The 7 Best Platforms to Find Freelance Work in 2025 (Fiverr, Upwork & More)
Looking for freelance jobs but not sure where to start? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 7 best platforms to find freelance work in 2025, including Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, and more. You’ll learn which sites are beginner-friendly, which are better for experienced freelancers.
When I first started freelancing online, my biggest question was, where do I actually find clients? I knew I had some useful skills, but I had no idea how to connect with people willing to pay for them. That’s where freelance platforms come in.
In 2025, there are dozens of platforms that make it easier to land your first projects, build reviews, and start earning. Some are better for beginners, while others are more competitive but lead to higher-paying work. In this guide, I’ll share the best platforms for finding freelance work this year, along with tips for getting started on each.
Why Use Freelance Platforms?
Freelance platforms act as a middle ground between clients and freelancers. Instead of cold-emailing businesses or endlessly networking, you can join a site where clients are already looking to hire.
The pros:
- Access to a global pool of clients.
- Built-in payment protection.
- Easier to start with no experience.
The cons:
- Platforms take a fee (usually 10–20%).
- Competition can be high.
- Rates may start lower until you build reviews.
The good news is that you don’t have to stick with platforms forever. Many freelancers use them to get started, then transition to finding direct clients later.
1. Fiverr
Best for beginners who want to get started quickly.
On Fiverr, you don’t wait for clients to post jobs. Instead, you create “gigs” – service listings that describe what you offer. For example:
- “I will write a 500-word blog post on health and wellness.”
- “I will design three Instagram graphics in Canva.”
- “I will proofread your resume.”
Clients browse these gigs and order directly.
Pros
- Very beginner-friendly.
- You control your offerings and pricing.
- Great for small, quick projects.
Cons
- High competition in popular categories.
- Many gigs start at lower prices.
- Takes time to build visibility.
2. Upwork
Best for freelancers looking for ongoing projects.
Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms, with jobs in writing, design, development, marketing, and more. Unlike Fiverr, clients post jobs and freelancers send proposals.
Pros
- Wide range of job categories.
- Good mix of one-off and long-term projects.
- Secure payments through escrow.
Cons
- Competitive – you need strong proposals.
- Takes time to build a profile with reviews.
- Upwork charges “connects” (credits) to submit proposals.
3. Freelancer.com
Best for variety and entry-level work.
Freelancer.com has been around for years and offers everything from writing and design to admin tasks. It’s similar to Upwork in structure, with clients posting projects and freelancers bidding.
Pros
- Lots of job postings across industries.
- Good for beginners testing different services.
- Includes contests where you can submit work upfront.
Cons
- Platform fees can be high.
- Some projects attract dozens of bidders.
- Lower average pay than Upwork.
4. Toptal
Best for experienced professionals.
Toptal is known for hiring “the top 3% of freelancers.” It’s not for beginners, but if you have strong skills in development, design, or finance, it’s worth considering. You go through a rigorous screening process, but once you’re in, you get access to premium clients.
Pros
- High-quality clients and projects.
- Rates are much higher than average.
- Focus on long-term, well-paying contracts.
Cons
- Strict screening process.
- Not suitable for beginners.
5. PeoplePerHour
Best for European freelancers (but open globally).
PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelance platform that connects freelancers with clients posting “hourlies” (short jobs) and larger projects.
Pros
- Strong presence in Europe.
- Good for design, writing, and digital marketing.
- Mix of hourly and project-based work.
Cons
- Smaller pool of clients compared to Upwork or Fiverr.
- Fees are similar (around 20% on smaller projects).
Tip: Optimize your profile with keywords so clients can find you when searching.
6. LinkedIn
Best for networking and higher-paying clients.
LinkedIn isn’t a traditional freelance platform, but in 2025 it’s one of the best places to find work. By optimizing your profile and posting content, you can attract clients directly.
Pros
- No platform fees.
- Great for building long-term relationships.
- Higher-paying opportunities.
Cons
- Requires more effort in networking.
- No built-in payment system (you’ll need Stripe, PayPal, or invoices).
7. Specialized Platforms
Depending on your niche, you may find better opportunities on specialized platforms:
- 99designs: Graphic design contests and projects.
- FlexJobs: Curated remote and freelance opportunities.
- ProBlogger Jobs: Writing-specific gigs.
- We Work Remotely: Remote jobs and contracts.
These can be less crowded than Fiverr or Upwork, and clients are often more serious.
How to Choose the Right Platform
With so many platforms out there, which one should you start with? Here’s a quick guide:
- Just starting out: Fiverr or Freelancer.com.
- Want ongoing projects: Upwork.
- Have strong skills already: Toptal or LinkedIn.
- Creative focus: 99designs or PeoplePerHour.
Remember, you don’t have to pick just one. Many freelancers experiment with a couple of platforms to see what works best for their niche and skills.
Final Thoughts
Finding freelance work in 2025 is easier than ever thanks to platforms that connect you directly with clients. The best platform depends on your skill level and goals. Beginners often find Fiverr or Upwork the easiest entry points, while more experienced freelancers thrive on LinkedIn, Toptal, or niche sites like 99designs.
The key is to start small, build a few reviews, and focus on delivering excellent work. From there, you can raise your rates, expand to other platforms, and eventually move toward finding direct clients if you want more control.
👉 To get started, read my guide on How to Start Freelancing Online with No Experience for a step-by-step roadmap. Or, if you’re ready to think bigger, explore my Freelancing and Service Businesses Hub to see how freelancing can grow into a full service business.
