FlexJobs vs. Workana: Discover the Differences and Choose the Best Option
While FlexJobs and Workana both offer remote work opportunities, each platform has unique features. Find out which best suits your needs in this post.
Santiago Sanchez
10/15/2024One of the many advantages of being a freelancer is that you can work from home with the help of online platforms. However, it’s crucial to choose the right one to find opportunities that align with your interests and advance your career.
That’s why today’s topic is FlexJobs vs. Upwork, two sites you’ve likely come across online.
Both platforms focus on remote work, but they offer very different services and experiences, from their application processes to the types of job listings. Each has its own set of advantages and limitations.
Here, we’ll break down the most important details of FlexJobs and Upwork.
Upwork is a U.S.-based company with a website designed to connect professionals with clients seeking project-based work.
The platform covers both short- and long-term projects and manages the entire process, from contracts between the business and the professional to payments.
FlexJobs, on the other hand, is known as a job board that has been operating since 2007. It offers flexible job opportunities for working from home, part-time, or as a freelancer.
The platform guarantees that the job listings are not only legitimate but also high quality, thanks to its rigorous filtering system.
The most significant difference between FlexJobs vs. Upwork is their business models.
Upwork is focused on freelancers, offering a wide range of opportunities for working from home. It functions as an all-in-one platform, managing the entire work cycle.
This means it handles aspects such as searching for remote projects, communicating with clients, payments, and reviews. But when you explore job opportunities on FlexJobs, you'll see that it targets people seeking flexibility.
While there are freelance job opportunities, its primary focus is on traditional roles within companies that offer flexible conditions, like remote or part-time work.
Unlike Upwork, FlexJobs provides job listings where you apply directly to hiring companies.
One of the factors that makes FlexJobs reliable is the stability it can offer in remote work. The platform offers a wide range of verified remote jobs, both full-time and part-time.
If you decide to use Upwork, you’ll also find a variety of projects in different fields. But Upwork is ideal for more specific work across varying durations, meaning you can find both short- and long-term relationships.
Categories FlexJobs Spanish | Categorías Upwork español |
Administration Accounting Advertising Education Technology Customer Service Human Resources Marketing, and more | Accounting Graphic Design Virtual Assistant Financial Planning Administrative Support Human Resources Community Management Web Development, and more |
You can sign up, create your profile, and search for jobs on Upwork for free. However, keep in mind that the platform charges a fixed 10% commission per client, regardless of the invoiced amount.
There’s also a premium subscription option that increases your visibility and attracts more clients. The Freelancer Plus plan offers additional benefits, such as better tools for sending proposals and access to statistics reports.
FlexJobs, on the other hand, operates on a subscription-based pricing model. This means they won’t charge you any commissions on completed jobs, but you’ll need to pay for one of their plans. Subscriptions can be monthly, quarterly, or yearly, giving you access to additional resources and, of course, all the job listings.
In terms of freelance job opportunities, Upwork has a clear advantage.
As one of the world’s largest companies in this field, it offers a wide variety of projects across multiple categories.
With millions of active clients and freelancers, the number of short- and long-term projects is significant. So, you’re likely to find remote work on Upwork—just note that here, you’ll be working for yourself.
FlexJobs, on the other hand, is a job portal that, while it does offer freelance jobs, does not focus on them. Instead, it centers on job opportunities that are flexible for both parties.
Most opportunities tend to be permanent and long-term, working with reputable companies. You can work from home in full- or part-time positions, but these roles typically involve employer-employee relationships.
Therefore, if you're looking for a more traditional or stable position, FlexJobs may be a better option. However, it offers a lower volume compared to Upwork for freelance jobs.
If you find jobs on Upwork, there are several options for receiving payments.
Available methods:
PayPal
Payoneer
Direct Bank Transfer (ACH)
International Wire Transfer
Upwork uses an escrow system to protect funds until the work is completed and the client confirms their satisfaction.
On FlexJobs, payments can be made using:
PayPal
Visa
American Express
Mastercard
Discover
Since FlexJobs is a job search portal, you’ll need to arrange payments directly with the employer.
However, DolarApp is always a viable alternative for those receiving payments from abroad. By downloading it, you can receive money quickly and then convert it into Mexican pesos at competitive rates.
For this reason alone, it’s a convenient option compared to more traditional methods.
As a freelancer, it’s essential to research both the positive and negative aspects of each platform. So, in this comparison of FlexJobs vs. Upwork, we’ll highlight some of them.
Pros | Cons |
Filters and selects genuine, high-quality jobs, avoiding scams or unreliable listings. Offers affordable plans to access opportunities without additional commissions. Provides courses and professional resources to improve your skills and increase your chances of landing jobs. | Unlike other platforms, you need to pay to access the listings. Although it’s global, many opportunities are centered in the U.S. |
Pros | Cons |
No mandatory payments to access jobs. Has a secure payment system with escrow. Large variety and number of projects globally. | Due to its popularity, there’s a large pool of freelancers competing for each project. Not all freelancers are easily accepted onto the platform. |
Both FlexJobs and Upwork offer remote work opportunities, but they cater to different needs.
Upwork is a versatile platform that facilitates multiple freelance projects and client-freelancer relationships. FlexJobs, on the other hand, focuses on providing job positions for those looking for remote opportunities with flexible schedules.
Below is a comparison table summarizing FlexJobs vs. Upwork:
Aspect | FlexJobs | Upwork |
Main Focus | Specializes in remote, flexible, or hybrid jobs. | Offers hourly, fixed-price, or milestone-based contracts. |
Scope | Though global, most jobs are U.S.-based. | Global network of freelancers and clients across multiple regions and markets. |
Costs | Memberships with monthly, quarterly, or yearly payment options. | 10% commission per client. |
Job Application | Apply directly to job listings. | Submit proposals for projects. |
Ideal For | Freelancers seeking long-term, stable remote work. | Freelancers looking for a variety of projects with flexible hiring options. |
This chart clearly explains the main features and differences between FlexJobs vs. Upwork.
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