Fiverr vs Upwork for Freelancers
Fiverr vs Upwork — the two biggest freelance marketplaces compared. Which platform earns more, has lower fees, and is better for your type of freelance work?
Verdict
These platforms suit different types of freelance work. Fiverr is better for productised, repeatable services: logo design, short copywriting, voiceovers, video editing, simple web tasks. Your packages are the product, clients buy without much back-and-forth. Upwork is better for technical, strategic, or consulting work where you want ongoing relationships, hourly billing, and the ability to build a client base over time. Upwork's top earners make significantly more because long-term clients at $50-150/hr compound over months and years. Fiverr's top earners succeed by creating highly-optimised packages that rank in search. Many successful freelancers use both: Fiverr for quick, packaged work and inbound clients, Upwork for longer-term relationships and higher-value projects.
Invoicing, Tax & Tools
Bill clients, track time, and file taxes — software built for the self-employed
Banking & Payments
Business banking and international payment tools for freelancers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fiverr or Upwork better for beginners?
Fiverr is generally easier for absolute beginners to get started. You create service packages, and clients browse and buy directly. On Upwork, you need to write proposals for each job, and the market is competitive — early proposals often go unanswered. Most beginners get their first sale faster on Fiverr by creating well-optimised gig packages with competitive prices.
What percentage does Fiverr take?
Fiverr takes 20% of every transaction — you keep 80%. For example, a $100 gig earns you $80. Fiverr also charges buyers a service fee ($2.50 for orders under $40, 5% for larger orders). This 20% cut is twice Upwork's flat 10% service fee.
What percentage does Upwork take?
Upwork charges a flat 10% service fee on all earnings — this replaced the old tiered system (20%/10%/5%) in May 2023. A $1,000 project earns you $900 regardless of your history with that client. This flat 10% makes Upwork consistently cheaper than Fiverr's 20% across all project sizes.
Can I use both Fiverr and Upwork simultaneously?
Yes, and many freelancers do. The platforms don't restrict you from working on both. A common strategy: use Fiverr for packaged, repeatable services that attract inbound clients, and use Upwork for longer-term, higher-value projects. Having both gives you two income streams and reduces platform risk.