Freelancer.com vs. Upwork: The Definitive 2024 Comparison
Freelancer.com and Upwork are both well-known platforms for freelancers, but just how different are they? Find out which one suits your needs best.
Santiago Sanchez
10/31/2024There are multiple popular platforms for working from home, and that's exactly what makes it difficult to make a decision. That's why by comparing FlexJobs vs. Workana, you can better understand their particularities in terms of opportunities, pros, cons and rates.
FlexJobs, on the one hand, offers more than 30,000 listings across multiple sectors and focuses on remote job postings globally. Workana, on the other hand, publishes more than 1,000 daily opportunities for Spanish-speaking freelancers.
Want to know how they differ in other areas? Read on.
Both FlexJobs and Workana connect employers with freelancers, but they differ in how they handle job listings, payments, and other aspects.
FlexJobs is known for its remote work listings, offering independent work for short or long-term positions. What sets it apart is its focus on flexible, carefully screened job listings.
Workana is a freelance marketplace that connects professionals across Latin America with online projects. It provides both short- and long-term projects, making it popular among freelancers in the Spanish-speaking community.
Each platform has unique systems to connect talent with opportunities, and their costs and features differ significantly.
Let’s delve deeper into each below.
FlexJobs users often praise its variety of remote work opportunities and the security of its legitimate job listings.
While FlexJobs is reliable, some users mention the lack of Spanish-speaking roles, and a few note that the subscription cost may be high for freelancers seeking less specialized roles.
With 3,328 reviews on Trustpilot, FlexJobs holds an impressive 4.5/5-star rating, suggesting it’s a well-regarded site for job seekers.
Workana users appreciate its Latin American focus and variety of project types, though it also receives some negative feedback. Common complaints include commission fees and competition for projects.
Workana has a Trustpilot rating of 3.7/5 stars, based on only 412 reviews.
FlexJobs and Workana differ significantly in this area.
We start with Workana, whose system allows you to set your prices according to your skills and experience. Although it's a good idea to set your rates in line with those of other freelancers in your area.
To try Workana Mexico, you can register and view available offers, send, or receive proposals at no cost. However, if you secure a project, the platform charges a commission based on your earnings. This starts at 20% and can drop to 5% as you develop relationships with recurring clients.
In contrast to platforms like Upwork or Workana, FlexJobs requires a subscription to view job listings and apply for remote roles. They offer different subscription options, from a week to a month, three months, or a full year, with no additional fees per service.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of using FlexJobs and Workana for remote work.
Platform | Advantages | Disadvantages |
FlexJobs | Verifies each job listing. Offers roles for both new and experienced freelancers. Connects with reputable companies. Available in many sectors. Provides educational resources. | Requires subscription for full access. No guarantee of employment even with a plan. |
Workana | Tailored to the Spanish-speaking market. ffers both short- and long-term projects. Provides support and educational resources. Uses a rating system to improve visibility. Has an active freelancer community. | Limited access to international clients. Getting initial hires without a track record can be difficult. |
In terms of volume, Workana may offer more projects for freelancers than FlexJobs, particularly for those seeking smaller jobs to build experience. However, FlexJobs also posts thousands of attractive listings daily, with many opportunities for part-time or full-time work.
While both platforms support remote work in various fields, Workana tends to have more Spanish-speaking clients, which can be advantageous for bilingual freelancers.
Categories in FlexJobs | Categories in Workana |
Healthcare. Education. Administration. Marketing. Customer Service. Software Development. Human Resources. | Legal. Programming and Technology. Digital Marketing and Sales. Finance and Business. Administrative Support. Writing and Translation. Design and Multimedia. |
Comparing FlexJobs vs. Workana highlights their distinct pricing models:
Workana | FlexJobs | |
Registration | Free | Weekly, monthly and annual payments. |
Commissions | 20% for income from 0 to 300 USD. 10% for payments from 301 to 3000 USD. 5% for earnings of 3000 USD or more. | Sin comisiones adicionales para freelancers. |
Subscriptions | Beginner: 4,90/month. Professional: 16,90/month. Explorer: 24,90/month. (Plans are optional) | 9,95 USD/1 week 24.95 USD/1 month. 39.95 USD/3 months. 59.95 USD/1 year. |
Workana offers free access with optional plans for additional benefits, while FlexJobs requires a subscription from the start but does not take commissions on projects.
Note: FlexJobs also offers a two-week trial for $2.95.
As a remote job board, FlexJobs only facilitates job matching, so payments are negotiated directly between employer and freelancer.
Workana, however, uses an escrow system. Once a client hires a freelancer, they pay the amount upfront, which the platform holds until project completion.
For withdrawals in Workana Mexico, you can use:
PayPal.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
Local debit cards.
DolarApp is also a great option for withdrawing earnings from either FlexJobs or Workana. With DolarApp, you can handle digital U.S. dollars from Mexico and convert them at the best rate, with no conversion fees.
If you're exploring remote work, several other freelance platforms are worth considering beyond FlexJobs and Workana:
A significant option for freelancers, Fiverr offers a wide range of categories and sectors. With a fixed-price “gig” model, clients come to you based on your profile description and service packages.
See more in our Fiverr vs. Workana comparison.
Freelancer offers projects in almost every professional field, allowing freelancers to bid on preferred projects that align with their skills. Unique to Freelancer.com are contests, where freelancers can compete to win prizes and projects, providing additional opportunities without lengthy negotiations.
Upwork also works well for freelancers looking for remote jobs that match their experience and availability. On the website you get contracts that you can charge by the hour or for a standard rate. Either way, the platform itself handles payments through a reliable system.
We also have a post on Upwork vs. FlexJobs.
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Freelancer.com and Upwork are both well-known platforms for freelancers, but just how different are they? Find out which one suits your needs best.
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