Updated Dec 21,2024

Best Upwork Alternatives: Top 10 Platforms for Your Outsourcing Needs In 2025

best upwork alternatives

Indeed, Upwork is Upwork! While researching Upwork head-to-toe, we’ve learned Upwork has connected millions of businesses with top-notch independent talent. This online marketplace has already more than 4.3 million active buyers. So, how dare you — talk about the best Upwork alternatives for your outsourcing needs? Yeah! We have points. 

No doubt, Upwork flies above the sky. 

Popular, Trustworthy, and friendly, for freelancers and clients! 

But, hold on a second! Don’t you think Upwork is in a mess with top talents and clients? Sometimes, it seems to find the right one for your outsourcing needs from the gatherings! Maybe, it’s your concern to hunt your business needs from this popular marketplace for your next project! If so, we’ve taken your concern in our research and figured out the best Upwork alternatives so you can easily find the right services for your business without any further ado!  

So, let's jump into today's informative discussion. We’ll discuss the top 10 platforms that can be better alternatives to Upwork, lessen your dependency, and open a window of opportunity for millions of businesses like yours! So, are you ready to find an alternative to Upwork that can treat your business needs better than Upwork? If yes, keep reading!   

10 Best Upwork Alternatives of 2025

oDesk and Elance were two different marketplaces that merged in 2015 and started their journey under the new name ‘Upwork.’ Undoubtedly, this is a vast platform where sellers with various skills gather and bid on projects where their skills match perfectly. 

Like others — Upwork also offers a good option for businesses to post their jobs, observe who is applying there, and then start interviewing to select the best one! This is the same process others do like the online job marketplaces. Sure, several Upwork alternatives are available, and they can be better if you look for a talent or agency to get ‘Done’ your project. 

We have thoroughly researched and picked the top 10 best Upwork alternatives for you! However, you already know every marketplace has some best parts and some weak parts when you consider their a-to-z figure. Considering all disputes and your business needs, we’re going to dive into the best Upwork alternatives! No more words, let’s taste them one by one.  

Hopefully, you may find a better world than Upwork! So, let’s delve into it.

#01: 99designs – Creative Platform for Branding and Innovative Design

best upwork alternative

It's an excellent place where talented designers gather worldwide and showcase their talents! It’s a Melbourne, Australia-based company! Basically, 99designs is a freelance marketplace for designers talents, and clients who look for the the best pieces of designs. So, the buyers post their projects for a specific amount, and the freelance designers will submit their designs to meet their needs.

99designs Pros and Cons:

99designs is the name with which almost all the talented designers across the globe are introduced; thus, whoever needs a good design can go for 99designs to accomplish their project. However, there are some drawbacks to availing of service from this site. Let's have a detailed look at this!

99designs: What We Liked
  • High-Quality Output: 99designs has the most talented designers, so the quality of the work is expected to be top-notch!
  • Access to a Large Community: 99designs is where designers from across the globe gather with their fresh and creative ideas. Therefore, placing a project there means getting noticed by many people with the particular skill required for that design! 
  • Copyright Ownership:  With 99designs, you can claim copyright ownership, which is clarified before purchasing any service. Thus, a common conflict between the service provider and purchaser is resolved without hassle!  
  • Flexibility in Service: In 99designs, you can host a project or directly hire any designer; also, you have the flexibility to accomplish your task.
  • Friendly Interface: The overall interface of 99designs is easy to use, making it comfortable even for those who are not well-to-do in online things!
99designs: What We Didn't Like
  • Higher Cost for Contest: While arranging a contest is an excellent way to shortlist the designers, it is also costly!
  • Quality Variance: When you place a project — the most suitable designers may be unavailable or miss your project, and you might not get assurance of getting the best out of 99 designs!

Why 99designs is the Best Alternative to Upwork

While Upwork is a vast marketplace with various skill sets, 99designs is a truly specialized platform for design services. In Upwork, you will see thousands of projects asking for different requirements placed every hour, where your project may remain unnoticed. However, this is unlikely to happen in 99designs, as this place is only for designers, and you’re supposed to get a vibe from a large pool of creative designers through this platform!

#02: DesignCrowd – Crowdsourced Designs for Competitive Prices

upwork alternative

This is similar to other freelance marketplaces as well. If you need to design a logo, icon, banner, or design work, sign up in DesignCrowd and post your project with all the details and a budget. After that, individual designers will join and show interest in working on your project! You can check their profile strength, ask for their portfolios, and do whatever you need to decide. Thus, you finalize your decision on whom to hire and start working!

DesignCrowd Pros and Cons:

Approximately 1.3 million designers are on DesignCrowd, which indicates that many designers are from different corners of the world, and you can pick the right person or team from there. Yes, it sounds fascinating that you can go beyond the board to find the right person with just a few clicks! 

Oh, sure, it has some limitations, too! Let's see the bright and dark sides of DesignCrowd right now!

DesignCrowd: What We Liked
  • Money Back Guarantee: It's a nice option in DesignCrowd that if the buyer is unsatisfied with the work, they can refund their money.
  • Setting Budget from the Buyer Side: The buyers can set the Budget upfront. Thus, freelance designers who agree on the budget bid on the project.
  • Variety of Options: Since DesignCrowd is a crowdsourcing platform for clients, businesses can get numerous design concepts from millions of top-tier designers!
  • Ease of Use: The interface is designed so buyers can easily understand how to use this site and, thus, deal with it without any hassle. 
DesignCrowd: What Didn't Like
  • Time-Consuming Option: It may seem a bit trouble to review multiple submissions.
  • Communication Challenge: Direct communication between the buyer and the seller is a bit restrictive in DesignCrowd, which may create issues.

Why DesignCrowd is the Best Alternative to Upwork

Because of the crowdsourcing model, DesignCrowd allows buyers to access various design concepts to get the best design for their business. The platform's focus on encouraging creativity is an excellent way for buyers to find fantastic design concepts. The specialization in design ensures that DesignCrowd can provide better design services. On the other hand, Upwork works with various services, from data entry to web development, including designs!

#03: Freelancer.com – Large-Scale Projects with Competitive Bidding

upwork alternative

Indeed, Freelancer.com is one of the most popular and significant freelance marketplaces where projects are awarded based on bids. The buyer can also post a contest and review submissions to select the best one. This platform offers a wide range of services including, graphic design, article writing, app development, translation, data entry, and so on!

Freelancer.com Pros and Cons:

More than 6 crore registered users are in this enormous marketplace. Therefore, you expect your job to be accomplished by someone extremely talented among this large pool of skilled people! Before hiring a freelancer, you can check the profile and reviews they have achieved so far and thus get an idea about the person you will work with. However, like other platforms, it has some restrictions too! Let's have an overview of Freelancer.com.

Freelancer.com: What We Liked
  • Robust Tools: Freelancer.com has some robust tools compared to Upwork, which can meticulously monitor a project's progress and thus help you get updates on your work.
  • Friendly Interface: The Freelancer.com website is well-developed and easy to use. You can easily understand how to post a project and complete the job!
  • Special Design Contests: Unlike Upwork, Freelancer.com often organizes design contests, a great way to showcase amazing designs and meet the most talented designers in the world!
  • Marks on Projects: Freelancer.com allows you to show a sticker saying "Urgent" when you need a project completed immediately. Other badges also indicate the different requirements of the project you posted.
  • Flexibility to Choose: When you place a project, it is supposed to be open for 7 days. During this time, you can bid from freelancers with a wide range of different budget projects. Yup, this platform offers personal messaging options to communicate with the shortlisted ones to find the right ones.
  • Affordability: The Freelancer used to bid a competitive price to win your project. Thus, it is often observed that a talented designer with experience completing many similar projects can bid a comparatively lower price, which is an excellent opportunity for you to hire talented freelancers at a lower cost.
  • Secure Payment System: The "Milestone Payment" is a nice option as you pay the price, but the seller doesn't get that immediately. However, the freelancer seller is assured that you have a positive intention to pay. So, when a project is completed, and you are pleased with the work, you only release the payment, and the seller gets the payment.
Freelancer.com: What We Didn't Like 
  • Freelancer.com Commissions: For every penny spent, the freelancer.com authority is charged, increasing your total cost for the project.
  • Chance of Getting Low-Quality Work: Because of the bidding system, if you hire someone with a comparatively lower asking price, it's not unlikely that you will end up with poor-quality work!

Why Freelancer.com is the Best Alternative to Upwork

Yes, while Freelancer.com and Upwork work similarly, Freelancer's approach is transactional. In exchange for a small fee, you show a "Recruiter" badge on your project, which helps to achieve the trust of the freelancers you. Communication with sellers is much easier here. That’s why Freelancer.com can be a better pick than Upwork.

#04: Toptal – Curated Talent for High-Quality Output

upwork alternative

Toptal, another premium freelancing site, differs from platforms like Upwork in that getting approved as a freelancer seller is more challenging in Toptal! Toptal is featured as a platform for the top 3% of freelancers worldwide! If you focus on design services, this platform has other skilled people to connect with, like web developers, software developers, and so on!

Toptal Pros and Cons:

After learning about Toptal, the word that comes to mind is "Premium." Yes, it is! You are getting access to a small but highly talented pool of sellers who promise to provide the top-notch service you seek! However, it has some limitations too. So, let's discuss both!

Toptal: What We Liked
  • Effective Support System: We loved this! Toptal's support throughout the project completion process is seamless and appreciable.
  • Exceptional Quality: Compared to Upwork, Toptal has extraordinary quality freelancers who can complete your task perfectly!
  • Focus on Relationship: Toptal is not just a platform to get what you want and go! Instead, it focuses on long-term relationships that help you grow your business.
  • Time-Saving: Unlike Upwork, you won't get flooded with applications after placing a project! As the number of freelancers is limited, you will get applications from suitable people only, and thus, it will be easier for you to select one from them.
Toptal: What We Didn't Like
  • Not Ideal for Small Business: Because of its higher cost, Toptal is often criticized for not being ideal for small businesses.
  • High Cost: The cost associated with every step in Toptal is higher than that of Upwork, and therefore, the buyers can be discouraged from using this platform!

Why Toptal is the Best Alternative to Upwork

The focus on ensuring the best service is the feature that keeps Toptal ahead of Upwork! While you can find millions of freelancers with various skills in Upwork, you will find few workers in Toptal. Yet, you are supposed to get the best service from this highly skilled small pool!

#05: Guru – Comprehensive Platform for Long Term Collaborations

upwork alternative

Guru is another freelancing platform that brings together buyers and sellers of different skills. On this platform, you can find a diverse package of services like designing for your website, then developing that website, designing for that site, creating content for that site, and many more!

Guru Pros and Cons:

More than three million users have registered on this platform so far, which has pushed Guru ahead of many other such platforms. Considering many aspects, it's a better choice to Upwork, but it has some limitations, too! Let's have a look at both.

Guru: What We Liked
  • Cost Effectiveness: Compared to Upwork, Guru involves less cost for both the buyer and the seller, which has made it an attractive platform for many, especially small businesses!
  • Flexible Payment Options: The payment procedure is straightforward in Guru, and sellers from any country can make their payments quickly from this site.
  • Friendly Interface: Guru's user interface is straightforward for anyone, making it a friendly platform for beginners.
  • Built-in Tools: Workroom collaboration, project management, etc., are very effective tools for managing buyers' projects. In some cases, they are more effective than Upwork.
Guru: What We Didn't Like
  • Smaller Community: While Guru focuses on a variety of skills, honestly, the community size is smaller than Upwork's, and therefore, you may not find the best freelancers to hire on this platform in some cases!
  • Time-Consuming: Buyers may need to invest much time in evaluating the applicants' profiles and deciding whom to choose because there is less focus on specific skills.

Why Guru is the Best Alternative to Upwork

Both Upwork and Guru are freelance marketplaces! The same freelancer may be registered on multiple platforms, including Guru and Upwork. Then, the broader pool of workers often makes buyers confused about what to do. On the contrary, the lower cost and flexible payment options are why many buyers prefer Guru over Upwork!

#06: Graphic Design Eye – Best Custom Graphics and Web Design Affordable Solutions

top upwork alternative

No doubt, Graphic Design Eye is the shining star of Design Planet! It’s the best option to outsource your design work without hassle and within your budget! It's a hub of professional designers with extensive experience who have worked with professionals across the globe; thus, Graphic Design Eye is expected to surpass your expectations. They have every arrangement to eradicate your worries to get the best design works without facing any difficulties!

Graphic Design Eye Pros and Cons:

Graphic Design Eye doesn't have millions of designers; instead, it has a team of industry experts with at least ten years of experience. Indeed — all the Graphic Design Eye players are top-notch designers who bring design to life. You don't need to post a project; instead, you hire them to complete it! Negotiation and relevant discussion are much easier with them. However, let's walk through the different features of Graphic Design Eye.

Graphic Design Eye: What We Liked
  • Tailored Expertise in Graphic Design: Graphic Design Eye is laser-focused on graphic design. The clients can receive services from a dedicated team that genuinely understands design principles, trends, and the demands of various industries.
  • Consistent Quality and Reliability: Graphic Design Eye guarantees you consistent, high-quality results because it employs professional designers who adhere to established standards and processes!
  • Transparent and Fair Pricing: Graphic Design Eye offers precise pricing structures, ensuring clients know exactly what they are paying for. The clients receive more than they spend as Graphic Design Eye comes out with the purpose of beautifying the design industry with their top-tier design works! So, you can get more from them than your expectations!
  • Time-Saving Process: While researching, we’ve witnessed many reviews from running clients of Graphic Design Eye and found that the company values their client’s time and choices. They have some nice processing to get your project done. So, you can save time while working with them and get the top-notch design within the given time frame.
  • Specialized Services for All Needs: Graphic Design Eye offers various types of graphic design services, from logo design to engaging brochure design, brochure, and photo editing. If you go with Graphic Design Eye, say your all worries about design needs goodbye as Graphic Design Eye is the house of top-class all-in-one design solutions.
  • Personalized Support: Graphic Design Eye provides dedicated support to clients, ensuring their requirements are understood and implemented effectively. No doubt, personalized support is helpful to filter out the best output from a design agency! Graphic Design Eye has taken a focus on it with the favor of their client’s smile.
  • Guaranteed Deadlines: With Graphic Design Eye, clients can trust that projects will be completed on time. It’s 100% true that the deadline for a project is really significant. Most of the running users are highly satisfied with earlier delivery than the given time frame.
  • Focus on Client Satisfaction: They believe clients’ smiles are their smiles. So, Graphic Design Eye prioritizes client satisfaction by offering unlimited revisions within the project's scope.
  • There is no risk of Freelancer Mismanagement: As already mentioned, this design agency never compromises with quality. Yeah, Graphic Design Eye eliminates this risk by assigning qualified professionals to every project. So, relax.
  • Proven Track Record: Graphic Design Eye boasts a portfolio of successful projects and glowing client testimonials. We’ve become surprised while diving into Graphic Design Eye to witness its customer reviews. Most of the customers are highly satisfied and pen their happy words working with this company.
Graphic Design: What We Didn't Like 
  • No Integrated Marketplace: Graphic Design Eye is solely a service provider, and it has no links to the marketplace as Graphic Design Eye has come out with the shape of the direct online marketplace and they might not appeal to those looking for ongoing freelance partnerships!

Why Graphic Design Eye is the Best Alternative to Upwork

For businesses seeking high-quality, reliable, and efficient graphic design and web design services, Graphic Design Eye is the best alternative to Upwork. Its focused expertise, streamlined processes, and dedication to client satisfaction make it a trusted partner for all design needs.

#07: Gigster – Teams for Software Development and AI Projects

top upwork alternative

Gigster differs slightly from other freelancing platforms like Upwork, Guru, etc. You are now curious to know what that difference is. The interesting feature of Gigster is that it helps you connect directly with project managers and get your job done. Thus, it connects you and the project management team rather than allowing you to hire someone from millions!

Gigster Pros and Cons:

For Gigster, everything is well-managed and organized for you. The way Gigster provides the service is unique. However, there may be top platforms for some. Let's get an idea of which are the best parts of Gigster and which can make you feel regretful at the end of the day!

Gigster: What We Liked
  • Customized Solution: A team will work for you so that you can expect tailored service from Gigster!
  • Team Approach: You will not connect with an individual here; you’ll connect with a team supporting you throughout the process and giving you a comprehensive solution to your task.
  • High-Quality Output: A highly talented team will work for you; therefore, you can be assured of getting quality work from Gigster!
Gigster: What We Didn't Like
  • High Price: Compared to Upwork, the price is higher in Gigster.

Why Gigster is the Best Alternative to Upwork

Gigster provides integrated solutions with comprehensive support from a team of talented people, and Upwork can never do that, at least with its current setup! Gigster's end-to-end approach makes it a good pick for long-term collaboration and assurance of quality work!

#08: Codementor – Direct Access to Skilled Developers

top upwork alternative

What comes to your mind after hearing the name "Code"? Yes, I guess it is correct because you are thinking of something related to "Code," this platform is for programmers, developers, and people from the technology field. In Codementor, buyers can avail themselves of one-to-one service with veteran coders across the globe, and their requirements are fulfilled perfectly!

Codementor Pros and Cons:

The real-time interaction and quality input by highly qualified professionals has made Codementor an ideal platform for buyers worldwide to get UI/UX design and other technical tasks done. This platform helps you post a request and connect with an expert coder. It also enables you to review your code and grow as an expert! Yes, it also has some limitations, and we will look at both now!

Codementor: What We Liked
  • Flexible Model: You can be involved in short-term and long-term relationships; the choice is yours!
  • Service from Experts: Not everyone can be a mentor in Codementor. Thus, you can have faith that you are getting help from a true expert!
  • In-person Support: Codementor provides personalized and customized support when you struggle with a code, which you may not always expect on Upwork!
  • Specialized for Tech Projects: While Upwork offers everything from data entry to machine learning, Codementor specializes in tech projects, such as tasks related to apps, software, UI/UX design, and so on.
Codementor: What We Didn't Like
  • Suited for Tech Projects: Codementor is too focused on tech-based projects.
  • High Cost: Compared to Upwork and other top platforms, the service charge is higher in Codementor.

Why Codementor is the Best Alternative to Upwork

When you get lost in the crowd of Upwork freelancers and become clueless about whom to hire for your project, Codementor is a place you can trust, as unskilled people are not there!  So, when you need your App to be made or software to be developed, you can surely go for Codementor!

#09: Gun.io – Tech Talent Matched to Company Needs

top upwork alternative

Definitely, Gun.io is a specialized freelance platform to which highly qualified tech professionals can gain access after completing a vigorous screening test. Needless to say, the difficulty of this screening test is incomparable with Upwork! Gun.io is highly concerned about quality and efficiency; thus, the buyers can get their jobs with the expected outcome. Sure, Gun.io is a place for highly qualified developers and engineers; therefore, only tech-related projects will be placed here.

Gun.io Pros and Cons:

As a hub of top developers and engineers, Gun.io is respected in the tech world. While they meticulously maintain quality, some objections exist. We will now have a brief discussion on both the positive and negative sides!

Gun.io: What We Liked
  • Quick Turnaround Time: You need a qualified developer to join your team immediately, and you can do that instantly with Gun.io as they have a team of professionals who have already proved their quality.
  • Personalized Service: The account management system is robust and flawless, ensuring you get the perfect and customized service you seek!
  • Collaboration: Gun.io is suitable for creating partnerships and getting involved in a long-term relationship!
  • Quality Output: The output generated here is top-notch because the top-rated professionals are here.  
Gun.io: What We Didn't Like
  • Not Ideal for Short-term Needs: Gun.io is suitable for long-term collaboration but not for temporary needs.
  • High Pricing: While the quality is high, the service cost is also high, discouraging buyers who don't have available funds.

Why Gun.io is the Best Alternative to Upwork

The hiring experience in Gun.io is much more curated and streamlined than in Upwork. As freelancers can easily register and apply for jobs on Upwork, the only indication of being a reliable seller is the number of positive reviews. Yet, that cannot guarantee their quality. Besides, you may need more time to take screen tests to justify the quality. But, in Gun.io, the team ensures the quality because they have already passed a robust test! This is why Gun.io is a better choice for tech projects.

#10: Scripted – Quality Copywriting for Businesses

top upwork alternative

Do you need quality writeups for your blog, website, or social media handles? Scripted is the best choice for this! Scripted is an excellent platform to connect businesses with freelance writers so that the company can get quality content per their requirements. The hiring process in Scripted is smooth; therefore, top-quality writers around the globe gather there to sell their writing skills!

Scripted Pros and Cons:

The simplicity of Scripted is an appealing feature that attracts buyers who want to meet their needs with the beauty of words! Compared to Upwork, this platform entirely consists of qualified writers; thus, it's a specialized platform, not really an all-in-one complete solution provider! Despite having many strong sides, it does have limitations. Let's get informed about all of them!

Scripted: What We Liked
  • Assurance of Quality: Scripted will need to approve the writers through a rigorous screening process; therefore, you can be assured that someone truly skilled will provide the service.
  • Dedicated Support: Scripted's support system is very smooth and prompt so that buyers can get the solution for their work immediately.
  • Ease of Use: The friendly interface, the built-in tools, the project management system, and all others have made this an online platform that can be used without any technical hassle!
  • Time Effectiveness: As the writers are already in after a robust selection process, filtering the weaker ones and selecting the qualified ones is not time-consuming in Scripted.
Scripted: What We Didn't Like 
  • High Cost: As the platform is focused only on writing, the specialized service is more expensive!

Why Scripted is the Best Alternative to Upwork

The quality of the freelancers registered and approved by Scripted, the smooth hiring process, the specialized service, and others have made Scripted an ideal place to hire quality writers, which is better than Upwork! You don't need to judge millions of writers in Upwork; instead, you can go for anyone in Scripted since their quality has already been proven!

Best Upwork Alternatives FAQs

We’ve already discussed the top 10 best Upwork alternatives! Hopefully, you’ve caught why the Upwork alternatives come to our research and why we’ve dug into these top-class Upwork alternatives in the above. Still, if you have any confusion in your mind, check out the following FAQ’s to make your confusion clear!

What factors should I consider when choosing an outsourcing platform?

Consider the quality of the members, the cost, the hiring process, and most importantly, whether it has the talented freelancers to fulfill your particular requirement!

How do best Upwork alternatives compare in terms of pricing and fees?

Simply, it varies. You may charge higher on a specialized platform. However, on platforms like Graphic Design Eye, sure, you can choose from various packages tailored to a customer's needs!

Can I find high quality talent on these alternative platforms?

Yes! You can surely get highly talented people with specialized skills in these top alternative platforms who are ready to complete your project and surprise you with the outcome!

Are there Upwork alternatives specifically for tech projects?

No, not necessarily. There are a variety of platforms. Some are similar to Upwork, like Guru, Freelancer, etc. However, some are specialized, like Graphic Design Eye, which provides complete design solutions to buyers across the globe!

Which platforms are best for long term or full time contracts?

Well, it's a tricky question. You can hire someone from Codementor for long-term or full-time contracts if you need help with tech projects. If you need someone for your design task, you can contact Graphic Design Eye and get a bulk amount of tasks as long as you need! So, the answer depends on your need and choice!

Endnote

So, how was the trip finding out the best Upwork alternatives? 

Have you found something more than Upwork from our brain-sweat review? 

Probably, you’ve pondered on many things and your eyes have been opened! Look, if you’ve a fresh mind and thirst to look for the best outside being out of the box, surely, you can find it. 

We believe you are not bored, though, because you have the right ways at your hand now! You can answer the above question when you see what you need and then about the 10 best Upwork alternatives we shared above! For example, when you need a copywriting service, you can go for Scripted; when you need an App to be developed, you can select Codementor. 

However, when you need to get design tasks, be it a one-time design or photo editing in bulk, say hello to Graphic Design Eye, which is indeed one of the best platforms to meet your needs at an affordable budget among all the above!

Isn’t it so? Already you know the exceptional features Graphic Design Eye offers to bring your dream into reality! So, what are your thoughts now? We are more than happy to hear your opinion! Stay connected, get updated, and leave your feedback! 

To grow your business, build a solid connection with the best company that’ll give you time to hear your issues and understand your needs till you say it’s amazing! Ah, we’re pretty sure Graphic Design Eye can be the best choice for its professional team of magician designs to create a miracle and turn your business to the next level! 

We, Graphic Design Eye, can’t wait for a second to hear your project details! 🙂

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