10 Marketplaces for Hiring Product Designers and UX Researchers Who Fit Your Budget

Finding the right product designer or UX researcher can make or break your product’s success. Whether you’re a startup founder working with limited funds or a product manager at an established company, you need access to talented people who understand how users think and what makes interfaces work. This list walks you through ten marketplaces where you can hire design and research professionals at different price points and commitment levels. Each platform has its own strengths, so you’ll find options that match your budget, timeline, and project needs.

1. Legiit

   Legiit connects you with freelance product designers and UX researchers who offer fixed-price services, which makes budgeting straightforward from the start. You can browse detailed service listings that spell out exactly what you’ll get, from user flow diagrams to full usability testing reports. The platform attracts professionals who specialize in digital products, so you won’t waste time sorting through generalists. Reviews and ratings from previous clients help you assess quality before you commit, and the escrow payment system protects both sides of the transaction.

2. Toptal

   Toptal screens candidates heavily before letting them onto the platform, which means you get access to experienced designers and researchers who have already passed technical tests and interviews. The matching process involves talking to a Toptal representative who learns about your project and connects you with candidates who fit your specific needs. Rates tend to be higher here because the talent pool skews toward senior professionals with years of experience. If you need someone who can step in and lead design strategy without much hand-holding, this platform delivers that level of expertise.

3. Fiverr Pro

   Fiverr Pro is the vetted tier of the larger Fiverr marketplace, where you find professionals who have been verified for their skills and work quality. Product designers and UX researchers on this tier typically offer packages that range from quick design audits to full research studies with detailed deliverables. The pricing is more accessible than elite platforms, but you still get professionals who understand modern design principles and research methods. You can review portfolios, read client feedback, and message sellers before placing an order to make sure they understand your project.

4. Behance

   Behance functions primarily as a portfolio platform, but it also lets you post job listings and reach out directly to designers whose work you admire. You can filter by location, skills, and project types to find product designers and UX researchers who have demonstrated relevant experience. Many professionals on Behance are actively looking for freelance work or full-time roles, so response rates tend to be good. The advantage here is that you see extensive work samples before making contact, which gives you a clear sense of each person’s style and capabilities.

5. Dribbble

   Dribbble started as a place for designers to share work-in-progress shots and finished projects, but it has grown into a hiring platform with a dedicated job board. You can browse designer profiles, view their portfolios, and send direct messages to people whose work matches your needs. Many product designers use Dribbble to showcase their UI work, user flows, and prototyping skills. The community skews toward visual and interaction design, so if you need someone with strong aesthetics and modern interface skills, this platform has plenty of options.

6. We Work Remotely

   We Work Remotely is a job board focused entirely on remote positions, and it attracts product designers and UX researchers who want flexible work arrangements. You post a listing with your requirements and budget, and candidates apply directly to you. The platform charges a flat fee per listing, which can be more economical than percentage-based platforms if you’re hiring for longer-term contracts or full-time roles. Since the audience is global, you get applications from talent in different time zones and cost markets, which gives you more options for finding someone within your budget.

7. Contra

   Contra is a commission-free platform where freelancers keep their entire fee, which often translates to better rates for clients or higher take-home pay for freelancers. Product designers and UX researchers create detailed profiles with portfolio samples, service descriptions, and availability. You can browse freely, send direct messages, and negotiate terms without the platform taking a cut of the payment. The community is smaller than some of the big marketplaces, but the quality is solid and the lack of fees makes it appealing for both sides.

8. Gun.io

   Gun.io vets freelance developers and designers before admitting them to the network, and their screening process includes evaluating portfolios and conducting interviews. The platform handles contracts, invoicing, and payments, which simplifies the administrative side of hiring. Product designers and UX researchers on Gun.io tend to have technical backgrounds and experience working on software products, so they understand how design decisions affect development. Rates are transparent upfront, and you can hire for short-term projects or longer engagements depending on your needs.

9. Coroflot

   Coroflot is a portfolio and job board site that has been around for years, serving the design community with a focus on product, industrial, and digital design roles. You can post job listings or search the database of designer profiles to find candidates with specific skills in UX research, interface design, or prototyping. Many professionals on Coroflot have formal design education and agency experience, which can be valuable if you need someone who follows established research and design processes. The platform is straightforward to use and attracts serious professionals looking for substantial projects.

10. Upwork

    Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, and it has thousands of product designers and UX researchers available at every skill level and price point. You post a job, review proposals, and interview candidates before making a hire. The platform includes tools for tracking hours, managing milestones, and handling payments, which makes it easier to manage longer projects. Rates vary widely, so you can find someone who fits almost any budget. The challenge is sorting through the volume of applicants, but detailed profiles, work history, and client reviews help you identify strong candidates quickly.

Each of these marketplaces offers a different approach to hiring product designers and UX researchers, so the right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and how much vetting you want the platform to do for you. Some platforms focus on premium talent with higher rates, while others give you access to a wider range of professionals at more accessible prices. Take time to review portfolios, read client feedback, and communicate clearly about your project goals before making a hire. With the right marketplace and a clear brief, you’ll find someone who can help you build better products and understand your users more deeply.