Remote work has changed how businesses think about hiring. Instead of only relying on local job seekers, companies now tap into global freelancing platforms to access skilled professionals at competitive rates.
A small business owner in the US can hire professional freelancers from the Philippines for SEO management, a marketing agency in the UK can find talented graphic designers in Eastern Europe, and startups in Australia can quickly bring in freelance writers for content work. Cross-border hiring gives businesses access to top-notch talent without the overhead of full-time employees.
Upwork has become one of the most popular freelance marketplaces for businesses. It offers access to a large talent pool, and it’s often the first stop for companies testing remote talent. Although the platform is helpful, its service fees, inconsistent applicant quality, and lengthy hiring process prompt many businesses to seek alternative options.
In this article, we’ll review 12 of the best Upwork alternatives and compare how these sites stack up. And because many companies are looking for consistency, we’ll also talk about why direct hire can sometimes be the best alternative for long-term growth.
A Brief History of Upwork
Elance and oDesk merged in 2013 to form Elance-oDesk. Two years later, the company rebranded as Upwork and shut down the Elance platform. The company set up its headquarters in Santa Clara and San Francisco.
By 2017, Upwork had 14 million users across 180 countries and reported more than $1 billion in annual billings. It grew into one of the largest freelancing sites for job postings, remote talent, and project-based work.
Why Businesses Look Beyond Traditional Hiring
Traditional hiring ties up budgets. Full-time employees bring fixed salaries, benefits, and overhead that many small businesses cannot always sustain. When workloads shift, these costs don’t adjust, leaving companies with less flexibility.
Freelance platforms solve that problem by giving access to global talent on demand. Businesses can post job listings, set project details, and hire professionals for short-term or long-term freelance work without the commitments of a permanent hire. This flexibility helps small business owners manage costs while still accessing specialized talent.
Remote work also reshaped expectations. Companies no longer need to limit themselves to local job boards or a narrow pool of candidates. By hiring across borders, they gain access to skilled professionals who can join remote teams and contribute quickly. Freelance marketplaces are a more cost-effective option to find reliable talent while keeping operations lean.
The shift reflects a bigger trend: businesses want quality work without the long timelines and heavy costs tied to traditional hiring. Freelance services and platforms give them the flexibility to scale, experiment, and move faster.
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12 Sites Like Upwork: Alternatives Worth Considering
Upwork has helped thousands of businesses connect with freelance professionals, but the platform also comes with challenges. Service fees increase costs, the hiring process can feel time-consuming, and browsing through a large talent pool often leads to mixed results. For small businesses especially, these hurdles can make the platform less practical.
The good news is that there are other freelancing platforms designed to make hiring easier. Below are 12 Upwork competitors that give businesses more choice when hiring freelancers.
Fiverr – Quick Projects, Affordable Rates
Fiverr started as a site for $5 gigs but has grown into one of the largest freelancing platforms. Businesses can search by category, filter through profiles, and place orders directly. Each profile includes ratings, past work samples, and package options, which makes it easier to compare talent before committing. The process is designed for speed, which appeals to companies that want tasks completed quickly.
Costs and Service Fees
Basic projects can start at $5, but rates rise depending on the freelancer’s experience and the level of detail required. Top-tier talent often charges hundreds of dollars per project. Fiverr also applies service fees to each transaction.
Talent Pool and Categories
The talent pool is broad, with freelancers offering everything from SEO content writing and social media marketing to graphic design and video editing. While Fiverr does not have the same rigorous vetting process as some alternatives to Upwork, it still provides access to a wide range of specialized talent. Finding the best freelance talent often requires trial and error since quality can vary.
Who Fiverr Is Best For
Fiverr is a strong choice for businesses that need quick, one-off projects. It works well for small tasks like writing short blog posts, creating graphics, or editing videos. Companies that want reliable talent for long-term digital marketing or SEO strategies may need to spend more time testing freelancers before finding the right fit. Fiverr is most effective when speed and flexibility matter more than building an ongoing partnership.
Freelancer – Wide Talent Pool, Competitive Pricing
Freelancer is one of the largest freelancing sites, connecting millions of job seekers and businesses worldwide. The platform works on a bidding system. You can review profiles, check ratings, and compare offers before making a hire. This open marketplace style gives access to a broad range of freelance talent across industries.
Costs and Service Fees
Freelancer offers competitive pricing. Fees vary depending on membership type, but typically a 10% commission applies to completed projects. While posting a job is free, extra features like highlighting a listing or marking it urgent come at an additional cost. Hourly jobs and fixed-price contracts are both available.
Talent Pool and Categories
The platform boasts a large talent pool in areas such as software development, digital marketing, writing, and graphic design. Since anyone can join, the range of quality is broad. It can take time to filter through multiple freelancers and identify reliable professionals.
Who Freelancer Is Best For
Freelancer is a good option if you want affordable rates and are willing to spend time reviewing applications. It works well for short-term projects or ongoing tasks where cost is the main factor. Small businesses often turn to Freelancer when they require a diverse pool of professionals and are comfortable overseeing the hiring process closely.
PeoplePerHour – Flexible Hiring for SMEs
PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelancer platform designed for small and mid-sized businesses. It combines features of job boards and gig marketplaces. Companies can post a freelance job or browse through pre-set service packages called “Hourlies.” This dual model makes it easier to find freelancers quickly while also giving the option to post jobs for more specific needs.
Costs and Service Fees
Posting a job is free, but People Per Hour applies service fees once work begins. Fees range from 5% to 20% depending on the project size. Businesses can pay by the hour or agree to a fixed price. For companies that want quick results on writing jobs or digital marketing services, the platform’s mix of hourly jobs and project-based contracts can be useful.
Talent Pool and Categories
The platform connects businesses with qualified freelancers offering skills in copywriting, project management, graphic design, and software development. Many are experienced freelancers who have built strong portfolios through the site. While PeoplePerHour does not have the same rigorous vetting process as some other Upwork alternatives, reviews and ratings help highlight skilled freelancers and talented professionals across categories.
Who PeoplePerHour Is Best For
PeoplePerHour is a solid choice for small business owners who want to find freelancers for short-term projects but still value quality work. It suits companies that need writing jobs, copywriting, or digital marketing services managed quickly and reliably. It’s a strong fit when you need experienced freelancers for specialized tasks but still want the option to scale down once the project is complete.
Guru – Secure Payments and Multiple Hiring Models
Guru connects businesses with professional freelancers across fields like writing jobs, software development, digital marketing services, and project management. The platform is built around flexibility. Businesses can post job listings, review freelancer profiles, and choose how to structure payments—hourly, fixed-price, per milestone, or recurring contracts. Guru also offers WorkRooms, a built-in project space where companies and freelancers collaborate in real time.
Costs and Service Fees
Posting jobs on Guru is free, but the platform applies a handling fee of 2.9% for each transaction. Employers who use wire transfer or eCheck can get that fee back as a rebate. Because of this low cost, small businesses often see Guru as a more cost-effective option for hiring freelancers long-term.
Talent Pool and Categories
Guru has a large pool of qualified freelancers. While it doesn’t offer the same rigorous vetting process, access to reviews, ratings, and past project details helps businesses compare freelancers. This makes it easier to find reliable talent without sorting through an overwhelming number of profiles.
Who Guru Is Best For
This platform is best for businesses that value secure payments and flexible hiring models. It suits small business owners who want to find freelancers for ongoing projects or multiple tasks that require project managers to coordinate.
Hubstaff Talent – 100% Free Directory
Hubstaff Talent is a platform designed to help businesses find remote talent without the overhead of service fees. Unlike many other freelancing sites, it operates as a free directory. Companies can search by skill, location, or availability and then contact freelancers directly to discuss project details. This model makes the hiring process faster and more transparent.
Costs and Service Fees
The standout feature is its cost structure—there are no service fees for either freelancers or businesses. Posting a job is free, and payments go directly. This is a significant advantage.
Talent Pool and Categories
Hubstaff Talent offers access to skilled freelancers in areas like project management, software development, digital marketing services, and copywriting. Since freelancers create their own profiles, quality varies. However, businesses can filter by experience, hourly rate, and language.
Who Hubstaff Talent Is Best For
Hubstaff Talent is best for businesses that want to avoid Upwork’s service fees and connect directly with freelance professionals. Its free-to-use model makes it appealing for small businesses and startups that need reliable talent without extra platform costs. Compared with Upwork, it gives companies more control over communication and pricing.
Toptal – Elite, Pre-Vetted Freelancers
Toptal is known for connecting businesses with top-tier talent in software development, design, project management, and finance. The platform stands out for its rigorous screening process.
Only the top 3% of applicants are accepted, which means businesses don’t have to spend time sorting through multiple freelancers. Toptal acts more like a talent network than a general freelance marketplace, pairing companies with professionals based on project requirements.
Costs and Service Fees
Toptal is one of the more expensive alternatives to Upwork for businesses. Companies can expect to pay between $50 and $150+ per hour, depending on the role and experience level. While the platform does not advertise exact service fees, the cost is significantly higher. The higher price reflects the focus on vetted talent and the reduced time spent filtering applicants.
Talent Pool and Categories
Toptal’s talent pool is highly specialized. The freelancers compared on this platform are not generalists but experienced professionals with strong portfolios. Because of its vetting system, Toptal appeals to businesses that want reliable talent with advanced skills, rather than a broad selection of freelancers.
Who Toptal Is Best For
Toptal is best for businesses that want vetted talent without the hiring risks often found on Upwork. While Upwork offers a large talent pool, Toptal gives access to a much smaller group of qualified freelancers who are screened for expertise. Companies that need experienced experts for critical projects, such as software development or project management, will find Toptal a stronger choice despite the higher price.
99designs – Niche Platform for Creative Work
99designs is more focused on creative projects. Businesses can either hire a designer directly or run a design contest where multiple freelancers submit concepts. This contest model makes it easy to compare different styles before committing to one designer. The platform specializes in creative services such as logo design, branding, packaging, and web design, making it one of the strongest niche alternatives for visual work.
Costs and Service Fees
Pricing depends on the type of project. Logo design, for example, starts at around $299 and can reach more than $1,000 for premium packages. Service fees are included in these packages, so the cost is more predictable compared with platforms where freelancers set hourly rates. While it may be more expensive than general freelancing sites, the focus is on quality and choice.
Talent Pool and Categories
The platform attracts talented professionals who specialize in graphic design. This makes it easier for businesses to find qualified freelancers without sorting through unrelated categories. From logos to complete brand systems, the platform caters to design-first projects.
Who 99designs Is Best For
99designs is best for those who want a more structured way to hire designers compared with Upwork. It’s a strong choice when visual impact is a priority and businesses want reliable talent in creative fields.
Credo – Vetted SEO & Marketing Experts
Credo is built specifically for digital marketing services. Instead of leaving businesses to sort through multiple freelancers, Credo vets agencies and independent consultants before adding them to its network. Companies describe their project details, and Credo matches them with qualified freelancers or agencies who fit their needs. This concierge-style approach makes it stand out among other Upwork alternatives.
Costs and Service Fees
Credo charges an initial setup fee of $249 plus a monthly subscription of $99 for continued access. Rates for projects vary depending on the agency or freelancer selected. While it is more expensive than open marketplaces, the higher cost reflects the added layer of screening and support.
Talent Pool and Categories
The talent pool is focused on marketing specialists rather than general freelance professionals. Categories include SEO consulting, link building, content marketing, paid ads, and social media management.
Who Credo Is Best For
Credo is ideal for businesses seeking personalized support and vetted marketing talent, rather than navigating a large talent pool. Credo simplifies the hiring process by connecting companies directly with experienced freelancers and agencies who specialize in digital marketing.
SolidGigs – Curated Freelance Leads
SolidGigs isn’t a traditional freelance marketplace. Instead of posting jobs and waiting for freelancers to apply, businesses get connected to pre-curated freelance talent. The platform assigns a “gig hunter” who reviews thousands of job boards and sends businesses only the best matches.
Costs and Service Fees
SolidGigs runs on a subscription model at $19 per month. There are no service fees or commissions taken from project payments. For businesses, this pricing makes costs more predictable compared with platforms like Upwork that charge client fees for every transaction.
Talent Pool and Categories
The focus is on quality rather than quantity. SolidGigs connects companies with vetted talent in areas such as copywriting, design, marketing, and software development. Job opportunities are filtered before being delivered, and businesses are more likely to find experienced freelancers.
Who SolidGigs Is Best For
SolidGigs is for those who value speed and efficiency in finding freelancers compared with Upwork’s open marketplace. It’s a strong option for business owners who don’t have time for a long hiring process but still want reliable talent for specialized projects.
Workhoppers – Local, Face-to-Face Hiring Option
Workhoppers is a freelancer platform that focuses on connecting businesses with local professionals. Instead of bidding systems or large job boards, the platform uses a matching algorithm that pairs businesses with freelancers in their city. Companies can then contact candidates directly to discuss project details, negotiate rates, and set agreements. This direct communication sets it apart from global freelancing platforms like Upwork.
Costs and Service Fees
Workhoppers runs on a subscription model starting at $59 per month. Unlike Upwork and other platforms, there are no commissions on project payments. Businesses pay the subscription fee to access the platform and then work directly with freelancers. This model can be more cost-effective for companies managing recurring freelance jobs.
Talent Pool and Categories
The talent pool includes qualified freelancers in areas like writing jobs, project management, digital marketing, and software development. Because the focus is local, businesses can hire professionals for tasks that benefit from in-person meetings, training, or on-site collaboration. While it lacks the global reach of other Upwork alternatives, it appeals to companies that prefer face-to-face relationships.
Who Workhoppers Is Best For
If you want more personal connections than what Upwork offers, then Workhoppers is for you. Companies that need freelancers will find value in comparing them based on factors such as location, availability, and on-site work capabilities.
FreeUp – Handpicked Top 1% of Freelancers
FreeUp is designed to save businesses time by pre-vetting professionals before they’re added to the network. Only the top 1% of applicants are accepted, which means companies don’t need to sort through multiple freelancers. When a business posts project details, FreeUp matches them with one to three qualified freelancers within 24 hours. This hands-on approach simplifies the hiring process.
Costs and Service Fees
FreeUp doesn’t charge a subscription fee, but service rates vary depending on the freelancer’s experience and location. Businesses are billed weekly for completed work, with payments handled through the platform. While rates can be higher than some other Upwork alternatives, companies pay for the convenience of faster matches and vetted talent.
Talent Pool and Categories
The platform includes experienced freelancers in categories like copywriting, digital marketing services, customer support, e-commerce, and software development.
Who FreeUp Is Best For
FreeUp is best for businesses that want vetted talent delivered quickly compared with Upwork’s broader marketplace. Instead of managing a long hiring process, companies receive personalized matches. It’s an attractive option for small business owners who want professional freelancers without investing extra time in screening candidates.
Indeed – A Global Job Board with Freelance Options
Indeed is one of the largest job boards in the world, primarily known for full-time roles, but it also supports freelance jobs and remote talent opportunities. Businesses can post job listings for free or sponsor them for more visibility. Instead of a marketplace like Upwork, Indeed functions more like a job board where companies connect directly with candidates.
Costs and Service Fees
Posting a basic job listing is free, but sponsored posts increase visibility and can cost anywhere from a few dollars per day to hundreds, depending on location and demand. Unlike platforms that add service fees to each transaction, payments are handled directly between businesses and freelancers once hired.
Talent Pool and Categories
Because of its global reach, Indeed attracts a wide range of job seekers, from freelance writers and copywriters to digital marketers, project managers, and software developers. While it doesn’t provide the same vetted talent as other Upwork alternatives, it offers access to a large pool of qualified freelancers and professionals open to flexible work.
Who Indeed Is Best For
Indeed is best for businesses seeking a broader reach. While Upwork focuses on a marketplace model, Indeed acts as a job board where companies can find freelancers and professionals across industries. It’s a strong option for businesses that want to hire professionals quickly without platform service fees and managing the hiring process themselves.
Direct Hire – A Better Way to Build Partnerships
Every business owner knows the feeling: scrolling through profiles, posting job listings, waiting for proposals, and hoping the right freelancer shows up. Platforms like Upwork make this possible, but the process often feels transactional. You get the work done, but not always the connection.
Direct hire takes a different path. You build a direct relationship with a professional who invests in your business as much as you do.
No Hidden Costs, Just Clear Agreements
One of the biggest frustrations with freelance platforms is the extra fees that creep in. A project may look affordable at first, but by the time platform charges are added, the final cost is higher than expected.
With direct hire, there are no layers of deductions or surprise percentages. What you agree on with the freelancer is what you actually pay. This transparency builds trust from the start and makes it easier for businesses to plan budgets without second-guessing the numbers.
Consistency Over Guesswork
Working through platforms often means taking a gamble on quality. You might find great freelancers, but you also spend time testing different people until one feels right. Direct hire changes that dynamic.
Instead of starting fresh each time, you build an ongoing relationship with a skilled professional who already understands your brand, your goals, and your style. Over time, this consistency translates into better results, less editing, and fewer delays, because your freelancer becomes part of your team rather than a stranger on every project.
Time Saved, Projects Moving
Hiring on freelance marketplaces takes time. You post a job, wait for applications, compare proposals, and sometimes repeat the cycle if the first hire doesn’t work out. That’s time lost on tasks that should already be moving forward.
Direct hire removes that back-and-forth. You start working right away with someone who’s already invested in delivering results. For busy business owners, that time savings makes a huge difference. Projects move faster, and momentum is never lost in the hiring process.
From Task-Doer to Partner
Most freelance platforms encourage one-off projects. A logo here, a blog post there, a campaign set up for a single month. The work gets done, but it rarely builds into a larger strategy.
Direct hire flips that approach. You’re not just working with someone who checks boxes; you’re building a partnership with a professional who cares about the long-term growth of your business. This shift creates accountability, collaboration, and a sense of shared success. Instead of short-term fixes, you gain lasting value.
Platform> | Cost 💲 | Quality ⭐ | Relationship 🤝 | Best Fit 🎯 | Overall Rating ★ |
| Fiverr | Starts at $5, fees add up | Hit or miss depending on freelancer | Mostly transactional | Quick one-off projects | ★★★☆☆ |
| Upwork | Mid-to-high, plus service fees | Wide range, requires vetting | Can be ongoing but inconsistent | General freelance work across industries | ★★★★☆ |
| Freelancer | Competitive, project-based fees | Mixed quality in a large pool | Short-term focus | Budget-friendly projects | ★★★☆☆ |
| PeoplePerHour | Flexible hourly or project rates | Good talent for SMEs | Short to mid-term | Copywriting, design, digital marketing | ★★★☆☆ |
| Guru | Low 2.9% fee, free job posts | Solid across multiple fields | Flexible contracts | Ongoing projects with secure payments | ★★★★☆ |
| Hubstaff Talent | 100% free, no fees | Varies, directory-style | Direct communication | Startups and cost-conscious businesses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toptal | $50–$150+ per hour | Elite, pre-vetted top 3% | Long-term partnerships | High-stakes projects needing top-tier talent | ★★★★★ |
| 99designs | From $299 per project | Strong creative focus | Contest-style, less personal | Branding, logos, and design | ★★★★☆ |
| Credo | $249 setup + $99/month | Vetted marketing talent | Concierge-style matching | SEO and digital marketing expertise | ★★★★☆ |
| FlexJobs | Employers post free, job seekers pay | Verified, professional | Job board model | Remote jobs and recurring tasks | ★★★☆☆ |
| SolidGigs | $19/month subscription | Curated, niche focus | Direct once connected | Businesses wanting quick matches | ★★★★☆ |
| Workhoppers | From $59/month | Local professionals | In-person or hybrid | Companies preferring face-to-face collaboration | ★★★☆☆ |
| FreeUp | Rates vary, no subscription | Pre-vetted top 1% | Ongoing or one-off | Businesses needing fast, vetted matches | ★★★★☆ |
| Direct Hire (Me) | Transparent, no fees | Consistent and specialized | Long-term partnership | Businesses serious about growth | ★★★★★ |
Stop Searching, Start Building
Hiring isn’t just about filling tasks. It’s about finding reliable talent that understands where your business is headed. You can keep testing different freelancing sites, or you can choose a direct path that saves time and creates results that last.
If you’re serious about growth, focus on partnerships that strengthen your business instead of short-term fixes. That’s exactly how I approach SEO outsourcing and content writing services. No endless job postings, no service fees, just strategies and quality work built to support your goals.
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FAQs about Upwork Alternatives
Who is the biggest competitor to Upwork?
The biggest Upwork competitors include Freelancer and Fiverr, both with massive talent pools and millions of active users. These freelancing sites give businesses access to professionals across industries, from digital marketing to software development. Still, while platforms can provide options, direct hire often delivers stronger results. Working one-on-one with a freelancer builds consistency and avoids platform fees, making it a more sustainable way to grow your business.
What is the #1 freelance website?
The #1 freelance website depends on your needs. Upwork is one of the largest, while Fiverr and Freelancer are also widely used Upwork competitors. Each platform offers different hiring processes and fee structures. But if you’re looking for reliable, long-term results, direct hire is often a better option. It simplifies communication, cuts costs, and gives you a dedicated partner invested in your success.
What’s cheaper, Upwork or Fiverr?
Fiverr usually appears cheaper than Upwork, with gigs starting at $5. Upwork competitors like Freelancer and PeoplePerHour also provide cost-effective choices. The challenge is that lower cost often comes with inconsistent quality. Direct hire offers a better balance: businesses pay transparent rates, avoid hidden fees, and work with freelancers who deliver steady results over time, not just quick fixes.
Which freelance website pays the highest?
Among Upwork competitors, Toptal is often the highest-paying platform, with rates ranging from $50 to $150+ per hour. It attracts vetted professionals and top-tier talent for complex projects. While these sites can connect you with skilled freelancers, direct hire can be a smarter alternative. Instead of paying higher platform fees, you invest directly in a professional relationship where the focus is on value and consistent quality.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Upwork?
Yes, several Upwork competitors are more affordable. Fiverr offers low-cost gigs, Hubstaff Talent is free to use, and FlexJobs charges only job seekers. These options can help reduce hiring expenses, but they often lack stability. Direct hire gives you a cost-effective path without sacrificing reliability, since you negotiate directly with freelancers and avoid extra service fees altogether.
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