Only one data point but I interviewed with Toptal a while back. They really focus on algorithms at the interview. I understand why--it is a scalable way to rate software developers. However, many many software problems in my experience don't require knowing how to implement algorithms, but rather which libraries make sense and an ability to map business problems to software solutions.

So, in short Toptal seems like they do some good screening, but may be optimizing for a certain kind of developer.

There are a lot of jobs for which those overpriced Toptal primadonnas are just an overkill.

Well, I did not make it through the last part of the screening. If I remember correctly, you have 45 mins to solve 3 very hard mathematical/algorithmic challenges. I managed to solve only one, despite being a math/cs major with 10+ years of programming experience. Well, shame on me. I guess this way they obtain only truly genius programmers, but I suppose you don't need a top 1% mind to develop your usual mobile app...

My experience working through Toptal has been mostly positive (although I haven't done a contract through them in quite a while).

I failed my initial application due to my inability to solve a couple of algorithm specific tests as other commenters have mentioned. I reappllied a couple of months later, did a couple of codility tests to ensure I'd pass this time, and flew through the rest of the process.

Yes, their signup process will potentially disquallify a couple of good devs, but it will also weed out a lot of bad devs that can't take the time to learn the solutions to common algorithm problems.

Once in, they have a variety of jobs available, some good, some bad. Overall I don't mind working for them. I've been happy with the Upwork dev's I've hired so far, so can't comment on if I'll hire through Toptal.

Do you know how much one could expect to earn as a Toptal developer?