If you are a client or a business looking for a freelancer to help you with a one-off job or a long-term project, then you have probably considered Upwork. It’s one of the top freelancing platforms on the market, due to its wide range of talented freelancers, management tools and payment protection. With all this in mind, it may not mean that Upwork is the right platform and if you’re reading this then you’re probably considering an alternative freelancing platform.
To make sure this article about Upwork alternatives provides you with valuable insights, I’ve invested time in conducting in-depth research on its competitors. I’ve delved into various aspects such as pricing structures, fees, refund policies, and the advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives. Additionally, I’ve considered both the perspectives of customers and freelancers in my analysis.
Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor
Luckily, there is a vast pool of alternative platforms for you to consider, and each one offers something different. Many offer specialist categories, whilst others have vetted and highly experienced freelancers, and some protect their clients with a secure payment plan. It’s important that before you decide on a freelancing platform, you are aware of their differences and choose the one which will best suit your needs.
The Top 8 Upwork Alternatives
Let’s take a look at the Upwork Alternatives. In case you are in a rush and don’t have time to read the full article, you can take a quick glance at our Upwork alternatives ranking table to give you an overview.
| Upwork Alternative | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
 Fiverr |
Fiverr Rates: $15 – $100 USD per hour.
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 Toptal |
Toptal Rates: $60 – $250 USD per hour.
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99 designs: Basic logo designs start at $289 USD. |
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 Codeable |
Codeable Rates: $80 – $120 USD per hour. |
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 SolidGigs |
SolidGigs Freelance Membership: Yearly $252 or Monthly $35 USD. |
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Freelancer Rates: Starting at $50 USD. |
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PeoplePerHour Rates: Starting at $50 USD. |
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Hubstaff Talent Rates: Starting at $5 USD an hour. |
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Upwork Pros & Cons
Let me summarize the main pros and cons of Upwork for you, so you know what to expect from both Upwork and other freelancing platforms when searching for an alternative.
- Wide Range: Upwork offers a big pool of categories and services to choose from.
- Large Pool: Upwork has millions of clients from all over the world, so there is a lot of opportunity for freelancers to get work
- Payment Protection: A payment protection is in place, in the case you aren’t happy with the outcome.
- Long Term: If you are looking to work with a freelancer on multiple occasions or for a long-term project, then Upwork is geared towards this.
- Ratings & Reviews: Freelancers can build a positive reputation with clients leaving ratings and reviews, which clients can also read to decide on a freelancer who is best suited.
- Filtering System: Upwork allows you to filter freelancers by their geographical location, so if you prefer to work with someone in the same timezone as you, it is easily done.
- Direct Messaging: You can reach out directly to your freelancer and ask any questions or stay in touch about the progress of your project.
- Inexperienced: It isn’t guaranteed that your freelancer is as qualified and inexperienced as you hoped, since Upwork doesn’t have a vetting policy.
- Communication Issues: Communication can sometimes be a challenge when working with clients from different parts of the globe, from time differences to language barriers.
- Poor Customer Service: If you have an issue, it may be hard to contact someone from Upwork to help you resolve it.
- Higher Fees: Upwork charges both clients and freelancers a fee, the bigger the project, the higher the fee.
Upwork Alternatives In Detail
If Upwork isn’t the platform for you, then don’t fear, as we’ve done the research to figure out which are its top alternatives and competitors. We’ve narrowed down the list to the top 8 and believe there is a freelancing platform to suit all clients and freelancers.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a global freelancing platform that connects freelancers (sellers) with individuals and businesses (buyers) who are seeking digital services. It’s one of the largest platforms on the market offering affordable rates across a wide variety of categories from Graphic & Design, Programming & Tech, Digital Marketing and more. Within its 10 categories is a diverse list of subcategories, for buyers to choose from. When Fiverr launched in 2010, it gained recognition for its budget friendly prices, many starting at just $5, thus the name Fiverr. Nowadays, most sellers charge a little more for their services, offering different priced packages to suit all budgets. Fiverr has an extensive filtering system, to help buyers find exactly what they are looking for. It’s important to also read reviews and ratings of sellers before committing to one.
For every order a buyer makes on Fiverr, a 5.5% service fee will be added to the total, this service fee will be added at checkout. In the case that your purchase total is less than $75, Fiverr will add another $2.50 small order fee to the total price. Fiverr will consider refunds either in the form of money refunded to your Fiverr balance or reimbursed to your credit/debit or PayPal.
Fiverr’s Pros
- Cost Effective: Many freelancers offer their services at a competitive rate, so if you have a limited budget, it’s worth considering.
- Categories: Fiverr offers 10 main categories, ranging from Graphic Design to AI services, alongside its categories are an extensive range of subcategories.
- Efficient: Fiverr is renowned for its quick turnaround of projects, particularly its one-off projects.
- Support Team: Its support team are help for answering questions and assistance for when you may need it.
Fiverr’s Cons
- No Quality: In some occasions the quality is lacking, as jobs are completed in such a short period of time, the quality suffers.
- Scams: There can be a risk of being scammed, so it’s important that you do your due diligence before deciding on and hiring a freelancer.
As a Client: Why Choose Fiverr over Upwork?
Fiverr is one of the most popular freelancing platforms on the market, it offers its services on a wide variety of creative topics. Its services are cheaper than the average and many clients use the platform to work with freelancers for one-off projects. Upwork has a slightly different approach as it focuses on building long-term relationships between freelancers and clients. If you are an individual or a smaller team or business looking for help with a creative project, Fiverr could be your answer. If you want to read in more detail about these two freelancing platforms, please check out our detailed Upwork vs Fiverr article.
As a Freelancer: Why Choose Fiverr over Upwork?
As Fiverr specializes in creative topics, a freelancer who has those specific skills would be more inclined to work on the Fiverr platform. Unlike Upwork, where you submit proposals and compete with other freelancers for jobs. Fiverr allows clients to browse through your services and order a gig directly from you. That means as a freelancer you can focus more on delivering quality work rather than spending time on proposals. Fiverr gives freelancers more flexibility and control over their work and how they deliver their services, whereas Upwork has more guidelines and regulations in place to protect clients and freelancers. If you’re still undecided, please take a look at our detailed Upwork vs Fiverr article to help you choose the right one.
Toptal
Toptal, derives from the phrase ‘Top Talent’, it’s a premium freelancing platform that boasts some of the most skilled and experienced freelancers in the business, design, and technology fields. The platform’s focus is to connect freelancers and businesses with the top 3% of global freelance talent. Toptal’s stringent screening process ensures that only the most qualified freelancers are accepted, with typically less than 3% of applicants making the cut.
Toptal provides a versatile hiring system, enabling clients to collaborate with their chosen freelancer either on an hourly or full-time basis. The platform also offers scalability options, allowing clients to adjust the scope of their project based on their evolving needs. Toptal assigns an industry expert to each client, who works closely with them to identify the most suitable freelancer for their specific requirements.
TopTal Pros
- Highest Quality: You can be confident that Toptal’s freelancers are top, due to the fact they are the top 3%.
- Specializes: Toptal exclusively offers freelancing services in business, design and technology topics.
- Satisfaction: To ensure you are happy with your chosen freelancer, you will work with them on a trial basis and only pay once you are satisfied with the delivered outcome.
TopTal Cons
- Higher Price Tag: Although Toptal isn’t the most affordable freelancing platform, it prides itself on top quality outcome. If you are on a tight budget, it may be worth considering other platforms like Fiverr.
- Fewer Freelancers: As it has a rigorous screening process, its pool of freelancers may be comparatively smaller which could mean a freelancer isn’t available when you are ready to work with them.
As a Client: Why Choose Toptal over Upwork?
Toptal offers top quality freelancers in topics related to business, design and technology. Its freelancers are rigorously vetted by the Toptal team and typically fewer than 3% are accepted to work on the platform. Whereas at Upwork anyone can set up an account to work on the platform, so you can’t always be guaranteed that the freelancer has the experience or expertise you are looking for. If you have a larger budget and are looking to work with top-tier talent and a dedicated support team, Toptal may be the better choice.
As a Freelancer: Why Choose Toptal over Upwork?
Toptal is known for attracting high-quality clients, like large companies and startups who are willing to pay a higher price tag, therefore as a freelancer, you’ll be paid a high rate compared to freelancers at Upwork. Toptal does put its freelancers through a rigorous screening process, which you will need to be prepared for, but the result will mean you will be working alongside the top 3% of freelancers. Whereas at Upwork, it’s a much more open application process and the majority of freelancers are accepted. If you are looking to work with high-quality clients who trust your skill and knowledge and be paid a higher fee, then Toptal is the right platform to consider.
99designs
99designs is a freelancing platform that specializes in graphic design, connecting clients with a global community of skilled and professional designers. The platform offers clients two options to find the perfect designer for their needs – either 99designs can assist them in selecting a designer or they can launch their design brief to the entire community, selecting their preferred designer from a pool of talented options.
This platform provides a diverse range of options in various design categories, including ‘Logo and Identity’, ‘Art and illustration’, ‘Packaging and label’, ‘Clothing and merchandise’ and more. Each of these categories has its own budget requisites – for example logo designs starting at $300 USD.
99designs Pros
- Top Quality: You can trust that 99designs are top-notch with professional designers in over 90 design skill sets.
- Design Focus: 99designs focuses on design-related topics, covering all design categories.
- Interactive: 99designs offers an interactive design process that allows clients to collaborate with designs in real-time, providing instant feedback.
99designs Cons
- Time-consuming: The design process can be time-consuming with reviewing and providing feedback. So if you’re working to a tight deadline, be aware of this.
- Topic Specific: It’s only dedicated to design-related topics, so if you require a broader range of categories, it may be worth considering other platforms like Freelancer.
As a Client: Why Choose 99designs over Upwork?
99designs is a freelancing platform that specializes in design, its categories include Logo & identity, Web & app design, Art & illustration and more. 99designs isn’t the cheapest freelancing platform on the market and its basic logo design services start at $300 USD. So when you compare it to Upwork you are definitely paying a premium fee. In case you are put off by the higher price tag a money-back guarantee is available if the design isn’t what you expected.
As A Freelancer: Why Choose 99designs over Upwork?
99designs is a platform that specializes in design, so it goes without saying that a freelancer would need to have design related skills to offer its services. 99designs attracts a large customer base from small and medium-sized businesses, to startups and individuals who are looking for design services. Freelancers will work closely with clients, receiving regular feedback, if you are a freelancer that enjoys collaborating and working so closely with the client, it is a freelancing platform for you to consider. On top of that, 99designs has a guaranteed payment system, so freelancers will be paid immediately after successfully delivering the work.
Codeable
Codeable is a freelancing platform that specializes in WordPress-related projects, setting it apart from other platforms in the market. Clients can collaborate with over 700 WordPress experts, whether for a brief job or a full-time project. Codeable’s WordPress developers undergo a rigorous screening process that includes a technical exam and a 90-day trial period, ensuring that they are the best professionals in the field, so that clients can be confident working with the very best.
On Codeable, each project is assessed individually, and clients can expect rates ranging from $80 – $120 USD per hour. Posting a project on the platform is completely free, and clients can receive an estimate with no obligation to hire. Moreover, Codeable provides a money-back policy if the developer does not deliver the agreed-upon project, ensuring client satisfaction.
Codeable Pros
- Custom Priced: Codeable provides clients with individualized pricing based on the specific project needs, ensuring clients receive a fair and reasonable price.
- Quality: Codeable’s developers are carefully screened and vetted, ensuring they are the top WordPress professionals.
- Money-back guarantee: Codeable offers a money-back policy if the developer fails to deliver the agreed project.
Codeable Cons
- Higher Rates: Codeable hourly rates may be higher than those of other freelancing platforms, consider this if you’re on a tight budget.
- Exclusively WordPress: Codeable specializes in WordPress-related, if you require a broader range of categories and services, you may want to consider exploring other platforms.
As a Client: Why Choose Codeable over Upwork?
While Upwork does offer WordPress services, Codeable’s developers are widely regarded as being more qualified and experienced in this specific area. Although Codeable’s hourly rates may be higher than those of Upwork, the platform provides clients with a higher quality of work and a money-back policy if the project does not meet their expectations. Therefore, if you require top-quality WordPress-related services, Codeable is a better option to consider over Upwork.
As a Freelancer: Why Choose Codeable over Upwork?
Codeable is a platform specifically tailored for WordPress professionals, so if you are a freelancer and an expert in WordPress development, Codeable is a niche platform where you’re directly connected with clients seeking your specialist skills. Codeable typically attracts clients who are more aware of the value of expert work and have a larger budget. Its minimum rate per hour is higher than that on Upwork, ensuring that freelancers are paid correctly for their skill set and expertise. Codeable offers a strong support to its freelancing community, including personal assistance and resources.
SolidGigs
SolidGigs differs from other freelancing platforms in that it focuses on helping freelancers find work. While this platform may not be directly relevant to clients, it may still be worth considering for freelancers who are looking for work. Upon signing up, freelancers will receive regular email alerts regarding leads for potential jobs, and they can send pitches to clients to hopefully begin working together.
Freelancers pay a flat subscription fee, which covers the cost of SolidGigs finding and sending them job leads. The platform offers two payment options: the yearly fee of $252 USD (equivalent to $21 USD per month) or the monthly fee of $35 USD, both of which include a 7-day free trial and can be cancelled at any time.
SolidGigs Pros
- Free trial: SolidGigs offers a 7-day free trial, allowing freelancers to test the platform and determine if it’s the right fit for their needs.
- Subscription-based pricing: Freelancers pay a flat fee subscription each month, which makes it easier to budget for.
- Job matching: Its job matching service provides freelancers with regular email alerts about potential job leads, saving time and energy searching for work
SolidGigs Cons
- No direct communication: Freelancers at SolidGigs don’t have direct communication with clients, which could make it more challenging to build relationships.
- Limited Categories: It may not offer as broader range of job categories as other freelancing platforms.
Why Choose SolidGigs over Upwork?
From a freelancer’s perspective, SolidGigs’ curated job opportunities can be a significant time-saver, eliminating the need to sift through countless job postings. Additionally, SolidGigs’ community of freelancers and entrepreneurs provides support and shared experiences, making it an excellent platform for freelancers looking to invest in their career and build connections. If you’re a freelancer who’s tired of scrolling through job postings and seeking a supportive community, SolidGigs is a platform worth considering over Upwork.
Freelancer
Freelancer is a leading freelancing platform that connects freelancers and clients worldwide. As a client, you can post projects of any size, ranging from small one-time tasks to large, multi-stage projects, across 1800+ categories such as Logo Design, Data Processing, and Link Building, among others.
You can view freelancers portfolios and check out their past work experience. Additionally, you can ask for free quotes for your proposed projects and only pay once you are satisfied with the completed work. The platform has a mobile app, that enables you as the client to keep track of your project’s progress and stay updated.
Freelancer Pros
- User-Friendly: Freelancer’s intuitive design makes it effortless to post projects and locate freelancers and their work.
- Extensive Categories: With over 1800+ categories available, Freelancer offers an extensive selection to choose from.
- Secure Payments: Freelancer’s secure payment system ensures that the client’s funds are held securely until the project is fully completed.
Freelancer Cons
- Quality Control: Despite implementing measures to screen freelancers, Freelancer can’t always guarantee that a freelancer is suitable for a project or has the right qualifications.
- Lack of Support: Some clients have previously reported experiencing insufficient support and communication.
Why Choose Freelancer over Upwork?
One significant advantage of Freelancer over Upwork is the number of categories available. Freelancer offers over 1800+ categories, providing clients with a wider selection of services. Additionally, Freelancer’s payment system is more secure than Upwork’s, the escrow system ensures that clients’ funds are help securely until the project is completed, and the client is satisfied with the work. So if you are looking for a wider selection of categories and a secure payment plan, then Freelancer is the better option.
PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a freelancing platform that bridges the gap between freelancers (sellers) and individuals or businesses (buyers) in search of professional digital services. It stands out due to its broad array of categories from Design, Writing and Translation, Social Media and more. PeoplePerHour offers a unique way of working compared to other freelancing platforms emphasizes hourly and project-based work, making it inclusive for buyers on any budget and project deadline.
Like all freelancing platforms PeoplePerHour charges service fees for both buyers and freelancers. Buyers will be charged a project fee that starts at 20%, which is a little more expensive when you compare it to other platforms, it does decrease the more you spend on a project. Freelancers will also be charged a service fee, which is a percentage of their earnings, and this fee decreases as they earn more with the platform. The platform also offers deposit protection, ensuring refunds can be processed smoothly should the need arise, either back to the buyer’s payment method or as credits within the platform.
PeoplePerHour Pros
- Diverse Expertise: Offers a wide range of categories and subcategories, allowing access to a vast pool of talent.
- Flexible Pricing: Facilitates both hourly and project-based gigs, enabling buyers to find services that match their budget and project needs.
- WorkStream: Simplifies project management, communication, and payment for a seamless experience.
- Vetted Freelancers: Emphasizes the quality of freelancers through a rigorous vetting process, ensuring high standards.
PeoplePerHour Cons
- Service Fees: The sliding scale of service fees, can be expensive, especially for newcomers to the platform.
- Competition: High competition among freelancers may make it challenging for new sellers to get noticed and secure jobs.
- Quality Variance: Although there are many skilled freelancers on the platform. Buyers may need to spend time reviewing profiles and portfolios to ensure they hire someone who meets their standards.
As a Client: Why Choose PeoplePerHour over Upwork?
As a client, you might choose PeoplePerHour over Upwork for its specialized focus on freelance services, offering a platform with a targeted pool of talent, flexibility in payment options including hourly and fixed-price contracts, rigorous freelancer vetting for quality assurance, a secure payment system, dedicated support throughout the hiring process, community and networking opportunities, and a streamlined interface for efficient project management.
As a Freelancer: Why Choose PeoplePerHour over Upwork?
Freelancers may opt for PeoplePerHour over Upwork for its specialized platform focusing on freelance services, potentially offering easier visibility to clients seeking specific skills. The platform’s rigorous vetting process ensures quality assurance, aiding freelancers in standing out. With flexible payment options, including hourly and fixed-price contracts, freelancers have versatility in structuring their work and earnings. Dedicated support and community resources provide valuable assistance and networking opportunities, making PeoplePerHour an attractive choice for freelancers.
Final Thoughts on Upwork Alternatives
Thank you for reading and gaining a good overview of the available Upwork alternatives. It’s crucial to recognize that each freelancing platform has unique features that may best suit your needs, depending on what it is you are looking for. If you’re still unsure which platform to choose, you can try out some of them to compare and contrast their offerings and from there decide on which one is best for you.
Before selecting a freelancing platform, it’s essential to consider the following:
- What category or field are you looking for?
- What is your budget?
- Is it a one-off or long-term project?
- How much communication and support do you need?
- Do you prefer a money-back guarantee for assurance?
I’ve left Upwork’s strengths and weaknesses below for you to consider when comparing with alternative platforms.
Please leave a comment below if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help you out.
Upwork Alternatives: FAQ
Fiverr offers more affordable pricing, that’s why it attracts clients on a tighter budget. Many potential clients choose Fiverr over Upwork as they are looking for a one-off cheaper job. It’s the right alternative to Upwork for that reason.