AlphaSights vs Hired: Which Platform Is Better?
Real fees, real tradeoffs. No affiliate links, no sponsored rankings. Compare AlphaSights and Hired 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
Hired operates as a reverse marketplace — tech professionals receive interview requests from vetted companies rather than applying cold. Salary expectations and role details are transparent upfront. Covers both permanent and contract/freelance opportunities.
Model: Reverse Talent Marketplace
Market: Engineers, designers, data scientists (US/UK/Canada)
Founded: 2012
Fee Comparison
| Feature | AlphaSights | Hired |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $0 (per-project billing) | $0 |
| Cost per Lead | $0 | $0 |
| Commission | 0% (expert); client pays per engagement | ~15% per placement (employer pays) |
| Free Client Access | No | No |
| No Account Required | No | No |
| Target Market | Consulting firms, investment managers, and corporations needing expert research | Engineers, designers, data scientists (US/UK/Canada) |
No affiliate links. No sponsored rankings. We earn nothing from recommending any platform listed here.
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 Hired if: Senior tech professionals in the US, UK, and Canada seeking high-quality contract or permanent offers without cold applications
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
Hired
Software Engineering, Data Science, Design, Product Management, DevOps
US, UK, Canada
Engineers, designers, data scientists (US/UK/Canada)
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
Hired Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reverse model (companies come to you)
- Salary transparency upfront
- Pre-vetted employers only
- Covers permanent and contract roles
- Strong in tech hubs
Cons:
- Primarily employment-focused, not freelance-first
- Limited outside US, UK, Canada
- Competitive acceptance (approval required)
- Less suited to short project work
Best for: Senior tech professionals in the US, UK, and Canada seeking high-quality contract or permanent offers without cold applications
Summary
AlphaSights charges 0% (expert); client pays per engagement in commission, while Hired charges ~15% per placement (employer pays). 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.
Hired works well for senior tech professionals in the us, uk, and canada seeking high-quality contract or permanent offers without cold applications, particularly in the Engineers, designers, data scientists (US/UK/Canada) 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 Hired?
Hired charges ~15% per placement (employer pays) commission. Employers send interview requests; salary shown upfront
Is AlphaSights or Hired better for freelancers?
AlphaSights suits Consulting firms, investment managers, and corporations needing expert research. Hired suits Engineers, designers, data scientists (US/UK/Canada). Choose based on your preferred fee model and target client type.
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