Freelancing is an exciting but equally overwhelming experience. Upwork is usually the first platform people go to. But let’s face it, this is not suitable for everyone.
If you are tired of steep fees, want to look for fresh options, or are just exploring the websites to suit your work style, there are many freelance platforms similar to Upwork that we will discuss in this blog.
30-Second Summary
There are several other freelance platforms similar to Upwork that cater to finding projects and clients. Here are some options.
- Fiverr: Ideal for beginners, short-term gigs, and predefined service packages at different tiers.
- Freelancer: A huge marketplace that has a bidding system similar to Upwork.
- Toptal: Excellent for elite professionals for premium clients.
- PeoplePerHour: Superb for quick, small to medium-sized gigs.
- Guru: Suitable for long-term collaborations with lower fees.
Why Look for Freelance Platforms Similar to Upwork?
Both freelancers and clients explore online freelancing platforms like Upwork for flexibility and remote work. However, many eventually start to find other freelance marketplaces for better opportunities.
Why Freelancers Look for Upwork Alternatives
Freelancers look for Upwork alternatives because
- It charges high fees that reduce the take-home income.
- It has heavy competition, particularly for entry-level roles.
- It has a time-consuming bidding process.
- It is difficult to stand out as a beginner on this platform.
Why Clients Look for Upwork Alternatives
Clients also explore other platforms to hire freelancers because of
- Too many low-quality bids
- Inconsistent quality of proposals
- The need to hire specialized talent
The goal for clients is to find the best freelance websites that balance quality, speed, and cost.
Key Features Compared Across Upwork Alternatives
When exploring other online freelancing platforms, clients and freelancers usually compare these features.
Fees and Pricing Structure
Some platforms charge freelancers while others charge clients. A few of them also operate as a no-fee freelance platform with subscriptions instead of commissions.
Competition Level
Large platforms have more competition as they attract millions of users. Small or niche platforms offer better visibility, particularly for beginners.
Job Quality and Client Type
Curated platforms have high-paying and long-term projects, while open marketplaces usually offer a wider range of budgets and project sizes.
Best Freelance Platforms Similar to Upwork
Here are some of the best Upwork alternatives.
Fiverr
Fiverr is one of the most widely used freelance platforms for beginners. Currently, it supports over 700 categories, catering to multiple in-demand freelancing services.
Pros
- Registration only takes a few minutes.
- You can create a gig in a few steps for free.
- The portfolio creation is easy and free.
- The platform offers three gig levels, including Basic, Standard, and Premium.
- Both Android and iOS support this app.
Cons
- It charges a high fee of 20%.
- It provides only service packages.
- There are no options for hourly or project-based work.
- You need to put in additional effort to stand out.
- You have to wait for clients to reach out to you.
How it Compares to Upwork
In the Fiverr vs Upwork debate, Fiverr stands out due to speed and simplicity. Upwork is more suitable for corporate clients who are looking for more professional freelancers.
Toptal
Toptal has a highly selective application process. It accepts only the top 3% and is for elite professionals. It claims to match the business with the right freelancer in just 48 hours, meaning you can find work quickly once you get accepted.
Pros
- The clients on Toptal are high-budget.
- This platform has a huge pool of experts in Blockchain and AI.
- Recruitment has 3 steps, and you get a job within 48 hours.
- It is available in more than 140 countries.
Cons
- It is difficult to stand out in the top 3%.
- It is not ideal for beginners.
- You need to pay to search for talent.
- Hiring or working through it generally costs more than other freelance sites.
How it Compares to Upwork
While Toptal is beneficial for talented and professional freelancers to start working on high wages. However, getting started is not as straightforward as Upwork.
As one of the high-budget platforms for hiring freelancers, it may be costly for businesses to search for talent.
Freelancer
Another Upwork competitor is Freelancer.com. It is among the top three largest freelance marketplaces. This platform has a bidding system similar to Upwork. It offers more than 2,700 categories.
Pros
- It offers free registration and portfolio creation.
- It has a larger freelancer network with a huge customer base.
- The platform has apps for both Android and iOS devices.
- It provides payment protection for freelancers and clients.
- You can profile reviews for freelancers and clients.
Cons
- It charges 5% fee for freelancers and 3% service fee for clients.
- It has a more complex interface.
- This platform has a high rate of competition.
- The spam messages are widespread.
- The wages are below-market.
How it Compares to Upwork
Both platforms charge a 10% fee for freelancers. However, Upwork charges 5% to clients while Freelancer only charges 3%. Also, the interface of Upwork is easier to understand than that of Freelancer.
PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is the top freelance platform for freelancers. However, you have to apply and wait to be chosen.
This platform offers hourly jobs as well as fixed price packages (similar to Fiverr).
Pros
- This website provides AI-supported job matches.
- The process of getting chosen is careful.
- It has high-quality clients and freelancers.
- The customer support is available 24/7.
- The process of payment is fully protected for clients and freelancers.
Cons
- The application process is difficult.
- It supports only hourly work and service packages.
- It only provides free 15 offers. For more offers, you need to pay an additional fee.
How it Compares to Upwork
Joining PeoplePerHour is more difficult than Upwork. However, this platform has a higher earning potential. Also, it charges a tiered system for fees, starting from 20% and dropping to 3.5%.
Guru
Guru has completed more than 1 million jobs and paid around $20 million to freelancers. Basically, clients post a job ad, and freelancers apply. Clients then choose the most suitable option based on their reviews, qualifications, and portfolio.
Pros
- This platform has a 99% customer satisfaction rate.
- It charges 5% to freelancers and 2.9% to clients.
- It offers a recurring payments feature.
- You can find both hourly and project-based work options.
- It has a payment protection system and team-building features.
Cons
- This platform only supports manual offer evaluation.
- It has no AI support.
- It does not have a mobile app.
How it Compares to Upwork
Guru and Upwork operate in a similar manner. Guru has a low commission. Upwork is more professional and huge, while Guru is smaller and has more competition for popular jobs.
Specialized Freelance Platforms
Some platforms require specific skills.
Freelance Platforms for Designers
Freelance designers can start their careers through these platforms.
99designs
99designs is an excellent website for creatives. Clients post their design projects, and freelancers have to submit their work for a chance to win.
Dribbble
Dribbble is not just a portfolio site. It is a community-driven platform where you can upload your work, get feedback, and connect with clients.
Freelance Platforms for Writers
You can connect with potential clients through these platforms.
ProBlogger
ProBlogger is a job board where freelance writers connect with businesses looking for blog writing, copywriting, and content marketing. It is not a bidding platform, meaning writers directly apply to the job postings.
Contena
Contena helps professional writers find high-quality, well-paying jobs. You need to subscribe to get access, and the platform promises long-term clients instead of volume-based gigs.
Freelance Platforms for Developers
For developers, these freelancing platforms are superb.
Gun.io
Gun.io connects talented developers with potential clients. If you are a coder, this platform lets you find the best gigs without much competition.
Arc
Arc is a remote hiring platform that deals with developers and tech professionals. It offers both freelance and full-time remote opportunities.
Upwork vs Top Alternatives
| Platform | Best For | Fees | Competition | Beginner Friendly |
| Upwork | General freelancing | High | Very High | Moderate |
| Fiverr | Beginners & creatives | Medium | High | Yes |
| Toptal | Experts only | Client-paid | Low | No |
| Freelancer.com | General freelancing | Medium | Very High | Moderate |
| Guru | Experienced freelancers | Lower | Medium | Moderate |
How to Choose the Right Freelance Platform
When it comes to finding freelance websites like Upwork, you should consider the following.
For Beginners
If you are just starting your career, go for freelance platforms for beginners that
- Have low competition
- Allow listing of skills
- Offer quick approvals
For Experienced Freelancers
Experts should choose specialized platforms that offer
- Higher-paying clients
- Long-term contracts
- Specialized projects
For Clients
Clients should prioritize
- Clear pricing
- Talent evaluation
- Platforms that cater to their budget and timeline
With time, you can scale your freelance career and establish a proper brand.
The Bottom Line
There is no single best freelance platform for everyone. While Upwork is a popular platform, many clients and freelancers explore its alternatives tailored to their goals.
Multiple freelancing platforms can help you find better opportunities, higher-paying projects, and a more sustainable freelancing career.
Find out more about the dynamic business world by exploring Modern Business Guide.
FAQs
What is the Best Freelance Platform Similar to Upwork for Beginners?
For beginners, platforms like Fiverr and PeoplePerHour are suitable as they are easier to start with due to low competition and smooth onboarding.
What Freelance Platforms charge Less than Upwork?
Platforms like Guru and subscription-based sites charge lower commissions. Some are also no-fee freelancing platforms.
Which Freelance Websites are suitable for Hiring Freelancers in the US?
Toptal, Upwork, and Guru are popular freelance job websites in the USA used by American citizens.
Is Fiverr better than Upwork for Long-term Projects?
For most freelancers, Upwork works better for long-term projects while Fiverr is great for short-term gigs.
