Deel vs. Arc.dev vs. Gun.io: Which Platform Is Right for Remote Hiring in 2025?

Finding good developers has become extremely difficult. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the developer shortage will reach 1.2 million by 2026, and 54% of companies currently cannot find the tech talent they need to grow their business.

However, hiring remote developers presents unique challenges. You must learn how to vet candidates you have never met, handle remote developer payroll and compliance across different countries, and ensure you follow all applicable laws.

We have tested and compared three of the best platforms available: Deel, Arc.dev, and Gun.io. These freelance developer marketplaces and Toptal Alternatives 2025 each address these problems differently. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which platform fits your needs and budget.

Why Remote Hiring Is Critical in 2025

The talent shortage is not a distant problem. It is happening now and severely impacting businesses. By 2030, we are looking at 85 million unfilled tech jobs simply because there are not enough skilled people to fill them.

The situation is worse than many realize. Nearly 90% of tech leaders say they cannot find or keep the talent they need, despite widespread layoffs in recent years. The US alone could lose $162 billion in tech revenue each year simply because we cannot find enough developers.

Remote hiring offers three major advantages: talent access, cost savings, and speed. Companies save an average of $11,315 per year for each part-time remote worker. IBM saved $50 million in real estate costs alone by implementing remote work.

However, remote hiring presents real challenges. Cross-border compliance in hiring becomes complicated with different tax rules and employment laws in every country. There is also the trust factor: how do you verify someone's coding ability when you have never met them? Finally, global payroll solutions become essential when managing salaries across different currencies and tax systems.

GitLab proved remote hiring works by building a team of over 1,300 people across 65 countries, all working remotely. The key was selecting the right tools from the beginning. This demonstrates that when you hire remote developers online, the challenges are manageable with startup remote hiring platforms like Deel, Arc.dev, and Gun.io.

Platform Breakdown: What Makes Each Unique

Deel—The Compliance and Payroll Powerhouse

Deel serves as your legal and payroll solution for international hiring. They understand employment laws in over 120 countries and handle all complex compliance requirements that keep most companies concerned about legal risks. When you hire someone in Germany or Brazil, Deel automatically creates contracts that follow local laws, manages tax withholdings, and handles benefits administration. Consider them as having a local HR department in every country without the overhead costs.

Key Features:

• Employer of Record (EOR) services in 120+ countries
• Automated compliance and contract generation
• Multi-currency payroll processing
• Local benefits administration
• 24/7 global support

Pros:

• Excellent compliance protection and legal risk mitigation
• Smooth international payroll across multiple currencies
• Comprehensive employment law coverage
• Automated tax withholdings and statutory benefits

Cons:

• Does not help you find or vet developers
• Expensive for small teams and startups
• The complex initial setup process
• Currency conversion fees can accumulate.

Pricing: $49/month per contractor, $599+/month per employee for EOR services

Arc.dev—AI-Powered Speed and Scale

Arc.dev promises quality developers within 72 hours using AI to match you with pre-vetted candidates from their talent pool. Instead of posting jobs and waiting weeks for applications, you simply tell them what you need, and they provide candidates who match your requirements. Their platform combines AI screening with human review to filter for both technical competence and remote work readiness. This approach works perfectly for companies that need to move quickly and scale efficiently.

Key Features:

• 72-hour candidate matching promise
• AI + human hybrid vetting process
• 25,000+ developer talent pool
• Flexible hiring types (freelance, contract, full-time)
• Integration with popular development tools

Pros:

• The fastest hiring process in the market
• Large, diverse talent pool across skill levels
• Flexible engagement models for different project needs
• Strong technical screening and communication assessment

Cons:

• Occasional skill mismatches despite AI screening
• • A 20% platform fee can accumulate on large projects.
• Less personalized service than boutique platforms
• Compliance support is available through partners only

Pricing: 20% platform fee on developer rates ($60-$100/hour typical), $300 deposit to start

Gun.io—Premium Technical Talent Curation

Gun.io takes the boutique approach with fewer developers, but each one is thoroughly vetted through comprehensive technical assessments. Instead of quick coding tests, they put candidates through project-based evaluations that exceed typical interview standards. You work with real people who take the time to understand your technical requirements and company culture. This premium freelance developer platform focuses on senior developers and technical specialists who can begin contributing immediately.

Key Features:

• Intensive technical vetting with project-based assessments
• Personal matching service with human support
• Focus on senior developers and specialists.
• Ongoing relationship management throughout projects
• Direct contracts with transparent pricing

Pros:

• Highest quality technical talent with proven expertise
• Personalized matching and dedicated support
• Transparent all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
• Strong focus on cultural and technical fit

Cons:

• Premium pricing reflects the white-glove service model.
• • A smaller talent pool means longer wait times.
• Limited compliance and payroll support
• Not suitable for high-volume hiring needs

Pricing: $100-$200/hour all-inclusive, 20% of first year's salary for full-time placements

Head-to-Head Comparison

Before examining the comparison, note that many companies find success by combining these platforms with expert guidance. JoinArena.ai specializes in helping businesses navigate this exact decision, offering strategic consulting on platform selection, compliance set-up, and building scalable remote teams. Rather than determining this independently, many companies work with JoinArena to implement the right combination of tools for their specific needs.

Pricing Reality Check

Deel: $49 per month per contractor, $599+ for full-time employees. Watch for currency conversion fees.

Arc.Dev: 20% platform fee on top of developer rates ($60-$100/hour), plus a $300 deposit. No hidden fees.

Gun.io: $100-$200 per hour all-inclusive, 20% of first year's salary for full-time hires. Transparent pricing model.

Who Should Use Which Platform?

By Company Size

Startups (1-20 employees): Arc.dev for speed and moderate costs. Deel if hiring internationally full-time (despite higher costs, this is cheaper than legal mistakes).

Enterprises (500+ employees): Deel for multi-country compliance at scale. Arc.dev for rapid team scaling across projects.

Agencies: Arc.dev for client project flexibility. Gun.io for complex technical work where quality directly impacts client satisfaction.

By Project Type

Short-term projects (1-6 months): Arc.dev for speed, Gun.io for specialized expertise. Deel is usually unnecessary.

Long-term full-time roles: Deel is essential for international compliance. Arc.dev works with contract-to-hire options. Gun.io's 20% placement fee is often worthwhile for quality.

Technical complexity: Gun.io is invaluable if you cannot evaluate developer skills yourself. Arc.dev works if you have strong technical leadership. Deel is platform-agnostic.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the best freelancing platform for developers?

This depends on your needs. Arc.dev for speed, Gun.io for quality, and Deel for compliance. Most companies benefit from combining platforms with expert guidance from JoinArena.ai.

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What is the best alternative to Toptal?

Gun.io offers similar quality with more personalized service. Arc.dev provides faster matching at lower cost points.

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Is Toptal legit or fake?

Toptal is legitimate but expensive and slow. The platforms we have compared offer better value, speed, and transparency.

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How much does Toptal charge per hour?

Toptal typically charges $60-200+ per hour. Arc.dev and Gun.io offer similar rates with better service and faster hiring.

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How do I ensure compliance when hiring internationally?

Use Deel's EOR service for full compliance protection, or work with JoinArena.ai to implement the right compliance strategy for your specific needs.

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Which platform is best for startups on a tight budget?

Arc.dev offers the best balance of speed and cost for startups. However, JoinArena.ai can help optimize your hiring strategy to maximize budget efficiency.

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Can I hire full-time employees through these platforms?

Yes. Deel specializes in full-time international hires, Arc.dev offers contract-to-hire options, and Gun.io provides full-time placements with their 20% first-year fee.

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