Top 9 Best Freelance Websites to Find Work [2024]

Freelance careers have become more attractive than ever In recent years. Employers are increasingly looking to freelancers. There are all kinds of projects available on freelance platforms. These websites serve as one-stop solutions for freelance work. However, choosing the right freelance platform to work on is still difficult. That is where we are going to help you in this matter. Today we will deep dive into the 9 best freelance websites.

Top 9 Picks: Best freelance websites to find work in 2024

Freelancing platforms have made it easier for all professionals to find clients around the world. Freelancers have access to work with global clients. Thousands of professionals boost their careers by joining those networks every year. Even so, many people overlook the most important part of platform selection. We have meticulously outlined the 9 best freelancer platforms to help you. After reading this article, you can confidently choose the platform that matches your skills. Let’s start!

#1. Upwork

Upwork is the most popular platform among freelancers. over 18 millions skilled freelancers are working on Upwork. Formerly it was oDesk and Elance. Upwork has a diverse range of freelance categories. As a result it is also popular among businesses. 

Specialty of Upwork

• Large Pool of Clients: Upwork has a large number of clients all over the world. It increases the chances of freelancers to find work by matching skills.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work arrangements such as hourly contract and fixed price project. Upwork also introduced a Gig project system for freelancers.

• Secure Payment System: Upwork using Escrow protection for payment. Escrow holds funds securely until the client approves the work. 

• Upwork Pro and Upwork Enterprise: Upwork pro and Upwork enterprise are specialized programs. Professionals can  connect with high quality clients and larger projects with the help of these features.

Pros and Cons of Upwork

Pros of Upwork

• Diverse Job Opportunities
• Client Ratings and Reviews
• Escrow Payment Protection
• Upwork Skills Tests
• Upwork Pro and Enterprise Programs

Cons of Upwork

• High Competition
• Upwork Connects Limit

Is Upwork right for you? Let’s Match!

• Experience Level: Any level. Highly competitive for beginner level.
• Type of work: hourly contracts, fixed-price projects and gig services.

#2. Fiverr

Fiverr is one of the first freelancer platforms that introduce and popularize the gig economy. Fiverr’s name originated from $5. Asking price of freelance service starts at $5 on Fiverr. Many sellers now charge more based on their experience. One of the main reasons for Fiverr popularity is cheap service although it offers premium service too.

Specialty of Fiverr

• Gig Economy Pioneer: Fiverr is one of the first platforms who popularized the gig economy.

• Micro-Services and Packages: Freelancers have the opportunity to create micro niche gig services in Fiverr.

• Fiverr Pro Feature: Top Tier freelancers can achieve Fiverr pro features.  Professionals can offer premium services with the highest price for clients.

• Community and Support: Fiverr Community is a Vibrant community of freelancers. Freelancers get support and networking opportunities in this community.

• Innovative Features and Tools: Fiverr introduces new features and tools regularly. Those features enhance freelancer experience and flexibility.

Pros and Cons of Fiverr

Pros of Fiverr

• Wide Range of Services 
• Flexibility in Pricing
• Global Reach
• Easy-to-Use Platform 
• Built-in Messaging and Payment System

Cons of Fiverr

• High Competition 
• Dependency on Platform
• High charging to freelancer

Is Fiverr right for you? Let’s Match!

• Experience Level: Any Level.
• Types of Work: Project-based services. Services offered as  “gigs” with defined deliverables and pricing.

#3. Freelancer

Freelancer is another popular freelance platform. It operates similarly to other freelance marketplace like Upwork and Fiverr. Professionals can show their expertise via competition on this platform. Project based work is also available there.

Specialty of Freelancer

• Contest-Based Projects: Clients host contests for their project in Freelancer. Experts join the contest by submitting their work on the basis of a client’s brief. 

• Bid on Projects: There is a bid system where clients post projects for finding professionals. Freelancers browse and bid on these projects. The bidding system also enables you to negotiate with clients directly.

• Skill Tests and Certifications: Freelancer.com offers skill tests and certifications in various areas. It helps freelancers to demonstrate their proficiency and expertise to potential clients.

• Preferred Freelancer Program: There is a Preferred Freelancer Program that recognizes top tier professionals on the platform. If you are able to be part of this program then your visibility will increase to the clients.

• Freelancer Local Jobs: Freelancer has an additional local job section. you can find a job from your local area if any clients post on the platform.

Pros and Cons of Freelancer

Pros of Freelancer

• Wide Range of Projects
• Bidding System
• Project Management Tools 
• Freelancer Verification
• Global Client Base

Cons of Freelancer

• High Competition 
• Project Disputes 
• Platform Dependency

Is Freelancer right for you? Let’s Match!

• Experience Level: Suitable for all experience levels. Best for beginners to join the contest.
• Types of Work: Project-based and Contest based.

#4. 99designs

99designs is a contest based freelance graphic design platform. It was founded in 2008. Also, it offers contact based projects between client and designer in a traditional model. 99designs has an exceptionally talented designer community.

Specialty of 99designs

• Contest Based Model: 99design operates on a contest based model. clients lunch design contest proving a brief outlining their requirements and preferences. Then Talented designers join the contest and submit the final concept.

• Guaranteed Payment for Winning Designs: 99designs ensures the payment of the contest winner. That’s why designers encourage and participate in contests.

• Portfolio Exposure: Winning designs of 99designs contests are showcased in the portfolio gallery of the platform. It helps freelancers to get recognition and attract clients from outside the contest.

Pros and Cons of 99designs

Pros of 99designs

• Specialized Design Platform 
• Design Contests
• Client Feedback and Collaboration
• Portfolio Building 
• Global Reach

Cons of 99designs

• Limited Direct Client Interaction 
• Dependence on Contests

Is 99designs right for you? Let’s Match!

• Experience Level: Any level of freelance designers. Maybe difficult for beginners.
• Types of Work: Primarily contest-based.

#5. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a well known freelance platform. Freelancers offer their services hourly on PeoplePerHour. It was founded in 2007. The platform also offers features such as escrow protection like Upwork offers.

Specialty of PeoplePerHour

• Hourly or Project-Based Pricing: Freelancers offer their services mainly on an hourly basis in PeoplePerHour. Also, there is a fixed price project system too. You are able to choose any of them that suits you.

• Skill Verification: Professionals can showcase their expertise in specific skill via skill verifications. it helps them to stand to clients with verified skills.

• Proposal Customization: Freelancers are able to customize their proposal for each project. so, you can tailor your pitch and showcase your skill according to the client’s requirements.

• Seller Levels: PeoplePerHour assigns seller levels to freelancers based on their performance. Once you progress through different seller levels, you get additional benefits. you will get higher visibility in search results, higher earning and priority support.

Pros and Cons of PeoplePerHour

Pros of PeoplePerHour

• Project-based Work 
• Hourly Rate Option 
• Skill-based Matching 
• Secure Payment Processing 
• Built-in Proposal System

Cons of PeoplePerHour

• Proposal Limits
• Dependency on Platform

Is PeoplePerHour right for you? Let’s Match!

• Experience Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced skills.
• Types of Work: Hourly and Project-based work.

#6. Toptal

Toptal is short form of “Top Talent”. It is now most premium freelancing platform.  They focused on connecting businesses with top tier freelance talent only. It requires a strict screening process for accepting professionals. They ensure that only the top 3% skilled freelancers are accepted. Only extremely professionals can join Toptal.

Specialty of Toptal

• Exclusive Network of Talent: Toptal prides itself on having a highly skilled network of freelancers. 

• Matching with Premium Clients: Toptal has a premium client base including fortune 500 companies. They come to Toptal for high-quality talent for their project.

• Tailored Matching Process: They have a personalized matching process for freelancers with clients. They ensure that freelancers are matched with the project. 

• Full-Time, Part-Time and Hourly Engagements: Toptal offers full time, part time and hourly engagements. You can choose the type of arrangement that fits your lifestyle.

• Dedicated Talent Success Management: Toptal has a dedicated talent success manager. These managers support freelancers in their working process.

Pros and Cons of Toptal

Pros of Upwork

• High-Quality Talent Pool 
• Rigorous Screening Process 
• Matching with Premium Clients
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Dedicated Support

Cons of Upwork

• Stringent Acceptance Criteria
• Competitive Selection Process 
• Platform Dependency

Is Toptal right for you? Let’s Match!

• Experience Level: Top-tier freelancers with extensive experience and expertise.
• Types of Work: Part-time, full time or hourly based work.

#7. DesignCrowd

Designcrowwd marketplace is well known for their crowdsourced graphic design services. It specializes in contests similar to freelancer.com and 99design.

Specialty of DesignCrowd

• Crowdsourcing Design Contests: Designcrowd main feature is crowdsourcing design contest. 

• Global Community of Designers: Designcrowd has a large community of designers from around the world. This global network of talent ensures clients need to join their contest.

• Feedback and Collaboration Tools: Participant freelancers in design contests get valuable feedback from clients. feedback helps freelancers to identify their areas of improvements.

Pros and Cons of DesignCrowd

Pros of DesignCrowd

• Design Contest Platform 
• Diverse Design Categories
• Client Feedback and Collaboration 
• Portfolio Building
• Global Reach

Cons of DesignCrowd

• Limited Direct Client Interaction 
• Dependence on Contests

Is DesignCrowd right for you? Let’s Match!

• Experience Level: Any level of freelance designers. Maybe difficult for beginners.
• Types of Work: Contest-based projects.

#8. Guru

Guru was founded in 1998 and now has become one of the leading platforms in the freelance industry. The platform covers a broad range of services including programming, graphic design, writing, marketing and more.

Specialty of Guru

• SafePay Escrow Payment Protection: Workroom Collaboration Tools: Guru offers virtual workspace for freelancers and clients can collaborate.

• Flexible Contract Options: You can work with the clients hourly or fixed-price whatever you want.

• Skill Verification and Certifications: You will get credibility after giving skill verification on guru.

• Freelancer Work Collections: Guru allows freelancers to create and show their work collections and projects. 

Pros and Cons of Guru

Pros of Guru

• SafePay Escrow Protection
• Work Room Collaboration Tools
• Flexibility in Payment Options
• Built-in Work Agreements
• Skill-based Matching

Cons of Guru

• Platform Dependency
• Client Dependence

Is Guru right for you? Let’s Match!

• Experience Level: All experience levels.
• Types of Work: Predominantly project-based.

#9. Designhill

Designhill specializes in graphic design services. It was founded in 2014.  business came here to access a wide range of design solutions. 

Specialty of Designhill

• Crowdsourced Design Contests: Designhill specializes in crowdsourced design contests. clients launch a contest for their project. Freelancers submit their design concepts.

• Prize Guarantee: Designhill guaranteed prize money for winning designs in contests. There is no risk of dispute to encourage freelancers to participate in contests.

• One-on-One Projects: There are available one on one projects. freelancers can work with clients on individual design projects.

• Upwork Pro and Upwork Enterprise: Upwork pro and Upwork enterprise are specialized programs. Professionals can  connect with high quality clients and larger projects with the help of these features.

Pros and Cons of Designhill

Pros of Designhill

• Design Contest Platform 
• Diverse Design Categories 
• Client Feedback and Collaboration 
• Portfolio Building
• Global Reach

Cons of Designhill

• Limited Direct Client Interaction 
• Dependence on Contests

Is Designhill right for you? Let’s Match!

• Experience Level: All levels of freelance designers.
• Types of Work: Offers design contests and one-on-one projects for designers.

Conclusion

The freelance landscape of 2024 is full of promise and opportunity. But before we dive into freelancing, consider the importance of selecting a freelance platform. We’ve analyzed the best 9 freelance websites to find the best match for you. Remember to leverage the insights you gained when selecting the platform. Limitless possibilities are waiting for your successful career. As we conclude, we wish you the best of luck with your chosen platform. Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!