Best Freelancing Websites - Top Places to Find Work in 2024
Fuel your success with the best freelance websites available in 2024.
Freelancing, almost a decade back, was seen from a light of skepticism. However, over the years, with plenty of great freelancing websites emerging, things have turned around. In fact, people are willing to break the traditional, outdated 9-to-5 model to seek financial independence through freelancing. Read More
Best Freelancing Websites in 2024
Fiverr
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Fiverr has to be my first entry for this listicle. I consider this as one of the online work websites because it delivers 700+ categories for freelancing gigs. You can get hired for services like content marketing, SEO, web development, graphic designing, architecture, etc. I personally looked for freelance writing jobs and it delivered plenty of options to choose from.
Once known as a $5 gig platform, it is now trusted by brands like Netflix, Meta, PayPal, etc. In fact, the platform even offers complex projects and a diverse range of budgets to fit your bill and expectations. However, it charges a commission of 20% for each gig that the freelancer gets but the number of opportunities are a lot.
Overall, I like this platform for its clear pricing per project per hour, user reviews & ratings, and award-winning 24/7 chat support. So, if you are thinking of entering the freelance world, here is a great option to begin with.
Why we picked it?
Upwork
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About
If I talk about Upwork, its name is synonymously taken with Fiverr when talking about the best freelancer platforms. The service provides gigs in around 125 categories with over 10,000 skills. So, there are plenty of options for freelancers of all sorts.
When it comes to fair & transparent freelance websites, I like Upwork because it offers work samples, client reviews, and even identity verification to find the right hire. This not only helps companies with finding credible freelancers but also distinguishes you from the rest. In fact, similar to Fiverr, it also delivers an incredible 24*7 chat support.
This is one of the best freelancing websites to earn money and is trusted by huge companies like Microsoft and PerfectService. And, you can get freelance gigs for services like generative AI, SEO, Shopify development, content writing, mobile app development, etc. Although, it is important to note that it charges 10% on all earnings of the freelancer. So, if you want to increase your chances of landing a freelance job, it should be an option to consider.
Why we picked it?
Designhill
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Are you a graphic designer? If yes, this platform is only for you. Be it posters, banners, logos, or maybe quirky t-shirts, you need a graphic designer - Designhill is amongst the best freelance websites that talk and walk about it.
Designhill is a recognized leader in the graphic designing freelance marketplace. With a community of around 330,904 designers and artists, it delivers a wide range of freelancing jobs for graphic designing, logo creation, digital business cards, custom clothing, etc.
The process of starting is pretty straightforward - you need to sign up for the platform, fill in the necessary information, search for jobs, and submit your proposal. You can also participate in a design contest to get a new gig posted by the client for a decent sum of money. Plus to select the right contest, you get filters for industries, categories, and more. However, if we talk about its commission, it depends on the package taken by freelancers which ranges between 35% to 5%.
To conclude, I like the fact that this freelancing platform has an acute focus on design and tries to provide a steady place for freelancers to generate parallel income.
Why we picked it?
Toptal
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If you are just at the beginning of your career or maybe intermediate in your skills, this platform may not be for you. However, for the exceptionally good, Toptal is one of the best freelance sites. The reason why I am saying this is because the Toptal acceptance percentage is below 3% of all talent, as reported online.
Toptal is one of the best platforms for freelancers who want to be a part of an exclusive network. Here, you can get freelancing gigs for software development, marketing, designing, product management, etc. I wanted to try the platform but its screening process takes weeks and I haven’t received a response yet.
Initially, both freelancers and clients are required to submit a fee of $500 as a deposit. However, the average payout on this best freelancing site ideally remains between $60 and $150 per hour + it doesn’t take any commission from freelancers. So, if you are planning to become a part of this prestigious platform, make sure to buckle up.
Why we picked it?
Freelancer
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Freelancer.com is amongst the largest freelance marketplaces. With a community of 75+ million professionals from all over the world, you might as well call it the best website for freelancers.
On the platform, you can get jobs for 2700+ skills and what I like about the platform is that it allows you to search those skills alphabetically. Some of the required job skills available are content management systems, .NET, Node.js, WordPress, etc.
Another thing that I felt was right about Freelancer.com is its multilingual gigs that range from English to German, French, Spanish, Japanese, etc. Also, this one of the best freelancing websites is trusted by companies like Adobe, Deloitte, Fujitsu, Google, etc. Talking about its commissions, you need to pay either 10% on all payments or $5 per payment, whichever is greater. To sum up, it is a space where you collaborate with companies and generate income confidently for yourself.
Why we picked it?
PeoplePerHour
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PeoplePerHour started in the year 2007, and since then, it has been going strong as a freelance marketplace. Over the years, the platform has gained the trust of its users but its goal has remained the same - liberate people from the regular 9 to 5.
Honestly speaking, I think they have been able to do that. It is because till now, PeoplePerHour has disbursed over 100 million euros. And that is because they have solved over 1 million issues for businesses. This freelance website delivers gigs in categories like AI services, technology & programming, digital marketing, music & audio, etc. And the interesting bit is that all the top freelancers on the platform are earning $7,000 per month or more. However, one downside I felt was that it charges 20% commission fee from the freelancers’ earnings.
Overall, PeoplePerHour is one of the best platforms for freelancers who want freedom, openness, and change from the monotony of onsite jobs. It is a place where people are empowered and businesses are built from scratch.
Why we picked it?
Guru
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Guru.com is a much older company in comparison to our top rankers. It started in the year 1998 with its headquarters in Pittsburgh and has made a reputation for itself, over the years. The reason I listed it is because even though this platform is old but has released 1 million paid invoices. In fact, the platform claims that they have given out $250 million dollars to freelancers in the past. Also, you get to connect with a network of 800,000 employers.
One of the best freelance websites, Guru.com is perfect for you if you’re looking for opportunities in programming & development, writing & translation, design & arts, sales & marketing, etc.
Not just that, Guru only charges 5% of the job fee and protects you through SafePay (a service to ensure secure online transactions). Also, its commission lies between 5% to 9% depending on the membership plan. So, if you don’t like any of the options above, this is an intriguing choice.
Why we picked it?
Behance
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If you are a graphic designer or anyone involved in visual arts like illustration, photography, UI/UX, etc., then you’d probably know about Behance. For a very long time, the platform has been a place to seek inspiration for many artists. However, it is also one of the best platforms for freelancers to get their hands on the most relevant opportunities.
Finding a creative job on Behance is very easy. To get better insights, I sat with my graphic designer to see the entire process. All you need to do is visit the website and click on ‘Jobs’. This will give out the list of all the active jobs you can acquire. There are also filters for the category of job and location, and you can apply for jobs like logo design, branding, UI/UX design, etc.
To be on the platform, you need to pay a fee depending on what you have earned. For instance, for $1-$500, the fee charged is 5%, between $501 to $2500 it’s 2%, and for payments above $2501 or more, it is 0%. Also, you are either required to pay a Stripe fee of 2.9%+ $0.30 or the PayPal fee for processing.
Why we picked it?
Flexjobs
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FlexJobs is one of the top freelancing platforms with a subscription model. It is an ideal service for job seekers if they want to find freelancing work opportunities. I chose the platform for the wide-ranging job categories it offers, like content writing, project management, education, etc., similar to those of its top competitors.
One of the key features that I personally advocate for is the legitimate job postings available on the platform. The platform thoroughly screens employers before they can publish their job postings on the platform, thereby, saving freelancers from unreliable or scammy companies.
Similar to many of the best freelance websites, it also delivers valuable resources like career advice, skill testing, and a personalized portfolio. Also, if I talk about its commission then it doesn’t follow the model rather you can buy a subscription that starts at $2.95 for a 14-day trial. Interestingly, you can even get a full refund if you are not satisfied with the subscription.
Why we picked it?
Visit LinkedIn:
About
LinkedIn is the brainchild of Reid Hoffman and Eric Ly that started in the year 2003. However, understanding the need in the freelance market, they also help connect businesses with top freelance talent.
A renowned name in the job market, LinkedIn can be easily considered as one of the best freelancing websites. You can get opportunities in niches like graphic design, financial analysis, marketing, etc. In fact, the employers can easily send you questions and upon answering them, you can send them your proposals. It is a great way to look for expertise in various fields, ranging from leadership development to interior design.
The platform allows you to create profiles, display experiences, and gain recommendations without charging any commission. If we combine it with other LinkedIn services like Sales Navigator, then you can even open new horizons. Beyond that, you can go for LinkedIn Premium for free for the first month and extend it by paying $29.99/month to get services like AI-powered advice, 5 InMail credits per month, and comparison with other employees applying for the same job.
Why we picked it?
Bag relevant views, higher downloads & real shares for your app
In this article:
- How MobileAppDaily Created the List of the Best Freelancing Websites?
- What Do Freelance Platforms Do?
- Why Should You Use a Freelance Platform?
- How Do Freelance Platforms Work?
- List of the Best Freelance Websites for Beginners
- Comparison of Top 5 Freelance Sites
- Quick Tips & Tricks for Freelance Beginners
- Final Verdict!
How MobileAppDaily Created the List of the Best Freelancing Websites?
To create this list of the best freelancer platforms, I had to follow a series of steps to provide the most authentic options to our audience. Since it was a multifaceted systematic process, I broke it down into short chunks as mentioned below for you to be able to access it with ease. So, here they are:
1. Research and Data Collection
Research and data collection was the backbone of our process. To begin, I along with my team started gathering information about all the major freelancing platforms that are available online. This included both popular as well as emerging platforms.
After that, I consulted different writers, graphic designers, software developers, etc., from the company and asked whether they had used any of these online work websites. I also checked out user reviews, industry reports, and expert analyses to understand the market which helped us identify key players.
2. Criteria Development
To shortlist the best options, I needed clear criteria. So, I included the following factors within our criteria.
- User Interface: I checked the propensity of UI to deliver a user-friendly and easily navigable experience on the freelance platform.
- Range of Job Categories: I assessed all the job categories that were provided for professionals of different skills to cover all the essential jobs.
- Fees and Commissions: The assessment of fee structure including membership plans, transaction fees, and commissions on earnings.
- Payment Security: I learned about the safety and reliability of the payment methods used, both from a freelancer's and client’s perspective.
- Customer Support: The quality and responsiveness of customer service.
- Community and Support Features: I checked out features like forums, support content, and educational resources for freelancers available on the website.
- User Reviews: I took feedback from actual users about their overall experience with the platform.
3. Evaluation and Comparison
In this step, I began evaluating each website based on our set criteria. For this, I asked my team members to test each of these platforms as per their perspective and collected their feedback. I also checked out each of these platforms personally to create a balanced impression of what I thought and the teammates thought about the platform.
So, we began by signing up on each platform to go through the onboarding process and interact with all the features available. This helped us determine the usability and overall experience of the platform.
4. Ranking and Selection
Once I evaluated everything, I started to rank each of these best freelance services based on the criteria we established earlier. I gave special attention to aspects like security, job variety, and opportunities.
Also, I ranked each of these websites based on their overall score as per the established criteria and specific strengths in terms of niche or any unique feature for new or experienced freelancers.
What Do Freelance Platforms Do?
Essentially freelance platforms are a way to go beyond geographical barriers to showcase your skills to the relevant employers. But, if we talk about the things they do, well, there is a lot to know. So, below, we have covered everything that you need to know about what a freelance platform does, in a digestible format.
1. Shortlist Candidates
Freelancing platforms give an opportunity to freelancers to list themselves and highlight their skills. This makes it easy for businesses to shortlist ideal freelancers for the requirement. Businesses can even review the skills and experience of freelancers registered and decide whether they are a good fit or not. In fact, these platforms provide the capability to businesses to rate or review a freelancer they have worked with.
2. Assess Work Time
Some of the best platforms for freelancers offer a work diary that can help freelancers record and track their day-to-day activities. Apart from this, some platforms also offer a mobile application to track work time and results.
3. Collaborative Platform
Freelancing websites are best known for offering an inclusive platform for both employers and job seekers. It offers a way for businesses and freelancers to come together and collaborate to achieve desired results. Workroom and chat tools offered by freelancing sites can simplify client communication as well.
4. Quality Check
Businesses can review the sample works of their potential employees through freelancing sites. This ensures that only highly qualified candidates are hired for the job. Along with this, businesses have the freedom to roll out payment only when they are completely satisfied with the work.
5. Review Freelancers
Platforms for freelancers also have an option for employers to rate and review candidates. Businesses can mark their top-ranked freelancers or can warn others of problematic freelancers.
Why Should You Use a Freelance Platform?
There are plenty of reasons behind using the best freelancing platforms available. However, to sum up everything in this section, I have provided some of the advantages of using these freelancing websites. So, let’s check them out.
1. Accessible Talent
Contrary to permanent employment, freelance services are not limited to a particular area. Anyone, from any part of the world, can access these services through a freelancing website.
By posting a detailed description of the job, businesses can attract a large pool of qualified candidates from across the globe easily.
2. Reduces Cost
If you are hired as a full-time employee then working onsite demands a variety of costs. These can include commuting costs, parking fees, food, work attire, relocation cost, etc. However, if you are working as a freelancer, the majority of these costs are neutralized.
3. Offers Work-life Balance
Freelance workers who are working from home can save a lot of their time and energy. They can spend this time doing additional work to earn money or to increase their educational qualification and skills.
4. Effective Merit-based System
Freelance platforms have a defined process for ensuring that the candidates are paid as per the quality of their work. This will ensure that the freelancer is getting the due amount for the services and the business is well-satisfied with the end results.
How Do Freelance Platforms Work?
Freelancing platforms allow businesses and service providers from all over the world to connect and work together to achieve a specific goal. These platforms offer exceptional and hassle-free services for the money that they charge. The working of freelancing platforms is explained below:
1. Large Pool of Talent
Freelancing sites offer you an opportunity to be listed amongst the best talent and qualified individuals from across the globe. This brings you to the disposal of a variety of businesses. Recruiters can screen through the multiple options available and shortlist an ideal candidate as per their business requirements.
2. Recruitment
After shortlisting the candidates as per the field and skill set, you can start with different screening rounds to make the final decision. You can either conduct an interview round, take an aptitude test, or go for both. Some platforms also allow you to directly connect to the HRs.
3. Time Tracker
Some of the best freelancing sites are equipped with a workspace that can help businesses track and monitor the freelancer’s performance and trajectory. You can also monitor the work done in real time through some freelancing platforms.
4. Secure Payments
Freelancing platforms are mostly equipped with in-built payment gateways to ensure safe and secure transactions. Charges for using the payment option usually apply to businesses.
List of the Best Freelance Websites for Beginners
The majority of freelancing websites for beginners are the ones that also cater to experienced professionals. So, it is difficult to figure out which ones are ideal from a beginner’s perspective. However, I read through forums, calculated data during our shortlisting process, and even asked some of the experts within our company.
Based on their perception and my observation, here are the top 5 platforms for beginners with reasons to choose them.
1. Fiverr
Focus:
- Gig-based freelancing
Why it's great for beginners:
- Simple interface: Delivers easy creation and management of gigs & projects.
- Predefined packages: Help in structuring offers and pricing.
- Beginner-friendly community: The majority of sellers start on Fiverr and share tips for beginners.
2. Upwork
Focus:
- General freelancing
Why it's great for beginners:
- Extensive project pool: Delivers a wide range of projects for a variety of skill levels.
- Detailed profiles: Showcase your skills and experience effectively.
- Freelancer University: Offers free courses and resources that help beginners succeed.
3. Freelancer.com
Focus:
- General freelancing
Why it's great for beginners:
- Contest platform: Participate in contests to win projects and show your skills.
- Escrow system: Offers secure payments and protects both parties.
- Beginner-friendly resources: Delivers tutorials and guides to help you get started.
4. Guru.com
Focus:
- General freelancing
Why it's great for beginners:
- Easy-to-use interface: Simple navigation and project management tools for beginners.
- Variety of project types: Offers a wide range of freelancing opportunities.
- Secure payment system: Safe transactions for both clients and freelancers.
5. PeoplePerHour
Focus:
- General freelancing
Why it's great for beginners:
- Hourly rate system: Ideal for freelancers who prefer to get billed by the hour.
- Workroom feature: Facilitates collaboration and communication amongst clients.
- Beginner-friendly support: Offers resources and guidance for beginners to help them sail smoothly.
Comparison of Top 5 Freelance Sites
Choosing the top 5 amongst the list was a tricky job because the majority of these platforms stood out for one or the other reason.
However, based on my perception as well as that of my team, I shortlisted these 5 applications to be compared. So, check the table below to find freelancing jobs.
| Platform | Focus | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | General Freelancing | Largest pool of clients & projects, secure payment system with escrow, and diverse project categories | High competition, can be overwhelming for beginners, lower project rates compared to some platforms, and requires strong proposals and client communication skills | Freelancers with various skills (writing, programming, design, etc.) looking for a large project pool |
| Fiverr | Gig-based Freelancing | Easy to set up gigs with predefined packages, simple pricing structure for clients, good for offering specific, and well-defined services | Limited project scope due to gig format, can be saturated in some competitive categories, and lower earning potential for complex projects. | Freelancers offering specific and well-defined services (logo design, social media management, etc.) |
| Toptal | High-level Freelancing | Exclusive platform for vetted, top-tier freelancers, focus on premium, high-paying projects, and a highly selective screening process ensures quality | Very competitive entry process (fewer than the top 3% accepted), a limited number of projects compared to Upwork, and requires proven work experience and strong portfolios | Established freelancers with high-level skills and experience seeking well-paying projects |
| Professional Networking & Freelancing | Leverage existing professional networks for finding clients, build credibility through established profiles & recommendations, and ProFinder adds a dedicated project board. | Limited project scope compared to Upwork or Fiverr, requires active networking and profile management, and ProFinder has a subscription fee. | Freelancers looking for project opportunities through professional connections and branding (writers, consultants, etc.) | |
| Flexjobs | Curated Remote Jobs | Focus on vetted, remote-work opportunities, filters for benefits, work style, and company culture, and reduces the risk of scams and time wasted on unsuitable jobs. | A subscription fee is required for access, limited project scope compared to Upwork, and job postings can be competitive. | Freelancers seeking legitimate remote work opportunities, with a focus on work-life balance and benefits |
Additional Notes:
- Behance is a strong choice for creative freelancers like designers, artists, etc. but is not ideal for direct project finding.
- We Work Remotely focuses primarily on remote work opportunities but isn't really a freelance platform.
- Platforms like Jooble and SolidGigs can cater to a broader job market which can include freelance gigs so project focus might be less defined.
Quick Tips & Tricks for Freelance Beginners
For the beginners, freelancing can be a tricky route to take. You have to make your value on certain platforms and keep things consistent so that you get a steady clientele. Also, the work needs to be of great quality as your next gig depends on the reviews you get.
If you got overwhelmed reading the above statements, then this section is for you. Below, we have covered quick tips & tricks that will help you survive initially on this platform and reign after you have made a steady clientele.
- Freelancing is passive income in the beginning, so don’t quit your job
- Start using resources like ChatGPT, Gemini, etc., for fastening the process of content generation yet beware that you don’t surpass the AI content limit.
- Keep your niche specific and build over your previous successes.
- Keep your mind open while freelancing, it may take a while but the sky's the limit.
- It’s not always poor work but a poor client who doesn’t understand the vision so exits without thinking.
- Create an impressive portfolio that perfectly exhibits your strengths.
- Never stop upskilling; your next client can bring in challenges for which you may not have a solution.
- Organize your work so that it becomes easy to juggle between multiple tasks and gigs.
- Ensure that your work is legally compliant so that the client or you don’t have to face any issues later on.
- Try to keep your onboarding process as impressive as possible.
- Always keep your health as well as your mental state steady.
- Try to find the right price for the services you provide.
- Never be afraid of negotiations while fixing the price.
- Keep yourself flexible and be open to change.
- Showcase your latest work to clients and maintain an active touch.
- Mention your LinkedIn ID with your profile to increase your chances of networking.
- Always ask for testimonials from the clients as they are the litmus test of your work quality.
- Try to get listed in freelance directories to become more noticeable.
- Offer a limited-time phone consultation so that the client knows who you are.
- Try partnering with people who compliment your skills.
- Write as many guest posts as possible.
- Try to listen more and talk less to understand the client’s requirements.
- Optimize your packages to achieve recurring revenue.
- Always practice sharing your opinion even when no one is listening.
- Get your feedback from the client to get an idea of the quality.
- Stay updated about the latest news & trends available in your niche.
- Practice underpromising and over-delivering to increase client satisfaction.
- Try to end your day with a self-review about what went right and what went wrong.
- Schedule breaks throughout the work to avoid lethargy and issues with your back.
- Try to complete the hardest task and leave the easy one for later.
Final Verdict!
We have rounded up the best freelancing websites that are sure to benefit freelancers. These sites can significantly transform the ways in which people work and collaborate in the digital age. With exceptional flexibility and great income opportunities, the gig economy is sure to rise. And, if you are striving to make a career as a freelancer in this digital age, you must try the above-mentioned sites to achieve sure-shot results.
And get the attention of the right audience with our Strategic Marketing Solutions.
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Content Writer
Sakshi Kaushik is a wordsmith extraordinaire who transforms complex technical jargon into captivating, must-read articles. Armed with a Masters in Economics, Sakshi dissects intricate topics with the precision of a seasoned expert. Her insights have graced prestigious platforms like Hackernoon, Ecowiser, and Medium, captivating readers and tech aficionados alike. With a career spanning influential companies like Teleperformance, Finex, and SparxIT Solutions, Sakshi is well-versed in navigating both the keyboard and the boardroom.
In addition to her extensive experience, Sakshi holds HubSpot certifications in Digital Advertising and Content Marketing, and has earned further credentials from UpGrad, Coursera, and Great Learning. Dedicated to sharing her expertise with mobile app developers and tech enthusiasts, Sakshi's passion shines through her writing. When she's not crafting compelling content, she enjoys diving into thrilling novels and exploring diverse worlds.
