The best freelance websites depend on the work you do: Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com are the largest general marketplaces, Toptal and Contra suit experienced specialists, Dribbble suits designers, and remote job boards such as We Work Remotely and Remotive list longer-term roles. No single site is best for everyone. This guide groups 15 platforms by how they work, what they cost and who they suit, so you can pick two or three to focus on instead of signing up everywhere.
How we chose these platforms
We included platforms that are active, open to freelancers in most countries, and well known in the freelance community. We grouped them into three types because the way you win work is completely different on each: on marketplaces you compete for projects, on curated networks you pass a screening first, and on job boards you apply for roles like a normal job. We do not receive payment from any platform listed here.
Quick comparison
| Platform | Type | Best for | Cost to freelancers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | Marketplace | Most skills, hourly and fixed projects | 0% to 15% service fee, set per contract |
| Fiverr | Marketplace | Packaged services (gigs) | 20% of each order |
| Freelancer.com | Marketplace | Bidding on projects | 10% or $5 minimum on fixed projects |
| PeoplePerHour | Marketplace | UK and European clients | Check current fees |
| Guru | Marketplace | Long-term client work | Check current fees |
| Toptal | Curated network | Senior developers, designers, finance experts | Screening required |
| Contra | Commission-free network | Independent creatives and tech freelancers | Check current plans |
| Dribbble | Portfolio and jobs | Designers | Free to showcase |
| Network and jobs | Referrals and B2B clients | Free basic account | |
| We Work Remotely | Job board | Remote roles | Free to apply |
| Remotive | Job board | Remote tech and support roles | Free to apply |
| Remote.co | Job board | Remote roles across fields | Free to browse |
| FlexJobs | Job board | Screened remote and flexible roles | Paid subscription |
| Wellfound | Job board | Startup roles | Free to apply |
| ProBlogger Jobs | Job board | Writers and bloggers | Free to apply |
Fees checked in November 2026 for Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com. Other platforms change plans often, so confirm on their sites before you sign up.
Freelance marketplaces
Marketplaces bring clients to you but also bring competition, because many freelancers see the same project. They suit beginners who need their first reviews and anyone who prefers not to find clients on their own.
- Upwork: the broadest marketplace, covering development, design, writing, marketing and admin work. You send proposals for jobs, and the service fee is shown on each contract before you accept.
- Fiverr: you list fixed packages (gigs) and buyers come to you. It suits clearly defined services such as logo design, video editing or voice-overs. Fiverr keeps 20% of each order.
- Freelancer.com: a bidding marketplace with contests as well as projects. Fees are 10% or $5, whichever is greater, on fixed-price projects.
- PeoplePerHour: popular with UK and European small businesses, with both projects and fixed-price offers.
- Guru: a smaller marketplace with workrooms for managing ongoing client relationships.
To see what you actually keep after platform and withdrawal fees, use our freelance rate formula to set a price that still covers your costs.
Curated networks for experienced freelancers
- Toptal: screens applicants before they can take work, and focuses on senior developers, designers and finance specialists. Worth it if you already have strong experience.
- Contra: a portfolio-first network for independent creatives and tech freelancers that promotes commission-free work. Check its current plans before relying on any feature.
- Dribbble: mainly a design portfolio community, with a jobs section and client enquiries. Strong for UI, branding and illustration work.
- LinkedIn: not a marketplace, but for many freelancers it is the best source of direct, fee-free clients through referrals and visible posts about your work.
Remote job boards
Job boards list remote contracts and part-time or full-time roles. Applying feels like a normal job search, but the work is often longer and steadier than marketplace projects.
- We Work Remotely: one of the best-known remote job boards, strong in programming, design and customer support.
- Remotive: curated remote roles, especially in tech, marketing and support.
- Remote.co: remote listings across many fields plus advice for remote workers.
- FlexJobs: screens listings to filter out scams, and charges job seekers a subscription.
- Wellfound: startup jobs, including remote and contract roles.
- ProBlogger Jobs: a long-running board for writing and blogging work.
Which platform should you start with?
- New and need first reviews: start on Upwork or Fiverr, depending on whether you prefer pitching for jobs or packaging a service.
- Designer: build a Dribbble profile, then add one marketplace.
- Experienced specialist: apply to a curated network such as Toptal and use LinkedIn for direct clients.
- Want steady remote work: focus on job boards such as We Work Remotely and Remotive.
Pick two platforms at most at first. A complete, specific profile on two sites beats thin profiles on ten. If you are still deciding what to offer, see our guides to side hustles for developers, designers and writers, or take the free Side Hustle Finder quiz.
How to avoid freelance scams
- Keep communication and payment on the platform until you trust the client. Moving off-platform early removes your payment protection.
- Never pay a fee to receive a job or buy equipment from a client.
- Be wary of clients who send payment first and ask you to send part of it back.
- Check the client’s history, reviews and payment verification before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Which freelance website is best for beginners?
Upwork and Fiverr are the most common starting points because they have the most clients. Fiverr suits clearly packaged services, and Upwork suits people who prefer pitching for specific jobs.
How much do freelance platforms charge?
As of November 2026, Fiverr keeps 20% of each order, Upwork charges 0% to 15% depending on the contract, and Freelancer.com charges 10% or $5 on fixed projects. Withdrawal fees are extra.
Can I use more than one freelance website?
Yes, and most freelancers do. Start with one or two so you can build strong profiles and reviews, then add more.
Are remote job boards free for freelancers?
Most are free to browse and apply. FlexJobs is an exception and charges job seekers a subscription.
