15 Upwork Alternatives with Lower Fees & Better Clients in 2025

While Upwork has long been the go-to for freelancers and clients alike, many professionals are starting to ask the same question: Is there something better out there? Whether you're fed up with the 10–20% commission cuts, struggling to stand out among thousands of freelancers, or just looking for clients who don’t ask for a 5-page website for $50, it might be time to explore other options.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through 15+ top Upwork alternatives that cater to different types of freelancers like writers, designers, developers, virtual assistants, and more. Let’s dive in and find your next freelance home, and no 20% service fee required.

Why look for Upwork Alternatives?

Upwork may be one of the biggest freelance platforms on the web, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for everyone. Both freelancers and businesses alike are increasingly looking for alternatives that better suit their specific needs, values, and budgets.

• Businesses Want Better Talent, Not Just More of It: Upwork’s large freelancer pool can overwhelm businesses. With minimal vetting, companies must sift through many applications to find qualified pros, making the process time-consuming, risky, and inefficient.
• Specialized Needs Require Specialized Platforms: Upwork’s broad approach can miss niche talent. Platforms like Contena for writers or 99Designs for creatives help businesses find specialized experts without sifting through many generalists.
• More Control and Customization: Upwork suits one-off gigs, but companies seeking long-term contracts and flexible workflows may prefer platforms like Useme or Hubstaff Talent for better customization and direct freelancer partnerships.

The Quality vs. Cost Dilemma

Yes, Upwork is affordable, sometimes too affordable. The race to the bottom in pricing means freelancers often undercharge just to land a gig. While that may seem appealing for companies trying to cut costs, it can backfire quickly when quality suffers or deadlines slip. Savvy businesses are now realizing that paying fair rates often leads to better outcomes, and they’re willing to explore platforms where top talent is respected and properly compensated.

How to select the best Upwork Alternative for your needs

Not all freelance platforms are created equal, and neither are your goals. Whether you're a freelance designer trying to ditch the bidding wars or a business hunting for pre-vetted developers who don’t ghost you mid-project, picking the right Upwork alternative depends on knowing what you actually need.

Identify Your Goals

Before jumping ship from Upwork, figure out what you're sailing toward.

For freelancers:

• Are you a designer, developer, writer, or virtual assistant?
• Do you want quick gigs or long-term contracts?
• Are you just starting out or aiming for premium, high-ticket clients?

For clients:

• Are you outsourcing a one-off task or building a remote team?
• What’s your budget and desired skill level, intern vibes or industry pro?

Compare Platform Fees (Your Wallet Will Thank You)

Upwork's fees, up to 20% for freelancers and 5% for clients, add up fast. That’s like paying rent on money you haven’t even earned yet.

• Fiverr: 20% freelancer fee + 5.5% client fee, but manageable for small, one-off gigs.
• Freelancer.com: 10% or $5 minimum per project — lower than Upwork in many cases.
• Contra: 0% commission for freelancers. Yes, zero. (That’s not a typo.)

Pro Tip: Freelancers on X (formerly Twitter) love Contra for letting them keep every cent. Clients love it too because there’s less padding in the project cost.

Assess Competition & Accessibility

Newbies often struggle to stand out unless they underprice themselves. Platforms like PeoplePerHour and We Work Remotely offer less saturated, niche-friendly ecosystems.

• Freelancer and Upwork = bid to win (and pay to apply in many cases)
• Fiverr and Contra = set your offer, no bidding needed
• LinkedIn = apply directly, often no platform fee

If you're tired of paying to compete, go with non-bidding platforms where your work speaks louder than your wallet.

Match Your Skills to the Right Platform

Some platforms are generalists, while others are laser-focused:

Check Payment Systems & Speed

Upwork’s escrow is solid, but their payout timelines? Not exactly lightning-fast. Alternatives like Guru offer flexible payment terms, while Payoneer or Direct Invoicing options (on platforms like Useme) can get you paid faster.

Always double-check:

• Supported payout methods (PayPal, bank transfer, Payoneer)
• Withdrawal limits or delays
• Currency conversion and transaction fees

Test the Interface & Support

A sleek interface saves you time and sanity.

• Fiverr and Contra are praised for simplicity and clean UX.
• Upwork? Powerful, yes, but it can feel like using Excel in hard mode.
• Platforms with responsive support (looking at you, Toptal) can be a lifesaver when something goes sideways mid-contract.

If you're stuck waiting 3 days for a reply from customer support, it’s not the platform for you.

Look for Networking & Flexibility

Some platforms are built around connection, not just transactions.

• LinkedIn lets you connect, message, and negotiate freely.
• Contra lets freelancers and clients work together without commission hurdles.
• Workana is regionally focused, great for Latin American professionals or businesses wanting local expertise.

Want a more personal touch? Choose platforms that don’t penalize you for chatting outside the inbox.

Try Before You Commit

You wouldn’t marry the first person you match with on a dating app (we hope). The same goes for freelance platforms.

• Sign up for 2–3 alternatives
• Post your services or jobs
• Try a couple of test gigs
• Compare your results, ease of use, and earnings

Tap Into Real-World Feedback

The best advice often comes from those in the trenches.

X posts (aka Twitter threads) are gold mines for reviews. Freelancers rave about Toptal for quality clients, Fiverr for consistent leads, and Contra for being commission-free. On the flip side, any platform with repeated complaints about payment delays, client scams, or poor support is a red flag.

The 15+ Best Upwork Alternatives - Platforms Similar to Upwork (Multi-Industry, Broad Use)

Fiverr – Gig-based platform for all kinds of freelance work.

Fiverr is one of the world’s most popular freelance marketplaces, connecting businesses with freelancers across 700+ service categories from graphic design and copywriting to web development, video editing, and even AI-powered services. Founded in 2010, it started with the concept of $5 gigs, but has since evolved into a flexible platform where freelancers can set their own rates and offer scalable service packages.

Pricing:

• Sign-up: Free for both buyers and sellers, no subscription required.
• Seller Fees: Fiverr takes a 20% commission on every order.
• Buyer Fees: 5.5% service fee on each transaction; additional $3 fee for orders under $100; optional tipping incurs extra fees.
• Fiverr Pro Pricing (for Buyers): Pro Essential (Free for buyers spending $1,000+/year); Pro Advanced ($129/month)

Freelancer – Broad freelance marketplace across industries.

Freelancer.com is one of the largest and most established freelance platforms, founded in 2009 and based in Sydney, Australia. It connects businesses with freelancers across an impressive 2,700+ skills and 900+ categories, including web development, graphic design, content writing, AI, and even niche fields like astrophysics.

Pricing:

• Freelancer Fees: 10% or $5 (whichever is greater) per project.
• Client Fees: 3% or $3 (whichever is greater) per payment made to freelancers.
• Paid Plans: from $0.99/month to $69.95/month

PeoplePerHour – Hourly and project-based freelance jobs.

PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelance marketplace founded in 2007, connecting businesses with freelancers across 900+ skill categories, including web development, graphic design, writing, AI services, and digital marketing. With 3 million+ freelancers in over 180 countries and more than £150 million paid out, it caters especially well to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) looking for flexible talent.

Pricing: 

• Freelancer Fees: Typically 20%, but may vary based on freelancer earnings tiers (reduced for repeat clients).
• Client Fees: Around 5-10% of the total transaction (variable by region and project).

Truelancer – Affordable global freelance talent.

Truelancer is a New Delhi-based freelance marketplace launched in 2014, connecting businesses with over 600,000 freelancers across 2,300+ skills like web development, content writing, software development, design, and data entry. Although it primarily focuses on Southeast Asia, Truelancer supports users from 132+ countries, making it a global option for affordable outsourcing.

Pricing: 

• Joining: Free for both freelancers and clients.
• Freelancer Fees: 8–10% per project or service gig (varies by project size).
• Client Fees: No fees to post jobs; may incur 8–10% commission on payments (exact rates vary and are not always disclosed).
• Membership & Bidding: Offer more bids and higher visibility (pricing not public).

Hubstaff Talent – Free remote talent directory.

Hubstaff Talent, launched in 2012 by the creators of Hubstaff, is a completely free remote freelance platform connecting businesses with freelancers and agencies in over 200 countries. With a strong focus on remote work, it covers industries like software development, graphic design, digital marketing, and customer support.

Pricing:

• 0% commission: freelancers keep 100% of their earnings.
• Client Fees: Optional access to Hubstaff time-tracking software, starting at $7/user/month.

Useme – Freelance platform with invoicing support.

Useme is a fintech-powered freelance marketplace based in Poland, founded in 2013 by Przemysław Głośny. It allows freelancers to work legally without needing to register a business, by handling VAT invoicing, contracts, and escrow payments on their behalf. This makes it especially attractive for freelancers in the EU and cross-border clients who require tax-compliant invoicing.

Pricing: 

• Freelancer Fees: 20% commission (including VAT) on the first $500 earned per client.
• Client Fees: No upfront fee to post a job.

20Four7VA – Virtual assistant services and freelance roles.

20Four7VA, founded in 2013 by Catherine and Tim vanVonno, is a U.S.-based virtual staffing agency headquartered in Berlin, Maryland. It specializes in providing cost-effective, scalable remote virtual assistants (VAs) to over 3,000 clients globally across six continents. 20Four7VA offers a full-service approach, including AI-powered candidate matching, onboarding, training, payroll, and dedicated account management. It is an ideal choice for businesses needing reliable virtual support with minimal hiring hassle.

Pricing:

• Client Fees: Virtual assistant rates start at $5/hour for entry-level administrative VAs (typically full-time at 40 hrs/week).
• Freelancer Fees: No commission fees taken by 20Four7VA; VAs keep 100% of their hourly rate.

The 15+ Best Upwork Alternatives - Specialized Upwork Alternatives (Niche-Specific Platforms)

For Designers

99Designs – Freelance marketplace for graphic and logo design.

99designs, founded in 2008 in Melbourne, Australia (now a part of VistaPrint), is a leading freelance platform dedicated to custom graphic design. It connects clients with over one million vetted designers from 192+ countries, making it one of the largest global design communities. From logos and websites to book covers, packaging, and full branding projects, 99designs offers two main collaboration models: design contests and 1-to-1 projects.

Pricing: 

• Logo Design Contests: From $299 to $1,299
• Web Design: Starts at $599
• Photography: From $299
• Video Production: From $499

Coroflot – Design job board with portfolio hosting.

Coroflot, founded in 1997 by the design network Core77, is one of the oldest platforms for creative professionals. Based in New York, it serves as a job board and free portfolio host tailored to designers in fields such as industrial design, graphic design, UX/UI, fashion, architecture, and 3D modeling. The site supports a global creative community, with over 235,000 portfolios, millions of page views monthly, and 150,000 new project uploads every month.

Pricing: 

• Client Fees: $295 (valid for 90 days).
• Freelancer Fees: No platform commission, designers keep 100% of their negotiated rate.

CrowdSpring – Crowdsourced creative services platform.

Crowdspring, launched in 2008 and headquartered in Chicago, is a global marketplace for creative work, focusing on services like logo design, product design, business naming, and web design. With a community of over 220,000 designers and writers from 195 countries, it has served 101,000+ clients, including industry leaders like Amazon, Starbucks, and Microsoft.

Pricing:

• Logo Design Contests: From $299 to $1,999
• Web Design Contests: Start at $699.
• Naming: $299+
• Packaging: $499+
• Business Cards: $199+
• 1-to-1 Projects: Custom pricing based on designer’s rates.

For Writers

Contena – Premium platform for freelance writers.

Contena, launched in 2015 by Heroic LLC, is a membership-based writing platform that combines a curated job board with training, coaching, and professional development tools aimed at freelance writers, editors, and content creators. Designed for those serious about building a remote writing career, it offers access to 13,000+ vetted writing jobs across niches like tech, finance, wellness, and education.

Pricing: 

• Expensive Membership: $497–$997 upfront or $100–$179/month, steep for beginners.
• Client Fees: $299 per job posting

ProBlogger – Job board for blogging and writing gigs.

ProBlogger, founded in 2004 by Australian blogger Darren Rowse, is one of the longest-standing platforms for bloggers, content writers, and freelance copywriters. It offers two main benefits: a curated job board focused specifically on blogging and content writing, and a vast library of free educational content, including guides, podcasts, and monetization tips.

Pricing: 

• Standard Listing: $80 for 15 days
• Featured Listing: $160 for 15 days (highlighted on homepage and job board)

For Developers

Toptal – Elite network of vetted developers.

Toptal (short for "Top Talent") is a premium freelance platform launched in 2010 that connects companies with the top 3% of global freelancers in software development, UI/UX design, finance, and project/product management. With clients like Airbnb, Gucci, and Pfizer, Toptal is trusted by startups and Fortune 500 firms alike for critical projects requiring top-tier talent.

Pricing: 

• Freelancer Rates: $60–$200+/hour depending on role and experience
• Platform Fee: Toptal adds 20–30% on top of freelancer rates
• Deposit: $500 per freelancer (applied to invoice, refundable if no hire after 2-week trial)

CloudDevs – Remote developers from Latin America.

CloudDevs is a specialized freelance platform founded in 2015, connecting U.S.-based startups and businesses with pre-vetted, senior developers and designers primarily from Latin America and Europe. Known for its fast 24-hour talent matching, CloudDevs focuses on time zone-aligned remote work, making it ideal for real-time collaboration.

Pricing: 

• Rates: $45–$75/hour depending on role and project
• Deposit: $500 per hire, applied to first invoice or refunded if no hire after trial

Revelo – Full-time remote devs for U.S. companies.

Revelo is a fast-growing talent marketplace that connects U.S.-based companies with pre-vetted, full-time remote developers from Latin America. Founded in 2015 and backed by $15M in Series B funding, Revelo has become one of the largest tech talent platforms in the region, offering access to a vetted pool of over 400,000 developers, with only the top 2% accepted after rigorous evaluation.

Pricing: No Public Pricing - Requires consultation to get a quote.

Quick Comparison: 15 Upwork Alternatives

How we've chosen the best Upwork Alternatives

Not all freelance platforms are created equal, and let’s be honest, some feel like the digital equivalent of a sketchy alley behind a job fair. So, how did we pick the top Upwork alternatives for this list?

We didn’t just throw darts at a list of marketplaces. We used a mix of real-world experience, community feedback, and criteria that matter to actual freelancers. Here’s how we separated the hidden gems from the time-wasters:

Plenty of Jobs and Top-Notch Freelancers

A platform is only as good as its network. We prioritized sites that offer:

• A steady stream of job postings
• Quality clients (aka: not people asking you to write a novel for $10)
• A solid freelancer pool so you’re not stuck in a ghost town, or overwhelmed by competition from bots and spam accounts.

For example, Toptal and CloudDevs have rigorous vetting processes, so the talent pool is curated, not chaotic. On the other hand, Fiverr and Freelancer.com offer high job volume with more flexibility.

Fair Fees and Real Earning Potential

Upwork’s sliding service fee (up to 20%!) is one of the main reasons freelancers start looking elsewhere. So we focused on platforms that either:

• Charge lower commission fees
• Offer premium pricing opportunities
• Or, in some magical cases, charge no fees at all (hello, Hubstaff Talent)

We know how much every dollar counts when you're freelancing, so we made sure these alternatives actually let you keep more of what you earn.

Safe, Scam-Free Payment Systems

There’s nothing worse than finishing a project only to discover your client disappeared like a magician’s rabbit. That’s why all the platforms we’ve chosen offer secure payment processes, with things like:

• Escrow systems
• Verified clients
• Built-in dispute resolution

Platforms like Useme even handle invoicing for you, which is a lifesaver if you hate chasing payments or dealing with cross-border tax drama.

Easy to Use with Great Support

If a platform feels like it was designed in 2005 by someone who hates freelancers, it didn’t make this list. We looked for:

• Clean, intuitive interfaces
• Helpful onboarding for newbies
• Responsive customer support (bonus points if they actually read your ticket before replying)

Platforms like PeoplePerHour and Contena offer streamlined user experiences that won’t have you Googling “how do I upload my portfolio here??” for an hour.

Work with Verified, Trustworthy Clients

Let’s face it: the biggest risk on any freelance platform isn’t the competition—it’s bad clients. So we gave extra points to platforms that vet their clients, post clear job descriptions, and foster a respectful community.

For instance:

• Toptal screens clients just as much as freelancers.
• 20Four7VA matches VAs with pre-vetted business clients.
• ProBlogger’s job board features reputable companies looking for real talent (not content farms).

How to Safely Transition from Upwork to Other Platforms

1. Notify current clients (if needed)

If you have ongoing clients on Upwork, keep the lines of communication open. Let them know (professionally) that you’re exploring other platforms or even moving off-platform entirely for long-term collaborations. Many clients appreciate honesty, especially if you’re offering to continue working with them directly or through another system.

Pro tip: Don’t invite clients to leave Upwork unless you're sure it won’t violate their or your terms of service. If they invite you first, you’re typically in the clear.

2. Diversify income by using 2–3 platforms at first

Don’t ditch Upwork cold turkey unless you really need to. Start by signing up on two or three alternative platforms that best match your niche and work style. For example:

• Writers might try Contena or ProBlogger.
• Designers could thrive on 99Designs or Coroflot.
• Developers might explore Toptal, CloudDevs, or Revelo.

This approach helps you test the waters, build new client relationships, and protect your income stream in case one platform is slow or seasonal.

3. Keep copies of reviews, feedback, and your portfolio

Upwork might keep your profile and reviews visible for a while after you stop using the platform, but just in case, back everything up. Take screenshots or copy testimonials. Export any portfolio work if possible (without breaking NDA agreements, of course).

• Think of it like saving photos from your high school yearbook. You may not look at them every day, but when you need them, you’ll be glad you kept them.

You can reuse these reviews on your personal website, LinkedIn, or even on other freelance profiles that support social proof.

4. Learn each platform’s rules to avoid bans or penalties

Each freelance site has its own quirks and rules, some stricter than others. For example:

• Fiverr doesn’t allow off-platform communication.
• Useme emphasizes invoicing and compliance with EU freelancer laws.
• Toptal has a rigorous application process and ongoing quality checks.

Take the time to read the terms of service and community guidelines of each platform. A simple mistake (like including your email in a message) could get you banned before you land your first gig.

Risks and Challenges of Using Alternative Platforms

As exciting as it is to break free from Upwork’s fees and rules, moving to alternative platforms isn’t always sunshine, instant gigs, and five-star clients. Every platform has its quirks, and some come with unexpected bumps in the road.

Before you pack your freelance bags and say goodbye to Upwork for good, here are some potential challenges to keep in mind (and how to handle them like a pro):

Lower Visibility on Smaller Platforms

Let’s be real—Upwork is the elephant in the freelance room. It's one of the biggest marketplaces out there, and that sheer scale comes with benefits: a constant stream of job postings and millions of potential clients.

Smaller platforms? Not always the same story.

You may find that:

• New gigs don’t pop up as often.
• Your profile doesn’t get as many views.
• Some sites don’t even have search features (shocking, we know).

What you can do:

• Treat this like starting fresh on social media, build your profile, apply consistently, and promote your profile off-platform (LinkedIn, portfolio site, etc.) to drive visibility.

Vetting Inconsistencies (on Both Sides)

Upwork has a pretty robust review system and scam detection. Some alternative platforms… not so much.

You might run into:

• Clients with vague job posts and zero ratings.
• Freelancers who oversell their skills (which drags down the platform's reputation).
• A lack of formal vetting, especially on new or smaller sites.

What you can do:

• Always research clients before accepting work. Ask for clear deliverables, timelines, and expectations. And don’t be afraid to walk away from sketchy gigs.

Payment Delays or Unreliable Systems

One of Upwork’s strongest selling points is secure, on-time payments. On newer platforms, payment protection isn’t always as bulletproof. Some don’t use escrow, others are slow with payouts, and a few may even require clients to pay after delivery (gulp).

What you can do:

• Stick to platforms with payment security (like Useme, Contena, or Fiverr). If you’re working directly with clients, use contracts and request partial payments upfront. Also, consider tools like Bonsai or Payoneer to streamline invoicing and payouts.

Learning Curve and Workflow Differences

Every platform has its own rules, layout, and workflow. Moving from Upwork to another site can feel a bit like switching from iPhone to Android—you’ll figure it out, but not without a few “where the heck is that button?” moments.

What you can do:

• Give yourself grace. Set aside time to explore each new platform—watch a few YouTube walkthroughs or join freelance forums to speed up the learning process.

Mitigation Strategies to Stay Safe and Sane

To minimize the growing pains of transitioning off Upwork, try this simple formula:

• Start small. Do a few test gigs before committing full-time to a new platform.
• Diversify. Use 2–3 platforms at once so you’re never dependent on a single source of income.
• Build your own brand. Consider creating a personal portfolio website where clients can find you without a middleman.
• Track everything. Use spreadsheets or tools like Notion to track clients, payments, and deadlines across platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a cheaper alternative to Upwork?

Yes, platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer.com, and PeoplePerHour often have lower fees or more flexible pricing than Upwork.

2. Which freelancing website is best?

The best freelancing website depends on your niche:

• Toptal for top-tier developers and designers
• Fiverr for gig-based creative work
• Upwork for long-term, project-based jobs
• ProBlogger for freelance writers
• 99Designs for graphic designers

Choose the one that matches your skills, experience level, and income goals.

3. Which is the biggest competitor to Upwork?

Fiverr is Upwork’s biggest competitor, offering a massive marketplace for freelance services across categories, with a gig-based model instead of hourly or long-term contracts.

4. Are there freelance platforms with no commission fees at all?

Yes, Hubstaff Talent and Useme are two freelance platforms with no or minimal commission fees, letting you keep more of what you earn.

5. Can I use multiple freelance platforms at the same time?

Yes, you can and should use multiple freelance platforms to diversify your income, find better clients, and reduce dependency on any single site.

6. Do these platforms offer secure and timely payment systems?

Most top platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal offer secure, escrow-backed payments to ensure timely and safe transactions, but always check each site’s payment policies before committing.

Wrapping It Up: Finding Your Freelance Freedom in 2025

Navigating the freelance world doesn’t have to mean sticking with just one platform, especially when Upwork’s fees and competition can sometimes feel like a never-ending uphill climb. Luckily, 2025 brings a rich variety of alternatives that can help you keep more of your hard-earned cash, connect with better clients, and find gigs that truly match your skills and goals. So go ahead, explore, experiment, and expand your horizons. Your next great client (and a healthier paycheck) could be just a click away. Happy freelancing in 2025 and beyond!