20 Best Platforms for Freelancers to Showcase Work

Finding the best freelance platforms to present portfolio for new and experienced freelancers is integral to succeeding. Since the gig economy is developing quickly today, each freelancer should be able to find the best platform for them, whether it is Upwork for the diversity of projects, Fiverr for quick gigs, or Toptal for the exclusive elite opportunities. This guide provides an overview of the best platforms, focuses on features and fees, and compares suitability for different niches, assessing opportunities for freelancers to fully present work and attractive job opportunities for freelancers in 2025.

Platform Comparison by Freelancer Type

1. Upwork

One of the largest freelance marketplaces in the world that connects millions of freelancers to clients in various industries. Great for freelancers at all levels of experience!

Features/ Facts

• Variety of job categories in writing, design, IT, marketing, and more.
• Payment protection for hourly projects with time tracking.
• Skills tests to confirm your domain knowledge and expertise in a particular area.

Statistics & Reviews: Millions of freelancers use Upwork from around the world, and Upwork is generally regarded as a safe platform with many opportunities and payment security options.

Payment and Fee Structure: The Fee structure is 20% (first $500), 10% ($500-$10,000), and 5% after that. Only way to get paid is direct deposit to your bank account, PayPal, or wire transfer.

Case Studies or Success Stories: Upwork’s official freelancer success stories

2. Fiverr 

This platform is a gig-based market that allows freelancers to offer their services for flexible prices to complete quick tasks and creative projects.

Features and Useful Information

• Easy gig setup and pricing packages.
• Freelancer levels based on performance feedback.
• Transaction incurs a flat 20% service fee.

Statistics & Reviews

Fostering a great place for newbies and creatives, but also very competitive.

Policies for payment and fees: 20% flat fee on total earnings. Payments through Paypal or a bank transfer to your own account or the Fiverr Revenue Card.

Case Studies or Success Stories: There are many success stories of Fiverr freelancers who multiplied their income through strategies like tiered gigs and harnessing the value of a Fiverr business:

• 15 Great Entrepreneur Success Stories from Fiverr
  https://blog.fiverr.com/post/15-great-entrepreneur-success-stories

• The Secret to My Success: Dayvon’s Fiverr Story

• Fiverr Enterprise success stories

3. Toptal 

An elite platform connecting clients with the top 3% of freelancers, developers, designers, finance, and more.

Features and Statistics

• Big dedication to screening.
• Make big money with the top-tier clients.
• True project matching.

Statistics & Reviews: Generally ranked well for quality, freelancers consistently make premium pricing

Payment and Fees: Fees are built into client costs; freelancers receive agreed-upon rates without commissions taken. Payments are made via direct deposit or Payoneer.

Case Studies or Success Stories: Multiple developer testimonials on Toptal’s official site demonstrate securing remote contracting opportunities with large companies after going through the extensive screening process: Toptal developer success stories

4. Guru

Including real-time collaboration tools and multiple payment options.

Features and Facts

• Real-time collaborative tool WorkRoom.
• SafePay for secured payments.
• Diverse categories (marketers, programmers, etc.).

Statistics & Reviews: Communications and payment consistently favored.

Payments and fee structure: Fees charged of 5-9% based on membership category. Payment options include PayPal, wire transfer, or cheque.

5. Freelancer 

A bidding site where freelancers bid on projects. Good for professionals okay with bidding on projects.

Features & Facts

• Project bids and contests.
• Who is checking their verification if they jump in?
• Paid competency test to verify expertise.
• Milestone payment system.

Statistics & Reviews: A large global audience of freelancers, but a lot of competition.

Paying and fees: Project bidding fees vary widely but average 10 percent or contest fees up to 20 percent. Payment is accepted through PayPal, Skrill, or wire transfer.

6. Behance

It is an Adobe-owned platform created for creatives to showcase portfolios and build connections.

Details and Features

• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Analytics to view how many people viewed your portfolio.
• Community feedback and job postings.

Statistics and Reviews: Behance is popular among designers and artists as a powerful tool for personal branding.

Payment and fees: Behance is free to use. There are no fees because it is a portfolio platform that connects to Adobe.

Case studies or success stories: Creatives, like artists or designers, often share success stories of landing international clients from their Behance portfolio. Adobe Behance success stories.

7. 99designs 

Design and contest platform with China-based clients.

Facts and Features

• Show off your creative edge via design contests.
• Direct hire as an option.
• Payment security: upfront client payment.

Statistics and Reviews: Payment structure is fair and adds to your portfolio as a designer.

Payment and Fee Structure: Project fees are 5-15%. Payment via PayPal or Payoneer.

8. We Work Remotely 

Job board dedicated to remote work opportunities for freelancers.

Features and Facts

• Curated remote jobs.
• Client applications are direct.
• Free for freelancers.

Statistics & Reviews: Popular for remote tech and marketing opportunities.

Payment and Fee Details: Free for freelancers; clients pay posting fees if applicable

9. LinkedIn

A professional social network that is used more and more for freelancer portfolios and reaching out to clients.

Details and Facts

• Complete profiles and recommendations.
• Job listings and networking.
• Content sharing to highlight talent.

Statistics & Reviews

Reviewers and users appreciate its credibility and networking.

Payment and Fee Structures: Free for use; can use a premium subscription for job applications.

Case Studies or Success Stories: Freelancers and consultants frequently reference finding freelancer success through their use of LinkedIn and their network in LinkedIn’s blog and marketing case studies. LinkedIn business success stories

10. PeoplePerHour 

UK-based platform simplifies matching freelance contractors on various job types with clients.

Features & Information

• Algorithm to efficiently match jobs.
• Escrow payment protection for all projects.
• All reasonable freelance categories are available.

Statistics & Reviews: Great reputation for large and small jobs!

Payment processor and fees: Starting fee of 20%, percentage decreases based on the amount of funds earned. Payment processed via PayPal or bank transfer.

11. CloudDevs 

Focuses on providing vetted developers and designers for remote work opportunities.

Features and Facts

• Screened freelancers.
• Long-term contracts and freelance opportunities.
• Remote work available.

Statistics & Reviews: Common choice among tech freelancers looking for good clients.

Payment and Fees: Varies on contracts; Payoneer or wire transfers.

12. Designhill 

This creative platform allows designers to join contests, collaborate one-on-one, and sell their work.

Features and Facts

• Contests and crowdsourcing design projects.
• PrintShop to sell your art.
• Connects designers with businesses and start-ups.

Stats & Reviews: Great for creative freedom and portfolio building.

Payment and fee info: Fees based on projects. Payments can be made via Payoneer or bank transfer.

13. TaskRabbit 

Great for freelancers engaged in local or remote assignments such as assembly, deliveries, and online services.

Features and Facts

• Local services gigs, and remote jobs
• Immediate client hiring
• Secure payments and insurance for clients

Statistics & Reviews: Popular for physical or service-based gigs.

Payment & Fees: Service fees vary; payout is paid directly to a bank account.

14. FlexJobs 

A curated listing of vetted, legit freelance, part-time, and remote jobs.

Features & Facts

• All job postings are manually vetted
• Diverse opportunities for flexible work
• Subscription service

Statistics & Reviews: Known for being scam-free and offering quality jobs.

Payment and Fees: Subscription service, no fees for jobs on the platform

15. Contena 

The platform allows freelancers to find coaching and jobs.

Features & Facts

• Writing gigs and education resources.
• Customized job alerts.
• Portfolio development tools.

Stats & Ratings: Popular among writers who want to start or scale their freelance writing business.

Payment and Fees: Subscription and a commission on jobs.

16. SolidGigs 

Offers a weekly curated list of freelancing gigs and opportunities.

Features and Facts

• Handpicked freelance jobs for lead generation.
• Coaching and resources available for freelancers.
• Subscription service.

Statistics & Reviews: Recommended for busy freelancers looking for quality gigs.

Payment and Fee Information: Subscription service, no commission fees.

17. WriterAccess 

Content creation platform for freelance writers to connect with clients.

Features and Facts

• Large client base needing content marketing.
• Rating system based on quality of work.
• Payment protection and connection flexibility.

Statistics & Reviews: Preferred by professional writers with a marketing background.

Payment and Fees: Charges clients; freelancers get paid monthly via PayPal or direct deposit.

18. Nexxt 

A job board with freelance, part-time and full-time job postings spanning every industry.

Features and Facts

• Personalized job recommendations.
• Easily apply with only a resume (most jobs).
• Career development resources.

Statistics and Reviews: Used by a variety of professionals looking for freelance work.

Payment and Fee Information: There is no fee for freelancers to post on; more than 37 million people are familiar with the platform or use it. Employers will have to pay fees.

19. Workana 

A free website that is very popular across Latin America, catering to freelancers all over the world in the tech and creative spaces.

Features and Facts

• Project Management Tools
• Payment Security
• Many Job Categories

Statistics & Reviews: Growing globally with an emphasis on emerging markets

Payment and Fee Information: Fees are 10-20%.

20. SimplyHired

Complete job-search engine that lists freelance jobs in several industries.

Features and Facts

• Aggregates freelance jobs from different sites.
• Provides salary estimates and company reviews.
• Mobile-friendly interface.

Statistics & Reviews: Great resource for general freelance job searching.

Payment and Fee Structure: Free for freelancers; some listings are paid.

Geographic Reach and Language Support 

• Although most platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Guru serve mass-customized audiences in various languages,
• PeoplePerHour is focused mostly on the UK/Europe.
• Workana is a fully Latin America centric freelancer/client platform.
• Truelancer and TaskRabbit are making their mark primarily in India and specific countries.
• Some platforms like LinkedIn serve a global professional audience using local language very well.

Security and Support 

• Upwork, Guru, and Freelancer have an escrow model for payment, and they also have a dispute resolution system.
• Fiverr and 99designs have milestone payments and order protection.
• LinkedIn relies on professional reputation and client reviews.
• The platforms differ in levels of customer service, but the bigger sites will have an entire customer service team and the smaller sites will rely on self-service options.

Comparison of Platform Policies 

• Cancellation and refund policies vary. Upwork allows parties to mutually agree to cancel the contract and the party who wishes to cancel may receive a full or partial refund. Fiverr only allows for refund requests involving non-delivery or dissatisfaction.
• Intellectual property typically transfers following full payment. Freelancers should make sure to address intoxication in their agreements or contracts.
• Certain Platforms limit on freelancers’ rights (e.g., exclusivity, restrictions on showcasing completed work).
• It is imperative that freelancers review terms thoroughly to prevent disagreements.