29 Sites Like Upwork for Freelancers and Clients (2024)

November 11, 2024

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Productivity enthusiasts and outsourcing fanatics love working with freelancers because they offer numerous advantages, including on-demand expertise, cost savings, and flexibility. I adopt a “work smarter, not harder, and outsource” philosophy whenever possible and have often worked with freelancers. For example, I hired a graphic designer on Upwork to create t-shirt designs. I’ve also hired freelancers to write, format e-books, and make explainer videos. In this post, let’s review sites like Upwork for online and offline freelance jobs.

Upwork Overview

Upwork is one of the largest freelancer marketplaces, and companies of every size use it, from one-person startups to major corporations. Businesses can quickly find and hire freelancers, while freelancers can search for work and submit proposals. Upwork’s platform simplifies contracts, time tracking, invoicing, payment, and more. It offers three service tiers, including standard, pro, and enterprise. Upwork Pro, for instance, features personalized assistance to help employers find premium, pre-vetted talent.

Freelance projects are available in various categories, including web and mobile development, marketing, sales, design, writing, virtual assistance, customer service, and more. Freelancers can do hourly and fixed-priced jobs and collect payments through direct deposit, PayPal, wire transfer, etc. Upwork charges freelancers a flat fee of 5%.

First, freelancing and self-employment are rising as part of a shift from permanent and “secure” employment to contract and seasonal work opportunities. Millions of freelancers use Upwork, many coming from the large pool of freelancing Americans. However, Upwork is only one of a few top freelancer marketplaces.

Sites Like Upwork and Alternatives

Fiverr Affiliate Program

Fiverr

Fiverr is arguably the most visited freelancer marketplace globally. The scope of its job market and even quirkiness goes beyond most platforms. Fiverr Pro is Fiverr’s batch of top-quality, verified, and handpicked professionals “trusted by the world’s biggest brands.” These professionals undergo an extensive application process, and only 1% of applicants are approved.

Fiverr’s most popular freelance categories include graphic design, digital marketing, business, writing, translation, video and animation, music and audio, WordPress, programming, and tech. Over 100 subcategories are also available, including logo design, illustration, sales copy, product photography, voiceover, and celebrity impersonators.

Freelancers get paid when they complete orders and keep 80% of their revenues (Fiverr takes a 20% cut). Freelancers/sellers can charge five dollars to thousands and upsell with extras before, during, and after an order. For example, you can charge five extra dollars to complete a gig within 24 hours. Also, freelancers can proactively send offers and promote their services to potential buyers.

1840 & Company

1840 & Company is a premium freelance marketplace that offers hand-selected freelance talent for clients. Additionally, they offer complete, comprehensive solutions for finding and hiring freelance talent that is thoroughly vetted.

Whether you need a freelance developer, accountant, bookkeeper, marketer, or any other role, 1840 & Company will recruit and source a suitable freelancer to meet your needs. You can also use 1840 to hire employees or outsource standard business processes. For example, employ a team of customer support agents as independent contractors or freelancers.

Bark.com

Bark is one of the fastest-growing services marketplaces, connecting consumers and businesses with the right professionals for projects in over 1,000 unique categories. It spans eight countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and India. A customer can post a job request or “bark.” Then, professionals can provide quotes for the work and responses to the customer. Professionals pay one-off fees to contact leads/customers but keep 100% of project earnings.

Codeable

Codeable connects thousands of customers with the best WordPress developers to work on projects of every scope and size. You must apply to become a freelance WordPress developer, but only 2% of applicants are accepted. It wants “world-beating designers and theme creators as well, but if you are coming in as a coder, then that code needs to be top-quality.” Codeable sets rates for freelancers of $60 to $120 per hour. Furthermore, Codeable adds and collects a fee of 17.5% per project.

Credo

Credo matches companies with the best digital marketing consultants, and they vet all freelancers and agencies. Freelancers on Credo specialize in SEO, PPC, social media advertising, conversion optimization, and WordPress development. Credo accepts approximately 30% of workers who apply. Credo earns commissions on work completed through its site.

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FreeeUp

FreeeUp gives business owners fast access to a network of top freelancers who have already been vetted for skill, attitude, and communication. Freelancers and agencies can apply to join the platform. An interview and test follow the application process. FreeeUp also uses an internal team to recruit, interview, and vet hundreds of freelancers globally each week for its top 1% freelancer category. There are no signup or monthly fees for freelancers. FreeeUp will charge and retain a 15% spread between freelancer rates and client fees.

Freelancer

Freelancer is the most extensive freelancer and crowdsourcing marketplace based on the total number of users and projects posted. A crowdsourcing “contest” is a competition for a specific project, such as a logo design competition. The freelancer with the winning proposal receives the project amount/payment. Freelancer’s preferred program includes the best talent on the platform. Preferred freelancers receive exclusive invitations to work on high-value projects, among other perks such as fee deferrals and badges on their profiles.

Like Upwork, hourly and fixed-priced jobs are available. Freelancers can choose from membership plans, including Intro, Basic, Plus, Professional, and Premier. Memberships enable freelancers to bid on more projects, add more skills, and save on project listing upgrades. Plans range from $0.99 to $89.95 monthly. Freelancers charge 10% to 20%, depending on the type of work.

Guru

Guru makes it easy for employers and freelancers to connect, collaborate, and get work done flexibly and securely. Featured job categories include programming, development, design, writing, translation, administration, secretarial, business, finance, sales and marketing, engineering, architecture, and legal.

Freelancers can earn by the hour, task, and milestone and receive recurring payments. Guru has five membership plans: Basic, Basic+, Professional, Business, and Executive. The Basic plan is complimentary, while the other accounts range from $8.95 to $39.95 monthly. Guru charges 4.95% to 8.95% per completed service/project.

Hubstaff Talent

Hubstaff helps businesses reach new productivity levels through team, project, and time management applications. Its time-tracking software is used by 10,000+ teams worldwide. Hubstaff Task streamlines project management, allowing teams to work seamlessly toward shared goals.

Hubstaff Talent helps workers and employers find each other. Freelancers and agencies can create profiles, list their skills and qualifications, and apply for jobs. Employers can post jobs and invite workers. Hubstaff doesn’t charge fees or markups but makes money through its applications.

LinkedIn Jobs

LinkedIn is a professional identity and employment-oriented social media platform with over half a billion users. Its jobs tab allows users to search for and apply for jobs. Recruiters and employment agencies also use LinkedIn to find and hire talent.

PeoplePerHour (PPH)

PPH strives to create a reliable and dynamic online job market to help people realize their dreams and live independently. Freelance workers are available in various categories: design, writing, translation, video, photography, audio, business support, social media, software, web, and mobile development. PPH’s fees are confusing and buried in its terms. There are several costs that buyers and sellers should understand before proceeding.

Storetasker

Storetasker is an on-demand freelance marketplace that connects non-technical business owners with high-quality Shopify web developers and designers in less than 10 minutes. It empowers entrepreneurship one business at a time, making freelance work viable. Storetasker accepts 5% of applicants into its network. Most experts earn an average of $40 to $80 per hour and typically earn over $2,000 monthly. Storetasker charges a fee for completed projects.

Toptal

Toptal’s exclusive network attracts the best, including Ivey League grads, subject matter experts, professors, founders, high achievers, and people with proven track records. Toptal has a rigorous screening process in which 3% of applicants, or less, are accepted. The application process consists of five stages and ongoing evaluations.

Toptal recruits developers, designers, finance experts, and project managers with work available in 60+ subcategories. For instance, finance professionals can pursue blockchain, financial analysis, M&A, and fundraising assignments. Highly sought-after positions include iOS developers, front-end developers, UX/UI designers, and financial modeling consultants. Fees are not available on the site. According to Toptal, “We do not disclose our margins by the policy. Our undisclosed margin is what helps us offer such a good service.”

Truelancer

Truelancer is a community of freelancers worldwide. It’s a marketplace and crowdsourcing platform with millions of users. The Truelancer Prime program consists of handpicked, top-rated freelancers from its database.

Truelancer’s featured categories include development, design, writing, blogging, SEO, translation, and marketing/sales. There are four membership plans: Free, Basic, Professional, and Plus. Membership prices range from $5 to $50 a month. Truelancer charges 8% to 10% per service/project.

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TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is a task management network that makes life easier for people overwhelmed by their to-do lists. It connects people with trusted and reliable “Taskers” from their local communities to complete various jobs. TaskRabbit makes money by retaining a 15% fee on all tasks.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack connects millions of people with local professionals for their projects. With almost 1,000 different services, you’ll find nearly anyone you want to hire. Thumbtack makes money by charging contractors variable fees for qualified leads.

Handy

Handy connects individuals seeking household services with top-quality, pre-screened independent service professionals. It makes money by charging various fees for missed jobs, late arrival or cancellation, early departure, and a background check when applicants join its site.

HomeAdvisor

HomeAdvisor has over 100,000 contractors, including remodelers, architects, plumbers, and others. It earns money by charging contractors variable fees for qualified leads.

Angi

Angi helps millions of homeowners find the perfect pro to tackle any home project, from roofing to painting to plumbing. Angie’s List earns money by charging businesses and contractors advertising fees.

Note: IAC owns Handy, HomeAdvisor, Angi, and many other popular freelancer websites.

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Amazon Professional Services

Amazon Professional Services enables customers to buy and schedule professional services, such as furniture assembly, house cleaning, and plumbing, directly on Amazon.com. Service pros have been handpicked and must pass business and criminal background checks, be insured, and be licensed if applicable. Amazon retains a service fee of 15% to 20%.

AirTasker

Airtasker connects people who need to outsource tasks and find local services with people ready to work and looking to earn money. AirTasker makes money by retaining a fee of up to 20%.

99Designs

99designs is the global creative platform that makes it easy for designers and clients to work together. From clients who need custom designs to designers who want quality projects, people worldwide rely on 99designs for excellent creative results.

Designhill

Designhill is one of the largest online graphic design marketplaces. It endeavors to provide a reliable selection of freelancers and passionate designers for customers who need quality and affordable design services. Designhill specializes in logos, web pages, t-shirts, banner ads, email templates, business cards, infographics, and more.

DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is a global marketplace for logo, graphic, and web design. It offers customers an efficient and inexpensive way to get custom designs quickly.

Remote Co

Remote Co is a resource for companies that embrace remote work. It focuses on providing expert insight, best practices, and valuable support for organizations exploring or embracing a remote team as a significant portion of their workforce. Find jobs in accounting, data entry, legal, project management, teaching, writing, and more.

We Work Remotely

We Work Remotely is one of the largest remote work communities worldwide. With over 3 million visitors monthly, WWR is the number one destination for finding and listing incredible remote jobs. It has job categories for programming, design, DevOps, management, finance, product, sales, marketing, and customer support.

Other Job Sites

Flexjobs, Monster, and Craigslist list thousands of freelance jobs, remote work, and gigs.

Chad Tennant