A freelancer is an independent worker who earns a living working for different businesses or organisations on a flexible per-job or per-task basis, typically for short-term work.
Freelance jobs are typically work paid by the hour, day or month. Whereas per task work, or per project outcome is usually paid on satisfactory completion of the work task, or tasks. These tasks are commonly referred to as freelance gigs.
The rise of freelance work has accelerated the gig economy movement, especially the online marketplaces associated to the gig economy and Future of Work.
Freelancing provides a win-win for both the employer and freelancer. The flexible nature of the employment agreement allows the business access to expert short term, or on-demand talent for specific short term projects or dedicated work outcomes. Whilst also providing flexibility to the freelancer for work opportunities that suit their financial and work life balance needs.
What are the 5 best rated Freelancing Apps in 2025?
Upwork is the largest freelancing website that connects clients and freelancers all across the world.
The web app provides a large range of skills and categories, from web and software development to marketing and accounting.
Clients and freelancers have multiple ways to connect – clients can choose to advertise a job and hire talent or buy a predefined service from the project catalog.
Whereas freelancers can access the job board and offer a service to sell.
To get started as a freelancer on Upwork, first create a profile.
Upwork has a sliding commission scale, rewarding the more you work, the less money you pay. The commission fee starts from 20% for the first bill of $500 and gradually reduces as you receive more money.
Payment withdrawal, includes direct transfer, PayPal, and wire transfer.
Freelancer.com is one of the original freelance websites where service provider professionals and international organisations unite to complete various projects. Registering as a freelancer requires you to fill out a short form. Provide detailed information, including your skills, educational background, and work experience.
Freelancers can apply for projects to gain work. In addition to projects, there are also contests, such as visual or design work. Freelancers can gain from these contests by earning money along with reviews on their profiles.
Every freelancer will receive full payment after completing a job. However, the platform takes 10% of your total earnings for contests and fixed projects. Payment is via PayPal or wire transfer for withdrawal.
Fiverr is a freelance platform connecting freelancers and business owners requiring expert on demand talent for services in various digital projects, including website design, copywriting, and sales lead generation.
This website provides a slick process for freelancers and business owners to collaborate. Sellers can sign up for free, list their gigs, and set their own prices. Whereas, buyers can easily browse through different work categories to purchase. Whenever a buyer purchases a gig, the app immediately charges their account and places the money on hold. The platform pay proicess will then take a commission fee and send freelancers 80% of the offered price.
Depending on each freelancer’s seller level, it can take up to 14 days to withdraw their earnings. There are multiple options to withdraw the payments, such as debit card, PayPal, and wire transfer.
Guru is an international freelancer marketplace. Companies can hire professionals with various skills, such as software engineers, web designers, and digital marketing freelancers. This freelance platform is easy to browse freelance job listings and submit applications to clients. Start by signing up and building your freelance profile. The app will provide job recommendations based on your defined skills and experience.
Freelancers can bid for different projects and provide a fixed price for each. Freelancers can receive pay in various manners, including PayPal and wire transfer. More importantly, the site ensures freelancers get paid timely with SafePay protection.Every freelancer that signs up on this freelance website gets a free basic membership. This can be upgraded to paid membership plans with more features to benefit the freelancer.
Gigexchange is a Global Future of Work marketplace for freelancers to connect with businesses for work. Gigexchange allows freelancers to complete freelance gigs (specific work tasks and outcomes - with payment after the work is completed), freelance jobs (time based work - typically short term contracts which are arranged off platform). Freelancers may also volunteer their valuable services free of charge via the Volunteer service.
Registration is quick and simple, completing a skills and experience fields for its AI/ML function. Registering for Freelance Gigs via the Gig Worker section requires Identity verification prior. This is quick and simple, providing a few ID documents to become identity validated, building trust in the marketplace.
The commission rates for freelance gigs is the lowest of all freelance apps, at just 5%. For freelance jobs there is no commission for finding work.
There are no subscription fees or limits on the number of applications for jobs or gigs.
Gigexchange operates across 39 countries, allowing freelancers to connect with local businesses and remote, or work from home freelance work.
The platform works as a progressive web app (PWA) which means both buyers and sellers can use the standard website or mobile app to complete work services.
The platform supports VISA & Mastercard debit & credit cards. Payment withdrawal for freelancers is via Stripe and typically takes 5-14 days from gig completion.
Find Freelancing jobs and work opportunities remote & in the below countries easily
A freelancer is an individual who is self-employed and typically works one of more freelance jobs simultaneously. They are usually specialised experts in a particular field, who can offer fixed term, or on-demand services to businesses requiring their services.
Creative, Media & IT technical industries are popular fields for freelancers due to the nature of work, especially offering flexibility around remote working.
Online Freelance marketplaces have gained popularity in the past decade. Offering avenues for businesses and service provider freelancers to connect and collaborate together.
There are freelance apps specialising in specific niche industries, as well as broader freelancing platforms connecting a range of businesses and highly skilled freelancers.
The best freelancer marketplaces we have found offering the fairest commission rate are
Businesses employ freelancers due to their experience and flexibility of employment. In addition to this, many freelancers are adept to remote onboarding processes and remote working in general.
Whilst not all freelance work is remote based, a large proportion is due to the win-win nature. This is typically agreed at the initial interview phase.
Businesses searching for expert freelance talent can now find and hire freelancers with the skills and experience needed on many freelance platforms
The best freelance websites are Upwork.com Fiverr.com Freelancer.com & gigexchange.com
A freelance job is a standard work contract for a set period of time. Typically 3-6 months. These jobs are paid by the hourly or daily rate. Freelancers usually invoice on a weekly or monthly basis for standard freelance jobs.
Freelance gigs are work assignments with explicit scope of works and expected outcomes. Freelance gigs are typically paid out once the work has been completed to the customers satisfaction.
gigexchange.com offers both freelance gigs and freelance jobs on the marketplace.
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We have collated some additional useful Freelancing information available online in 2025 so you can gain extra knowledge, resources and potential new freelance opportunities, or understand how freelancing can work for you.