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Lemon.io

Review by RAECHEL CONOVER
Updated December 22, 2023

Lemon.io is a unique service that connects companies to high-quality developers who want to work with the hustle and bustle of startups. Through an intense vetting process, Lemon.io has a pool of talented developers that they match each project with quickly and guarantee the match to ensure your needs are met within your timeline and budget.

Pros

  • Quick 24 hours for a custom match
  • Detailed vetting process
  • Replacement match gaurantee
  • Open communication with potential hire
  • Developers specifically want to work with startups
Cons

  • Per developer deposit required
  • Customer service is limited
  • Not for smaller projects
Lemon.io logo
Best for startups
4.5
Features
5
Pricing
4
Support
4
Reputation
5

What is Lemon.io?

Through a five-step vetting process, Lemon.io hires developers that pass a resume evaluation, background and identity check, oral and written English proficiency test, a coding test, and a live interview. Matches are made within 24 hours and are backed by a replacement guarantee–just in case. This ensures the company matches you with the correct developer for your project every time.

lemon.io vetting process screenshot

Lemon.io vetting process. Source: Lemon.io website.

The company also seeks out freelance developers who specifically want to work with startups. And startups find it a win-win arrangement. Most companies report getting matched up with high-quality freelance developers who are helpful and efficient and often form long-term arrangements to help them accomplish their needs.

Lemon.io is a small but mighty company with an arsenal of roughly 1,000 developers that impress users. Lemon.io rates are straightforward. They charge an hourly price range that depends on the developer’s skill level and rates, and a refundable security deposit per developer based on those rates that can be applied to the project cost.

How much does Lemon.io cost?

Lemon.io plans start with a security deposit and $45 / hour.

Starting price:
$45 per hour
Free trial:
Not Available
Free version:
Not Available
lemon.io pricing screenshot

Lemon.io pricing. Source: Lemon.io website.

What’s included in every Lemon.io plan? Lemon.io doesn’t have set plans. Instead, they bill hourly. Each project must bill a minimum of 160 hours. These hourly rates range between $45 to $85, depending on the developer’s skill level and rates. A security deposit is required per developer, and that price is set based on the developer’s rates.

The process is simple. You fill out a form based on your project needs, and a Lemon.io expert estimates your billable hours and sets you up with a perfectly matched developer. Each project comes with a replacement guarantee, so if it isn’t working out with your assigned developer, you can get a new one without sacrificing your project timeline or budget.

lemon.io matching process screenshot

Lemon.io matching process. Source: Lemon.io website.

Which features does Lemon.io offer?

Freelance Websites for Developers Features
Quality of freelance software developers: five-step vetting process and developers must want to work specifically with startups
Ways to find freelance developers: get custom matched with a remote developer along with a replacement guarantee
Other talent categories: only hires developers wanting to work with startups
Hiring locations: hires remote developers worldwide but 96 percent of developers are based in Eastern Europe
Communication: companies may communicate with their developer at anytime during the hiring and project process

Other notable Lemon.io features

  • Weekly reports
  • Quick email support
  • On-demand CTO option
lemon.io weekly reporting screenshot

Weekly reporting from Lemon.io. Source: Lemon.io website.

What types of support does Lemon.io offer?

Data Migration
1-on-1 Live Training
Self-Guided Online Training
Knowledge Base
FAQs/Forum
Email Support
Live Chat
Phone Support

Lemon.io user review highlights

We analyzed 117 user reviews about Lemon.io from two third-party review websites to provide this summary.

Lemon.io reviews are primarily favorable. Companies seeking freelance developers are impressed with the quality of freelancers, how fast and easy the process is, and how helpful the customer service is.

A few negative reviews surface around a handful of developers with poor communication skills and instances where the developer charged for hours not worked. Lemon.io itself quickly addresses these comments.

  • Ease of Setup – set up involves a call with a Lemon.io representative to get the project scope. There are no complaints about this.
  • Ease of Use – users report that using the service is fast and efficient.
  • Features – the most commented on features include high-quality freelancers, an easy process, and helpful customer service.
  • Quality of Support – Lemon.io reviews point to quick customer service that addresses and resolves issues.
  • Value for Money – Most startups seem to find the service affordable and worth it for the quality of developers they are connected with.
lemon.io positive customer feedback screenshot

Positive feedback from Lemon.io customers. Source: Lemon.io website.

Lemon.io Contact Information

Parent Company:
Lemon.io
Headquarters:
Ukraine
Year Founded:
2015
Website:
lemon.io
Facebook:
facebook.com/lemoneyeo
Twitter:
twitter.com/lemoneyeo
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/lemoneyeo/
Instagram:
instagram.com/lemoneyeo/

Lemon.io alternatives

Software Starting Price B2B Reviews Score
Lemon.io $45 / hour 4.5
Toptal $90 / hour 4.6
Upwork 3% / project total cost 4.5

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