Let’s be honest – while Fiverr’s massive marketplace of 4.2 million active buyers sounds impressive, that 20% commission fee is a tough pill to swallow. As someone who’s worked with thousands of freelancers through my blog and community over the past decade, I know there are better options out there.
Whether you’re looking to escape Fiverr’s high fees, find higher-quality clients, or just diversify your freelance income streams, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best sites like Fiverr in 2025.
Quick Answer: Best Fiverr Alternatives
Short on time? Here are my top picks for Fiverr alternatives, based on years of experience in the freelance world:
- Upwork: Best overall platform with high earning potential (1 in 3 freelancers earn $50+ per hour) and secure milestone-based payments
- Toptal: Top choice for experienced freelancers looking for premium clients (only accepts top 3% of talent)
- SolidGigs: Hand-curated freelance jobs delivered to your inbox (my top recommendation for finding quality remote work)
- PeoplePerHour: Great for European freelancers, with strong hourly-based project structure
- Guru: Budget-friendly with just 5% commission (compared to Fiverr’s 20%)
Why Look Beyond Fiverr? The Hidden Downsides
Before we dive into the alternatives, let’s address why you might want to explore options beyond Fiverr:
- High Commission Rates: Fiverr takes a whopping 20% of your earnings on every project
- Race to the Bottom Pricing: The platform’s reputation for cheap work makes it hard to charge professional rates
- Income Instability: One-off projects mean constant hustling for new clients
- Limited Client Relationships: Fiverr’s structure makes it difficult to build long-term client relationships
- Platform Dependency: You’re at the mercy of Fiverr’s algorithm and policies
15 Best Sites Like Fiverr Right Now
1. Upwork
Upwork dominates the freelance marketplace with over 18 million registered freelancers. Their sliding commission scale starts at 20% for new clients, drops to 10% once you exceed $500 with a client, and further reduces to 5% for long-term relationships over $10,000.
The platform excels in connecting professional freelancers with businesses of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Their escrow system holds client funds in advance, ensuring payment security for completed work.
Key Features:
- Secure milestone-based payments protect both freelancers and clients
- Built-in time tracking with random screenshot verification
- Detailed client feedback system that affects your Job Success Score
- Option to upgrade to agency accounts for team-based projects
2. Toptal
Toptal positions itself as the platform for the top 3% of freelance talent. Their screening process includes live coding challenges, personality tests, language assessments, and multiple interviews. Only about 3 in 100 applicants make it through.
Get Freelance Leads on Autopilot...
Leverage the power of AI together with human expertise to get matched with the best freelance jobs from around the web.
Try for free. Upgrade starting at $21/mo. Cancel anytime.
Clients include companies like Airbnb, JPMorgan, and Google, with projects typically ranging from $60-200+ per hour. Freelancers must be available for at least 10 hours per week and maintain consistently high performance.
Key Features:
- Zero commission fees on all earnings
- Direct client relationships with no platform interference
- Premium project opportunities with fortune 500 companies
- Steady work potential with long-term engagements
3. SolidGigs
SolidGigs revolutionizes the job-hunting process by hand-picking the best opportunities from across the internet. Their team screens thousands of postings daily, selecting only those meeting strict quality criteria for pay rates and client reputation.
The subscription model ($19-29/month) includes access to a training library worth over $2,000, featuring courses from successful freelancers. Members receive curated job leads every Monday, with emergency alerts for time-sensitive opportunities.
Key Features:
- Curated job leads from top companies with verified payment history
- No commission fees on secured projects
- Training resources including pricing guides and proposal templates
- Direct client relationships without platform interference
4. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour serves over 1 million businesses worldwide, with particular strength in the European market. Their AI-driven WorkStream system matches freelancers with relevant projects based on skills, experience, and past performance.
The platform offers both hourly and fixed-price projects, with a unique “Offers” system allowing freelancers to create standardized service packages. Their commission structure ranges from 20% to 3.5% based on lifetime earnings.
Key Features:
- Advanced payment protection through escrow
- Intelligent project matching using AI algorithms
- Detailed workstream management for project organization
- Built-in proposal templates with success metrics
5. Guru
Guru differentiates itself with one of the lowest commission structures in the industry, starting at just 5% for basic members. The platform hosts over 800,000 employers and emphasizes long-term working relationships.
Their SafePay system provides security for both parties, while their WorkRoom feature facilitates collaboration. Freelancers can choose from four membership levels, each offering different quote limits and commission rates.
Key Features:
- Low 5% commission rate with paid membership options
- Milestone-based payments with escrow protection
- Multiple payment methods including PayPal and wire transfer
- Strong dispute resolution system with dedicated support
6. 99designs
99designs specializes in graphic design projects, offering both contest-based work and direct client collaboration. Their platform hosts over 90,000 active designers and has facilitated over 600,000 design projects.
The unique contest system allows designers to compete for projects, with guaranteed payment for winners. Top-rated designers gain access to exclusive projects and reduced platform fees.
Key Features:
- Design contests with guaranteed payment for winners
- Direct client projects for established designers
- Portfolio showcase features with categorization
- Community feedback and support from fellow designers
7. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit focuses on local service provision, connecting freelancers with nearby clients. Now owned by IKEA, the platform has expanded to include both virtual and in-person services across multiple categories.
Taskers set their own rates and availability, with the platform handling payment processing and providing insurance coverage. The commission structure is location-based, typically ranging from 15-30%.
Key Features:
- Location-based job matching with map interface
- Quick payment processing (usually within 24 hours)
- Flexible scheduling with calendar integration
- Built-in insurance coverage up to $1 million
8. Thumbtack
Thumbtack operates on a lead-based pricing model where professionals pay to contact potential clients. The platform serves millions of customers annually across hundreds of service categories.
Their sophisticated matching algorithm considers location, availability, and service quality when presenting opportunities. Professionals only pay for leads they choose to pursue, with costs varying by service type and location.
Key Features:
- Lead-based pricing with variable costs
- Detailed profile customization options
- Mobile app for real-time lead management
- Integrated client communication tools
9. DesignCrowd
DesignCrowd offers a global design marketplace with over 900,000 designers. Their platform specializes in contest-based projects but also supports direct commission work.
Designers can participate in multiple contests simultaneously, with prizes ranging from $100 to several thousand dollars. The platform offers a money-back guarantee to clients, ensuring high-quality submissions.
Key Features:
- Design contests with multiple prize tiers
- Private projects available for direct commission
- Portfolio building opportunities with showcase features
- Global client base across 40+ countries
10. SimplyHired
SimplyHired aggregates job listings from various sources, including company websites, job boards, and recruiting firms. The platform processes over 500,000 jobs daily across all industries.
Their salary calculator helps freelancers evaluate opportunities, while company research tools provide insights into potential clients. The platform is free for job seekers, generating revenue through employer advertising.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive job search with advanced filters
- Salary estimator using real market data
- Company research tools with employee reviews
- Direct application process to employer websites
11. Bark
Bark serves the UK and international markets with a unique credit-based system. Freelancers purchase credits to respond to relevant leads, with credit costs varying based on project value and competition.
The platform’s matching algorithm considers location, expertise, and availability when distributing leads. Freelancers receive detailed project briefs before deciding to spend credits on responses.
Key Features:
- Targeted lead generation based on specific criteria
- Flexible credit system with volume discounts
- Customizable profile with portfolio integration
- Direct client messaging through platform
12. FlexJobs
FlexJobs focuses on remote and flexible work opportunities, with every listing manually screened by their research team. The subscription-based model ($14.95-$49.95/month) ensures high-quality, scam-free opportunities.
The platform includes extensive resources for remote work success, including skills tests, resume reviews, and career coaching. Their satisfaction guarantee offers a full refund if members are unhappy with the service.
Key Features:
- Verified job listings with detailed company information
- Skills testing and certification options
- Expert resources and career coaching
- Money-back guarantee for unsatisfied members
13. ProBlogger
ProBlogger’s job board is a respected platform in the content creation industry. Companies pay to post opportunities, ensuring higher quality listings than free job boards.
The platform attracts established blogs, digital publications, and content agencies. Most listings offer competitive rates, with many positions paying $0.10-0.50 per word or more.
Key Features:
- Direct client relationships without intermediaries
- No commission fees on secured work
- Quality writing opportunities from established brands
- Strong industry reputation among content creators
14. Contena
Contena combines job aggregation with comprehensive training resources. Their academy program includes modules on finding clients, setting rates, and developing specialized writing skills.
The platform’s scouts continuously monitor hundreds of sources for writing opportunities. Members receive customized job alerts based on their experience level and interests.
Key Features:
- Curated writing job alerts based on preferences
- Comprehensive training academy with proven methods
- Industry-standard rate guidelines
- Personal coaching for career development
15. LinkedIn Services
LinkedIn Services (formerly ProFinder) leverages the world’s largest professional network. The system matches service providers with clients based on their LinkedIn profile, recommendations, and network connections.
Freelancers can showcase their services directly on their LinkedIn profiles, reaching potential clients through their established professional network. The platform charges no ongoing fees but requires a LinkedIn Premium subscription for full access.
Key Features:
- Integration with existing LinkedIn network
- Professional client base from LinkedIn platform
- No ongoing commission fees
- Direct connection with LinkedIn profile and recommendations
How to Choose the Right Fiverr Alternative
After years of helping freelancers build successful businesses, I’ve learned that choosing the right platform comes down to three key factors:
- Your Experience Level: Newer freelancers might benefit from platforms with more entry-level opportunities, while experienced pros should focus on premium networks
- Income Goals: Some platforms are better for quick gigs, others for building long-term client relationships
- Work Style: Consider whether you prefer project-based work or ongoing client relationships
Beyond Freelance Marketplaces: The Secret to Sustainable Income
Here’s something most articles won’t tell you: the most successful freelancers don’t rely solely on marketplace platforms. Instead, they:
- Build a strong personal brand and portfolio website
- Network actively on LinkedIn and industry-specific communities
- Get referrals from satisfied clients
- Use platforms strategically for supplemental income
Final Thoughts: Creating Your Freelance Platform Strategy
While Fiverr can be a starting point, building a sustainable freelance business means diversifying your client acquisition channels. I recommend testing 2-3 platforms from this list while simultaneously building your own brand and direct client relationships.
Want more actionable advice on building a successful freelance business? Check out our resources at SolidGigs, where we help freelancers like you find better clients and earn more money.
One more thing...
You didn't start freelancing to spend hours every week searching through job boards. You started freelancing to do more work you enjoy! Here at SolidGigs, we want to help you spend less time hunting and more time doing work you love.
Our team of "Gig Hunters"—together with the power of A.I.—sends you high-quality leads every weekday on autopilot. You can learn more or sign up here. Happy Freelancing!
