Upwork vs. Freelancer vs. Fiverr

Upwork vs. Freelancer vs. Fiverr: which should you choose?

Upwork suits a wide range of skilled projects, Freelancer works well for competitive bidding, and Fiverr is best for quick, creative, low-cost gigs.

• Upwork has the largest, most diverse talent pool.
• Freelancer lets clients pick the best bid, not just the cheapest.
• Fiverr works like a directory of set-price services.

When you compare Upwork vs. Freelancer vs. Fiverr, each site fits a different need. Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and other freelance sites keep growing. This is driven by more online freelancers and a wide mix of skills.

What was once a long, slow line at the bank, with high wire fees, is now cheap and easy through these outsourcing websites. To see how they fit the wider market, look at the range of gig economy platforms in use today.

Elance, the pioneer among these sites, started in 1999. The site took its name from a Harvard Business Review article, The Dawn of the E-Lance Economy.

It was first built to outsource IT work. Soon, though, it grew to cover other sectors too. In 2013, it merged with a rival, oDesk. Later, it re-branded as Upwork.

Freelancer is another site that came about in 2009. Back then, Elance only allowed payments in USD. As a result, freelancers outside the United States were at a disadvantage.

At the time, many countries capped how much foreign currency you could receive and convert. So this limited who could bid on Elance projects. Freelancer fixed the problem by allowing payments in local currencies.

Fiverr, another big player, launched in 2010. To stand apart from its two rivals, Fiverr aimed to offer good work at low prices. The starting rate was USD 5. So it was a boon for many cash-strapped people and firms.

A changing workforce: Why hiring freelancers is the way to go

Outsourcing work to freelancers has several benefits. So companies keep choosing freelancers and source some work through online platforms because:

1. It is cheaper compared to hiring a full-time employee

Competition is fierce in the freelance world, both in quality and in rates.

Freelancers can charge what it costs to hire a full-time employee. Still, to win work, they keep their rates fair. They charge based on the job that needs to be done. As a result, the price can be quite low next to the cost of hiring, training, and paying benefits for new staff.

Aside from saving money, firms that work with freelancers save time. Freelancers often have a much shorter turnaround than full-time staff. So this helps clients cut spending on man-hours.

If you outsource work to freelancers in the Philippines, you can save even more. A report by Education First listed the Philippines as having high English proficiency, second only to Singapore in the Asian market.

At the same time, the Philippines ranks among the lowest worldwide for wages. Because of this, clients get the most from their budget when they hire freelancers based there.

2. It results in consistent and high-quality work

When you work with freelancers, you often reach a pool of skilled pros with varied expertise. As a result, you can find the right talent for a task. This leads to work that stays high in quality.

Freelancers are usually experts in their fields. They have a strong drive to do great work, since their name and future jobs depend on it.

In addition, freelancers are often self-driven. So they bring fresh views to projects, which lifts creativity and problem-solving. Many also specialize in the exact kind of work they do.

Freelancers put time into a skill set, which they then market on freelance sites. To build a portfolio, they bid on jobs that match their talents. So this helps them gain experience and run projects better. To keep clients and justify their rates, many hold a steady quality of work.

3. It allows clients to get more work done

Unlike full-time staff, freelancers are not tied to set work hours. Many take projects by the hour. Others prefer pay by volume or by the project’s demands.

As such, a client can assign work in the evening and return to a finished output the next day. This speed means you can run many projects at once, meet tight deadlines, and adapt fast.

Freelancers can work during off-peak hours, weekends, and holidays. So clients who mix full-time staff with flexible freelancers can keep the business running 24/7. For more options, browse these best online worker websites.

Freelancing vs. Outsourcing: Deciding which option to choose

There are differences between freelancing and outsourcing that people should weigh too.

Freelancing is often project-based and not supervised. Outsourcing, meanwhile, is used for ongoing roles. It usually runs in a supervised, professional setting.

So it really helps to explore several options (including hiring contractors) when getting work done. Below are some key factors that set outsourcing apart from freelancing:

• Ongoing roles (not project jobs) usually need at least one full-time position
• Supported and managed settings (HR, training, and more)
• Accountability hierarchy and account management
• High-quality offices with strong infrastructure, internet, security, and hardware
• Room to scale roles, teams, and space, which boosts growth prospects
• Far more reliable and professional results
• Paid holidays (there are a lot of Philippine holidays), sick leave, and other welfare perks

Top 3 outsourcing websites compared: Upwork vs. Fiverr vs. Freelancer

Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are the three most active and popular freelance sites worldwide.

It helps to know the features each one offers. This is also part of your own personal safety when doing business on freelancing sites.

Upwork has over 18 million freelancers registered with it, as well as a large base of active clients. Millions of jobs are posted through it, with large sums changing hands each year.

It is the largest freelance site in the world. So more and more Upwork freelancers earn solid profits each year.

Meanwhile, Freelancer won the Best Employment Website award for two years in a row (2015 and 2016). It also has 50 million users across the world.

Fiverr has three million services listed on its site. Unlike other sites where clients hire freelancers to bid, Fiverr works the other way. Here, freelancers list their services and price them between five USD and 500 USD. Clients then approach the freelancers and negotiate directly.

Freelancer

How Freelancer works

Clients can list their hiring details on Freelancer for free. From here, they have two options:

• Invite freelancers to bid on the project
• Look at freelancer profiles themselves to make an offer

Those who use the bidding process are free to select the best “technical” bid. So they do not have to pick the lowest rate. Instead, they pick the best quote for the job.

This may mean going with a freelancer who charges more but fits the project better. The site’s users respond in real time. As a result, projects usually get bidders within minutes.

Once the client awards the project, the two can chat through the site to discuss the details. Freelancer lets users chat, share files, and work together on the go.

Clients do not pay upfront on Freelancer. They only pay once the work is done to their needs. For a complex job, they can break it into smaller projects. So the client can pay based on the milestones and goals reached. All payments run through a highly secure, encrypted system. Should any user hit a problem, they can contact Freelancer support around the clock.

Is Freelancer worth it?

Some clients who tried Freelancer say they had to part with money first before starting. Others say the site has a lot to improve on technical issues. Not sure if the site is safe? This review of whether Freelancer.com is legit can help.

Some people hit billing snags. For example, one client found he was billed twice for a duplicate milestone. As a result, they could not outsource more work or rate the freelancer who did a great job.

Freelancers who use the site face similar issues. Some report missing milestones and money. Others say the site is not very helpful in resolving these gaps.

Just like clients, freelancers can leave reviews on those who hired them. Still, some abuse this. They leave a bad rating, then say they will edit it once the other person leaves a great rating first.

Fiverr

How Fiverr works

Fiverr offers a very simple way to find freelancers. Instead of inviting clients, it works like a directory for freelancers, or what the site calls “sellers.”

The site has many categories and subcategories. Most feature specialists in the creative industry. Sellers under each subcategory are listed by star ratings and the number of reviews. Each seller’s profile also lists the services or specializations they offer.

Is Fiverr worth it?

Going through Fiverr is a good move if the project needs creative people for short or one-off work.

However, the site offers limited categories. These include graphics and design, digital marketing, writing and translation, video and animation, music and audio, programming and tech, business, and fun and lifestyle.

Some freelancers avoid Fiverr because buyers can cancel a project and get a refund even after the work is done. As a result, only a few sellers have 5-star ratings and great feedback from buyers.

Upwork

How Upwork works

The Upwork platform matches the project with a list of freelancers who specialize in that field.

So it is easier for clients to search. If they did it by hand, they would have to sift through millions of freelancers on the site.

To help clients choose, Upwork shows skills and the percentage of projects completed on each profile. Sometimes it even shows how much the person earned through the site.

In Upwork, clients can review and compare the profiles sent to them. They can even interview a freelancer before they choose. The site allows file-sharing and many ways to communicate. It also offers Upwork Protection, which means clients only pay for agreed work. Clients with a premium account get hand-picked profiles and a dedicated account manager.

Is Upwork worth it?

There are many freelancers on the site. Some clients note that only a share are true experts. So clients who choose poorly might hire the wrong people.

Still, there are many freelancers and clients on the site. If people stay sharp when searching, they can always find another person or project that fits.

Should clients and freelancers use any of these services?

Freelance sites should be smoothed out to cut the technical issues that both clients and freelancers report.

The site also caps bids. Freelancers are only allowed up to ten bids at once. As a result, this puts some freelancers off.

Both Upwork and Fiverr give freelancers and clients plenty of options. Fiverr has many choices for clients who want creative pros. Upwork, meanwhile, has a wider range of talents and projects, and it offers free membership.

However, freelancers should know they must pay a small amount to bid. For instance, Upwork uses a virtual currency called Connects that freelancers use to apply for projects.

Alternatives to Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr

There are now many alternatives to these three platforms. Dozens of freelance sites cover almost every vertical space.

Some platforms are generalist, like Upwork. Others are very specialist, like Toptal. Together, these sites employ millions of people from dozens of countries. If you want to earn on the side, many double as side hustle jobs too.

Some sites are basic and act almost like an agency. Others have advanced tools that connect the workers, clients, and the workflow directly. Here, we have compiled a list of some of the world’s biggest and best-known freelance sites.

Top 21 freelancing platforms, agencies, and websites

1. Toptal

First, Toptal is a specialized freelancer platform. It first served software developers. Now, it also covers finance and accounting. To check its reputation, see whether Toptal is legit.

2. People Per Hour

Meanwhile, PeoplePerHour offers a big platform to find any kind of freelancer you need. Also, it has a dedicated support team that can help with your staffing needs.

3. Crowd Content

In addition, this platform specializes in the best brand descriptions. For example, it has skilled content writers within a curated, managed delivery platform.

4. Get Craft

Likewise, GetCraft promises the best set of marketing, content creators, and media providers. So it offers higher-end content and writing resources.

5. Simply Hired

Meanwhile, Simply Hired is a job search tool. So it helps you zoom in on the freelancer you need.

6. iFreelance

Similarly, iFreelance lets you search for and hire a freelancer without the middleman.

7. College Recruiter

For students, this site helps fresh graduates find entry-level jobs. In addition, College Recruiter offers internship programs for undergraduates.

8. Aquent

Meanwhile, Aquent specializes in solving digital marketing staffing problems.

9. Robert Half

Similarly, Robert Half offers smart matching technology and a personal approach for freelancers.

10. FlexJobs

Likewise, FlexJobs connects people who want flexible jobs to prospective employers.

11. Guru

Guru is a specialized higher-end consulting and freelance platform. It lists over 3,000,000 professionals.

12. Freelance Writing Gigs

For example, this platform helps clients find freelancers in the content field, such as freelance writers.

13. Krop

Also, Krop is a modern, interactive freelancer platform by Betterteam. It specializes in the creative industries. So this portfolio hosting site connects freelancers to their employers.

14. 99 Designs

For instance, 99 Designs lets you post a job and get a range of designers to pitch for the work.

15. Craigslist

Meanwhile, Craigslist is one of the biggest classified listing sites on the planet. So it has many freelancers looking for work, plus people looking to allocate work.

16. LinkedIn Profinder

In addition, LinkedIn Profinder is an offshoot of LinkedIn. So it lets you search and connect with freelance pros.

17. Design Hill

Similarly, Design Hill is the world’s number 1 website platform for creative designs and logo creation.

18. Communo

Meanwhile, Communo (formerly LocalSolo) lets you find some of the best freelancers in your local area or town.

19. Patreon

In addition, Patreon is a freelance site. So it lets creators build membership-style businesses around their fan base.

20. CoWork

Finally, Coworks is an easy way to find and hire top freelancers. In fact, it is a number 1 freelance work platform for brands and agencies.

21. Service Scape

Lastly, this site is nearly 20 years old. It is a global marketplace for freelancers with a range of skills. For example, they specialize in graphic design, writing, editing, and translating.

Paying remote employees

Part of the job of these platforms is to connect the “buyer” with the “seller” in a safe, easy space. Years ago, small payments overseas were complex and risky.

Now, these platforms have simplified the process. So they offer a range of payment options. As for terms, they usually pay for entire projects to protect you from a contractor’s suspicious activity.

You do not need to worry about depositing directly. Instead, you can connect different payment platforms for an extra layer of protection.

Payoneer is a cheap, fast, and safe global payment solution. With it, you can transfer payments in different currencies with ease. So it can also ease the burden of high bank wire fees.

Upwork vs. Freelancer vs. Fiverr: Choosing the best outsourcing website

Freelance jobs are here to stay. To choose the right platform, both freelancers and clients should check the safety steps on each site.

Ask key questions first. Can they protect themselves if a client refuses to pay for finished work? How fast is the site’s support? Can it help users resolve issues and get what they are due? All of this should be weighed.

Essential things to consider before you start outsourcing

Hiring freelancers offers a lot of practical benefits. Still, finding the right one can be a slow, tough process.

To keep both sides on the same page, they need to share all the details and requirements of the project clearly. So clients should get to know the freelancer they plan to hire. Check their credentials and interview them properly. If you need ongoing help, these virtual assistant websites are worth a look.

Seeing 5 stars on a profile is a good sign. Still, clients should stay reasonably careful and check in on progress now and then.

Finally, hiring freelancers is a great option for one-off jobs and short contracts. If you want long-term business continuity, then you should look into outsourcing instead.

With the right strategies and resources, a dependable virtual workforce is key. It can lift your firm’s productivity while it slashes the cost of running and growing the business.

So if you want long-term business continuity, then you should look into outsourcing freelancers instead.

New freelancers may find it hard at first to build a network and get clients. Still, with the right strategies, you can set your business goals on a dependable virtual workforce.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr?

Fiverr often starts cheapest, with set-price gigs. Freelancer can be low through bidding. Upwork pricing varies by the freelancer’s skill and rate.

Is Upwork better than Fiverr for businesses?

For ongoing, skilled work, Upwork is often the better fit. Fiverr suits quick, creative, one-off tasks.

How do these sites handle payments safely?

They hold funds and release them once work is approved. You can also link tools like Payoneer for an extra layer of safety.

Should I hire a freelancer or outsource?

Use freelancers for short, one-off jobs. Choose outsourcing for ongoing roles that need supervision and long-term continuity.

Are freelance platforms safe to use?

Yes, if you stay careful. Check profiles, read reviews, and use the site’s payment protection to reduce risk.

Key takeaways

• In the Upwork vs. Freelancer vs. Fiverr choice, each site fits a different need.
• Upwork offers the widest talent pool and paid membership perks.
• Freelancer rewards the best bid, not just the lowest one.
• Fiverr suits quick, creative, low-cost gigs.
• Freelancers are great for short jobs, while outsourcing suits ongoing roles.