Freelancing websites are great platforms for people who want to work as a freelancer or hire a freelancer to handle specific tasks. Whether you’re a beginner trying to earn your first dollar online or a business owner searching for top talent, this article will guide you through the best freelancing platforms available.
At Naijaknowhow, we’ve previously covered websites where you can sell your digital skills, especially useful for designers, writers, and content creators. This time, we’re shifting the focus to freelancing websites that help users make money legally and safely by offering their services or hiring others. When it comes to finding the right freelancing platform, there are a lot of these websites out there, and it sometimes makes it hard to know the best.
The platforms listed in this article are easy to access using any modern web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave, UC, or Opera Browser. Whether you’re on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you’ll have no problem navigating these sites.
Most of these freelancing platforms also have dedicated mobile apps that you can download on your Android or iOS. You can find freelancing apps on the Google Play Store and Apple Store, but if you prefer using third-party app stores, they’re also available on platforms like APKPure, Panda Helper, AppValley, and Aptoide.
Without further ado, let’s delve right into it.
List of Freelancing Websites
1. Fiverr
Website: fiverr.com
Key Features:
- Gig-based system for selling services
- Broad category of freelance services
- Secure payment and dispute resolution
- Ratings and reviews for trust-building
Fiverr is undoubtedly one of the most popular freelancing platforms in the world. It’s a global online marketplace known for its unique gig-based structure, where freelancers create service listings called “gigs”, and buyers can browse and order based on their needs. From graphic design and content writing to digital marketing and video editing, Fiverr covers a wide range of services. It has also established itself to be one of the online businesses that pay real money.
The platform is beginner-friendly, and its clean interface makes it easy to use. Whether you’re looking for freelancers to hire or offer a service, Fiverr is a great place to start. Clients can review freelancer ratings, portfolios, and customer feedback before making a decision. With strict policies against fraud, Fiverr ensures a secure freelancing experience for everyone.
What We Like:
- Easy to start as a beginner
- Massive client base
- Intuitive interface and mobile app
What We Don’t Like:
- High competition in popular niches
- Service fees can reduce earnings
2. Upwork
Website: upwork.com
Key Features:
- Post or bid on projects
- Escrow payment protection
- Work tracking and time-logging tools
- Advanced freelancer filtering for clients
Upwork is another leading freelancing site and a solid alternative to Fiverr. It connects businesses with skilled professionals across various fields, including web development, design, writing, customer support, etc. On Upwork, clients post projects, receive proposals from freelancers, and choose the best fit based on experience and ratings.
What sets Upwork apart is its strong vetting system that vets unskilled freelancers masquerading as professionals. It also features advanced search filters, secure payment options and escrow protection services for clients. The platform also provides tools to track work progress and manage payments securely. If you’re serious about long-term freelance work or hiring top talent, Upwork is one of the best apps to make money as a freelancer and is worth exploring.
What We Like:
- Suitable for long-term projects
- Professional work environment
- Trusted by large enterprises
What We Don’t Like:
- Strict freelancer approval process
- High service fees and commission structure
3. Toptal
Website: toptal.com
Key Features:
- Rigorous freelancer vetting (Top 3%)
- Trial period for client satisfaction
- Focus on software dev, finance, and design
Toptal is another high-end freelancing platform known for working with top-tier professionals. Unlike other platforms where anyone can just create a freelancing profile, Toptal is quite strict. It has a rigorous screening process that accepts only the top three percent of applicants. This makes it ideal for companies or individuals looking to hire highly skilled developers, designers, finance experts, and project managers.
If you’re a freelancer with proven expertise and looking to work with global brands, Toptal is the place for you. Clients also benefit from a two-week trial period to evaluate a freelancer’s compatibility before committing fully. Toptal also doubles as a great alternative to Upwork and Fiverr.
What We Like:
- High-quality freelancers
- Premium clients and high-paying jobs
What We Don’t Like:
- Hard to get accepted as a freelancer
- Not suitable for beginners
4. Freelancer
Website: freelancer.com
Key Features:
- Project bidding system
- Contests for quick job wins
- Payment milestone setup
- Wide range of freelance jobs
For those looking for jobs and who to employ, Freelancer is another long-standing freelancing platform with millions of registered users. It operates using a bidding system where freelancers submit proposals for posted jobs. Clients can compare bids, view profiles, and hire based on skill set, price, and past reviews.
Well, there’s a lot of competition on Freelancer.com, and that’s just one of the beauties of the platform. The platform supports both short-term and long-term projects across multiple industries. If you’re a freelancer, building a solid profile and submitting competitive bids will improve your chances of landing jobs. For employers, there’s a wide talent pool to choose from.
What We Like:
- Good for both short- and long-term work
- Millions of active users
- Great for competitive freelancers
What We Don’t Like:
- Too many low-ball offers
- Slightly cluttered UI
5. FlexJobs
Website: flexjobs.com
Key Features:
- Curated remote job listings
- No ads or scams
- Focus on flexible and freelance work
FlexJobs is a subscription-based site that focuses on remote and flexible jobs. It’s best for freelancers who prefer long-term engagements with reputable companies. Unlike most freelancing platforms, FlexJobs screens and verifies all job listings to ensure they’re legitimate and of high quality.
Besides, FlexJobs has a good reputation on its own, and it provides jobs in different categories. Although it doesn’t offer many short-term gigs, FlexJobs excels at connecting professionals with high-quality remote work opportunities at a high income rate. If you’re looking for stability and consistency in freelancing, this platform is a strong contender.
What We Like:
- Scam-free job postings
- Ideal for remote professionals
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires a paid subscription
- Fewer one-time gigs
6. LinkedIn
Website: linkedin.com
Key Features:
- Build a professional network
- Search and apply for freelance jobs
- Showcase skills and endorsements
- Job alerts and filters
While LinkedIn is primarily known as a professional networking platform, it’s also a powerful tool for freelancers looking for remote jobs. Users can showcase their skills, build a portfolio, and connect with clients directly. Companies regularly post freelance, contract, and full-time job openings on LinkedIn.
Unlike some of the social media sites like Facebook and X (fka Twitter) where users can chat and make new friends. LinkedIn offers something different; instead, it serves as a place where freelancers and clients can network together. What makes it stand out from some LinkedIn alternatives is that it has a lot of job offers.
By setting your profile status to “open to work” or “hiring,” you increase visibility and make it easier for clients and freelancers to connect. LinkedIn also offers job alerts, making it easier to spot new freelance opportunities in your industry.
What We Like:
- Excellent for networking and visibility
- Regular freelance job listings
What We Don’t Like:
- Less direct gig opportunities
- Success often depends on outreach
7. People Per Hour
Website: peopleperhour.com
Key Features:
- Offer-based system and project bidding
- Escrow payment protection
- Community ranking system
PeoplePerHour is another trusted freelancing website where clients can hire professionals for various projects. It offers services in writing, marketing, web development, design, and more. Freelancers can create offers or respond to project requests, making it flexible for both parties.
While the platform is competitive, it’s ideal for those who already have a good reputation and ratings. One downside is its high service fees, which can affect earnings on lower-budget jobs. However, it’s still a solid platform to connect with international clients and build a freelancing career.
What We Like:
- Flexible gig pricing
- Decent user interface
What We Don’t Like:
- High commission fees
- Competitive and saturated in some niches
8. Jooble
Website: jooble.org
Key Features:
- Job search engine across thousands of sources
- Filters by job type, location, and category
- Global freelance job access
Jooble is a job search engine that aggregates listings from multiple sources, including freelance platforms, company websites, and job boards. It helps freelancers discover opportunities across different industries and regions. Whether you’re looking for remote work or in-office roles, Jooble pulls listings from all over the web.
While it’s not a freelancing platform in the traditional sense, Jooble is a great tool for job discovery. Its intuitive search interface makes it easy to filter by job type, location, and category, helping you find relevant freelance gigs quickly. Jooble is one of the best sites to hunt for jobs in Canada and the USA; it is not like the other freelancing platforms that you know.
What We Like:
- Great for finding remote gigs
- Pulls jobs from multiple platforms
What We Don’t Like:
- Not a dedicated freelancing platform
- Can lead to outdated or inactive listings
Conclusion
Freelancing platforms offer flexible opportunities for individuals to earn money online and for businesses to find skilled professionals. Whether you’re just starting or already experienced, the websites listed above provide different features to suit your needs. Take your time to explore each one and choose the platform that aligns best with your goals.
Have you tried any of these freelancing platforms? Let us know your experience in the comments.
