Breaking into the freelancing industry is no easy feat, especially if you're stuck trying to figure out the best freelance websites that offer a steady stream of gigs.
For one, some freelancing websites will be better for beginners yearning to dip their toes into the gig economy's enticing waters.
Others are for more established freelancers who are looking to grow their clientele.
While there are many platforms available out there, just a select handful have established themselves as leading marketplaces for freelance services.
So, if you’re looking for the best freelancing websites, you’ll find this list helpful.
Let’s get started.
Quick Summary: Best Freelance Websites
How We Choose the Best Freelance Websites
Talent Pool: The foundation of any successful freelancing website is its talent pool. We assessed the size, diversity, and quality of freelancers on freelance job websites. Our top choices cater to a wide range of skilled professionals across various industries.
Easy-to-Use Interface: You need strong filtering tools that let you choose jobs based on your experience level, resume, reviews, and specific skills. We focused on freelance platforms with easy-to-use interfaces that make finding and filtering jobs and talking to clients easier.
Responsive Customer Support: Whether you have worries about a project or need technical help, having a team that can respond quickly is very helpful. We considered freelance sites that offer dedicated account management and quick help whenever you need it.
Value-Added Services and Features: Beyond simply matching clients with freelancers, the best platforms offer extra services and features that make managing projects easier. The sites we picked have tools for handling contracts, tracking work progress, working with multiple clients, and integrations with other project management software.
Transparent Pricing and Fee Structure: We analyzed how different freelancing websites set their prices and fees, taking into account things like service fees, transaction fees, and any other costs.
The 7 Best Freelance Websites to Find Work
Here are some of the best freelance websites where you can put your skills to work.
Image via Fiverr
Fiverr is an online freelance marketplace where employers can find freelancers who offer digital services.
It is home to freelancers from all kinds of fields, like graphic designers, web developers, freelance writers, etc.
When it started in 2010, Fiverr was known for offering services at low prices and considered among the best Upwork alternatives.
Many of them started at just $5, which is where the name “Fiverr” comes from.
Key Features
- There are two ways to view the site, as a freelancer (seller) or client (buyer).
- As a freelancer, you have the freedom to set your own prices, specify delivery timeframes, and showcase your expertise with detailed descriptions.
- Fiverr allows sellers and buyers to talk and work together on projects easily through messaging, file-sharing, and video chat.
- Fiverr ensures all transactions are safe by holding client payments in an escrow account until the project is finished.
- You can reach clients outside Fiverr by adding your portfolio links to websites.
- Freelancers can run paid promotions to increase discoverability.
Pros
- It has a well-thought-out design for processing and accepting payments.
- Great for showcasing your skills and experience.
- There is no need to put your services out to bid.
- You can decide how much to charge.
Cons
- The platform takes 20% of your earnings as a fee.
- Getting the first few gigs can be hard for people who are just starting out.
- Fiverr has stringent policies that you must abide by.
Image via Upwork
Upwork is one of the most popular sites where clients can find freelancers and is among the biggest ones out there.
While the site's interface may seem confusing at first, you will quickly become accustomed to its features as you use it regularly.
It’s a lot like job portals where clients publish their requirements and freelancers can apply for them.
Key Features
- Upwork has a huge selection of freelance jobs in many different categories, such as web development, writing, translation, graphic designing, etc.
- Thanks to Upwork's identity verification process, clients can rest assured that the freelancers they work with are genuine.
- Clients and freelancers can chat on the platform through text, voice, or video calls.
- You are guaranteed payment for all the work you do, regardless of whether it is hourly or fixed-price projects thanks to escrow.
- Upwork desktop app helps clients track freelancers’ work as well.
Pros
- Has a huge volume of projects.
- The site takes a small percentage fee from each project, which is generally lower than Upwork alternatives.
- You can automate some things, like contracts, with its API feature.
Cons
- A lot of clients still have smaller budgets.
- Once you complete a project, a 10% freelancer service fee is charged.
- In the event of a dispute, clients have more recourse on Upwork.
- You get limited credits to apply for jobs each month, additional credits cost money.
Image via Toptal
Toptal is a company that connects businesses with skilled freelancers, and is known for its rigorous screening process that ensures only the best talent joins its network.
This selective approach has earned Toptal a reputation as one of Upwork's strongest competitors, attracting the best freelance professionals.
Key Features
- To become a freelancer at Toptal, you must pass a series of assessments, including language tests, skill reviews, live screening, and test projects. This rigorous process ensures that clients can confidently rely on the qualifications of freelancers.
- You can easily connect with your client with integrated chat and video messaging whenever necessary.
- Successful freelance applicants gain access to various opportunities with top clients at self-set rates.
- Toptal provides freelancers with customizable invoicing options, allowing them to work on a project-by-project basis or long-term projects.
Pros
- Toptal negotiates on your behalf to get your desired rate.
- Since Toptal sources great clients, you can possibly work with them for long periods and even become part of their team.
Cons
- Toptal is selective when hiring freelancers because of its stringent requirements.
- Freelancers on Toptal must work at least 20 hours a week, making it hard to meet other obligations.
Image via PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a longstanding and flexible online marketplace that connects businesses with over two million freelancers.
Having been around since 2007, it can rightfully call itself the longest-running freelance service in the UK.
Key Features
- PeoplePerHour has a bidding system to advertise your services to potential customers.
- With its built-in project streams, you can keep all of your communication, files, comments, payments, and more in one location, making it easier than ever to do high-quality work.
- PeoplePerHour uses escrow to protect buyers and freelancers in case issues arise during the completion of a project.
- You can ask clients who are not on PeoplePerHour to endorse you in order to boost your profile and show off your skills to a broader audience.
Pros
- Buyers have to put money into an escrow account, which makes it a little safer than freelancing directly with the client.
- Invoicing is automatic.
- You can have both a buyer and a seller account.
Cons
- If you want competitive pricing, specific projects have less flexibility because many people may be willing to work for less money.
- The platform fees are very high.
- Customer support is subpar in the event of technical difficulties or payment issues.
- The system is vulnerable to invasion by spam accounts.
Image via Freelancer
Freelancer, an aptly named all-purpose hiring website, serves as a marketplace for freelancers to connect with clients and employers for agreed-upon compensation.
Primarily focused on remote work, it caters to computer and technology-related projects, including IT support, software development, graphic design, content writing, and other specialized areas.
Key Features
- One of the coolest features of Freelancer is the “Contest” feature, which lets clients set up a contest where the freelancers can compete with others to prove their skills.
- Freelancer lets you follow your best employers so that you can bid or join right away when they post a job or contest.
- Freelancer is structured like other platforms, but what makes it stand out is its built-in time-tracking tool that works with all major operating systems.
- It has a live chat feature that helps users get a quick response to issues.
Pros
- The payment process is pretty straightforward.
- Members who pay a monthly fee enjoy additional benefits, including higher profile placement and access to more opportunities to earn money.
Cons
- The fees are high for hourly projects.
- Freelancers have to pay fees even before they are paid.
Image via SimplyHired
SimplyHired is an all-inclusive job search engine that compiles job postings from numerous online locations, such as corporate career pages, job boards, and specialized hiring websites.
Key Features
- You can also narrow down your search by location using local job listings, which lets you look for openings in the area you want.
- Company directory lets you look into companies actively hiring for remote jobs.
- It works well with other platforms like LinkedIn, which makes the hiring process easier and faster by combining resources.
- Round-the-clock customer support.
Pros
- It's easy to navigate and simplifies the job search process.
- Jobs found on the site offer decent pay.
Cons
- It doesn’t offer guaranteed earnings.
- The application process for jobs is quite long.
Image via Behance
Behance is a portfolio-showcasing platform specifically designed for creative professionals in the designing fields.
Key Features
- It caters to freelance creatives who excel in graphic design, drawing, painting, and Photoshop but may lack HTML or programming skills.
- When you come across a project you're interested in, you can submit a proposal to the client.
- You can interact with other freelance talent, appreciate their work, and join groups and discussions to build connections.
- Unlike Upwork and its alternatives, Behance itself does not handle payments. Payment arrangements are made directly by freelancers and the client.
- Behance extends beyond portfolio showcasing and provides a platform for businesses to post job openings for freelance remote work.
Pros
- Since the site is free to use, you only have to upload your work to get started.
- It has an easy-to-use interface for creating, publishing, and managing job listings.
Cons
- You can’t attach any additional files or add cover letters to your application.
- Behance’s site functionality and navigation could use improvement.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best website for freelancers?
A. The best freelance website include:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Toptal
- PeoplePerHour
- Freelancer
- SimplyHired
- Behance
But the best website for you will depend on your skills and experience.
Q2. Is Upwork better than Fiverr?
A. Upwork and Fiverr are both popular freelancing platforms with their own strengths and weaknesses. Fiverr is typically better for short-term work and Upwork is best for long-term gigs.
Q3. How do I get freelance work?
A. There are a number of ways to get freelance work, including:
- Creating a profile on a freelancing platform such as Fiverr or Upwork.
- Networking with other freelancers and potential clients.
- Cold calling or emailing potential clients.
- Building a website or online portfolio to showcase your work.
Q4. Which skill is best for freelancing?
A. Some of the best skills for freelancing include:
- Content writing or copywriting
- Graphic designing
- Coding
- Website designing
- Video editing
- SEO and digital marketing
Q5. Which site is safe for freelancers?
A. Some of the safest freelance websites include:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- PeoplePerHour
Choose the Right Freelance Website for You
There you have it.
To help you on your freelancer journey (hiring or finding work), we've talked about the seven best websites for freelancers.
Ultimately, the best freelancing website for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Whether you want a platform with high-paying projects, a user-friendly interface, or a community of like-minded professionals, carefully consider the most important factors.
Embrace the flexibility and rewards that freelancing offers, and watch your freelance career take off.