25 best freelance job sites for 2023
See the best freelance job sites for this year, all in one place. Explore our top sites to find where you can make the most money under your own terms.
Freelancing sounds appealing to many people. You get to set your own hours and work wherever you want. However, without the right freelance jobs online, you’ll spend more time trying to find clients than working.
Every freelancer has a story. You could try starting at the lowest level, working for pennies to get enough good reviews on a given site. Alternatively, you can start on the right freelancing job site and make the kind of money you can live on immediately.
11 top general freelance job sites
Below are the top freelance jobs websites in several niches. While no one guarantees your income, with a plan and persistence, you can reach your goals.
1. Fiverr
What is Fiverr?
Fiverr is a freelance marketplace rather than a job board. Like a marketplace, you set up your store and offerings called gigs. Then customers can visit your store, buy from you, or discuss the services you offer.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
Fiverr is a solid platform for both beginners and advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
To begin, you post your standard services on Fiverr using the gig builder. These include your gig requirements, which tell you about the assignment. People can buy your standard packages or request a custom one. Fiverr holds the payment in escrow until the order is complete.
Is it hard to open an account?
It is not hard to open an account on Fiverr. All you need is an application and an email address you can use to verify the account.
What does this website specialize in?
Fiverr does not specialize in a particular niche of services. Instead, customers can select from services ranging from app development to translation.
How much does the platform cost?
There is no fee to join Fiverr. However, Fiverr does charge you a 20% commission on any order over $20, regardless of size.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
How much you can make depends on your niche and your pricing plan on Fiverr.
2. Upwork freelance
What is Upwork?
Upwork is a freelancing job board website where people post looking for skilled talent to complete their tasks. Upwork offers several options, from working per hour to a fixed rate.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
Upwork is suitable for both beginners and advanced freelancers. The proposal process may take some adjustment time.
How does it work?
You start by signing up for and filling out your free profile. Once that’s set up and your portfolio samples are loaded, you can browse jobs. Upwork relies on a proposal bid system, during which the customer selects the best option they receive.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it is not difficult to open.
What does this website specialize in?
Upwork does not have a specific niche.
How much does the platform cost?
There is no fee to sign up for Upwork. However, Upwork uses a sliding scale that applies to each client. For the first $500, it’s 20%. From $500 to $10,000, it’s 10%. Above that, it’s 5%.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
How much money you can make depends on your niche and how you price your proposal bids.
4. Guru freelance
What is Guru?
Guru is a freelance job board that you compete for jobs on with other freelancers in a variety of niches.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
Guru is suitable for both beginner and advanced freelancers. The proposal system may require some adjustments.
How does it work?
First, you create an amazing profile. Then you can search for jobs that interest you and submit a proposal bid. If the customer likes your bid and profile, they will hire you for the job.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, you simply need to open an account and fill out the profile.
What does this website specialize in?
Guru does not specialize in a specific niche.
How much does the platform cost?
There is no fee to sign up for Guru. However, Guru does offer membership levels with additional features. On a free account, Guru takes 9% of your earnings.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
How much money you make depends on your niche and proposal bid pricing.
6. OnSite freelance
What is OnSite?
OnSite is an exclusive freelancing site that carefully curates which professionals make it into their matching algorithm. The jobs are centered around London.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This site is geared more towards advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
Initially, your application is reviewed by the freelancing website’s curators. Then, the algorithm matches your job preferences with companies looking for skilled professionals.
Is it hard to open an account?
Yes, it is difficult. OnSite is an invite-only platform that then subjects you to an approval process. The freelance site boasts that only 5% are approved.
What does this website specialize in?
The website specializes in making local connections.
How much does the platform cost?
The website is free.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
The income highly depends on your niche.
7. Working nomads
What is Working Nomads?
Working Nomads is a digital freelance job board. The company curates the jobs posted to its board from around the world.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
The platform is suitable for beginning and advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
First, you open a Working Nomads account then you search through the postings for a job that interests you. From there, you apply on that company’s website and follow the protocol.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it is not difficult to open an account.
What does this website specialize in?
Many of the jobs are developer positions. However, there are other positions on the site.
How much does the platform cost?
The platform is free for freelancers.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
Your monthly income will vary based on the jobs you apply for and take.
8. Hirable
What is Hirable?
Hirable is a job board that matches up software developers and companies based on your specific skills and expertise.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This site is more suitable for advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
You sign up for a free account. Companies post their jobs to the board, and then you can choose which jobs appeal to you.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it is not hard to open an account.
What does this website specialize in?
Hirable covers a broad range of niches.
How much does the platform cost?
The platform is free for freelancers.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
Your monthly income will vary depending on the jobs you take.
9. Truelancer
What is Truelancer?
Truelancer is another freelance jobs site. The company matches freelancers and companies through their website.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
Truelancer is suitable for both beginning and advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
You start by signing up for a free account and completing the profile. Then you can search for jobs within the site and place proposal bids.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it is not difficult.
What does this website specialize in?
The site does not have a specialized niche.
How much does the platform cost?
There is a free account option and subscriptions starting at $5 per month. Additionally, Truelancer gets 10% of each sale.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
Your monthly income will depend on your niche and how you price your proposal bids.
10. FreeUp
What is Freeup?
FreeUp is a digital job board that curates the freelancers who can access it.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is suitable for both beginning and advanced freelancers. However, it is more aimed at advanced.
How does it work?
You sign up for an account and go through the interview process. Once you finish creating a profile, you can browse for jobs you want. When you find one, you can send a proposal bid for the client to consider.
Is it hard to open an account?
Yes, the process has many steps. You will need to fill out an application and briefly interview before you can use the platform.
What does this website specialize in?
This website does not have a particular niche.
How much does the platform cost?
There is no monthly cost. However, the platform does charge clients 15% on top of the rate you pick.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
How much money you make depends on where you set your pricing.
11. Freelancer
What is Freelancer?
Freelancer is a job board where you compete with other freelancers for one of the thousands of available jobs.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
Freelancer is suitable for beginning and advanced freelancers. Beginners may need some time to get used to the proposal system.
How does it work?
For the freelancer, you fill out a profile and go through the verification checklist. Then you can browse jobs and place proposals on the jobs that interest you. Customers can then choose from the proposals they get and may message you. Once the customer places an order, Freelancer holds on to the money until the project is complete.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it is not difficult to open a Freelancer account. You will need contact information and an idea of what you want your profile to look like.
What does this website specialize in?
This website does not specialize in a specific niche. Rather, numerous varieties of jobs are posted here.
How much does the platform cost?
There is no fee to sign up. However, there is a 10% fee on fixed-price projects and a 20% fee on services.
Programmers & developers freelance websites
1. Gun.io
What is Gun.io?
Guru.io is an experienced developer’s freelance website that delivers high-dollar opportunities.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is aimed at experienced professionals.
How does it work?
You set up an account, including a profile. Then the platform’s algorithm matches you with projects.
Is it hard to open an account?
Yes, it is. The platform requires you passcode, reference, and culture assessments as well as vetting.
What does this website specialize in?
Gun.io specializes in the software development niche.
How much does the platform cost?
There is no monthly fee for this platform.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
How much you can make depends on where you set your pricing.
2. Turing
What is Turing?
Turing is a specialty developer’s freelance website focusing on software. The company prefers you to work a 40-hour workweek once you have a position, and each position typically lasts 6 months or more.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
Turing is geared towards more advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
To begin, you fill out an application and pass your exams. Then Turing allows you to apply for positions as well as match you automatically. Once a company hires you, it’s typically for full-time work.
Is it hard to open an account?
Yes, it is difficult. There are 5 to 10 hours of tests for you to take.
What does this website specialize in?
Turing specializes in software development and engineering.
How much does the platform cost?
There are no monthly or percentage fees. Instead, Turing charges the clients to stay in business.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
You can make the same or better salary than what you would make at the same level working in person in the United States. For example, a DevOps engineer was paid a minimum of $91,000 in 2021.
3. WP hired
What is WP Hired?
WP Hired is a specialized freelance developer website for all things WordPress. The freelance site offers both full-time and part-time positions.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This site is suitable for freelancers with WordPress experience, though advanced freelancers will have an easier time.
How does it work?
You start by filling out a profile. Then you can browse the job boards. Each job has an easy application requiring contact details, a resume, and a cover letter (you need both). Companies will communicate if they like the skills you offer.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it simply requires that you fill out a form.
What does this website specialize in?
This website specializes in WordPress-related positions.
How much does the platform cost?
There is no monthly fee for this platform.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
Your monthly income will depend on how you set your prices and negotiate each job.
Freelance website designers & developers
1. Stack overflow careers
What is Stack Overflow Careers?
Stack Overflow Careers sprung out of one of the largest coding forums around. It’s a job board-style site where you apply on the company website or using the Stack Overflow forums.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is suitable for both beginners and advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
You can simply browse the job listings. Many have you apply on the company website, though there is an easy apply feature that will use your account information. If a company likes your application, they will reach out.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it is not even necessary to find work on the platform. However, it is advisable to fill out the forms so the platform can suggest jobs.
What does this website specialize in?
Stack Overflow Careers specializes in web design, programming, and similar niches.
How much does the platform cost?
It costs nothing to use this freelancing job site.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
How much you make depends on what you negotiate with your client(s). However, ti should be in line with industry standards.
2. Smashing jobs
What is Smashing Jobs?
Smashing Jobs is run by Smashing Magazine, which focuses on all things design. The platform allows people to post available positions.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This site is suitable for both beginners and advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
You simply scroll down the list of available positions until you find one you like. Then you typically apply on the company site or send an email. If the company likes your application, they will reach out.
Is it hard to open an account?
There is no account necessary for this site.
What does this website specialize in?
This freelance job site specializes in developer and design positions.
How much does the platform cost?
The platform costs nothing.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
How much money you make depends on how you negotiate with the employer. It should be in line with industry standards.
3. Toptal freelance marketplace
What is Toptal?
Toptal is a curated marketplace where the staff match freelancers to projects in the design and development fields.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is geared towards advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
You obtain an account and then wait for the Toptal team to match your skills to an incoming project. Then you have a two-week trial period with the employer. If you pass, you get to finish the rest of the project.
Is it hard to open an account?
Yes, it is difficult to get an account. You must pass skill-specific exams as well as interviews before your account is approved.
What does this website specialize in?
This website specializes in developers.
How much does the platform cost?
This platform does not cost freelancers anything.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
Toptal is a highly competitive platform, and you can set your own prices. How much you can make depends on where you set your rates.
4. Studio envato
What is Studio Envato?
Studio Envato is a hand-curated freelancer community that focuses primarily on design and development.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is geared more towards established freelancers.
How does it work?
First, you’ll need to set up your account and service offer. Then you wait until someone orders your service or sends a message. From there, you simply need to supply the work.
Is it hard to open an account?
Yes, it is. Each account is hand-selected for membership. If you want to try, you need to start with the ‘Registration of Interest form.
What does this website specialize in?
This site specializes in design and development, but there are a limited number of jobs from other niches.
How much does the platform cost?
The account is free. However, the platform receives 30% of all orders.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
You control your pricing on this platform, and that affects how much money you can make.
Freelance website designers & artists
1. 99designs
What is 99designs?
99designs is a freelance platform where customers can either work directly with designers or start contests to receive the best options for their business.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is suitable for beginners and advanced freelancers, though advanced freelancers will have an easier time being approved.
How does it work?
First, you get account approval and update your portfolio. Then you can submit designs to the various contests in industries that interest you. If your design is selected in a contest, you get paid.
Is it hard to open an account?
To a degree, it is difficult. You have to convince the curation staff that you belong.
What does this website specialize in?
This website specializes in graphic design.
How much does the platform cost?
The account is free. However, the platform fee applies to your earnings based on your design level. It is 20% for the first $500, 15% for entry-level, 10% for midlevel, and 5% for top level.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
While you can set your direct order rate, you cannot set the rate for the contests. Your monthly earnings depend on how many contests you win.
2. Dribbble
What is Dribbble?
Dribbble is a creative community with the capacity for both freelance projects and job postings. Members of the platform also provide feedback to each other.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
Dribbble is suitable for both beginners and advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
You need a pro-business account to access the freelance job board. Once you have it, you can message potential clients, see all job details, and decide which ones you want to offer your services on.
Is it hard to open an account?
It depends on whether you want to spend money. If you want to post your work without a membership, you need to be invited by existing members.
What does this website specialize in?
This website specializes in graphic design and illustration.
How much does the platform cost?
There are free, pro, and pro-business accounts. Pro costs $5 per month, while pro-business runs $15 per month. You need a pro account to sell your services, and a business account to access the job board.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
You determine your prices on this website, so how you do so affects your income.
3. Behance
What is Behance?
Behance is a freelance artist website that allows people to post their work and portfolios. The site also offers job postings.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is suitable for freelancers of all levels.
How does it work?
Signing up for and filling out a profile is helpful, though you do not need it to browse jobs. Jobs posted on Behance are either applied on Behance or applied on the company site. If the company likes your application, you will be hired.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it simply requires contact details. If you do not have an Adobe ID, one will be created for you.
What does this website specialize in?
This website is for freelance artists of every creative niche.
How much does the platform cost?
Behance is a free platform.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
You are in charge of negotiating your rate on this site, and your income depends on your success.
4. ArtStation
What is Artstation?
ArtStation is a freelance artist community that centers around games and movies. The site has many sections, from learning to prints.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is suitable for all levels of freelancers.
How does it work?
You sign up for an account and set up your portfolio. You can use that portfolio to apply for the jobs listed on the companies’ websites. Just make sure you confirm they allow remote work if you do not want to move. If they like your application, you will hear back.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it is not. The free account lets you set up everything you need.
What does this website specialize in?
This website tailors to artwork for games and movies.
How much does the platform cost?
The free version of this site lets you access the job board and sell items. However, the $6.99 per month plan offers more customization and perks.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
Jobs are competitive on this site and you will need to negotiate your salary with each employer. However, you also have the option to sell products for a commission.
5. Folyo
What is Folyo?
Folyo is an exclusive site for designers that you must have an invite from an existing member to access.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This site is aimed at experienced freelancers.
How does it work?
Folyo members must be invited. Once you are approved, you can set up an account with your preferences. Then you can look at the available jobs and put in applications, assuming people do not contact you straight out.
Is it hard to open an account?
Yes, you must be invited by an existing member.
What does this website specialize in?
This site specializes in design and development.
How much does the platform cost?
Folyo is free to freelancers, and there is no commission.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
You control your price and which jobs you match to on this site.
Online writing job websites for writers & copywriters
1. Problogger jobs
What is Problogger?
Problogger is a blogging community with an extensive education base and job board.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is suitable for all freelancing levels.
How does it work?
You do not need an account to apply for jobs. You can view the job board and examine which jobs fit your freelancing level. Then most of the jobs will have you apply on the company’s website. If your application is chosen, you will hear back.
Is it hard to open an account?
No, it is not.
What does this website specialize in?
This website is for bloggers, writers, and editors.
How much does the platform cost?
This platform is free for freelancers.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
You control your prices by negotiating with your clients.
2. Freelance writing jobs
What is Freelance Writing Gigs?
Freelance Writing Gigs is a writing community with a job board and educational resources.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is suitable for both beginners and advanced freelancers.
How does it work?
You only need to look at the job board, find one that suits you, and follow the application instructions. Generally, this involves an external site.
Is it hard to open an account?
There are no accounts on this site.
What does this website specialize in?
This website specializes in blogging and copywriting jobs.
How much does the platform cost?
This platform is free.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
You control how much you make by negotiating with your clients.
3. Constant content
What is Constant Content?
Constant Content is a unique platform for writers. It offers both the ability to sell prewritten articles and specific article orders.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is suitable for all levels of freelancers.
How does it work?
The first way is putting up articles you have already written for sale and waiting for someone to buy them. The second is writing to a specific order requirement and seeing if the buyer selects your piece.
Is it hard to open an account?
Yes, there are many steps. You will have to take a quiz and submit a writing sample before you can have an account.
What does this website specialize in?
This is a specialty website for content writers.
How much does the platform cost?
The account is free. However, Constant Content takes a 35% commission on every piece you sell.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
You do control your prices on this website, and writing more can make up the difference from the commission.
4. WriteJobs.info
What is WriteJobs.info?
WriteJobs.info is a site dedicated exclusively to providing verified writing jobs and quality projects.
Not as popular these days but still a good source for finding a freelance writing gig.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is suitable for all levels of freelancers.
How does it work?
At this point in time, the site authors are posting all jobs on Patreon behind a paywall. You then click the link to apply for the job on the company website If the company likes your application, you will hear back.
Is it hard to open an account?
It is not difficult, and the main site does not require an account. Accessing the Plus job board requires a Patreon membership.
What does this website specialize in?
This site specializes in work for freelance writers.
How much does the platform cost?
The main site is free. The Plus job board requires a Patreon subscription of at least $3.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
The site provides pay rates on each job, so you’re in control of which jobs you apply to and how much you make.
5. Freelance writers den
What is Freelance Writers Den?
Freelance Writers Den is an online community with both an extensive education program and a job board.
What level of freelancer works on this platform?
This platform is geared towards beginners and medium level freelancers.
How does it work?
The job board is open to members. You simply find one that interests you and follow the application instructions, often on the external company’s site. If they like your application, they will contact you.
Is it hard to open an account?
Yes, there is a waitlist for an account.
What does this website specialize in?
This website specializes in writers of all varieties.
How much does the platform cost?
Membership costs $25 per month.
How much monthly income can you make using this site?
You control how much you make through negotiating with your clients.
Final thoughts:
Making a living freelancing requires careful planning and know-how. It also requires a good set of partner websites, so you don’t spend all your time hunting for new jobs. With some perseverance, you’re on your way to freelancing success. Just remember to file your taxes right along the way.
Do you know any other good freelancing websites that should be on this list? Tell us about them in the comments.
