13 Best Freelance Websites for Remote Workers to Get Paid Now

August 28, 2023

As a job seeker, finding freelance work can seem overwhelming. While you could go the route of traditional job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, it's not exactly easy to find work. You spend so much time polishing your resume and updating work portfolio only to send it into the abyss of no replies.

Fortunately, this list of the best freelance websites can help you land your next remote job. Whether you're looking for freelance writing jobs in copywriting or content writing, project management, finance, graphic design, health, or virtually any other field, these online marketplaces are brimming with opportunities to showcase your skills and get paid now.

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the best freelance websites to help remote workers on their job search. While many recruiters use it to upload job postings, freelance job seekers use Upwork to browse opportunities that span everything from software development to SEO content writing.

Once you create a free profile, it’s easy to filter through short-term, part-time, and full-time gigs and specify whether you'll charge an hourly rate or fixed-price. You can choose your payment method, including PayPal, wire transfer, Payoneer, or direct deposit — and you’ll pay a 10% freelancer service fee on what you earn.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is another go-to freelancing site for remote work. However, unlike many other freelance marketplaces, you can’t actually browse job postings on Fiverr. Instead, you can promote virtually any service you wish to offer — for example, logo design, web development (like WordPress customizations), voice over services, social media posts, SEO content, data entry, book covers, and beyond. (There are 200+ categories.) It’s free to post, and if you get hired, you keep 80% of each transaction.

3. Guru

Guru boasts more than three million members across the globe who've successfully used the freelance platform. Employers upload their job postings to the site and freelancers can submit quotes to apply for the gig. It’s free to join and there’s no fee if you’re hired for a freelancing job. Rather, Guru charges employers a 2.9% handling fee for each invoice paid. You’ll find a wide range of job opportunities for everyone from virtual assistants and finance experts to programmers, educators, developers, and engineers.

4. The Writer Finder

Best freelance websites for writers: The Writer Finder

You might consider it tooting our own horn, but the Writer Finder certainly earns its spot as one of the best freelance sites — specifically for writing jobs. As an extension of Growth Machine, the Writer Finder is where you can connect with business owners looking for skilled freelance writers to produce high-quality content. Depending on the brand, content marketing topics can span everything from technical writing and personal finance to behavioral health, pet care, wellness, and beyond.

With the Writer Finder, you don't have to scour a job board every day and deal with a stressful, drawn-out hiring process. You simply sign up for free and our team of experienced editors will vet your submission. You’ll then receive potential job opportunities that fit your writing niche via email as soon as they become available. As a bonus, you can also opt in to Growth Machine’s freelance content creator database for even more remote work opportunities.  

Even better, the Writer Finder never takes a percentage from freelancer writers or charges a fee. Instead, hiring clients pay us a one-time fixed price for access to qualified writers in their industry. We then put you in touch directly with the client to set your own rate, arrange payment details, and determine a content schedule.

5. Toptal

Toptal is a website where subject matter experts can post their freelance services. The site claims to work with the top 3% of freelancers, particularly in software development, design, web development, blockchain, mobile apps, product management, project management, and other high-tech industries.

Toptal uses a rigorous vetting process to identify top freelancers, so this one of the best freelance websites if you’re an experienced pro. The site has been used by top names including Shopify, USC, and Rand McNally.

6. Flexjobs

Flexjobs is a paid freelancer job board for remote, hybrid, temporary, flexible, and long-term gigs. All job postings have gone through a screening process to avoid potential scams and you can choose from a 14-day trial for $2.95 to a monthly subscription for around $25.

The platform prides itself on customer support and its list of vetted job providers. Freelance opportunities span numerous industries from accounting, graphic design, and real estate to nursing, content creation, SEO, data entry, marketing, and beyond.

7. Craigslist

You might be surprised to see Craigslist on our list of the best freelance websites but this old-school, no-frills site is still useful for local remote gigs. The site features extensive postings, which means you can easily find job opportunities for remote work. The difficulty with Craigslist is that jobs are not vetted so you'll need to be patient (and mindful) when combing through job listings. Make sure to keep an eye out for scams and be diligent when choosing which opportunities to apply for. If it seems fishy or too good to be true, it is.

8. Textbroker

Textbroker is a writing agency that connects U.S.-based writers to digital marketing and content opportunities like writing blog posts, ad copy, or product descriptions. To get started, create an account and verify your U.S. citizenship. You'll submit a writing sample, which will be graded to rate your skill level. You can then create your writer profile and start applying for gigs on the job listings board.

You'll be paid per word and can choose if you prefer to work with specific clients or have a more flexible and open schedule. As a freelance writer, you can request weekly payments as long as you’ve earned at least $10.

9. WriterAccess

WriterAccess is a freelance writing job agency designed for writers who already have some experience. It features a vetting process that tests your skills and expertise. The site takes your interests and uses artificial intelligence to pair your skills and interests with potential job opportunities. Keep in mind that WriterAccess takes a cut of what you make, so you'll keep 70% of the pay for gigs completed through the site.

10. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelancing platform that connects business owners with qualified freelancers. With more than a million businesses in its network, PeoplePerHour lets you create a free profile (including a work portfolio) and will credit your account with 15 proposal credits at the beginning of each month. You can then use those credits to bid on any jobs you’re interested in.

11. 99Designs

99Designs is an all-in-one site for businesses looking for help with design work such as logos, websites, branding, and other graphic design elements. To sign up as a web designer, you'll create a profile, which will be vetted by one of the 99Design team members. This helps the team determine your skill level so they can reach out when new design opportunities emerge.

The site charges a $100 introduction fee when you start work with a new client. There's also a platform service fee on every project: 15% for entry-level designers, 10% for mid-level designers, and 5% for top-level designers. As such, you can earn more as you improve your skill level and become a top freelancer.

12. Designhill

Designhill allows freelance designers to post design services for full-time employment or bid for small tasks to make extra money. The site also features design contests that enable designers to show their chops when it comes to creating stunning visual content. For the contests, you won't get paid unless your design beats out the competition, so if you’re motivated enough, it can be a great way to push your skills and perform your best work.

13. DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is a website for freelance designers looking to build their clientele. You'll have to create an account and provide details on your specialties, including logo designs, business cards, social media design, web design, and more.

You'll then search through the job boards and compete with other designers to produce the best visuals for each individual project. The good news is that you can see how much the client is paying upfront so you can decide if the project is worth your time.

Boost Your Freelance Career With the Best Freelance Websites

Best freelance websites: Happy writer smiling at work

Whether you're a writer, graphic designer, or other skilled professional looking for freelance job opportunities, start your search with one of the freelance marketplaces or job boards on this list.

With so many freelance job boards and job sites out there, it can be tough to sort through the clutter and match up with potential clients who are a good fit for your skillset and expertise. However, for writers, it doesn’t get any easier than the Writer Finder. Our straightforward approach saves you time and our no-fee policy saves you money.

Simply fill out our sign-up form and we’ll be in touch as soon as an opportunity comes through. When you become part of our vetted network of top freelancers, you’ll gain access to remote work opportunities and collaborate directly with clients that range from small startups and emerging brands to Fortune 500 companies.