Best Fractional CMO Companies [2025-2026]: A Comprehensive Comparison

Finding a fractional CMO used to mean tapping your network and hoping for a referral. Today, numerous platforms and services specialize in connecting companies with fractional marketing leadership. But with so many options, how do you choose?

This guide compares the leading fractional CMO services, covering their strengths, weaknesses, pricing, and ideal use cases. We've included FractionalChiefs (that's us) for transparency, clearly noting our perspective.

How We Evaluated

We assessed each platform on:

• Quality of CMOs: Experience levels and vetting processes
• Matching process: How they connect companies with candidates
• Pricing transparency: Clear cost information
• Flexibility: Engagement structures offered
• Industry specialization: Depth in specific verticals
• Company size fit: Best match for startup vs. SMB vs. enterprise

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The Top Fractional CMO Platforms

1. Chief Outsiders

Overview: One of the original and largest fractional executive firms, Chief Outsiders has been placing fractional CMOs since 2009. They have 100+ CMOs in their network, primarily serving companies in the $10M-$300M revenue range.

Strengths:

• Deep bench of experienced CMOs (all with 20+ years experience)
• Rigorous vetting process (less than 4% acceptance rate)
• Strong methodology and onboarding process
• Extensive client testimonials and case studies
• Also offers fractional CSOs (sales)

Weaknesses:

• Premium pricing puts them out of reach for earlier-stage companies
• Minimum engagement requirements
• Less flexibility for smaller time commitments
• May be over-qualified for simpler needs

Pricing:

• Typically $15,000-$25,000/month
• Minimum 6-month engagements common
• Project-based work sometimes available

Best For: Established mid-market companies ($10M-$100M revenue) needing seasoned marketing leadership with proven methodology.

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2. CMOx

Overview: CMOx focuses specifically on fractional CMO services for B2B SaaS and technology companies. Their model emphasizes hands-on execution alongside strategy, making them a good fit for companies needing both direction and implementation.

Strengths:

• Strong B2B SaaS specialization
• Emphasis on execution, not just strategy
• Clear focus on revenue-driving marketing
• Good fit for venture-backed companies
• Strong content and thought leadership in their niche

Weaknesses:

• Narrow industry focus (primarily tech/SaaS)
• Less suitable for consumer or traditional businesses
• Smaller network than generalist platforms

Pricing:

• Typically $8,000-$15,000/month
• Flexible engagement structures
• Some project-based options

Best For: B2B SaaS and technology companies at growth stage needing hands-on CMO support with execution emphasis.

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3. Marketri

Overview: Marketri combines fractional CMO services with marketing strategy consulting. They take a consultative approach, often starting with assessments before moving to ongoing fractional engagements.

Strengths:

• Structured assessment and strategy methodology
• Good at building marketing foundations from scratch
• Strong process orientation
• Works well with companies unsure of what they need
• Also provides marketing team augmentation

Weaknesses:

• Assessment phase adds time before ongoing work begins
• Can feel more like consulting than executive partnership
• Less hands-on in execution than some alternatives

Pricing:

• Initial assessments: $10,000-$20,000
• Ongoing retainers: $7,500-$15,000/month
• Variable based on scope

Best For: Companies that need help figuring out their marketing strategy before committing to ongoing leadership. Good for those building marketing functions from scratch.

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4. Authentic

Overview: Authentic focuses on growth marketing and has evolved to include fractional CMO services. They emphasize data-driven marketing and have strong capabilities in digital and performance marketing.

Strengths:

• Strong digital and growth marketing expertise
• Data-driven approach and measurement focus
• Good blend of strategy and hands-on execution
• Modern marketing techniques and platforms
• Strong in startup and growth-stage space

Weaknesses:

• Less depth in brand and traditional marketing
• May overweight digital channels
• Primarily West Coast and tech-focused

Pricing:

• Typically $10,000-$18,000/month
• Flexible structures available
• Some hybrid consulting/fractional models

Best For: Startups and growth-stage companies wanting CMO leadership with strong digital marketing and growth skills.

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5. MarketerHire

Overview: MarketerHire is a broader marketing talent platform that includes fractional CMOs among their offerings. They match companies with vetted marketing experts across all functions and levels.

Strengths:

• Large network of marketing professionals
• Quick matching (often within days)
• Flexible engagement levels (from hours to full-time)
• Lower price points for less senior options
• Good if you need marketing help beyond just CMO

Weaknesses:

• Less specialized in C-level fractional work
• Quality varies more than specialized platforms
• Less executive-focused vetting process
• CMOs may be less experienced than specialist platforms

Pricing:

• Fractional CMOs: $150-$350/hour
• Monthly retainers negotiated directly
• Platform facilitates but doesn't standardize pricing

Best For: Companies wanting flexibility and speed, or those who need fractional CMO alongside other marketing hires on the same platform.

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6. Toptal

Overview: Toptal is a general freelance talent platform that includes fractional executives among their offerings. They emphasize rigorous vetting (claiming top 3% acceptance) across all specialties.

Strengths:

• Very large talent pool across specialties
• Strong vetting process for technical skills
• Flexible engagement structures
• Can combine CMO with other hires (dev, design, etc.)
• Global talent pool

Weaknesses:

• Not specialized in executive-level marketing
• Quality for CMO roles less consistent
• Less fractional-specific infrastructure
• May require more effort to find right match

Pricing:

• Typically $150-$300/hour for senior marketers
• Monthly engagements negotiated directly
• No standard fractional CMO pricing

Best For: Companies already using Toptal for other roles who want to consolidate platforms, or those wanting broad options beyond marketing.

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7. FractionalChiefs

Overview: FractionalChiefs (yes, that's us) is a curated network connecting companies with vetted fractional executives across CMO, CFO, CTO, and other C-level roles. We emphasize quality over quantity with a selective acceptance process.

Strengths:

• Multi-role platform (CMO, CFO, CTO, COO, CHRO)
• Rigorous vetting focused on fractional-specific experience
• Strong matching process based on stage, industry, and needs
• Transparent pricing with guidance on market rates
• Modern platform and responsive support
• Content and resources for both sides of the marketplace

Weaknesses:

• Smaller network than long-established players
• Less industry-specific depth in some verticals
• Newer entrant (less track record than decade-old firms)

Pricing:

• Fractional CMOs: $5,000-$15,000/month typical
• Ranges vary by experience and time commitment
• Clear pricing guidance before matching

Best For: Companies wanting a curated matching process with quality executives across multiple C-level roles, from startups to mid-market.

Disclosure: This is our platform. We've aimed to be honest about our strengths and current limitations.

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8. Independent Fractional CMOs

Overview: Beyond platforms, many experienced CMOs operate independently, finding clients through their networks, LinkedIn, or referrals.

Strengths:

• Direct relationship without platform fees
• May find exceptional talent through referrals
• Negotiation flexibility
• Potential for deeper long-term relationship

Weaknesses:

• Finding qualified candidates is time-consuming
• No vetting beyond your own due diligence
• Variable quality with no platform guarantees
• Less structure and support infrastructure

Pricing:

• Highly variable: $100-$500/hour
• Monthly retainers: $3,000-$25,000+
• Entirely dependent on individual

Best For: Companies with strong networks who receive a referral to a specific, well-recommended individual.

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Platform Comparison Table

Platform	Typical Monthly	Best Stage	Specialization	Vetting Rigor
Chief Outsiders	$15,000-$25,000	Mid-market	Generalist	Very High
CMOx	$8,000-$15,000	Growth	B2B SaaS	High
Marketri	$7,500-$15,000	Various	Generalist	High
Authentic	$10,000-$18,000	Growth	Digital/Growth	High
MarketerHire	$150-$350/hr	Various	Generalist	Medium
Toptal	$150-$300/hr	Various	Generalist	Medium-High
FractionalChiefs	$5,000-$15,000	Startup-Mid	Multi-role	High
Independent	$3,000-$25,000+	Various	Varies	DIY

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How to Choose the Right Option

Consider Your Stage

Seed to Series A ($0-$5M revenue):

• Budget constraints matter most
• Need hands-on execution, not just strategy
• Best options: CMOx, FractionalChiefs, MarketerHire, or independent

Growth Stage ($5M-$20M revenue):

• Balance of strategy and execution
• May need team building help
• Best options: CMOx, Authentic, FractionalChiefs, Marketri

Mid-Market ($20M-$100M revenue):

• Strategic focus increases
• More complex organizational needs
• Best options: Chief Outsiders, Marketri, FractionalChiefs

Consider Your Industry

B2B SaaS/Technology: CMOx, Authentic, MarketerHire

Traditional/Manufacturing/Services: Chief Outsiders, Marketri, FractionalChiefs

Consumer/E-commerce: Authentic, MarketerHire, FractionalChiefs

Professional Services: Chief Outsiders, Marketri

Consider Your Needs

Need strategy only: Chief Outsiders, Marketri

Need strategy + execution: CMOx, Authentic, FractionalChiefs

Need speed (start within days): MarketerHire, Toptal

Need multiple executives: FractionalChiefs, Toptal

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Questions to Ask Any Platform

Before committing to a platform, ask:

About Their CMOs

• How do you vet fractional CMO candidates?
• What's your acceptance rate?
• How many CMOs do you have with experience in my industry?
• Can I see profiles before committing?

About Their Process

• How do you match companies with CMOs?
• What if the first match isn't right?
• How long does matching typically take?
• What ongoing support do you provide?

About Pricing

• What's the total cost (including any platform fees)?
• What engagement minimums exist?
• What happens if I need to end the engagement early?
• Are there additional fees beyond the CMO's compensation?

About Results

• Can you share case studies or references?
• What results have similar companies achieved?
• What's the typical engagement length?
• What's your satisfaction or retention rate?

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Alternative Approaches

If platform pricing doesn't fit your budget, consider:

Marketing Agencies with Fractional CMO Services

Some agencies offer CMO-level strategic guidance as part of broader retainers. Pros: integrated execution. Cons: may prioritize agency work over your needs.

Marketing Consultants

Consultants provide advisory services without the ongoing leadership role. Pros: lower cost, specific expertise. Cons: less accountability, no team management.

Part-Time Marketing Directors

Hire an experienced marketing director part-time instead of CMO-level. Pros: lower cost. Cons: less strategic depth, may need more guidance.

Advisory Boards

Bring on a marketing advisor for monthly guidance. Pros: very low cost. Cons: minimal time commitment, no execution involvement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do platform fees work?

Models vary:

• Some charge the company directly (separate from CMO payment)
• Some take a percentage of CMO compensation
• Some build fees into quoted rates
• Ask explicitly about total cost and fee structure

Can I hire a CMO I find through a platform directly?

Most platforms have restrictions (6-12 month exclusivity periods). Read agreements carefully. Some allow direct hiring after a waiting period or with a placement fee.

What if the CMO isn't working out?

Quality platforms offer replacement guarantees or matching support. Terms vary—ask before engaging. Most allow ending engagements with notice, though terms differ.

Should I use a platform or find someone independently?

Use a platform if:

• You don't have strong personal networks in marketing leadership
• You want vetting and matching support
• You value guarantees and platform support
• You're hiring your first fractional executive

Go independent if:

• You have a strong referral to a specific person
• Budget is very constrained
• You're experienced at executive hiring
• You have existing relationships with potential candidates

How long do fractional CMO engagements typically last?

Average engagement length is 12-18 months, though this varies widely. Some companies use fractional CMOs for years; others transition to full-time hires after 6-12 months.

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Making Your Decision

The "best" fractional CMO platform depends entirely on your situation. A Series A SaaS startup has different needs than a $50M manufacturing company.

Our recommendation: Talk to 2-3 platforms that seem to fit your profile. Assess their understanding of your needs, the quality of CMOs they present, and how well their process works for you. The right platform makes the search dramatically easier.

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Ready to Find Your Fractional CMO?

FractionalChiefs connects growing companies with vetted fractional executives across CMO, CFO, CTO, and other leadership roles. Our matching process considers your stage, industry, and specific needs to find the right fit.

Browse Our CMO Network | Tell Us What You Need

Or explore our resources: How to Hire a Fractional CMO | Questions to Ask Candidates