Finding freelance work can be challenging, especially when you‘re just starting out. With so many freelance websites available, it‘s tough to know where to begin your search.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the 11 best freelance websites for finding remote work opportunities in 2024. Whether you‘re a writer, designer, developer or offer other in-demand skills, these platforms can help connect you with great clients.
With over 12 million registered freelancers, Upwork is one of the largest and most popular freelance websites. They offer opportunities in nearly any field, from web development and design to accounting, consulting and more.
Pros:
- Huge variety of job opportunities
- Easy to create and customize your profile
- Bid on projects or set your own rates
- Large pool of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 500s
Cons:
- Very competitive, especially for new freelancers
- Mandatory service fee of 20% on the first $500 earned per client
Best for: Freelancers who want endless opportunities across all fields and the flexibility to work with different clients. The large pool of job postings makes it easy to quickly find your next gig.
Fiverr connects freelancers with clients for short term gigs and projects, often valued around $5. Freelancers create service offerings, called "gigs", that clients can browse and purchase.
Pros:
- Simple purchasing process for clients
- Freelancers can build repeat business by offering packages
- Wide variety of unique gigs available
- Low barrier to entry for new freelancers
Cons:
- Gigs tend to be low budget
- High competition for popular services
- 20% commission on earnings
Best for: Freelancers who want to offer specific, defined services or sell smaller one-off gigs. The marketplace format makes it easy to get started.
Toptal is an exclusive network of only the top 3% of applicants. All freelancers must pass screening before access.
Pros:
- High pay, usually over $50/hour
- Guaranteed on-time payments
- Quality clients like J.P. Morgan and Airbnb
- No monthly fees or commissions
Cons:
- Extremely selective screening process
- Mostly tech and finance opportunities
- Can‘t set your own rates
Best for: Expert-level freelancers who want to work with big brands and earn top dollar. If you make it through the screening, you’ll gain access to high quality, high paying projects.
FlexJobs provides screened remote and flexible job listings across categories. The site charges a monthly membership fee.
Pros:
- Curated job board with no MLM listings
- Detailed filtering to find the perfect fit
- Resume and profile advisors
- 60-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- Monthly membership fee of $6.95-$14.95
- All applications done directly through employer sites
- No built-in payment processing
Best for: Remote workers who want flexibility and work-life balance. Listings emphasize flexible schedules, part-time and freelance positions. Great for finding reputable employers.
99designs connects graphic designers and clients through contests and custom 1-to-1 projects. Designers compete to produce the best design for cash prizes.
Pros:
- Fun way to test skills and win prizes
- Build your portfolio with real projects
- Get direct requests from clients who like your work
- Low 20% commission on contests
Cons:
- Only paid if your design is selected
- Can be time consuming to enter many contests
- Clients ultimately choose the design
Best for: Graphic designers who want to rapidly build their portfolio and don’t mind competing. Great way to get your designs in front of lots of potential clients.
Codeable is a platform focused exclusively on WordPress services. All freelancers are highly vetted WordPress experts.
Pros:
- Guaranteed hourly rates, usually over $50
- Only the best WordPress freelancers
- Private Slack community for networking
- Flexible full-time and part-time opportunities
Cons:
- Extremely selective application process
- 6 month waiting period is common
- Must have deep WordPress expertise
Best for: WordPress developers and experts who want to work with the best on advanced projects. If your WordPress skills are top notch, Codeable is a great way to earn high rates.
PeoplePerHour connects freelancers to clients for hourly work and fixed price projects across all services.
Pros:
- Large variety of jobs
- Built in time tracker
- Affordable fees, only 3.5% commission
- Easy to chat with clients directly
Cons:
- Mixed review quality of clients
- Must pay to apply after initial free credits
- Less opportunity for repeat business
Best for: New and mid-level freelancers who want an affordable option to get started and build skills. With low fees and commission, it’s easy to apply to multiple jobs.
Contra is an invitation-only network of independent professionals, acquired by Coinbase. Members apply to join and must be accepted.
Pros:
- No fees or commissions
- Access to vetted, high-quality clients
- Slack community for networking and leads
- Health benefits available
Cons:
- Very exclusive network
- Complex application process
- Limited job openings
Best for: Referral-based contracts with major companies. If you want to work with big brands and have an in already, Contra provides the network.
Problogger offers a curated job board for bloggers, writers and content creators. Listings are posted by brands and businesses looking to hire.
Pros:
- New jobs posted daily
- Legitimate clients since all listings are paid
- Job notifications match your skills
- Resume help and writing resources
Cons:
- Focused on writing and blogging roles
- No built-in payment processing
- Less opportunities than general boards
Best for: Bloggers, writers and content freelancers who want to quickly find legitimate remote writing gigs from real businesses.
With over 50 million registered users, Freelancer is one of the largest global marketplaces to find freelancers or freelance work.
Pros:
- Millions of employers and freelancers
- Jobs in nearly any category or skill
- Low commission fees, only 3-10%
- Easy to communicate and award projects
Cons:
- Lots of competition on listings
- Potential for low quality clients
- Unverified employers
Best for: New freelancers who want endless listings and opportunities to apply for. With millions of users, you‘ll never run out of options.
Guru connects freelancers to clients around the world for flexible gigs and hourly work. They offer lots of IT, software and data focused jobs.
Pros:
- Good source for freelance programmers
- Low 8% service fee
- Free to join and build your profile
- Global opportunities
Cons:
- Fewer jobs outside of IT/software
- Unverified employers
- Mixed reviews of platform
Best for: Developers, IT pros and software engineers who want quick access to global clients. With competitive fees, it‘s easy to apply to lots of listings.
The best freelance website for you depends on your skills, industry and experience level. By evaluating the pros and cons of each platform, you can choose one that aligns with your needs and goals. The sites above are great starting points to begin broadening your client base and earning more as a freelancer.
