Toptal, it is worth the effort? Any story?

It’s not clear to me that you understand how Toptal works. They get software development jobs and place their developers on those projects. They take a cut, in return for marketing, negotiation, billing, payment, etc. The rates depend on the developer and the project, as one would expect. Whether the work is interesting or worth it, to you, isn’t something anyone can answer. You can say “no” to projects they offer you.

If you have a reputation and network and can hustle your own clients, and do all of the business-related stuff yourself, then Toptal and similar companies may not add much value. I work through an agency and find they add considerable value and get better rates for me.

Toptal removes a lot of the work around finding high paying clients, but like any freelance marketplace, you wont be paid nearly as much as if you found your own clients.

If you need money in the door or just hate sales / finding clients, then Toptal solves that needs. But if you can cut out the middle man, all the better.