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PeoplePerHour vs. Upwork
Santiago Sanchez

Santiago Sanchez

11/4/2024

Freelance platforms provide a flexible model for professional growth from home. With so many online options, choosing one can be tricky. That’s why comparing PeoplePerHour vs. Upwork can help you make the best choice.

PeoplePerHour, based in the UK, has earned the trust of over 1 million companies and 3 million freelancers. Meanwhile, California-based Upwork operates in 180 countries and boasted 14 million users in 2022.

On both PeoplePerHour and Upwork, every project is a chance to shine. Today, we’ll compare these freelance platforms to help you decide which is best for showcasing your talents and earning money.

PeoplePerHour vs. Upwork: Key Differences, Fees, and More

PeoplePerHour vs. Upwork: Definitions

Similar to other sites, PeoplePerHour connects freelancers with clients. It was designed to give businesses a place to find specialized talent for specific projects. Clients post their needs, and freelancers submit proposals, though freelancers can also offer service packages, creating a hybrid model that combines elements of Upwork and Fiverr.

Upwork, one of the largest freelance platforms worldwide, was created for independent work and focuses heavily on satisfying clients. Freelancers apply to projects through proposals and can negotiate terms, including rates and contract length.

Both platforms are ideal for remote work, but each has its unique flair. Let’s explore further.

Differences Between PeoplePerHour and Upwork

This section highlights key aspects of each platform to help you decide which is better—Upwork or PeoplePerHour.

Key Features of Upwork vs. PeoplePerHour:

Aspect

Peopleperhour

Upwork

Hiring Model

The freelancer applies to projects posted by clients.

The freelancer sells packages of services at a fixed price (Hourlies).

Project-based, with freelancers sending detailed proposals.

Geographic Focus

Primarily popular in Europe.

Popular in the U.S. and globally.

Job Types

Short- and medium-term projects; pre-set services.

Servicios prediseñados.

Hourly, fixed-price, or project-based jobs.

Fees

Tiered based on income.

Flat fee per client.

While both platforms offer similar services, they differ in significant areas, like geographic focus and hiring models. Think about what you’re looking for to find the right fit. Regardless, working on Upwork or PeoplePerHour is reliable, which is why both platforms are popular with millions of users.

Upwork vs. PeoplePerHour: Job Categories

Whether you choose to work online on Upwork or PeoplePerHour, you’ll find a variety of job categories, with many of the most popular shared between the two.

Upwork Categories

PeoplePerHour Categories

Sales and Marketing

Translation

Design and Creativity

IT and Networking

Music and Audio

Data Science and Analysis

Web, Mobile, and Software Development

Marketing, Branding, and Sales

Writing and Translation

Design

Technology and Programming

Music and Audio

Social Media

Business

Now, where can you find more opportunities?

Upwork is likely to have a greater number of opportunities and a greater diversity of project types.

Remember that Peopleperhour is better known in Europe. On the other hand, Upwork is present in all major markets, including Latin America. Such global recognition attracts more clients, and with it, a wider offer in all categories.

PeoplePerHour vs. Upwork: Payment Systems

Both freelance platforms manage payments through their websites. PeoplePerHour uses an escrow system that releases funds once the client approves your work. On Upwork, it’s similar for fixed-price projects. For hourly projects, payments are based on tracked hours within the platform.

Summary:

Platform

Upwork

Peopleperhour


Earnings Structure

Fixed price project

Hourly work

Project

Hourlies for sale



Payment Methods

PayPal

Payoneer

Direct Transfer (ACH)

Wire Transfer

PayPal

Bank Transfer

For seamless management of MXN and USD funds, link your DolarApp account to your payment methods. DolarApp allows you to handle both currencies within a single platform and offers competitive exchange rates.

PeoplePerHour vs. Upwork: Memberships and Fees

You can start with a free account on PeoplePerHour, where registration and initial proposals are free. They do, however, charge a tiered commission based on earnings with each client.

Additional proposal credits are also available for purchase.

There is no cost to register and use Upwork either, but you must pay a standard commission per client, no matter what the amount is. 

Platform

PeoplePerHour 

Upwork

Registration

Free

Free

Commission

Minimum service fee of £1 or USD equivalent.

Fee depending on the amount invoiced per customer: Between 20%, 7.5% and 3.5% on profits.

Standard 10% service fee, for both fixed and hourly contracts.

Membership Plans

It does not offer membership plans, but you have a limited number of free proposals per month.

Freelancer Basic (free).

Freelancer Plus: $19.99/month.

Other Costs

Additional proposal credits available.

Extra Connects with Plus plan for $0.15 + tax each.

While Upwork’s paid subscription is optional, the benefits over the basic plan are considerable.

Which is better, Upwork or Peopleperhour?

Both are reliable freelance platforms and have job opportunities for you that may suit your style. Perhaps the most complex issue with working online on Upwork or PeoplePerHour is the fee for service.

In this case, Upwork might be more convenient if you have multiple clients, as their rate is applied uniformly. 

Unlike PeoplePerHour, which starts at 20% and the commission drops only if your income increases with the same client. In any case, you would have to maintain long relationships to benefit.

However, it would be a better option if you want to sell your services through packages, apart from applying for projects.

Our recommendation for choosing which one to work from home with is that you compare all the above points with what you need. However, in the beginning it will not be easy to get attractive and profitable offers, especially if you have little experience.

What we can assure you is that DolarApp is the most appropriate ally to collect your earnings on all kinds of freelance platforms. Whether it's Fiverr, Upwork, Workana, FlexJobs or Peopleperhour.

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