Freelancing continues to grow rapidly in 2025, with millions turning to online platforms for flexible work. While Fiverr and Upwork dominate the freelancing landscape, they’re not always ideal—especially when it comes to high service fees, intense competition, and platform policies that often favor clients.
Fortunately, several new and emerging freelance websites now offer better terms, zero or low commission fees, and a more personalized approach to job matching. Here are five freelancing platforms that give you better opportunities, earnings, and freedom than Fiverr and Upwork.
Top Freelance Platforms to Explore
Below is a quick comparison of the five platforms that are changing the freelancing game in 2025:
| Platform | Best For | Commission Fees | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toptal | Experts in dev, design | 0% | Premium clients, elite vetting, long-term roles |
| Wripple | Marketing professionals | 0% | Personalized matching, full earnings, project-based roles |
| Contra | General freelancers | 0% | No bidding, AI-powered profiles, easy invoicing |
| Kolabtree | Scientists, researchers | 0% | High hourly rates, niche scientific projects |
| Freelancer.com | Beginners in freelancing | Varies | Contests, global reach, industry variety |
Toptal – The Elite Platform for Professionals
Toptal is widely recognized for being highly selective, accepting only the top 3% of freelancers in fields like software development, UI/UX design, finance, and product management. It’s best suited for experienced professionals who want premium clients and consistent high-paying work.
Why Toptal Works:
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Premium clients including Fortune 500 companies
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Rigorous vetting ensures quality matches
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No need to constantly bid or chase work
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Opportunity for long-term contracts or even full-time remote roles
Who Should Join:
Freelancers with 3+ years of experience in tech, design, or business looking for serious, well-compensated work.
Wripple – Best for Marketing and Creative Freelancers
Wripple is a new-age freelance marketplace for marketing experts. It matches professionals with businesses needing help in areas like content strategy, branding, performance marketing, and more.
What Makes Wripple Great:
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Zero commission fees – you keep 100% of your earnings
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Personalized job suggestions based on your profile
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Clients include marketing agencies and startups
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Streamlined contract and communication system
Who Should Join:
Freelancers in digital marketing, copywriting, or branding who want to eliminate platform fees and work on larger, collaborative projects.
Contra – A Modern Platform with No Bidding Wars
Contra has quickly risen to become a favorite among millennial and Gen Z freelancers. With a clean interface and AI onboarding, it removes much of the stress associated with traditional platforms.
Top Features of Contra:
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No commission fees
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No competitive bidding or undercutting
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Built-in contracts and invoices
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Freelancer-owned profiles (you keep control)
Who Should Join:
Designers, developers, consultants, and writers looking for fair rates, less hassle, and better control over their work.
Kolabtree – Perfect for Scientific and Academic Professionals
Kolabtree is a niche freelancing site for scientists, academics, and technical experts. It connects professionals with research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and businesses needing expertise in data analysis, medical writing, and scientific consultation.
Key Benefits:
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Projects can pay £100–£300 per hour
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Focus on high-level research work
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Direct collaboration with clients
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Trusted by academic and scientific institutions
Who Should Join:
PhDs, postdocs, and research professionals in life sciences, engineering, data science, and related fields.
Freelancer.com – Best for Beginners Starting Out
Freelancer.com offers a wide variety of projects across every industry imaginable. It’s ideal for new freelancers who want to gain experience, build a portfolio, and earn their first few clients.
Why It’s Useful:
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Flexible contest-based work helps build skills
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Freelancers can work on small or quick gigs
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Supports entry-level profiles across dozens of categories
Who Should Join:
Freelancers just starting out with limited experience looking to gain exposure and earn early feedback and ratings.
Final Thoughts
While Fiverr and Upwork remain big players, they’re not your only options. If you’re looking for platforms that provide better pay, zero commission fees, and more client respect, these five freelancing websites could be your game-changer:
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Toptal for elite-level professionals
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Wripple for digital marketers
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Contra for general freelancers who hate bidding wars
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Kolabtree for science and research experts
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Freelancer.com for those just getting started
Choose the one that fits your career goals, niche, and style of work—and take full control of your freelancing success.
FAQs
What platform is best for experienced freelancers?
Toptal is ideal for experienced freelancers who want to work with premium clients and earn top pay without bidding.
Can I really earn more on these platforms?
Yes. Platforms like Wripple, Contra, and Kolabtree offer 0% commission, allowing you to keep everything you earn.
Is there a platform for freelancers in science or research?
Yes, Kolabtree specifically caters to professionals in scientific, technical, and academic fields.
Are these platforms good for beginners?
Freelancer.com is the best platform for entry-level freelancers looking to gain experience and build a portfolio.
What makes Contra different from Fiverr?
Contra eliminates bidding wars and service fees. It’s more focused on smooth contracts and client transparency.
Can I work full-time through these platforms?
Yes. Toptal and Wripple often offer long-term projects or full-time freelance contracts.
How do I join these platforms?
Each platform has its own process. Most require creating a profile, uploading your portfolio, and passing verification steps.
Click here to know more.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.