Upwork has a Proven Score of 79/100 (Established). Toptal has a Proven Score of 44/100 (Emerging). Upwork ranks higher in Freelance talent. Both are in Freelance talent on the Proven Trust Index. Vendors cannot pay to change a score. Scores can't be bought.
| Input | Toptal | Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Proven marketplaces | 3.3 / 15 | 14.3 / 15 |
| Member redemption clicks | 0 / 15 | 8.5 / 15 |
| Client quality | 20 / 20 | 20 / 20 |
| Operating tenure | 10 / 10 | 7.3 / 10 |
| Market standing | 0 / 10 | 10 / 10 |
| Connected relationships | 4.4 / 10 | 7.1 / 10 |
| Connected data | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 |
Shared
No recorded best-for field differs.
Toptal · Upwork · Best Freelance talent for startups, ranked by the Proven Trust Index
Data updated 2026-10-27.
Source: Proven platform data, public records and vendor websites. Vendors cannot pay to change a score. Scores can't be bought. Data updated 2026-10-27. About the data · Proven