Upwork Alternatives

Upwork is one of the most popular and well-known freelancing platforms. It has helped connect millions of freelancers with opportunities from around the world. However, due to the constant innovation and evolution of the internet and the freelance market, it isn’t the only option available for freelancers seeking work. Exploring newer platforms can help freelancers avoid common and recurring problems on Upwork, such as issues associated with fees, long response times, and inconsistent client quality.

This blog will cover some of the best Upwork alternatives available in 2025. This also includes specialized platforms for specific fields, such as development, design, and general freelancing. There are a variety of platforms, ranging from those that cater exclusively to elite professionals to those designed for small, gig-based tasks.

Why seek Upwork alternatives?

Upwork has been a dominant force in the freelance industry for some time, providing clients with reliable freelancers at affordable rates. Despite this popularity, Upwork’s ratings and the number of its users are declining.
Freelancers have reported problems on review platforms, including being auto-flagged or banned without clear reasons, slow or generic responses from customer support, and an overreliance on algorithms.
This is because of several reasons, such as:

• Due to its prominence in the freelance industry, the number of freelancers has increased substantially. This competition has made it difficult for newer freelancers to secure any projects.
•  Upwork charges a service fee on all the earnings made by a client. This can be discouraging, especially for new freelancers, as the service fee of up to 15% is a significant cut.
•  Poor customer support is another reason why users are critical of Upwork. Multiple reviews on G2 suggest the same problem, which is getting stuck in support loops without any real resolution.
• Upwork doesn’t offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to support with payment processes and methods. There are limited options for withdrawal methods, and for some freelancers, this restriction can be a significant issue.

Pros and cons of Upwork

Pros

Upwork has a large client base, which gives freelancers access to millions of clients worldwide.

Upwork offers a wide range of categories. From writing to coding, marketing, and design, there are talented freelancers from every field.

Upwork offers an escrow payment system, which ensures that funds are released only when clients are satisfied with the work. This payment protection is a very valuable feature for clients.

Upwork’s platform features advanced search filters that enable freelancers to find projects relevant to their skills and interests.

Cons

The high service fees charged by Upwork on an individual’s earnings can sometimes make it unfeasible for freelancers, especially new ones.

The highly competitive nature of Upwork makes it challenging for new freelancers to secure projects and establish a name for themselves.

The limited payment methods can sometimes be an issue for freelancers.

Upwork isn’t exactly renowned for having great customer support. Customer service often provides generic and templated responses that fail to address specific concerns. (Trustpilot)

Top Upwork alternatives in 2025

Due to the several issues listed above, both freelancers and clients are looking for alternatives to Upwork that better serve their needs. Some of the best Upwork alternatives in 2025 are listed below: 

Coding Crafts

Coding Crafts has slowly but eventually made a name for itself as a platform for tech-oriented services. The platform specialises in software development, app development, web development, and more tech-related services.

Key Features

• Coding Crafts is generally focused on tech-related projects and services.

•  Their rigorous vetting and screening process ensures only the best developers are hired.

• Clients are provided with strong support throughout the entire project.

• Coding Crafts has an affordable pricing structure that is transparent.

Coding Crafts has done a great job of providing an exclusive and curated platform for developers and tech-related experts. Clients feel confident and secure when hiring from Coding Crafts’ platform, as they know they’re hiring from a pool of vetted professionals.

Fiverr 

Fiverr is a household name in the freelance industry and has established itself as a platform where freelancers and clients from around the world can connect. 

Key Features 

• Fiverr employs a gig-based system that is well-suited for small projects and tasks that don’t require extensive communication. 
• As it has been in the freelance industry for quite some time now, Fiverr has professionals from a wide range of categories. 
• Fiverr doesn’t have a strong screening process, making it easy for individuals to get started on the platform. 
• There isn’t a bidding system on Fiverr; instead, freelancers post their predefined gigs, and clients purchase them for a fixed, pre-set price. 

Fiverr is ideal for small tasks and gigs, as well as for freelancers who prefer to offer predefined services. Reviews by users of Trustpilot often criticize Fiverr for the platform’s oversaturation and issues with fake reviews or unqualified sellers.

Lemon.io

Lemon.io is a freelancing platform specifically designed for developers.  

Key Features 

• Lemon.io focuses exclusively on trusted developers who have been properly vetted, ensuring only the best developers make it to the platform. 
• Lemon.io has an automated platform that matches freelancers to clients quickly, making the process efficient. 
• Lemon.io is ideal for startups and tech companies that require world-class developers, without any delays that would hamper their process. 

Lemon.io is the ideal platform for professional developers seeking premium clients to enhance their portfolios and earnings, as well as startups that require high-quality developers. Although freelancers working on Lemon.io generally report satisfaction, they do complain about the tedious entry process, which includes technical tests and interviews.

Freelancer

Freelancer.com is another major name in the freelance industry. Freelancer is one of the pioneers of the freelance industry and was one of the first platforms to establish a name for itself in this field. 

Key Features 

• Freelancers employ a bidding system, which is very competitive, allowing freelance professionals to get the maximum and best price for their services. 
• Freelancer has a very secure payment system, allowing its users to feel confident. 
• Freelancers’ unique time tracking and milestone features enable the accurate recording of work done and time spent on a project. 

Freelancer.com is a platform suitable for both experienced freelance professionals and beginners. Freelancers often complain that the bidding system is overwhelming, with a tendency for prices to drop to the lowest level. Over time, platform fees can add up and become an issue.

Toptal

Toptal is a highly exclusive platform that focuses on the most elite talent. 

Key Features 

• Toptal has a highly selective hiring and vetting process, ensuring that only the best talent makes it to their platform. 
• They primarily focus on professionals associated with the design, finance, and technology industries. 
• There is premium pricing for the premium quality offered on Toptal’s platform, ensuring high-quality work for a fair price. 
• Since Toptal offers premium pricing and elite professionals, only high-quality clients have access to these services. 

Toptal is a good choice for professionals who want to work with top companies and get premium rates for their services.

Arc.dev

Arc.dev is a unique platform that focuses on connecting remote developers with high-quality clients. 

Key Features 

• Arc.dev is a platform that specifically focuses on developers, including remote developers. 
• It has an extensive vetting and screening process, ensuring that talented developers are selected for the platform. 
• Arc.dev focuses on securing long-term remote developer positions for remote developers. 

Arc.dev is an excellent platform for remote developers seeking top opportunities with leading companies. Reviews of the platform suggest that it helps connect developers with long-term clients, but that breaking in as a junior can be a challenging process.

PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour 

PeoplePerHour offers a flexible freelancing platform for freelancers to showcase their skills and services. 

Key Features 

• The platform offers flexibility in work, allowing for both project-based and hourly contracts.  
• The platform offers a variety of service categories. 
• The platform employs an offer-based bidding system. Freelancers submit proposals for projects posted by clients. 

PeoplePerHour is a platform that offers a lot of flexibility and is suitable for freelancers who desire this flexibility. The platform offers flexibility in pricing and project types, especially in design, writing, and development.

Guru

Guru is a well-established freelance platform offering multiple categories. 

Key Features 

• Guru has a secure payment system, known as SafePay, which allows both clients and freelancers to feel secure. 
• The platform offers flexible work arrangements, allowing freelancers to work part-time or full-time according to their needs. 
• Guru’s platform offers robust communication tools, enabling clear and transparent communication and collaboration between freelancers and clients. 

Guru suits freelancers who prefer long-term relationships with clients as well as transparent project management. Guru is known for having a professional environment and secure payment systems, but common criticisms include the platform not always having available jobs.

DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is a creative platform that specialises in design projects, including logos, branding, and graphic design. 

Key Features 

• DesignCrowd crowdsources different designs through design contests. 
• They have access to design talent from across the globe. 
• DesignCrowd offers flexible pricing, allowing businesses and individuals with all budgets to get designs according to their needs.

What’s the best Upwork alternative?

How to Choose the Right Upwork Alternative for Your Freelancing Needs?

Choosing the best alternative to Upwork depends on various factors, including your professional goals, budget, and preferred work structure. 

First of all, as a freelancer, you should identify your skills and what you excel at. Some platforms specialize in specific industries. Consequently, developers may prefer platforms like Coding Crafts, Lemon.io, Toptal, or Arc.dev, while designers would find better opportunities on DesignCrowd. 

The pricing model offered by a platform must also be taken into consideration. Platforms such as Fiverr charge fees per gig, while other platforms like Coding Crafts or Lemon.io prefer to use transparent or premium pricing structures. 

Client quality should also be evaluated, as different platforms have different quality clients. Platforms like Toptal and Arc.dev offer services of the highest quality, and as a result, they attract high-end clients. For freelance professionals looking to develop long-term relationships, these platforms are more suitable. 

Different platforms have different vetting processes. Some platforms, such as Toptal, are highly selective and more challenging to join, but they offer high-quality clients. Open platforms such as Freelancer and Guru are relatively easier to join but are more competitive.  

The payment options and the customer support of any given platform should also be assessed. The chosen platform should support your preferred payment method and should have a secure escrow system.

Choose Coding Crafts, the Best Alternative to Upwork

We have discussed the various options available, and while some platforms stand out, no single platform perfectly fits everyone’s goals. Consequently, an Upwork alternative comes down to what you’re looking for in a platform. For pre-defined gigs at fixed rates and minimal client interaction, platforms like Fiverr or PeoplePerHour would be the best options. Similarly, for developers seeking jobs as well as building long-term relationships with clients, Toptal and Arc.dev are options worth exploring.

But if you’re looking for

·      Tech Development Services

·      Vetted developers

·      Transparent pricing and good project management

·      A curated experience without the chaos of open marketplaces

Then consider Coding Crafts, a strong option for clients and developers seeking quality, affordability, and reliability.

Ultimately, the best option is the one that suits your needs. However, if those needs align with what we offer, we’d love to have you on board here at Coding Crafts.