Freelancing can be a great way to work remotely and make money while having a flexible and varied career. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which platform is right for you. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of the best platforms for freelancing in 2023 to find the best freelance opportunities. 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. From developers, designers, and writers to marketing specialists, customer service reps, virtual assistants, and more – Upwork aims to find the best workers around the world and connect them to companies.
Best 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 and Cons
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. The Plus plan also offers several options for freelancers to boost their visibility and attract more clients.
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.
Conclusion
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.
The Plus membership can be worth the investment. The Plus plan provides a range of advanced features and benefits that can help freelancers attract more clients and earn more money on the platform. However, it’s important to weigh the cost of the membership against the potential benefits and to ensure that the investment aligns with your goals and budget.
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. Businesses can easily search through Fiverr’s database to find freelancers and get help with tasks such as web design, SEO optimization, writing jobs and more.
Best 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 and Cons
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%.
For clients, Fiverr charges a service fee of $2 on orders up to $40, and 5% on orders above $40. Clients can also purchase additional services and features, such as faster delivery or higher visibility in search results.
Conclusion
Fiverr may be one of the best freelance websites for finding work. It’s a solid choice for beginners, as its user-friendly interface and a large pool of clients can help new freelancers get started quickly. However, the platform can be competitive and it’s important for you to invest time in building a strong profile and proposal strategy to stand out from other freelancers.
The Pro membership can be worth the investment. The Pro plan provides access to a range of advanced features and benefits that can help freelancers attract more clients and earn more money on the platform.
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. It offers a range of tools and features to help clients and freelancers manage projects, communicate effectively, and ensure a successful outcome.
Best 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 and Cons
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.
Conclusion
Freelancer is a good platform for freelancers of all levels who are looking for a variety of project opportunities. The platform offers a range of membership plans that can be suitable for different types of freelancers.
For beginners, the free plan could be a good option as it provides access to the platform without any membership fee. The paid plans can offer more features and bid opportunities.
The membership plans of Freelancer.com can be worth it for freelancers who need more bids or want to access premium features such as skills testing and personal account management. However, it’s important for freelancers to carefully consider their budget and needs before committing to any paid plan.
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. One of the key advantages of Guru is its flexible fee structure and escrow system, which provides a safe and secure way for freelancers to receive payments. Additionally, Guru offers a user-friendly platform that enables freelancers and clients manage their projects effectively.
Best 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 and Cons
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.
Conclusion
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. While the platform may not be the easiest for beginners to navigate, it offers valuable tools for experienced freelancers to connect with clients and showcase their skills.
The membership plans are worth it for freelancers who want to find the best opportunities and want access to additional features, such as the ability to post private projects and more visibility on the site. However, freelancers who are just starting out may want to begin with the free Basic plan before upgrading to a paid membership.
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. What sets TopTal apart from other freelance job sites is its strict screening process, which ensures that only the top 3% of freelancers are accepted onto the platform. This process allows TopTal to offer high-quality talent to its clients, while also providing freelancers with access to high-paying, long-term projects.
Best 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
- Option for flexible and remote work including freelance, full-time or part-time, rather than on a project basis
Pros and Cons
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.
Clients can post jobs on the platform for free but must pay a deposit to begin work with a freelancer. The deposit is based on the total estimated cost of the project and is held in escrow until the work is completed to the client’s satisfaction. TopTal also offers a trial period for clients to try out the platform before committing to a project or membership.
Conclusion
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. However, due to the strict screening process and high membership fees, TopTal may not be the best choice for beginners or those who are new to freelancing.
For freelancers, the high fees and strict screening process may be a deterrent for some, but for those who are looking for high-paying, long-term work, the membership fee may be worth it. The platform also offers a range of benefits and support, including personalized matching with clients and dedicated account management, which can help freelancers succeed and grow their businesses. Overall, TopTal is a great option for experienced freelancers and businesses looking for the best in freelance talent.
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 to hiring freelancers on-demand. PeoplePerHour offers an escrow payment system and guarantees the quality of work. It also offers a curated selection of top freelancers, making it a great way to find quality talent.
Best Features
- Fixed-price or hourly jobs
- Project management tool
- Escrow payment protection
- Proposal review system
- Quality assurance team
Pros and Cons
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.
Conclusion
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.
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.
Best 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 and Cons
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.
Conclusion
99designs is one of the best sites for graphic designers who want to showcase their skills and find a job. It’s good for beginners who want to get their foot in the door and build a portfolio. Membership plans are not necessary for freelancers as they can participate in contests for free, but the plans offer added features such as private contests and better visibility.
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.
Best 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 and Cons
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.
Conclusion
TaskRabbit is ideal for individuals who want to earn money on the side by offering handyman, moving, cleaning, and other home-related services. It’s also great for people who are looking for these types of services. TaskRabbit is user-friendly and provides a quick and simple process for booking and paying for services. It’s a good platform for beginners, as the signup process is straightforward, and they provide an orientation to new Taskers. There are no membership plans or subscription fees to use TaskRabbit, as they take a commission from every completed task. Overall, TaskRabbit is a reputable platform for getting and providing home services.
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.
Best 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 and Cons
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. There is no long-term contract or commitment, and members can cancel at any time.
Conclusion
SolidGigs is a job site board and platform for freelancers looking for freelance jobs. It is for freelancers with intermediate to advanced skills. The platform is not ideal for beginners. The membership plans are worth it for freelancers who are looking for high-quality job opportunities and want to save time by getting pre-vetted job postings. Overall, SolidGigs is an excellent platform for freelancers looking for quality job postings and a streamlined job search experience.
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.
Best 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 and Cons
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
Conclusion
Truelancer is a beginner-friendly platform where freelancers can find work and grow their careers in a variety of industries. The platform offers both free and paid membership plans, with the paid “Plus” membership providing additional benefits. However, the commission fees for Truelancer are higher than some other platforms.
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. One advantage of WriterAccess is that it focuses exclusively on content creation, allowing for a high level of specialization and quality control.
Best 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 and Cons
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.
Conclusion
WriterAccess is a freelance platform that connects businesses with writers. It is suitable for businesses that need to create high-quality content. The platform has a range of tools that can help beginners to develop their skills. Freelancers can sign up for free, but they will need to complete an application process to be accepted. Membership plans are available, and they offer a range of benefits such as access to more jobs and higher pay rates. While the plans may be costly for some freelancers, they can be worth it for those who are committed to working on the platform long-term.