Best Freelancer Hiring Platforms: Top 10 Picks for Recruiters
According to a recent survey, 76% of recruiters admitted that hiring the right candidate is the most critical part of their work.
We have tried to make this challenging task easier by presenting a list of the best freelancer hiring platforms. We tested each platform’s search algorithm, freelancer profiles, pricing, and support to ensure a smooth hiring process. Only the top-performing freelance sites that met our rigorous standards made it to this list.
Read on to discover which platforms you can rely on for your hiring needs.
Why and When Should You Hire Freelancers?
Thanks to technology, remote work is now as seamless as working in-house. This shift has led many businesses to rely more on freelancers. From startups to large corporations, and even solopreneurs like bloggers and coaches, everyone is tapping into the vast pool of freelance talent. Here’s why and when you should consider hiring freelancers.
Why Hire Freelancers?
Frees Up More Time
Outsourcing tasks to freelancers can free up time and allow you and your team to focus on core business activities. By delegating work that can be done just as well by freelancers, you can strengthen customer relationships and generate innovative ideas.
Specialized Skills
Sometimes, a project requires expertise that your team might not have. Whether it’s writing a white paper on artificial intelligence or designing a new app, you can find freelancers with the specialized skills you need. The best freelancer sites make it easy to find experts in any field.
Lower Costs
Hiring full-time employees comes with additional costs like benefits, training, and equipment. Freelancers, on the other hand, only charge for the services they provide. This can significantly reduce your overhead costs.
Flexibility
Freelancers offer the flexibility to scale your workforce according to your project needs. Whether you need someone for a single project or a few hours a week, freelance hiring sites provide the flexibility to adjust your team as necessary.
Remote Work
If you have limited office space, freelancers are a great option since they typically work remotely. This eliminates the need for additional physical space and resources at your location.
Less Commitment
Hiring a full-time employee is a big commitment and can be challenging if they are not a good fit. With freelancers, there’s less risk involved. If a freelancer doesn’t meet your expectations, you simply don’t hire them again.
When to Hire Freelancers?
Short-Term Projects
Freelancers are ideal for short-term projects that don’t justify a permanent hire. For instance, if you need a website redesigned or a marketing campaign created, freelancers can deliver high-quality work without long-term commitments.
Specialized Tasks
When a project requires niche expertise, turning to freelance hiring sites can help you find professionals with the exact skills needed. This is especially useful for tasks like complex coding, specialized writing, or unique graphic design needs.
Peak Periods
During peak business periods, your regular staff may be overwhelmed. Hiring freelancers can help manage the increased workload without the need for permanent hires.
Cost Efficiency
When budget constraints prevent hiring full-time employees, freelancers can fill the gap. Websites to hire freelancers offer a cost-effective solution to get the work done without the additional expenses associated with full-time staff.
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10 Best Freelancer Hiring Platforms for Employers
Explore our list of the best freelancer hiring platforms to streamline your hiring process. The following sites offer a range of services to help you connect with the right professionals. So, let’s start with the number one site on our list.
1. Fiverr
Fiverr is widely regarded as one of the best platforms for freelancing due to its user-friendly model and extensive range of service categories. Fiverr simplifies the process of connecting digital freelancers with businesses seeking their services. This feature makes it one of the best freelancer sites.
From content creation and video production to app design, Fiverr caters to almost any type of project imaginable, making it a go-to choice for many seeking to hire or offer freelance services.
Fiverr’s simplicity and extensive service offerings make it one of the best websites for freelancers and businesses alike. Here are some key reasons why Fiverr is considered a top choice among freelance hiring sites:
- Diverse Service Categories: Fiverr boasts a vast array of service categories, ensuring that freelancers from various fields can find relevant projects. This diversity also benefits businesses looking for specific skills.
- Free Registration: Freelancers can create profiles and list their services (gigs) for free. This lowers the barrier to entry, allowing more freelancers to join the platform without upfront costs.
- No Bidding Required: Unlike many other websites to hire freelancers, Fiverr eliminates the need for freelancers to send bids or pitch prospects. Buyers can simply browse and purchase services directly from the freelancer’s profile.
- Skill Development: Fiverr offers online courses to help freelancers improve their skills and stay competitive in the market.
Why you should use it?
- Fiverr covers numerous service categories, making it a versatile platform for both freelancers and businesses.
- Freelancers can register and list their services without any initial fees.
- Online courses available on the platform help freelancers enhance their skills and increase their marketability.
Why you should avoid it?
- Fiverr charges a significant 20% fee on all commissions, which can be steep for freelancers.
- After completing a gig, freelancers may face delays in withdrawing their earnings, sometimes taking a few weeks.
Pricing
Fiverr operates on a commission-based model. After a freelancer finishes a gig, Fiverr takes a 20% cut from the earnings. Additionally, the platform may have withdrawal periods that can delay payment to freelancers.
2. Upwork
Upwork is heralded as one of the best platforms for freelancing due to its comprehensive marketplace and robust features that connect businesses with skilled professionals globally. Upwork caters to many professionals, including developers, designers, writers, marketers, and more.
Upwork ensures a match for almost any skill set. That’s why it is a prime choice among the best freelancer sites. Its extensive reach and advanced tools make it a standout option for those seeking to hire freelancers or offer services. Here are some key aspects that set Upwork apart from other freelance hiring sites:
- Global Clientele: Upwork attracts clients from around the world, providing freelancers with a diverse range of projects and competitive hourly rates.
- Comprehensive Profiles: Freelancers can create detailed profiles showcasing their portfolios, introduction videos, educational backgrounds, certifications, and licenses, allowing them to highlight their skills, abilities, and experience effectively.
- Payment Protection: Upwork offers payment protection for both hourly and fixed-price projects, ensuring that freelancers are paid for their work.
- Mindful AI: Upwork’s Mindful AI, Uma™, assists freelancers with critical tasks such as writing proposals, saving time, and increasing the chances of winning jobs.
- Flexible Payment Options: Freelancers can choose from various payment methods, including PayPal and direct transfer, adding convenience to their financial transactions.
Why you should use it?
- Upwork offers a wide range of projects across multiple categories, making it suitable for various professionals.
- Freelancers in popular categories can earn competitive hourly rates, ranging from $30 to $50 per hour.
- The platform’s payment protection ensures freelancers get paid for their completed work.
- Features like Uma help freelancers with proposal writing and other critical tasks.
Why you should avoid it?
- Upwork’s extensive talent pool can make it challenging for new freelancers to secure their first few projects.
- Sometimes, it can be hard to manage work through bidding, especially for newcomers.
Pricing
Upwork operates on a commission-based model with a freelancer service fee of 10% on most contracts. However, the platform offers additional options:
- Free Registration: Signing up and creating a profile on Upwork is free.
- Freelancer Plus Plan: For $20 a month, freelancers can subscribe to this plan to receive extra perks, such as more proposals and profile insights.
3. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is esteemed as one of the best platforms for freelancing. It comes with robust features and the ability to connect businesses with a diverse range of skilled professionals. That’s why PeoplePerHour stands out among the best freelancer sites.
The site caters to various industries, including design, digital marketing, technology and programming, business, and music and audio. This versatility makes it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to hire freelancers. Also, this applies to professionals looking for opportunities to showcase their talents.
PeoplePerHour is considered one of the best websites for the following reasons.
- Diverse Talent Pool: PeoplePerHour allows businesses to find skilled professionals across a wide array of fields, ensuring that they can meet specific project requirements.
- Flexible Rate Negotiation: Freelancers have the opportunity to negotiate rates with clients, providing flexibility and the potential for better earnings.
- Project Stream Tool: The platform offers a project stream tool that facilitates effective collaboration between freelancers and clients, ensuring clear communication and smooth project management.
- Escrow Account: Clients can deposit funds into an escrow account, which guarantees that freelancers will be paid for their work once the project is completed satisfactorily.
Why you should use it?
- The project stream tool enhances communication and collaboration between freelancers and clients.
- Freelancers can negotiate their rates with clients, potentially leading to higher earnings.
- The escrow system ensures that freelancers receive payment for their completed work.
Why you should avoid it?
- PeoplePerHour charges higher service fees compared to some other freelance hiring sites.
- Freelancers face significant competition, which can make it challenging to secure projects.
Pricing
PeoplePerHour employs a tiered service fee structure based on the project amount:
- 20% Fee: For projects less than £250.
- 7.5% Fee: For projects ranging from £250 to £5,000.
- 3.5% Fee: For projects above £5,000.
4. FlexJobs
FlexJobs excels in providing a secure and ad-free environment for freelancers to find legitimate work opportunities. The platform emphasizes providing legitimate, flexible work opportunities and supportive resources for job seekers. As a subscription-based service, FlexJobs stands out among the best freelancer sites.
What’s more, FlexJobs offers a curated selection of freelance jobs, part-time and full-time seasonal work, jobs with alternative schedules, and temporary positions. This approach makes it a reliable and valuable platform for both freelancers and businesses.
Here are the best features of FlexJobs:
- Verified Job Listings: FlexJobs guarantees that every job posted on the site is legitimate, sourced from reliable employers, and free from scams, which adds a layer of security for freelancers.
- Diverse Opportunities: The platform caters to a wide range of professionals, including those skilled in content marketing, copywriting, administration, and transcription, offering various flexible job options.
- Supportive Resources: FlexJobs provides additional resources such as skills testing and career advice, helping freelancers enhance their qualifications and improve their job prospects.
- Ad-Free Experience: The site is free from ads, ensuring a clean and focused job search experience.
Why you should use it?
- FlexJobs provides tools like skills testing and career advice.
- The platform offers a supportive customer service team to assist users with any issues or inquiries.
- All job postings are verified, ensuring freelancers only encounter trustworthy opportunities.
Why you should avoid it?
- FlexJobs is a paid service, which can be more expensive for freelancers compared to other options.
- Some job opportunities on FlexJobs might also be found on free job sites.
Pricing
FlexJobs operates on a subscription model, with various pricing plans to suit different needs:
- 14-Day Trial: $2.95 for a 14-day trial period.
- Monthly Subscription: $24.95 per month.
- Three-Month Subscription: $39.95 for three months.
- Annual Subscription: $64.95 for a year.
5. Freelancer
Freelancer is renowned as one of the best platforms for freelancing due to its extensive range of features and opportunities. This site is perfect for a variety of skilled professionals, including web developers, social media experts, and marketing specialists. It is a robust platform to find work and grow their careers.
Freelancer offers some unique features, such as contests and a progress tracker. That’s why it is undoubtedly one of the best freelancer sites. While the interface may not be as intuitive, the platform’s extensive tools and resources make it one of the best websites for freelancers.
The following are some key reasons why Freelancer is considered a top choice among freelance hiring sites.
- Wide Range of Professions: Freelancer is an excellent platform for various professionals, including web developers, social media experts, marketing specialists, and more, ensuring that freelancers from multiple fields can find relevant opportunities.
- Contests for Extra Earnings: The platform features contests, particularly for design work, which can help freelancers earn extra cash, enhance their portfolios, and build a positive reputation.
- Progress Tracker: Freelancer offers a progress tracker that allows freelancers to monitor their growth and performance over time, providing insights into their career development.
- 24/7 Customer Support: The platform provides round-the-clock customer support and live chat, helping users navigate the site and resolve issues promptly.
Why you should use it?
- Freelancers can participate in contests to earn extra money and enhance their portfolios.
- The site caters to a wide range of professions, making it a versatile platform for freelancers.
- The progress tracker helps freelancers track their growth and performance.
- 24/7 customer support and live chat are available to assist users.
Why you should avoid it?
- Freelancers need to be cautious of scam businesses that may contact them through the site.
- The platform’s interface may seem less user-friendly compared to other sites.
Pricing
Freelancer operates on a commission-based model, with fees applied to the earnings of freelancers:
- Free Registration: Freelancers can join and use the platform for free.
- Commission on Earnings: Freelancer takes a 10% fee or $5.00 (whichever is greater) for fixed-price projects and contests, and a 10% fee for hourly projects.
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6. Toptal
It is one of the best platforms for freelancing, particularly for highly qualified professionals in software development, project management, and business consulting. This platform is especially valuable for businesses looking to hire freelancers for complex, large-scale projects.
Among the best freelancer sites, Toptal stands out due to its rigorous selection process and the high caliber of its freelancers. It focuses on quality and its stringent vetting process. However, it has an intensive screening process and high costs for businesses.
Here are some reasons why Toptal is a top choice among freelance hiring sites:
- Rigorous Screening Process: Toptal employs a stringent five-step selection process that includes an English test, project assessment, and more. Only the top 3% of freelancers make the cut, ensuring that the platform features only top-tier professionals.
- Premium Job Posts: Freelancers on Toptal have access to job posts from well-known businesses like Airbnb, providing opportunities to work on prestigious and impactful projects.
- Comprehensive Tools: The platform offers free tools for time-tracking, invoicing, and receiving payments, streamlining administrative tasks for freelancers.
- High-Quality Network: By maintaining a network of highly qualified professionals, Toptal ensures that businesses can find the best talent for their needs, particularly for large and complex projects.
Why you should use it?
- Only the top 3% of freelancers are accepted, ensuring a high level of expertise and quality.
- Freelancers have the opportunity to work on premium job posts from renowned companies.
- The platform provides tools for time-tracking, invoicing, and payments at no additional cost to freelancers.
Why you should avoid it?
- The platform is best suited for large-scale projects, which might make it challenging for freelancers who specialize in smaller tasks.
- The rigorous and exclusive screening process means that very few freelancers make the cut.
Pricing
Toptal operates differently from many other freelance platforms:
- No Fees for Freelancers: Freelancers do not pay any fees to use Toptal.
- High Costs for Businesses: Companies can expect to pay over $200 per hour to hire freelancers through the platform, reflecting the high quality and expertise of the talent available.
7. Guru.com
This site offers comprehensive features that cater to a wide range of professionals, including experts in programming, graphic design, and project management. It stands out for its user-friendly job matching, SafePay protection, and flexible project options.
Guru’s strengths lie in its detailed profile creation, customized job listings, and secure payment system. No doubt, it is a valuable resource for both freelancers and businesses. Unfortunately, the potential for scams and the complex interface may pose challenges.
Guru has become a top choice among freelance hiring sites for the following reasons.
- Diverse Talent Pool: Guru caters to freelancers from various fields, such as programming, graphic design, and project management, providing a versatile platform for professionals.
- Easy Profile Creation and Bidding: Freelancers can easily create profiles, advertise their skills, browse job listings, and send bids to potential clients, simplifying the job-seeking process.
- Customized Job Listings: The platform proposes job opportunities that match freelancers’ work experience, skills, and preferences, enhancing the chances of finding suitable projects.
- SafePay Protection: Guru’s SafePay protection ensures freelancers are compensated for their work in a timely manner, providing financial security.
Why you should use it?
- Guru offers both long-term and short-term projects, catering to different freelancer needs.
- The site customizes job listings based on freelancers’ specifications.
- SafePay protection guarantees timely compensation for freelancers.
Why you should avoid it?
- Freelancers need to be cautious of fake businesses that may attempt to scam them.
- The website’s interface can be challenging to navigate.
Pricing
- Guru offers various membership options with differing fees and benefits:
- Basic Membership: Free for freelancers, with the site taking a fee of 5% to 9% on completed freelance invoices, depending on the membership type.
- Paid Plans: These can cost up to $50 a month and provide access to additional tools and features to help freelancers expand their businesses.
8. LinkedIn
Certainly, LinkedIn has extensive professional networking capabilities and a vast array of job opportunities. This is why it is considered one of the best platforms for freelancing. Despite not being a dedicated freelance platform, it provides a powerful environment for freelance professionals to find work and grow their careers.
As one of the most reputable career resources available, LinkedIn allows freelancers to create detailed profiles. It showcases their skills and experience in a trusted way. So, it becomes easier for potential employees or freelancers to connect with clients. All in all, it is an invaluable resource for freelancers.
You should think about using LinkedIn for the following reasons.
- Professional Networking: LinkedIn helps freelancers connect with professionals across various industries, expanding their network and increasing potential job opportunities.
- Comprehensive Profiles: Freelancers can create detailed profiles showcasing their experience, education, work history, past projects, and skills. As a result, businesses can find and hire talent easily.
- Content Sharing: Freelancers can create and share posts, giving companies a glimpse into their interests, expertise, and personality, thereby enhancing their personal brand.
- Diverse Opportunities: LinkedIn features a wide range of freelance and full-time job opportunities. So, it is perfect for graphic designers, developers, copywriters, and more.
Why you should use it?
- LinkedIn provides exposure to the latest news and trends within specific industries.
- The platform facilitates networking with professionals from a wide variety of industries.
- Freelancers can increase their visibility by regularly updating their profiles and sharing relevant content.
Why you should avoid it?
- Maintaining a current and professional LinkedIn page requires continuous updates and engagement.
- With so many professionals using LinkedIn, standing out can be challenging.
Pricing
LinkedIn offers both free and premium features for freelancers:
- Basic Membership: Free, allowing freelancers to create profiles, connect with other professionals, and access basic job listings.
- Premium Membership: $39.99 per month, which includes additional features such as learning courses, the ability to see who has viewed your profile, and increased connection capabilities.
9. Behance
Behance has a unique combination of a job site and a social media platform specifically designed for creatives. It allows artists, photographers, animators, and digital designers to showcase their portfolios to a global audience. Hence, it facilitates their discovery by potential clients.
Behance stands out for its blend of social media features and job listings. However, freelancers may face high competition and file size limitations. Considering everything, Behance is one of the best websites for freelancers in the creative industry.
Here are the facts why Behance is a top choice among freelance hiring sites:
- Global Reach: Behance helps freelancers reach and network with a global audience, increasing their visibility and potential job opportunities.
- Portfolio Showcase: Freelancers can create and share detailed portfolios, showcasing their work to a broad audience of potential clients and collaborators.
- Social Media Integration: Similar to platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Behance allows users to follow other professionals, creating a dynamic and interactive community.
- Job Notifications: The site provides freelancers with job notices that match their skills and abilities, helping them find relevant opportunities.
Why you should use it?
- The platform is ideal for sharing and viewing personal content.
- Freelancers can reach a global audience and network with other professionals.
- Freelancers receive job notifications that fit their skills and expertise.
Why you should avoid it?
- With around 10 million members, competing for jobs can be challenging.
Pricing
Behance is free to use. Thus, creators can upload and share as many projects as they want without any cost.
10. Dribbble
Just like Behance, Dribbble is particularly good for designers, artists, and marketing professionals. This platform allows creative professionals to showcase their portfolios, connect with potential clients, and find freelance and full-time job opportunities.
Among the best freelancer sites, Dribbble is distinguished by its focus on design and creativity. Its emphasis on design and creative work makes it one of the best websites for freelancers in these industries.
Here is why Dribbble is one of the best freelancer hiring platforms:
- Creative Portfolio Showcase: Dribbble allows designers and artists to create detailed portfolios, showcasing their past work and increasing their chances of landing contracts.
- Large Network: The platform boasts a vast network of employers and professionals around the world. It provides ample opportunities for networking and job discovery.
- Focus on Creativity: Dribbble is tailored specifically for creative professionals, offering an inspiring collection of portfolios from talented artists and creators.
- Job Opportunities: Dribbble caters to both freelancers and those seeking full-time employment.
Why you should use it?
- Dribbble connects freelancers with a large network of employers and creative professionals worldwide.
- The platform features an assortment of portfolios from inspiring artists and creators.
- Pro account subscribers receive a boost in search results for hiring managers.
Why you should avoid it?
- Access to the full range of freelance job opportunities requires a paid Pro account.
- Freelance job listings are only accessible to users with a Pro account.
- Beginning designers may need help to get accepted.
Pricing
A Dribbble Pro account costs $8 per month, billed annually. This plan grants access to contract job lists and boosts freelancers in search results.
How to Choose the Suitable Platform for You to Hire Freelancers
Finding the right freelancer can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Now that you have a clear idea about the best freelancer hiring platforms, it’s time to select the one that is suitable for you. Here are some tips to help you choose:
- Research Best Websites for Freelancers: Look for platforms known for quality and reliability. Sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal are popular choices, each with unique features catering to different needs.
- Check Reviews and Ratings: Look at feedback from other employers to gauge the quality of freelancers on the platform.
- Evaluate Costs: Some sites charge a commission or subscription fee. Consider your budget and choose a platform that offers the best value for your money.
- Explore Niche Platforms: If your project requires specific skills, consider niche websites to hire freelancers who specialize in your industry.
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FAQs
1) Which freelance work is best?
Currently, the top-paying freelance jobs include Graphic Designer, AI Engineers, Data Analyst, Digital Marketing, Copywriting, Content Writing, and Web Development. These roles offer lucrative opportunities in diverse fields, catering to a wide range of skills and expertise.
2) Is Fiverr really paying?
Fiverr ensures freelancers receive 80% of the buyer’s cleared payment, with earnings typically available after a 14-day holding period (shorter for Top Rated or Fiverr Pro members). This process guarantees payment security and allows freelancers to withdraw funds promptly upon clearance.
3) Who is the highest-paid freelancer in the world?
Evan Fisher, CEO of Unicorn Capital and a Freelance Pitch Deck Expert, achieved this feat by earning over $1,500,000 within his first four years on Upwork.
Final Thoughts on the Top Freelancer Hiring Platforms
Choosing the best freelancer hiring platforms is just the first step. Building successful partnerships with freelancers requires clear communication, adequate resources, and a mutual understanding of project goals. By fostering a collaborative environment, businesses can maximize the potential of freelance talent and achieve exceptional results.
