The best Fiverr alternatives are 1. Upwork, 2. Freelancer.com, 3. PeoplePerHour, 4. Guru, 5. Contra, 6. 99designs, 7. Behance, 8. Dribbble, 9. Toptal, 10. Truelancer, 11. HunarBox and 12. LinkedIn.
These are the main fiverr competitors and websites like Fiverr for both freelancers and clients. Upwork is the closest all-round swap, with hourly and long-term contracts that Fiverr's gig model does not handle well. Contra and LinkedIn let you keep all of your fee, Toptal suits senior specialists, and Behance, Dribbble and 99designs suit designers. Freelancers in India also need a way to get paid: Xflow lets direct clients pay into a local account and settles INR the same day.
Which Fiverr Alternative Is Built for You
- Upwork - Built for freelancers and clients who want hourly, fixed-price and long-term contracts with payment protection.
- Freelancer.com - Built for bidding on projects and entering contests, including local in-person gigs.
- PeoplePerHour - Built for UK and EU clients, with a fee that falls the more you bill each client.
- Guru - Built for freelancers who want a lower commission, from 9% on the free plan, with escrow.
- Contra - Built for creative freelancers who want to keep 100% of their fee.
- 99designs - Built for logo and brand designers who win work through contests or one-to-one projects.
- Behance - Built for designers who want a portfolio that brings clients, with 0% fees on Pro.
- Dribbble - Built for digital and product designers who want to be found through curated work.
- Toptal - Built for senior developers, designers and finance experts who pass a screening that admits about 3%.
- Truelancer - Built for Indian freelancers who want Indian clients and UPI or bank payouts.
- HunarBox - Built for Indian freelancers and clients who want INR pricing and UPI withdrawals.
- LinkedIn - Built for freelancers winning direct clients with no commission at all.
Pick by what you need, as a freelancer or a client:
| If you are a freelancer who wants | If you are a client who wants | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term and hourly contracts | A wide talent pool with payment protection | Upwork |
| To keep your full fee | Low-fee hiring of creative talent | Contra or LinkedIn |
| Premium, vetted clients | Pre-screened senior experts | Toptal |
| Design work through a portfolio or contests | To see several designs before you pay | 99designs, Behance or Dribbble |
| Lower fees as a relationship grows | UK and EU freelancers | PeoplePerHour |
| Indian clients with UPI payouts | Indian freelancers billed in INR | Truelancer or HunarBox |
Sites Like Fiverr Compared
| Platform | How work is found | Freelancer fee | Client fee | Vetting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiverr (baseline) | Gigs that buyers purchase | 20% | 5.5%, plus $3.50 under $200 | Open; Fiverr Pro for vetted sellers |
| Upwork | Proposals, contracts, consultations | 0% to 15% per contract | 3% to 5% (Basic); $0.99 to $14.99 contract fee | Open; Expert-Vetted tier |
| Freelancer.com | Bids and contests | 10% or $5, whichever is higher | 3% or $3 minimum | Minimal |
| PeoplePerHour | Proposals and fixed offers | 20% / 7.5% / 3.5% by amount billed per client | Varies by payment method | Application review |
| Guru | Bids, with SafePay escrow | 9% on the free plan, lower on paid plans | 2.9% handling fee | Open |
| Contra | Profile and direct invites | 0% | Per-payment fee capped at $29 | None |
| 99designs | Contests and one-to-one projects | 5% to 15% by designer level | 5% | Level by track record |
| Behance | Portfolio and hiring | 0% on Pro ($9.99 a month) | 0% when the freelancer is Pro | None |
| Dribbble | Portfolio and project requests | 10% on the first $500, then lower; 0% on annual Pro | Client fee applies | None |
| Toptal | Matched by Toptal | No talent fee | Platform fee from about $79 a month | Multi-stage, about 3% pass |
| Truelancer | Bids and fixed-price services | About 8% to 10% by plan | Varies | Open |
| HunarBox | Proposals | 10% admin commission | Varies | Open |
| Your network and outreach | 0% | 0% | None |
These fiverr like sites are compared on fees from each platform's own pages or help centre where available, plus Upwork's and Codeable's published comparisons, checked 16 October 2026. Fees change, so confirm before you join.
Liked what Xflow offers for receiving your freelance payments? Create your free account and get started in minutes.
Why Freelancers and Clients Look for Fiverr Alternatives
Fiverr works well for small, clearly defined jobs. People move when one of these starts to cost them, as our fiverr review covers in detail.
- The real cut is higher than 20%. Fiverr takes 20% from the seller and the buyer pays 5.5% plus $3.50 on orders under $200. On a $100 order the buyer pays about $109, the seller keeps $80, and Fiverr keeps about 29%.
- Money is held before you can withdraw. Earnings usually clear 14 days after the buyer accepts delivery. A freelancer finishing work on the 1st may not be able to withdraw until the 15th.
- The gig model suits one-off tasks. Hourly work, retainers and projects that change scope fit better on Upwork or a direct contract.
- Competition is heavy. Many sellers offer the same gig, so new freelancers often compete on price.
- Clients want more screening. Anyone can list a gig, so clients hiring for complex work often prefer vetted networks such as Toptal.
The 12 Best Fiverr Alternatives, Reviewed
General Freelance Platforms
1. Upwork
Upwork is the largest general freelance marketplace, with 785,000 active clients in 2025. Clients post jobs and freelancers send proposals, or clients buy fixed services from the Project Catalog. It supports hourly contracts, fixed-price milestones, consultations and contract-to-hire work.
How it compares with Fiverr: Fiverr is built around gigs that buyers pick off a shelf; Upwork is built around conversations and contracts, so it suits work that grows or changes. Freelancers pay a variable 0% to 15% instead of a flat 20%. Our fiverr vs upwork comparison goes through both side by side.
Key features
- A freelancer service fee of 0% to 15% per contract, set when you send the proposal, which replaced the flat 10% in May 2025. Check the fee on each job before you bid.
- Hourly Payment Protection and milestone escrow. Freelancers are paid for approved hours or milestones even when a client goes quiet.
- Freelancer Plus at $19.99 a month adds Connects, job insights and AI proposal help. Busy freelancers bidding often get more chances to win work.
Pros
- Long-term and hourly contracts mean steadier income than single gigs. One good client can last years.
- Indian freelancers can withdraw directly to a local bank. That avoids PayPal's higher fees.
Cons
- Proposals cost Connects, so applying for many jobs costs money before you earn. New freelancers should apply selectively.
- Competition for entry-level jobs is high. A strong profile and portfolio matter more than on Fiverr.
Best for: freelancers and clients who want ongoing, hourly or larger projects.
Verdict: The best all-round Fiverr alternative for both sides.
2. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is a large open marketplace where clients post projects and freelancers bid, or clients run contests and pick the best entry. It also lists local, in-person jobs such as delivery and photography.
How it compares with Fiverr: Fiverr buyers come to you; on Freelancer.com you bid for work. The fee is lower at 10%, but on fixed-price projects it is charged when you accept the job, not when you are paid.
Key features
- A 10% or $5 fee on fixed-price projects, whichever is higher, and 10% on hourly milestones. On a $40 job you pay $5, which is 12.5%.
- Contests where clients choose from many entries. Designers can win work without a long proposal.
- Milestone payments held by the platform. Clients release money as each stage is approved.
Pros
- Contests help new freelancers build a portfolio. A first win gives you work to show future clients.
Cons
- The fee on fixed-price work is taken when you accept the project. Freelancers need some money in the account before they start.
- Vetting is minimal, so clients must screen freelancers themselves. Expect a wide range of quality.
Best for: freelancers building a portfolio through contests and bids.
Verdict: Good for getting started; watch the upfront fee.
3. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a UK-based marketplace across 10 categories. Freelancers apply and are reviewed before they can sell, then send proposals or list fixed-price offers similar to Fiverr gigs.
How it compares with Fiverr: Fiverr's 20% never changes. PeoplePerHour starts at 20% but falls to 7.5% and then 3.5% as you bill more to the same client, so long relationships cost less.
Key features
- Fees tiered by what you have billed each client: 20% up to about $335, 7.5% up to about $6,700, then 3.5%. A long-term client paying $10,000 a year costs you far less than on Fiverr.
- Up to 15 free proposals a month. Freelancers can test the platform without paying to apply.
- Escrow and automatic invoicing. Payments are protected and paperwork is handled.
Pros
- Strong UK and European client base. Good for freelancers who want clients in those time zones.
- The application step keeps the talent pool smaller. Approved freelancers face less price competition.
Cons
- You need approval before you can sell. It can take time to get started.
- The first $335 with each client still costs 20%, the same as Fiverr.
Best for: freelancers who want repeat UK and EU clients.
Verdict: Cheaper than Fiverr once you keep clients.
4. Guru
Guru is an open marketplace that has run since the early 2000s, with SafePay escrow for milestone payments and a lower commission than most rivals.
How it compares with Fiverr: Guru charges 9% on its free plan against Fiverr's 20%, and less on paid memberships. You bid for jobs rather than wait for buyers to find a gig.
Key features
- A 9% job fee on the free Basic plan, with lower fees on paid memberships. On a $1,000 project that is $90 against Fiverr's $200.
- SafePay escrow holds client money until milestones are approved. Freelancers know the client has funded the work.
- Several agreement types: fixed price, hourly, task-based and recurring. You can bill the way the work is done.
Pros
- One of the lowest mainstream commissions. More of each payment stays with you.
Cons
- A smaller client base than Upwork or Fiverr. Expect fewer jobs in some categories.
- The free plan limits bids per month. Active freelancers may need a paid plan.
Best for: freelancers who want low fees with escrow.
Verdict: A low-cost alternative if your category has demand.
5. Contra
Contra is a profile-first platform for independent workers, especially in design, product and marketing. Freelancers pay no commission; clients pay a per-payment fee instead, capped at $29.
How it compares with Fiverr: Fiverr takes 20% from you. Contra takes nothing from the freelancer, which is why the AI Overview names it for zero-commission work.
Key features
- 0% commission for freelancers, with the client paying a capped fee per payment. A $2,000 project keeps $2,000 for you.
- A portfolio-style profile with built-in contracts, invoicing and payments. You can send a client one link to hire and pay you.
- Contra Pro at $29 a month or $199 a year for more visibility and job access. Worth it once you win regular work.
Pros
- You keep your full fee. The saving is largest on big projects.
Cons
- Fewer clients post jobs than on Upwork. You often need to bring your own clients.
- Faster payouts carry an extra fee. Plan cash flow around standard payout timing.
Best for: creative freelancers with their own clients.
Verdict: The best zero-commission swap for Fiverr.
Creative and Design Platforms
6. 99designs by Vista
99designs, owned by Vista, connects clients with designers for logos, brand identity, packaging and web design, through contests or one-to-one projects.
How it compares with Fiverr: Fiverr design gigs are bought one at a time; on 99designs a client can run a contest and see many designs before paying. Designer fees fall as you level up.
Key features
- Designer platform fees of 15% (entry), 10% (mid) and 5% (top level). Building a track record directly lowers your cut.
- Contests where many designers submit concepts. Clients see options before choosing, and winners gain a client.
Pros
- A client base that comes specifically for design. Designers are not competing with every other category.
Cons
- Losing a contest earns nothing. New designers may enter many before winning.
- Only design work, so it does not suit writers or developers.
Best for: logo and brand designers.
Verdict: A strong design-only alternative once you level up.
7. Behance
Behance, owned by Adobe, is the largest portfolio network for creatives, and it now lets clients hire freelancers directly through the platform. A strong freelancer portfolio there brings inbound enquiries.
How it compares with Fiverr: Fiverr sells packaged services; Behance sells your body of work. With Behance Pro, neither you nor the client pays a platform fee on hires.
Key features
- Behance Pro from $9.99 a month removes platform fees for both you and your client. On one $500 project a month, Pro pays for itself many times over.
- Hiring and payments inside Behance, processed by Stripe or PayPal. Clients can contract and pay you without leaving the platform.
Pros
- Your portfolio works for you while you sleep. Good projects keep bringing enquiries.
Cons
- Without Pro, both you and the client pay a platform fee, plus payment processing.
- It rewards strong visual work, so it is slower for beginners without a portfolio.
Best for: designers, illustrators and photographers with a strong portfolio.
Verdict: The best Fiverr alternative for creatives on Pro.
8. Dribbble
Dribbble is a curated showcase for digital, product and UI designers, with job boards and project requests from companies hiring designers.
How it compares with Fiverr: Fiverr clients search gigs; Dribbble clients browse designers' shots and send project requests. Fees were updated on 5 February 2026 and fall to 0% on annual Pro plans.
Key features
- A graduated designer fee for non-Pro members: 10% on the first $500, 7% on the next $500 and 4% above $1,000. A $1,500 project costs $105 against $300 on Fiverr.
- No designer fee on annual Pro Standard or Pro Plus. Regular earners keep the full project value.
Pros
- Product and tech companies hire there for UI and brand work. Clients tend to have bigger budgets.
Cons
- Visibility depends on the quality of your shots. New designers can take months to get noticed.
- Clients also pay a fee, which some factor into the budget they offer.
Best for: UI, product and brand designers.
Verdict: A strong choice for digital designers who want better-paying clients.
Vetted Talent
9. Toptal
Toptal is a vetted network for senior developers, designers, finance experts and project managers. Freelancers pass a multi-stage screening with language, skills, interview and test-project stages that Toptal says only about 3% complete.
How it compares with Fiverr: On Fiverr anyone can sell; on Toptal clients are matched with pre-screened experts by Toptal's team. Freelancers pay no fee, and rates are much higher.
Key features
- No fee for talent; Toptal earns its margin inside the rate the client pays. You do not pay a commission on your earnings.
- Clients are matched with a shortlist by Toptal's recruiters, typically for a platform fee from about $79 a month. Clients skip sorting through hundreds of profiles.
Pros
- Access to well-funded clients and long engagements. Senior freelancers earn rates that rarely appear on gig sites.
Cons
- The screening takes weeks and most applicants fail. It is not for beginners; around two years' experience is suggested.
- Clients pay premium rates. It is costly for small, one-off tasks.
Best for: senior specialists and clients with high-stakes projects.
Verdict: The best Fiverr alternative for experienced experts.
Indian and Direct-Client Options
10. Truelancer
Truelancer is an India-first bidding marketplace covering writing, design, development and admin work, with a largely Indian client base.
How it compares with Fiverr: Fiverr clients are mostly abroad and pay in dollars; Truelancer projects are often in rupees, so there is no currency conversion and payouts can go by UPI.
Key features
- A service fee of about 8% to 10% depending on membership. That is roughly half of Fiverr's 20%.
- Withdrawals to Indian bank accounts by direct transfer or UPI, as well as Payoneer. Rupee earnings reach you without a conversion step.
Pros
- Indian clients mean the same time zone and faster communication. Projects move quicker.
Cons
- Budgets are smaller and more price-sensitive than on global platforms. Rates can be lower.
- Few premium or enterprise clients compared with Upwork or Toptal.
Best for: Indian freelancers serving Indian clients.
Verdict: Worth adding alongside a global platform.
11. HunarBox
HunarBox is an Indian freelance platform built for Indian freelancers, students and small businesses, with prices in rupees and withdrawals by UPI or wire transfer.
How it compares with Fiverr: HunarBox takes a 10% admin commission against Fiverr's 20% and pays out in INR. It is newer and much smaller, so there are fewer clients.
Key features
- A 10% admin commission on proposals. On a ₹10,000 project you keep ₹9,000.
- INR pricing with UPI withdrawals. Money reaches your account through the payment app you already use.
Pros
- Built for local work, so clients and freelancers are in the same market and currency.
Cons
- A small, new client base. Do not rely on it as your only source of work.
- Little independent review history yet. Start with small projects.
Best for: Indian freelancers starting with local clients.
Verdict: A low-fee local option to try alongside bigger platforms.
12. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is not a marketplace, but it is the strongest channel for winning direct clients with no commission. You publish work, network and pitch, and clients hire and pay you directly.
How it compares with Fiverr: Fiverr takes 20%; LinkedIn takes nothing. In return, you handle contracts, invoices and getting paid yourself.
Key features
- No commission on work you win. You keep the full fee.
- A Services page and optional Premium tools for prospecting. You can be found by people searching for your skill.
Pros
- You own the client relationship. No platform can suspend your access to the client.
- It positions you as a specialist rather than one of many sellers competing on price.
Cons
- It is slow to start, because it rewards steady posting and outreach.
- There is no escrow, so agree payment terms and take a deposit before you start.
Best for: experienced freelancers building a personal brand.
Verdict: The highest-margin route over time.
What You Keep From a $100 Job on Each Platform
The freelancer's share of the same $100 job, before any payout or currency costs.
| Platform | Fee on a $100 job | You keep |
|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | 20% | $80 |
| Upwork | 0% to 15% | $85 to $100 |
| Freelancer.com | 10% | $90 |
| PeoplePerHour (new client) | 20% | $80 (rising to $96.50 as you bill more) |
| Guru (free plan) | 9% | $91 |
| Contra | 0% (client pays) | $100 |
| 99designs | 5% to 15% by level | $85 to $95 |
| Behance Pro | 0% | $100 (Pro costs $9.99 a month) |
| Dribbble (non-Pro) | 10% | $90 |
| Truelancer | About 8% to 10% | About $90 to $92 |
| HunarBox | 10% | $90 |
| LinkedIn (direct client) | 0% | $100 |
Payout costs come on top. In India, a PayPal withdrawal can cost 4.4% plus 30¢ and a conversion margin, which is covered next.
The Best Fiverr Alternative for Your Skill
Most freelancers choose by the work they do. Match your skill to where clients for it actually look.
| Your skill | Where to look first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Software and web development | Upwork, Toptal | Hourly contracts and vetted senior roles; Codeable for WordPress specialists |
| AI, chatbots and AI video | Upwork | Upwork reports demand for AI video up 329% and chatbots up 71% in 2026 |
| Logo, brand and visual design | 99designs, Behance, Dribbble | Clients come to these sites for design and judge you by your portfolio |
| Writing and content | Upwork, Contra, LinkedIn | Retainers and direct clients pay more than one-off writing gigs |
| Marketing and ads | Upwork, PeoplePerHour, Contra | Monthly retainers; PeoplePerHour fees fall to 3.5% with repeat clients |
| Virtual assistance and admin | Upwork, Freelancer.com, Truelancer | Large volume of hourly and Indian-client work |
| Local, in-person tasks | Freelancer.com | One of the few that lists in-person jobs such as delivery and photography |
How to Move From Fiverr Without Losing Income
Switching works best when you add a platform rather than leave overnight. Follow these steps.
- 1. Keep your Fiverr account active. Your gig reviews cannot be moved to another site, so keep earning there while the new profile builds up.
- 2. Do not take Fiverr clients off the platform. Fiverr's terms restrict moving clients you met on Fiverr to other payment routes, and breaking them can get your account suspended.
- 3. Pick one or two new platforms, not five. Use the skill table above, then complete every profile field, add three to five portfolio samples and set a clear rate.
- 4. Take small first jobs to earn reviews. A handful of five-star reviews on the new platform matters more than a low price later.
- 5. Collect testimonials from direct clients. Ask past clients for a LinkedIn recommendation, which no platform can take away.
- 6. Set up how you will get paid before the first job. In India, connect a local bank on Upwork, or a receiving account such as Xflow for direct clients abroad, so your first payment does not wait on paperwork.
Getting Paid in India on Fiverr and Its Alternatives
For Indian freelancers, the platform fee is only half the cost. How the money reaches your bank decides the rest.
| Route | Cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Fiverr to Payoneer, then to your bank | Payout fee per transfer, plus 1.2% to 4% currency conversion on withdrawal | Fiverr's bank transfer option in India runs through Payoneer |
| Fiverr or other platforms to PayPal | 4.4% + 30¢ on international receipts, plus up to 4% on converting to INR | The most expensive route on large amounts |
| Upwork direct to your Indian bank | Upwork's withdrawal fee only | Avoids PayPal's charges |
| Direct client (LinkedIn, Contra, repeat clients) to Xflow | $12 flat up to $2,000, then 0.6% (Starter), at the mid-market rate | Client pays a local US, UK or EU account; INR next business day with an eFIRA |
Xflow is not a freelance marketplace; it is how direct clients pay you once you have won the work. Your client gets local account details, as described in our guide to fiver payment methods, and you receive rupees with an eFIRA for each payment. Xflow holds final RBI PA-CB authorisation for inward and outward payments, dated February 2026.
Tax basics: export of services is zero-rated under GST, and registration is generally needed once your turnover crosses ₹20 lakh; our guide to gst for freelancers covers LUT and returns. Keep a fira for every foreign payment as proof of export.
Frequently asked questions
Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, PeoplePerHour, Guru, Toptal, Contra, 99designs, Behance and Dribbble are among the most used. If you want alternatives to Fiverr and Upwork both, look at Contra, Guru, Toptal or LinkedIn. Indian freelancers also use Truelancer and LinkedIn for direct clients.
Yes, for small, clearly defined services that buyers can purchase as a gig. For hourly, long-term or higher-value work, Upwork, Toptal or direct clients usually pay more, because Fiverr takes 20% and holds earnings for about 14 days.
Yes, though it takes time. ₹1 lakh is about $1,050 at ₹95 to the dollar, so you need roughly 10 projects of $105, or 21 hours at $50, after fees. Most freelancers reach it with two or three steady clients rather than many small gigs.
Software development, AI and chatbot development, AI video generation and editing, data analysis, UX and product design, conversion copywriting and paid ads management. Upwork's 2026 report found demand for AI video work up 329% and chatbot development up 71% year on year.
Contra and LinkedIn take nothing from freelancers, and Behance Pro and Dribbble annual Pro remove platform fees for a monthly subscription.
Upwork for international clients, because it pays directly to an Indian bank; Truelancer or HunarBox for Indian clients paying in rupees. For direct international clients, a receiving platform such as Xflow lets them pay a local account while you receive INR the same day.
Upwork and Freelancer.com let you start without a screening test, and Freelancer.com contests help you build a portfolio. Toptal and PeoplePerHour require approval first.
Upwork, Freelancer.com, PeoplePerHour, Guru and 99designs hold client money in escrow or offer payment protection before work starts. Contra and LinkedIn do not, so agree a deposit or milestone plan with direct clients, and never accept a request to move a platform job to an outside payment.