Upwork VS Fiverr

Fiverr and Upwork are the most successful traditional marketplaces for freelancers.

With immense opportunities to hire or get hired, these two platforms are the go-to places.

Outsource your skill set and start earning through Upwork or Fiverr.

But which one is better?

Or should I say which one is for you?

Let’s dissect it at your convenience.

Upwork and Fiverr: Introduction

Upwork

With a great entry into the freelancing world, it has transformed into a giant within two decades. With a mission to create more economic opportunities for independent contractors to businesses of all sizes, it has aided people to accomplish incredible things.

As the world’s work marketplace, it consists of about 814k active clients that ensure the progression of your career at maximum.

Fiverr

A diverse marketplace that connects buyers with sellers in one click. With the abundant opportunities and about 700 categories it provides, it has become a go-to place for freelancers.

If you want to start freelancing, go to Fiverr.

If you want to progress your career, go to Fiverr.

And if you are an expert in your skill, go to Fiverr.

Hence, for everyone.

Upwork vs Fiverr: Key Differences

  • To get a larger-sized project and earn big, Upwork is the best. If you are a beginner, Fiverr is the best option out there.
  • Upwork requires more details to set up a profile while Fiverr is relatively easy.
  • Fiverr has a unique Gig system. It allows the freelancers to sell their services at their terms.
  • Upwork, like other marketplaces, requires the client to post a detailed job/project description for freelancers to bid on.
  • Upwork promotes the long-term relationship between the client and the freelancers, unlike Fiverr.
  • Upwork also has a mobile app supported on Android and iPhone while Fiverr does not.

Upwork vs Fiverr: How to create a profile?

Upwork

To create a profile:

  • Go to the Upwork site or mobile app and click on Sign Up.
  • Click on your category: I am a client, hiring for a project OR I am a freelancer, looking for work.
  • You can sign up through your Google/apple account or email address.
  • Add your personal information. Like, first and last name, location, and password.
  • Once done, click on the box to agree to their terms and services.

Before applying for a job, about 60% of your profile must be completed. For that, you must add your profile photograph, your title (skill set), a brief description, experience, and at least one skill tag.

To get better visibility, you must complete 100% of your profile along the way. To get detailed information visit here.

Be very careful when creating a profile on Upwork. It is a one-time shot. If you add any wrong or false information and your account gets suspended, you will not be able to create another one.

Even if you do, they are gonna catch you sooner or later. Upwork algorithms are way smarter than you.

Fiverr

To create a Fiverr account, go to its web page and choose your account: Buyer and seller. (by default, you create a buyer account)

Step to create an account:

  • Go to the home page and click Join.
  • Add your email account. Connect through Google/iPhone and Facebook accounts.
  • Add your username and password for registration.

After registering you must activate our account.

To activate your seller account:

  • Login to your account click our profile icon and choose “Become a seller” from the drop-down.
  • Add the required information and verify your phone number.
  • Complete the process by creating your first gig.

To get more information, click here.

Upwork vs Fiverr: Find work.

Upwork

As a freelancer, you can earn in three ways.

⦁ You can bid on the job posted by clients.
⦁ You can post your pre-formed project through the project catalog.
⦁ Discuss your in-demand skills with clients so they can find opportunities aligned with your expertise and passion.

Along with that, Upwork gives you 10 free connects per month. Connects are like job applications to a task. Some jobs require them, some do not. You can also buy connects from Upwork.

Fiverr

To earn from Fiverr, you need a seller account. You can bid on the project posted by the clients. The predominant system Fiverr promotes is the GIG System.

To facilitate the buyers/clients, the freelancers share their skills and experience along with the pay rate on Fiverr. The clients can search them through search engines by adding the relevant keyword.

To make your gig rank higher in the search results you must use appropriate keywords, the job description, project charges, and tags.

Upwork vs Fiverr: Hire a freelancer?

Upwork

As a client, you can post a job or project to which the freelancers bid.

The advanced algorithms of Upwork also help you to shortlist candidates that are most suited for the job.

You can go through the profiles and descriptions of the bidder before awarding someone your project.

Through the project catalog, you can browse the projects posted by freelancers and buy them in one click.

Fiverr

On Fiverr, the clients can buy the gig that suits their work or post a project for the freelancers to bid on.

After posting a project, you can consider the offers and Fiverr also redirects you to the bid that matches your criteria.

Upwork vs Fiverr: Badge System

Upwork

To help Freelancers shine their experience and expertise, Upwork introduced talent badges.

  • Rising Talent: This is for the new members of the Upwork community. It helps your clients to know you are best among new freelancers.
  • Top Rated: If you build a strong reputation with clients, you will be awarded this badge. Positive feedback from clients from time to time is essential.
  • Top Rated Plus: To earn this badge, you must complete high-quality projects with long-term good relations with your clients. Positive client feedback on high-value contracts is the key.

Fiverr

Fiverr has seller levels that are based on your monthly performance.

There are 4 levels.

  • New Sellers
  • Level One
  • Level Two
  • Top-Rated Seller

Through this badge system, Upwork and Fiverr facilitate the freelancer and clients to earn more and guarantee 100% job satisfaction.

There are multiple other benefits associated with each badge/level.

Upwork vs Fiverr: Payment System

Upwork

The time to receive your payment depends upon its type, hourly, fixed price, or project catalog.

  • As per Upwork policy, the hourly payment is subject to a weekly billing system. The weekly billing ends on Sunday and is made available to you in 10 days for withdrawal.
  • For the fixed-priced task, they depend on milestones. Once your clients concede the milestone, you can withdraw your money after five days.
  • The project catalog payments are based on the project approval. Once approved, you can receive it after a 5-day security period.

There are multiple payment options available to freelancers on Upwork. You can wire your earnings to a direct bank account, or through 3rd party vendors like PayPal, Payoneer, etc.

There is also another facility Upwork provides to its users. Escrow system for fixed-price projects. The money is held in a neutral holding place until the completion of the task up to the satisfaction of the client.

Fiverr

The Fiverr payment system is based on a pay-per-project basis. Once you complete your task, the client pays Fiverr and 80% of the payment will be transferred to you. You can withdraw it after 14 days. For top level sellers, the time of clearance is 7 days.

You can withdraw through PayPal, Fiverr revenue card, or direct bank transfer. In the case of foreign currency other than USD, the conversion charges may apply.

Upwork vs Fiverr: Fee System

Upwork

Upwork does not apply any charges to the clients. For freelancers, it applies charges when you are getting paid after project completion. You must pay 10% of your earnings as freelance service fees on every project. For the first 500$ earnings, you pay 20% service charges.

If you have a direct contract and the client only pays you through Upwork then you are subjected to 3.5% of fee charges.

Fiverr

The profile setup on Fiverr is free. But if you purchase as a buyer then you pay 5.5% of service charges. As a freelancer/seller, you pay 20% of project charges to Fiverr.

Upwork vs Fiverr: Pros and Cons

Upwork

Pros

  • No fee charges to clients
  • Escrow system
  • Offer high-paid projects.
  • Payment clears within 5-10 days.
  • Negotiate payment.
  • Long-term freelancer-client relationship

Cons

  • Cannot create another account after the suspension of the first.
  • Competition is fierce.
  • Require connects to apply for jobs.

Fiverr

Pros

  • Best choice for beginners
  • No contract system
  • Showcase your skill set through gigs.
  • Offer multiple gigs

Cons

  • No escrow system
  • 20% commission charges
  • 5.5% fee charges on clients
  • No long-term client relationship

Other Freelancing Sites

Other than these two giants, multiple freelance marketplaces are offering multiple services to freelancers around the globe.

To name a few,

  • Guru.com
  • Freelancer
  • People Per Hour
  • Flexjobs
  • 99designs
  • Toptal, etc.

Conclusion

Upwork and Fiverr are the two most trusted and famous marketplaces in the world. From outsourcing your skill set to establishing a full-fledged career, both offer multiple opportunities.

Upwork is considered a bigger fish and a lifetime opportunity. Whereas Fiverr introduces you to a space to begin your career.

You can choose any one of them or both.

But success only lies with your potential and both Fiverr and Upwork only provide a platform to realize it.

FAQs

Which is the best, Fiverr or Upwork?

Both are the best freelance marketplaces. You can do whatever suits you better.

Does Fiverr have an escrow system?

No, Fiverr doesn’t have an escrow system.

What are the connects in Upwork?

Connects are what you use to submit a job application on Upwork.

Can you make more than one account?

You cannot make more than one account on one site. But you can create different accounts on different sites.

Can you make another account after deleting your previous account on Upwork?

No, you cannot. It is against the Upwork policy. Your second will be suspended if you do so.

Which one is the best choice for beginners, Upwork or Fiverr?

Fiverr is a better option for the beginners.

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