Quick Answer (Featured Snippet)
Is Upwork or Fiverr better for freelancers?
Upwork is better for freelancers seeking long-term clients, complex projects, and higher earnings. Upwork charges only 10% fees (vs Fiverr's 20%), offers hourly time tracking with payment protection, and enables direct client relationships. Fiverr works better for quick creative tasks and passive income through gig listings. For serious freelancers wanting to scale, Upwork wins.
TL;DR - Upwork vs Fiverr Comparison Table
| Feature | Upwork | Fiverr | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancer Fee | 10% | 20% | Upwork |
| Client Fee | 5% | 5.5% + $3 small order | Upwork |
| Payment Release | 5-10 days | 7-14 days | Upwork |
| Hourly Protection | Yes | No | Upwork |
| Long-term Contracts | Excellent | Limited | Upwork |
| Creative Quick Tasks | Good | Excellent | Fiverr |
| Passive Income | No | Yes (gigs) | Fiverr |
| Automation Potential | High | Low | Upwork |
| Average Project Size | $500-5,000+ | $50-500 | Upwork |
Bottom Line: Upwork wins for serious freelancers. You keep more money (10% vs 20% fees), get paid faster, and can build long-term client relationships worth $10,000+ annually.
Trial setup / Sign up
Get personalized job alerts and AI-powered proposals tailored to your Upwork profile. Set up your preferences in 2 minutes.
Step 1 - write your keywords
Exact the same keywords, which you use in Upwork.
1. What is Upwork?
Upwork is the world's largest freelance marketplace, connecting businesses with independent professionals for projects ranging from web development to marketing. If you're wondering "is Upwork legit?" - absolutely. It's a publicly traded company (UPWK) that has facilitated billions in freelancer earnings.
Upwork Key Stats (2025)
- 18+ million registered freelancers
- $689 million revenue (2023)
- 5+ million registered clients
- $3.5 billion+ in freelancer billings annually
- Top categories: Development, Design, Writing, Marketing, Virtual Assistance
How Upwork's Bidding Model Works
- Clients post jobs with requirements and budget
- Freelancers submit proposals (costs Connects)
- Client reviews proposals and interviews candidates
- Contract awarded to selected freelancer
- Work begins with milestone or hourly tracking
This active bidding model means you control your income by submitting quality proposals. The more proposals you send, the more opportunities you create.
Is Upwork Safe and Legit?
Yes, Upwork is both safe and legitimate. The platform offers:
- Payment protection through escrow
- Dispute resolution system
- Identity verification for both clients and freelancers
- Reviews and ratings for accountability
- Publicly traded company with regulatory oversight
2. What is Fiverr?
Fiverr is a gig-based marketplace where freelancers create service listings ("gigs") and clients purchase directly. The name comes from the original $5 minimum price point, though prices now range from $5 to $10,000+.
Fiverr Key Stats (2025)
- 830,000+ active sellers
- $361 million revenue (2023)
- 4+ million active buyers
- Top categories: Graphics, Digital Marketing, Writing, Video, Music
How Fiverr's Gig Model Works
- Freelancers create gig listings with packages and pricing
- Clients browse and purchase gigs directly
- Freelancer delivers work within specified timeframe
- Client approves and payment releases
This passive model means you set up gigs once and wait for buyers. Income depends on gig visibility and search rankings.
Trial setup / Sign up
Get personalized job alerts and AI-powered proposals tailored to your Upwork profile. Set up your preferences in 2 minutes.
Step 1 - write your keywords
Exact the same keywords, which you use in Upwork.
3. How Does Upwork Work vs Fiverr?
Understanding how each platform works is crucial for choosing the right one for your freelance business.
Upwork: The Proposal System
On Upwork, you actively pursue opportunities. Here's how does Upwork work step-by-step:
Step 1: Find Jobs
- Browse job feed with filters (category, budget, experience level)
- Set up job alerts for relevant keywords
- Use Connects to submit proposals (16 free Connects/month, additional at $0.15 each)
Step 2: Submit Proposals
- Write personalized cover letters addressing client needs
- Set your rate (hourly or fixed-price)
- Include portfolio samples and answers to screening questions
Step 3: Interview & Win
- Respond to client messages promptly
- Negotiate terms if needed
- Accept contract and begin work
Pro Tip: The proposal is everything on Upwork. A well-crafted proposal can achieve 24-35% response rates vs. the 8% average. See our Upwork proposal templates guide.
Fiverr: The Gig System
On Fiverr, you set up shop and wait:
Step 1: Create Gigs
- Design service offerings with clear deliverables
- Set pricing tiers (Basic, Standard, Premium)
- Add images, video, and FAQ
Step 2: Optimize for Search
- Use relevant keywords in title and description
- Encourage reviews from completed orders
- Maintain fast response times
Step 3: Fulfill Orders
- Deliver work within specified timeframe
- Communicate through Fiverr messaging
- Request revision if needed
The Key Difference Between Fiverr and Upwork
Upwork rewards activity (more proposals = more opportunities), while Fiverr rewards optimization (better gig SEO = more orders).
This is the fundamental difference between fiverr and upwork that determines which is better for your situation.
4. Fee Comparison: Upwork Fees vs Fiverr 2025
This is where Upwork has a massive advantage. Understanding upwork fees and fiverr fees is crucial for maximizing your earnings.
Upwork Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer Fee | 10% | Flat rate on all earnings (simplified 2023) |
| Client Fee | 5% | Marketplace fee for clients |
| Connects | $0.15 each | 16 free monthly, buy more as needed |
How much does Upwork take from freelancers? A flat 10% service fee on all earnings.
On a $1,000 project:
- You earn: $900 (after 10% fee)
- Client pays: $1,050 (with 5% fee)
Fiverr Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer Fee | 20% | Double Upwork's rate |
| Buyer Service Fee | 5.5% | Plus $3 on orders under $100 |
| Withdrawal Fee | Varies | $1-5 depending on method |
How much does Fiverr take from sellers? 20% of every order - double what Upwork charges.
On a $1,000 project:
- You earn: $800 (after 20% fee)
- Client pays: $1,058 (with fees)
The Bottom Line on Fees
On every $1,000 you earn:
- Upwork: You keep $900
- Fiverr: You keep $800
That's $100 more per $1,000 on Upwork. Over a year of $50K in projects:
- Upwork: You keep $45,000
- Fiverr: You keep $40,000
You lose $5,000/year to Fiverr's higher fees.
Trial setup / Sign up
Get personalized job alerts and AI-powered proposals tailored to your Upwork profile. Set up your preferences in 2 minutes.
Step 1 - write your keywords
Exact the same keywords, which you use in Upwork.
5. Payment & Security Comparison
Payment Protection
Upwork:
- Escrow protection for fixed-price contracts
- Hourly protection with screenshots (Work Diary)
- Dispute resolution system
- Payment guarantee when milestones funded
Fiverr:
- Escrow-style payment holding
- No hourly tracking protection
- Dispute resolution (tends to favor buyers)
- Payment guaranteed on order completion
Payment Timing
| Platform | When You Get Paid |
|---|---|
| Upwork | 5-10 days after approval |
| Fiverr | 7-14 days after completion |
Payment Methods
Both platforms offer PayPal, direct deposit, and Payoneer. Upwork also offers wire transfers for larger amounts.
6. Types of Work: Which Platform for What?
Best for Upwork
- Web & App Development - Complex projects need ongoing collaboration
- Long-term Contracts - Retainer relationships worth $1K-10K+/month
- Technical Consulting - Hourly billing with time tracking
- Enterprise Projects - $5,000-50,000+ contracts
- Ongoing Support - Maintenance and support contracts
Best for Fiverr
- Logo Design - Quick turnaround creative work
- Social Media Graphics - Template-based deliverables
- Voice Over - Standardized per-minute pricing
- Quick Edits - Video editing, photo retouching
- One-off Creative Tasks - Illustrations, animations
The Pattern
Upwork wins when:
- Projects require discussion and iteration
- Work spans weeks or months
- Budget exceeds $500
- Client wants a relationship, not just a deliverable
Fiverr wins when:
- Deliverable is standardized
- Quick turnaround (<7 days)
- Budget under $500
- Client knows exactly what they need
7. Pros and Cons Comparison
Upwork Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower fees (10% vs 20%) | Requires Connects to bid |
| Long-term client relationships | Competitive job market |
| Hourly payment protection | Learning curve for beginners |
| Higher-value projects | Profile takes time to build |
| Direct communication with clients | Service fees for Connects |
| Automation-friendly (proposals) |
Fiverr Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Passive income potential | 20% fee on all earnings |
| No bidding required | Dependent on search algorithm |
| Good for beginners | Race-to-bottom pricing |
| Quick tasks and creative work | Limited client relationships |
| Buyer-initiated contact | No hourly protection |
| Hard to scale |
Trial setup / Sign up
Get personalized job alerts and AI-powered proposals tailored to your Upwork profile. Set up your preferences in 2 minutes.
Step 1 - write your keywords
Exact the same keywords, which you use in Upwork.
8. Scaling Your Freelance Business: The Real Difference
Here's where Upwork becomes the clear winner for serious freelancers. Is Upwork worth it? The scaling potential alone makes it worthwhile.
Why Upwork Scales Better
1. Long-term Client Relationships
- One great client can bring $10K-50K+ annually
- Repeat work doesn't require new proposals
- Referrals from happy clients
2. Higher Project Values
- Average Upwork project: $500-5,000
- Average Fiverr order: $50-500
- 10x the value per engagement
3. Automation Potential
- Upwork proposals can be automated with AI tools
- Send 50-100+ personalized proposals weekly
- Increase win rate with consistent volume
The Automation Advantage
With tools like U Never Sleep, Upwork becomes a scalable income machine:
| Metric | Manual Proposals | With Automation |
|---|---|---|
| Proposals/week | 10-15 | 50-100 |
| Time invested | 15-20 hrs | 2-3 hrs |
| Response rate | 8-12% | 18-25% |
| Monthly contracts | 2-3 | 8-15 |
| Monthly revenue | $2K-5K | $8K-20K+ |
Fiverr cannot be automated this way. You create gigs and wait. There's no active outreach mechanism.
Book a Demo to See Automation in Action
9. Upwork vs Fiverr for Different Skills
Developers & Engineers
Winner: Upwork
- Complex projects need collaboration
- Hourly billing suits development work
- Long-term contracts common
Designers
Winner: Depends
- Quick logos/graphics: Fiverr
- Brand identity, UX/UI: Upwork
- Ongoing design retainers: Upwork
Writers & Content Creators
Winner: Upwork
- Content retainers are valuable
- Higher rates than Fiverr's race-to-bottom
- Long-term relationships with agencies
Virtual Assistants
Winner: Upwork
- Ongoing hourly work
- Payment protection essential
- Direct client communication
Video & Audio Professionals
Winner: Split
- Voice over, quick edits: Fiverr
- Video production, ongoing work: Upwork
10. The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Upwork If:
- You want to build a sustainable freelance business
- You're willing to actively pursue opportunities
- Your services involve collaboration and iteration
- You want to scale with automation
- You prefer lower fees (keep more of your earnings)
- You want long-term client relationships
Choose Fiverr If:
- You offer standardized, quick-turnaround services
- You want passive income without active outreach
- You're just starting and want easy entry
- Your work is creative and visual (easy to showcase)
- You don't mind the 20% fee
Our Recommendation
For serious freelancers: Upwork wins.
The math is simple:
- 10% lower fees = $5,000+ more per year
- Long-term clients = predictable income
- Automation = scale without burnout
Fiverr has its place for quick creative work, but if you're building a freelance career, Upwork is the foundation.
11. FAQ: Fiverr vs Upwork
Is Upwork better than Fiverr for beginners?
Both platforms have learning curves. Fiverr is easier to start (create gig, wait for orders), but Upwork offers better long-term earning potential. We recommend starting with Upwork and learning to write effective proposals - the skill transfers to any sales situation.
Can I use both Upwork and Fiverr?
Yes! Many freelancers use Fiverr for passive income and Upwork for active client acquisition. Just don't spread yourself too thin - focus on one platform first before expanding.
Which platform pays more?
Upwork pays more due to:
- Lower fees (10% vs 20%)
- Higher project values
- Long-term contract potential
How much does Upwork take from freelancers?
Upwork charges a flat 10% fee on all freelancer earnings. This was simplified in 2023 from the previous tiered structure (20%/10%/5%). The upwork service fee is now straightforward and predictable.
How much does Fiverr take from sellers?
Fiverr takes 20% from every order, plus buyers pay 5.5% + $3 on orders under $100. The fiverr fees significantly impact your take-home pay compared to Upwork.
Is Upwork legit and safe?
Yes, Upwork is completely legitimate and safe. It's a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: UPWK) with robust payment protection, escrow services, and dispute resolution. Millions of freelancers use it successfully.
Is Fiverr worth it in 2025?
For specific use cases (quick creative work, passive income), yes. But for serious income, Upwork's lower fees and higher project values make it the better choice. The 20% fee really adds up over time.
Which platform is better for web developers?
Upwork, without question. Development projects need collaboration, iteration, and ongoing support - all strengths of Upwork's model. Most serious development work happens on Upwork.
What is the difference between Fiverr and Upwork?
The main difference is the business model: Upwork uses a bidding system where you apply to jobs, while Fiverr uses a gig system where you list services and wait for buyers. Upwork charges 10% fees vs Fiverr's 20%, and Upwork is better for long-term relationships while Fiverr works for quick one-off tasks.
Is Upwork worth it for freelancers?
Absolutely. Despite the competition, Upwork offers the best combination of project volume, payment protection, and scaling potential. With the right proposal strategy (or automation), you can build a six-figure freelance business on Upwork.
Trial setup / Sign up
Get personalized job alerts and AI-powered proposals tailored to your Upwork profile. Set up your preferences in 2 minutes.
Step 1 - write your keywords
Exact the same keywords, which you use in Upwork.
Automate Your Upwork Success
Ready to scale your Upwork income without burning out?
U Never Sleep automates Upwork proposals so you can:
- Send 50-100+ personalized proposals weekly
- Respond to new jobs within minutes (24/7)
- Increase response rates to 24-35%
- Win 3-5x more contracts
The result: More clients, more income, less time on proposal writing.
Related articles: