The 8 Best Upwork Alternatives of 2023

Daniel Ramsey
15 min readJun 5, 2023

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The gig economy has been booming for several years now, and freelancers are in high demand. While Upwork has often been the go-to platform for both employers and freelancers, it’s not the only option available. There are several Upwork competitors that provide both similar and unique features, benefits, and job opportunities.

It’s essential to note that not every service is a one size fits all. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at eight of the best alternative services to Upwork that you can use to find work or hire talent, such as virtual assistants.

These alternative platforms offer industry-specific services and cater to the needs of both freelancers and employers. Some platforms focus on quality over quantity, while others offer a wide variety of specialized jobs and tasks. No matter what your skill set or industry, there’s an Upwork alternative out there that can meet your needs. We’ll be exploring the pros and cons of each platform, their payment structures, and the overall experience of using them.

So, if you’re looking to expand your horizons beyond Upwork or simply want to explore other options, read on to discover the top eight Upwork competitors.

The 8 Best Upwork Alternatives For Hiring Virtual Professionals

  1. MyOutDesk
  2. Fiverr
  3. Zirtual
  4. Toptal
  5. Freelancer
  6. 20Four7VA
  7. Hubstaff Talent
  8. PeoplePerHour

What is Upwork?

Upwork is an online platform that connects freelancers and employers from all around the world. It offers a wide range of services, including graphic design, writing, programming, data entry, and more. Upwork makes it easy for employers to find qualified freelancers, and for freelancers to find new job opportunities.

The platform provides a messaging system, time tracking, and secure payments to ensure smooth communication and transactions between parties. Additionally, Upwork offers a rating and review system that helps freelancers build their reputation and allows employers to make informed hiring decisions.

Despite the many benefits of using Upwork, there are still some reasons why a professional might be looking for alternatives. One common issue is the platform’s high fees, which can range from 5% to 20% depending on the size and duration of the project. Another reason is the high competition among freelancers, making it challenging for new freelancers to land their first job.

Additionally, the platform has been criticized for its customer support and dispute resolution system, which can lead to frustrating experiences for both freelancers and employers. Lastly, some professionals might prefer Upwork alternatives that offer more specialized services or cater to a particular industry or skill set.

1. MyOutDesk

MyOutDesk is a leading virtual assistant company that offers a wide range of services to businesses of all sizes. They specialize in providing high-quality virtual assistants that can help companies grow their operations and increase their productivity. Unlike Upwork, MyOutDesk takes a more personalized approach when hiring virtual assistants, providing clients with dedicated, thoroughly vetted assistants that work exclusively for them.

One of the key advantages of MyOutDesk is its rigorous screening and hiring process. They only hire experienced professionals with proven track records, ensuring clients get the best possible virtual assistants. This approach is different from Upwork, where freelancers are often competing with each other for jobs, and employers have to sift through dozens of applications to find the right fit. With MyOutDesk, clients can rest assured that they’re getting a highly skilled and experienced virtual assistant that is dedicated to their business.

Another advantage of MyOutDesk is its comprehensive onboarding process and its proprietary MyTimeIn software. This allows them to emphasize reliability, by giving clients full transparency and control when it comes to their hired assistants’ progress, timesheet, and whereabouts. This approach is different from Upwork, where freelancers are responsible for their own training and development, with little to no oversight. Overall, MyOutDesk offers a personalized and comprehensive approach to virtual assistant services that sets them apart from other platforms like Upwork.

Pricing: Starting at $1,988/month for 40 hours per week

Pros

  • Cost Savings: MyOutdesk can provide cost savings by offering virtual assistants at a lower cost compared to hiring full-time in-house employees.
  • Scalability: MyOutdesk allows for easy scalability, allowing businesses to quickly adjust the number of virtual assistants based on their needs.
  • Expertise and Specialization: MyOutdesk offers access to a wide range of skilled professionals who specialize in various areas, providing businesses with specialized expertise without the need for extensive training.

Cons

  • Communication Challenges: There may be potential communication challenges when working with virtual assistants who are located remotely, leading to potential misinterpretations or delays.
  • Cultural Differences: Virtual assistants from MyOutdesk may come from different cultural backgrounds, which could potentially result in differences in work style, values, or understanding of certain tasks.
  • Data Security and Confidentiality: Outsourcing tasks to a third-party service like MyOutdesk raises concerns about data security and confidentiality, as sensitive business information may be exposed to external entities.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a popular freelance marketplace that connects businesses and individuals with freelance professionals for a wide range of services. Fiverr primarily offers a platform for individuals to buy and sell various digital services, including graphics design, content writing, programming, digital marketing, and more.

The platform provides a user-friendly interface that allows buyers to browse and select from thousands of freelance professionals based on their specific needs. Fiverr also offers various features such as communication tools, order tracking, and seller ratings to ensure smooth transactions.

Compared to other Upwork competitors, Fiverr stands out as a freelance platform that can be an attractive choice for businesses seeking quick and affordable creative and digital services. Fiverr’s gig-based marketplace offers fixed-priced services, allowing businesses to easily browse and select specific services that meet their immediate needs without the hassle of negotiating rates or extensive project management.

With its emphasis on creative expertise and a vast pool of freelancers, Fiverr can be a convenient option for businesses looking for quick turnaround times, cost-effective solutions, and a streamlined hiring process.

Price: Starting at $18/month, + individual freelancer fees

Pros

  • Wide Range of Freelancers: Fiverr offers a vast pool of freelancers with diverse skills, allowing businesses to find specialized talent for various tasks.
  • Competitive Pricing: Fiverr’s marketplace fosters competition among freelancers, leading to competitive pricing and potentially cost-effective solutions for businesses.
  • Quick Turnaround: Freelancers on Fiverr often provide fast turnaround times, enabling businesses to complete projects or tasks within tight deadlines.

Cons

  • Quality Control: Due to the open nature of the platform, the quality of work on Fiverr can vary, and it may require careful evaluation to find reliable and skilled freelancers.
  • Communication Challenges: Communication with freelancers on Fiverr can sometimes be challenging due to language barriers or differences in time zones, leading to potential delays or misunderstandings.
  • Limited Project Management: Fiverr primarily focuses on individual tasks or projects, making it less suitable for complex, long-term projects that require extensive collaboration and project management.

3. Zirtual

Zirtual and Upwork are two platforms that provide access to virtual assistants and other remote professionals. Zirtual offers a more personalized approach to virtual assistant services, where clients are assigned a dedicated assistant who works with them on an ongoing basis. The platform provides a range of services, including email management, scheduling, research, administrative, and social media management, among others.

Additionally, Zirtual offers features such as customized workflows and team management tools to ensure seamless collaboration between clients and their assistants.

Unlike Upwork, where businesses have to actively search and hire freelancers on a project-by-project basis, Zirtual assigns a dedicated assistant who becomes an integrated part of the client’s team, fostering a stronger and more consistent working relationship. This personalized approach, along with Zirtual’s emphasis on professional assistance and time-saving benefits, makes it an appealing choice for businesses seeking long-term support and seamless collaboration.

While both Zirtual and Upwork offer access to remote professionals, the choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the client. If a client requires ongoing, personalized assistance, Zirtual may be the better choice, while Upwork may be better suited for clients with project-based needs.

Price: Starting at $549/month for 12 hours

Pros

  • Dedicated Virtual Assistants: Zirtual provides dedicated virtual assistants who work exclusively with individual clients, offering personalized support and a strong understanding of their needs.
  • Time Savings: By outsourcing tasks to Zirtual, businesses can save time and focus on core activities, as virtual assistants handle administrative and operational tasks.
  • Flexibility and Scalability: Zirtual allows businesses to easily scale their virtual assistant support as their needs change, providing flexibility and adaptability.

Cons

  • Cost: The cost of using Zirtual services can be relatively higher compared to other virtual assistant options, potentially limiting affordability for some businesses.
  • Limited Availability: Zirtual’s availability may be limited to certain regions, which could restrict access to their services for businesses outside those areas.
  • Dependency on a Single Point of Contact: Relying on a single virtual assistant from Zirtual may pose risks if that individual is unavailable or leaves the company, potentially disrupting the workflow and continuity of tasks.

4. Toptal

Toptal is another platform that connects businesses with freelancers and remote professionals. Toptal offers access to a curated network of top-tier freelancers in fields such as software development, design, and finance. The platform employs a rigorous screening process that ensures that clients have access to high-quality talent.

Toptal also provides project management tools and support to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and effectively. Additionally, Toptal offers flexible engagement models, allowing clients to hire freelancers for short-term projects or long-term partnerships.

Toptal stands out by providing businesses with a curated pool of thoroughly vetted professionals who possess exceptional technical skills and industry expertise. Unlike Upwork, where finding the right freelancer can be a time-consuming process, Toptal streamlines the hiring experience by matching businesses with pre-screened talent tailored to their specific project requirements.

While Toptal and Upwork offer access to freelance talent, Toptal may be the better choice for clients who require top-tier talent and personalized support, while Upwork may be a better fit for clients with a wider range of project needs and budget constraints.

Price: $500 deposit + $80 to $230/hour

Pros

  • High-Quality Talent: Toptal is known for its rigorous screening process, ensuring that clients have access to top-tier, pre-vetted talent in various fields.
  • Flexibility and Scalability: Toptal allows businesses to quickly scale their team by hiring freelancers with the specific skills they need, providing flexibility in managing projects.
  • Project Management Support: Toptal offers project management resources to assist with coordinating and overseeing freelance teams, helping to ensure successful project execution.

Cons

  • Higher Cost: Toptal’s high-quality talent comes at a premium price, making it relatively more expensive compared to other freelance platforms or talent-sourcing options.
  • Longer Onboarding Process: Due to the rigorous screening process, it may take longer to onboard freelancers from Toptal compared to other platforms, potentially delaying project start dates.
  • Limited Pool of Specialized Skills: While Toptal provides access to top talent, the available pool may be limited for highly specialized or niche skill sets, making it more challenging to find specific expertise.

5. Freelancer

Freelancer and Upwork are two popular platforms that provide access to freelancers and remote workers across various industries. Freelancer offers a range of services, including website design, writing, data entry, and programming, among others.

The platform allows clients to post projects and receive bids from freelancers around the world, providing a diverse pool of talent to choose from. Additionally, Freelancer offers features such as messaging and project tracking to ensure smooth communication and collaboration between clients and freelancers.

Compared to other Upwork competitors, Freelancer is a freelance platform that offers businesses a large global talent pool at competitive rates. Freelancer stands out as a cost-effective option, particularly for businesses with tighter budgets, as it often features lower bidding prices and allows for more competitive pricing among freelancers.

Compared to other Upwork competitors, Freelancer is best for businesses seeking cost-effective freelance services with a wide range of expertise and industries, making it a suitable choice for diverse project requirements and tighter budgets.

Price: Free to join + individual project-based fees

Pros

  • Large Talent Pool: Freelancer offers a vast pool of freelancers with diverse skills, providing businesses with a wide range of options to choose from.
  • Competitive Pricing: Freelancer’s marketplace fosters competition among freelancers, leading to competitive pricing and potentially cost-effective solutions for businesses.
  • Project Variety: Freelancer allows businesses to find freelancers for various projects, ranging from small one-time tasks to long-term contracts.

Cons

  • Quality Control: The quality of work on Freelancer can vary widely, and businesses need to carefully vet freelancers to ensure they meet their quality standards.
  • Communication Challenges: Communication with freelancers on Freelancer may be challenging at times due to language barriers, time zone differences, or inconsistent availability, leading to potential delays or misunderstandings.
  • Dispute Resolution: In the event of disputes or unsatisfactory outcomes, resolving issues with freelancers on Freelancer can be complex and time-consuming, potentially causing project disruptions.

6. 20Four7VA

20Four7VA is another service that provides access to virtual assistant services and other remote professionals. 20Four7VA specializes in providing virtual assistant services to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and busy professionals. The platform offers a range of services, including email management, social media management, bookkeeping, and administrative support, among others.

They employ a team-based approach to virtual assistant services, ensuring that clients have access to a range of skills and expertise to meet their specific needs.

Compared to other Upwork competitors, 20Four7VA is a preferred choice for businesses seeking a dedicated and reliable virtual assistant service. Unlike broader freelance platforms like Upwork, 20Four7VA specializes in providing highly trained virtual assistants who can seamlessly integrate into a business’s operations, offering personalized and consistent support.

By offering a more focused and hands-on approach, 20Four7VA can provide businesses with the peace of mind and convenience of having a dedicated virtual assistant who understands their specific needs and can efficiently handle various tasks, leading to increased productivity and smoother workflow.

Price: $99 setup fee + hourly rates for VAs vary

Pros

  • Experienced Virtual Assistants: 20Four7VA provides experienced virtual assistants who have undergone comprehensive training, ensuring a high level of expertise and professionalism.
  • Customized Solutions: 20Four7VA offers personalized solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses, providing a flexible and customized virtual assistant experience.
  • Wide Range of Services: 20Four7VA covers a broad range of services, including administrative tasks, customer support, social media management, and more, offering comprehensive support for various business needs.

Cons

  • Cost: The cost of using 20Four7VA services might be higher compared to other virtual assistant options, potentially limiting affordability for some businesses.
  • Limited Availability: 20Four7VA’s availability may be limited to certain regions, which could restrict access to their services for businesses outside those areas.
  • Dependency on a Single Provider: Relying on a single virtual assistant service provider like 20Four7VA may pose risks if there are issues with the assigned assistant or if the company experiences disruptions or closure.

7. Hubstaff Talent

Hubstaff Talent is another service that provides freelance and remote workers across various industries. Hubstaff Talent specializes in providing a streamlined approach to finding and hiring top-tier remote talent. The platform offers a curated network of freelancers and remote professionals in fields such as software development, design, writing, and marketing, among others.

Hubstaff Talent also provides features such as time tracking, invoicing, and project management tools to help clients manage their projects efficiently and effectively.

Compared to other Upwork competitors, Hubstaff Talent is best for businesses looking for a streamlined hiring process and a more direct connection with freelancers. Hubstaff Talent eliminates the need for middlemen and fees by providing a platform where businesses can directly connect and collaborate with freelancers.

This direct approach fosters a stronger sense of trust and enables businesses to have more control over the hiring process and project management. With a focus on simplicity and transparency, Hubstaff Talent offers businesses the freedom to work with freelancers on their own terms, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more hands-on and efficient freelance experience.

Price: Free for 1 user, starts at $5.83/month for additional users

Pros

  • Global Access to Talent: Hubstaff Talent provides access to a global pool of freelancers, allowing businesses to find talent from different locations and diverse skill sets.
  • No Middleman Fees: Hubstaff Talent does not charge any fees or commissions, allowing businesses to work directly with freelancers and potentially reduce costs.
  • Transparent Work Monitoring: Hubstaff Talent offers built-in time tracking and activity monitoring tools, providing transparency and helping businesses ensure accountability and productivity.

Cons

  • Limited Skill Specialization: Hubstaff Talent may have limited availability for highly specialized or niche skill sets, making it more challenging to find specific expertise.
  • Limited Vetting Process: Hubstaff Talent has a relatively simpler vetting process compared to other platforms, potentially requiring businesses to invest more time in evaluating the suitability and quality of freelancers.
  • Less Robust Project Management Features: Hubstaff Talent’s project management features may be less comprehensive compared to dedicated project management tools, requiring businesses to supplement with additional tools or processes for efficient collaboration.

8. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour specializes in connecting businesses with freelance professionals for project-based work, such as website design, social media marketing, and content creation and other digital marketing tasks.others. The platform offers a range of features, including time tracking, messaging, and dispute resolution, to ensure that clients have access to the right talent for their specific needs.

Compared to other Upwork competitors, PeoplePerHour is best for businesses seeking a platform that specializes in project-based work and quick turnaround times. PeoplePerHour is known for its focus on small to medium-sized projects, allowing businesses to find freelancers who can deliver fast results within tight deadlines.

With a strong emphasis on quality and efficiency, PeoplePerHour can be an ideal choice for businesses looking for quick solutions and rapid execution of their projects. The platform’s project-based approach and emphasis on time-sensitive tasks make it an appealing option for businesses seeking to accomplish specific objectives promptly and effectively.

Price: Starts at $10/month for 15 job listings

Pros

  • Wide Range of Freelancers: PeoplePerHour offers a diverse pool of freelancers with various skills, making it easier for businesses to find specialized talent for specific projects.
  • Competitive Pricing: PeoplePerHour’s platform encourages freelancers to offer competitive pricing, potentially providing cost-effective solutions for businesses.
  • Escrow Protection: PeoplePerHour offers escrow protection, ensuring that payments are only released to freelancers upon project completion and satisfaction.

Cons

  • Quality Control: The quality of work on PeoplePerHour can vary, and businesses need to carefully assess freelancers’ portfolios and reviews to ensure they meet their quality standards.
  • Communication Challenges: Communication with freelancers on PeoplePerHour can sometimes be challenging due to language barriers or inconsistent availability, leading to potential delays or misunderstandings.
  • Fee Structure: PeoplePerHour charges service fees and transaction fees, which can add to the overall cost for businesses using the platform.

Additional Niche Upwork Alternatives

Below are 5 more companies that may be worthwhile alternatives to Upwork for you. Each offers a variety of similar as well as unique services.

  1. Guru: An online marketplace that connects freelancers with businesses seeking their services. It offers a wide range of categories, including programming, design, writing, marketing, and more. Guru also provides tools for managing projects and payments.
  2. 99designs: A platform specifically focused on graphic design services. It connects businesses with a community of designers who can create logos, websites, branding materials, and more. Clients can launch design contests or work directly with individual designers.
  3. Workana: A freelance marketplace that primarily serves the Latin American market. It connects businesses with freelancers in various fields, including programming, design, writing, marketing, and more. Workana offers features such as project management tools and time tracking.
  4. Twine: A global freelance marketplace that focuses on creative services, including graphic design, music production, writing, animation, and more. It enables businesses to browse portfolios and collaborate directly with freelancers.
  5. DesignCrowd: A crowdsourcing platform that connects businesses with a global community of designers. It specializes in graphic design services, such as logo design, website design, print materials, and more. Clients can launch design contests and receive multiple design options.

Upwork Alternatives: The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for alternatives to Upwork, there are plenty of platforms available to connect you with freelance professionals across various industries. We explored eight of the biggest names in this industry, all of which can provide similar functionalities and opportunities to find the right talent for your projects. To make the most of this knowledge, it’s important to assess your specific project requirements, budget, and timeline.

Consider the expertise and skill set you’re looking for in a freelancer, as well as the level of support and project management tools offered by each platform. Take the time to research and compare the platforms mentioned, reading reviews and exploring their features, to identify the one that aligns best with your needs.

By leveraging these alternative platforms, you can find the right talent and kick-start your projects with confidence. Remember, the freelance marketplace is constantly evolving, so staying informed about new platforms and trends can be invaluable to expanding your network and accessing a broader range of freelance professionals.

We hope this article helps you do exactly that! Good luck on your freelancing journey, and use this link to request a free consultation if you’re interested in learning even more.

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Daniel Ramsey

Daniel Ramsey is an entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of MyOutDesk, a company that provides virtual staffing solutions to businesses in various industries.