A Toptal alternative for hiring engineers from India
Toptal and HookStep solve different problems. This page sets out how Toptal describes itself, how HookStep works, and when each one is the better fit, so you can decide without a sales call.
How Toptal describes itself
Toptal presents itself as an exclusive network of the top 3% of freelance talent: AI experts, software developers, designers, finance experts, product and project managers. It offers engagements from hourly to full-time and says it has served clients since 2010 (toptal.com, checked 28 September 2026).
How HookStep is different
- Focused on engineers based in India, rather than a global freelance marketplace.
- Contract, contract-to-hire and permanent placement in India, so the same partner can cover a short project and a permanent hire.
- Remote or on-site at your office in India.
- Profiles are put forward against your specific brief, and outside our strongest skills we say that we are sourcing for the role rather than claiming someone is waiting on a bench.
Which one fits
- Toptal is likely the better fit if you want freelancers from many countries, non-engineering specialists such as finance or design, or a large established network.
- HookStep is likely the better fit if you specifically want engineers in India, want to convert a contractor to a permanent employee, or need someone on-site in an Indian city.
Toptal and HookStep at a glance
| Toptal | HookStep | |
|---|---|---|
| Talent location | Global freelance network | Mainly India |
| Roles | Engineering, design, finance, product and project management | Engineering: AI/ML, full stack, backend, frontend, data, DevOps, QA, plus Salesforce and ServiceNow |
| Engagement | Hourly to full-time freelance | Contract, contract-to-hire, permanent placement in India |
| On-site option | Not its stated model | On-site in India available |
Toptal column from toptal.com, checked 28 September 2026. We only state what Toptal says publicly; check its site for current terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is HookStep cheaper than Toptal?
We do not publish engineer rates, because they are quoted per role. Share the role and budget and we will tell you whether we can fill it at that rate; you can then compare like for like.
Does HookStep have freelancers outside India?
Our engineers are mainly in India. If you need people in other countries, a global network such as Toptal is probably a better fit.
Do I interview the engineers myself?
Yes. You get profiles for your specific requirement, you run your own interviews, and nobody starts until you approve them.
Can the engineer work in my time zone?
Most of our engineers are in India (IST, UTC+5:30). For US or European teams we agree the required overlap hours in the brief and only put forward people who can commit to them.
Related
Hiring now? Tell us about the role, read how it works, or see the FAQ.