7 Marketplaces for Hiring Product Designers and UX Researchers Based on Your Budget

Finding the right product designer or UX researcher can make or break your project. Whether you’re building a mobile app, redesigning a website, or conducting user interviews, the talent you hire will shape how your product performs in the real world. The good news is that plenty of marketplaces exist to connect you with skilled professionals. The challenge is knowing which platform fits your budget, timeline, and quality expectations. This list walks you through seven marketplaces organized by what you can expect to spend, so you can find the right match without wasting time or money.

1. Legiit

   Legiit operates as a freelance marketplace where you can hire product designers and UX researchers at competitive rates. The platform focuses on digital services, which means you’ll find professionals who understand web and app design, user flows, wireframing, and research methods like usability testing and user interviews.

   What sets Legiit apart is its straightforward pricing structure. Most sellers list fixed-price services, so you know exactly what you’re paying before you commit. This removes the guesswork and helps you budget more accurately. You can browse portfolios, read reviews from previous clients, and compare offerings side by side.

   Legiit works well for small to medium projects where you need quality work without the overhead of a long-term contract. Many designers on the platform specialize in specific niches, such as SaaS interfaces or e-commerce user experience, which can save you time if you’re working in a focused industry. The review system gives you confidence in the people you’re considering, and the fixed pricing makes it easier to manage costs from the start.

2. Dribbble

   Dribbble started as a portfolio site for designers but has grown into a hiring platform where you can post jobs or browse talent directly. The designers on Dribbble tend to be highly visual and skilled in UI design, branding, and interaction design. You’ll find a lot of creative professionals who care deeply about aesthetics and details.

   The platform offers a job board where you can post openings, or you can search for designers and reach out directly. Many Dribbble members are open to freelance work, contract roles, or full-time positions. The quality of portfolios is generally high, which makes it easier to assess whether someone’s style matches your needs.

   Dribbble is a good choice if visual design is a priority for your product. However, keep in mind that not all designers on the platform specialize in UX research or strategy. If you need someone who can conduct user interviews or create detailed personas, you may need to filter carefully or combine this platform with another resource.

3. Toptal

   Toptal positions itself as a network of the top three percent of freelance talent. The platform screens every designer and researcher before they join, so you’re working with vetted professionals who have passed technical assessments and interviews. This vetting process is one of the main reasons companies choose Toptal when they need senior-level talent quickly.

   You’ll pay a premium for this level of quality. Toptal designers and researchers typically charge higher hourly rates compared to other marketplaces. In return, you get access to people who have worked with well-known brands and complex products. The platform also offers a trial period, so if the first match isn’t right, they’ll help you find someone else at no extra cost.

   Toptal works best when you have a substantial budget and need someone who can step in and contribute from day one. If you’re a startup with limited funds or a solo founder testing an idea, the rates may be too high. But for established companies or funded projects, the quality and reliability can be worth the investment.

4. Behance

   Behance is another portfolio platform owned by Adobe, and it functions similarly to Dribbble in many ways. Designers upload case studies, mockups, and finished projects, giving you a window into their process and thinking. You can search by skill, location, or industry, and then reach out to designers directly through the platform.

   One advantage of Behance is the depth of case studies. Many designers include walkthroughs that explain their design decisions, research methods, and how they solved specific problems. This gives you more context than a simple gallery of images. You can see how someone approaches a brief, handles feedback, and iterates on ideas.

   Behance doesn’t have a formal hiring system with contracts or payment processing built in, so you’ll need to handle those details separately. This can be a benefit if you prefer flexibility, but it also means more administrative work on your end. The platform is free to use, which makes it accessible for any budget level, though you’ll negotiate rates directly with each designer.

5. We Work Remotely

   We Work Remotely is a job board focused on remote positions, and it attracts a global pool of talent. You can post listings for full-time, part-time, or contract roles, and designers and researchers from all over the world will apply. The platform has a clean interface and a strong reputation in the remote work community.

   Posting a job on We Work Remotely requires a flat fee, which is generally affordable for most companies. You’ll receive applications directly and can manage the hiring process on your own terms. The quality of applicants varies, so you’ll need to spend time reviewing portfolios and conducting interviews.

   This platform works well if you’re open to hiring someone for a longer engagement rather than a one-off project. Many of the people who browse We Work Remotely are looking for stable roles rather than quick gigs. If you want to build a relationship with a designer or researcher over time, this can be a good fit. Just be prepared to handle the screening process yourself.

6. Contra

   Contra is a newer platform designed specifically for independent professionals. It allows freelancers to create profiles, showcase their work, and connect with clients without paying commission fees. For designers and researchers, this means they can offer more competitive rates since they’re not losing a percentage of each project to the platform.

   The interface is clean and easy to use. You can browse portfolios, filter by skills or location, and message people directly. Contra also includes built-in tools for contracts and payments, so you don’t need to set up separate systems. The lack of commission fees benefits both sides, as clients often see lower prices and freelancers keep more of what they earn.

   Contra is still growing, so the pool of talent may be smaller compared to more established platforms. However, the quality of professionals on the site tends to be solid, and the community feels more curated. If you want to support a platform that treats freelancers fairly and keeps costs down, Contra is worth exploring.

7. Upwork

   Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces in the world, covering almost every type of service you can imagine. The sheer number of product designers and UX researchers on the platform means you’ll have plenty of options, no matter your budget or project scope. You can post a job and wait for proposals, or you can search for freelancers and invite them to apply.

   The range of experience and pricing on Upwork is enormous. You’ll find beginners charging low rates and seasoned professionals with extensive portfolios who command much higher fees. This flexibility is helpful, but it also means you need to spend time sorting through applications and verifying credentials. Upwork includes features like work diaries, hourly tracking, and escrow payments to protect both parties.

   Upwork charges fees to both clients and freelancers, which can add up depending on the size of your project. Despite this, the platform remains popular because of its scale and the tools it provides for managing remote work. If you’re willing to invest time in the hiring process, you can find talented designers and researchers at almost any price point.

Choosing the right marketplace depends on how much you can spend, how quickly you need someone, and what level of expertise your project requires. Platforms like Legiit and Upwork offer flexibility and a wide range of budgets, while Toptal and Dribbble cater to those looking for higher-end talent. Behance and Contra provide free or low-cost ways to connect with designers directly, and We Work Remotely is ideal if you want to hire someone for a longer commitment. Take the time to explore a few options, review portfolios carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions before you commit. The right designer or researcher is out there, and the right platform will help you find them.