For most clients and businesses, who are looking for a freelancing platform, Fiverr may seem like the obvious choice as it’s one of the most popular freelancing platforms out there. That still doesn’t mean, just because it’s well-known, that it’s the best fit for you, and if you’re reading this, you’re curious to know what other freelancing platforms are worth considering.
As an avid user of freelancing platforms, including Fiverr, which I’ve worked on both sides of, I can offer a comprehensive review of alternative freelancing platforms. I’ll delve into how each platform works, the pricing structure, fees, services, and refund guarantees, while also sharing my honest thoughts and opinions.
Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor
So, before committing to a freelancing platform, it’s definitely worth reading on to compare Fiverr alternatives.
The Top 9 Fiverr Alternatives
Let’s dive into the Fiverr Alternatives. In case you are in a rush and don’t have time to read the full article, you can check out our top Fiverr alternatives in the ranking table below to give you an overview of which are the top alternatives.
| Fiverr Alternative | Starting Price | Platform Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
 Upwork |
Upwork Rates: $15 – $100 per hour.
|
Client Platform Fees: 5% |
|
 Toptal |
Toptal Rates: $60 – $250 per hour.
|
Client Platform Fees: 0% |
|
|
99 designs: Basic logo designs start at $289. | Client Platform Fees: 5% |
|
 Codeable |
Codeable Rates: $80 – $120 per hour. | Client Platform Fees: 17.5% |
|
 |
Outsourcely Rates: $79 – $229 per hour. | No Fees applied as Subscription Plan Only |
|
 SolidGigs |
SolidGigs Freelance Membership: Yearly $252 or Monthly $35 | Non-Applicable |
|
 |
Freelancer Rates: Starting at $50 | Non-Applicable |
|
 |
PeoplePerHour Rates: Starting at $50 | Non-Applicable |
|
 |
Guru Rates: Starting at $69 | Client Platform Fees: 2.9% |
|
Fiverr Pros & Cons
Although this article is about Fiverr alternatives, I thought it would be interesting to highlight the pros and cons of Fiverr so you can compare them with the other freelancing platforms.
- Wide Variety: Its big pool of categories and subcategories means there is something for most and that you can find what you are looking for.
- Affordable: It’s a very affordable freelancing platform, with some gigs costing $10, so if you are on a budget it’s definitely worth considering.
- One off Projects: If you are looking for a job to be completed quickly, then Fiverr defiantly has you covered with its quick turn around of jobs.
- Customization: With Fiverr’s Gig packages and add-ons, you can tailor the service to get exactly what you ask for.
- Ratings: Fiverr has a robust rating and review system so that clients can leave feedback on its freelancers, which helps future clients make informed decisions when selecting a freelancer.
- Customer Service: Fiverr offers a responsive support team that’s 24/7 with a live chat, email and phone.
- Fiverr Pro: Its premium service with its top freelancers is available in case you decide you want to upgrade to this service, naturally the costs are higher.
- Secure Payment: Fiverr holds on to the payment until the buyer marks the order as ‘Completed’ before it pays the freelancer, this then protects the client.
- Refund Policy: As a buyer, you can request a refund within 14 days of delivery, after reviewing your request, you may be entitled to a partial or full refund.
- Lack of Quality: As some jobs are completed so quickly, it does mean that the quality can suffer, this is something to keep in mind, before committing.
- Due diligence: It’s important that you do your due diligence and read reviews from past clients about freelancers before committing to work with anyone.
- Timezone: Fiverr is a global platform, which means freelancers may be located in different time zones, it’s important to be aware of this before choosing your freelancer, so it doesn’t leas to communication delays.
- Additional Costs: Even though Fiverr is a budget – friendly freelancing platform, depending on your project requirements, extra costs may arise like extra revisions, add-on services etc.
The Fiverr Alternatives in Detail
Upwork
In 2015, Upwork transitioned into becoming one of the leading marketplaces for freelancers. If you are a freelancer looking for work or a client needing a freelancer to help you with a project, it’s one of the top platforms to consider.
Upwork catalog of categories include Design, Development & IT, Marketing, Business and much more. Upwork has a really intuitive interface and as a client, you can begin by making a job post or if you prefer you can look for freelancers (Talent) yourself. Majority of freelancers offer an hourly rate around $15 an hour which can go up to $100.
Upwork Pros
- Free Sign Up: Upwork is completely free to sign up to, you can create a client account and job posting.
- Categories & Offerings: A wide variety of categories including Accounting and Consulting, Design and Creative, Software Development and much more.
- Long-Term Relationship: It focuses on building long-term relationships, whether it’s a long project or that you plan to use the freelancer multiple times.
- Flexible Payment: It offers the option to pay either monthly or annually.
Upwork Cons
- Fees: Upwork charges fees, that’s 5% for a client payment for fixed-price or hourly jobs.
- Scams: There is always a risk of scams, so it’s important that you do your due diligence before hiring a freelancer.
As A Client: Why Choose Upwork over Fiverr?
Upwork is a freelancing platform that focuses on building long-term relationships between freelancers and clients. Whereas Fiverr focuses towards hiring a freelancer for a one-off project. If you have a project planned that you know will take some weeks or months, or you work for an agency that is looking to work with a freelancer more than once, then Upwork is definitely a more suitable option than Fiverr. If you still aren’t sure which one to choose, please check out our detailed Upwork vs Fiverr article.
As A Freelancer: Why Choose Upwork over Fiverr?
Upwork makes it easy for you to reach out to clients and get hired, you can apply to 100’s of job postings a day if you want to. Whereas with Fiverr, you will offer your services, and it’s important that you use keywords in your gig listings, so that potential buyers can find you. On top of that, Upwork freelancers have full control over their rates, which include both hour billing and flat price options. Sellers on Fiverr are restricted by flat-rate projects. This is the case whether you are using Fiverr marketplace or Fiverr Business. If you’re still undecided, check out our detailed Upwork vs Fiverr article to help you choose the right one.
Toptal
Toptal meaning Top Talent is a freelancing platform that has the very best freelancers in business, design and technology topics. It prides itself on having the top 3% of freelance talent from software developers, designers, finance experts, product managers and project managers in the world. Its rigorous screening process means that typically fewer than 3% of freelancers are accepted.
Toptal offers a flexible hiring system, you can work with your freelancer on an hourly or full-time basis and the possibility to scale up or down is available depending on your needs. You will be matched with an industry expert who will work with you to match you with the right talent.
TopTal Pros
- Top Quality: You can be rest assured that its freelancers are the very best.
- Topic Specific: Toptal only offers top freelancers from the business, design and technology world.
- Guaranteed: You will work with your freelancer on a trial basis and only pay when you are satisfied.
TopTal Cons
- Expensive: It isn’t the cheapest freelancing platform, but what it does have is top quality freelancers. But if you are on a tight budget, it maybe worth considering Upwork
- Fewer Options: As it’s a platform with high standards, the pool of freelancers isn’t as big and there may not be the right freelancer available when you need them.
As a Client: Why Choose Toptal over Fiverr?
Toptal is a freelancing platform that focuses on providing top quality freelancers who are specialists in specific topic areas like business, design and technology. Unlike Fiverr, Toptal’s network of freelancers are rigorously tested and vetted, giving you the reassurance that you will have a positive working experience. As a Toptal client, you will be provided with an account manager who will act as a liaison between you and the freelancer, that will help to support and help make the working relationship as smooth as possible. Fiverr doesn’t offer any sort of personalized support like this. If you are looking for a top quality freelancer and supported working experience, then Toptal is a platform you should consider.
As a Freelancer: Why Choose Toptal over Fiverr?
Toptal has a reputation of attracting high-quality clients who value and are willing to pay for top-tier talented freelancers. Therefore, you are more likely to work on rewarding projects that you can add to your portfolio. Although Fiverr does have a big pool of clients, they may not have the budget and are less likely looking for help on a long-term project. Toptal charges clients a premium rate for its services, which means freelancers will earn a much higher rate for their work. Fiverr, on the other hand, has a much wider price range, which could result in freelancers being paid less. If you are looking for top quality clients and being paid a premium rate to work on leading projects, then Toptal maybe your best bet.
99designs
99designs is the freelancing platform of graphic design, it offers a global community of professional designers. There are a couple of ways for you to find the right designer to work with, either 99designs can help you find a designer or you can open your brief up to an entire design community and then pick your favorite designer.
99designs offers services in Logo & identity, Web & app design, Business & advertising, Book & magazine and more. Depending on the design category you are interested in, each category has different budgets, its logo designs start at $289.
99designs Pros
- Top Quality: You can be rest assured that its freelancers are the very best.
- Topic Specific: 99designs specializes in design related categories and subcategories.
- Guaranteed: You will work with your freelancer on a trial basis and only pay when you are satisfied.
99designs Cons
- High Price Tag: 99designs does have a much higher price tag, so depending on your budget, it might not be right for you.
- Only design Topics: Only offers design related topics, if you are looking for a wider range of categories, then check out Upwork.
As a Client: Why Choose 99designs over Fiverr?
99designs is one of the closest alternatives to Fiverr when it comes to graphic design. One of the main differences is its pricing. Fiverr is renowned for its low price tag, whereas 99designs has a much higher price tag, with its starting price around $300 for a logo design. If you are looking for a high-quality design and a money-back guarantee if the design isn’t what you expected, then 99designs is the better option.
As a Freelancer: Why Choose 99designs over Fiverr?
99designs has a reputation of producing high-quality work, which coincides with its higher price tag. Therefore, freelancers will earn higher rates than they would working on Fiverr. 99designs has a much more rigorous vetting process for both freelancers and clients, ensuring the legitimacy of clients about paying for high-quality work. 99designs is free for freelancers to sign-up and then has you move through the ranks as a designer from entry level to top level the platform fee decreases from 15% to 5%. At Fiverr you will be charged a 5.5% service fee for every gig you are paid for, it’s important to note though you are likely to work on a longer project at 99 designers and be paid higher. If you are a freelancer who specializes in graphic design and looking to work with top quality clients who are willing to pay a premium fee, 99designs could be an option.
Codeable
Codeable is pretty unique; it’s the only WordPress freelancing platform on the market. You can work with one if it’s 700+ WordPress experts for a short-term job or a full-time project. Its WordPress developers are carefully screened and vetted, they take a technical exam and have a 90-day trial period, so you can be rest assured they are the very best.
Each project posted on Codeable gets its own individual price and its rates range from $80 – $120 per hour. It’s completely free to post a project on Codeable and to even get an estimate, with no obligation to hire. Plus a money-back policy is available if the developer doesn’t deliver the agreed project.
Codeable Pros
- Free estimate: You can post a job and get free estimates from potential developers with no obligation to hire them.
- Experts: Codeable only hires the very best WordPress Experts, currently only 700+ handpicked experts.
- Range of Tasks: You can post small tasks and fixes to full custom development work, there are no limitations.
Codeable Cons
- Higher Cost: It may be a bit more expensive than other freelancing platforms, but it does guarantee a vetted team and project management support.
- Topic specific: Codeable specializes in wordpress, if you are looking for a wider range of categories, then check out Upwork.
As A Client: Why Choose Codeable over Fiverr?
It’s true that Fiverr does offer WordPress services, but I can almost guarantee that the experts working at Codeable are far more qualified and experienced. Its prices are more expensive, but you have the guarantee of a higher quality of work and a money-back policy if the job or project isn’t delivered to your satisfaction.
As A Freelancer: Why Choose Codeable over Fiverr?
Codeable is a platform that specifically focuses on WordPress development projects. Therefore, it will attract high-quality WordPress projects that will match your skill set, which may result in being paid a higher rate. On the other hand, Fiverr is open to everyone, which may leave you sifting through lower quality job posts. Codeable provides a project management feature so that you can work more closely with your clients, keep track of your project and communicate with your clients. On top of that, Codeable screens freelance applicants and only accepts the top 2%, so from a client perspective, you can be rest assured you are working with a WordPress expert.
Outsourcely
Outsourcely is a platform for remote work, connecting employers (businesses) with remote workers (freelancers) on a variety of specialist skills from Design & Multimedia, Writing & Content, Sales & Marketing and much more. Outsourcely has over 400,000 remote workers who are committed and looking for a long-term working arrangement with an employer.
As an employer, you can create a profile, browse remote workers and post a job for free. Then you can decide on the right plan for you either a small business for $79 a month or a Professional plan for a larger business and more features for $229 a month. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available in case you aren’t completely satisfied.
Outsourcely Pros
- Talent: Outsourcely has a talented pool of freelancers, with many working full time for the platform.
- Communication: Outsourcely has numerous ways for freelancers and employers to connect with each other using private chat, email, live video and messaging.
- Flexible: It can adapt its services to work with first-time entrepreneurs or companies of any size.
Outsourcely Cons
- Monthly Plan: You maybe put off by paying for the monthly plan to connect and communicate with freelancers and prefer a free freelancing platform.
- Time Zone: Even though Outsourcely has various communication methods, be aware that your freelancer may be in a different time zone and not able to reply to you straight away.
Freelancer
Freelancer is one of the largest freelancing platforms on the market, connecting freelancers and clients from all over the world. As a client, you can post any sized project from small one-off tasks to large, multi-stage projects. It offers 1800+ categories from Website Design, Data Entry, Logistics and much more, the range of categories is endless.
You can browse freelancers’ portfolios to get a better idea of past work they have completed. Then you can get quotes for your proposed projects for free, and you will only pay for the work once it’s completed and are 100% satisfied. Freelancer has a mobile app where you can track and stay up to date with the progress of your project.
Freelancer Pros
- Intuitive: The platform has a really user-friendly design, making it easy and simple to post projects and find freelancers and their work.
- Categories: It offers such a wide pool of categories, 1800+ in total, it gives you plenty to choose from.
- Secure Payments: Freelancer uses a secure payment system, that means the clients funds are held securely until the project is 100% completed.
Freelancer Cons
- Quality Control: Even though Freelancer has measures in place to vet its freelancers, it’s not always guaranteed that the freelancer is right for the project or has the qualifications.
- Lack of Support: Some clients have experienced a lack of support and communication in the past.
Why Choose Freelancer over Fiverr?
If you are looking for a global pool of freelancers from a wide range of categories, Freelancer may have more choices than Fiverr. The fact that its project proposals are customizable means that it gives clients more flexibility in choosing the right freelancer for the job, sadly Fiverr doesn’t have this feature. Its safe and secure payments is another big plus as clients’ funds are held securely until the project is 100% complete.
PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour connects clients to expert freelancers who are available to hire by the hour or for a project. As a client, you can post a project through its easy and quick form and its AI system will match and connect the right freelancers with your project. Then a freelancer will respond with their own tailored proposal.
Once you receive a proposal from a freelancer you can pick and pay a deposit to begin the project. Only when the project has been completed, and you are 100% satisfied with the outcome will you pay the freelancer through its protected payment system. PeoplePerHour offers services in multiple categories like: Technology & Programming, Design, Business, Music & Audio and more.
PeoplePerHour Pros
- Choice: The platform has a large pool of potential freelancers to choose from offering a wide variety of services.
- Ease of Use: After posting a project, all you need to do is wait for freelancers to send you proposals.
- Secure Payments: PeoplePerHour protects the client, so that only when they are 100% satisfied with the project outcome will they pay in full.
PeoplePerHour Cons
- Quality Control: It’s not always guaranteed that all freelancers are equally qualified or experienced.
- AI System: Its AI matching system may not always be accurate matching clients with freelancers.
Why Choose PeoplePerHour over Fiverr?
Some of the reasons to choose PeoplePerHour over Fiverr is that you have greater flexibility in the pricing and project, as you can pay freelancers per hour and if the project changes whilst working together, it’s easy to make changes. Whereas Fiverr can be pretty rigid in its pricing and way of working. Another key difference is that PeoplePerHour focuses on long-term relationships between client and freelancer and Fiverr is geared towards one-off jobs.
SolidGigs
SolidGigs is a little different from other freelancing platforms as its focus is on helping find work for the freelancer. I thought it’s still worth comparing as there may be some freelancers reading this article who are looking to compare platforms. Freelancers can sign up to SolidGigs, then you will be matched and alerted with leads (client jobs) via email. Then you can send a pitch to the client and hopefully begin working together.
As a freelancer you pay a flat price, the best way to look at it is like a subscription plan which covers the costs of SolidGigs finding and sending you leads (clients). You can choose between the Yearly fee: $252 (working out at $21 monthly) or the Monthly free: $35, a 7-day free trial is included which you can cancel at any time.
SolidGigs Pros
- Free trial: Freelancers have 7 days to try out the platform for free and can cancel at any time.
- Time Saving: SolidGigs will match clients with freelancers, saving the freelancer time of scrolling through job postings.
- Range of Tasks: You can post from small tasks, to large-scale projects, nothing is off limits in terms of jobs that can be completed.
SolidGigs Cons
- Limited job postings: As SolidGigs curates job opportunities, the number of job opportunities are limited and may leave some freelancers without work.
- Payment Upfront: The fact you are paying for a monthly or yearly subscription may leave some freelancers put out that they need to pay upfront.
Why Choose SolidGigs over Fiverr?
As we are talking from the perspective of a freelancer, the fact that SolidGigs has curated job opportunities means it is a huge time saver and there is no need to be scrolling through job postings. Plus SolidGigs has a community of freelancers and entrepreneurs who offer support and share their experience. So if you are a freelancer looking to really invest in your freelancing career and have had enough of scrolling through job postings, then SolidGigs is a platform you should consider.
Guru
Guru is a freelancing platform that will help to connect employers and individuals with expert freelancers from around the world. Guru offers a wide range of services, that include Programming & Development, Design & Art, Business & Finance and much more. Potential clients can post a job for free and compare quotes they receive from potential freelancers and then hire their preferred freelancer.
Once you have hired a freelancer you can decide on how and when payments are made and even use workrooms to collaborate, communicate and track work. There are multiple payment methods with SafePay payment protection.
Final Thoughts: Fiverr Alternatives
Firstly, thank you for getting this far and hopefully now you have a good overview of the Fiverr alternatives. It’s important to acknowledge that each freelancing platform has its own unique features, which will best suit your needs depending on what it is you are looking for.
It’s true to say that Fiverr does many things right, but its low price tag might leave you a little reluctant or the fact its client processing fees are 5.5% of the total amount. So it’s important to compare with other freelancing platforms to compare and see their differences, good and bad and that way you’ll find the right platform.
Just before you go ahead and decide on a freelancing platform, it’s important to ask yourself the following;
- What category are you looking for?
- How much is your budget?
- Is it a one-off or long-term project?
- How much communication and support are you looking for?
- Do you want the assurance of a money-back guarantee?
I want to add here that although this article is about Fiverr alternatives, it goes without saying that as a freelancing platform it does do a lot of things right. Although it has a reputation for lower prices, most freelancers offer 3 different priced packages, in case buyers want more than a basic freelancing gig. Its wide variety of offerings across digital services gives plenty of choice to the buyer. If you’re looking for a quick turnaround, then its projects can be delivered in as little as 24 hours.
Please leave a comment below if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help you out.
FAQ
Sadly, there is no completely free version of Fiverr. It is a paid platform that allows users to buy and sell services like graphic design, copywriting and programming. At times, there maybe a free trial or access to Fiverr, but generally speaking, it’s a paid platform.
One of the significant differences between Upwork and Fiverr is that Fiverr is geared towards smaller one off projects, while Upwork is for larger long-term projects. This is something to consider before deciding between these two freelancing platforms.
The starting price of many of Fiverr’s gigs and services are very low, some from only $5. Therefore, this competitive low price tag means sellers want to attract customers, so they may price their services competitively.
3 comments
Gaurav Kumar
4 November 2023, 15:26
Fiverr alternatives are cost effective solution for marketers and sellers. But does customer trust them. I will visit them and find out. thanks for the massive list.
Catherine Cooke
7 November 2023, 10:39
Thanks for your comment Gaurav. I hope the article helps you find a Fiverr alternative that works for you 🙂
jabbu
20 June 2023, 10:48
Best Online freelance working opportunities.