Hire a Freelance Mobile Developer or Engineer on These 8 Superior Sites

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Updated:
January 14, 2021

Finding a mobile developer can be expensive and time-consuming. 


Maybe you have a mobile app idea for Android or iOS, but you’re still in the startup phase and not quite ready to hire a permanent mobile app developer. How do you find the right talent?


Perhaps you’re looking for someone who can: ‍


  • Develop an Android app, iOS app, or cross-platform mobile application.
  • Manage app development projects with a mobile app development team.
  • Maintain your mobile applications that are already on an app store while improving their functionality and user experience.
  • Work with software development tools like API and GitHub.
  • Work with programming languages like Swift, Java, and Objective-C.


To cut costs and allow for more flexibility, many business leaders turn to freelance talent to get work done. 


Outsourcing your work to a freelance app developer has several benefits, including cost-savings, flexibility, access to global talent, and speed of hire. 


This article will review 8 of the best sites to find and hire a freelance mobile programmer. You’ll need to evaluate your budget, project complexity, and capacity before choosing which site serves your goals.


8 Best Sites for Hiring Mobile Developers


8 Best Sites for Hiring Mobile Developers


1. Toptal


Toptal


Toptal is the perfect option if you need elite talent but don’t have the time to recruit and screen them yourself. They do all the heavy lifting for you, screening and matching talent to your project to ensure high-quality work.


The name Toptal comes from “top talent,” and all developers in their community have a deep portfolio of high-end work. With a screening process that lasts from two to five weeks, Toptal only accepts roughly 3% of applicants to their system. The screening includes language and personality evaluation, skill review, live exercises, test projects, and continued evaluation.


Another benefit of Toptal is the “risk-free” test period. Toptal gives its clients two weeks to work with a new freelancer. If the work is not exemplary, Toptal does not charge the client.


Toptal is one of the more expensive options on this list. However, if you have a large or complex project and need experienced talent, Toptal is an excellent choice. 


Learn More:

  1. Go to Toptal.
  2. Read our Toptal Review.
  3. Find Toptal Alternatives.


2. X-Team


X-Team


X-Team focuses solely on hiring developers. As such, they provide a highly specialized and targeted service for their clients. X-Team works by hiring top developer talent and investing in their growth. Clients hire from this pool of developers with a flexible month-to-month payment plan.


What sets X-Team apart is the focus on investing in their talent. X-Team gives developers learning and growth opportunities, leading to a more motivated and skilled talent base. They will match you with a developer according to multiple criteria:


  • Time zone preference
  • Developer’s skill level
  • Availability requirements
  • Budget 
  • Industry knowledge/experience
  • Personality and culture fit


While X-Team doesn’t require an upfront fee, the minimum contract available is three months. If your project will only need a few weeks, this isn’t the right solution for you. 


Learn More:

  1. Go to X-Team.
  2. Read our X-Team Review.
  3. Find X-Team Alternatives.


3. Fiverr


Fiverr


Fiverr aims to prove that you can have excellent service at a reasonable price. They connect all kinds of freelance talent to client needs across tech, writing, design, and more. 


On Fiverr, you can filter your results by several criteria:


  • Specific services
  • Service options
  • Qualifications 
  • Delivery time
  • Budget
  • Pro Services
  • Who is online right now


The downside of Fiverr’s affordability is that they don’t offer the same guarantee of quality talent. Fiverr functions strictly as a platform connecting freelancers with gigs. 


However, they offer a pro version where freelancers go through three rounds of vetting before being approved on the platform. These freelancers can then charge a higher rate.


Overall, while Fiverr doesn’t offer the same peace of mind for clients as services like Toptal and X-Team, the price is nearly unbeatable. If you have a project that doesn’t require high complexity or experience, Fiverr might be the way to go. 


Learn More:

  1. Go to Fiverr.
  2. Read our Fiverr Review.
  3. Find Fiverr Alternatives.


4. Lemon.io


Lemon.io


Lemon’s edge in the market is speed. They promise to deliver a qualified developer for your project within 24 hours. 


Lemon takes your project requirements, searches its extensive database of qualified developers, and presents you with one match within 24 hours. If the candidate doesn’t impress you, Lemon will continue to provide options until you find the right match.


All freelance developers in their database are vetted through a four-tiered screening process: resume review, references, interview and skills tests, work ethic evaluation. 


Here’s what Lemon promises to offer entrepreneurs:


  • Free estimates with no hiring requirement
  • Four tiers of vetting
  • Fixed rates and a user-friendly payment system
  • Fast turnaround for rush projects


Lemon is the right choice if you are in a time crunch or simply don’t want to invest in a lengthy recruitment process for your freelance developer. 


Learn More:

  1. Go to Lemon.
  2. Read our Lemon Review.
  3. Find Lemon Alternatives.


5. Gigster


Gigster


Gigster is the perfect option for a full-service project team, including developers, designers, and project managers. 


Clients work with Gigster to explain the vision and details of their project. From there, Gigster’s AI-powered software puts together a quote and team to tackle your project. Once you’ve agreed to the quote, Gigster’s team gets to work. During the development process, Gigster provides you a dashboard to track all details of the project. 


Gigster is known for its top-notch talent, recruiting from elite tech schools, and even boasting team members from companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. While other companies offer the same vetting of talent that Gigster does, Gigster is unique in providing a team-based solution with a project manager. 


Entrepreneurs should be aware that the minimum cost of a Gigster project is $52,000. It’s a sophisticated solution for major projects but may not be cost-effective for smaller ones. 


Learn More:

  1. Go to Gigster.
  2. Read our Gigster Review.
  3. Find Gigster Alternatives.


6. OnlineJobs.ph


OnlineJobs.ph


OnlineJobs.ph features virtual freelance talent sourced exclusively from The Philippines. This platform is an excellent option if you are looking for an affordable solution for basic services. 


OnlineJobs functions as a job posting platform. You can filter and search based on the skills and culture fit you need. 


The best part of OnlineJobs is that they don’t charge any hidden fees or take a cut in addition to what you pay the freelancer. They charge a flat monthly subscription based on what services you need, such as background checks, number of job postings, etc. The rest is between you and your developer. They also provide a built-in tracker for your employees’ time.


Learn More:

  1. Go to OnlineJobs.ph.
  2. Read our OnlineJobs.ph Review.
  3. Find OnlineJobs.ph Alternatives.


7. Triplebyte


Triplebyte


Triplebyte has been one of the fastest-growing tech recruiting companies in the world. The company provides an affordable online hiring marketplace like Fiverr and Upwork. What sets it apart is that all job seekers are software engineers who have been vetted by a tiered screening process. 


Triplebyte’s screening process involves an online quiz, phone screen, and coding challenge. The screening process has been favorably compared to that of the Big Four tech firms, Apple, Facebook, Netflix, and Google.


Another benefit of Triplebyte is that they are committed to eliminating bias from the selection process. Their search algorithm removes factors such as gender, race, or socioeconomic class. 


Triplebyte offers other perks like an account manager to oversee each client, an applicant tracking system integration, and advanced filtering tools.

Learn More:

  1. Go to Triplebyte.
  2. Read our Triplebyte Review.
  3. Find Triplebyte Alternatives.


8. Upwork


Upwork


Upwork is the biggest freelance platform available, with a database of over 14 million freelancers. They offer basic services at no cost other than a 3% charge on any payments you make. For a monthly fee, clients can opt for more robust service through a Plus or Enterprise plan.


Upwork is an excellent platform if you’re looking for entry-level talent and are willing to vet applicants yourself. The rating system is not strictly monitored, so finding top talent may be more difficult than on other platforms.


While the price is appealing, do your research before choosing Upwork to source your freelancers. If you need basic support or don’t mind training up your workers, this could be the solution for you.

Learn More:

  1. Go to Upwork.
  2. Read our Upwork Review.
  3. Find Upwork Alternatives.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hiring a Freelance Mobile Developer


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hiring a Freelance Mobile Developer


When should I hire a freelancer vs. a full-time employee? 


Base this decision on your project budget and the percentage you want to invest in mobile development. Consider time and money in your assessment.

How much should I pay for a mobile developer? 


Mobile developers make a median hourly rate between $61-$80 an hour. Depending on experience, you could pay up to $150/hour.

What is the critical skill set I should look for when hiring app developers?


When you hire mobile app developers, ensure that they have experience in multiple programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, etc. 


They should also have experience in UI/UX design across various platforms and awareness of industry trends. Application developers should also have soft skills like excellent communication and project follow-through.

Hiring a Freelance Mobile Developer, Simplified


Hiring a Freelance Mobile Developer, Simplified


Hiring freelance talent is an increasingly popular option for entrepreneurs and business owners, and the pool of available talent is only growing. While finding a fit for your company’s vision and needs may seem overwhelming, the right platform can bring the talent to you. 


Freelance platforms offer a wide range of services, from low-cost marketplaces to full-service solutions that do all the recruiting, vetting, training, and follow up for you. Use this list to explore the options and evaluate exactly the level of customization you need. You’ll be well on your way to finding your freelance fit!

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We Examined 8 Websites to Hire an Expert Mobile Developer

Information accurate from public sources as of 07.07.2020

Freelance Platform

Our Review

Trustpilot Reviews

G2 Reviews

Facebook Reviews

Toptal

Read Our Toptal Review
4.7 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 1,140

3.8 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 5

4.0 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 106

Codeable

Read Our Codeable Review
4.7 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 221

4.5 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 1

4.6 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 132

Triplebyte

Read Our Triplebyte Review
4.9 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 216

5 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 4

N/A out of 5 stars

Ratings: N/A

Andela

Read Our Andela Review
N/A out of 5 stars

Ratings: N/A

N/A out of 5 stars

Ratings: N/A

4.9 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 209

Lemon

Read Our Lemon Review
4.8 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 59

4.9 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 17

N/A out of 5 stars

Ratings: N/A

Codementor

Read Our Codementor Review
4.4 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 38

4.3 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 2

Ratings: N/A

Gun.io

Read Our Gun.io Review
N/A out of 5 stars

Ratings: N/A

4.5 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 14

N/A out of 5 stars

Ratings: N/A

Gigster

Read Our Gigster Review
3.2 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 1

5 out of 5 stars

Ratings: 1

N/A out of 5 stars

Ratings: N/A

The Product Marketing Agency Serving Entrepreneurs From Idea to Scale

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