Sites Like Upwork: 9 Best Upwork Alternatives (2025)
Lucas Bennett
Upwork is one of the best freelancing marketplaces. This digital marketplace handles millions of freelancers globally. Having said that, Upwork doesn’t come without its share of glitches.
At some point in time, you may not find the best freelancers for a specific task. Also, searching for a remote job can become difficult. Various factors can contribute to such scenarios, be it specialization or bidding rates.
There are some fine alternatives to Upwork available. Let’s review some of those and see how they meet your needs and requirements.There are some fine alternatives to Upwork available. Let’s review some of those and see how they meet your needs and requirements. Read more…
Fiverr stands out as a formidable rival to Upwork, presenting businesses and professionals with a vast pool of freelancers for diverse projects. From web design to culinary videos, the opportunities are abundant. Initially launched as a platform for gigs, it has evolved.
Best Sites Like Upwork: Upwork Alternatives for Freelancers (Free/Paid)
| Name | Founded in | Platform Fees | Payment Options | Popular Services | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | 2010 | 5.5% | Credit Card, PayPal, Fiverr Credits, and Fiverr Balance | Writing and Translation, Video and Animation, Logo Maker, Music and Audio, Graphics and Design, End-to-End Projects, Programming and Tech | Learn More |
| Toptal | 2010 | $500 | Paypal, Cards, Bank wires | Web Development, Design, Finance, Product Managers, and Project Managers | Learn More |
| SolidGigs | 2017 | $35/month | Different Credit Card options and Discount Codes | Freelance jobs, digital marketing services, accounts and finance | Learn More |
| Flexjobs | 2007 | $399/month | Visa, Mastercard, and other payment options | Telecommuting Jobs, Remote Work, Flexible Jobs, Alternative Schedule-Based Work, Freelance Contracts, and Part-Time Roles | Learn More |
| PeoplePerHour | 2007 | 3.5% excl. VAT | Paypal, Payoneer, and Bank Accounts | Technology & Programming, Writing & Translation, Designing, Video, Photo & Image Editing, Business, Music & Audio, Marketing, branding, and sales | Learn More |
1) Fiverr
In my experience, Fiverr stands out as a formidable rival to Upwork, presenting businesses and professionals with a vast pool of freelancers for diverse projects. From web design to culinary videos, the opportunities are abundant. Initially launched as a platform for gigs, it has evolved. Whether you’re a content writer, graphic designer, or educator, finding or posting gigs tailored to your skills is straightforward.
This versatility has made Fiverr an indispensable tool in my arsenal for sourcing freelance talent.
Features:
- Budget-friendly services: Fiverr features a wide range of digital marketing services that meet different client requirements and budget criteria. The pricing is project-based and not hourly.
- Short gigs: This freelancing job platform is ideal for those looking for short and affordable gigs that can be finished within a small timeframe.
- Flexible payment: With Fiverr, you never have to worry about the payment. Payments from your side get released only when you are satisfied with the work of the freelancer.
- Support services: You can submit a request in the available query form for the support team to answer.
Pros
Cons
Pricing and Fees
- Platform Fees: Fiverr charges a 5.5% service fee on the purchase amount if the purchase cost is beyond $75. For anything below, there is a $2.50 additional amount applicable.
- Payment Options: Credit Card, PayPal, Fiverr Credits, and Fiverr Balance
Why is Fiverr a better alternative to Upwork?
Fiverr has a simple interface that makes it easy to use compared to the complex interface of Upwork. Fiverr is always one of the better Upwork competitors due to its simplicity. Also, the affordable rates make Fiverr a popular option among buyers and sellers.
2) Toptal
In my experience, Toptal is a superior freelancing platform compared to Upwork. Its commitment to sourcing top-tier talent is evident in the stringent selection process it employs, admitting only 3-4% of applicants. This ensures that only the most skilled professionals make it onto their roster.
My visits to Toptal have revealed various job opportunities across various fields, catering to freelancers and remote workers alike. Notably, many leading global brands prefer to hire through Toptal, seeking the elite freelancers that populate its platform.
Features:
- Reliable Approach: With Toptal, you can always expect the highest form of reliability. Additionally, the flexibility allows you to manage your team per your needs. Using this app, you can work on specific projects in your spare time without changing your regular work schedule.
- Talent expertise: If you have a specific requirement for your business or company, say, an expert web developer, Toptal will provide you with the best talents associated with the platform. You can hire the talent that meets your needs accordingly.
- Best Value: Toptal services are cost-effective. There is a simple pricing strategy for Toptal, such as paying hourly, every week, full-time, or some fixed consolidated remuneration. There are also no hidden charges to be worried about.
- Risk-Free Trial: Toptal offers a trial period for every freelancer you hire. If, within that period, you terminate the services of the freelancer, you do not have to pay any charges. You can also keep the work done by the freelancer during that trial period.
- Unmatched Quality: This platform offers highly qualified freelancers with work expertise. Be it ethical values, proficiency in English, or subject specialization, Toptal always screens the best freelancers for you and other clients.
- Support: Toptal provides a customer support service through email, or you can make direct calls to the sales team.
Pros
Cons
Pricing & Fees
- Platform Fees: A $500 upfront fee will be credited when hiring someone. However, the amount will be refunded if you don’t hire and want to terminate the contract with Toptal.
- Recruiting Fees:
| Toptal | Typical Employment | Other Virtual Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $10-$40 | $0 |
- Payment Options: ACH, Credit Cards, PayPal, and Bank Wires.
Why is Toptal a better alternative to Upwork?
If you have the budget, Toptal is a way better Upwork alternative, considering the quality of freelancers you get for the high price being offered.
3) SolidGigs
In my expertise, SolidGigs is a standout in the crowded field of freelance job-search platforms. It transcends the usual by tailoring job opportunities directly to my inbox for a modest fee. It has proven an invaluable lead-generation tool, significantly enriching my freelance portfolio and business operations.
SolidGigs distinguishes itself by meticulously filtering hundreds of job portals, gig sites, and freelancing platforms to curate only the top 1-2% of opportunities for its users. This rigorous selection process underscores its commitment to quality, setting it apart and ensuring that we, the freelancers, receive only the best opportunities to advance our careers.
Features:
- Minimal lead generation time: With SolidGigs, you can generate numerous leads within a short succession of time.
- New jobs daily: You will never run out of gigs. New jobs are posted every 24 hours.
- Quality over quantity: SolidGigs focuses on the quality of leads being generated, not on the quantity of leads.
- No commission fee: There is only an upfront fee to join SolidGigs. Once done, you don’t need to pay anything for the work.
- Training options available: Many claim SolidGigs to be the best Upwork alternative. This is because here, you can train your skills and become sharper with your freelancing abilities.
- Skilled technical support: To resolve your queries, there is technical support available. Email them in their contact form or send a direct mail to their physical address.
Pros
Cons
Pricing and Fees
- Platform Fees: There is a flat upfront fee. You can either pay $35/month or subscribe annually for a fee of $21/month. However, SolidGigs never claims any percentage of your earnings that you receive through the jobs provided by them.
- Payment Options: Different Credit Card Options and Discount Codes.
Why is SolidGigs a better alternative to Upwork?
SolidGigs is a more effective option to find the best jobs for designers, developers, marketers, and writers. Unlike Upwork, SolidGigs screens and posts only the best quality gigs for freelancers, which makes it a better alternative.
4) FlexJobs
In my extensive experience, FlexJobs stands out as a premium freelancing platform, rivalling giants like Upwork. For over a decade, we’ve seen it offer meticulously verified remote, flexible, and freelance opportunities.
Its subscription-based model ensures a secure job search environment, free from spam and bugs. FlexJobs elevates the freelancing landscape with its commitment to quality and security.
Features:
- Remote jobs: With FlexJobs, you can work from anywhere. Choose from the widest range of remote jobs available that allow you to work at your conveyance anywhere in the world.
- Deep scrutiny of jobs: This popular Upwork alternative scrutinizes the jobs before posting them on the site. It saves time and energy from your end in identifying the best jobs for your requirements.
- One-on-one session: This is one facility that allows you to brush up on your career skills. You can also allow the experts to manage your resume.
- Deep research on jobs: There are thousands of job offers and employers available through the portal. You can go through the details of the companies you select to learn about the job culture, work responsibilities, and other aspects before applying for the job.
- Customer service: Support is available through a helpline and virtual chat. You can even mail them to their office address.
Pros
Cons
Pricing and Fees
- Platform Fees: There are 3 pricing editions available. Although there is a setup fee at the entry level, the usage fee structure is tabled below:
| 1 month | 3 month | 12 month |
|---|---|---|
| $399 | $859 | $2999 |
- Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard, and other payment options.
Why is FlexJobs a better alternative to Upwork?
You will find jobs from over 50 different fields of work. Also, if you are looking for high-quality remote or freelancing jobs, Flexjobs promises better reliability and is certainly one of the best alternatives to sites like Upwork.
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5) PeoplePerHour
In my experience, People Per Hour stands out as a commendable alternative to platforms like Upwork. It effectively bridges the gap between freelancers, whether newcomers or seasoned professionals, and businesses eager to collaborate for optimal outcomes. This platform champions the freedom from traditional 9-5 constraints, offering the flexibility to work on your terms and the opportunity to monetize your skills appropriately.
At People Per Hour, we have the privilege of specifying our expertise and setting our hourly rates through a feature aptly named HOURLIES. This feature ensures that clients can find the right talent within their budget.
Features:
- High safety: This freelance marketplace offers you the utmost safety through anti-fraud protection.
- Fast job searching: It promises a quick turnover time when you search for specific jobs.
- Top-quality proposal listing: People Per Hour introduces the option of highlighting the top-quality proposals that hit a client’s dashboard. This feature makes it easier for clients to pick the best proposals.
- Customer Support: Freelancers can submit their queries on the support page along with their work email.
Pros
Cons
Pricing and Fees
- Platform Fees: There are no upfront fees to post a job proposal or search for any job offerings. But this platform charges as per the earnings of the freelancer. Have a look:
| Deduction Charges | Billing Amount |
|---|---|
| 3.5% | above £5000 |
| 7.5% | within £250 – £5000 |
| 20% | below £250 |
- Payment Options: Paypal, Payoneer, and Bank Accounts.
People also read: 30+ BEST Freelancing Websites for Beginners (Mar 2024)
Why is People Per Hour a better alternative to Upwork?
PeoplePerHour is a more affordable option compared to Upwork. Additionally, the dashboard is more effective in People Per Hour, which helps users keep track of the project’s progress. There is an HOURLY feature where freelancers can define their work domain, and it offers better rates than platforms like Upwork.
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6) Hubstaff Talent
As an expert comparing freelancer platforms, I find Hubstaff Talent to be a top-notch alternative to Upwork. It’s a free venue where we, as freelancers, can showcase our resumes, skills, language proficiencies, and hourly rates. Clients can sift through these details to pinpoint the talent that perfectly fits their needs.
When I crafted my profile, the platform allowed me to briefly present my expertise and interests, enhancing my visibility to potential clients. This feature ensures a tailored match between freelancers and clients, making Hubstaff Talent an excellent choice for professionals seeking quality opportunities.
Features:
- Activity Dashboard: The highly effective dashboard displays all the activities, be it job searches or notifications, with a single click.
- Easy job posting: With Hubstaff talent, it is easy to post a job as you get better clarity on job postings. Each job is posted, targeting specific skilled freelancers.
- Resume storage facility: A comprehensive resume database allows employers to go through different resumes to pick the best talents.
- Detailed Reporting: This feature creates detailed statistics for the user’s portfolio and search domain. Be it the employer or the top-tier freelancers, this feature caters to everyone to have a better understanding of their performance or measure their search process.
- Support: Dedicated customer support is available round the clock to help users with their troubleshoots and queries through Live Chat, direct call, or email.
Pros
Cons
Pricing and Fees
- Platform Fees (Free Version): There are no fees for posting any job or applying for a job in Hubstaff Talent. It is free to join.
- Platform Fees (Paid Version): There is a paid option available with different plans. Have a look:
| Starter | Grow | Team | Enterprise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $7 | $9 | $12 | Customized |
| Yearly (billed annually) | $4.99/m | $7.50 /m | $10/m | Customized |
- Payment Options: Hubstaff Pay, PayPal, TransferWise, BitWage, Payoneer, and Gusto.
Why is Hubstaff Talent a better alternative to Upwork?
Although Hubstaff Talent and Upwork are similar in terms of professional services offered, the former comes with a free service. Agencies can simply go through the enlisted profiles to pick the best freelancers for their projects. On the other hand, Freelancers need to simply create their profile and apply to the posted jobs as per their area of expertise and preference.
Link: https://hubstafftalent.net/
7) Freelancer
As an expert, I’ve navigated Freelancer.com, acclaimed for its vast network across 247 countries. It astutely bridges the gap between talented freelancers and employers. My exploration revealed a diverse job marketplace, especially strong in web design and development, data entry, accounts and finance, and legal services, demonstrating its utility for a wide range of professional needs.
Features:
- Registered User Account: If you register with freelancer.com, you will have an online account with the portal for fund transfer or payment purposes.
- Customized Project Posts: Once you have posted a project, you can make further changes to the post at a later stage. You can add optional features to the post.
- Contest Entry: Freelancer.com allows users to start a contest. This is a very innovative approach to fine-screening candidates based on your requirements.
- Hire as per your needs: You can hire freelancers based on their location, language, and skill sets.
- Non-Disclosure Agreement: There is an option that allows agencies and companies to make freelancers sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
- Support: Technical support staff are available to answer your queries via live chat or email.
Pros
Cons
Pricing and Fees
- Platform Fees: There are no fees upfront. However, if you are a client, there is a 3% charge for Freelancer.com.
- Membership Fees: You can go for Monthly or Yearly membership.
| Basic | Plus | Professional | Premier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $4.99 | $8.95 (Free Trial Available) | $49 | $99 |
| Yearly | $4.50 | $8.95 (Free Trial Available 1 Month) | $39.90 | $79.90 |
- Payment Options: Credit Card, Skrill, PayPal, or Bank Deposit.
Why is Freelancer a better alternative to Upwork?
Although there are several similarities between Upwork and Freelancer, what separates them is the type of tools used, the subscription features, and the overall pricing. There is also the option to post a contest for free. Unlike Upwork, Freelancer.com allows the option to include a Project Manager to handle your projects. This feature makes Freelancer one of the better Upwork alternatives available presently.
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8) Guru
As an expert, I’ve observed Guru.com, one of the pioneering freelancing platforms. Predating Upwork offers an excellent arena for both freelancers and employers to find the right expertise for their projects. My experience underscores its flexibility and security, making it a top choice for job seekers. We appreciate how the Guru Community continues to grow, fostering a culture of excellence.
Features:
- Easy search: Customized to meet the requirements of the users, be it a freelancer looking for a job or an agency searching for a suitable candidate.
- Secured fund management: SafePay Payment Protection allows users to enjoy peace of mind regarding fund management. Whether paying for a project or getting paid for a task, this portal offers 100% assurance in terms of fund protection.
- Flexible working environment: Guru.com offers several workrooms for managing several freelancers working on the same project.
- 24/7 Customer support: The customer support professionals can be reached over the phone. You can also send them messages by filling out the form on the Contact Us page.
Pros
Cons
Pricing and Fees
- Platform Fees: There are no upfront fees for employers. However, for every invoice a client pays, Guru.com charges 2.9% of the invoice amount.
- Membership Fees: You can go for Monthly or Yearly membership if you are a freelancer.
| Basic | Basic Plus | Professional | Business | Executive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Free | $11.95 | $21.95 | $33.95 | $49.95 |
| Yearly | Free | $8.95 | $15.95 | $24.95 | $39.95 |
- Payment Options: Credit Cards, Wire Transfer, Payoneer, eCheck, PayPal.
Why is Guru a better alternative to Upwork?
You can use Guru.com for free to find freelancing jobs. But there is a paid version available that offers extra benefits like direct reduced fees on jobs, the option to contact employers, and also more bidding chances. With the SafetyPay feature, this freelancing job platform assures no issues with payments. There is no limitation on job postings for employers. All these features make Guru a better alternative to Upwork.
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9) Truelancer
In my expert view, Truelancer stands out as a global freelancing platform, offering vast opportunities for remote work and home-based projects. We find it highly reliable for employers seeking top talent and freelancers pursuing diverse work options.
Features:
- Free to use: With Truelancer you can post a job or search for a job for free.
- The interface: This platform has a very well-designed interface that looks simple and makes job searching easier.
- Effective chatting tool: The chat option allows a client to communicate with several freelancers before finalizing.
- Create a strong network: This web platform offers you the option to develop a highly effective and strong network.
- Support: The customer support team is available to resolve the queries via email or Skype. You can also visit the office in person or send a mail to the office address.
Pros
Cons
Pricing and Fees
- Platform Fees: There is no fee for posting jobs. So, employers do not have to pay anything at the start for posting them. However, the payment methods they select will have a certain processing fee that they have to bear.
- Membership Fees: You can go for a monthly or Yearly membership if you are a freelancer.
| Free | Basic | Pro | Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $0 | $5 | $10 | $50 |
| Yearly | $0 | $4.17 | $8.33 | $41.67 |
- Payment Options: Local Bank Transfer, Paypal, Payoneer
Why is Truelancer a better alternative to Upwork?
Truelancer is a better alternative to Upwork because it has a portal of vast network and a pool of resources. Also, Job Posting is free, which makes it a popular option among employers. It offers you the chance to grab freelancing projects with reasonable pay.
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Conclusion
Whether you are a freelancer or an employer, the requirements vary for each of these professionals, and so do the preferences. We have tried to handpick some of the best freelancing job portals for those who are looking for some suitable Upwork alternatives.
Here are our top 3 recommendations for website like Upwork:
- Fiverr: This $5 gig freelance marketplace is an ideal platform for freelancers looking for small, easy projects and simple assignments.
- Toptal: Toptal is one of the best alternatives to Upwork when it comes to quality jobs. Toptal focuses on the select few top-skilled applicants they screen and provides the best work opportunities to them.
- Flexjobs: For those looking for remote work options, Flexjobs is among the best Fiverr alternatives. With more than 50 categories and no unwanted advertisements, freelancers will find it easy to pick the best job according to their skills.
Fiverr stands out as a formidable rival to Upwork, presenting businesses and professionals with a vast pool of freelancers for diverse projects. From web design to culinary videos, the opportunities are abundant. Initially launched as a platform for gigs, it has evolved.
