Best Freelance Job Boards and Platforms

1. Upwork

Overview:

• Upwork is among the biggest and most popular freelance platforms, with a host of job categories such as writing, design, IT, and customer service. The platform allows the creation of profiles, the placing of bids on projects, and relationship building with clients.
   
• How it works: Freelancers bid on client-posted projects. If a freelancer is hired, he or she will receive payments via the secure platform provided by Upwork.

Benefits:

• A large client base offering multiple projects in several industries.
   
• Secure payment system, Hourly or fixed-price contract.
   
• Long-term and short-term projects.

Considerations:

• Upwork takes a commission based on the earnings the freelancer makes over the platform. This ranges from 5% to 20%, based on the total billed to the client.
   
• High competition for popular categories may make it hard to actually get projects.

2. Fiverr

Overview:

• Fiverr is actually a website where freelancers offer "gigs" starting at $5, though most make more depending on the job required and scope. Fiverr offers creative services, from graphic design to writing and video editing.
   
• How It Works: Freelancers list their services, and clients can browse and hire directly without needing proposals or bids.

Benefits:

• Ideal for freelancers offering particular services that require setting their prices.
   
• It's easier for freelancers to begin by proposing small, quick projects.
   
• Buyers are coming to you, so that means no need to seriously bid on jobs.
   

Considerations:

• Fiverr takes 20% commission on all earnings.
   
• Projects can be tiny, and it may be a while before a solid client base is developed.

3. Freelancer

Overview:

• Freelancer is also another big platform, similar to Upwork, but where freelancers bid on projects in a wide variety of categories. Clients can also hold contests, where the freelancers submit work for the chance at winning the project.
   
• How It Works: Freelancers bid on jobs or participate in contests to win projects. Payment is handled through Freelancer's platform.

Benefits:

• Access to a large pool of clients across a number of industries.
   
• The contests feature allows freelancers to show their own skills without the need for direct bids in finding work.
   
• Supports both short-term and long-term contracts.

Considerations:

• There is very high competition for projects.
   
• Freelancer takes a cut off earnings, like most other platforms.

4. Toptal

Overview:

• Toptal is an exclusive network of the top freelancers, connected with leading companies. It carries out background checks on freelancers to ensure that only the top 3% are admitted onto the platform. Major areas of work they concern themselves with include developers, designers, and finance experts.
   
• How It Works: Freelancers have to be accepted into the network through a rigorous vetting process. Upon acceptance, Toptal connects freelancers with high-quality clients.
   

Benefits:

• Access to high-paying projects with top companies.
   
• As a freelancer, you needn't seek work actively, as Toptal will be assigning one to the clients.
   
• Better projects than those on more open platforms, with more high-quality clients.

Considerations:

• Getting in is hard since the platform does some really strict screening.
   
• The focus is mainly on highly talented professionals in tech, design, and finance.

5. PeoplePerHour

Overview:

• PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelancing marketplace that connects freelancers with clients from around the world. It allows freelancers to post "Hourlies"-that is, predefined tasks at pre-set prices-or propose work on custom projects.
   
• How It Works: Freelancers can create profiles, list Hourlies, and bid on projects posted by clients. Payment goes via the platform PeoplePerHour.

Benefits:

• Ample opportunities for both pre-set gigs and custom projects.
   
• A wide range of job categories exists, including marketing, writing, design, and programming.
   
• Escrow protection for safe payments.

Considerations:

• PeoplePerHour takes commissions from freelancer earnings.
   
• Might take a little time to build a good amount of clientele.

6. Guru

Overview:

• Guru is a platform for freelance workers where it is easy, safe, and secure to find work and get paid. The platform allows freelance workers to create profiles, demonstrate their work, and bid on projects falling in various categories.
   
• How It Works: Using the provided platform, freelancers will create detailed profiles and portfolios, submit proposals to clients, and manage contracts.

Benefits:

• Supports a wide variety of job categories, including development, writing, marketing, and design.
   
• It allows different modes of pay, including milestone payments and hourly contracts.
   
• Low transaction fees compared to other platforms.

Considerations:

• Smaller client base compared to other larger freelance market platforms such as Upwork and Freelancer.
   
• Competition in certain categories may be just as fierce.