27 Best Freelance Platforms: The Best Freelance Websites for You

Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a vast digital marketplace, where opportunities beckon from every corner.

You’re not alone in this journey; countless others have walked this path, discovering their unique niches and carving out successful careers.

I was also at a point where I was starting my freelance journey once, unsure of the best freelance platform to find potential clients. My journey, like yours, began with a single step onto one of the many freelance platforms that populate the online world.

Now, I get to share my findings and hopefully save you a little bit of experimentation, helping you identify the best freelance websites to find work in 2024.

In this article, we’ll explore the best freelance platforms, breaking down their pros and cons and helping you find the perfect fit for your skills and aspirations.

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the most popular freelance platforms, offering a wide range of job categories, from writing to web development.

Upwork is a great place to find a freelance gig and make money online. It offers many freelance jobs and contract work across various categories, including design work and web development.

I personally got started on Upwork, and I always recommend it to new freelancers as you can reach out to clients through their job listings rather than them having to find you. Even now that I have several years of experience, I sometimes hop onto Upwork to find a new client.

I even have a couple of clients who contacted me directly, but I referred to my Upwork profile for payment. The service fees aren’t great, but when you haven’t built a relationship with someone yet, it can be worthwhile to make use of the escrow account to prevent fraud and ensure payment.

Pros:

• A large pool of clients
• Variety of job types and durations
• Secure payment system

Cons:

• High competition
• Service fees can be steep

Best For:

Freelancers seeking long-term projects and those who want to build relationships with clients over time.

2. Toptal

Toptal prides itself on being a platform for the top 3% of freelancers, focusing on quality over quantity.

If you’re one of the top 3% in your field, Toptal is one of the sites to consider. The platform connects freelance professionals with high-quality clients, making it one of the best sites for those with exceptional skills.

I would not recommend this as your only platform, as it can sometimes take a while to get long-term clients that provide consistent work. However, if you have been in your industry for a while, it is definitely worthwhile trying to get on the platform to get access to high-paying opportunities.

Pros:

• High-paying clients
• A rigorous screening process ensures top talent

Cons:

• Difficult to get accepted
• Smaller job pool compared to other platforms

Best For:

Highly skilled professionals in tech and finance looking for exclusive, high-quality clients.

3. Fiverr

Fiverr allows freelancers to offer services starting at $5, making it accessible for beginners.

On Fiverr, you’ll find many opportunities to earn extra money, whether you’re offering freelance writing, freelance graphics, or freelance design jobs. It’s also a great platform for those starting your freelance journey.

Fiverr is another platform that I have used over and over again. It is also where I go whenever I need to hire someone for a quick job. However, I have found that Fiverr really benefits the buyer more than the seller, and I have been burned more than once.

They have a system in place where a buyer gets a few days after you have submitted your work to review it before they approve it. But I have found that this means nothing, and have had a client change their mind almost two weeks after they accepted the work.

The result was that the money, which had already gone through Fiverr’s holding period, was removed from my account. I could do nothing about this, even though I had proof of the client expressing their approval in the chat at multiple points when I updated them. It was several weeks’ worth of work, too, and as I had already submitted it, I can only assume the client still has my work and can use it as they please.

But, even though my personal Fiverr experience has not been the best, I do recommend it, just because of how many people frequent it for one-time tasks. Just proceed with caution.

Pros:

• Easy to get started
• Wide variety of services

Cons:

• It can be challenging to earn more than $5 per gig initially
• High competition

Best For:

Freelancers offering quick, low-cost services or those just starting out.

4. Designhill

Designhill is tailored for designers, offering a platform to showcase and sell creative work.

Designhill is one of the best sites on which to find graphic and design jobs. It’s suitable for freelance professionals looking to showcase their work portfolio and connect with clients in need of creative solutions.

Pros:

• Design-centric community
• Opportunities for contests and individual projects

Cons:

• Limited to design-related jobs
• Competitive environment

Best For:

Graphic designers and creative professionals.

5. LinkedIn and LinkedIn Services Marketplace

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and finding opportunities.

LinkedIn is one of the best sites for hiring freelance talent. It connects freelance professionals with potential clients, making it a valuable resource for those looking for opportunities.

Pros:

• Professional networking
• High-quality job listings

Cons:

• Requires a strong LinkedIn profile
• It can be time-consuming to maintain

Best For:

Professionals across all fields looking to leverage their network for freelance work.

6. SimplyHired

SimplyHired aggregates freelance job listings from across the web, providing a comprehensive job search experience.

SimplyHired is one of the freelance job sites where you can find jobs in various fields. It’s an effective way to search and apply for jobs across different industries, providing a wide range of freelance opportunities.

Pros:

• Extensive job listings.
• Easy-to-use search filters.
• Access to various industries.

Cons:

• Less personalized experience.
• Some listings may be outdated.

Best for:

Freelancers who prefer a broad job search tool and are open to exploring multiple industries.

7. Dribbble

Dribbble is a community for creative professionals, especially designers, to showcase their work and find opportunities.

Dribbble is one of the top websites for designers. It’s an excellent platform for freelance graphic designers and those looking to build a strong work portfolio in the creative field.

Pros:

• Portfolio showcase.
• Community engagement.
• High-quality design jobs.

Cons:

• Requires a strong portfolio to stand out.
• Membership fees for premium features.

Best for:

Designers looking to showcase their work and connect with potential clients and collaborators.

8. Guru

Guru offers a flexible and secure platform for freelancers across various fields, emphasizing transparency and reliability.

Guru connects freelancers with clients, making it easier to find freelance work and manage projects efficiently. It’s suitable for those offering content writing, freelance web services, and more.

Pros:

• Detailed freelancer profiles.
• SafePay payment system.
• Workroom for project management.

Cons:

• Service fees (9%).
• Limited job volume compared to larger platforms.

Best for:

Freelancers who value transparent payment systems and project management tools.

9. Freelancer

Freelancer is one of the oldest freelancing platforms, offering a wide range of job categories and project types.

Freelancer is one of the top freelance websites to explore. Whether you’re starting your freelance career or looking for new opportunities, it offers a broad list of freelance jobs across many industries.

Pros:

• Diverse job listings.
• Contest feature for competitive freelancers.
• Milestone payments for secure transactions.

Cons:

• High competition.
• Service fees (10%-20%).

Best for:

Freelancers looking for a variety of short-term and long-term projects across different industries.

10. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour connects clients with freelancers for hourly or project-based work, focusing on quality and efficiency.

PeoplePerHour is one of the best websites on which to find web and other project-based work. It’s ideal for those looking to earn extra income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use platform.
• Hourly rate option.
• Proposal system for job applications.

Cons:

• Service fees (15%-20%).
• High competition for popular categories.

Best for:

Freelancers who prefer flexible working hours and a mix of project-based and hourly work.

11. 99designs

99designs is a design-focused platform that offers design contests and direct client projects.

99designs is a platform that connects designers with clients through contests, making it one of the best places for those in the design industry. It’s an excellent way for freelance graphic designers to gain exposure and secure high-quality projects.

Pros:

• Design contests for exposure.
• Direct client connections.
• High-quality design jobs.

Cons:

• Payment only after winning contests.
• High competition in contests.

Best for:

Designers looking to participate in contests and connect with clients for direct projects.

12. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit connects freelancers with clients for local tasks and errands, ranging from furniture assembly to moving services.

TaskRabbit connects freelancers with clients for various local tasks. It’s a great way to find freelance jobs that are hands-on and flexible.

Pros:

• Local job opportunities.
• Flexible work hours.
• Quick payments.

Cons:

• Limited to local tasks.
• Physical work requirements.

Best for:

Freelancers looking for local, hands-on work and flexible hours.

13. Flexjobs

Flexjobs is a job board specializing in remote, flexible, and freelance work across various industries.

Flexjobs is one of the best freelancing sites for remote work. It offers a list of the best remote and flexible job opportunities, making it ideal for those looking for freelance work that allows for a flexible schedule.

Pros:

• High-quality job listings vetted for legitimacy.
• Wide range of job categories.
• Strong support resources and career coaching.

Cons:

• Monthly subscription fee.
• Limited free job listings.

Best for:

Freelancers looking for legitimate, flexible, and remote opportunities.

14. SolidGigs

SolidGigs curates freelance job listings and sends them directly to your inbox, focusing on quality over quantity.

SolidGigs is a great way to find curated freelance opportunities. It’s one of the top websites for those seeking high-quality, hand-picked job listings.

It’s particularly useful for freelancers looking for freelance gigs that match their skills and preferences.

Pros:

• A curated list of high-quality job opportunities.
• Time-saving with direct job alerts.
• Additional resources and courses for freelancers.

Cons:

• Monthly subscription fee.
• Limited job listings compared to larger platforms.

Best for: 

Freelancers looking for high-quality job opportunities and additional learning resources.

15. Behance

Behance is a platform for creative professionals to showcase their portfolios and connect with clients.

Behance is great for freelance graphic designers and other creatives. It’s a platform that helps freelancers find clients by showcasing their work portfolio in an attractive, visual manner.

Pros:

• Highly visual platform ideal for showcasing creative work.
• Strong community and networking opportunities.
• Job board with creative job listings.

Cons:

• Requires a strong portfolio to stand out.
• It can be competitive.

Best for:

Creative professionals looking to showcase their work and connect with potential clients in a visually appealing format.

16. We Work Remotely

We Work Remotely is a job board focused on remote opportunities across various industries.

We Work Remotely is a great way to find remote freelance opportunities. It’s one of the best websites to find remote jobs, making it suitable for freelancers who prefer working from home.

I have used We Work Remotely in times when I wanted more stability and found some potential full-time positions there. I have found that the jobs listed don’t always have a great variety and that programming and administrative positions are more popular than anything else. But, it might be worthwhile if you need stable income for several months.

Pros:

• High-quality remote listings.
• Wide range of job categories.
• No membership fees for job seekers.

Cons:

• Job quality can vary.
• Limited to remote opportunities.

Best for: 

Freelancers seeking remote opportunities across different sectors.

17. Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent)

Wellfound focuses on connecting freelancers with startups and tech companies looking for talent.

Wellfound is one of the top websites for those seeking to work with startups. It connects professionals with tech companies, offering a variety of positions from full-time to freelance roles.

Pros:

• Access to job opportunities at startups and tech companies.
• Ability to apply for full-time, part-time, and freelance positions.
• Strong community and networking opportunities.

Cons:

• Limited to the tech and startup industry.
• High competition for desirable positions.

Best for:

Freelancers interested in working with startups and tech companies.

18. DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is a platform for freelance designers to find work through design contests and client projects.

DesignCrowd is one of the best freelancing sites for designers. It offers a wide range of freelance design projects and contests, providing ample opportunities for those in the creative industry.

Pros:

• Focus on design projects.
• Ability to participate in contests or work directly with clients.
• Strong community and support resources.

Cons:

• High competition in contests.
• Service fees can be high.

Best for:

Designers looking for a dedicated platform with both contest and direct work opportunities.

19. ServiceScape

ServiceScape connects freelancers with clients for writing, editing, translation, and graphic design projects.

ServiceScape connects freelancers with clients in need of content writing, editing, translation, and graphic design services. It’s one of the best freelancing sites for creative professionals.

Pros:

• Focus on creative and professional services.
• Ability to set your rates and availability.
• Strong community and support resources.

Cons:

• High service fees.
• It can be challenging to get initial visibility.

Best for:

Freelancers offering creative and professional services, such as writing, editing, and design.

20. Codeable

Codeable is a platform dedicated to connecting WordPress experts with clients needing custom WordPress solutions.

Codeable is one of the top freelance websites for WordPress professionals. It’s an ideal platform for those looking to find freelance work, specifically for web developers in the WordPress niche.

Pros:

• Focused on WordPress projects, ensuring a niche market.
• A rigorous vetting process ensures high-quality freelancers.
• Strong community and support resources.

Cons:

• Limited to WordPress-related projects.
• High competition among freelancers.

Best for:

WordPress experts looking for specialized projects and willing to undergo a vetting process.

21. Jooble

Jooble is a job search engine that aggregates job listings from various sources, including freelance opportunities.

Jooble is a platform that connects freelancers with a variety of job listings, making it a useful tool for those seeking to find freelance jobs in multiple industries.

Pros:

• Extensive job listings across multiple industries.
• User-friendly search engine.
• No membership fees.

Cons:

• Job quality can vary.
• Limited platform-specific support for freelancers.

Best for:

Freelancers seeking a broad range of job opportunities across different sectors.

22. Aquent

Aquent specializes in connecting creative professionals with freelance, contract, and full-time opportunities.

Aquent is one of the best websites on which to find creative and marketing roles. It offers a wide range of opportunities for those looking to work in creative industries.

Pros:

• Focus on creative and marketing roles.
• Access to high-quality clients and projects.
• Strong community and support resources.

Cons:

• Limited to creative and marketing industries.
• High competition for desirable positions.

Best for:

Creative professionals looking for high-quality freelance and contract opportunities.

23. Webflow Experts

Webflow Experts is a platform dedicated to connecting Webflow designers and developers with clients needing custom Webflow solutions.

Webflow Experts is one of the best freelancing sites for Webflow professionals. It’s a platform that helps businesses find talented Webflow designers and developers for custom projects.

Pros:

• Focused on Webflow projects, ensuring a niche market.
• Strong community and support resources.
• Ability to set your rates and availability.

Cons:

• Limited to Webflow-related projects.
• High competition among freelancers.

Best for:

Webflow designers and developers looking for specialized projects and willing to build their portfolio on the platform.

24. YunoJuno

YunoJuno connects freelancers with clients in the creative and tech industries, focusing on long-term projects.

YunoJuno is one of the best websites on which to find long-term freelance projects in the creative and tech industries. It’s ideal for freelance professionals seeking stable, ongoing work.

Pros:

• Focus on creative and tech industries.
• Ability to set your rates and availability.
• Strong community and support resources.

Cons:

• Limited to specific industries.
• High competition for desirable positions.

Best for:

Freelancers in the creative and tech industries looking for long-term projects.

25. Authentic Jobs

Authentic Jobs is a job board for creative professionals in design, development, and other tech-related fields.

Authentic Jobs is one of the top freelance websites for creatives in tech and design fields. It offers a variety of freelance job site listings, providing numerous opportunities for professionals in these industries.

Pros:

• Focus on creative and tech roles.
• High-quality job listings.
• Strong community and support resources.

Cons:

• Job quality can vary.
• Limited to creative and tech industries.

Best for:

Creative professionals looking for high-quality job opportunities in design and tech.

26. Working Not Working

Working Not Working connects creative professionals with top companies for freelance and full-time opportunities.

Working Not Working is one of the top freelance websites for creative professionals. It’s a platform that connects freelancers with top-tier clients and companies, making it a valuable resource for those seeking high-quality projects.

Pros:

• Focus on high-quality creative roles.
• Access to top companies and clients.
• Strong community and support resources.

Cons:

• Requires a strong portfolio to stand out.
• High competition for desirable positions.

Best for:

Creative professionals looking to work with top companies and build their portfolio with high-quality projects.

27. flowremote.io

flowremote.io is a job board focused on remote opportunities across various industries.

flowremote.io is a great way to find remote opportunities. It’s one of the best places for those who prefer to work from home and explore various freelance options.

Pros:

• High-quality remote job listings.
• Wide range of job categories.
• No membership fees for job seekers.

Cons:

• Job quality can vary.
• Limited to remote opportunities.

Best for:

Freelancers seeking remote work opportunities across different sectors.

How to Choose the Right Freelance Platform for You

Choosing the right freelance marketplace depends on your niche, skills, and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

Understanding Your Niche and Skills

Identify your strengths and the type of work you excel at. Platforms like Toptal and Codeable are ideal for specialized skills, while Upwork and Freelancer offer a wide range of categories.

Evaluating Platform Fees and Payment Structures

Consider the fees and payment structures of each platform. For example, Upwork’s fees range from 5% to 20%, while Fiverr charges a flat 20%. Choose a platform that offers a fair balance between fees and earning potential.

Analyzing Job Availability and Competition

Some platforms have high competition, which can make it challenging to secure jobs. Evaluate the job availability and competition level to determine the best site for your expertise.

Considering Platform Reputation and Reviews

Research the reputation and reviews of each freelance site. Platforms like Flexjobs and Aquent are known for high-quality listings, while others may have varying job quality.

Exploring Support and Resources for Freelancers

Support and resources can make a significant difference in your freelancing journey. Platforms like SolidGigs and Flexjobs offer additional resources and courses to help you succeed.

Freelance Platforms vs. Direct Clients: Pros and Cons

Benefits of Freelance Platforms

• Access to a wide range of job opportunities.
• Secure payment systems.
• Built-in support and resources.

Benefits of Direct Clients

• Potential for higher earnings.
• Direct communication with clients.
• More control over your work and rates.

Challenges with Freelance Platforms

• High competition.
• Service fees.
• Limited control over job selection.

Challenges with Direct Clients

• Finding clients can be time-consuming.
• Inconsistent work availability.
• Handling contracts and payments independently.

Tips for Creating a Winning Profile

Showcase your skills: Highlight your expertise and previous work experience.

Use a professional photo: A professional photo can make your profile more appealing.

Write a compelling bio: Describe your skills and what you can offer to potential clients.

Best Practices for Securing Jobs

Apply promptly: Respond quickly to job postings to increase your chances of being noticed.

Tailor your proposals: Customize your proposals to fit each job description.

Follow up: Follow up with potential clients to show your interest and professionalism.

Managing Multiple Freelance Accounts

Organize your workflow: Use project management tools to keep track of your tasks.

Prioritize your work:  Focus on high-priority projects to ensure timely delivery.

Set boundaries: Manage your time effectively to avoid burnout.

Wrap-Up

Navigating the world of freelancing can be challenging, but with the right platform and strategies, you can find success and build a thriving freelance career.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your client base, the platforms mentioned above offer a variety of opportunities to suit your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further advice.

After all, isn’t it time you found the perfect freelance platform for your skills?

FAQ About Freelance Platforms