AlphaSights vs Catalant: Which Platform Is Better?
Real fees, real tradeoffs. No affiliate links, no sponsored rankings. Compare AlphaSights and Catalant side-by-side in 2026.
AlphaSights is a London-headquartered expert network connecting investment firms, consulting firms, and corporations with industry experts for research and strategic insights. Operates across 12 global offices. Offers expert consultations, surveys, and longer-form research projects. Known for faster matching turnaround than competitors and a more project-oriented engagement model. Strong competitor to GLG.
Model: Expert Network
Market: Consulting firms, investment managers, and corporations needing expert research
Founded: 2008
Enterprise marketplace for on-demand strategy and consulting. Fortune 500 companies use Catalant to access independent consultants for M&A, transformation, and operational projects. Freelancers pay 0% commission — clients pay a markup.
Model: Consulting Marketplace
Market: Enterprise consulting
Founded: 2013
Fee Comparison
| Feature | AlphaSights | Catalant |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $0 (per-project billing) | 0 |
| Cost per Lead | $0 | 0 |
| Commission | 0% (expert); client pays per engagement | Client-side |
| Free Client Access | No | No |
| No Account Required | No | No |
| Target Market | Consulting firms, investment managers, and corporations needing expert research | Enterprise consulting |
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ListAllExperts is one of the platforms compared - full disclosure: that's us. We apply the same criteria to our own listing.
Platform pricing and features may change without notice. Please verify current terms directly with each platform.
Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by the listallexperts.com team. How we evaluate platforms
Our Verdict
Choose AlphaSights if: Investment managers, consulting firms, and corporations needing fast industry expert access for research, due diligence, and competitive intelligence
Choose Catalant if: Consultants targeting Fortune 500 companies
Target Markets & Focus
Each platform caters to specific skills, industries, and geographic regions. Understanding these differences helps you choose where your expertise is most valued.
AlphaSights
Expert Interviews, Market Research, Investment Research, Due Diligence, Competitive Intelligence
Global (HQ London)
Consulting firms, investment managers, and corporations needing expert research
Catalant
Strategy, Operations, PMI, M&A
US Enterprise (Fortune 500 and major corporations)
Enterprise consulting
AlphaSights Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast expert matching — often same-day turnaround
- Strong reputation among consulting and investment clients
- Broader service range: consultations, surveys, research reports
- Global expert network across all industries
- More flexible billing than enterprise-subscription-only alternatives
Cons:
- Per-engagement pricing accumulates for frequent research needs
- Not a traditional freelance or project delivery platform
- Primarily used by professional services and investment firms
- Less suitable for operational, creative, or tech hiring
Best for: Investment managers, consulting firms, and corporations needing fast industry expert access for research, due diligence, and competitive intelligence
Catalant Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 0% freelancer commission
- Access to Fortune 500 strategy budgets
- Consulting and M&A project focus
Cons:
- Enterprise-only
- Selective
- Limited project types
Best for: Consultants targeting Fortune 500 companies
Summary
AlphaSights charges 0% (expert); client pays per engagement in commission, while Catalant charges Client-side. The right choice depends on how you work, not just what you pay.
AlphaSights works well for investment managers, consulting firms, and corporations needing fast industry expert access for research, due diligence, and competitive intelligence, particularly in the Consulting firms, investment managers, and corporations needing expert research segment.
Catalant works well for consultants targeting fortune 500 companies, particularly in the Enterprise consulting segment.
Want a third option? ListAllExperts offers flat-rate pricing with zero commission and direct client contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the commission on AlphaSights?
AlphaSights charges 0% (expert); client pays per engagement commission. London-based; 1,500+ staff across 12 offices; faster turnaround than GLG; consultations and research
What is the commission on Catalant?
Catalant charges Client-side commission. 0% freelancer fee — clients pay platform markup for strategy & consulting work
Is AlphaSights or Catalant better for freelancers?
AlphaSights suits Consulting firms, investment managers, and corporations needing expert research. Catalant suits Enterprise consulting. Choose based on your preferred fee model and target client type.
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