If you’re a freelancer, you’ve probably heard of both Fiverr and Upwork. They’re two of the most popular freelance marketplaces out there, but which one is better for you?
To answer that, let’s focus on three things that matter most to freelancers: your ability to get clients, platform fees, and how long it takes to get paid.
Keep reading to find out which one might be the better fit for you as a freelancer!
Table of Contents
- Fiverr vs. Upwork: Which Should You Try Out?
- How Hard Is it to Find Clients on Fiverr Vs. Upwork?
- Fiver vs. Upwork: Who Charges More in Fees?
- Why Upwork’s Freelancer Fees Can Feel Frustrating
- Fiverr vs. UpWork: Payment Methods
- Fiverr vs. Upwork: Speed of Payment
- Fiverr vs. Upwork: Which is best for Freelancers?
Fiverr vs. Upwork: Which Should You Try Out?
In full transparency, I’ve only freelanced on Upwork. That said, I’ve hired people on Fiverr and know quite a few freelancers who work there, too.
That combo gives me a pretty good perspective on why different people are drawn to each platform. I’ve also done plenty of research for this post, so you’re getting a well-rounded look.
Here are a few types of freelancers who might prefer one over the other:
You might like Fiverr if:
- You understand SEO and can optimize your gigs to get found
- You’re open to paying for ads to get your first clients and reviews
- You offer a “cookie cutter” service like writing or graphic design
- You prefer minimal back-and-forth with clients
- You can deliver work fast (usually within 3 days)
- You’re not picky about the type of projects or clients
You might like Upwork if:
- You handle more complex or long-term projects (like web design)
- You need a lot of client feedback as you work
- You’re confident writing custom proposals
- You want more control over which clients you take on
Of course, these aren’t hard rules. You can try both platforms and see what works best. Some freelancers even tailor their services to each platform’s vibe.
How Hard Is it to Find Clients on Fiverr Vs. Upwork?
Fiverr and Upwork take very different approaches to how freelancers get work.
On Fiverr, you post “gigs” that describe your services, and clients browse and decide who to hire. On Upwork, it’s the opposite; you apply to specific jobs posted by clients using a virtual currency called “connects.”
This setup alone makes Upwork more beginner-friendly. Being able to apply directly to projects gives you more control, especially when you’re just starting out.
If you are new to freelancing, I would recommend you also read my article on which freelancing websites are best for beginners! In this post, I cover the 7 most popular platforms and share which one is the most beginner-friendly.
Upwork Is Easier to Find Clients Because You Can Actively Apply
The first freelancing platform I ever signed up for was Upwork, and I will say it has changed a lot since I made my first $400!
When it comes to finding clients, I like Upwork more than Fiverr. That is because you can tailor your offerings to clients based on the project overviews they provide. It is easier to sell services when you can speak directly to the client before they make a purchasing decision. Additionally, you are in a better position to charge higher rates because you can really speak to your qualifications.
All of this can set you up for success on the platform. Of course, the downside is that everyone else can do the same! That is why it is important to be very thoughtful about how you find clients on Upwork.
Fiverr Is Harder to Find Clients Because It Is Passive
Getting started on Fiverr is technically simple. You create a profile, write up your service listings, and wait for clients to find you.
But that “waiting” part can be tough. With so many similar listings, standing out is hard unless you take extra steps. Some freelancers start by lowering their rates just to get a few good reviews. Others invest in ads to get more visibility.
If you’re not doing either of those things, it can be pretty slow going, especially in crowded fields like VA work or content creation. That said, specialists or those with strong proof of past work sometimes see faster results.
Fiver vs. Upwork: Who Charges More in Fees?
In this category, Fiverr definitely wins. That makes sense, considering it was originally known for $5 gigs. Even though pricing has evolved, Fiverr still leans heavily into affordability.
It’s also way easier to understand Fiverr’s fees. Upwork, on the other hand, feels like doing your taxes, with none of the refund excitement.
Let’s break it down:
Fiverr Charges the Lowest Fees
As of 2021, Fiverr updated its fee structure for the better. Now, they charge just 5.5% on orders over $50. For smaller orders, there’s a flat $2 “small order” fee.
That’s it. No tiers or weird breakdowns. Just low, predictable fees; something freelancers of all levels can appreciate.
Upwork Charges More Upfront AND Ongoing
Upwork’s fee structure is based on how much you’ve earned with a specific client:
- 20% on the first $500
- 10% from $500.01 to $10,000
- 5% after $10,000.01
This means most freelancers end up paying 20% for a long time, unless they land a high-paying or repeat client. While that’s possible, I’ll be honest: only one of my clients has ever made it into the 10% bracket.
Why Upwork’s Freelancer Fees Can Feel Frustrating
Here’s my take: Upwork seems to structure its fees to maximize revenue from newer freelancers. Their tiered system might be intended to reward long-term relationships, but it often backfires.
Most beginners get discouraged by that 20% cut, especially if they’re already underpricing to win work. For newer freelancers, every dollar counts.
If Upwork adopted a more gradual fee system, kind of like how U.S. income tax works, it could actually help them in the long run. Experienced freelancers are more likely to stick around, and lower fees would encourage beginners to do the same.
Fiverr vs. UpWork: Payment Methods
This one goes to Upwork. They’ve been around longer and are built with international freelancers in mind.
Both platforms use third parties like PayPal and Payoneer, which helps with accessibility. But Upwork edges out Fiverr with more payout options and supported currencies. That can be a big deal when you’re trying to avoid extra transfer fees.
Upwork Offers the Most Payment Methods and Currencies
Upwork is truly global. You can get paid in over 15 currencies and across 70+ countries. I usually stick with direct deposit in the U.S., but as someone who travels, I love having the option to use an international account.
Payment options include:
- US Direct Deposit
- International Direct Deposit
- Payoneer
- PayPal
- US Dollar Transfer
- M-PESA (for freelancers in eligible countries)
Each method has different fees, so it’s worth reviewing those before you decide.
Fiverr Offers Limited Payment Currencies (When Compared to Upwork!)
According to their website, Fiverr allows you to withdraw funds in 6 currencies. This is significantly less than Upwork, though they do cover most of the western currencies for those of you who are located in these areas or have accounts that can accept these currencies.
Here are the 6 currencies Fiverr offers payouts in:
- USD ($)
- Euro (€)
- British Pound (£)
- Australian Dollar (A$)
- Canadian Dollar (C$)
- Israeli Shekel (₪)
I will note that Fiverr does allow you to withdraw through third parties (Payoneer and PayPal), which may be able to convert to your local currency if you have these kinds of accounts already! As with any payment method, there may be additional fees associated so be sure to take this into account when setting your prices.
Fiverr vs. Upwork: Speed of Payment
This one’s a little trickier to compare, since the platforms handle payments differently. Upwork offers both hourly and fixed-rate contracts, while Fiverr runs on set-price gigs.
For a fair comparison, I’ll focus on fixed-rate payouts from Upwork vs. standard gigs on Fiverr.
Both platforms now offer faster payouts than they used to, especially for experienced freelancers. It’s clear they’re trying to stay competitive and make things easier for top talent.
Upwork Can Pay Out in as Fast as 5 Days!
For fixed-price contracts, Upwork releases funds just 5 days after the client approves the work.
That’s pretty quick! Hourly contracts take a bit longer, usually 10 days, because of the way Upwork processes weekly timesheets. I’ll admit, most of the jobs I see on Upwork are hourly, but you can filter listings by type if speed matters to you.
Fiverr Takes Longer, With a 7-Day Payout Period
Fiverr holds your funds for 7 days after an order is marked complete. While it’s a bit longer than Upwork’s fastest option, it’s still a pretty reasonable turnaround, especially for a platform that doesn’t require any client communication upfront.
Fiverr vs. Upwork: Which is best for Freelancers?
After considering the three categories listed, I would have to say that Upwork is the best overall platform for experienced freelancers. For newer freelancers, your mileage may vary a bit more because you will need to really be selling yourself no matter what platform you use!
Upwork is the better platform for freelancers because they offer more payment options, faster payouts, and it is easier to find clients. They may loose in the fee category, but this is really a platform for more professional freelancers or those who run a freelancing business.
Fiverr is still a great option for freelancers who want to put together packages and have their clients select from their set offerings. This can make it a bit simpler since they are able to do the same work over and over again, even if it is harder to get started on this platform.
Have you tried Upwork or Fiverr? Which freelancing platform do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below!
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