1. Upwork: The Go-To Marketplace for Serious Freelancers
If you’re ready to commit to freelancing full-time, Upwork offers one of the largest pools of freelance jobs. The competition is tough, but the rewards are worth it—especially once you build your reputation.
Pros: Tons of job categories, secure payments
Cons: High competition, service fees (5%-20%)
2. Toptal: Elite Jobs for Top Talent
Think of Toptal as the VIP lounge of freelancing. Only the top 3% of applicants make it through, but if you pass their screening, you’ll work with premium clients like Shopify and Airbnb.
Ideal for: Developers, designers, finance experts
Best feature: High-paying, long-term projects
3. Fiverr: Build Your Brand One Gig at a Time
Fiverr lets you package your skills into service “gigs.” Start small, then upsell clients on premium offers. It’s a smart way to build a portfolio quickly and find clients worldwide.
Pro tip: Optimize your gig titles and tags to boost visibility
Fees: 20% per transaction
4. LinkedIn Services Marketplace: Turn Connections into Clients
Already have a LinkedIn profile? Use their Services Marketplace to highlight what you offer. It’s a fantastic way to leverage your network and attract serious leads.
Pro tip: Ask for client reviews directly on your profile
Cost: Free
5. We Work Remotely: No-Nonsense Remote Job Board
If you’re after quality over quantity, this minimalist job board connects freelancers with remote gigs in tech, design, and support—minus the fluff.
Notable brands: Google, Amazon, InVision
No account needed to browse
6. Behance: Portfolio Meets Job Board
Designers, illustrators, and creatives thrive here. A strong Behance portfolio does more than impress—it attracts direct inquiries from clients worldwide.
Pro tip: Engage with the community to get featured
Cost: Free
7. PeoplePerHour: Smart Matchmaking with AI
This UK-based platform uses algorithms to connect you with relevant projects. It’s perfect for freelancers who want to skip the endless job browsing.
Payment security: High
Fees: Start at 20%, decrease as you earn more
8. SimplyHired: Job Aggregator with a Freelancer Edge
Think of SimplyHired as a freelance-focused version of Indeed. You’ll find thousands of gigs, along with useful tools like resume builders and career guides.
Unique feature: Free resume builder
Best for: General freelancers
9. Guru: A Transparent Platform with Global Reach
Guru is all about verified profiles and clear agreements. If you’re looking for a platform that values accountability, this is it.
Fee structure: 5%-9%
Strength: Flexible payment terms
10. Designhill: For Creatives and Contest Lovers
Whether you want to compete in design contests or open a print-on-demand shop, Designhill blends freelance work with passive income opportunities.
Bonus: Sell your T-shirt designs online
Setup time: 30 minutes
11. FlexJobs: Curated Jobs That Are Worth Paying For
Unlike most sites, FlexJobs charges a membership fee—but in return, you get hand-picked job listings free from scams or spam.
Cost: $9.95/week
Focus: Remote and flexible roles
12. Dribbble: A Designer’s Dream Hub
Dribbble is more than a portfolio platform—it’s a job magnet. If you’re a visual designer or illustrator, clients will come to you.
Tip: Use Pro version for exclusive listings
Cost: Free basic, paid upgrades
13. Freelancer.com: Variety Meets Global Demand
From software dev to SEO, this site has it all. While bidding wars are common, you’ll find consistent gigs with competitive rates.
Best for: International freelancers
Fee: Around 10%
14. SolidGigs: Freelance Leads on Autopilot
Don’t have time to browse job boards all day? SolidGigs curates the best freelance listings and emails them to you. Time saved, hustle increased.
Trial: 7-day free
Cost: $35/month
15. 99designs: Creative Battles With Big Payouts
Compete in design contests or work 1-on-1 with global clients. Great for those with niche specialties and strong portfolios.
Initial fee: $100 client match fee
Pro tip: Enter contests to get noticed fast
16. Wellfound (Formerly AngelList Talent): Freelance in the Startup World
Want to get in early with the next big tech company? Wellfound connects freelancers with funded startups. One profile unlocks thousands of gigs.
Perfect for: Tech-savvy freelancers
Cost: Free
17. TaskRabbit: Offline Gigs With Local Clients
If you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves, TaskRabbit offers local gigs like assembling furniture or running errands. Not all freelance work happens online!
Best for: Local side hustles
Setup time: Under 20 minutes
