Fiverr and Upwork are similar platforms where you can find projects to work on in many fields.
Although they seem interchangeable on the surface, there is much to consider when choosing Fiverr vs Upwork.
In general, you should use Upwork if you are looking for a long-term relationship with your client and Fiverr if it will be a one-time project.
Read on to learn more details about each platform and how to know which is the best fit for you.
Fiverr Vs. Upwork: An Overview
Fiverr and Upwork are both quality platforms to consider in your search for a new project.
We’ll break down the features of each platform to give you a better idea of what to expect from each one.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a great platform where clients can buy products or services from freelancers.
It has changed significantly over the years but remains a popular choice for freelancers across fields.
What Is Fiverr?
Fiverr is a platform where freelancers can post their work and services for clients to buy.
Unlike on other platforms, the seller of the service chooses a fixed price at which the buyer can buy their work.
In the past, all work was priced at $5, but today $5 is just the starting price.
What Makes Fiverr Stand Out?
Fiverr is very popular, likely because of its simple design.
Sellers offer their services and buyers order them.
Sellers then complete the service, and the buyer accepts it to mark the order complete.
There are no overcomplicated or distracting features on the platform.
Pros of Fiverr
Here are some of the best things about Fiverr:
- Freelancers have control over how they offer their services
- Fiverr accepts nearly all freelancers onto the platform
- Fiverr is a popular platform with buyers all over the world
Cons of Fiverr
Be aware of these cons of Fiverr before signing up:
- Fiverr tends to have lower-paying jobs than other platforms
- Fiverr jobs tend to be smaller and less likely to result in long-term relationships
- Fiverr does not give freelancers the ability to apply to seller job postings
Upwork
Upwork has been connecting freelancers to employers for decades.
The platform came from the merger of two other freelance work websites and has been satisfying clients ever since.
What Is Upwork?
Upwork is an online platform where freelancers across industries can connect with new employers.
Freelancers from 180 countries can bid on jobs posted by clients on the job board.
After reviewing the proposals, clients request interviews and eventually hire one of the freelancers who bid on their job.
Clients can also reach out to freelancers directly to request proposals and interviews, even if they do not bid on the job first.
What Makes Upwork Stand Out?
Upwork stands out because it is designed to foster long-term relationships between clients and freelancers.
Projects are set up via milestones that can be completed over an agreed-upon period.
They are priced either by an hourly rate or per work project/milestone.
Pros of Upwork
There are many great things about Upwork:
- Prices are fixed at an hourly rate or per work product
- Great place to find long-term work or hire a freelancer for a long-term project
- Provides entry-level opportunities and ways to learn more about your field
Cons of Upwork
Consider these cons before deciding to try Upwork:
- Bidding on jobs requires “connects,” which cost money once you deplete your free monthly stash
- It can be challenging to compete with other freelancers if you are new to the platform and do not have reviews or ratings
- There is a ton of competition out there for freelancers looking for work on Upwork
Fiverr Vs. Upwork: Detailed Comparison
When we get into the details, there are many significant differences between Fiverr and Upwork as freelance job platforms.
Selection of Freelancers
Fiverr and Upwork offer different types of freelancers.
Fiverr
Freelancers on Fiverr are more likely to be in the early stages of their careers.
Fiverr does not demand freelancers to be established in their fields.
It accepts all freelancers onto their platform.
This means that you will find more beginners alongside more-experienced freelancers on Fiverr.
Fiverr also allows freelancers to sell nearly any legal service they wish.
So, this platform has a much greater variety of services than others.
Upwork
Upwork freelancers tend to be more experienced in their respective fields.
This platform approves far fewer freelancers than Fiverr.
And they rely on a long history of positive reviews for a strong profile.
Your profile will only become popular among clients and businesses after some time on the platform.
Upwork also limits freelancers in their service categories.
They control the competition in each category.
Sometimes they even deny access to freelancers working in saturated fields.
Takeaway: Upwork Has a Better Selection of Freelancers
Upwork’s freelancers from most fields need to be well-established before joining its platform.
Freelancer Pay
Freelancer pay is another essential area to consider when deciding which platform to choose.
Freelancer Pay on Fiverr
Fiverr used to require all jobs to be listed for $5 – hence the name, Fiverr.
However, this policy has been left in the past.
Today freelancers must charge at least $5 for their service but can charge more if they wish.
The policy has changed and lower-paid jobs are not as sought after.
Yet, Fiverr offers lower-paid jobs than Upwork.
Freelancer Pay on Upwork
Upwork freelancers tend to receive higher pay because of the platform’s structure.
Instead of pricing their own services, freelancers apply to job postings that list a rate for the project.
Projects either offer a fixed or hourly rate, depending on the job.
Upwork freelancers are also known for having more experience than those on other platforms.
Therefore, many clients are willing to pay more for their services.
Takeaway: Upwork Pays Better Than Fiverr
Overall, Upwork pays better than Fiverr.
Upwork’s freelancers are more experienced and demand higher fees.
Clients also have that expectation when using the platform.
Type of Clients
Fiverr and Upwork attract different types of clients.
Type of Clients on Fiverr
Clients on Fiverr are more likely to be interested in hiring freelancers for a short-term or one-time project.
They are not usually searching for new team members or long-standing professional relationships.
Clients on Fiverr also tend to be looking for a lower-cost option, which is likely why they ended up on Fiverr.
While the platform no longer limits sellers to $5 jobs, its reputation for low-cost projects has lingered over the years.
Type of Clients on Upwork
Clients on Fiverr are more likely to be interested in hiring freelancers for a short-term or one-time project.
They are not usually searching for new team members or long-standing professional relationships.
Takeaway: Upwork Has Better Clients
Upwork has better clients.
They are looking for long-term relationships with experienced freelancers.
They are willing to pay more than clients on Fiverr.
And are often keen on establishing a lasting relationship with their freelancers.
Quality of Work
You can expect a different quality of work on Fiverr vs Upwork.
Quality of Work on Fiverr
The quality of work tends to be lower on Fiverr because freelancers on this platform are more likely to be new to their fields.
Fiverr accepts all freelancers, so there is no experience requirement.
Fiverr highlights the service being sold rather than the freelancer’s experience or background.
This can result in buyers purchasing services from someone who doesn’t have as much knowledge or experience as they might have hoped.
Quality of Work on Upwork
The quality of work tends to be high on Upwork.
The platform requires freelancers to be already established or experienced.
And they must list their qualifications on their profile page.
Upwork freelancers also rely on reviews and ratings to improve their profiles.
This means freelancers are more likely to go above and beyond to provide high-quality work for every project.
Takeaway: You Can Expect Better Work To Be Done on Upwork
Overall, you can expect higher quality work on Upwork than on Fiverr.
This happens because the freelancers are more experienced.
And they are also more reliant on positive client reviews of their work.
Fiverr Vs. Upwork: Stand Out Features
Fiverr and Upwork have great features for freelancers and those looking to hire them.
Here are a few that stand out as their top features.
Stand Out Features of Fiverr’s Platform
These two features make Fiverr worth considering for any freelancer.
Fiverr Blog
The Fiverr Blog is an excellent resource for freelancers in all fields and industries.
The blog contains articles about many relevant topics for new and experienced freelancers.
These articles can help you establish a solid online presence.
You can also learn how to earn more work.
And stay updated on the news relevant to freelancers and small businesses.
The blog is especially beneficial for those starting out their careers.
Another option is the Fiverr Forums.
There you can read real stories from other freelancers.
And also search for answers to your questions.
Add Services to Your Website Through Scale Your Business
One of Fiverr’s Scale Your Business features allows you to automatically list your services on your own website and on their platform.
Fiverr provides a short snippet of code that you can add to your website to automatically add your services to the page.
This feature allows you to capitalize on any marketing or other benefits you are already getting on your website.
Your website visitors and potential clients can view and purchase your services right from your website.
If you use this feature, optimize your site for SEO and maintain a robust online presence to keep website visitors coming to your page.
The Fiverr blog and other online resources can provide the tools and information to increase your website traffic.
Stand Out Features of Upwork’s Platform
Upwork has many excellent features, but these two really set the platform apart.
Virtual Talent Bench
Upwork recently launched this new feature to allow clients to keep track of the talented freelancers they work with.
This will enable businesses and other clients to quickly find freelancers they’ve worked with in the past and re-hire them.
The Virtual Talent Bench makes it more likely that work will come to freelancers without them doing the extra leg work.
If you complete satisfactory work for a client, they can easily find and re-hire you for their next project.
Ability to Onboard Through Upwork
Upwork allows clients to onboard new employees right through the Upwork platform.
This is an excellent way for clients to bring their own freelancers into the platform.
More importantly for freelancers, this allows you to join a client’s team as an employee instead of a contractor.
Upwork rolled out additional features in 2021 that streamline this process even further, such as payroll onboarding.
The ability to onboard onto an Upwork client’s team can open the door to more established professional relationships and more income in the future.
Conclusion
When comparing Fiverr vs Upwork, the bottom line is that Upwork will work best for some freelancers, while Fiverr is the better choice for others.
It is best to consider your specific situation and needs before choosing a platform to sell your freelance services.
Use Fiverr if
- You are a freelancer at the start of your career
- You want complete control over how your services are listed and priced
- You are looking for short-term or single-project-based work
Use Upwork if
- You want to apply to client job postings
- You are looking for long-term client relationships
- You are established in your career as a freelancer
Both platforms are interesting depending on your immediate goals and stage of your career.
