Finding reliable freelance work can feel overwhelming when you’re faced with countless platforms, each promising different opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting your independent career journey, choosing the right platform makes all the difference in securing quality projects and fair compensation.
The UK freelance market has grown significantly, with over 2 million people now working as freelancers across the country. This growth has led to an abundance of platforms, but not all are created equal. Some focus on quick, low-paying tasks, while others cater to premium clients seeking specialised expertise.
This guide examines seven of the best UK freelance platforms, breaking down their unique features, fee structures, and the types of work available. You’ll discover which platforms align with your skills, experience level, and income goals, helping you make an informed decision about where to invest your time and energy.
What Makes a Great Freelance Platform?
Before diving into specific platforms, it’s important to understand what separates excellent freelance marketplaces from mediocre ones. The best platforms offer transparent pricing, reliable payment systems, and genuine opportunities for professional growth.
Quality platforms protect both freelancers and clients through secure payment processing and dispute resolution systems. They also maintain reasonable fee structures that don’t eat into your earnings excessively. Most importantly, they attract clients who value expertise and are willing to pay fair rates for quality work.
Upwork: The Global Giant with UK Opportunities
Upwork remains one of the largest freelance platforms worldwide, connecting millions of freelancers with clients across virtually every industry. The platform offers extensive project categories, from writing and design to programming and consulting.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive skill testing and portfolio showcasing
- Time tracking tools for hourly projects
- Secure payment protection
- Both short-term projects and long-term contracts
Fee Structure:
Upwork charges a sliding fee based on your lifetime earnings with each client: 20% for the first £400, 10% for earnings between £400-£8,000, and 5% for amounts over £8,000.
Best For: Freelancers with diverse skills who want access to a large client pool and don’t mind competing with international talent.
Freelancer.com: Competition-Driven Marketplace
Freelancer.com operates on a competitive bidding system where freelancers submit proposals for posted projects. The platform covers an enormous range of services, from technical development to creative services.
Key Features:
- Contest-based projects for creative work
- Milestone payment system
- Real-time chat with clients
- Mobile app for managing projects on-the-go
Fee Structure:
The platform charges a 10% commission on project earnings, with additional fees for premium features like highlighted proposals or increased bid allowances.
Best For: Freelancers who thrive in competitive environments and can effectively communicate their value through compelling proposals.
PeoplePerHour: UK-Focused Professional Network
PeoplePerHour specifically targets the UK market, making it an excellent choice for freelancers seeking local clients or those preferring to work within similar time zones. The platform emphasises professional services and maintains higher quality standards.
Key Features:
- “Hourlies” for fixed-price services
- Workstream collaboration tools
- AI-powered project matching
- Focus on professional and business services
Fee Structure:
PeoplePerHour charges a 20% commission on the first £250 earned from each client, then reduces to 7.5% for subsequent earnings.
Best For: UK-based freelancers seeking local clients and those offering professional services like consulting, marketing, or business development.
Fiverr: Service-Based Marketplace
Fiverr revolutionised freelancing by focusing on specific services (called “gigs”) rather than open-ended projects. Freelancers create service packages with clear deliverables and pricing, making it easier for clients to understand exactly what they’re purchasing.
Key Features:
- Gig-based service structure
- Multiple service tiers (Basic, Standard, Premium)
- Fiverr Pro for verified professionals
- Integrated video calls and file sharing
Fee Structure:
Fiverr retains 20% of each transaction, but freelancers set their own prices and can include add-ons to increase project value.
Best For: Freelancers with clearly defined skills who can package their services into repeatable offerings, particularly in creative fields.
Guru: Project-Based Professional Platform
Guru positions itself as a platform for serious professionals, offering robust project management tools and flexible payment options. The platform allows freelancers to showcase extensive portfolios and detailed work histories.
Key Features:
- Flexible payment terms (hourly, fixed, recurring, or task-based)
- Advanced project management tools
- Daily payment feature for eligible freelancers
- SafePay payment protection
Fee Structure:
Guru offers different membership levels with varying fees, ranging from 5% to 9% commission depending on your chosen plan.
Best For: Experienced freelancers managing complex, long-term projects who value sophisticated project management capabilities.
99designs: Creative Professionals Only
99designs exclusively serves creative professionals, focusing on design projects including logos, websites, marketing materials, and branding. The platform operates through both direct client-freelancer relationships and design contests.
Key Features:
- Design contest platform
- One-to-one projects for established relationships
- Comprehensive design brief system
- Design handoff tools for developers
Fee Structure:
For contests, winners receive the full prize amount minus a small processing fee. Direct projects include platform fees similar to other marketplaces.
Best For: Graphic designers, web designers, and other creative professionals who want to focus exclusively on design work.
Contra: The Fee-Free Alternative
Contra has emerged as a freelancer-friendly platform by eliminating commission fees entirely. Instead of charging freelancers, Contra generates revenue through optional premium features and services for clients.
Key Features:
- Zero commission fees for freelancers
- Portfolio-focused profiles
- Built-in invoicing and contract tools
- Commission-free payments
Fee Structure:
Freelancers keep 100% of their earnings, with no platform fees on completed projects.
Best For: Freelancers tired of high commission fees who want to maximise their earnings, particularly those with strong portfolios and professional networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right platform for my skills?
Consider your experience level, the type of work you do, and your preferred client interaction style. Beginners might start with platforms like Fiverr or Freelancer.com, while experienced professionals may prefer Guru or PeoplePerHour for higher-value projects.
Can I use multiple platforms simultaneously?
Yes, many successful freelancers maintain profiles on several platforms to maximise opportunities. However, ensure you can deliver quality work across all your commitments and check each platform’s terms regarding exclusivity clauses.
How important are platform reviews and ratings?
Reviews and ratings significantly impact your success on most platforms. Start with smaller projects to build positive feedback, then gradually pursue larger, higher-paying opportunities as your reputation grows.
What should I include in my freelancer profile?
Create a compelling profile with a professional photo, clear description of your services, portfolio examples, relevant skills, and any certifications or qualifications. Tailor your profile to each platform’s specific features and audience.
How do I set competitive rates?
Research what other freelancers with similar experience charge on your chosen platforms. Consider the platform’s fee structure when setting rates, and don’t undervalue your expertise just to win projects.
Building Your Freelance Success Strategy
Success on freelance platforms requires more than just signing up and waiting for work to arrive. The most successful freelancers treat their platform presence as a business, investing time in creating compelling profiles, submitting thoughtful proposals, and delivering exceptional work consistently.
Start by thoroughly completing your profile on one or two platforms rather than spreading yourself thin across many. Focus on platforms that align with your skills and target market. As you build reputation and client relationships, you can expand to additional platforms or transition to higher-value opportunities.
Remember that platform fees are part of doing business, but they shouldn’t prevent you from earning fair compensation for your expertise. Choose platforms that offer the best balance of opportunity, fee structure, and client quality for your specific situation.