Upwork vs. Freelancer — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Upwork emphasizes a secure and structured platform with comprehensive job success scores, while Freelancer often features a wider variety of projects and competitive bidding.
Difference Between Upwork and Freelancer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Upwork operates with a focus on longer-term projects and higher-paying clients, whereas Freelancer caters to both short-term gigs and larger projects, making it appealing for rapid engagements.
Upwork uses a sliding fee scale that decreases as earnings with a single client increase, on the other hand, Freelancer charges a fixed fee percentage, which may affect freelancers' earnings on larger projects.
The interface on Upwork is designed for ease of use and professional interactions, whereas Freelancer's platform can sometimes feel cluttered due to the sheer volume of available projects and bids.
Upwork provides detailed feedback and job success scores that help freelancers build credibility, while Freelancer allows for more frequent and varied project turnovers, which can be advantageous for new entrants.
Security measures on Upwork include a robust verification system for both freelancers and clients, whereas Freelancer also provides a safe environment but with slightly less stringent checks.
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Comparison Chart
Project Type
Longer-term, higher-budget projects
Short-term and diverse project engagements
Fee Structure
Sliding scale based on earnings with each client
Fixed percentage regardless of project size
User Interface
Streamlined and professional
Busy and diverse
Feedback System
Detailed job success scores and client feedback
Rapid turnover and varied feedback
Security Measures
High-level verification processes
Standard safety measures
Compare with Definitions
Upwork
Known for its job success score system.
Mia’s job success score on Upwork helped her land more prestigious jobs.
Freelancer
Charges a fixed percentage fee.
Freelancer took a 10% fee from Sarah’s project earnings.
Upwork
Online platform connecting freelancers with clients for various services.
John secured a long-term graphic design project on Upwork.
Freelancer
A competitive bidding platform for freelance jobs.
Tom won a website design project on Freelancer with his competitive bid.
Upwork
Prioritizes detailed client-freelancer matching.
Upwork matched Lisa with a client looking specifically for her coding skills.
Freelancer
Provides basic project management tools.
Freelancer provided tools for Jason to track his project progress effectively.
Upwork
Emphasizes secure transactions.
Upwork ensured all payments were held securely until project milestones were completed.
Freelancer
Offers a wide range of project types.
Freelancer listed projects from logo design to software development.
Upwork
Features a sliding fee structure.
As Emma's earnings with a client surpassed $500 on Upwork, her fees decreased.
Freelancer
Suitable for rapid project turnover.
Freelancer helped Nick find multiple small writing jobs in one day.
Upwork
Upwork, formerly Elance-oDesk, is an American freelancing platform. In 2015, the Elance-oDesk merger was rebranded as Upwork and the company's full name is now Upwork Global Inc.
Freelancer
Freelance (sometimes spelled free-lance or free lance), freelancer, or freelance worker, are terms commonly used for a person who is self-employed and not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. Freelance workers are sometimes represented by a company or a temporary agency that resells freelance labor to clients; others work independently or use professional associations or websites to get work.
Freelancer
A person who sells services to employers without a long-term commitment to any of them.
Freelancer
One who freelances
Common Curiosities
What is the main focus of Upwork compared to Freelancer?
Upwork focuses on secure, long-term relationships with higher-paying clients, while Freelancer emphasizes a quick turnover of diverse projects.
Which platform is better for new freelancers?
Freelancer might be better for new freelancers due to its large volume of diverse job listings and easier entry into bidding.
Can you find professional long-term projects on Freelancer?
Yes, though Freelancer is known for quick gigs, there are also opportunities for long-term engagements.
What security measures do Upwork and Freelancer have in place?
Upwork has robust verification processes for freelancers and clients, while Freelancer also ensures security but with less stringent verification.
How does the fee structure differ between Upwork and Freelancer?
Upwork uses a sliding scale fee structure, decreasing as you earn more with a client, while Freelancer charges a fixed percentage.
How do feedback systems on these platforms affect freelancer opportunities?
On Upwork, a good job success score can lead to more prestigious jobs; on Freelancer, rapid feedback can quickly enhance a freelancer's reputation.
How do both platforms handle disputes between freelancers and clients?
Both platforms offer resolution services, though the processes may vary slightly in terms of mediation and arbitration.
Are there any hidden costs associated with these platforms?
Both platforms have clear fee structures, but it's important to note incidental costs like currency conversion or withdrawal fees.
Which platform is preferred for tech-related jobs?
Both platforms offer tech jobs, but Upwork might have more high-value tech projects due to its focus on professional and long-term engagements.
Which platform has a better interface for managing projects?
Upwork’s interface is generally considered more streamlined and easier to navigate for managing ongoing projects.
Is it easier to start as a freelancer on Upwork or Freelancer?
It might be easier to start on Freelancer due to less stringent entry requirements and more frequent project listings.
How do the platforms support freelancers in building their portfolios?
Upwork supports portfolio building with detailed feedback and success scores, while Freelancer allows for a rapid accumulation of diverse projects.
How do the platforms compare in terms of global reach and client diversity?
Both platforms have a global reach, but Freelancer's diverse project types attract a broader range of clients worldwide.
What types of projects are more common on Freelancer compared to Upwork?
Freelancer typically has a wider array of short-term projects compared to the more focused and often larger projects on Upwork.
Which platform offers better opportunities for creative freelancers?
Freelancer offers more opportunities due to its vast array of creative project listings and competitive bidding environment.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
