What Are the Best Alternatives to Upwork & Fiverr for Freelancers?

While Upwork and Fiverr are popular, they are not the only options. Many freelancers seek less competitive, higher-paying platforms that align better with their skills. What are some great alternatives to these major marketplaces? This discussion will explore niche-specific and lesser-known freelance platforms that offer great opportunities.

Best Alternatives to Upwork & Fiverr for Freelancers (2025)

While Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer dominate the market, many less competitive, niche-specific, and higher-paying platforms exist. Here are the top alternatives based on industry, pay rates, and freelancer demand:

1. Best for Tech & Development

Toptal (Top 3% Talent Only)

✅ For: Elite developers, designers, and finance experts.
💰 Pay: High ($60–$200+/hr).
✔ Rigorous screening (only 3% pass).
✔ Premium clients (Silicon Valley startups, Fortune 500).

Gun.io (Tech & Dev Freelancers)

✅ For: Senior developers, DevOps, UX/UI designers.
💰 Pay: $80–$180/hr.
✔ Curated freelance network.
✔ Long-term contracts.

2. Best for Creatives (Design, Writing, Video)

99designs (Design Contests & Projects)

✅ For: Logo designers, illustrators, brand artists.
💰 Pay: $200–$10k per project (contest-based or direct hires).
✔ Great for portfolio building.

Contra (High-End Independent Professionals)

✅ For: Creatives, marketers, consultants.
💰 Pay: $50–$250/hr.
✔ No platform fees (freelancers keep 100%).
✔ LinkedIn-style networking.

Working Not Working (Creative Freelancers)

✅ For: UX/UI designers, animators, ad creatives.
💰 Pay: $75–$200/hr.
✔ Invite-only (high-quality clients).

3. Best for Writing & Content

ProBlogger (Blogging & Content Writing Jobs)

✅ For: Bloggers, copywriters, SEO writers.
💰 Pay: $50–$500 per article.
✔ Direct job board (no bidding wars).

ClearVoice (Content Marketing & SEO)

✅ For: SEO writers, content strategists.
💰 Pay: $0.20–$1/word.
✔ Managed by ClearVoice (consistent work).

Skyword (Enterprise Content Creation)

✅ For: B2B writers, long-form content creators.
💰 Pay: $300–$1k per piece.
✔ Big brands like HP, GE, and Marriott hire here.

4. Best for Marketing & Sales

MarketerHire (On-Demand Marketing Talent)

✅ For: Paid ads specialists, SEO experts, growth hackers.
💰 Pay: $100–$300/hr.
✔ Quick onboarding (matches in 48 hrs).

GrowthMasters (Performance Marketing)

✅ For: Facebook/Google ad experts, CRO specialists.
💰 Pay: $5k–$20k/month retainer.
✔ High-ticket clients.

5. Best for Niche & Specialized Skills

Crossover (Remote Tech & Executive Roles)

✅ For: Software engineers, product managers.
💰 Pay: $50–$100/hr (full-time remote).
✔ Salaried freelance positions.

Guru (Flexible Freelance Jobs)

✅ For: General freelancers (web dev, writing, design).
💰 Pay: $25–$150/hr.
✔ Lower fees (5–9%) than Upwork/Fiverr.

PeoplePerHour (UK/EU Focused)

✅ For: European freelancers (design, coding, marketing).
💰 Pay: $30–$150/hr.
✔ Hourly and project-based work.

6. Best for Passive Income & Microtasks

SolidGigs (Curated High-Quality Gigs)

✅ For: Freelancers who hate bidding.
💰 Cost: $21/month (sends best leads to you).

Fiverr Pro (Premium Tier of Fiverr)

✅ For: Established freelancers.
💰 Pay: $100–$1k+/gig.
✔ Less competition than regular Fiverr.

Which Platform Should You Choose?

| If You're A... | Best Alternative |
|------------------|------------------|
| Top 3% Developer/Designer | Toptal |
| Creative (Design, Video, Writing) | 99designs, Contra |
| SEO/Content Writer | ProBlogger, ClearVoice |
| Paid Ads/Growth Marketer | MarketerHire |
| Looking for EU Clients | PeoplePerHour |
| Want No Bidding Wars | SolidGigs |

Final Tips

✔ Diversify – Use 2-3 platforms to avoid dependency.
✔ Optimize Profiles – Treat them like a portfolio.
✔ Network Outside Platforms – LinkedIn, Twitter, and niche communities often bring better clients.

Would you like a step-by-step guide on getting approved for Toptal or 99designs? Let me know! 🚀