Last Updated on May 18, 2023
Finding freelance work is not as easy as it sounds. As the demand for flexible hiring continues to grow, it’s hard to know which freelance sites are worth using and which are a waste of time.
To help you find quality freelancing jobs, we’ve reviewed and compared dozens of job search sites to find the best freelance websites available.
1. Upwork
Upwork is a popular site for freelancers in a variety of industries, from development and IT to writing and translation. Big brands like Microsoft, Nasdaq, and GoDaddy have all hired Upwork professionals in the past.
How do I find freelance work on Upwork?
Upwork allows professionals to create meaningful profiles that list key skills, work experience, and knowledge. From there, the site’s algorithms can search for and suggest jobs that are a good match for you. You can also search the Upwork platform yourself to filter jobs by industry, skill set, and even earning potential.
For freelancers looking for additional support, Upwork also has a dedicated recruiter who can work with you to find opportunities that fit your career goals.
How much does Upwork charge freelancers?
Upwork charges a sliding fee based on lifetime billing with clients. If you earn up to $500 from your clients, a 20% service fee will be applied to all earnings. Earnings between $500 and $10,000 are subject to a 10% service fee, and earnings over $10,000 are subject to a 5% service fee.
Freelancers are hired for featured work. They participate in the Upwork payroll program, and corporate clients can expect different service rates. This is why they are one of the best freelance websites
Advantages of Upwork
- Easy access to a variety of job openings in almost every industry.
- Upwork clients typically pay higher service fees than other freelance sites.
- Most of Upwork’s customers are ready to work with you right away.
Cons of Upwork
- For less than $500, the fees are pretty steep.
- Upwork is often freelance, so it can be difficult to stand out.
2. TopTal
TopTal is a network where businesses can find freelance software developers, financial experts, project managers, designers, and more. The site is trusted by market-leading brands like Duolingo and Shopify.
How to find freelance work on TopTal
You must apply to TopTal and go through an approval process where the company evaluates your background and skills. You can then create a profile that TopTal will use to connect you with professionals looking for your skills.
The TopTal team can help you set up billing and payments on your behalf, connecting you with your global customers and helping reduce the work involved in advertising your services. How much does TopTal charge freelancers?
Instead of billing freelancers directly, TopTal offers freelancers a discounted rate over the amount already agreed with the client. For example, TopTal charges a company $60 for one job, but they pay a freelancer only $30. Freelancers can set their hourly rate based on TopTal’s recommended rates and match it with work that pays at that level. This is why they are one of the best freelance websites.
TopTal’s Benefits
A rigorous vetting process defines you as an expert in your field.
Access to higher-paying developer and technical positions than most freelance sites
and excellent employment opportunities as there is less competition on the platform.
Cons of Toptal
It may take time and effort to get approved.
Missing out on some of the revenue opportunities that come from working directly with clients
3. Freelancer
Freelancer is an easy-to-use freelancer platform for beginners of all skill levels and is home to millions of professionals in over 1800 different categories. The company facilitates portfolio construction and rapid monetization. This is why they are one of the best freelance websites.
How do I find freelance work on Freelancer?
Freelancer professionals can create a profile in minutes, select the skills and expertise they want to rank, and go through a “Validation Center” checklist to be approved by the platform. You can browse for suitable jobs and “bid” on projects by writing comments telling employers why you are a good fit for the job. Freelancers also have a “Preferred Freelancer Program” that they can apply for after achieving a record of impeccable service. This will give you direct access to higher-paying roles.
How much does Freelancer charge freelancers?
Freelancers will receive 10% of the winning bid or $5 (whichever is higher) if a fixed-price or time-fixed-price project is selected. For hourly projects, Freelancer covers 10% of each milestone payment instead of 10% of the total cost of the project.
Advantages freelancer
- Easy setup with a simple profiling and validation system
- There are thousands of jobs for different skills and professions.
- Low fees in comparison to other freelance firms
Disadvantages of freelancing
- There is a lot of competition from millions of other people bidding on the same project.
- Without becoming a freelancer of choice, it can be difficult to make your profile stand out.
4. PeoplePerHour
Committed to global access to freelance talent, PeoplePerHour is the perfect place to access content writing skills, logo design, and website development expertise. The site is trusted by over 1 million of her businesses and is the choice of over 3 million rated freelancers. This is why they are one of the best freelance websites.
How to Find Freelance Jobs with PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour freelancers must apply to become “certified” contributors to the site. Each application is reviewed by our moderation team and matched against a set of potential projects that match your skill set. The easiest way to get a job is to wait for the AI algorithm to match the task. However, you can also create a profile to attract potential customers.
The site posts projects regularly and accepts direct submissions. We can create bespoke packages and pricing options for a variety of clients.
How much does PeoplePerHour charge freelancers?
PeoplePerHour does not charge registration or sign-up fees, project search fees, or listing fees, but charges a “service” fee based on the client’s lifetime value. For lifetime bills under $250, pay 20%, excluding sales tax. For $250–$5000, this fee drops to 7.5%. $5000 and above are 3.5 inches. The minimum service charge per invoice is $1, excluding VAT.
PeoplePerHour’s Benefits
- There are many opportunities to find and apply for projects.
- AI algorithm to quickly match the best job
- If your customers generate significant profit for you in the long run, the fees remain comparatively low.
Disadvantages of PeoplePerHour’s disadvantages
- Compete against over 3 million other freelancers.
- Applications included in the Freelancer Directory require approval.
5. FlexJobs
FlexJobs has been the #1 place for verified remote workers since 2007 and is one of the best-known freelance directories on the market. Companies from USA Today to Fox Business have used FlexJobs in the past and even provided career coaching for freelancers. This is why they are one of the best freelance websites
How to Find Freelance Jobs with FlexJobs
To start searching for projects on FlexJobs, you need to create an account and pay for your membership. Once you have an account, you can browse remote jobs and projects using filters such as location and talent needed. You can also browse popular job searches and titles to see what’s available. Once you’ve found a job, you can showcase your skills by contacting the person who posted the project. Job posters can sort offers and select the professionals they want to work with.
How much does FlexJobs charge freelancers?
FlexJobs uses subscription pricing instead of charging a commission per job. You can sign up for $9.95 for a week or pay a monthly subscription of $24.95 per month. Your subscription gives you access to unlimited job postings, unique profiles to attract employers, and free proficiency tests.
Advantages of FlexJobs
- Access resources and guidance to advance your freelance career.
- Increase your chances of getting a job with expert job-hunting tips and resources.
- Access to a wide range of vacancies with different qualifications
Cons of FlexJobs
- High monthly subscription cost
- Considerable competition
6. Guru
Guru provides both freelancers and executives with a secure, reliable, and affordable platform to help businesses of all kinds find the talent they need. The site has a customer satisfaction rate of 99%, and over the years, he has paid over $250 million to freelancers. Guru also connects with nearly 800,000 employers around the world. This is why they are one of the best freelance websites.
How to Find Freelance Jobs on Guru
Simply click on the Jobs tab at the top of the home page to start browsing available jobs on Guru. To get hired, you must submit an offer to the company of your choice. To do this, you’ll need to sign up with Guru using your email address and password or sign up through LinkedIn, Google, or Facebook. After you sign up, our system will prompt you to set up the security for your account.
You can also create a profile that lists your contact information and skill set. As a newbie to the site, you can only apply for certain roles. Guru restricts many positions to individuals who have already earned a certain amount of money or possess a paid account.
You must “bid” for each position, and the number of bids per month depends on your account plan.
How much does Guru charge freelancers? There are two separate fees associated with Guru for freelancers. First, to be able to apply for all jobs on the site, you have to pay for membership. Memberships start at $11.95 per month. Some jobs can be applied for without a paid membership, but many are restricted.
There is also an “order fee” that appears on every invoice you send, and it starts at 9% for each order. Depending on the membership plan, the job fee will be reduced.
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