Fiverr vs. Upwork: Which Is Best For Business in 2025?

Fiverr and Upwork are two of the biggest freelance marketplaces in the world, whether you're hiring talent or looking for work.

In fact, as of 2023, nearly six in ten surveyed independent professionals used Fiverr, while half used Upwork. These two marketplaces look very similar at first glance. Create an account, find your perfect freelancer, hire them, and voilà! You’re in business.

However, Fiverr and Upwork differ significantly in their services, talent vetting processes, and fee structures.

Below, you'll find our comparisons of Fiverr and Upwork based on our experiences as a buyer and a seller so you can choose the best platform for you.

Key differences between Fiverr and Upwork

While Fiverr and Upwork are pretty popular freelance platforms, they do things differently. Fiverr gives you complete control over hiring, provides faster time to value, and offers a greater range of services.

Control

Fiverr gives you full control over the hiring process. You create an account, search for services, and hire the best person for the job. Reviewing profiles and comparing prices can be done with little effort so that you can find the best freelancer for your needs and budget. 

If you're using Upwork, start by posting a job description. Freelancers then submit proposals, including their rates and portfolios, allowing you to review and evaluate candidates before hiring. While this process provides access to a large talent pool, it can take time to assess each candidate thoroughly. However, Upwork also offers tools like AI-generated job post suggestions and recommended freelancer matches to streamline the hiring process.

Time to value

One of the big differences between Fiverr and Upwork is the time to value. For example, with Fiverr, you can find and hire freelancers quickly—often within minutes—and get your project going. Fiverr’s AI assistant, Neo, further speeds up the process by understanding your project needs and providing real-time recommendations. While Fiverr offers both standard and Pro freelancers, only Fiverr Pro freelancers undergo a formal vetting process.

In contrast, Upwork requires setting up a profile, creating and publishing a detailed job post, and waiting for freelancers to submit proposals. Reviewing and evaluating candidates takes more time. Although, its new AI tools can help speed up the process.

When we needed market research done to evaluate a potential investment opportunity, we turned to Fiverr. We quickly found a freelancer with the right expertise, connected via chat to discuss the project, and hired them immediately. This efficiency made it easy to start our project without delays.

Range of services

Upwork operates in over 180 countries and offers over 90 services across 13 specializations.  Thousands of jobs are posted daily, with contracts ranging from one-off projects to several months.

Fiverr offers 750 different services across 13 specializations. It operates on a fixed-price model, letting clients know the cost upfront before engaging with freelancers. 

Fiverr also provides specialized solutions, such as Fiverr Pro, which features vetted freelancers offering premium services, and Fiverr Enterprise, designed to help businesses build and manage their freelance workforce. Fiverr Enterprise allows companies to onboard and manage freelancers globally, offering visibility and control over their freelance teams, whether sourced from Fiverr or elsewhere.

How Fiverr works 

Fiverr is a global marketplace that connects people and businesses with talented freelancers from over 160 countries. Whether you’re a corporate giant or a small business owner, Fiverr has the expert talent you need to get work done. 

Popular categories include video editing, web development, and writing, but you can also hire accountants, business consultants, data engineers, and more. In 2023, US Fiverr freelancers worked more hours, increasing from an average of 22.1 to 24.4 hours per week, indicating a robust and active freelancer community.

Hiring a freelancer (or Seller) is easier than ever with Fiverr. Start by searching for the service you need. Then, browse and hire talent all in one workflow. 

Fiverr

Fiverr Sellers showcase their skills through detailed "Gigs." Buyers can look at profiles, skills, and offerings and choose the right Seller.

Fiverr

Fiverr offers various pricing models, so you’re not just limited to task-based gigs:

1. Fixed prices: Transparent costs upfront.

2. Custom offers: Freelancers can tailor packages to buyers' needs.

3. Subscriptions: Freelancers can provide services on a fixed, ongoing basis.

When you find the right talent, you can share your project needs and request an order from the freelancer. 

How Upwork works

Upwork 

The Upwork platform works a bit differently than Fiverr. Clients post jobs on the platform, and freelancers respond with proposals. You can then interview and hire a freelancer based on their profile, portfolio, and reviews. It offers milestone-based payment options, screenshots of work logs, and a Top Rated program highlighting top talent.

Fiverr vs. Upwork: For buyers

Popular jobs

Fiverr jobs

A wide range of services are available on Fiverr from professional freelancers with experience. Popular types of jobs include:

• Graphics & Design

• Digital Marketing

• Writing & Translation

• Video & Animation

• Music & Audio

• Programming & Tech

• Data

• Business

• Personal Growth & Hobbies

• Photography

• End-to-End Projects

• AI services

• Consulting

Upwork jobs

Popular categories on Upwork include:

• Accounting and Consulting

• Admin Support

• Customer Service

• Data Science and Analysis

• Design and Creative

• Engineering and Architecture

• IT & Networking

• Legal

• Sales and Marketing

• Translation

• Web, Mobile, & Software Development

• Writing

Finding freelancers 

Fiverr talent

It's easy to hire talent on Fiverr. The platform's card-style layout allows you to browse rows of freelancers for hire. Fiverr's search function filters by services, budget, and delivery time. 

You'll see your best options up front, along with quick access to basic info about each seller. You can review prices, ratings, and descriptions without clicking on each profile.

Fiverr

Toggle the “Pro Services” option to reveal the platform's top 1% of talent. Sellers with the Fiverr Pro badge were hand-picked for their experiences, skill sets, and attention to business needs. 

The Fiverr catalog now has a profession-based search option so clients can find freelancers for long-term, strategic, or complex projects. With this catalog, clients can find freelancers based on their backgrounds, portfolios, and prior experience, making them more likely to find the right match. 

Freelancers in the Fiverr catalog are verified, and they have portfolios, certifications, and client reviews that show off their skills. Clients can share project details with freelancers and get custom proposals. This new catalog view takes the guesswork out of evaluating a freelancer's skill set.

If you are looking for something unique, you can create your own request. In your free Fiverr account, you fill out a small form and explain your project. Once Fiverr approves it, Sellers can respond if they are interested. 

Upwork talent

As a client on Upwork, you post a job request and wait for freelancers to contact you. To browse freelancers’ profiles, search for the category you’re interested in. 

Upwork

The setup is different from Fiverr. Upwork doesn’t automatically highlight the best talent for your request. To find a freelancer, you can filter by hourly rate, skill, location, category, job success, English level, hours billed, and more. Upwork also offers a Project Catalog where clients can buy predefined services directly from freelancers. 

What you’ll experience 

Fiverr user experience

The structure of Fiverr's marketplace is clear and organized. The search bar at the top of the page lets you quickly find specific services. If you know exactly what you're looking for, you can easily find it on Fiverr. 

After finding a freelancer, working with them is simple. Choose the package you want, click Continue, and you will be taken to a checkout page to complete payment. 

Fiverr

If you want to discuss your project with a freelancer before paying, click the chat button in the lower-left corner of the page. Fiverr will then open a chat between you and the freelancer, where you can iron out the details. 

⭐ Bonus: Fiverr’s AI assistant, Neo, helps Buyers find the best Sellers. Tell Neo what you need, respond to a few follow-up questions, and get recommendations for a vetted freelancer to hire in seconds.

For example, we asked Neo to recommend a writer specializing in Fintech. It responded with a writer who holds a Ph.D. in finance and writes search-optimized content—a perfect match. You can even contact the recommended talent right from your chat. 

Fiverr

Fiverr also offers AI help to transform client ideas into comprehensive, professional briefs, making it easier for freelancers to understand and commit to project requirements.

Upwork user experience

Becoming a client using Upwork requires an onboarding process. You'll be asked to fill out a profile (which takes ~10-15 minutes) before you can post a job and accept bids. 

Upwork allows you to upload the PDF version of your LinkedIn profile to speed up creation. 

The platform also promotes its AI search tool, Uma, on your dashboard. Uma helps you write a job description for your project. It can also help you find and hire freelancers, similar to Fiverr’s Neo.

Upwork

Once you complete the job description, you can publish your job and wait for freelancers to bid on it.

Freelancer vetting

Fiverr vetting

Like other freelance marketplaces, Fiverr requires freelancers to create a detailed profile with their skills and portfolio. They also must submit a valid ID, like a driver's license, a government-issued photo ID, or a passport.

Once freelancers are approved, they can create “Gigs”. Fiverr, with its commitment to quality, meticulously reviews each job listing so that it meets its guidelines and maintains the platform's high standards. 

Regarding your search, Fiverr makes spotting top talent easy by identifying “Seller Levels.” The following performance metrics determine seller levels:

• Success Score: Analyzes each Gig in key areas related to the order process and client relationship.

• Rating: Average rating provided by clients.

• Response Rate: Frequency of replying to new messages within 24 hours over the last 90 days.

• Orders: Total number of completed orders.

• Unique Clients: Number of different clients worked with.

• Earnings: Total earnings on Fiverr.

The higher the level, the more trustworthy the freelancer is. 

Currently, Fiverr has three levels. 

Upwork vetting

Upwork relies heavily on the Job Success Score (JSS), a metric designed to measure client satisfaction with a freelancer's work. A JSS of 90% or higher is considered "excellent" and is one of the criteria for earning Top Rated status. Freelancers with a JSS below 80% may face challenges in attracting clients and winning projects, as it indicates difficulties meeting client expectations.

Upwork’s Top Rated status is awarded to freelancers who consistently deliver high-quality work and meet specific criteria, including:

• Maintaining a JSS of 90% or higher for at least 13 out of the last 16 weeks.

• Earning at least $1,000 over the past 12 months.

• Demonstrating regular activity on the platform within the last 90 days.

• Keeping their account in good standing, with no recent holds or disputes.

Upwork also offers an invite-only Expert-Vetted program to identify the top 1% of talent on the platform. Freelancers in this program are rigorously screened for their technical expertise and soft skills. Additionally, Upwork has introduced an option for freelancers to apply for the Expert-Vetted badge by spending 300 Connects (equivalent to $45). The screening process involves interviews and assessments, which some people have compared to a comprehensive background check.

Costs

Fiverr costs

Fiverr primarily offers fixed-price gigs, where clients pay a set fee for specific services. These fees can range from $5 to several thousand dollars, depending on the project.

With Fiverr, your payments are secure. They are held in escrow until the project is delivered. Once you approve the deliverables, the payment is released to the freelancer, providing peace of mind.

Fiverr accepts the following payment methods (availability may vary by region):

• Apple Pay (region-specific)

• Boleto (for Brazil)

• Credit/debit card

• Fiverr Balance

• Google Pay (region-specific)

• IDEAL (for the Netherlands)

• PayPal

• PayPal Pay Later

• Wire transfer (exclusive to Fiverr Pro clients)

Fiverr Pro Rewards Program: Fiverr Pro offers a business rewards program with exclusive benefits based on annual spending. The program includes three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

• Silver Tier: Rewards 5% back in credits on orders over $350.

• Gold and Platinum Tiers: Offer 5% back in credits for all orders, with Platinum members receiving additional perks like free annual project planning services, freelancer sourcing, and personalized advice from a Business Success Manager.

This rewards program is designed to simplify hiring for businesses while encouraging higher engagement and spending.

Upwork costs

On Upwork, clients can hire freelancers hourly or for a fixed price.

• Hourly Contracts: Upwork’s time tracking tool (Desktop App) records the hours worked by freelancers. Clients are billed weekly based on these tracked hours.

• Fixed-Price Contracts: Clients and freelancers agree on a set fee for a specific project, similar to Fiverr’s model.

Accepted Payment Methods on Upwork:

• Credit card

• PayPal

• Bank account (ACH transfers)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, review the official fee structures on Fiverr’s and Upwork’s websites.

Fiverr vs Upwork: for sellers

Now, let’s cover the main differences for those on the selling side of these marketplaces.

Finding freelance work

Fiverr for freelancers

Once your profile is approved, you can create your first Gig. On Fiverr, you pay nothing to list Gigs and market them to Buyers. This is a significant cost savings for Sellers on the platform.

Fiverr freelancers are thriving. A 2024 survey found that:

• 44% of Fiverr sellers increased their rates in 2023, with an average increase of 32%​.

• 68% of US Fiverr freelancers expect to generate more revenue in 2024​.

• US Fiverr freelancers have an average of 5.2 years of experience working independently​.

Creating and publishing a Gig on Fiverr is a straightforward process. From your dashboard, fill in the required fields (Title, Service Type, Delivery Time, etc.), then hit publish. That’s it. Your Gig is now live and ready for Buyers to discover. 

Fiverr

Upwork for freelancers

Upwork

To get clients on Upwork, build a strong portfolio by doing the following:

• Add a professional photo, showcase your skills, and include work samples.

• Select your expertise, like Writing, Design, or Development.

• Set your hourly rate or fixed-price options.

Once your profile is ready, start sending custom proposals for jobs. Highlight your skills and explain why you’re the right fit. Some jobs may require multiple Connects (Upwork's token system for applying to jobs), so plan accordingly.

What it’ll cost you as a freelancer to use Fiverr and Upwork

Fiverr fees

Here are how fees work for freelancers on Fiverr:

• Commission Fee: Fiverr charges a 20% commission on all transactions, including any extras or add-ons, regardless of the project's size.

• Payment Clearance Period:

  • Standard Sellers: Funds become available for withdrawal after a 14-day clearance period following order completion.

  • Top Rated, Seller Plus Premium, and Pro Sellers: Enjoy a reduced clearance period of 7 days.

• Early Payout: Fiverr offers an Early Payout option for eligible sellers, allowing them to withdraw earnings before the standard clearance period ends for a fee. However, specific details about this feature, such as its availability and associated fees, are not publicly detailed in the provided sources.

Upwork fees

Here is how fees work on Upwork:

• Service Fee: Upwork charges a 10% service fee on all client payments, applicable to hourly, fixed-price, and Project Catalog projects.

• Payment Availability: Funds typically become available for withdrawal 5 days after the client releases the payment, following Upwork's security period.

• Exceptions:

  • Bring Your Own (BYO) Contracts: Freelancers who bring external clients to Upwork may benefit from reduced service fees, potentially as low as 0%. Specific details about the BYO program and its fee structure are not provided in the available sources.

  • Direct Contracts: When working with clients outside of Upwork using Upwork's Direct Contracts feature, freelancers pay a reduced service fee of 5%.

  • Enterprise Clients and Upwork Payroll: Collaborations with Enterprise clients or through Upwork Payroll may offer different fee structures, but specific details are not provided in the available sources.

Growing your business

Fiverr 

Growing on Fiverr comes with a host of incentives. And as you climb the Seller Levels, the benefits keep improving.

LEVEL 1

• Join Seller Plus Standard to get exclusive freelance business growth tools.

• Set up subscriptions to earn a reliable income.

• Advertise your gigs to get more orders.

LEVEL 2

• Join Seller Plus Premium and get a Success Manager to optimize growth.

• Get the ability to offer paid video consultations to Buyers.

• Feature past clients and brands you’ve worked with. 

TOP RATED

• Get paid immediately (for a small fee)

• Get payments cleared in 7 days instead of 14.

• Get faster responses to your Help Center tickets.

Upwork 

Upwork offers various Talent Badges to showcase freelancers' talent. Each Talent Badge offers more perks, like:

• Rising Talent: 30 free Connects.

• Top Rated: All of the above, plus job invites, faster payments.

• Top Rated Plus: All of the above, plus priority customer support.

• Expert-Vetted: Access to Talent Manager, enterprise bids.

How to choose between Fiverr and Upwork

Both Fiverr and Upwork have their advantages. Of course, we’ll say Fiverr is the best for freelancers and businesses. Fiverr is a great solution for quick, easy and fixed-price gigs, but also for complex projects.

In short, Fiverr is usually better from quick to complex, fixed-price projects and businesses or freelancers looking for straightforward transactions with minimal setup. And, Upwork may be a good option for freelancers who prefer a more customized hiring process.

Fiverr vs Upwork FAQs

Is Fiverr good for beginners?

Since Fiverr has a user-friendly interface and low entry barriers, new freelancers can set up gigs quickly and start making money right away. There are lots of categories to choose from, so it's great if you’re just starting your full-time freelancing career.

Some 57% of Gen Z and Millennials exclusively freelance on Fiverr, up from less than half (47%) in 2022, showing the platform's appeal to younger generations.

What is the most profitable gig on Fiverr?

Fiverr's most profitable gigs vary over time, but web development, graphic design, and video production tend to command higher prices because of their technical complexity.

What are the top 3 skills on Fiverr?

On Fiverr, graphic design, digital marketing, and writing & translation are the top three skills. 

Can I make a living on Fiverr? 

Yes, you can make a living on Fiverr, especially if you do graphic design, writing, or programming. To succeed, you have to do great work, market yourself well, and build a strong client base.