6 Fiverr Alternatives: Best Platforms You Should Know About

Fiverr might be a popular choice for freelancers, but it's hardly the only option out there. Let's explore some top-notch Fiverr alternatives that could seriously boost your freelance career!

For this article, I had a chat with Kat Irvin, a self-employed web designer and entrepreneur, and Paula Ambrosio, an artist and illustrator. Kat has previously worked on these platforms as a freelancer and now uses them as a business owner to connect with talented professionals, and Paula is an active user of 99designs. Let’s explore some strategies and insights on how to find the right platform and work with clients successfully.

Why Consider Fiverr Alternatives?

Fiverr has become one of the most popular freelance platforms, with over 3.8 million active buyers; however, like anything else in the world, it has its pros and cons. Let’s look at some of them.
Competition
Fiverr’s global reach makes it super easy to get seen and find clients or gigs fast. The problem is competition. There are many clients on Fiverr, which is great, but there are also many freelancers. And some of them are offering services at rock-bottom prices. Standing out can be a real challenge, especially for newbies.

Fees and charges

Fiverr’s fees are some of the highest compared to other platforms out there. Buyers pay 5.5% of the purchase amount. And if you’re a seller, you’ll pay a 20% service fee on every earnings, which many platform’s freelancers consider to be too much.

‍Efficiency

Fiverr is known for fast turnarounds, especially for one-time projects, which is a big plus for both sellers and buyers. However, Fiverr requires not only turnarounds to be quick but also your replies. A freelancer’s response rating and even level may drop if they don’t respond within 24 hours or miss a message from a client. 

If you’re looking for more control, better pay, or just want to explore other opportunities, keep reading to discover some platforms and find one that works best for you. 

1. Upwork

Upwork is, perhaps, the biggest Fiverr competitor, holding the #1 place in the market with a total share of 69.89%. The way Upwork operates is pretty straightforward: clients create job offers, and freelancers bid on them by submitting proposals. Clients may also purchase services in Project Catalog — a concept that is much more familiar to Fiverr users. 

Payment methods for freelancers on Upwork

• Direct transfer to the U.S. bank (ACH) 
• Direct transfer to a local bank  
• Wire transfer
• Instant pay for U.S. freelancers
• PayPal
• Payoneer  
• M-Pesa  

Fees and commissions

Upwork’s fees are split into service fees and payment processing fees. Freelancers and agencies on Upwork pay a 10% service fee on all contracts, with a few exceptions. A Direct Contract with a client has a 5% fee, and a BYO (Bring Your Own) Contract has a 0% service fee rate. For some withdrawal methods, a small processing fee applies (usually $2.00).

Pros of working on Upwork

Payment protection
Upwork offers payment protection to ensure you get paid for your work, even if the client doesn’t want to pay as promised. There are two types: Hourly Payment Protection (for hourly contracts) and Fixed-Price Payment Protection (for fixed-price contracts). For hourly work, you’ll need the Upwork Desktop App to track hours, and for fixed-price jobs, funds are held in escrow before work starts.

Opportunity for long-term client relationships
Upwork is great for building long-term client relationships that lead to repeat businesses and steady income. Once you prove yourself as a professional, you can turn one-off projects into recurring business by delivering high-quality work, keeping communication open, and setting clear expectations.

Skill certifications

Upwork has skill certifications to help you show off what you’re good at and stand out from the crowd. These tests cover areas like Web, Mobile & Software Development and Customer Service. You can also upload certificates from Credly or add them manually to your profile to show clients what you can do and find jobs that match your skills.

Cons of working on Upwork

High competition
While Upwork remains one of the most popular freelance platforms, naturally it also ranks as the most competitive, particularly for entry-level freelancers. It can take time to build up a reputation and get consistent work.

‍Commercialized Connects system

Freelancers use Connects to bid on projects on Upwork. The system was free until May 2019, when Upwork started selling Connects for $0.15 each. Yes, you can still get 10 free Connects each month, but they are hardly ever enough for multiple applications and are not refunded if the client doesn’t hire you or even view your proposal. Some freelancers even suspect Upwork creates “fake” clients to make money off freelancer Connects.

A lifetime ban
People say, “Rules are made to be broken,” but breaking rules on Upwork can result in a number of nasty consequences. The worst that can happen — you get suspended, or as Hermione Granger would say, expelled!

In the case of Upwork, there is no going back: generally, bans are lifetime. It might seem fair at first, however, many users complain that they got suspended for minor misunderstandings or simply because they hadn't earned anything on the platform in a while. Once suspended, it’s almost impossible to withdraw the funds from completed jobs, and the appeal process seems unclear. One user even had to reach out to the Upwork team via Twitter to resolve this issue. 

Platforms like Upwork often get a bad reputation, but I’ve had some really positive experiences hiring freelancers. I was pleasantly surprised by how many skilled, reliable professionals I found who work independently and keep me updated without needing constant check-ins. As a business owner, finding freelancers who take initiative and communicate well is such a blessing.
However, I’ve also had a negative experience when I hired a freelancer to write some copy for me and it came back totally AI-generated. It was super generic and extremely “chatGPT sounding", which makes me wonder how many clients unknowingly accept AI-generated work without realising it. That was disappointing, but thankfully, Upwork handled the issue quickly and fairly.
Would I still recommend Upwork? Absolutely. But like any platform, it requires vetting talent properly and setting clear expectations from the start.

{{Kat Irvin}}

2.TopTal

TopTal is like a VIP, “invitation-only” version of Fiverr — only 3% of freelancers get approved and get access to high-paying customers who understand what they are paying for. An applicant to the TopTal network must go through a screening process that takes up to 8 weeks and measures expertise, professionalism, and communication skills. TopTal operates differently than most other freelance platforms: it connects clients with approved freelancers using a data-driven matching system. 

Payment methods for freelancers on TopTal

• Major credit cards
• Direct transfer to the U.S. bank (ACH)
• Bank wires
• PayPal

Fees and commissions

TopTal doesn’t take any commission from freelancers, so all payments and commissions are borne by the client. However, it’s not quite clear how much they charge apart from the $79 monthly subscription fee. Some claim that their margins might be up to 50%. Not bad for a top-tire platform!

Pros of working on TopTal‍

High-quality clients 

A 4-stages screening process ensures that TopTal only approves top freelancers, so clients approaching them are usually well-funded and willing to pay the price to hire the best. Clients are also reviewed by TopTal, which sets it apart from many other freelance platforms.

Structured payments
TopTal managers invoice clients twice a month and handle every aspect of the payment process, so you can fully focus on the work and be confident in getting paid on time.

A matching system
Once you’re accepted, you don’t have to “sell yourself” or spend time pitching clients. TopTal has an inside matching system and offers a number of ideal professionals for a particular job. It’s usually done within 48 hours, which enables a quick project start. 

Cons of working on TopTal ‍

Strict screening process
Becoming a TopTal freelancer is extremely difficult; you must pass multi-step interview and skill tests. Some freelancers try to meet TopTal high standards for years, only to end up on a waiting list or receive another rejection letter.

High competition
You may think that joining the elite group of 3% of the best puts you in a very small pool of professionals. Well, the truth is never that simple. In 2020, the TopTal database already contained roughly 10,000 freelancers, a figure that has only increased over the last five years. Some freelancers claim that there are only a few jobs daily and they are extremely hard to get. 

3. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is like the European cousin of Fiverr and the longest running freelance platform in the UK. While it’s more popular in the “country of birth” and Europe, it’s slowly gaining traction worldwide. Unlike on many other platforms, here you must complete and verify your profile before you can submit proposals or add your services to a Project Catalog. The verification process is simpler than TopTal and usually takes a few days but still helps ensure that freelancers are reliable. 

Payment methods for freelancers on PeoplePerHour

• Direct transfer to the U.S. bank (ACH)
• Bank transfer
• PayPal
• Payoneer

Fees and commissions

The commission on PeoplePerHour directly depends on your earnings. 20% is taken from the first £250 earned, 7.5% from £250 to £5000 earned, and 3.5% from over £5000 earned. You should also bear in mind that these fees are calculated per buyer, not your total amount of earnings. 

Pros of working on PeoplePerHour

Regional focus

PeoplePerHour is a worldwide platform, but it has a stronger focus on its home country — the United Kingdom — and the European market as a whole. This is particularly significant for freelancers who are located in this time zone or who wish to expand their global reach and work with clients from various countries.

Featured offers

One of the standout perks of the platform is the Featured Offers option, which can help you stand out in a sea of competition. For a relatively small fee of £9.95 you can make your offer more visible to clients and prominently displayed on the site for 7 days. PeoplePerHour also offers a Featured Proposal option that brings your proposal on the top of the line when you bid on projects. Not cheap, but sometimes you need to pay to play. 

Cons of working on PeoplePerHour

Confusing fee structure

Fees are calculated per buyer and might seem pretty high for low-budget or one-off gigs. The platform claims that it still has the lowest fees on the market (compared to platforms like Fiverr and Upwork) and that its fee structure motivates freelancers to build long-lasting relationships with clients. However, this new fee structure gained many negative reviews from freelancers, as it seems almost impossible to get £5000 from one client on a platform where the average gig price is under £300.

Low number of free proposal credits

Similar to Upwork, freelancers on PeoplePerHour use proposal credits to bid on projects. You get 15 free credits at the beginning of each month and… that’s it. If you go above this number, you need to buy additional credits to continue bidding. 5 extra credits cost £5.95 and you can buy up to 50 (for £19.95). Pretty expensive, especially when compared to Upwork.

3-month trial

All new freelancers need to go through a trial phase, make two sales within this period, and receive positive feedback (at least 4 stars) to keep full access to the platform's features in the future. It does seem like a great way to build a pool of top-rated freelancers, but for newbies, it might also mean spending a lot of time on the platform and taking low-paying jobs just to stay a full-time member.

4. Freelancer.com 

Freelancer.com is one of the largest freelancing platforms in terms of the number of projects and users that operates on two business models: freelancers can either bid on projects (similar to Upwork) or compete in contests to win a prize (similar to 99designs that we’ll talk about in a moment).

Payment methods for freelancers on Freelancer.com

• Bank transfer
• PayPal
• Payoneer
• Skrill
• Wire

Fees and commissions

Freelancer.com charges a standard 10% fee on both fixed-price and hourly projects, as well as on any contest you win. Any bonuses or tips received from clients are also subject to a 10% fee. However, if you refer a new client to the platform using a personal link, there will be no fee for any future projects with this particular client. Although the process of submitting proposals for projects is completely free, you can always pay an additional promotional fee to stand out from the competition:

Pros of working on Freelancer.com‍

Preferred freelancer program
If you’re delivering quality work consistently, you can apply to be part of the 3% of elite freelancers on Freelancer.com. The application is completely free and gives a lot of privileges. You’ll get special invites to high-budget projects and avoid platform fees completely. It's like getting a golden ticket, really!

Freelance contests
Clients can not only hire freelancers directly but also hold contests in which freelancers submit work based on the project brief. It’s not risk-free, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get paid, but it’s a great way for those just starting out to get visibility.

Milestone payments system
With milestones, the project is divided into smaller parts, and payments are released when each part is completed. This means you don't have to wait until the project is finished — you get paid as you go. The system creates a sense of trust and security for both the client and the freelancer, ensuring they’re on the same page throughout the process.

Cons of working on Freelancer.com‍

A low number of free bids
The first rule of making money is: don’t pay to earn. With Freelancer.com it’s not that easy. The free plan allows you to submit only six proposals per month. Once you reach this limit, you must wait until the next month or upgrade to a paid plan, starting at $4.99 per month. 

Many scammers
Naturally, where there is opportunity, there is also risk. On Freelancer.com there seem to be quite a lot of it. People share many stories of facing scams and fraudulent clients on the platform. You need to be extra cautious, spot red flags, and double-check everything before commencing work. 

5. 99designs

99designs may become a great design-focused alternative for those who feel like other freelance platforms are too crowded in this niche. The primary way of working with clients on 99designs is to participate in design contests. One-to-one projects are also available, but most clients prefer starting with contests to see proposals from various designers before making their final decision. It’s an open competition, not like the Hunger Games, of course, but may the odds still be in your favor! 

Payment methods for freelancers on 99designs

• PayPal
• Payoneer

Fees and commissions

The fee structure is pretty straightforward: it is determined on your level on the platform. There are three: top-level designers pay a 5% fee, mid-level designers pay 10%, and newbies or entry-level designers pay a 15% fee. 

Pros of working on 99designs‍

High-quality clients
99designs is fully dedicated to design services, and the clients you encounter know exactly what they’re looking for and value professional design. The platform isn’t cheap, and the higher the quality outcomes, the more a client spends. For example, you need to start at least a gold contest that costs $899 to make sure only mid- and top-level designers participate. So, contest winners walk away with significantly higher payouts than you might see on more budget-friendly platforms. 

It’s important to check if your design style matches what the client is looking for before starting the project. Sometimes, clients don’t even look at your portfolio properly and ask for a quote. For example, I do whimsical, colorful illustrations, but I had a client asking for a minimalistic and serious logo for an accounting firm. It’s best to decline these clients to avoid frustration later.

{{Paula Ambrosio}}

99awards
Every year, 99designs celebrates top designers and their work in various categories with 99awards. Being part of the awards gallery gives your portfolio a significant credibility boost, increases visibility and proves you’re in the list of true professionals capable of creating top-notch design. 

Strong design community
Not everything on 99designs is about competition. It also has a very strong community of dedicated designers, and some of them are eager to share their expertise with newcomers. Moreover, since it's based around contests, you simply have to be better than others and inadvertently enhance your own profile and design skills. 

Cons of working on 99designs‍

High competition in contests
The competition is extremely fierce, particularly for newcomers. They can only compete in entry-level contests, which are often attended by mid- and even top-level designers, so the quality standard is also pretty high. Getting your first win and first money can be a long and challenging process. Paula recommends using hashtags to help direct your profile to clients looking for a specific type of design.

Limited portfolio
A portfolio is a designer's primary marketing tool. On 99designs, it is somewhat restricted: only projects created on the platform can be included in the portfolio, so even the most seasoned designer must start from scratch to build their reputation.

Unpredictable earnings
On 99designs, the winner takes it all. No matter how hard you try and how much effort you put into your designs, most of the time you’re doing it without any guarantee of being paid. This can be a significant obstacle for freelancers who value a predictable income and stable, long-term client relationships. 

6. WriterAccess

WriterAccess is a content freelancing platform that connects businesses with high-quality writers. With a network of over 20,000 verified freelancers, it primarily focuses on native English speakers, placing a lot of emphasis on building long-term client relationships and being professional. So it might be a good fit for experienced writers with a strong portfolio.

Payment methods for freelancers on WriterAccess

• PayPal

Fees and commissions

WriterAccess deducts a 30% commission from any project conducted on their platform. Payments are issued twice a month, but if you’re in a real need there’s a way to withdraw funds instantly by paying a $7 extra fee. 

Pros of working on WriterAccess

Transparent rating system and pay rates
Pay rates are defined by the star level initially assigned to each writer based on their experience and expertise, so there’s no guessing game on WriterAccess. There are four star levels, and writers get paid between 2.8 cents and 7.0 cents per word. WriterAcess claims that some freelance jobs for 6-star level experts can get up to 150$ per word, although it seems highly unlikely to get such high-paying projects unless you specialize in a very specific field.

Learning opportunities
WriterAcess offers a range of resources, including writing guidelines, webinars, conferences, and other educational materials to assist freelancers in improving their writing skills and producing high-quality content effortlessly.

Cons of working on WriterAccess

Probably the highest fees on the market

The 30% fee is a bit of a kicker. Even for a niche platform with higher rates per word, that’s still a significant cut, especially for freelancers who are used to platforms with lower fees.

Strictly limited access
WriterAcess is currently accepting writers from a select group of nations. You must be a resident of the US, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Australia, Ireland, or South Africa and at least 18 years old to apply.

Unpredictable workflow

While WriterAcess provides access to a range of projects in different categories, there’s no guarantee of a steady stream of work, and there’s not much you can do about it. The platform uses an AI-powered matching system to connect clients with writers, which means that some weeks you may be fully booked with up to 40 casting calls, while other times you may not receive any projects at all.

How to choose the right Fiverr alternative and get started

1. Identify your core skills and niche

Stay focused. Before you dive into the realm of multiple freelance platforms, envision yourself as a superhero and identify your superpower. What are you actually good at? What are your strengths? Once you list all of these things, finding the right platform becomes a lot easier. A freelance platform tailored to your specific niche and talents helps you spend less time finding the right clients and explaining what you do, and more time doing it and making a profit.

2. Evaluate fee structure

Make sure you know how much you’re actually going to get. Do your research and check out the platform’s pricing structure and hidden fees. This is especially important for newcomers, who may initially accept low-cost projects to establish their reputation.

3. Start small to build a portfolio

Starting small and taking simple but fast and non-problematic orders is a great way to build your portfolio without the pressure. Once you get confident enough, you can start applying to larger, more high-paying gigs.

4. Optimize your profile

Your profile is your digital resume. Don’t make it generic like every other freelancer on the platform. Shine. Make sure your profile has a professional image: selfies are great for Instagram, but a high-quality headshot with good lighting makes clients feel like they’re dealing with a real person not just a face. 

Showcase your personality: write a bio that shows not only your professionalism but also your interests; mention your favorite book or TV show so clients can see you’re a relatable real person. 

Highlight your skills: be specific about your expertise and the tools you use and focus on both broad and niche skills that are in demand and niche-specific projects you’ve worked on. 

Ask for positive client reviews: don’t be shy to ask happy clients for reviews and show them in your profile. Have a killer portfolio: make sure your portfolio is varied and has lots of examples of your best work, keeping in mind your target clients.

Focus on solutions rather than deliverables in your description. A great profile focuses on how you solve problems for clients rather than just listing your skills. Many freelancers make the mistake of listing every tool or software they know. But clients don’t care about this - they want solutions. For example, instead of saying “I know CSS, HTML, Javascript, Python...." say "I help businesses create high-converting websites that attract and retain customers. Whether you need a sleek Shopify store or a user-friendly WordPress site, I will make sure your website works as hard as you do.

{{Kat Irvin}}

5. Check out the support system

Let’s face it: no matter how much work we put in, things don’t always go as planned. Whether you’re dealing with a tough client or just trying to figure out how to upload a project file, make sure the platform has a good support system in place: a live chat, email support, or a well-organized help center with helpful guides. Knowing you can get help when you need it is key to your mental health and productivity at work.

One of the biggest shifts freelancers need to make is to move away from just offering a service (e.g. building a website) and instead position themselves as problem solvers. Clients don’t just want a website - they want more leads, better conversions, a stronger brand presence, or maybe even less stress. The freelancers who stand out are the ones who understand the client’s real goals and tailor their approach accordingly.
When it comes to pricing, I see two main types of clients on these platforms:
1. Price-driven clients – those who choose freelancers based on the cheapest. Good for getting experience but hard to grow in this category.
2. Value-driven clients – those who hire based on expertise and ability to solve a problem. These are the clients that allow freelancers to increase their rates and build long-term relationships.
For new freelancers, it makes sense to start with price-driven clients to get experience. But the key is to continuously refine your approach and increase your rates over time, positioning yourself as a specialist rather than just another cheap option.

{{Kat Irvin}}

To sum up, there are many alternatives to Fiverr where you can find great freelance opportunities. But you need to develop a clear strategy and create a compelling profile to succeed. Good luck exploring these Fiverr competitors, and we hope you find the right platform for you!

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