- Risk mitigation, identifying red flags early and addressing them before they become issues
For example, we developed a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that included automated audit checks, cutting manual prep work by 60%. We’ve also helped startups fast-track their path to FDA and HITRUST certification.
This level of domain expertise gives you peace of mind. You're getting not just working software, but solutions that hold up to scrutiny from regulators, partners, and investors.
Pi Tech Pricing
We’re not the cheapest option, and that’s intentional. Our clients work with us because they want senior engineers who deliver right the first time, not a revolving door of junior talent that needs constant oversight.
You’re paying for expertise, not just hours.
- Project-Based Work: Most projects range from $75,000 to $650,000, depending on scope and complexity.
- Staff Augmentation: Starts at $10,000 per month per senior engineer.
- Typical Engagement: Clients often bring us in for 1 to 4 projects per year, with staff roles lasting 3 to 12 months.
Our pricing is transparent. No hidden fees, no surprise invoices, just reliable delivery from a team that takes ownership and moves fast.
In the long run, working with the right team costs less than cleaning up after the wrong one.
Book a consultation to find out how we can support your product roadmap, fill key technical gaps, or take full ownership of your next project.
Positives of Pi Tech
- Healthcare Specialization: Deep expertise in building compliant, scalable solutions for the healthcare industry.
- Senior Engineering Talent: Experienced developers who can tackle complex challenges and provide strategic input.
- Specless Engineering Methodology: Focuses on outcomes over rigid specs, enabling faster time-to-market.
- End-to-End Services: Covers the full development lifecycle from ideation to deployment and maintenance.
- Strong Compliance Focus: Embeds regulatory requirements (HIPAA, FDA, HITRUST) into the development process.
What Could be Better
- Pricing Transparency: While Pi Tech provides general ranges, more detailed pricing information (e.g., hourly rates, typical project breakdowns) could help clients budget more accurately.
Toptal Overview
Toptal is a global talent network built to give companies fast access to elite freelance professionals. From software developers and designers to finance experts, project managers, and marketers, Toptal connects businesses with top-tier talent across disciplines.
Every applicant goes through a rigorous vetting process, with only the top 3% accepted into the network. This ensures clients work with professionals who are not only technically skilled but also reliable, communicative, and ready to contribute from day one.
Toptal offers flexible engagement models, hourly, part-time, or full-time, and matches most clients with talent in under 48 hours. A trial period lets clients evaluate fit before fully committing.
Whether you need a developer to fill a gap or a cross-functional team to accelerate delivery, Toptal makes it easy to scale up quickly with trusted freelancers.
Toptal Core Features
- Rigorous Screening Process
- Wide Range of Specialized Talent
- Flexible Engagement Models
1. Rigorous Screening Process
Toptal prides itself on its intensive vetting procedure, which involves a multi-stage screening process to identify the top 3% of candidates. This includes comprehensive language and communication assessments, in-depth technical evaluations, live problem-solving sessions, and test projects that simulate real-world client engagements.
By maintaining such high standards, Toptal ensures that its talent pool consistently delivers exceptional results. The screening methodology is designed to evaluate not only technical skills but also professional competencies like creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Freelancers who successfully navigate this rigorous screening earn the prestigious "Top 3%" distinction, which serves as a reliable indicator of their capabilities for potential clients. This selectivity is a key differentiator for Toptal, enabling the platform to guarantee a 98% trial-to-hire success rate.
2. Wide Range of Specialized Talent
Toptal offers a diverse spectrum of elite talent across multiple domains, including:
- Software Development: Full-stack engineers, software architects, QA specialists, and more.
- Design: UX/UI designers, visual designers, creative directors, and brand strategists.
- Finance: Financial modeling experts, interim CFOs, FP&A consultants, and market researchers.
- Project Management: Technical project managers, scrum masters, and agile coaches.
- Consulting: Management consultants, pricing strategists, and operations specialists.
Within each domain, Toptal's talent pool features seasoned experts with experience across industries, from fast-growing startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. This allows clients to access niche skill sets and domain-specific insights that can be challenging to find through traditional hiring channels.
3. Flexible Engagement Models
Toptal offers versatile engagement structures tailored to the unique needs of each client:
- Hourly Contracts: For projects with evolving scopes or part-time resource needs, clients can hire freelancers on an hourly basis with no long-term commitment.
- Part-Time Contracts: When consistent, ongoing support is required, clients can contract freelancers for 20-35 hours per week with flexible scheduling.
- Full-Time Contracts: For projects demanding a freelancer's full capacity, clients can secure 40+ dedicated hours per week, allowing for deep integration with in-house teams.
All engagements include a no-risk trial period, during which clients can validate the freelancer's fit at no cost. Toptal also provides rapid replacement if a freelancer's performance doesn't meet expectations, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
This flexibility empowers businesses to scale their teams dynamically based on project lifecycles and evolving priorities. By offering a range of engagement models, Toptal enables clients to optimize their talent strategy for maximum productivity and cost-efficiency.
Toptal Pricing
Toptal’s pricing model combines a monthly subscription with hourly or full-time rates for freelancers. It’s built for flexibility, but it’s important to understand the full cost structure before getting started.
- Platform Subscription Fee: Toptal charges a $79 monthly fee to access its talent network. This fee is triggered once a client begins a talent search. It can be canceled anytime, and Toptal offers a refund if no suitable talent is provided.
- Freelancer Rates: Freelancers set their own rates, typically ranging from $60 to $200+ per hour, depending on experience, skills, and project complexity. For full-time equivalents, that’s about $4,000 to $10,000+ per month.
- Markup: Toptal applies an undisclosed markup on top of the freelancer’s base rate, which is already included in the final price shown to clients. There are no separate recruitment fees.
- Trial Period: Every engagement starts with a no-risk trial of up to two weeks. If you’re satisfied, the engagement continues. If not, you don’t pay, and Toptal can help match you with someone else.
Toptal is designed for companies that want fast access to top freelancers without going through a lengthy hiring process, but that speed and flexibility come at a premium.
Positives of Toptal
- Quality Talent: Toptal's rigorous screening process ensures access to a curated pool of elite professionals who consistently deliver high-caliber work.
- Time Savings: By presenting a shortlist of pre-vetted candidates within 1-3 days, Toptal eliminates the time-consuming process of sourcing, screening, and interviewing freelancers.
- Flexibility: With hourly, part-time, and full-time options, Toptal allows clients to scale their teams up or down as project needs evolve.
- Global Reach: Toptal's worldwide network enables businesses to tap into global talent pools and leverage time zone differences for around-the-clock productivity.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Toptal offers a no-risk trial period for all engagements, ensuring client satisfaction before any payment obligations begin.
What Could be Better
- Pricing Transparency: While Toptal provides general rate ranges, more detailed pricing information for specific roles and experience levels could help clients budget more accurately.
- Freelancer Availability: Due to the high-caliber nature of Toptal's talent network, some freelancers may have limited availability for new projects, particularly on short notice.
- Onboarding Time: Although Toptal accelerates the hiring process, ramping up freelancers on complex projects can still take some time, especially when deep domain knowledge is required.
Gun.io Overview
Gun.io helps companies hire high-performing freelance software engineers without the hassle of traditional recruiting. Built specifically for engineering teams, the platform focuses on matching businesses with verified, senior-level developers across a wide range of technologies.
Only the top 5% of applicants make it into Gun.io’s network. This selectivity ensures clients get access to highly skilled engineers with proven experience, not just resumes. Whether you're hiring for a short-term project or a long-term need, Gun.io offers flexible options to match your goals.
From job description to onboarding, Gun.io handles the entire process: vetting, interviews, contracts, compliance, billing, and even global payroll. With talent available across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America, teams can scale quickly with confidence.
Gun.io Core Features
- AI-Powered Talent Matching
- Streamlined Hiring Workflow
- Flexible Engagement Models
1. AI-Powered Talent Matching
Gun.io leverages cutting-edge AI technology to revolutionize the way companies find and hire top tech talent. Their proprietary matching algorithm, GunAI, analyzes job descriptions to identify the most qualified candidates from their pre-vetted pool of developers.
When a client uploads a job description, GunAI parses the requirements—including technical skills, experience level, and project scope—and generates a curated shortlist of candidates within seconds. This intelligent matching system significantly reduces the time and effort required for manual candidate screening.
GunAI continuously refines its recommendations based on real-time feedback and historical hiring data, ensuring that suggested candidates align closely with the client's evolving project needs. This adaptive approach results in faster, more accurate matches and higher success rates for both clients and developers.
2. Streamlined Hiring Workflow
Gun.io simplifies the end-to-end hiring process through a seamless, three-phase workflow:
- Find: After receiving a curated shortlist of candidates from GunAI, clients can review detailed developer profiles, including verified work history, skill assessments, and peer endorsements. Integrated scheduling tools make it easy to coordinate interviews without the usual back-and-forth.
- Hire: Once a client selects their ideal candidate, Gun.io handles all the administrative details, including contracts, rate negotiations, and compliance across multiple countries. The platform offers transparent pricing, with clients paying the developer's rate plus a clearly disclosed Gun.io fee.
- Work: After the hire is complete, Gun.io provides a suite of tools to facilitate smooth collaboration, including time tracking, milestone management, and automated billing. Dedicated account managers monitor project progress and mediate communication to ensure alignment between clients and developers.
This optimized workflow reduces average time-to-hire from months to days while maintaining the highest standards of quality control. Every developer in Gun.io's network undergoes a rigorous, four-stage vetting process that includes real-world coding challenges, architecture design evaluations, system design interviews, and technical expertise verification.
3. Flexible Engagement Models
Gun.io offers a range of engagement models to suit diverse project needs and preferences:
- Hourly Contracts: For short-term or ad hoc projects, clients can hire developers on an hourly basis, with the flexibility to scale up or down as needed.
- Fixed-Price Projects: Clients can define project scope, milestones, and deliverables upfront, with predictable pricing and timelines.
- Dedicated Teams: For ongoing work or complex initiatives, clients can assemble full-time, dedicated teams of Gun.io developers who integrate seamlessly with their in-house staff.
- Contract-to-Hire: This model allows clients to work with a developer on a trial basis before extending a full-time offer, reducing the risk of mismatched expectations.
Regardless of the engagement model, Gun.io provides robust support and infrastructure, including automated invoicing, compliance management, and performance oversight. Clients can easily adjust team size or swap developers as project requirements evolve, ensuring agile resource allocation and maximum flexibility.
Gun.io Pricing
Gun.io offers custom pricing based on the specific needs of each client engagement. Key factors include the type of talent required, project scope and duration, and the chosen engagement model.
- Hourly Rates: Developers set their own rates, typically ranging from $50 to $250+ per hour, depending on their skills, experience, and domain expertise.
- Placement Fee: For contract-to-hire or full-time placements, Gun.io charges a one-time fee equivalent to 20% of the candidate's first-year salary.
Clients pay only for the hours worked by their developers, with no hidden fees or long-term commitments. Gun.io provides transparent pricing, with the developer's rate and the platform's fee clearly itemized in all contracts and invoices.
Positives of Gun.io
- Quality Talent: Gun.io's rigorous vetting process ensures access to a curated network of top-tier developers with proven skills and experience.
- AI-Driven Efficiency: GunAI's intelligent matching algorithm accelerates the hiring process by generating highly relevant candidate recommendations based on job requirements.
- Flexible Engagement Options: With hourly, project-based, dedicated team, and contract-to-hire models, Gun.io accommodates a wide range of client needs and preferences.
- Streamlined Workflow: Gun.io's end-to-end platform simplifies the hiring process, from initial matching to ongoing collaboration and performance management.
- Global Reach: With a network spanning six continents and 100+ countries, Gun.io enables clients to tap into a diverse pool of international talent.
What Could Be Better
- Pricing Transparency: While Gun.io provides general guidance on hourly rates and placement fees, more detailed pricing information for specific roles and experience levels could help clients budget more accurately.
- Skill Coverage: Although Gun.io's talent network is extensive, some highly specialized or emerging skill sets may have limited representation compared to more established technologies.
- Enterprise Customization: Larger organizations with complex compliance or integration requirements may need more bespoke solutions beyond Gun.io's standard offerings.
The Verdict: Which Tech Partner is Right for You?
Choosing between Toptal, Gun.io, and Pi Tech ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
If you're looking for quick, on-demand access to a wide pool of freelancers for short-term projects, Toptal and Gun.io are solid options. Their streamlined matching processes and flexible hiring models make them well-suited for one-off tasks or temporary augmentation.
However, if you're tackling a complex, long-term project, especially in a regulated industry like healthcare, Pi Tech's specialized expertise and partnership approach may be a better fit. Our senior-only talent, Specless Engineering methodology, and compliance focus are designed to help clients navigate technical challenges while mitigating risk.
Some key factors to consider:
- Project Complexity: For simpler tasks, Toptal or Gun.io's generalist freelancers may suffice. But for projects with strict regulatory requirements or niche domain needs, Pi Tech's specialized teams can provide more targeted value.
- Engagement Length: Toptal and Gun.io excel at short-term engagements and quick ramp-up times. Pi Tech's model is optimized for longer-term collaborations (3+ months) that allow for deeper integration with client teams.
- Budget and Pricing: While Pi Tech's rates may be higher than freelance platforms, they can potentially offer greater value in the form of risk mitigation, strategic partnership, and end-to-end ownership. It's important to weigh upfront costs against total ROI.
Ultimately, the "best" choice is the one that aligns most closely with your unique goals, constraints, and expectations. By understanding the key strengths and trade-offs of each option, you can make an informed decision that positions your project or team for success.
Get Started with Pi Tech
If your project involves real complexity, tight regulations, shifting requirements, high stakes, you need more than freelance help. You need a partner who’s been there before.
Pi Tech specializes in regulated industries like healthcare, where security, compliance, and precision aren’t optional. Our senior engineers don’t just write code. They understand the standards, anticipate risks, and build with long-term outcomes in mind.
With our Specless Engineering methodology, we skip the endless paperwork and start where it matters: clear goals and fast iterations. You get working software sooner, without sacrificing quality or control.
We work best when the work is high-impact. When there’s risk involved. When there’s no room for mistakes.
Let’s talk. Book a call to find out how Pi Tech can help you deliver with confidence, not compromise.
