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Upwork description
Upwork is a platform that connects businesses with freelancers for a wide range of work, from simple tasks to complex projects. Companies can post jobs, review freelancer profiles, and manage payments all in one place. It's a popular choice for businesses of all sizes looking for a flexible and cost-effective way to find talent.
Who is Upwork best for
Upwork connects businesses with freelancers for various projects. A user-friendly interface and vast talent pool are praised, while high fees and the "Connects" system draw criticism. Ideal for companies seeking a flexible, cost-effective way to find talent, but be prepared to navigate a competitive landscape.
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Best for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a flexible workforce.
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A strong fit for e-commerce, media, software, and professional services.
Upwork features
| Supported Upwork matches freelancers with projects based on client-specified requirements using its algorithm. |
| Supported Upwork uses algorithms to suggest relevant jobs to freelancers based on their profiles. |
| Supported Clients can view freelancer portfolios, showcasing their skills and work examples. |
| Supported Freelancers can showcase previous projects in their portfolio. |
| Supported Upwork allows freelancers to create and submit proposals directly on the platform. |
| Supported Contracts can be created within Upwork. |
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software
Value and Pricing Transparency
Customer Service
Ease of Use
Reliability and Performance
Ease of Implementation
Upwork reviews
We've summarised 1841 Upwork reviews (Upwork G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
- Wide variety of jobs and clients from around the world.
- Secure payment system that protects both freelancers and clients.
- Provides a platform for freelancers to connect with clients they may not have otherwise.
- High fees for using the platform.
- The "Connects" system is expensive and many feel it is exploitative.
- Many low quality proposals and jobs being advertised.
- Difficult to get started as a new freelancer due to competition.
Upwork pricing
The commentary is based on 256 reviews from Upwork G2 reviews.
Upwork's fees are a recurring concern, with many reviewers citing the high cost of connects and the platform's percentage-based cut of earnings. Some find the fees justified for the client access and payment protection provided, while others feel the costs are excessive, especially for smaller projects or new freelancers.
Users sentiment
See the Upwork pricing page.
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Upwork has a free plan.
Marketplace
Access to Upwork’s global freelance marketplace, AI-powered features, collaboration and project tracking tools, standard reporting, and flexible payment options.
Business Plus
Access to pre-screened top 1% of talent, expertly matched talent shortlisted within 2 business days, on-demand coaching for hiring and managing contracts, premium customer support 24/7, monthly invoicing with Net 30 terms.
Enterprise
Dedicated account and program management, SSO and integrations including VMS, ATS, and HRIS, hiring pre-approvals and talent onboarding workflows, customized reporting and invoicing, compliance services subscription.
Upwork alternatives
TwineHas greater momentum and offers free job postings. Users appreciate the easy navigation, but some dislike paywalled applications and unclear payment processes. A strong Upwork competitor for businesses seeking freelancers.Read more
upwork vs FiverrBetter for finding freelancers for smaller tasks. Higher rated by users. Has more momentum in terms of employee growth.Read more
lemon.ioBetter for US companies seeking vetted Eastern European developers for long-term software projects. Has a smaller pool of freelancers, but they are pre-vetted. Geared towards long-term projects, not one-off tasks. Growing faster than Upwork. Upwork alternative, Upwork competitor.Read more
WethosBetter for freelancers and agencies needing project management and financial tools. Geared towards smaller businesses and growing faster than Upwork. Provides proposal templates and pricing recommendations. An Upwork competitor and alternative.Read more
Cisco RoutersMore geared towards networking infrastructure than freelance talent acquisition. A better fit for enterprise networking needs. An Upwork competitor for businesses requiring robust networking solutions. A Cisco Routers alternative for those seeking freelance talent.Read more
Freelancer.comLarger talent pool and growing faster. Lower ratings on Glassdoor. More complaints about unqualified freelancers and high fees.Read more
Upwork FAQ
What is Upwork and what does Upwork do?
Upwork is a global freelancing platform connecting businesses with independent professionals. It offers a diverse talent pool for various projects, from simple tasks to complex assignments. Businesses can post jobs, review profiles, and manage payments through Upwork's streamlined interface.
How does Upwork integrate with other tools?
Upwork integrates with various tools to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. It connects with communication platforms like Slack and project management tools like Asana. Additionally, Upwork offers API integrations for businesses needing more customized solutions.
What the main competitors of Upwork?
Top Upwork competitors include Fiverr, known for its diverse talent pool and transparent pricing; Freelancer.com, boasting a massive global network; and Twine, connecting businesses with freelancers for various projects. Other alternatives like Wethos, CloudDevs, and Worksuite offer specialized features for managing freelance work.
Is Upwork legit?
Yes, Upwork is a legitimate platform for finding and hiring freelancers. It's known for its large talent pool and secure payment system. However, be aware of potential downsides like high fees and competition among freelancers.
How much does Upwork cost?
Upwork's pricing includes a Marketplace plan with a 5% service fee, a Business Plus plan at 10%, and an Enterprise plan with custom pricing. Contact sales for Enterprise pricing. Is Upwork worth it? It depends on your product pricing needs and desired features.
Is Upwork customer service good?
Upwork's customer service receives mixed reviews. Some users praise the helpful and responsive support team, particularly for top-rated freelancers. However, others express frustration with slow response times and unhelpful resolutions, especially regarding account suspensions and disputes. Many feel customer service is biased towards clients.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.