11 best Freelancer.com alternatives: a comparison of top freelance platforms

There are many freelance sites available. They help you post jobs, connect with skilled professionals, and manage remote teams. Whether you need web designers, digital marketing services, or virtual assistants, there is a platform for you. Here are the top alternatives to help you find high-quality freelancers.

What is Freelancer.com?

Freelancer.com is a popular freelance platform used by businesses and freelancers worldwide. It supports many industries, including web development, web design, graphic design, and data entry.

As a business, you post job listings and receive bids from freelancers. You can hire freelancers for fixed-price projects or hourly projects. The platform shows freelancer profiles, reviews, and completed projects, which helps you compare options.

As a freelancer, use the platform to browse job postings and send proposals. This open model creates strong competition and a wide choice of talent.

Freelancer.com charges a service fee starting from 3% on fixed-price projects and 3% per milestone for hourly projects.

Main advantages:

• Large global talent pool.
• Works for one-off projects and ongoing work.
• Built-in project management and communication tools.

Main disadvantages:

• Many freelancers apply for each job, so quality can vary.
• Platform fees and processing fees increase total costs.
• Customer support response times can be slow.

11 top Freelancer alternative platforms

1. Upwork: a global freelance marketplace with full control

Upwork is one of the largest global freelancing platforms. It is often compared with Freelancer.com because both use an open bidding process. Upwork connects businesses with millions of skilled professionals across many industries and regions. You can post jobs, review job listings, and hire freelancers for small projects or large, long-term work.

The platform supports both hourly and fixed-price projects. This makes it flexible for different project complexity levels and budgets. Many tech companies, creative agencies, and small businesses use Upwork to access remote talent at scale.

Key features

• Large talent pool with freelancers from all over the world.
• Open bidding process with detailed proposals.
• Support for hourly projects and fixed price projects.
• Basic project management and communication tools.
• Secure payments with escrow protection.

For businesses

Upwork gives you full control over the hiring process. You can post job listings, compare rates, and choose freelancers based on skills, reviews, and experience. This works well when you need multiple freelancers or want to test different profiles before starting ongoing work.

At the same time, managing projects on Upwork requires time. You often need to review many proposals, conduct interviews, and actively manage communication. Platform fees and service fees can also increase total costs, especially for long-term cooperation.

For freelancers

Upwork offers access to many freelance jobs across different categories. Experienced freelancers can build long-term client relationships and a stable income. However, competition is high, and freelancers often spend time bidding on jobs. The platform also charges commission fees, which reduce net earnings.

Pricing models

• Clients pay 5% service fee for the Basic plan. The Business Plus plan service fee charges 10%.​
• Freelancers pay commissions of up to 15%.

Choose Upwork if you want:

• Access to a very large global talent pool.
• Full control over pricing and selection.
• Support for both small projects and ongoing work.
• A flexible freelancer platform for many industries.

2. Useme: a transparent freelancer alternative for EU talent

Useme is a freelance platform created for freelancers and their clients. It helps both sides work together without extra formalities or unclear costs.

Key features

• Pay-as-you-go model. No subscription plans.
• Low service fee: from 4% to max. 4.99%.
• Clear pricing. No blended hourly rate.
• The platform handles secure payments.
• Free support in finding the right freelance talent and high-quality work. You can book a meeting and discuss your recruitment needs here.
• Access to a curated database of 200K+ freelancers from the EU and nearby regions.
• Fast and secure payments are often processed within 48 hours.
• Clients can pay for multiple projects in one transfer (convenient bulk payments).

For businesses

Useme works well for small businesses, creative agencies, and tech companies that want a simple hiring process. You can post projects, work with multiple freelancers, and manage cooperation in one place. You avoid extra admin work and separate contracts with each freelancer.

The platform supports many roles, including web designers, graphic design experts, marketing specialists, and web developers. You receive one invoice, even when you work with several freelancers at the same time. Payments are secure, which reduces risk when managing remote teams across borders.

“Thanks to Useme solutions, ICAO 4 ME was able to easily hire 100% more lecturers and maintain optimal business processes” – Łukasz Wieczorek from ICAO 4 ME.

For freelancers

Freelancers keep full control over their rates and availability. The platform charges a low, transparent commission and doesn’t require monthly fees or subscriptions. You pay only when you get paid. Payments are fast and secure, often processed within 48 hours. Useme handles paperwork for you.

“Useme makes planning my work easier, because I know the deal will be secure, and the payment will go through smoothly” – Janek Krasoczko (IndieDev.site).

Pricing models

• You pay no subscription fees. You cover a service fee of 4.99% on each invoice from freelancers, never more than €99.
• Freelancers pay a 4.99% service fee on their earnings. They face no monthly limits beyond a maximum fee of €99.

Choose Useme if you want:

• Transparent platform fees.
• Personalized support during the hiring process.
• Access to high-quality freelancers from the EU.
• Secure payments.
• A trusted platform for ongoing work.

3. Toptal: an elite freelancer alternative with higher costs

Toptal positions itself as a premium freelancer alternative focused on elite talent. The platform works differently than Freelancer.com. Instead of open job postings and a bidding process, Toptal matches you with vetted freelancers through its internal recruiting team. This model targets tech companies and businesses that need senior experts for complex projects.

Toptal focuses on software development, web development, design, project managers, and marketing talent. It is often used for long-term, high-impact work where quality is more important than price.

Key features

• Access to vetted freelancers selected through a strict screening process.
• Managed matching instead of open job listings.
• Focus on senior and experienced freelancers.
• Support for remote teams and long-term cooperation.

For businesses

Toptal reduces the time needed for hiring freelancers. Toptal connects clients with the top 3% of freelance talent, ensuring high-quality deliverables from expert freelancers. You don’t review hundreds of proposals or manage a bidding process. The platform sends you selected profiles based on your needs. This works well when you want speed and less internal effort.

However, Toptal uses a blended hourly rate. You see one hourly price that includes both the freelancer rate and the platform margin. This makes it harder to understand real costs. Toptal also charges a monthly subscription fee for access and may require an upfront deposit. These platform fees can make projects less cost-effective, especially for small businesses or smaller projects.

For freelancers

Freelancers accepted into Toptal can access high-paying freelance jobs and long-term projects. The platform handles client matching and reduces competition. At the same time, the entry process is very selective, and freelancers have limited control over pricing transparency.

Pricing

• Clients pay $79 monthly subscription. Add freelancer rates of $60-$200+ per hour plus up to 50% platform markup.​
• Freelancers set their own rates; platform margin is not public.

Choose Toptal if you want:

• Elite talent for complex, long-term projects.
• A fast and managed hiring process.
• Minimal time spent on job postings and interviews.

🔎 Check Toptal alternative platforms

4. Ruul: a freelancer platform focused on compliance and payments

Ruul is a freelancer platform designed for businesses that work with remote freelancers across different countries. Unlike classic freelance marketplaces, Ruul focuses less on job postings and more on invoicing, payments, and legal compliance.

The platform supports cooperation on short-term tasks and long-term projects. It works well for companies that already have freelancers and need a reliable way to manage contracts, payments, and taxes.

Key features

• Secure and transparent payment processing.
• Invoicing and tax compliance are handled by the platform.
• Support for cross-border payments and international teams.
• Flexible setup for short-term and long-term cooperation.

For businesses

Ruul helps reduce administrative work. You do not need to manage separate contracts, invoices, or tax rules for each country. The platform handles compliance and payments, which saves time and lowers legal risk.

Ruul works best when you already know who you want to hire. It is less focused on sourcing talent and more on managing cooperation with remote freelancers.

For freelancers

Freelancers benefit from secure payments and clear invoicing. The platform supports international work and reduces issues related to cross-border payments and currency conversions.

At the same time, Ruul is not a classic freelance marketplace. Freelancers usually do not find new clients directly on the platform.

Pricing

Clients & freelancers pay a 5% applied for all sales and payment requests, plus any currency conversion or card processing fees.

Choose Ruul if you want:

• Strong focus on legal and tax compliance.
• Secure payments for international freelancers.
• Support for long-term cooperation with remote teams.
• A platform focused on reliability, not bidding or job listings.

🔎 You can also compare Ruul and Useme to see which model works better for your business.

5. Fiverr Pro: fixed-price packages for one-off projects

Fiverr Pro is a freelancer alternative that focuses on fixed-price packages and clearly defined deliverables. Unlike Freelancer.com, you do not post job listings or run a bidding process. Instead, you choose from ready-made offers created by vetted freelancers.

The platform works best for one-off projects with a clear scope. Many businesses use Fiverr Pro for graphic design, logo design, web design, social media management, and other digital marketing services.

Key features

• Fixed price packages with clear scope and delivery time.
• Vetted freelancers with proven experience.
• No bidding process or interviews.
• Simple checkout and secure payments.

For businesses

Fiverr Pro saves time. You do not need to post jobs, review proposals, or conduct interviews. You buy a service like a product. This works well for small projects where speed matters more than flexibility.

At the same time, Fiverr Pro offers limited control. If your project complexity increases or the scope changes, adjustments can be difficult. Platform fees and service fees also apply, which can increase total costs for repeated or ongoing work.

For freelancers

Fiverr Pro helps skilled professionals attract serious clients. Freelancers set fixed prices and do not compete in job postings. However, the platform charges a high commission, and freelancers must fit into a predefined package model.

Pricing

Fiverr Pro Marketplace works on a pay-as-you-go model.

• Clients pay a 5.5% fee on orders in the regular and Pro Essential plans. 
• Freelancers get their pay minus 20% Fiverr commission.​
• Pro Advanced plan costs $129 per month (plus normal commission). It gives more benefits, like for Enterprise.

Choose Fiverr Pro if you want:

• Fast delivery for small projects.
• Fixed-price projects with no negotiation.
• Access to vetted freelancers for creative work.
• A simple hiring process with minimal management.

6. PeoplePerHour: a UK-based freelancer platform for flexible projects

PeoplePerHour is a UK-based platform that works as a practical freelancer alternative to Freelancer.com. It connects businesses with freelance talent for both short-term and ongoing work. The platform is popular in Europe and focuses on flexibility and local talent.

You can post jobs, receive proposals, and hire freelancers for fixed price projects or hourly projects. PeoplePerHour supports many categories, including web design, web development, graphic design, digital marketing, and content work.

Key features

• UK-based and EU-friendly freelance platform.
• Support for fixed price projects and hourly projects.
• Job postings with proposal-based hiring.
• Secure payments with escrow protection.
• Simple project management and communication tools.

For businesses

PeoplePerHour works well for small businesses and creative agencies that want access to skilled freelancers without enterprise-level pricing. You can post job listings, compare offers, and choose freelancers based on experience, ratings, and budget.

The platform offers more structure than Freelancer.com, but still requires time to manage the hiring process. You may need to review several proposals and communicate with multiple freelancers before making a decision. Platform fees and service fees apply, which can affect cost efficiency for long-term cooperation.

For freelancers

Freelancers can find a steady flow of freelance jobs, especially from European clients. The platform supports both short tasks and ongoing work. Competition is lower than on some global freelance marketplaces, but freelancers still need to bid on projects and pay platform fees.

Pricing

• For client: 10% + £0.60 fixed fee.
• The platform charges freelancers based on their lifetime earnings with each client. Service fee: 20% on earnings below £250, 7.5% on earnings £250–£5,000, and 3.5% on earnings over £5,000.

Choose PeoplePerHour if you want:

• A strong focus on UK and EU local talent.
• Flexible hiring for small projects and ongoing work.
• A balanced freelance marketplace that is easier to manage than Freelancer.com.
• Access to skilled professionals without premium pricing.

7. Lemon.io: fast access to vetted developers

Lemon.io is a freelancer alternative built mainly for tech companies and startups. The platform has been on the market for over three years and focuses on Eastern European developers. Instead of open job postings, Lemon.io matches businesses with experienced freelancers based on project needs.

This platform works best for web development and software projects where time matters. It is less flexible than Freelancer.com but offers more control over quality.

Key features

• Vetted freelancers with strong technical and communication skills.
• No open bidding process.
• Fast matching, often within 24–48 hours.
• Focus on web development and technical roles.

For businesses

Lemon.io reduces hiring time. You do not review many proposals or manage a bidding process. This helps when project complexity is high, and you need skilled professionals fast.

The trade-off is pricing transparency. Like many curated platforms, Lemon.io includes its margin in the hourly rate. This can make projects less cost-effective compared to open freelance sites or platforms with clear service fees.

For freelancers

Freelancers get access to stable freelance jobs and serious clients. There is no constant bidding, but the entry process is selective. Rates are usually higher than on open marketplaces.

Pricing

• For clients: pay a deposit (pre-payment for the month/week of work, depending on the billing cycle chosen). It will be returned at the end of our cooperation. 
• No commission for freelancers. Developers keep 100% of their quoted rate. Platform covers fees via client payments.

Choose Lemon.io if you want:

• Fast hiring for technical projects.
• Vetted and experienced freelancers.
• Less time spent on interviews and job listings.

8. 99designs: a niche platform for graphic design

99designs is a freelancer alternative focused only on graphic design. Unlike Freelancer.com, it doesn’t cover many categories. Instead, it specializes in visual work, including logo design, branding, and web design. The platform is known for its contest-based model, where designers submit concepts based on your brief.

Key features

• Specialized freelance marketplace for graphic design.
• Contest-based hiring or direct work with designers.
• Clear scope and visual-focused projects.
• Secure payments and structured delivery.

For businesses

99designs works well when design quality is the main goal. You can review many creative ideas before choosing one. This helps if you want inspiration or multiple design options.

However, this model is not ideal for ongoing work or complex projects. Costs can be higher, and the process requires clear briefs and time to review submissions.

For freelancers

Designers can showcase creativity and compete for projects. At the same time, contest-based work means that not every submission receives payment. Platform fees are also higher than on some other platforms.

Pricing

• Clients pay upfront package prices, which cover the full contest or project cost, including platform fees. For 1-to-1 projects, clients pay a 5% platform fee on top of the designer’s quote.
• For freelancers: platform fee of 15% (Entry), 10% (Mid), 5% (Top Level) per project, plus 20% intro fee (up to $100) for first projects with new clients.

Choose 99designs if you want:

• High-quality graphic design.
• Logo design or branding projects.
• Access to many creative ideas in one process.

9. Guru: a flexible freelance marketplace for mixed projects

Guru is a freelance marketplace that works as a structured freelancer alternative to Freelancer.com. It supports many service categories, including web development, graphic design, writing, data entry, and administrative support. The platform focuses on flexible cooperation and clear work agreements.

Key features

• Support for fixed price projects and hourly projects.
• Job postings with proposal-based hiring.
• Secure payments with milestone protection.
• Tools for managing multiple freelancers and completed projects.

For businesses

Guru works well for small businesses and teams that handle different types of work at the same time. You can post jobs, compare offers, and hire freelancers based on skills and experience. The platform feels more organized than Freelancer.com and offers clearer workflows for project management.

Platform fees apply, and you still need to review proposals and conduct interviews. This means Guru saves structure, but not time.

For freelancers

Freelancers can find a wide range of freelance jobs across many industries. The platform supports long-term cooperation and repeat clients. At the same time, freelancers compete through proposals and pay platform fees on earnings.

Pricing

• For clients: Free to post jobs and hire; 2.9% handling fee on each invoice paid to freelancers.
• For freelancers: 9% fee on basic/free plan (drops to 5% on higher memberships like Business $25/mo or Executive $40/mo).

Choose Guru if you want:

• A more structured freelance marketplace.
• Better tools for managing ongoing work.
• Access to multiple service categories in one platform.

10. Gigster: managed freelance teams for software projects

Gigster is a freelance marketplace that focuses on building complete software products. Instead of hiring individual freelancers, you work with a managed team assembled based on your project requirements. The platform combines developers, designers, and project managers into one delivery unit.

Key features

• Managed teams of freelancers instead of individual hires.
• Focus on software development and technical projects.
• Dedicated project managers included.
• Clear scope, timelines, and delivery process.

For businesses

Gigster reduces the effort needed to manage freelancers. You do not post job listings or run a bidding process. The platform builds and manages the team for you, which helps when project complexity is high.

This model suits tech companies and businesses that want predictable delivery and do not want to manage remote teams internally. At the same time, Gigster is less flexible and usually more expensive than open freelance platforms.

For freelancers

Freelancers work as part of a structured team with clear roles and expectations. They do not need to look for clients or manage sales. However, they have less control over project selection and rates compared to open marketplaces.

Pricing:

• For businesses: Gigster uses project-based pricing for managed software development teams. Custom project quotes starting at $52,000 minimum, with blended rates of $100–$149/hour covering full team delivery. No upfront subscriptions.​
• For Freelancers: Gigster employs developers directly – no commissions disclosed; platform handles payments and management.

Choose Gigster if you want:

• A fully managed team for software development.
• Less time spent on hiring and project management.
• Support for complex, high-impact technical projects.
• A delivery-focused alternative to open bidding platforms.

11. MarketerHire: vetted marketing talent without open bidding

MarketerHire is a freelancer alternative focused only on digital marketing. It connects businesses with experienced freelancers through a strict vetting process. Only a small percentage of applicants are accepted. MarketerHire connects businesses with professional marketers within 48 hours and offers a two-week trial to assess fit.

Key features

• Access to vetted freelancers in digital marketing.
• Fast matching, often within 48 hours.
• No job postings or bidding process.
• Trial period to test cooperation.

For businesses

MarketerHire reduces hiring risk. You do not manage job listings or review dozens of proposals. The platform matches you with marketing talent based on your needs. This works well for ongoing work and strategic marketing projects.

Costs are higher than on open freelance sites, but quality and speed are the main value.

For freelancers

Accepted freelancers get access to high-quality clients and long-term projects. Competition is low, but the entry process is strict and selective.

Pricing

• Clients pay monthly plans starting at $5,000 (Starter), $10,000 (Growth), or $15,000 (Scale).
• Freelancers join for free. No startup costs or yearly fees apply. The platform takes zero from your agreed compensation.​

Choose MarketerHire if you want:

• High-quality marketing talent.
• Less time spent on vetting freelancers.
• Support for ongoing digital marketing work.

Subscription-based freelance platforms

Subscription-based freelance platforms aren’t classic Freelancer.com alternatives. Instead of posting jobs, you pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing access to a dedicated team or vetted professionals. 

This model works best for businesses that need continuous design or marketing support, not one-off projects. It offers predictable costs and simpler project management, but less flexibility in choosing individual freelancers. 

Sites like Design Pickle and ManyPixels are common examples. They focus on providing dedicated teams for ongoing design needs under a subscription model.

Checklist: Choose the best Freelancer.com alternative

Not every freelancer alternative works the same way. The right choice depends on your project type, budget, and how much time you want to spend on the hiring process.

If you run small projects or creative sales tasks, open freelance platforms may be enough. You can post jobs, review job listings, and choose from many job seekers. This gives you flexibility, but quality can vary.

If you work on complex or ongoing projects, look for platforms with expert freelancers and some level of vetting. These platforms reduce risk and help you find capable freelancers faster. Some also offer a money-back guarantee, which adds extra safety for high-value work.

Think about scale. If you plan to grow or manage remote teams, choose platforms that support scalable solutions and clear project management. A supportive community and access to platform support can also save time when issues appear.

Before you decide, check:

✅ Pricing models and platform fees.

✅ Level of vetting and quality assurance.

✅ Support during the hiring process.

✅ Flexibility for ongoing work or team growth.

FAQ

What is the best Freelancer.com alternative for high-quality talent?

It depends on how much control and quality assurance you need. Open platforms like Freelancer.com or Upwork give you access to many job seekers, but quality can vary. If you want more consistency, vetted platforms like Toptal, Lemon.io, MarketerHire, or Pangea.app focus on expert freelancers and stricter screening.

Why does freelancer quality vary so much on open platforms?

It depends on how much control and quality assurance you need. Open platforms like Freelancer.com or Upwork give you access to many job seekers, but quality can vary. If you want more consistency, choose platforms that screen talent or support safer cooperation. Options include Toptal, Lemon.io, MarketerHire, Pangea.app, and Useme (a transparent platform with EU-based freelancers and secure payments).

Are vetted freelance platforms really more reliable?

Yes, especially in tech and marketing. Platforms such as Toptal, Lemon.io, MarketerHire, and Pangea.app use strict vetting processes. For example, Lemon.io accepts only a small percentage of applicants, and Toptal claims to work with the top 3% of freelance talent. This reduces hiring risk but usually comes with higher costs.

Is Fiverr only for cheap projects?

Not exactly. Fiverr allows clients to find specialists for small tasks starting at $5, but prices often go much higher. Fiverr Pro focuses on vetted freelancers and fixed price packages, which are better suited for businesses that need clear scope and fast delivery, not just low cost.

Which platform works best for software development teams?

If you need more than one freelancer, platforms like Gigster are designed for that. Gigster assembles managed teams of developers, designers, and project managers to deliver complete software products. This model works better for complex projects than classic freelance marketplaces.

Are there freelancer platforms focused on marketing only?

Yes. MarketerHire focuses only on digital marketing roles. It connects businesses with vetted marketing freelancers and offers fast matching and a trial period. This works well if marketing quality and experience are more important than price.

Can I find freelancers outside classic freelance platforms?

Yes. Freelance work opportunities also exist outside large marketplaces. Businesses and freelancers use niche job boards, professional networks, and direct outreach. Platforms like We Work Remotely and FlexJobs publish curated remote job listings, while creatives often use Behance or Dribbble to showcase portfolios.

Are virtual assistant platforms a Freelancer.com alternative?

Some are, but they work differently. For example, Wishup offers vetted virtual assistants who are full-time employees under the company’s supervision. This model focuses on reliability and speed rather than open hiring and bidding.

Which Freelancer.com alternative is best for small businesses?

Small businesses often look for clear pricing, secure payments, and support. Useme can be a strong option if you want transparent fees, help with contracts and invoicing, and access to capable freelancers without subscription plans.

Summery

Freelancer.com is a popular starting point, but it is not the only option. Today, businesses can choose from many freelancer alternatives that offer different hiring models, pricing structures, and quality levels.

Some platforms focus on volume and open access for job seekers. Others focus on vetted talent, expert freelancers, and stronger quality control. Subscription-based services offer predictable delivery for ongoing work. Each model fits a different business need.

If you want transparent pricing, secure payments, and support in finding capable freelancers, Useme is a strong alternative. It works well for businesses that value clarity, safety, and scalable solutions without hidden costs.

Choosing the right freelance platform helps you work faster, reduce risk, and build better results with the right people.