7 Top Freelance Websites To Make Money Online In 2025

A freelancer’s biggest problem? Finding clients.

Whenever you think of getting projects and clients as a freelancer, you might naturally revert to popular freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr. Freelancer.com is another well-known platform that has been in the industry for a while. But are there other, lesser known or not as frequently considered places that present opportunities for you to make money and get consistent freelance work?

Absolutely, there are. It can be draining to try and stand out and outbid the competition in crowded freelance marketplaces, like crabs in a barrel, and you might often feel pressured to lower your prices just to win a client.

But thankfully, there are some freelance platforms that exist which not only have less competition due to their exclusive nature, but they also provide you with higher-paying projects so you’re not tempted to settle for a price that doesn’t truly reflect your market value and expertise.

Why Try Other Freelance Platforms Besides Upwork And Fiverr?

The upside to using other, lesser-known and less-used freelance platforms is that you’re able to command higher rates, stand out from your competition in a saturated environment, and work with corporate clients who might not hire from these places due to their talent requirements (i.e. they’re looking for a top-tier freelance professional with a very specific technical skill set that’s not easy to find elsewhere).

Another good reason you should try alternative platforms is that they tend to be industry-specific. This is one of the most important aspects of being a freelancer–being able to narrow down your services and market, define exactly who you are and who you serve, and stick to a specific niche, because this allows you to command higher fees, and attract clients who would be willing to pay premium rates.

Additionally, some freelance professionals find that exclusively using Fiverr or Upwork limits their options and exposes them to risk. For example, if for some reason your profile was shut down due to accidental policy violations, or if for any other reason Upwork or Fiverr became unavailable, you’d be stuck financially and your business would come to a grinding halt. This is why it’s good to diversify your income sources and ensure you are visible across multiple platforms if possible, so you can have maximal exposure and reach to land more contracts.

Finally, some niche freelance websites allow you to build and share your portfolio easily, making it front and center, instead of just competing for gigs.

7 Alternatives To Upwork And Fiverr For Freelancers In 2025

Check out this list of freelance platforms to make money online and stand out as an industry expert, below:

1. Contra (commission-free payments)
2. Wripple (specifically for freelancers in the marketing industry)
3. Kolabtree (for freelance scientists and researchers)
4. Clarity.fm
5. Toptal
6. FlexJobs
7. LinkedIn Services

Why follow the beaten track and limit your potential in the long run? Research the list above to find the freelance platform(s) that work best for you and your industry, specialism, and business goals. Put together a strong portfolio and ensure you regularly upgrade your skills so you’re confident in what you have to offer; being highly specialized makes it easier to be accepted in these exclusive freelance networks. This allows you to build greater income stability while working remotely as a freelancer, and ensures career growth.