--- title: "SDK Enterprises vs Malt: how the models differ" description: "A sourced comparison of Malt and SDK Enterprises: marketplace or shortlist, who checks the freelancers, who you contract with and how fees work." canonical: https://sdk.enterprises/en/compare/sdk-vs-malt language: en --- # SDK Enterprises vs Malt: how the models differ Last reviewed: 2026-09-26 > Malt is a freelancer marketplace: you search profiles or post a project, compare quotes and, in Malt's direct model, contract with the freelancer you choose. SDK Enterprises is a remote AI and software agency: we send a shortlist of engineers we have checked, you hire them directly or let us manage them, and we also build software under our own contract. ## The two models side by side | Question | Malt | SDK Enterprises | | --- | --- | --- | | What it is | A freelancer marketplace. You choose from public freelancer profiles, and Malt provides the tools for quotes, contracts, invoices and payments. Malt Strategy is a separate, selected community of management consultants and transition managers. [1][5][6] | An AI and software agency. We build and run software with in-house engineers and vetted freelance specialists, and we find freelancers for your own team. | | How you find people | Search profiles and contact freelancers directly, or post a project and let Malt's AI-based matching recommend freelancers. For Malt Strategy, you submit a project and Malt's team connects you. [1] | You send a short brief. We send a shortlist of vetted freelancers who are available and have said they are interested, with their experience, skills and why we picked them. | | How people are checked | Malt verifies identity and legal registration. Profiles show skills, past experience and reviews from previous clients, and you choose who to contact. Malt Strategy members pass a selection process. [1][5][6] | Our engineers review each person's work history and technical fit for your need before we propose them. | | Who manages the work | You work with the freelancer directly. They send you a quote, and you approve their monthly activity report (time-based projects) or their completed work (task-based projects). [4] | You choose per person: hire them directly and manage them yourself, or let SDK manage them. When we build a project, we run the team and show you working software every week. | | Who you contract with | It depends on the model. In Malt's direct model, the contract and invoicing are between you and the freelancer. In its Unique Provider model, arranged through your account manager, Malt signs with you and subcontracts the freelancer. [2] | SDK Enterprises, when we build a project or manage a freelancer for you. If you hire someone directly, they work on your own contract. | | Pricing and payment | Malt charges clients a service fee on the freelancer's invoiced amount, excluding tax. The rate depends on the plan (Starter, Advanced or Enterprise) and your country. Time-based work is prepaid into escrow each month or, if you are eligible, paid on invoice. [3][4] | No public price list. The first 30-minute call is free, and a project starts with a written scope and a fixed first milestone before you commit to a larger budget. | | Hiring someone directly | Malt's help centre says clients agree not to engage freelancers found on Malt outside the platform. [4] | One of the two options from the start: for each person on your shortlist, you can hire them directly. We introduce you and hand them over. | | Who you can hire | Freelancers in fields including data, technology, marketing, support and design, plus management consultants and transition managers through Malt Strategy. [1] | Software engineers: backend, frontend, full-stack, mobile, cloud and DevOps, AI and ML, data and security engineers, and tech leads. We also deliver projects and give technical advice. | | Location and language | Europe. Malt lists billing entities in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom. [2] | A remote team working with clients worldwide. Calls are held in French or English. | ## When each option fits ### Malt may suit you better if - You want to search profiles, compare quotes and choose freelancers yourself. - You need freelancers outside software engineering, such as marketing, design or support. - You want one platform to handle quotes, contracts, invoices and payments for many freelancers. - You are looking for management consultants or transition managers. ### SDK Enterprises may suit you better if - You would rather receive a shortlist of checked engineers than search profiles yourself. - You want the option to hire someone directly, on your own contract. - You want a team that builds and runs the software, with one company accountable for delivery. - You want engineers to check each person's technical fit before you see them. ## Questions buyers ask ### Is SDK Enterprises a marketplace like Malt? No. On Malt, you search profiles or post a project and choose from the freelancers who reply. We send you a shortlist of people our engineers have checked, and we can also build the software ourselves. ### Who is the contract with? In Malt's direct model, you contract with the freelancer. Its Unique Provider model makes Malt the contracting party. With SDK, it depends on your choice for each person: your own contract if you hire them directly, or SDK's contract if we manage them. ### Can I hire the freelancer directly later? Malt's help centre says clients agree not to engage freelancers found on Malt outside the platform. With SDK, hiring directly is one of the two options from the start: we introduce you and hand the person over. ### Does Malt cover more than engineering? Yes. Malt lists fields such as data, technology, marketing, support and design, and management consultants through Malt Strategy. SDK Enterprises focuses on software: we build it, staff it and advise on it. ## Sources Facts about Malt come from its own public pages below, as read on the date shown. They may have changed since. 1. [Malt Help Center: How do I find the right freelancer for my project?](https://help.malt.com/hc/en-150/articles/29580121135634-How-do-I-find-the-right-freelancer-for-my-project) (Accessed 2026-09-26) 2. [Malt Help Center: How does client billing work on Malt?](https://help.malt.com/hc/en-150/articles/29566398407058-How-does-client-billing-work-on-Malt) (Accessed 2026-09-26) 3. [Malt Help Center: What are Malt service fees and offers?](https://help.malt.com/hc/en-150/articles/29567589850002-What-are-Malt-service-fees-and-offers) (Accessed 2026-09-26) 4. [Malt Help Center: What are the project types on Malt?](https://help.malt.com/hc/en-150/articles/29571442838418-What-are-the-project-types-on-Malt) (Accessed 2026-09-26) 5. [Malt Help Center: What legal protection does Malt offer?](https://help.malt.com/hc/en-150/articles/29576423483794-What-legal-protection-does-Malt-offer) (Accessed 2026-09-26) 6. [Malt Help Center: What are the benefits of Malt for my business?](https://help.malt.com/hc/en-150/articles/29562582487826-What-are-the-benefits-of-Malt-for-my-business) (Accessed 2026-09-26) Malt is a trademark of its owner. SDK Enterprises is not affiliated with Malt. [Book a call](https://sdk.enterprises/en/book-a-call). [Start a project](https://sdk.enterprises/en/start-a-project).