Discover the best Upwork competitors for freelance hiring in 2026. Compare freelance platforms for cost savings, quality talent, and flexible hiring options.
Everyone has heard about Upwork. Many have been there, and many have done that, but what exactly attracts one to Upwork so much? First of all, the freelancer platform has been around for ages; it has a giant base of businesses and freelancers that have been around since the start of the freelance marketplace and haven`t left ever since.
18 million freelancers choose Upwork for simplicity and a certain level of reliability to post job listings. If everyone is using it, then it must be good, right? No, not really. Many businesses run into work-related issues while using Upwork. Among them are the following:
With this guide, we can address freelancer issues while working with Upwork. We will provide other Upwork competitors with lower costs, better quality of work, and a simpler hiring procedure. Let`s get cracking!
Let's discuss common challenges businesses face while using Upwork.
When using Upwork competitors, you want to avoid wasting time sorting through endless freelance job applications, interviews, and video calls. Unfortunately, Upwork's hiring process can be a nightmare, requiring hours of manual review. The marketplace attracts remote workers of all experience levels, meaning you'll receive applications from skilled professionals alongside unqualified candidates. If you need to hire Java developers or a web development expert, this can make finding the right talent even more difficult. While Upwork provides some communication tools and filtering features, its job postings system is far from perfect, forcing businesses to manually sift through freelancers offering services to find the right fit.
If you're looking for cost savings, Upwork may not be the best option. The platform charges fees that can add up quickly — taking 10% of all earnings, making every freelance talent hire significantly more expensive. Whether you're hiring web designers, blog post writers, professionals for content creation, or software development experts, these costs cut into your budget. If you need to hire pre-vetted developers, these fees can make scaling your project even more costly. While this fee might not be a concern for one-off projects, it becomes a major expense for businesses hiring for long-term projects or managing multiple freelance services at once.
Unlike some other freelancing platforms, Upwork imposes strict hiring rules that can make it difficult for businesses to bring on skilled freelancers. New qualified freelancers often struggle to get approved if their skills are deemed "too common," limiting the available large pool of professionals. If you need to hire Django developers, these restrictions can make finding the right talent even more challenging. Additionally, Upwork enforces strict platform rules — if you want to take your freelancers offering services off the platform, be ready to pay a hefty opt-out fee. Clients also face potential account bans for violating project management policies, adding unnecessary risk to hiring through this popular marketplace.
Not only that, but one of the biggest concerns businesses face when hiring on Upwork competitors is quality control. Since anyone can create a profile and start applying for your freelance job description, you may struggle to find highly qualified freelancers who consistently deliver high-quality results. Unlike some other freelancing platforms, Upwork imposes strict hiring rules that can make it difficult for businesses to bring on skilled freelancers. If you need to hire a backend developer, finding the right expertise can be even more challenging due to the platform's approval restrictions.
If you're wondering how to hire a graphic designer, navigating these restrictions can make the process even more frustrating. New qualified freelancers apply and often struggle to get approved if their skill sets are deemed "too common," limiting the available large talent pool. Additionally, Upwork enforces strict platform rules — if you want to take your freelancers offering services off the platform, be ready to pay a hefty opt-out fee. Clients also face potential account bans for violating project management policies, adding unnecessary risk to hiring through this popular marketplace.
If you're looking for alternatives to Upwork with more competitive pricing, virtual assistant services, and a supportive community, there are plenty of great freelance platforms out there. These platforms offer dedicated virtual assistants, web design and graphic design experts, freelance writers, and other skilled professionals for remote jobs while keeping costs low and making the hiring process easier. Whether you need help with accounting, social media management, or projects, the right platform can help you find the right freelancers quickly. If you need to, some platforms specialize in connecting businesses with experienced professionals who can handle both frontend and backend development.
Let`s limit ourselves to 5 alternatives of Upwork that may interest you. Many other rogue websites offer freelance services, but we will provide the most reliable ones for you to choose from.
Empat is a software development company primarily focused on clients like startups, big enterprises, and new companies. Empat's team has finalized over 320 projects across 17 markets. Some of their customers include Y Combinator alumni, PixShare, Fortune 500 firms, and startup Obimy. Empat provides tailored IT solutions for these businesses, building mobile apps, creating MVPs, and developing websites. If you're wondering how to outsource software development for startups, Empat offers a streamlined process to connect businesses with experienced developers who can bring their ideas to life.
Overview: It helps companies find top freelancers faster by analyzing skills, experience, and project needs.
Key features: AI-powered freelancer matching, verified professionals, and a time-saving recruitment process.
Pricing & fees: Businesses pay a fee per project, but pricing varies based on the freelancer's expertise.
Best for: Companies needing a fast and intelligent hiring procedure without manually reviewing hundreds of applicants.
Guru specializes in putting together high-end development teams for technology projects. As of now, their talent pool consists of only developers, project managers, and graphic designers, which is on the less diverse side compared to other Guru alternatives.
Nonetheless, it appears that their projects are ambitious and oftentimes successful. Like some other writing job platforms, they have also taken advantage of AI technology and claim to use it during the vetting process. If you're looking for Guru alternatives, there are platforms that offer a wider range of freelance professionals across multiple industries, often with more flexible pricing and hiring options.
Key features: Complicated payment system which includes hourly rates, milestones, and task-based payments. It also has a built-in workroom for collaboration and lower fees than Upwork.
Pricing & fees: Guru charges businesses 2.9% per transaction (significantly lower than Upwork).
Best for: Businesses looking for a more affordable Upwork alternative with flexible recurring payments.
Toptal is a global freelancing platform. Unlike Upwork, where almost anyone can sign up, Toptal puts freelancers through a rigorous screening process, boasting that they accept only the top 3% of applicants. This means potential clients may get pre-vetted, high-caliber talent, but it also means professional freelancers have to jump through some serious hoops to get in. If you need to hire Java developers, Toptal ensures you get access to top-tier professionals who have been thoroughly vetted for their expertise.
And don't expect bargain-bin rates — Toptal caters to companies willing to pay top dollar for elite developers, designers, and finance experts. It's exclusive, it's selective, and if you cut, it can be a goldmine. If you're considering Toptal competitors, there are other platforms that also offer highly vetted freelancers, but with different pricing models and screening processes.
Key features: Exclusive network of vetted professionals, risk-free trial period, dedicated account managers.
Pricing & fees: Toptal has higher rates than most platforms, but the quality of freelancers justifies the cost. Businesses must make a minimum $500 deposit to start hiring.
Best for: Companies needing high-level expertise and long-term project collaborations.
Gigster is a premium freelance platform that focuses on software development projects. Instead of just connecting businesses with freelancers like other platforms, it works more like an agency. It puts together teams of experienced developers, designers, and project managers to handle entire projects from start to finish. Businesses simply share their project needs, and Gigster takes care of the rest — picking the right team, managing the work, and ensuring quality results. If you're exploring Gigster alternatives, there are other platforms that also offer managed teams for software development but with different pricing and service structures.
This structured approach ensures reliability and efficiency but comes with a premium cost. While it offers a streamlined experience for businesses seeking top-tier talent, freelancers may find it less flexible compared to open marketplaces, as projects are assigned rather than freely bid on. For companies looking for IT outstaffing services, this model can be a great way to access skilled professionals without the hassle of traditional hiring.
Key features: AI-assisted project matching, ready-to-go teams, and built-in project management support.
Pricing & fees: Custom pricing that may be based on project scope.
Best for: Businesses needing complete tech teams for large-scale software or AI projects.
Fiverr is a marketplace built for speed and simplicity. Unlike platforms that rely on bidding or vetting processes, Fiverr lets freelancers list services — called “gigs” — at fixed prices, starting as low as $5. At the same time, the plartorm ensures payment protection. Clients browse and purchase directly, making the process quick and transaction-focused. With platforms like this, the question "How to hire developers for a startup?" doesn`t stand as strongly as it used to, but we have a guide on that for you to read.
While it's great for small businesses and individuals looking for affordable creative work, competition can be fierce, and freelancers often need to price low to gain traction. The platform takes a 20% commission on earnings, which can add up, but for those who master Fiverr's ranking system, it can be a steady source of income. If you're looking for Fiverr competitors, there are other freelancer platforms that offer similar quick-hiring services with different fee structures and freelancer quality levels.
Key features: Fixed-price projects, Fiverr Pro for premium talent, and fast turnaround times.
Pricing & fees: No upfront costs or additional fees for businesses; Fiverr takes a 5% fee from buyers.
Best for: Companies looking for quick, budget-friendly freelancers.
Hubstaff Talent is a global directory of remote freelancers and agencies. Unlike platforms for remote work search that charge steep commissions or membership fees, Hubstaff Talent is completely free for both clients and freelancers. Companies can browse profiles, filter by skills, hourly rates, or location, and connect directly with professionals — no middleman involved.
This makes it especially appealing for startups and small businesses that need remote talent but want to avoid the overhead costs of traditional marketplaces. While it doesn’t have the rigorous vetting process of platforms like Toptal, it gives you the freedom to build relationships directly with freelancers and agencies. For complex projects, you may need to invest more time in screening candidates yourself, but the platform’s open approach makes it highly flexible and cost-effective.
Key features: 100% free to use, direct freelancer-to-client communication, global talent pool of freelancers and agencies.
Pricing & fees: No fees for freelancers or clients; freelancers set their own rates, and clients pay them directly.
Best for: Businesses looking for affordable remote talent, startups wanting to cut hiring costs, and teams open to managing their own vetting and onboarding.
Choosing the right Upwork alternative can make a big difference for businesses that need to hire freelancers quickly and efficiently. There are many other freelance sites and platforms out there, and the best one for you will depend on your hiring process, business goals, and how complex your project is. Look into staff augmentation services if you need to expand the reach of your team.
Whether you need graphic and web designers, virtual assistant services, or digital marketing services, we'll help you navigate the marketplace and choose the best option for you. If you're wondering how to hire remote developers, it's important to look for platforms that offer vetted talent, strong communication tools, and flexible hiring options.
If you need the best talent that matches your needs, you should choose Empat. They offer AI-powered freelancer matching, hand-picking professionals who have worked on real cases that saw the light of day and received thousands of users.
With a track record of projects like Obimy, Kuka, or ShredSpots, Empat can provide professionals who can conquer any task. They offer various services for the industry in mobile development, website development, and custom software development. If you're wondering how to outsource web development, Empat makes the process easy by connecting you with experienced developers who can handle projects of any complexity.
Empat does more than just match you with freelancers — it makes sure you get experts with the right skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to deliver real results. They carefully screen every freelancer, so you're not just hiring someone with technical skills, but someone who truly understands your project's vision and business goals. If you need to hire a frontend developer, Empat can connect you with experienced professionals who specialize in building user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces.
Whether you're a startup looking to scale quickly or an established company in need of specialized expertise, Empat delivers talent that can seamlessly integrate into your team and bring your ideas to life.
If payment troubles are your main concern, look into finding talent on Guru. As we discussed before, this platform offers lower fees than Upwork and allows you to use many payment methods of your choosing.
Guru is a trusted partner in terms of getting the job done with minimal investment. However, be ready to revise the quality of work you receive from Guru freelancers, as there may be some quality concerns due to talent inconsistency. If you're unsure how to hire a full-stack developer, platforms like Guru can help you find professionals who can handle both frontend and backend development, but careful vetting is necessary.
Choose Toptal if you are looking for top-tier elite professionals who work with the crème de la crème of industry leaders. Be ready to empty your wallet, though, because this type of work pleasure will not be cheap.
With professionals from this platform, you will be able to create exquisite solutions for any technical problem you might be having. Keep in mind that it often requires more than one worker to create a project, so make sure to balance your resources properly. If you're wondering how to find a web developer, Toptal ensures you get access to highly skilled professionals who can deliver top-quality results.
If your project requires a lot of people, you should look into Gigster. They are keen on creating balanced solutions on a larger scale and will be able to assist you with complex agency-like services.
Gigster has been around for long enough to know what they are doing, but be aware that they may lack a personalized approach. They tend to have a machine-like matching process that overlooks individuality and possible nuances of your development needs. If you need product development services, Gigster can provide a full team to help bring your idea to life efficiently.
With this request, you should come to Fiverr. This platform offers individual work from each freelancer that covers multiple tasks for a very low amount of time and money. With Fiverr, you can differentiate your ongoing work and find a bunch of popular freelancers who will work for you. If you're looking for software development outsourcing, Fiverr also has a wide range of developers available for small projects and long-term commitment.
Keep in mind that Fiverr is best suited for quick, one-off tasks rather than complex projects. Since it’s a marketplace for remote talent, you shouldn’t expect freelancers to join company meetings, work inside your CRM, or fully integrate with your team. Fiverr is known for being budget-friendly and very task-specific for staff remote teams — you’ll usually get exactly what you ask for, nothing more.
One key advantage of Fiverr is the wide range of services available — whether you need to find freelancers for a quick logo design, a voiceover, or even a small coding fix, you can find someone to do it at an affordable price. The platform also offers Fiverr Pro, a premium tier where you can hire vetted professionals for higher-quality work.
At the end of the day, Upwork is far from the only option for businesses looking to hire freelancers. Depending on your priorities—whether it's lower fees, higher-quality talent, or more flexibility—there are plenty of platforms that might be a better fit for your needs.
The best platform for your business depends on your specific hiring needs. Whether you're looking for high-quality vetted talent, budget-friendly solutions, or a fully managed team, there's a marketplace that fits your goals.
Ready to find the perfect freelancer for your project? Contact Empat today to get matched with top-tier professionals and take your project to the next level.
While Upwork is one of the most popular freelance marketplaces, it comes with high service fees, intense competition, and a large number of unvetted freelancers. Exploring competitors can help you find more affordable rates, specialized talent, or platforms with better vetting and collaboration options.
If you’re after top-tier professionals, Toptal is well-known for its strict vetting process, accepting only about 3% of applicants. This makes it a strong choice for businesses that can afford premium rates and want guaranteed expertise. However, if your focus is not just on individuals but on building a reliable product team, platforms like Empat can be a smarter alternative — giving you access to skilled engineers, designers, and managers who already know how to collaborate effectively on complex projects.
Yes. Hubstaff Talent is a completely free platform that connects companies with remote freelancers and agencies. Unlike Upwork, there are no commissions or platform fees, but you’ll need to do the vetting yourself.
