13 Best Fiverr Alternatives Freelancers Need to Know

Fiverr kinda feels like the default starting line for freelancers.

Maybe that’s where you kicked off your journey, too. But at some point, things started to feel… off.

• Crazy high fees,
• The struggle of landing clients,
• Or just not being able to carve out your niche on the platform.

Whatever the reason, sometimes you just need a solid alternative.

That’s exactly what I’ll break down here: the best Fiverr alternatives worth checking out.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

What is Fiverr?

Fiverr is one of the biggest marketplaces for online freelance work.

No job postings. No drawn-out messaging. No paperwork headaches. Fiverr simplifies the process by offering a Gig-based system.

You set the scope, pricing, delivery time, and revisions. A client searches for something like “logo design,” and boom, they're scrolling through dozens of listings. If they like yours, they buy it right away.

That’s what made Fiverr a hit for fast, frictionless sales.

But it’s not all smooth sailing: high fees, intense competition, and limited platform features can make it tough to stand out.

Let’s explore some strong Fiverr alternatives that may better suit your needs, depending on your style, niche, and goals.

Pros of Fiverr

For freelancers

1. A massive buyer pool = more eyes on your services

Fiverr has over 4.2 million active buyers. That’s a huge built-in audience, which means you’re not starting from zero or yelling into the void on social media. 

If your Gig is well-optimized, work can come to you.

2. Fast + low-cost way to start

Creating a profile is free and fast. You don’t need an agency-level portfolio to get started (though it helps). 

That’s why many beginners love Fiverr; it’s easy to test the waters without upfront investment. Just be ready for that 20% platform cut.

3. Minimal client communication

Fiverr’s package system means everything (scope, price, timeline) is spelled out from the start. You might still get questions, but usually it’s “quick ping” stuff, not full-blown negotiations.

This makes it especially appealing for digital nomads who want to spend less time managing clients and more time doing the actual work (or traveling ✈️).

For clients

1. Speedy hiring.

Usually, hiring a freelancer can drag on for weeks—reviewing resumes, portfolios, and conducting interviews… You know the drill. On Fiverr, the entire process is significantly faster. Find someone you like? You can literally start working with them the same day.

2. Paid subscription.

Fiverr Pro and paid subscriptions provide clients with access to what the platform refers to as “top-tier talent.” Yes, it’s another cost layer, but it helps filter out low-quality sellers and raises the bar for quality. Is it worth it? That depends on what you're hiring for.

Cons of Fiverr

For freelancers

1. That painful 20% commission

Fiverr takes a flat 20% cut of your earnings, regardless of the job's size or scope. That’s 4x higher than Ruul Space and double what Upwork charges. If you’re trying to build a serious income stream, that fee adds up fast.

2. Brutal competition and race-to-the-bottom pricing

Fiverr is where everyone starts, which means it’s packed. To get noticed, beginners often slash their prices, and seasoned pros find it hard to compete on value. The most cutthroat categories? Design, writing, and development. These niches are pure warzones.

3. Visibility issues + a black-box success score

Digging through Reddit reveals a common pain: the Success Score system feels rigged. It’s unclear how it works, downgrades occur without warning, and support is rarely helpful. It kind of makes you think… Is Fiverr legit?

One freelancer put it bluntly:

- “My level dropped for no reason. Support ghosted me. With 20% fees on top of that? I’m done.”

And they’re not alone. Your visibility and therefore your income can tank overnight, even if you're doing everything “right.” (Source)

For clients

1. That sneaky 5% buyer fee

Fiverr takes 20% from freelancers and a 5.5% fee from buyers. Many users criticize this “double dip” as unnecessary. And honestly, they’ve got a point. When you get paid on Ruul, only one side pays a fixed commission of 5%. No surprises.

2. Inconsistent quality

The biggest headache for buyers on Fiverr is the hit-or-miss quality. They often end up testing multiple freelancers, wasting time and money in the process. Some even argue there should be a vetting system.

3. Lost in translation + decision overload

With freelancers from all over the world, communication can get messy fast. Add to that the endless sea of options, and buyers often fall into a state of decision paralysis. The kicker? While they’re stuck browsing, testing, and second-guessing, their actual costs continue to rise.

13 Top Fiverr Alternatives (depending on your goals)

Fiverr isn’t the only game in town, far from it.

Whether you’re a freelancer looking for fairer fees or a client chasing better talent and results, there’s a platform out there that fits better.

Below, I’ve broken down 13 Fiverr alternatives worth checking out—each with its own strengths, quirks, and ideal use cases:

1. Ruul Space

What is Ruul Space?

Ruul is essentially the global payment button every freelancer has been dreaming of. It bundles the top 4 things freelancers need into one sleek setup:

1. Portfolio
2. Sales
3. Invoice
4. Payment button

Compared to Fiverr, Ruul packs way more punch. Here’s what sets it apart:

• You can sell digital products.
• You can manage and sell subscriptions.
• You get built-in invoicing.
• You can even accept crypto.

Plus, Ruul acts as a MoR (Merchant of Record).

That means Ruul becomes the legal seller on your behalf. You can sell globally in 190 countries, stay VAT-compliant, and issue invoices without the legal mess.

Pros of Ruul Space

• Start for free: No setup cost, no monthly fees.
• Space link: Portfolio, services, and products in one spot.
• Earn three ways: Sell services, products, or subscriptions.
• Flat 5% fee:  Super low, no hidden charges.
• Global compliance: Sell in 190 countries, tax worry-free.
• Fast crypto payouts: Get USDC via Binance, instantly.
• Proven track record: $200M+ in successful transactions.
• Top-rated trust: 4.7 stars on Trustpilot

Cons of Ruul Space

• Organic visibility is pretty limited

Ruul Space vs. Fiverr

On Ruul Space, you can do everything you do on Fiverr and more (hello, digital products & subscriptions). Plus, fees are just 5%. That’s four times less than Fiverr. From that angle, Ruul clearly wins.

However, Fiverr has a larger buyer pool and more built-in competition. On Ruul, you’ll need to hustle a bit and promote your skills and products on Instagram, LinkedIn, Substack, and other platforms, actually, to reel in clients.

2. Upwork

What is Upwork?

Upwork’s one of the biggest freelance platforms out there, but it works differently from Fiverr. Instead of waiting for buyers, you apply for jobs using “Connects,” which are like tokens. You get 10 free each month, but listings usually cost between 5 and 20.

So yeah, they disappear fast. If you’re applying often, you’ll need to top up.

Not into bidding wars? There’s a workaround: Project Catalog. You can list your service as a fixed-price package and let clients come to you, like Fiverr, but with more control and (in some categories) less crowding.

Pros of Upwork

• Better rates overall: 1 in 3 freelancers report earning $50/hour or more.
• More niches to explore: Over 200, across 9 big categories.
• Two income tracks: Offer hourly gigs or fixed-price packages.
• Payment protection: Funds stay in escrow until work is approved.
• Transparent bidding: See what others are offering.
• Badges = trust: Verified certifications help your profile stand out.

Cons of Upwork

• 10% freelancer fee: Half of Fiverr, but still a chunk.
• 5% fee on the client side: Some clients may hesitate.
• Spammy DMs happen: It’s not immune to low-effort pitches.
• High competition: Especially in beginner-friendly categories.

Upwork vs. Fiverr

Here’s the real win with Upwork: you’re not boxed into just one way to work.

You can send proposals and sell pre-defined packages. Fiverr? Packages only.

And the fees? Upwork takes 10% from freelancers, Fiverr takes 20%. That’s a big deal if you're doing high-volume work.

Unless you’re already thriving on Fiverr or your niche is super visual (think design or voiceovers), Upwork gives you more options, more flexibility, and more earning potential.

Want the full breakdown? Check out our in-depth comparison [Fiverr vs. Upwork].

3. Freelancer.com

What is Freelancer.com?

Unlike Fiverr, on Freelancer.com, you win jobs through bidding. You only get 6 free bids per month, which feels super limited. If you want to pitch more, you’ll need to sign up for one of their four membership plans.

What really stood out to me, though, is how outdated the site feels. Compared to Fiverr or even Upwork, it’s like browsing an old website that never got a proper refresh. If you’re looking for something sleek and modern, this is definitely worth knowing before you dive in.

Pros of Freelancer.com

• Huge category spread: From legal work to game design
• Escrow protection: Clients pre-fund projects, so you’re not chasing payments
• Verified profiles: Badges exist for both sides

Cons of Freelancer.com

• 10% freelancer fee: Same as Upwork, but no volume discounts
• 3% client fee: Small, but can shrink already tight budgets
• Intense competition: Especially in high-demand fields like design and writing
• Scam alerts: Shady listings still pop up, so you’ll need to vet carefully

Freelancer.com vs. Fiverr

If you’re comparing just on fees, Freelancer.com wins by 10% compared to Fiverr’s 20%.

But when it comes to usability? Fiverr’s cleaner UI and pre-packaged Gig model offer a smoother ride. On Freelancer.com, everything runs on the “submit a bid and wait” model. That can feel slow, especially if you're new and still building trust.

4. Toptal

What is Toptal?

Toptal isn’t for beginners, and that’s the point.

This platform screens every freelancer through interviews, skill tests, and live exercises. According to Toptal, only the top 3% make it through. If you’re a seasoned pro with a portfolio to back it up, that filter could actually work in your favor.

Once you're in, there's no bidding or race-to-the-bottom pricing. Toptal matches you directly with clients based on your expertise. Think VC-backed startups, Fortune 500s, and enterprise teams that care more about fit than cost.

Pros of Toptal

• No platform fees: You keep 100% of what you earn
• Pre-screened clients: Less ghosting, more serious buyers
• Fast onboarding: Start projects in as little as 48 hours
• Fewer competitors: Smaller, curated talent pool
• Predictable payments: No chasing invoices

Cons of Toptal

• Hard to get in: Multi-stage vetting with live testing
• Smaller platform: Fewer freelancers means fewer listings overall
• Higher cost for clients: Might limit some smaller opportunities

Toptal vs. Fiverr

These platforms aren’t even aiming at the same crowd.

Toptal doesn’t charge freelancers a dime. Fiverr takes 20% off each sale. So if you’re landing $10K projects, that’s $2K saved per gig.

But here’s the trade-off: Toptal is gated. You need to pass interviews, code challenges, or design assessments even to get in. Fiverr? Anyone can start, package their services, and test the waters.

If you’re already established and want fewer clients but bigger paychecks, Toptal’s worth the grind. Are you new or still building up your experience? You’ll likely hit a wall here.

Want more details? Read: [Toptal vs Fiverr – Which Is Better for Freelancers?]

5. PeoplePerHour

What is PeoplePerHour?

PeoplePerHour is a UK-based platform built around, you guessed it, hourly work. About 60% of the freelancers there are from the UK, but the site itself runs in 100+ countries. That’s actually a big plus because UK-based gigs often pay higher rates.

The interface feels fresh, too. It appears they’ve recently updated it, and honestly, it’s much cleaner than what I remember. 

They’ve also added AI to match freelancers with clients more intelligently, which makes finding the right projects less of a headache.

But not everyone gets in. There’s a review process, and while it’s not as strict as Toptal, you still have to wait for their team to check and approve your profile. So yeah, if you’re a brand new freelancer, this might not be the place to kick things off.

Pros of PeoplePerHour

• Human-reviewed freelancer onboarding: Better chance of finding legit clients
• Client payment protection: Funds are held until delivery is approved
• AI-powered matching: The platform recommends gigs based on your skills
• 24/7 customer support: Helpful when payment or brief issues come up
• Automatic invoicing: Less admin work for you

Cons of PeoplePerHour

• Only 15 free proposals per month: You’ll need to pay for more
• 20% commission: Same as Fiverr, and it adds up
• Screened sign-up process: New freelancers may get rejected
• Hourly-first mindset: Less appealing if you prefer fixed-price work

PeoplePerHour vs. Fiverr

Fiverr is open to everyone and built around service packages. PeoplePerHour is stricter. You apply first, and once you’re in, most jobs are hourly.

Both platforms take a 20% cut, so there’s no real difference in fees.

So here’s the key question:

Do you prefer packaging your services or charging by the hour?

→ If you like control and flexibility, Fiverr may feel easier.

→ If you want a smaller, vetted marketplace with European clients, PPH might suit you better.

👀 More on this? Read our full breakdown: [PeoplePerHour vs. Fiverr]

6. 99designs

What is 99designs?

99designs is a platform built just for designers. Unlike most freelancing sites, it runs on a contest model. A client posts what they need (starting at $299), dozens of designers submit their work, and then wait to see if they get picked.

That said, things have shifted recently. Now clients can directly invite designers to projects, which means you can actually build a profile and land work outside of contests. If you join, don’t rely only on the competitions.

Personally, I don’t see contests as a sustainable source of income. It feels more like a fun side hustle than a serious business. That’s why I’d keep 99designs (and similar contest-style platforms) as a backup, not your main gig.

Pros of 99designs

• You keep full copyright of your winning designs
• Logo contests wrap up fast: Sometimes within 24–48 hours
• Vetted client base: Including startups, agencies, and e-commerce brands
• A money-back guarantee (For clients) helps build trust
• Tiered commissions: Pay less as you level up

Cons of 99designs

• No pay unless you win: You might design for hours with zero return
• Fierce competition: Especially in popular categories like logos
• Not ideal for ongoing income: Projects are one-off
• Only for visual designers: No writing, dev, or admin gigs here
• Clients pay platform fees too: Might shrink their budget

99designs vs. Fiverr

They’re totally different worlds.

• Fiverr’s for everyone, 99designs is strictly for designers.
• Fiverr = service packages, 99designs = contests.

Freelancer profiles and workflows are also quite different.

Plus, 99designs has a tiered commission system:

• Top-level designers pay 5%
• Mid-level pay 10%
• Entry-level pay 15%
• Clients also get hit with a 5% fee

7. Guru

What is Guru?

On Guru, you can work with all kinds of pricing models: hourly, fixed-price, milestone-based, and even recurring. Clients post jobs, freelancers send proposals. Your success really depends on how well your pitch and profile line up with the project.

Design-wise, Guru feels more old-school than flashy. It doesn’t scream trendy branding; it’s more like walking down a corporate hallway than a creative studio. Honestly, I felt like I was in an office while using it.

Pros of Guru

• Only 5% freelancer commission: One of the lowest rates around
• Multiple payment formats: Hourly, fixed, milestone, or recurring
• Smaller freelancer pool: Less crowding in most categories
• Team collaboration tools: Useful for agencies or group projects
• Free job postings for clients: More listings, especially from small businesses

Cons of Guru

• Subscription needed to compete: Free users have limited bids
• UI feels outdated: Might impact the client’s browsing experience
• Unclear project volume: Especially outside core categories
• Recurring gigs require a paid plan: Limiting for long-term work seekers

Guru vs. Fiverr

Guru takes only 5% of your earnings. Fiverr takes 20%. But here’s the fine print: Guru offers low fees only if you’re willing to pay for a monthly plan (starting at $11.95). Without it, you’ll get fewer bidding credits and limited exposure.

Fiverr, on the other hand, doesn’t charge for visibility, but slices off a bigger chunk per sale. It also attracts more casual buyers, while Guru leans toward business clients and longer-term projects.

So the trade-off is clear:

• If you’re after low fees and don’t mind paying for access, Guru’s worth considering.
• If you want to start fast, build service packages, and attract a wider range of buyers, Fiverr is more beginner-friendly.

8. TaskRabbit

What is TaskRabbit?

TaskRabbit is a freelance platform built around local, in-person tasks like furniture assembly, moving help, cleaning, or personal errands.

It’s not for digital services. Instead, it connects you with people in your area who need things done, fast. Most jobs are short-term, and many are same-day or next-day, making them great options if you’re looking for quick, flexible gigs that can be done in person.

Getting started is straightforward, but not instant. You’ll need to apply, attend an info session, and pass a background check before becoming an active “Tasker.”

Pros of TaskRabbit

• Great for local, physical tasks: Moving, repairs, home setup
• Fast turnaround: Many gigs are booked and completed within a day
• Verified Taskers: Gives clients peace of mind
• You set your rates – More control over your income
• No platform fee for freelancers – The client pays the service fee

Cons of TaskRabbit

• Harder to break in as a newbie – Low reviews = fewer bookings
• Not for remote work – Everything is location-based
• One-off jobs dominate – Harder to build ongoing client relationships
• App coverage is city-specific – Not available everywhere

TaskRabbit vs. Fiverr

These platforms serve completely different purposes.

Fiverr is all about remote digital jobs, think logos, writing, and coding. TaskRabbit is for real-world, local help, such as assembling a bookshelf, running errands, or mounting a TV.

One key difference: Taskers keep 100% of their earnings. The platform charges the client, not the freelancer. On Fiverr, you pay a 20% cut per job. So even if the job price is the same, your take-home is smaller.

8. Thumbtack

What is Thumbtack?

Thumbtack is a US-based freelancing platform. But nope, not for digital gigs—this one’s all about physical work. Think small towns, big cities, anywhere in the States… It’s active. Fix something, paint a wall, clean a house, or even shoot some photos.

It’s a solid alternative if you’ve been browsing Fiverr-type sites but couldn’t land online work. If sitting behind a screen isn’t your thing but you still want freelance freedom, just take whatever you’re already good at in daily life and offer it on Thumbtack.

Pros of Thumbtack

• Focused on local services: Ideal for pros in trades, events, or home services
• Available across the US: Even in smaller cities and towns
• High job volume: 30,000+ service requests per day
• Strong app reputation: 4.9/5 rating from 300K+ reviews
• Easy-to-use features: In-app messaging, secure payments, quote builder

Cons of Thumbtack

• You pay per lead, not per job: And not all leads convert
• Pricing transparency is poor: Unclear fees post-booking
• You’ll compete with contractors: Especially in popular service categories
• Service quality varies widely: No strict vetting, so client reviews carry weight

Thumbtack vs. Fiverr

The comparison’s pretty straightforward.

Fiverr’s for online gigs, Thumbtack’s for real-world jobs. On Fiverr, you get hit with that huge 20% fee. On Thumbtack, you only pay a “lead fee” once you actually connect with a client. And that cost changes depending on the job’s value and the local market.

9. DesignCrowd

What is DesignCrowd?

DesignCrowd is a contest-based platform built for freelance designers (yep, like 99designs). The idea is simple: a client posts a request, dozens of designers send in their work, and the client picks their favorite. The winner gets paid.

But let’s be real: it’s high risk and not exactly sustainable if you’re looking for a steady income. You can certainly consider it, but don’t rely on it.

If you’re already on Fiverr, you’ll probably want to check out Ruul, Upwork, or Toptal for a full-time income stream. Keep DesignCrowd on the side.

Pros of DesignCrowd

• Wide range of categories: From logos and t-shirts to packaging and flyers
• Fast contest timelines: Some wrap up in under 72 hours
• Client sets budget and deadline: You choose which projects to join
• Copyright assignment: If you win, the copyrights are yours.
• 15% platform commission: Lower than Fiverr’s 20%

Cons of DesignCrowd

• Only winners get paid: No payment for submissions unless selected
• High competition: Dozens of designers often compete for a single gig
• No vetting system: Open access can flood the market

DesignCrowd vs. Fiverr

DesignCrowd speaks directly to designers and runs on contests. Fiverr, on the other hand, works for almost any kind of freelancer and is all about service packages. As for fees, there’s not a huge gap. Fiverr takes 20%, DesignCrowd grabs 15%.

10. SimplyHired

What is SimplyHired?

SimplyHired isn’t a marketplace like Fiverr, it’s closer to Indeed or LinkedIn Jobs. You’ll find everything here, from one-off freelance gigs to remote roles and even full-time contracts. The best part: Listings usually show the average hourly pay, which I actually liked.

If you’re just dipping your toes into freelancing and don’t know what’s out there yet, this site is worth a look. It’s convenient for location-based roles or remote corporate jobs. Additionally, the site is streamlined, so browsing feels quick and effortless.

Pros of SimplyHired

• Free to use: No fees for job seekers or employers
• Global listings: Includes freelance, part-time, and remote roles across industries
• Search filters by contract type and location: Makes it easier to narrow your hunt
• Built-in resume tool: Helpful if you’re also applying to traditional jobs
  

Cons of SimplyHired

• Poor user rating (1.7/5 on Trustpilot): Many users cite outdated job links
• No freelancing workflow: No profiles, no gigs, no payments, no reviews
• Not designed for service sellers: Better suited for job seekers than freelancers
  

SimplyHired vs. Fiverr

Fiverr is all about selling service packages, while SimplyHired works more like a traditional job board. If you’re chasing longer-term, corporate-style gigs, SimplyHired makes more sense than Fiverr.

Big difference? Fiverr charges both buyers and sellers a cut on every deal. SimplyHired? Totally free, posting jobs or applying costs nothing on either side.

11. Bark

What is Bark?

Bark is another UK-based site, like TaskRabbit. However, you can find both physical, location-based gigs and online ones here. The downside? There’s no built-in payment protection. You have to collect your money directly from the client.

What I do like about Bark is that it’s not a “sell it once and disappear” type of platform. You can actually build a profile, strengthen it, and attract new clients faster. That means long-term connections and steady local work if you play it right.

Pros of Bark

• Free to list: Job ads are free for clients and pros
• Supports local & digital jobs: From dog training to SEO
• Lead filtering: Matches based on skills and location
• Detailed profiles: Portfolio, reviews, phone contact options
• Urgent job feature: Fast-turnaround gigs appear first

Cons of Bark

• Pay-per-lead model: Freelancers must buy credits to contact leads
• No payment system: All payments are handled off-platform
• No refunds: Credit purchases are final
• No vetting process: Anyone can join, quality varies

Bark vs. Fiverr

Bark gives you both local and digital gigs, while Fiverr sticks strictly to digital work.

Another big difference: Bark doesn’t charge a commission, but there’s no payment protection, so you’re on your own when collecting cash.

Fiverr flips that around: your money’s safe until the project wraps, but they take a chunky 20% cut.

12. FlexJobs

What is FlexJobs?

FlexJobs is a traditional job board for flexible, remote, and full-time roles. And honestly, it’s one of the best I’ve seen. The biggest reason? It’s 100% scam-free. Their team manually reviews every single listing before it ever goes live.

Additionally, FlexJobs charges both parties: job seekers pay to apply, and employers pay to post their job openings. 

Pros of FlexJobs

• Clean, ad-free experience: No pop-ups, distractions, or irrelevant job ads
• Manually vetted listings: Job posts are reviewed by a real human before going live
• Scam-free environment: High trust platform with fraud protection baked in
• Remote, hybrid, and flexible jobs: Ideal for location-independent professionals
• Consistently high-quality roles: Fewer low-paying or spammy gigs
• High customer satisfaction: Strong ratings from both employers and job seekers

Cons of FlexJobs

• Most jobs are U.S.-based: Global users may find fewer opportunities
• Paid access for job seekers: Plans start at $2.95 for a trial, then monthly
• High fees for employers: $399/month makes it less accessible for clients
  

FlexJobs vs. Fiverr

Fiverr is fast-paced, super competitive, and all about service packages. But yeah, you’ll run into the occasional scammer there. FlexJobs, on the other hand, feels like the cleanest, safest way to job hunt. No scams, just flexible roles: remote, part-time, or full-time.

Cut your commission by 4x with Ruul Space!

Your freelance income should actually feel like yours.

Handing over 20% of what you worked so hard for—just to make a sale on some platform hurts (and honestly, it should). No matter which site you’re on, sometimes you just need the courage to look at alternatives.

So what happens when you switch to Ruul Space?

You do everything you’re already doing on Fiverr, but at a quarter of the cost. Whatever you sell: digital products, online services, subscriptions.. we only take 5% per transaction.

And it’s not just about lower fees:

• You stay compliant with global data regulations
• You get automatic invoicing
• You stop chasing clients for payments
• You get paid within 1 day, max
• You build a legit portfolio
• You sell in 190 countries, in 140+ currencies

Try Ruul Space free today.