Fiverr and Upwork are two significant freelance marketplaces. Both primarily serve as a medium between freelancers and those seeking remote services.
These freelance websites provide:
- The best talent acquisition mechanism.
- Project management and delivery tools.
- Payment security.
They have minimized hiring costs and emerged as leading providers of digital services. From communication tools to payment protection, they facilitate a remote work ecosystem.
Today, we will do a comparative analysis of Fiverr and Upwork freelance websites with a detailed overview of their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Upwork vs Fiverr Freelance Websites Comparison
There are several determining factors involved in the Fiverr vs Upwork comparative analysis. Here are some of them.
- Freelancers Screening and Vetting Process
- Overall Hiring Mechanism
- Pricing System
- Project Management Tools
- Unique Features
- Work Quality
- Professional Freelancers
- Service Fees
- Customer Support
Also Read: Fiverr Review 2025 – How Does It Work?
Fiverr vs Upwork Work Model Comparison
Fiverr Work Model
Fiverr was prefaced with a new and non-traditional freelance concept. Freelancers spend hours in the bidding process and interviews. Fiverr has reduced this effort to a minimum.
On Fiverr, the seller services are displayed to everyone on the platform in the form of gigs, which contain all necessary information like description, pricing, requirements, former client reviews, and portfolio in the same place.
In addition, it also comprises images and videos explaining the seller’s expertise and services. This helps buyers in finding the best talent for their projects within the assigned budget.
Fiverr is renowned as a $5 marketplace, which indicates that the services here are less costly than those of other freelance marketplaces.
However, the work quality is a concern in some cases.
Upwork Work Model
Upwork is also one of the world’s top 3 freelance marketplaces, with more than 10 million registered users. It is a merger of two previous marketplaces E-lance and oDesk.
Upwork’s work model is very different from Fiverr’s. But mostly, they share common features.
Upwork has a seller screening system in which a new seller submits their profile for review. If Upwork finds it suitable, then it approves; otherwise, many of them are declined.
This freelancer’s vetting process is not in the Fiverr general sellers category. Instead, Fiverr has introduced a separate elite freelancers category, Fiverr Pro, for this purpose.
In Upwork, you can search for services, talent, and projects. Usually, a client posts their project on the platform, and freelancers with relevant skills give their bids. The winner is awarded the project.
Upwork has recently added the gig system in the form of Upwork projects.
Pre-Screening Requisites
Upwork and Fiverr both implement pre-screening requirements within their platforms.
Fiverr Pre-Screening Requirements and Tests
Fiverr Skill Test
Fiverr examines the professionalism and skills of freelancers through online screening practices and tests.
The Fiverr English language test is compulsory for all freelancers to qualify. In addition, Fiverr also takes skills tests like Customer Service, Writing, SEO, etc., for new sellers.
These tests are a must to pass for selling on Fiverr. A freelancer can display their test results on the profile to increase credibility. Fiverr has a comprehensive screening process for its pro category.
Upwork Pre-Screening Requirements and Tests
Upwork Skill Tests
Upwork also has its vetting process for freelancers. A seller must qualify for certain standards to get their profile approved on the platform. It also does profile verification through documents and displays verified badges.
There is a test called the Upwork readiness test, which new freelancers conduct. If a freelancer passes this test, 60 connects are awarded as a gift from Upwork.
Workflow Comparison
Fiverr Workflow System
The Fiverr workflow model varies from Upwork. If you are a buyer, you can find the desired services through
- Fiverr suggestions
- Search Bar
- Filters and Subcategories
- Post a Request
The seller dashboard opens only if you create at least one gig. A new seller can sell seven services via seven different gigs. Seller tools, order status, earnings, and withdrawal options are accessible through the seller dashboard.
Upwork Workflow System
Upwork buyers can hire in three ways.
- Submitting the project for proposals/bids with relevant information like budget and requirements.
- They can also hire freelancers by purchasing their projects directly.
- By searching relevant profiles, direct invites, or contacts.
Upwork sellers can bid on projects close to their skills and expertise. However, they need to buy Connects credit for bidding. Upwork offers 10 connects monthly free for all sellers.
The Minimum Connects limit per project is 1 to 6, depending on the price of the project.
Also Read: Upwork Review: Is Upwork Legit?
Pricing System/Structure Comparison
Fiverr Pricing
Fiverr pricing is a single or three-tier pricing system. The Tier system is similar to packages offered by the sellers, like $5 for basic services, $20 for intermediate, and $50 for advanced services.
| Orders | Minimum | Maximum |
| Direct | $5 | $995 |
| Custom | $5 | $5000 |
The Fiverr Pro category has a separate pricing system.
| Orders | Minimum | Maximum |
| Direct | $5 | $20000 |
| Custom | $5 | $50000 |
Upwork Pricing
Upwork has both traditional and non-traditional pricing features. In a conventional pricing form, a client hires for a fixed price and for hourly projects.
This depends on the professionalism, work quality, positive reviews, and experience of the freelancer. In the Upwork non-traditional model, the pricing is added to Upwork projects.
Upwork projects are the same as gigs on Fiverr, which contain titles, descriptions, thumbnail images, pricing tiers, services, requirements, client reviews, etc.
The minimum hourly pricing limit is $3 per hour, and the maximum depends on the freelancer’s expertise. The minimum pricing for Upwork fixed-price projects is $5. Upwork gigs/project price limitation is a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $ 50,000.
Also Read: Best Fiverr Alternatives
Fees Comparison
Fiverr Service Fee
Fiverr charges buyers $2 on projects with a cost of less than $40 cost and 5% on each higher than $40. It takes 20% commission from its sellers on successful project completion and tips awarded by the buyers. The seller’s earnings are also kept for 14 days in a row to be cleared.
The Fiverr service fee is applied to all freelancers without any discrimination. Fiverr levels only give relaxation to the funds’ withdrawal period.
Upwork Service Fee
Upwork charges 3% processing and administration fees to its buyers, which are exclusively exempted for the Upwork Enterprise category.
Upwork gets 20% commission from the sellers on projects less than $500, 10% on projects higher than $500 and less than $10,000, and 5% on projects exceeding the budget of $10,000.
It also charges 2.75% as a payment processing fee with a minimum of 10 clearance days for the funds earned by a seller.
Talent Quality Comparison
Fiverr Talent
Fiverr has two types of freelance talent pools.
- General Sellers
- Pro Sellers
Anyone can sign up as a general seller. But for pro sellers, there is a strict vetting process. Only 1% of applications are approved and verified as pro sellers. These sellers are screened out by an expert Fiverr team of each category.
Upwork Talent
Upwork has a typical profile approval standard for all new freelancers. It screens out the initial applications to acquire the best talent for its seasoned buyers.
However, it requires an intermediate skills level to start selling on Upwork. So it is not recommended for novices. Upwork has introduced a pro option for buyers to find the appropriate freelancer for them. A dedicated Upwork team administers this facility.
Reviews/Rating System
Both Fiverr and Upwork have a standard star rating system for both buyers and sellers.
Fiverr Rating System
Fiverr buyers and sellers rate each other at the end of the order with a star rating of 5. This rating is displayed on their profiles and at seller gigs.
Fiverr penalizes profiles in the form of level demotion if they fail to maintain a standard rating.
It requires a minimum 4.7 rating in the last 60 days to maintain the current level or promotion to the next level.
Upwork Rating System
Upwork buyers and sellers also rate their experience at the end of each successful project out of 5 stars, displayed on the profiles and the job completion list.
On Fiverr or Upwork, it is the buyer who can rate their experience with the services.
Also Read: Fiverr Seller Plus Review: Is It Worth It?
Seller/Buyer Levels Comparison
Fiverr and Upwork both honor different levels, tags, and badges for their sellers and buyers. It depends on their skills, rating, successful project completion, and total earnings on the platform.
Fiverr Level System
Fiverr awards different levels to its sellers. They are linked with the progress, expertise, and feedback given by clients.
There are four Fiverr levels for the sellers.
- New Seller
- Level 1 Seller
- Level 2 Seller
- Top Rated Sellers
Fiverr Pro is also a seller level that falls in a separate category of vetted and verified freelancers.
Fiverr buyer levels are divided into five categories
- Returning Buyer
- Top Buyer
- V.I.D
- VIVID
- Business
Fiverr also awards tags and badges like Fiverr Choice and Rising Talent to freelancers based on their performance.
Upwork Level System
Upwork also has an effective freelance-level system. These levels determine the experience, credibility, and success of freelancers.
There are four levels of Upwork sellers.
- Rising Talent
- Top Rated
- Top Rated Plus
- Expert-Vetted
Upwork buyers have two levels.
- Upwork Plus
- Business
Customer Support Comparison
Customer support is one of the critical factors weighed in the freelance website’s comparison.
There are more chances of any dispute while working remotely. Excellent customer support is beneficial for both sellers and buyers.
Fiverr Customer Support
Fiverr has customer support present to address any dispute resolution. This primarily works through the resolution center. In this way, the buyer and seller can resolve any mutual issues.
If things get complicated, then Fiverr support is also available through a ticket or email.
Fiverr doesn’t have a live chat or mediator role in dispute resolution, which is a negative factor.
Upwork Customer Support
Upwork Support is one of the best-rated freelance marketplaces. Upwork offers a live chat option and assigns a special mediator to resolve any issues in a project.
It reviews the valid details and decides the best for both parties. In this way, you get a refund if you have not received the promised work.
Also Read: Fiverr Pro Review 2025: Eligibility, Pricing, And Tips
Pros And Cons Of Fiverr
Pros Of Fiverr
Cons Of Fiverr
Pros And Cons Of Upwork
Pros Of Upwork
Cons Of Upwork
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Fiverr and Upwork come in the list of the top three freelance websites. This is because they have massive traffic and users. Both have more than 35 million monthly individual searches on the internet.
Fiverr is perfect for budget-friendly projects. In addition, it can be effective as an outsourcing option for small projects. However, it is best for graphic designers, freelance writers, and social media marketers.
Fiverr scores 4.5/5 in freelance website comparison and stands runner-up.
While Upwork is the hub of professionals and experts, it is good for big enterprises, projects, and businesses. It is recommended for all medium and large-sized businesses.
In addition, Upwork is suitable for writers, Crypto experts, mobile app developers, customer service representatives, and sales agents. Upwork scores 4.7/5 and stands winner in the best freelance marketplace comparison.
