22 Best Freelance Platforms for Flexible Work and Side Gigs

1. Upwork

Upwork calls itself “the world’s work marketplace” and serves as a hub for millions of freelancers in 180 countries. The platform itself doesn’t specify how many freelancers use it, but reports online cite numbers around 18 million.

Upwork features gigs in fields ranging from writing and editing to programming and web development, graphic design, marketing, data entry, and more.

To start using Upwork, you have to create a profile that showcases your skills and experience, and you also have to specify the general rate you charge (although you can accept jobs outside this range). You’ll then be able to search for gigs already posted by potential clients, or you can wait for clients to find your profile and contact you about opportunities.

Does Upwork have fees for freelancers?

When you join the platform as a freelancer, you pay no signup fees, and you can set your own rates. However, Upwork will take a 10% service fee on everything you make through the platform.

2. Freelancer

Founded way back in 2009, Freelancer claims to be “the world’s largest freelancer marketplace,” and it is indeed a huge site, with around 78 million employers and freelancers using it around the world. It’s headquartered in Australia but covers 247 countries, regions, and territories.

Some features of the Freelancer platform are a bit different from Upwork’s, but the basic idea is the same—you can search for gigs already posted by potential clients or wait for others to find your profile and contact you about opportunities.

Does Freelancer have fees for freelancers?

Like Upwork, Freelancer charges you nothing for signing up as a freelancer. However, you’ll pay 10% commission fees on your earnings through the platform.

3. Fiverr

Fiverr is another very popular general-purpose platform where freelancers can sell their services. According to the website, over 4 million customers worldwide worked with freelance talent on Fiverr in the past year.

The name of this platform came about because gigs on the site all cost a “fiver” ($5 USD). However, freelancers are now at liberty to set their own prices.

Does Fiverr have fees for freelancers?

One important difference between Fiverr and the other platforms we’ve seen is that Fiverr charges more in commissions or “service fees,” taking 20% of everything you earn (as opposed to 10% on Upwork and Freelancer). This is a definite drawback to using the platform.

4. Guru

Guru is another all-purpose freelancer platform that works in much the same way as the others we’ve seen so far, allowing you to search for jobs and submit quotes (or wait for clients to contact you and request a quote).

As far as we know, Guru is the oldest platform on this list, as it has been around since 1998. However, freelancers may find it a bit less competitive than Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, since it’s “only” used by around 3 million freelancers worldwide.

Does Guru have fees for freelancers?

Guru is also different from the other platforms we’ve seen so far in that it has both free plans and multiple paid membership options—all with different perks, features, and fees. Regardless of which plan you choose, you’ll pay commissions of 5%–9% on anything you earn through the platform.

5. Toptal

Toptal describes itself as “an exclusive network of the top freelance software developers, designers, marketing experts, finance experts, product managers, and project managers in the world.” As such, it’s a little more specialized than the other freelancer sites we’ve seen, although it still covers a wide range of professional fields.

This platform prides itself on its exclusivity, claiming to accept less than 3% of the thousands of applications it receives each month. It says that its screening process for freelancers takes between 3 and 8 weeks to complete, so it’s not a good option if you want something that will allow you to start earning ASAP.

Does Toptal have fees for freelancers?

Toptal is a good option if you’d like to avoid fees, since it charges only the clients who want to hire freelancers and not the freelancers themselves.

6. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is another all-purpose freelancer platform—in this case a UK-based one. It claims to have connected 1.2 million clients to freelancers across the globe.

Does PeoplePerHour have fees for freelancers?

Like most of the other platforms we’ve seen, PeoplePerHour will charge you fees. These are equivalent to around 3.5%–20% of whatever you make on the platform, but the exact percentage will depend on your lifetime earnings with PeoplePerHour.

PeoplePerHour gives the thresholds for lifetime earnings in GBP, so you’ll have to convert these to USD to find out which rates apply. However, the general idea is that the longer you work for the platform, the lower your fees get.

7. LinkedIn and LinkedIn Services Marketplace

You may already have joined the professional networking site LinkedIn. It’s a great place to showcase your skills and, potentially, attract clients directly through your profile.

One easy way to find freelance gigs on LinkedIn is by searching for keywords like “freelance” or “contract” in the main search bar (and narrowing your results using filters such as “location,” “remote work,” or “industry”). You can also follow companies or individuals who frequently hire freelancers and set notifications to keep track of potential job openings.

However, LinkedIn also has a feature called LinkedIn Services Marketplace, which is specifically designed for you to showcase freelance services that potential clients can view. Clients can then contact you through the LinkedIn platform.

After you use LinkedIn to make a connection for freelance work, you and the client will typically switch to another platform for the actual hiring process.

Does LinkedIn have fees for freelancers?

Because LinkedIn doesn’t get involved with the actual hiring or employment of freelancers, it doesn’t charge fees—an important point in its favor.

8. ServiceScape

ServiceScape has been around since 2000, so this is one of the most established platforms on our list.

In terms of the work it offers, it’s more specialized than the other platforms we’ve seen so far. It focuses on the following areas:

• Writing
• Editing
• Translation
• Graphic Design

Does ServiceScape have fees for freelancers?

If you’re considering using ServiceScape, be warned that the fees are high. The platform charges 50% in commission for all projects you take on.

9. Flexiple

Flexiple is another platform that takes a more specialized approach—this time with a tech focus. It’s India-based but works with startups and established enterprises across more than 60 countries.

Flexiple’s tech talent includes software designers, developers, engineers, and architects plus data scientists, product managers, IT support specialists, and other tech professionals.

Does Flexiple have fees for freelancers?

Flexiple doesn’t charge fees to freelancers (only to businesses or clients who use the platform to recruit you).

10. Arc

Arc is another platform that specializes in tech talent. It claims to be “the best place to find freelance and full-time remote jobs for developers, designers, marketers, product managers, project managers, assistants, and more.”

Arc promises to match freelancers with US-based startups and tech companies. If you’re specifically targeting US clients and businesses—which can mean higher rates and easier collaboration—Arc may be a better option than non-US-based platforms like Flexiple.

Does Arc have fees for freelancers?

Arc doesn’t charge freelancers commission.

11. TaskRabbit

Whereas most of the platforms we’ve seen on this list so far have been international in scope, TaskRabbit has a more local focus. This platform, which is owned by IKEA, connects gig workers and independent contractors with local people who need their services.

Does TaskRabbit have fees for freelancers?

The TaskRabbit fees aren’t too bad. You’ll have to pay a one-time service fee of $25 when you first register to work via the platform, but you won’t have to pay service fees or commissions after that. Instead, TaskRabbit charges clients a booking fee each time they hire someone through the platform, so the financial burden falls on clients rather than workers.

12. FlexJobs

Flexjobs has been around since 2007, so it’s one of the more established platforms on this list.

However, it’s different from the other platforms we’ve seen so far in that it isn’t a marketplace where freelancers and clients can directly connect. Rather, it’s a job board specifically for remote and hybrid jobs, including full-time and freelance gigs (meaning that you use it only to find clients—not to do business through the platform).

Does Flexjobs have fees for freelancers?

Because of how Flexjobs works, it charges job seekers a subscription fee rather than taking commissions on earnings. In return, it claims to screen job listings to ensure they’re legit (and won’t include scams or multi-level marketing schemes, which are rife on many job boards).

This payment also allows you to avoid commission fees.

13. SimplyHired

SimplyHired is a job search engine and online recruitment platform that has been around for a couple of decades. It now belongs to the same company that runs Indeed.

SimplyHired collects job listings from all over the web, including company career pages, job boards, and niche job websites. You can use it to find freelance, contract, and temporary roles as well as full- and part-time work.

Does SimplyHired have fees for freelancers?

Job seekers pay no fees to use SimplyHired. The downside of this is that the jobs on the site may be less well vetted than on paid job boards like Flexjobs. As such, you may wish to exercise a little more caution in case you encounter postings by scammers or other unsavory types (although you should always watch out for these on any platform).

14. Jooble

Established in 2006, Jooble is similar to SimplyHired in that it provides a job search engine that gathers listings from multiple sources (e.g., company websites, recruitment agencies, and other job boards).

Jooble encompasses 67 countries, and it features thousands of job openings from various sources, including freelance and temporary jobs as well as full- and part-time opportunities.

Does Jooble have fees for freelancers?

Jooble services for job seekers are completely free of charge.

15. SolidGigs

SolidGigs is quite different from the other services on this list. It’s a general-purpose affair for freelance jobs, featuring gigs in dozens of categories, from voiceover work and tutoring to programming and digital marketing.

However, it’s not a freelance marketplace like Upwork or even a job board like Flexjobs. Instead, it’s a “lead generation tool.” SolidGigs scours the web for freelance gigs that meet criteria you set, and it then curates and delivers a handpicked list of vetted opportunities directly to you.

In theory, you can do this yourself, so SolidGigs works mainly as a time-saving device. However, it could be worthwhile if you freelance regularly and spend a lot of time looking for new clients—time that would be better spent on paid work.

Does SolidGigs have fees for freelancers?

SolidGigs isn’t cheap. You won’t need to pay a commission on jobs you complete, but you’ll need to pay a subscription fee, instead ($35 per month or $252 per year).

16. Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent)

Originally known as AngelList, Wellfound is a job listings platform founded in 2013. It encompasses various domains such as tech, design, marketing, and more but focuses on remote jobs and jobs with startups.

This platform offers to streamline the application process for freelancers and also promises special features like company profiles, information about salary and equity options in listings, and other startup-specific tools.

Does Wellfound have fees for freelancers?

Wellfound is free for job seekers to use, so you won’t have to pay any subscription fees or commissions on gigs you get through the platform.

17. We Work Remotely

We Work Remotely is another job board, which, as the name implies, focuses on remote work. This platform has been around since 2013, and it encompasses freelance roles and projects in many fields.

The site focuses particularly on jobs in:

• Programming
• Design
• IT Support
• Management and finance
• Product development
• Customer support
• Sales and marketing

Although this platform is for remote work, some jobs are still limited to certain countries or regions, so you should check the regional tags on each job posting.

Does We Work Remotely have fees for freelancers?

Like many similar job boards, We Work Remotely is free for freelancers to use.

18. Dribbble

Dribbble is a platform with a different specialization; namely, creative design work. This platform is a good option for graphic designers, illustrators, UI or UX designers, and other visual artists.

If you’re looking for creative freelance gigs, you can use Dribbble to display your work, network with other professionals, and build your personal brand.

It allows you to post a portfolio potential clients can use to see samples of your work, and it also features a job board, which includes freelance opportunities as well as full-time jobs. In addition, you can sell your work on Dribbble’s own marketplace, and you can enter design contests to win prizes.

Does Dribbble have fees for freelancers?

Dribbble has fees, which vary according to the type of membership you have. You can choose to either pay platform fees of 3.5% on work you get through the platform, or you can sign up for a subscription with monthly fees of $8–$16 (depending on how long you commit for), in which case you’ll pay no platform fees.

19. Behance

Behance claims to be “the world’s largest creative network” with more than 50 million members in various countries around the world.

Like Dribbble, it allows designers to showcase their creative projects and portfolios to potential clients, collaborators, and employers. You can also sell designs in the Behance marketplace and enter contests to win prizes.

Does Behance have fees for freelancers?

As with Dribbble, the commissions and fees you pay on Behance depend on the type of membership you choose. For designers with free membership, Behance charges commissions or “platform fees” of 0%–5% on freelance work obtained through the site.

However, if you pay a monthly membership fee, you can avoid paying platform fees. The monthly fees vary according to geography and commitment but start at $9.99 per month with an annual commitment.

20. 99Designs

Like Behance and Dribbble, 99Designs is a platform with a design focus. This time, it’s an Australian-based company, but it operates in the United States along with many other countries.

Like Behance and Dribbble, 99Designs features contests alongside normal one-on-one projects, and also allows you to sell your designs in its own marketplace.

Does 99Designs have fees for freelancers?

If you take on freelance work through 99Designs, you’ll pay a commission or “platform fee” of 5%–15%. The exact amount will vary according to your “designer level,” which depends on your skills and how much experience you have with the 99Designs platform.

21. DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is yet another design-focused platform, describing itself as “an online logo design service and marketplace for website design contests and almost any other type of graphic design you can think of.”

DesignCrowd is a bit different from the other creative platforms on this list in that it focuses more on using a “crowdsourcing” model. This model involves clients posting design briefs for projects and multiple designers then sending in designs based on the brief.

Finally, the client chooses their favorite design and pays only the “winner.” The downside with this approach is that you don’t get paid for your work unless your design wins.

Does DesignCrowd have fees for freelancers?

If you succeed in making money through DesignCrowd, the platform takes a fairly substantial 15% in commission.

22. DesignHill

The last of our design-focused freelancer platforms is DesignHill, which is for clients who want to hire freelancers for services like logo design, web design, or graphic design.

Although DesignHill calls itself the “world’s #1 creative marketplace,” fewer designers and artists use it compared with the other creative platforms on our list. Nonetheless, this website—which is based in India—is used by over 330,000 freelancers from nearly 52 countries, so it’s still potentially worth checking out if you’re looking for design gigs.

As with the other creative platforms we’ve seen, there are several ways to get work through DesignHill. Clients can approach you directly, you can enter design contests, or you can sell your designs on the platform.

Does DesignHill have fees for freelancers?

Another reason DesignHill is worth a look, despite the fact that it’s less popular than the other creative platforms on this list, is the lack of fees for freelancers, as it only charges service fees to clients.

There is no one best freelance platform. Which platform you should choose depends on which types of projects you want to find and in which fields, as well as other factors.

Here are some important considerations to bear in mind when you’re choosing which platforms to focus on:

• The number of jobs and clients on the platform: Look for apps or websites that have plenty of opportunities in your field. However, remember that a few high-quality, relevant opportunities are better than high volumes of unsuitable ones.
• Job location: If you’re open to working remotely, you might find better opportunities by seeking out clients worldwide. However, if your services require you to work on location or if you prefer to work with local clients, choose platforms that cater to your area or offer location-based filtering options.
• Industry specializations: Some platforms focus on specific industries, like design, tech, or editorial work, while others are more generalized. Choose a platform that aligns with your skills and expertise to increase your chances of success.
• Trust and safety: Scams can be a risk on freelance platforms, so look for apps and websites with strong vetting processes, secure payment systems, and clear dispute resolution policies. Always research clients, and avoid upfront payment requests for unverified projects.
• Customer support: Look for platforms offering reliable and accessible customer support to help you resolve issues quickly, whether related to payments, disputes, or technical problems.
• Payment methods: Check whether platforms support convenient and secure payment methods that work in your region. Look for options like direct bank transfers, PayPal, or local currency payouts to ensure hassle-free transactions.
• Terms and conditions: Pay attention to terms and conditions before you register with any job platform or other services. Make sure there are terms protecting both you and your clients.
• Fees: Know what kinds of fees you’ll pay to use a platform and how much these will be. Some websites and apps on this list are completely free to use, some charge monthly subscription or membership fees, and some take a percentage of freelancers’ earnings (usually around 3%–20%). There may also be payment processing fees to watch out for.

Freelance platforms can be a valuable tool for finding work that suits your skills, schedule, and goals. Look for platforms with the best opportunities and features to help you grow your career and maximize your earning potential.