Freelancing can be a great way to work remotely and make money while having a flexible and varied career. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of the best platforms for freelancing in 2023 to find the best freelance opportunities.
But with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which platform is right for you. This list is based on a combination of user reviews, feature sets, reputation, and general popularity.
Table of Contents
What are the best platforms for freelancing?
As the gig economy continues to grow, more and more people are turning to freelance work as a way to make money. Here’s a list of the best freelance websites to find work in 2023.
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- Guru
- Toptal
- PeoplePerHour
- 99designs
- TaskRabbit
- SolidGigs
- Truelancer
- WriterAccess
- DesignCrowd
- Working Not Working
- Topcoder
Upwork
Upwork is one of the best freelancer websites that continue to revolutionize the way people work, allowing freelancers to find jobs and businesses to hire talented freelancers. It has grown steadily since its launch in 2013 and now boasts over 12 million registered freelancers.
Upwork is a good freelance website for beginners, as it provides a user-friendly interface and access to a wealth of resources to help new freelancers get started. However, the platform is competitive in nature. Beginners should invest more time in building a strong profile to stand out from other freelancers.
Main Features
- User-friendly platform with easy-to-use tools and features
- Secure and reliable payment system
- Project collaboration tools, including messaging and video conferencing
- Ability to set up milestones and track project progress
- Robust job search and proposal system
- Protection against fraud and non-payment through Upwork’s dispute resolution process
- Detailed freelancer and client profiles with ratings and reviews
- Option to work on a short-term or long-term basis
- Mobile app for easy access to the platform
Pros 👍
- Transparent and secure payment system
- Detailed profiles with ratings and reviews
- Collaborative project management tools
- Protection against non-payment and fraud
- Easy to use and mobile-friendly
Cons 👎
- The free plan is limited
- Competition can be fierce for some job categories
- Limited communication options with free membership
- Strict policies and account suspension can occur without warning
- Difficulty in establishing long-term client relationships
Pricing
Upwork offers two main membership plans for freelancers: Basic (free) and Plus.
- Basic (Free) – The Basic plan allows freelancers to set up a profile, browse job listings, and submit proposals to clients. However, Basic members are limited to a set number of proposals per month and are charged a higher service fee for each job they complete.
- Plus ($14.99/month) – The Plus plan is a paid membership that provides freelancers with additional features and benefits, including a lower service fee, increased proposal limits, access to more advanced reporting and analytics, and the ability to hide earnings and rates from public view.
For clients, Upwork charges a sliding service fee based on the total amount of each project, ranging from 5% to 20%. Clients can choose to pay this fee themselves or pass it along to the freelancer as part of the project cost.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a popular online platform, founded in 2010, that connects freelancers with businesses and individuals who need their services. There are over 2.5 million freelancers on Fiverr, about 20% of the size of Upwork.
It quickly grew to become one of the leading marketplaces for freelancers around the world. Fiverr offers a variety of services that are tailored to fit the needs of any business or individual looking for quality help from experienced professionals.
Main Features
- Ability to set up custom offers and packages
- Secure and reliable payment system
- Communication and collaboration tools, including messaging and video conferencing
- Protection against fraud and non-payment through Fiverr’s dispute resolution process
- Detailed freelancer and client profiles with ratings and reviews
- Mobile app for easy access to the platform on the go
Pros 👍
- User-friendly platform with easy-to-use tools
- Customizable service packages and offers
- Secure and reliable payment system
- Detailed freelancer and client profiles with ratings and reviews
- Mobile app for easy access to the platform on the go
Cons 👎
- Can be difficult to stand out among other freelancers
- Limited communication options with free membership
- Limited ability to negotiate terms and pricing with clients
Pricing
Fiverr offers two main membership plans for freelancers: Basic (free) and Pro.
- Basic (Free): The Basic plan allows freelancers to create a profile, post services, and receive orders. Freelancers are charged a 20% service fee on orders up to $1,000 and 5% on orders above that amount.
- Pro: The Pro membership is a paid membership that provides freelancers with additional features and benefits, including access to premium tools, priority customer support, and the ability to create customized offers. The service fee for Pro members is also lower than for Basic members, starting at 5%.
Freelancer
Launched in 2009, Freelancer is a popular online freelancing platform with over 64 million registered employers and freelancers. Freelancer connects businesses with freelancers from around the world, offering a range of services from web development and design to virtual assistance and writing.
Main Features
- Access to a large pool of global freelancers
- Competitive pricing and fee structure
- Multiple payment options for clients and freelancers
- Ability to set project milestones and deadlines
- User-friendly platform with a variety of project management tools
- Option to hire freelancers for both short-term and long-term projects
- 24/7 support and dispute resolution services
Pros 👍
- Transparent and secure payment system
- Detailed profiles with ratings and reviews
- Collaborative project management tools
- Protection against non-payment and fraud
- Easy to use and mobile-friendly
Cons 👎
- The free plan is limited
- Competition can be fierce for some job categories
- Limited communication options with free membership
- Strict policies and account suspension can occur without warning
- Difficulty in establishing long-term client relationships
Pricing
Freelancer.com offers a free basic membership plan as well as paid plans with additional features. Here are the pricing and membership plans of Freelancer.com:
- Free Plan: No membership fee, but freelancers are charged a 10% fee on their earnings from each project.
- Basic Plan ($4.99/month): This plan costs $4.99 per month and includes 50 bids per month, a reduced fee of 10% for hourly projects, and 5% for fixed-price projects.
- Plus Plan ($8.95/month): This plan costs $8.95 per month and includes 100 bids per month, a reduced fee of 10% for hourly projects, and 5% for fixed-price projects, as well as access to skills testing and priority customer support.
- Professional Plan ($49.00/month): This plan costs $29.95 per month and includes 300 bids per month, a reduced fee of 10% for hourly projects and 5% for fixed-price projects, as well as access to a personal account manager, skills testing, and premium support.
- Premier Plan ($99.00/month): This plan costs $99.00 per month and includes 1,500 bids per month, a reduced fee of 10% for hourly projects and 5% for fixed-price projects, as well as access to a personal account manager, skills testing, and premium support.
Additionally, Freelancer.com charges additional fees for certain services such as job postings, contest fees, and project upgrades.
Guru
Guru is a global online freelance marketplace founded in 2001, connecting businesses with skilled professionals in various fields. With over 3 million members worldwide, Guru provides a platform for employers to find and hire freelance talent for various projects.
Guru is a great platform for freelancers looking for short-term or project-based work in various industries. It is especially useful for those in fields such as design, writing, and programming.
Main Features
- Escrow system for secure payments
- Flexible fee structure
- Easy project management tools
- Wide range of job categories
- Ability to create customized work agreements
- Access to a talent pool with various skillsets
- Real-time collaboration tools
- Support for multiple currencies and languages
- Comprehensive dispute resolution process
Pros 👍
- Flexible payment options
- Safe and secure platform
- Wide range of freelance talent
- Easy-to-use interface
- Good customer support
- Comprehensive search filters
Cons 👎
- High service fees for basic members
- No free membership option
- Limited communication tools
- Quality of work varies greatly
- Lower average pay rates compared to other platforms
Pricing
Guru offers five membership plans:
- Basic (Free): Free to join with a 9% fee on each project, 10 bids per month
- Basic+ ($11.95/month): 9% fee on each project, 50 bids per month
- Professional ($21.95/month): 7% fee on each project, 50 bids per month with 100 annual bid rollover
- Business ($33.95/month): 6% fee on each project, 50 bids per month with 200 annual bid rollover
- Executive ($49.95/month): 5% fee on each project, 50 bids per month with 300 annual bid rollover
Additional fees may apply for optional features such as enhanced project listings or recruiting services.
Toptal
TopTal is a global freelancing platform that connects businesses and individuals with elite freelance talent. Founded in 2010, the platform has grown to include over 100,000 freelancers across various fields, including software development, design, finance, and project management.
TopTal is a high-end freelancing platform that caters to businesses and individuals in need of top-tier freelance talent. It’s a great choice for clients who are looking for high-quality work from experienced and vetted freelancers in a variety of fields.
Main Features
- Access to top 3% of freelance talent in various fields
- Rigorous screening process ensures quality freelancers
- Personalized matching with clients for ideal project matches
- Dedicated service for time-tracking and invoicing and invoicing
- Option for flexible and remote work including freelance, full-time or part-time, rather than on a project basis
Pros 👍
- Access to high-quality, vetted freelance talent
- Personalized matching with clients for the ideal project match
- Dedicated account management and support for both clients and freelancers
- Flexible hiring options, including full-time and part-time talent
Cons 👎
- Not beginner-friendly for freelancers
- High fees for both clients and freelancers
- Limited pool of talent compared to other platforms
- Strict screening process may limit opportunities for some freelancers
Pricing
TopTal charges a commission fee based on the hourly rate or project fee agreed upon by the freelancer and client. The commission fee ranges from 10-20% depending on the duration of the project and the level of support required.
In addition to the commission fee, freelancers are required to pay a membership fee to be part of the platform, which ranges from $50 to $500 per month depending on the type of membership.
PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelance platform founded in 2007. It offers a diverse pool of over 2 million freelancers skilled in web development, design, writing, and more. The platform allows freelance creatives to showcase their skills and provides businesses with a cost-effective solution for hiring freelancers on-demand.
PeoplePerHour is suitable for freelancers who offer services in creative fields such as graphic design, writing, and video editing.
The platform can be good for beginners due to its easy-to-use interface and the ability to set lower rates. The membership plans can be beneficial for experienced freelancers looking to increase their exposure and earn more money, but they may not be worth it for beginners or those who like to work part-time.
Main Features
- Fixed-price or hourly jobs
- Project management tool
- Escrow payment protection
- Proposal review system
- Quality assurance team
Pros 👍
- User-friendly interface
- Offers both fixed-price and hourly projects
- Provides secure payment options
- Allows direct communication with clients
- Offers a wide range of job categories and skills
Cons 👎
- High competition among freelancers
- Limited free bids per month
- Higher project fees compared to other platforms
- Slow customer support response time
- Limited project management tools
Pricing
PeoplePerHour offers a free membership plan for both freelancers and businesses. However, it also offers a paid membership plan called “Preferred Freelancer” for freelancers. With this plan, freelancers can submit unlimited proposals, receive exclusive job invitations, and access premium customer support. The fee for this plan is 15% of the project fee. For businesses, PeoplePerHour charges a fee of 20% on the total project value.
99designs
99designs is a design platform founded in 2008 that connects businesses with freelance designers for a range of freelance design jobs. With over 150,000 designers in their community, they offer services such as logo design, web design, book cover design, and more. The platform has advantages over other design platforms in its ability to provide high-quality design work at competitive prices through its contests and direct projects.
Main Features
- Design contest platform for logos, websites, and more
- Global community of professional designers
- Multiple designs to choose from
- Affordable pricing options
- Satisfaction guarantee and copyright ownership
Pros 👍
- Large pool of talented designers to choose from
- Customizable design packages to fit different needs and budgets
- Provides a design brief to help clients effectively communicate their design needs
- Offers a money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction
Cons 👎
- Generally more expensive than other design platforms
- The design process can be time-consuming and involve a lot of back-and-forth communication with designers
- Quality of design submissions can vary widely depending on the designer chosen
- Limited communication tools for clients to communicate with their chosen designer
Pricing
99designs pricing and membership plans vary depending on the design service selected. Employers can use freelance marketing by offering various design contests with different price packages, and designers can join for free to participate in these contests.
Additionally, 99designs offers monthly subscription plans that give access to additional benefits, such as higher visibility and more design options. The cost of the subscription plans starts at $299 per month.
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is an on-demand task outsourcing platform that connects freelance workers (Taskers) with local people for various services. It was founded in 2008 and has since grown to offer a wide range of services, including cleaning, moving, handyman work, and personal assistant tasks. TaskRabbit offers the advantages of flexible, on-demand work and a simple booking process for clients.
Main Features
- Task customization: You can describe your task and specify any special requests or requirements.
- Verified Taskers: Taskers are screened for quality and undergo background checks.
- TaskRabbit Guarantee: If something goes wrong, TaskRabbit offers a $1 million guarantee to help resolve the issue.
- In-app chat: You can communicate with Taskers through the app, making it easy to ask questions or provide instructions.
- Transparent pricing: You can see a breakdown of the costs for your task before you book it.
Pros 👍
- Large variety of tasks and services offered
- User-friendly platform
- Background-checked Taskers
- Convenient mobile app for task management
Cons 👎
- Limited availability in certain regions
- High service fee for both clients and Taskers
- Limited support for Taskers
- Some Taskers may charge higher rates than competitors
Pricing
TaskRabbit does not have any membership plans for freelancers. Instead, the platform takes a 15% cut from every completed task as their service fee. Clients pay for the services directly through the platform, and freelancers receive the payment within 3-5 days of task completion.
SolidGigs
SolidGigs is a membership-based freelance platform founded in 2016. It has a curated list of top freelance jobs and sends daily job alerts to its members. SolidGigs also provides members with access to training materials, courses, and tools to help them grow their freelance businesses. Its advantages include a focus on high-quality remote jobs, a large library of training resources, and a supportive community.
Main Features
- Daily job listings and alerts
- Search for jobs using filters
- Access to premium courses and training
- Personalized support and coaching
- Money-back guarantee for the first 30 days
Pros 👍
- Offers a highly curated list of freelance job opportunities
- Provides additional resources such as training materials to help freelancers improve their skills and increase their earning potential
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Free trial available
Cons 👎
- Relatively expensive compared to other platforms
- Limited number of job postings each month
- Limited job categories available
- Not ideal for beginners or those seeking low-paying jobs
Pricing
SolidGigs offers a 30-day free trial for new members, after which the monthly membership fee is $35.00. This gives members access to job postings, training materials, and a supportive community of freelancers.
TrueLancer
TrueLancer is a freelance marketplace that was founded in 2016. It offers a platform for businesses and individuals to find and hire freelancers across various industries, including web development, graphic design, content writing, and more. Some potential advantages of TrueLancer compared to other platforms include a user-friendly interface, a range of project options, and a dedicated mobile app for freelancers.
Main Features
- Job categories cover a wide range of skills
- Straightforward platform
- Search for thousands of jobs or have them delivered to your inbox
- Upfront pricing for each job
- Secure payment system
Pros 👍
- Large pool of skilled freelancers
- Easy-to-use platform
- Offers multiple payment options
- Provides a dispute resolution system
Cons 👎
- Charges a high commission fee
- Has limited job categories
- Quality of work may vary
- Limited customer support
Pricing
Truelancer is a free platform for both freelancers and clients. However, there are some additional services that freelancers can purchase to enhance their experience on the platform:
- Free: 10% service fee, $75 maximum project value limit, 20 proposals/month
- Basic ($5.00/month): 10% service fee, $375 maximum project value limit, 50 proposals/month
- Pro ($10.00/month): 8% service fee, no limit on project value, 100 proposals/month, access to prime projects and priority support
- Plus ($50.00/month): 8% service fee, no limit on project value, 150 proposals/month, access to prime projects and priority support
WriterAccess
WriterAccess is a content creation platform founded in 2010 with over 30,000 freelance writers and editors. It connects businesses with talented writers and editors to create high-quality content for their website, blog, and social media. The platform offers a range of tools to streamline the content creation process and help businesses find the right fit for their specific needs.
Main Features
- A large pool of professional writers
- User-friendly interface
- AI-assisted job matching system
- Option to request specific writers
- Advanced project management tools
- Content strategy and consultation services
Pros 👍
- Quality writers who are vetted and rated
- An easy-to-use platform for managing orders and communication
- Offers a range of content services, including blog posts, white papers, and social media posts
- Offers a satisfaction guarantee on all content Provides access to a large pool of writers
Cons 👎
- Prices can be higher than other content-writing services
- Platform fees can be high for freelancers
- Limited ability to negotiate rates with writers
- No direct communication with writers before placing an order
Pricing
WriterAccess offers a pay-as-you-go pricing system with no membership or subscription plans. Freelancers set their own rates and clients pay based on the level of the writer, ranging from a 2-star writer at 3 cents per word to a 6-star writer at 10 cents per word. Clients can also choose to pay a monthly fee for access to features such as content strategy consultation and content analytics.
DesignCrowd
DesignCrowd is an online marketplace that connects businesses with freelance designers to fulfill their graphic design needs. Founded in 2008, DesignCrowd has a network of over 700,000 designers and has completed over 700,000 design projects for clients in over 165 countries. Unlike other design platforms, DesignCrowd allows clients to receive multiple design proposals and choose the one they like best.
Main Features
- Access to a large pool of experienced and creative freelance designers
- Ability to run a design contest, where multiple designers compete to create the best design
- Option to work directly with a designer of your choice for a more personalized experience
- Ability to provide feedback and revisions to designers until you are satisfied with the final design
- Affordable pricing options for a range of design services, including logos, websites, and marketing materials
Pros 👍
- Large pool of designers to choose from
- Competitive pricing
- Option for custom design briefs
Cons 👎
- Can be overwhelming to sort through all the design submissions
- Some designers may not meet quality expectations
- No project management tools
Pricing
DesignCrowd is free to register for designers and has no membership fee. They only take 15% service fee on design charges.
Working Not Working
Working Not Working is a platform that connects creative freelancers with top companies. Founded in 2012, it boasts a network of over 30,000 freelancers who specialize in various fields such as graphic design, copywriting, photography, and more. The platform allows freelancers to showcase their portfolios and provides them with access to various job opportunities.
Main Features
- Curated community of talented and experienced creatives
- Ability to create a personalized profile showcasing work and skills
- Matching algorithm connects freelancers with relevant job opportunities
- Communication tools to easily manage projects and work with clients
- Built-in invoicing and payment system for easy and secure transactions
- Access to exclusive industry events and resources
Pros 👍
- Exclusive community for top talent
- High-quality clients and job opportunities
- Unique features for showcasing portfolio and work history
Cons 👎
- Limited to creative professionals
- High membership fee for freelancers
- Strict approval process for joining the community
Pricing
Working Not Working is a membership-based platform that offers different plans for freelancers and employers. Freelancers are free to join in WNW. There are no fees or commissions charged to freelancers.
Employers can browse the platform for free but need to create an account to access the freelancer directory and post job listings. They then pay a fee to the platform when hiring a freelancer. The exact fees are not publicly disclosed.
Topcoder
Topcoder is a global talent network and crowdsourcing platform founded in 2001. It has over 1.5 million members, including web designers, developers, and data scientists, who compete to solve problems and win prizes. Topcoder offers a range of services to clients, including digital transformation, product development, and data analytics. Its unique competitive model allows for high-quality solutions and fast turnaround times.
Main Features
- Offers diverse and challenging projects in various domains
- Uses an innovative approach of competitive programming and crowdsourcing for problem-solving
- Provides access to a large community of skilled developers
- Offers rewards and recognition to the top-performing members
- Provides access to training and educational resources for skill development
Pros 👍
- Access to a large community of skilled developers and designers
- Wide range of contests and challenges available for freelancers to participate in
- Reliable payment system and guaranteed work opportunities
Cons 👎
- Can be difficult to win a contest or challenge due to high level of competition
- Limited opportunities outside of coding and design work
- Membership plans can be expensive for freelancers just starting out
Pricing
Topcoder does not have any membership or subscription plans for freelancers. Instead, freelancers can participate in challenges and receive payment upon successful completion of a project. The amount of payment depends on the complexity and requirements of the project. Topcoder charges clients for hosting and managing the challenges, and they receive a percentage of the project cost as their fee. The exact fee percentage depends on the specific project and agreement with the client.
How We Chose Top Freelance Websites
We looked at a variety of criteria when selecting our top freelance websites, including:
- payment options and fees
- job listings
- safety measures
- ratings from customers and freelancers
- customer service support systems
- user experience design (UX)
- ease-of-use features
We also looked at how much money freelancers can make on each site and the quality of jobs available. We wanted to find out what types of projects are being outsourced and whether or not there was a good balance between high-paying and low-paying projects.
How Do Freelance Websites Work
Freelance websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are platforms where freelancers find work by allowing freelancers to create a profile and list their skills, qualifications, and experience. Employers can then browse profiles and post project listings for freelancers to apply for.
The site will also suggest relevant projects based on what the freelancer has listed in their profile. Once accepted into a job, most sites have secure payment systems so that clients can pay safely online without worrying about fraud or scams.
FAQ
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What is the best freelance platform?
The best freelance platform is Upwork. Upwork is ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
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Which platform is the best for freelancers and businesses?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. But with that being said, the best freelance platform for freelancers and businesses is still Upwork. Upwork is ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
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How Can I Choose the Best Freelance Websites?
Here are some tips to help you choose the best freelance website:
1. Identify your specific needs and goals – Before you start your search, determine what services you want to offer, your level of experience, and your target clients.
2. Research and compare different platforms – Consider factors such as pricing, payment methods, project fees, and available projects.
3. Check the platform’s reputation – Read reviews, ask for feedback from other freelancers or clients, and verify its legitimacy.
4. Look for platforms with a supportive community – This will enable you to connect with other freelancers, ask for feedback, and get tips on how to grow your business.
5. Consider the platform’s payment policies – Be sure to check the payment methods available and how the platform protects your payment.
6. Try the platform before committing – This can help you get a feel for the platform’s user interface, available projects, and how it works. -
How much do freelancers make?
According to data from Payoneer’s 2020 Freelancer Income Report, the global average hourly rate for freelancers is around $21 per hour, with the highest hourly rates being earned in the technology and finance sectors.
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Which is the best freelancing site for beginners?
Some popular options for beginners are Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour and Guru.
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What are the highest-paying skills for freelancing?
Programming, web & app development, and digital marketing are some of the highest-paying skills for freelancing.
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What is the most in-demand freelance job?
Some of the most in-demand freelance jobs include software development, copywriting, graphic design and digital marketing.
Conclusion
There are a lot of small business ideas out there, and freelancing is one of the best options.
Freelancers looking to succeed in the industry should carefully evaluate their skills, experience, and goals, and choose a platform that aligns with their needs.
Additionally, building a strong portfolio, establishing a niche, and continually developing skills are essential for becoming a highly paid freelancer. Ultimately, with dedication, hard work, and a commitment to quality, freelancers can build successful careers.
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