With the rapid growth of the internet and the rise of the gig economy, freelance networks are becoming increasingly popular as a way to find and secure work quickly and easily.

Freelance networks offer an array of different jobs, from graphic design and web development to writing and editing. These networks can help you find the right type of job for your skillset, as well as provide a more streamlined way to get hired.

Plus, many freelance networks provide information about the job market and wage rates, enabling you to negotiate the best possible rate for your services.

In addition, most of these networks offer a range of payment methods, from PayPal to credit cards and even international transfers. That way, you can always get paid for your work.

What are the Best Freelance Networks in 2023?

1. Fiverr

About Fiverr (History & Background)

Fiverr, founded in 2010, is one of the most popular freelance networks. It is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of digital services.

Sellers, or freelancers, are able to post and advertise their services, while buyers can browse and purchase services that are of interest to them. Fiverr is used by freelancers from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels from all over the world.

Features of Fiverr

Fiverr’s main features include a search engine, a rating system, and a wide range of service options. It also offers a secure payment system, as well as a dispute resolution system.

Pros of Fiverr

Fiverr is easy to use, and it offers many different services and payment options. Plus, Fiverr has an excellent customer service team that is available to answer questions and provide support. In addition, the search engine and rating system make it easy to find and compare services.

Cons of  Fiverr

Some sellers on Fiverr may not be as experienced as those on other freelancing sites, which can lead to lower-quality services or slower delivery times. Additionally, buyers may not always receive the services they purchased, as there is no guarantee of quality or delivery.

2. Upwork

About Upwork (History & Background)

Upwork, launched in 2015, is a popular freelancing platform. It is designed to help freelancers and businesses find talent from around the world.

Upwork features a wide range of services offered by freelancers, including web and software development, writing and editing, data entry, and more.

Features of Upwork

Upwork offers a range of services, including web development, writing, coding, design, marketing, and more. It also provides tools such as invoicing, online proofreading and editing, and a comprehensive profile builder.

Pros of Upwork

Upwork is easy to use, and its fees are generally lower than other freelance networks. It also provides a global network of freelancers and employers.

Cons of Upwork

The competition for jobs on Upwork can be high, and the fees can be a bit high for some jobs. Additionally, some jobs require a minimum amount of experience.

3. Guru.com – Find and Hire Expert Freelancers

About Guru.com – Find and Hire Expert Freelancers (History & Background)

Guru.com is one of the most popular sites for freelancers to find and hire expert talent. Since its founding in 1999, Guru.com has been a leader in the freelance marketplace field. With a broad focus and an increasing presence, it has become a top destination for employers and freelancers alike.

The business has expanded and grown, and now offers a full suite of tools and resources to both employers and freelancers. The site currently serves more than 1.5 million businesses and freelance professionals, and it is the go-to source for all types of freelance work.

Features of Guru.com – Find and Hire Expert Freelancers

Guru.com offers several great features that make it an attractive option for employers and freelancers alike. One of the most useful features is the ability to post jobs and search for talent.

With more than 150 categories and subcategories to choose from, employers can easily find the right freelancer for their project. Freelancers can also search for job opportunities on the site.

Pros of Guru.com – Find and Hire Expert Freelancers

Guru.com is a great option for freelancers and employers alike. For employers, there are great tools for finding and hiring the right freelancer for the job.

The site also offers several payment options, including PayPal and wire transfer. Freelancers can submit proposals directly to employers and apply for the jobs they’re interested in.

Cons of Guru.com – Find and Hire Expert Freelancers

The main con of Guru.com is that it can be expensive. There are fees associated with each job listing, as well as fees for each successful hire.

There is also a payment processing fee that is charged on each transaction. For freelancers, the site also takes a 10% commission on each job.

4. LinkedIn for Freelancers

About LinkedIn for Freelancers (History & Background)

LinkedIn is one of the most popular and versatile platforms for freelancers to find work, network, and promote their services. The platform has been around since 2003, and it has continued to evolve to meet the needs of freelancers.

It is a great place to find work and make connections with clients, recruiters, and other professionals in the industry.

Features of LinkedIn for Freelancers

When freelancers create an account on LinkedIn, they can access the powerful search engine within the platform and search for job postings or opportunities.

They can also invite contacts to join their network, and they can create profile pages that showcase their skills, experience, portfolio, and other relevant information.

One of the great features of LinkedIn for freelancers is the ability to message potential employers and recruiters directly from their profile pages.

This can help freelancers market their services and stand out from the competition. They can also join groups and participate in discussions about areas of interest.

Pros of LinkedIn for Freelancers

It is a great place to network and find jobs, showcase your portfolio and skills, and keep up with industry news and trends.

It also can act as an online resume and allows freelancers to keep their contacts up to date. Plus, it allows freelancers to stand out from the competition and make more connections.

Cons of LinkedIn for Freelancers

It can be time-consuming to keep your profile up to date, and it can be difficult to find the right job postings. And, also some recruiters may be hesitant to work with freelancers who are not part of their network.

5. 99designs

About 99designs (History & Background)

99designs is one of the leading freelance networks in the world, offering a wide range of design services for both customers and freelancers. The company was founded in 2008 and quickly gained notoriety due to its innovative approach to design work.

The platform has since become one of the most popular freelancer networks, with millions of designers all over the world using the service.

Features of 99designs

When it comes to features, 99designs offers an extensive range of design options, from logo and web design to print and advertising designs. The site also offers a variety of tools and resources to help freelancers create high-quality designs quickly and easily.

The platform also provides freelance support services such as account management and customer support, as well as a marketplace to sell designs.

Pros of 99designs

For starters, the platform offers a huge range of design services and resources, making it an ideal platform for both customers and freelancers. The platform has a reputation for providing quick turnaround times and reliable customer service.

Besides PayPal, 99dsigns also accepts bank transfers and checks as payment methods.

Cons of 99designs

Some customers have complained that the interface can be difficult to use, as well as the fact that the platform requires a subscription fee for access to certain features.

The site can also be difficult to navigate, and the commission fees can be expensive.

6. People Per Hour

About People Per Hour (History & Background)

People Per Hour (PPH) is one of the best freelance networks available today. It is a popular online platform for freelancers to find and connect with employers.

Founded in 2008 by Xenios Thrasyvoulou, this platform has become increasingly popular across the globe, and currently serves millions of freelancers and employers from different countries.

Features of People Per Hour

There are a few unique features that make it stand out from other freelance networks. Firstly, PPH allows for different types of payment, including PayPal, credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers, and more. Employers can also create a ‘’safe payment” system that allows them to fund only the project outcome they are satisfied with.

In addition, PPH also supports hourly contracts and provides an escrow system. This system allows an employer to deposit funds into an account and have the freelancers work without the risk of not being paid.

Pros of People Per Hour

The platform is reliable and secure. It has implemented a strong protection system and a fraud prevention system to protect both freelancers and employers. Secondly, the platform is free to join.

Freelancers and employers can create an account for free and use the service without any additional fees. Furthermore, PPH has an extensive range of categories from which freelancers and employers can choose.

This allows employers to find qualified and experienced professionals to work with, while also allowing freelancers to find work in their field of expertise.

Cons of People Per Hour

The payment system is slow and it can take several days for an employer to receive their funds after the completion of a project.

The user interface can be confusing and difficult to navigate and there are no guarantees that freelancers will secure work after joining the platform. Lastly, the platform has a low acceptance rate for freelancers, so not everyone may be approved to join.

7. Toptal

About Toptal (History & Background)

Toptal is an online freelance network that connects businesses with the most talented and experienced professionals from all around the world. Founded in 2010, Toptal has grown to become one of the most sought-after platforms for finding and hiring quality freelance talent.

With its high-quality talent pool and wide range of available services, it’s easy to see why Toptal is one of the best freelance networks.

Features of Toptal

Toptal offers a wide range of services and features to its clients, including an extensive talent pool that includes developers, designers, finance experts, product managers, and more.

This wide range of available professionals makes it easy for companies to find the perfect talent for their specific needs. Toptal provides its clients with access to their own network of independent customer support agents to help with any questions or issues that arise.

Pros of Toptal

One of the biggest advantages of using Toptal is the quality of work that its professionals have to offer. All of its professionals have been rigorously vetted and have a proven track record of completing projects on time and to a high standard.

Additionally, Toptal’s freelancers are highly experienced in their respective fields, which makes it easier for clients to find the perfect freelancer to fit their needs.

Their network of customer support agents is available to help ensure that clients are able to get the most out of their experience on the platform.

Cons of Toptal

The most significant downside of Toptal is its cost. Compared to other freelance networks, Toptal’s rates are on the higher side.

However, considering the quality of work that it guarantees and the wide range of services available, its fees may be worth it for those who are looking to find the perfect freelancer for their needs. 

As Toptal is an international network, clients may find it difficult to negotiate prices with freelancers from different countries.

8. ServiceScape

About ServiceScape (History & Background)

One of the most popular freelance networks currently available is ServiceScape. For those of you who don’t know, ServiceScape is a website that allows freelancers to connect with clients who are looking to hire people for specific tasks.

With an extensive network of clients and freelancers, ServiceScape is one of the most trusted freelance sites for both parties.

Features of ServiceScape

ServiceScape has many features that make it one of the best freelance networks. It offers a rating system, allowing freelancers and clients to rate each other based on their experience.

This ensures that clients are being matched with the right freelancers and vice versa. Additionally, ServiceScape offers a variety of payment options, such as PayPal, so that freelancers can be paid easily and quickly.

Pros of ServiceScape

One of the major advantages of using ServiceScape is that it is extremely user-friendly. The website is very easy to navigate, and you can quickly find the services you need.

Additionally, the rating system helps to ensure that you are getting the right freelancers for the job. Also, the various payment options make it easy to get paid quickly and securely.

Cons of ServiceScape

The only downside to ServiceScape is that it can be a bit expensive. While the fees are reasonable for most freelancers, some may find them too high for their budget. That being said, ServiceScape does offer discounts for those who use the website regularly.

9. SimplyHired

About SimplyHired (History & Background)

SimplyHired was founded in 2007 with a mission to make job searching more efficient and effective. Since then, the platform has evolved to become a powerful platform for freelancers and employers alike, offering a range of features and services to make their job search easier.

Features of SimplyHired

SimplyHired offers a range of features for job seekers and employers. Job seekers can search for jobs based on their skills, location, and experience level. They can also save and organize their search results, and have access to expert advice and career resources to help them along the way.

Employers can post job listings, organize and search resumes, and access analytics to help them find the right fit for the job.

Pros of SimplyHired

SimplyHired is a great choice for anyone looking for a job or to hire someone. The platform is easy to use and navigate, and the search results are highly accurate and up-to-date.

There are many resources available, such as advice from industry experts and career mentorship programs, to help job seekers find the right job and employers find the right candidate.

Cons of SimplyHired

SimplyHired is a platform that can be expensive. While the basic version is free, employers must purchase a Premium plan in order to access all of the features. Additionally, employers may be required to pay a fee for each job listing they post.

10. Flexjobs

About Flexjobs (History & Background)

Flexjobs is an online job board designed to ease the search for remote, freelance, and flexible jobs. Launched in 2007, Flexjobs has grown to become one of the leading online job marketplaces for freelancers and remote job seekers.

With more than 50,000 job postings, Flexjobs has garnered support from its users and the media for its mission to help job seekers find opportunities for flexible employment.

Features of Flexjobs

Flexjobs offers a wide array of features and services. These features include an easy-to-navigate website with job postings in a variety of categories. It also has a searchable database of remote and freelance jobs

Moreover, Flexijobs provides you with resume and cover letter assistance!

Pros of Flexjobs

With professional networking opportunities, you will never be let down. A free e-newsletter with job alerts and industry news awaits you when you join Felxijobs. You also get access to a personalized dashboard to save and track job applications

Cons of Flexjobs

The primary drawback of Flexjobs is that it is a subscription-based service. The membership fees may be too high for some job seekers. Additionally, Flexjobs may not be the best option if you are looking for traditional employment, as the majority of their postings are freelance and remote jobs.