Upwork VS Freelancer

In the vast realm of online freelancing platforms, two prominent players emerged - Upwork and Freelancer. These platforms have revolutionized the way professionals connect with clients, offering a world of opportunities for both parties. Join us as we delve into the history and compare the differences between these two titans of the freelance world.

Our story begins in the early 2000s, a time when the internet was rapidly expanding, breaking down geographical barriers, and connecting people from all corners of the globe. It was during this digital revolution that Freelancer.com came into existence. Founded in 2009 by Matt Barrie, an Australian entrepreneur, Freelancer quickly gained traction as one of the leading online marketplaces for freelance work.

Meanwhile, across the Pacific Ocean, another company was making waves in the industry. Elance, established in 1999 by Beerud Sheth and Srini Anumolu, aimed to provide a platform where professionals could connect with clients seeking their expertise remotely. Over time, Elance grew in popularity, attracting a wide range of skilled individuals looking for freelance opportunities.

In 2013, recognizing the immense potential in joining forces, Elance and oDesk (another prominent player) merged to form what we now know as Upwork. This union brought together two powerhouses and created a platform that offered an extensive pool of freelancers and diverse job opportunities for clients worldwide.

Now that we have set the stage let's dive into the differences between Upwork and Freelancer.

1. User Interface:

Upwork boasts a sleek and intuitive user interface that allows users to navigate seamlessly through its features. The platform offers an organized dashboard where freelancers can manage their profiles, submit proposals, track projects, and communicate with clients effortlessly. Freelancer.com, on the other hand, provides a slightly less polished interface but still presents users with easy-to-use tools to complete tasks efficiently.

2. Membership Plans:

Both platforms offer free membership options, allowing users to create profiles and browse job listings. However, they also provide premium plans that unlock additional features and benefits. Upwork offers three tiers: Basic, Plus, and Business. These plans provide enhanced visibility, more connects (used for submitting proposals), and access to advanced analytics. Freelancer.com offers a similar system with its Free, Intro, Basic, Plus, and Premier memberships.

3. Job Categories:

Both platforms cover a wide range of job categories, ensuring there is something for everyone. Upwork shines in offering more specialized professional services like programming, graphic design, writing, marketing, and consulting. Freelancer.com caters to a broader array of categories including creative arts, data entry, website development, sales, and more.

4. Competitiveness:

As the larger platform with more registered freelancers, Upwork tends to be highly competitive when it comes to landing jobs. With a vast talent pool from around the world, freelancers often find themselves vying for projects against numerous skilled professionals. Freelancer.com, while still competitive in certain areas, may offer slightly better chances for newcomers due to its slightly smaller user base.

5. Payment Systems:

Upwork provides a secure payment system called Upwork Escrow that safeguards both clients and freelancers during transactions. It ensures that payments are made promptly upon completion of milestones or projects. Freelancer.com also offers an escrow system called Milestone Payments but has faced some criticism regarding payment disputes and delayed transactions.

6. Fees and Charges:

Both platforms charge fees on transactions conducted through their platforms; however, their fee structures differ slightly. Upwork charges freelancers a sliding service fee based on their lifetime billings with each client (20% for the first $500 billed to a client per contract). As freelancers establish long-term relationships with clients or earn higher amounts on the platform, this fee decreases gradually. Freelancer.com charges freelancers a flat 10% fee on project earnings, regardless of the lifetime billings or client relationships.