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5 Best Upwork Alternatives Every Freelancer Should Know About

5 Best Upwork Alternatives Every Freelancer Should Know About

Discover the top Upwork alternatives for freelancers! Explore these 5 platforms to land new gigs and grow your professional network. Don't miss out — read the full article now!

December 15, 2024

 
Upwork alternatives

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Being on the right platform like Upwork may help you find a job as a freelancer. Upwork provides fresh opportunities with a wide range of clients.

Therefore, any Upwork alternative you choose should be able to provide a wide array of jobs while offering safe payment platforms. It should also be affordable or provide value for your money with an easy-to-use interface. 

To save you time, here are 5 of my best alternatives to Upwork based on user satisfaction, earning potential, and niche focus. These platforms cater to different needs and niches, so you’ll find one that works for you. 

How I chose them

When I was choosing the best alternatives to Upwork, I spent a lot of time digging into reviews and testing some platforms myself. I checked discussions on Reddit (especially r/freelance, like this, for example) and read reviews from G2 and Trustpilot to see what freelancers like us were saying about these platforms. While I haven’t used all of them, I’ve worked on Fiverr, Guru and Hubstaff Talent in the past, and both had their perks. Nowadays, LinkedIn is where I get most of my clients, and I’ve found it super effective for building long-term professional connections. So, this list isn’t just random — it’s based on what I’ve seen, tested, and heard from others who’ve been in the freelancing trenches.

1. Fiverr

Fiverr is one of the top Upwork competitors. It has 4.2 million users, a fraction of what Upwork or LinkedIn has. Still, most freelancers opt between Upwork and Fiverr because they are affordable and easy to use. 

But Fiverr has its own rules. For instance, a freelancer is called a seller (selling your services), while the client is the buyer. Therefore, you can create an account as a seller, buyer, or both. Fiverr promotes active sellers, especially when you are starting as a freelancer. 

Here are some of the lessons that I came to learn while working on Fiverr:

  1. You must always respond on time to avoid missing a buyer's message. Having the Fiverr app on your phone is handy as you can answer messages from the seller instantly. Don’t forget to turn your email notifications on so that you reply to your messages the moment it is sent. Suppose a buyer messages you at 10:00 AM asking for a logo design. If you respond within 5 minutes, they may be impressed by your quick reply and hire you. On the other hand, a delayed response might lead them to hire someone else. Keeping the Fiverr app on your phone with notifications turned on ensures you don’t miss such opportunities.
  2. Your profile should be appealing. Add high-quality images and attractive gig videos since your clients (buyers) see this when they click on your profile. If you’re a graphic designer, upload a professional headshot as your profile picture, showcase your best designs in your portfolio, and include a well-edited video introducing yourself and your skills. For example, you may show a time-lapse of you creating a logo or a short animation explaining your process.
  3. You should highlight unique selling points. For instance, you can include specialized skills like creating professional images and videos for the project if you are a copywriter. Remember, gig videos should be short and captivating. Thus should be less than 60 seconds clearly explaining your service, showcase results, and include a professional yet friendly tone. 
  4. You must be ready for low pay on your first orders. This will help build your portfolio and eventually land high-paying clients. For example, if you are a freelance writer and your usual rate for writing a 500-word article is $50, consider offering it for $15–$20 for your first few clients to build reviews and credibility. Once you have a few 5-star reviews, you can gradually raise your rates and attract higher-paying clients.
  5. You must be open to offer discounted rates for repeat clients. Or you can use Fiverr’s subscription to offer value-packed plans that target clients with ongoing jobs.
  6. You should ensure your gig description is on point without any errors while providing useful information to the client. Therefore use high-quality images and gig videos to create detailed gigs.

Payment methods for freelancers on Fiverr

  • Bank transfer
  • CashApp
  • Cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  • Payoneer
  • PayPal
  • Stripe
  • TransferWise (Wise)
  • Venmo
  • Western Union
  • Zelle
Fiverr pros and cons

2. LinkedIn 

 Optimized LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and compelling headline.
A glimpse of my LinkedIn profile, where I’ve built a community of 11,012 followers who enjoy what I share.

I enjoy using LinkedIn a lot, especially lately.

LinkedIn is more of a social media platform like Facebook or Instagram. However, it can potentially connect you with professionals to establish long-term client relationships and position you as an industry authority. 

One of the LinkedIn experts, Jasmin (Jay) Alić, shared an interesting insight about the platform’s engagement strategy. He explained that when you post on LinkedIn, your followers and connections see your content once a day. However, if you take the time to comment on others' posts, say just 10 people — you can significantly expand your reach and get noticed by more people within the same day. It’s not just about posting your own content; engaging with others’ posts helps boost your visibility and builds more connections organically according to Jay.

So you should always comment and react to other people's posts and articles if you want your content to attract a higher engagement. Posting alone won't cut it.

Keep in mind that there are over 1 billion LinkedIn users, therefore, you should be very mindful that you have a well-optimized LinkedIn profile. Your content appearing on the first page means that many eyes see your profile. More visibility means potential clients will start discovering you.

This is what I did to grow my profile:

  1. Filled-out my profile. I uploaded a clear image showing my face, a picture and a catchy headline. For example, you can use this format: “Managing Director, Leflam DataPulse| Senior Content Writer/Editor, Solowise.” Alternatively, you can go with something more dynamic like: “I help build secure systems by identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening defenses.” Personally, I prefer the second option. It’s more engaging and straight to the point communicating the value I offer.
  2. Used keywords. Your work experience and summary should be relevant to your skills and relevant keywords. For instance, I used these keywords: Managing Director, Senior Content Writer, Secure Systems, Vulnerability Assessment, Cybersecurity. Keywords are very important if you want to tap into LinkedIn SEO. LinkedIn SEO is what pushes your content to more eyes and you get discovered by more clients/ brands.
  1. Kept engaging with my connections. Early this year, after stumbling upon Jasmin (Jay) Alić’s content, I read that he spends at least an hour every day replying to comments. Inspired by this, I decided to do the same. I made it a habit to comment on at least 10 posts from my connections and other pages suggested to me by Linkedln. This significantly improved my engagement rate.

Payment methods for freelancers on LinkedIn

Since LinkedIn is primarily a social networking platform for professionals, payment terms for freelance projects are handled outside the platform. 

For example, you can use Solowise to establish your contract, payment terms, and preferred payment method directly with them. But be clear about your preferred payment method to avoid any unexpected fees or delays, and make sure it’s a method both you and the client can use smoothly.

LinledIn pros and cons

3. Toptal

Toptal is an alternative to Upwork not for its wide array of opportunities but because it is an elite job board. The screening process for Toptal is very intensive. Only 3% of top talent makes it to the platform.

Toptal looks for top professionals, so their screening process is rigorous. It typically involves:

  • Initial application. First, submit your resume or LinkedIn profile.
  • Language and personality test. Here, you pass an interview where they assess your communication skills.
  • Skill review. These are technical tests or portfolio reviews to evaluate your expertise. For example, developers might complete coding tasks or solve algorithm problems, and finance experts may answer case studies or problem-solving scenarios related to financial analysis.
  • Live screening. The live screening phase of Toptal's application process is one of the most critical and challenging steps.Here, you might be asked to solve a problem like: “Create a mobile app login screen for a fitness app” if you are a designer, for example. You’d work on a design tool like Figma or Sketch, explaining your decisions as you go. The interviewer may ask follow-up questions – be ready for them.
  • Test projects. Finally, you complete a paid test project to show your ability to deliver quality work.

I submitted my application to Toptal looking to get clients for my coding skills. The initial application part is not hard. I just filled in my personal information, specified skills, and uploaded a resume and profile picture before clicking “submit”.

This is what I received as a reply to my application.

Toptal application email reply
Update on my Toptal application. Now I am waiting for the next steps in the process.

Since then, I have not received any feedback from Toptal. However, this is understandable since the waitlist must be long.

Joining Toptal is about proving you’re among the best in your field. Another reason to try it is that the platform removes the hustle of having to bid for multiple jobs before landing one, like on Upwork. 

Toptal already knows without a doubt that you are an expert in that field. Once you set up your profile and the job matching your skills becomes available, you get an exclusive invitation to the interviews. 

The best thing is that Toptal doesn’t send a job interview invitation to more than 5 freelancers at a time, unlike Upwork, where you may have even 50 proposals for one job. Thus, you can earn well as you have access to high-paying jobs because not every freelancer can access the platform.

You have to also continue upskilling as the Toptal rewards profiles with more skills. The algorithm will link you with better-paying long-term clients if you display all your talents and skills. 

Skills tagging on Toptal is how the team knows which freelancer to send job invitations to. Therefore, if you manage to maintain a consistently high-quality output, you can attract well-paying long-term clients.

Payment methods for freelancers on Toptal

  • Major credit cards
  • Direct to Local or US Bank (ACH)
  • Bank wires
  • PayPal
Toptal pros and cons

4. Guru

If you’ve tried Upwork before, you might find Guru to be a breath of fresh air. The platform has some advantages that I enjoyed while working on it.

First, it has lower fees compared to Upwork, which means you get to keep more of your earnings. On Upwork, freelancers pay a 10% fee on every milestone, while Guru offers a tiered membership system that allows you to reduce fees to as low as 5% with a paid plan. Even without upgrading, Guru's fees are often lower than Upwork's. Clients also save money, as Guru charges them just a 2.9% processing fee for invoices​.

While working on Guru, I also noticed it has less competition. While on Upwork I might compete with 50 or more freelancers for a single job, on Guru there were often fewer than 10 proposals per job. Guru also lets you choose different payment options, like hourly, milestone-based, or task-based, so you can work in a way that fits the project. 

Here are some tips I’ve learned from my time as a content writer on Guru to help you get more clients:

  1. Make a strong profile. When I first started on Guru, I made sure to highlight my expertise in content writing and SEO. I created a clear, concise profile with a professional photo, a well-written bio, and a few writing samples. For example, I included a case study of a blog post I wrote that boosted a client’s website traffic by 30%. This showed clients that I could produce results. 
  2. Use the WorkRoom. One of the best features on Guru is the WorkRoom. I’ve used it to keep all my project details in one place, and it has made working with clients much smoother. For instance, when I worked on a series of blog posts for a client, we shared ideas, drafts, and feedback through the WorkRoom. This way, everything was organized, and there was no confusion about deadlines or revisions.
  3. Send personalized proposals. I’ve learned that a generic proposal won’t cut it. When I sent proposals, I always made sure to personalize them. For example, I once applied for a project where the client needed SEO-focused blog posts. Instead of just sending my standard proposal, I mentioned a few specific strategies I would use to optimize the content. I also referenced my past experience working with similar clients. This approach showed the client I had taken the time to understand their needs, and it resulted in me landing the job.
  4. Ask for reviews. After every job, I made it a point to ask my clients for reviews. For example, after I completed a website content project for a client, I asked them to leave a review about the quality of my work on Guru. New clients often look at reviews before hiring, and positive feedback has helped build my credibility on the platform.
  5. Stay active and apply regularly. Staying active on Guru is key to getting noticed. I regularly updated my profile with new samples and made sure I appшув for new jobs as soon as they’re posted. I remember applying for a project where the client was looking for a quick turnaround on blog posts. I responded among the first candidates, which brought this gig to me.
  6. Be flexible with payment. Guru offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to payment options. For instance, I once worked with a client who preferred to pay per task rather than hourly. We agreed on a flat rate for each blog post, which worked out well for both of us. I’ve found that being flexible with payment terms helps clients feel more comfortable, especially if they’re trying out a new freelancer.

Of course, not everything about Guru is perfect. The lack of a mobile app can be inconvenient if you’re someone who likes checking in on the go. Also, some freelancers report waiting for responses for days or not getting enough help to resolve problems. Some also feel that the security measures, like the ID verification requirement, seem too intrusive and costly. But from my own experience, Guru feels like a quieter, more focused alternative to Upwork, and it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re tired of endless competition.

Payment methods for freelancers on Guru

  • Bank Account (eCheck) - U.S. Only
  • PayPal
  • Wire Transfer
  • Credit Cards
  • Non-U.S. Bank Account
Guru pros and cons

5. Hubstaff Talent

HubStaff Talent is completely free to use. No fees for freelancers, no hidden costs, nothing. That alone makes it worth checking out, but there are more reasons why it could be your next favorite platform.

HubStaff Talent is much easier to use than platforms like Upwork. The job listings are usually clear and detailed, with clients outlining exactly what they need, their budget, and deadlines. This makes it simple to decide if a job is right for you and to create a tailored proposal. I’ve found that Upwork, on the other hand, often has vague listings that can leave you guessing, making it harder to pitch yourself effectively.

Another thing I like about HubStaff Talent is that there’s less competition. With fewer freelancers on the platform, it’s easier to get noticed — especially if you’re active and apply regularly. Plus, you can talk directly with clients without dealing with a complicated bidding system, which makes it easier to build trust and agree on terms. Many of the clients are startups or small businesses looking for ongoing help, so if you’re after long-term projects, this platform is a great fit. And for clients who want to track hours, HubStaff Talent’s built-in time tracking makes it easy to stay transparent and organized.

My experience on HubStaff Talent

My first project on HubStaff Talent was writing email campaigns for a SaaS startup. The job listing was clear about what they needed — someone to craft five automated email sequences for their onboarding process. Unlike other platforms, I didn’t have to bid or spend on Connects; I simply sent a direct email with my pitch and portfolio.

The process was seamless thanks to the platform’s straightforward setup. The client and I communicated directly without any middleman tools slowing us down. Plus, since HubStaff Talent doesn’t charge freelancer fees, I kept my full payment—no deductions, which was a big relief after using platforms like Upwork.

What I loved most was that this wasn’t a one-off gig. Many listings on HubStaff Talent focus on long-term roles, and this client eventually hired me for ongoing work. It felt like a great return on the time I invested into applying.

Tips for success on HubStaff Talent

  1. Polish your profile. Keep your profile clean and professional. Use a friendly photo and a headline that sums up what you do, like “Content Writer Specializing in SaaS and Tech.”
  2. Be proactive. Since the platform doesn’t have a bidding system, you’ll need to actively reach out to clients. Send thoughtful, personalized messages when you find a job that interests you.
  3. Highlight your strengths. When contacting clients, focus on how your skills align with their specific needs. Share recent examples from your portfolio to show you’ve done similar work before.
  4. Check listings regularly. Jobs on HubStaff Talent can fill quickly, so make it a habit to browse the listings daily or set aside time each week to look for open vacancies.
  5. Focus on building relationships. Many clients on HubStaff Talent are looking for long-term freelancers. If you deliver great work and communicate well, you’ll have a better chance of turning one-time projects into ongoing collaborations.
Hubstaff pros and cons

How to win clients on job boards easier

Winning clients on job boards is about standing out and showing that you’re the right person for the task. Here are key tips to help you do just that, plus some additional strategies for boosting your visibility and attracting the right opportunities.

1. Optimize your profile 

Your profile should have a professional bio, portfolio, and detailed work experience to attract potential clients. However, customize your profile to suit the platform you are using. LinkedIn for instance might favor a more casual approach while Upwork a formal one.

“Standing out on any job board is one of its toughest challenges, particularly for beginners. To secure high-paying clients, focus on building a stellar profile. Keep your profile simple showcasing 2-3 strong, relevant examples and explain the results you delivered. Avoid generic templates as clients spot them instantly. Then post before-and-after snapshots or write about the impact your work had on clients.”

2. Showcase client reviews

Client reviews are gold on your profile. They help you build trust as it highlights your reliability and expertise. When potential clients come across testimonials or reviews from past clients, it plays a crucial role in their decision-making process.

 Positive feedback builds trust and credibility, showing that you deliver results and are reliable. It’s one of the most effective ways to convince a new client that you’re the right person for the job.

“If you don't have any reviews yet – maybe you are new to the platform or just started your freelance journey – ensure you ask for testimonials immediately after you finish your first task.”

3. Always be proactive

Just having a client doesn't mean that you should stop looking for more of them. Keeping your options open, brings up more opportunities for you by connecting you with diverse clients helping you avoid gaps in work.

4. Specialise and niche down

It might be okay to be a general specialist, but niching down might help you become an expert in that speciality easily.

For instance, if you are a SEO writer, you can niche down to be:

  • E-commerce SEO, writing product descriptions, category pages, and SEO-optimized content for online stores.
  • Local SEO, creating content for small businesses to improve their local search rankings, including service pages, location-based blog posts, and Google My Business optimization.
  • B2B SEO, writing in-depth, research-driven articles, whitepapers, and case studies targeting business-to-business audiences.
  • Affiliate SEO, who produces high-quality reviews, comparison posts, and buying guides specifically designed to attract affiliate clicks and boost conversions.
  • Technical SEO, who writes content on optimizing for core web vitals, schema markup, and other technical SEO factors. 

Remember, it's okay to be an expert in several niches as some clients value versatility.

For example, I’m a pentester—a cybersecurity professional who tests and evaluates systems, networks, and applications by simulating attacks to uncover vulnerabilities. But beyond that, I also write on a wide range of topics, showcasing my ability to adapt to different needs and industries.

Cost summary table for freelance platforms


Focus on one or two platforms max. Pitching for work on more platforms will divide your attention and you won't be able to bring in your A-game. Each of these platforms has its strengths and unique features, so take some time to explore and see which one aligns with your ambitions. 

By selecting a platform that complements your expertise, you’ll be ready to engage clients confidently, build meaningful relationships, and take your freelance career to the next level.

Author
Vannie Evans
Solowise Contributor
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Author
Vannie Evans
Solowise Contributor

My mission is to craft captivating narratives, unravel future trends, and spark curiosity in each blog. I try to make each text an enthralling journey, anticipating the next spellbinding tale — a commitment to content that intrigues and resonates, leaving an indelible mark.

Learn more
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