--- title: Upwork Reviews meta_title: 'Upwork Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 3207 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Upwork works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.5 review_count: 3207 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-07-18' parent_category: name: HR url: https://www.g2.com/categories/hr --- # Upwork Reviews **Vendor:** Upwork Inc. **Category:** [Freelance Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/freelance-platforms) **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 3,207 ## About Upwork Upwork is a freelance hiring platform and work marketplace that connects businesses with independent professionals across more than 10,000 skill categories. It functions as an end-to-end solution for sourcing and managing contingent workforce needs — from project specialists to long-term contractors — without the overhead of full-time hiring. Businesses of all sizes use Upwork to fill skill gaps, execute complex projects, and scale results without adding headcount. Creating an account and posting a job is free. You pay only once a contract begins. Most clients hire within three days of posting. There's also no need for a fully defined scope to get started. You can browse freelancers by skill, experience level, location, and availability, review work histories, and save profiles as you define your needs. Upwork covers a broad range of disciplines, including web and app development, AI engineering, design, finance, customer support, marketing, writing, and consulting. You can hire individual freelancers or assemble multi-person project teams. Upwork is particularly well suited for businesses that need specialized expertise quickly, including freelancers who combine deep domain knowledge with AI tools to amplify their output and deliver results more efficiently. Key platform capabilities include: AI-assisted matching — Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI, analyzes project details like skills, budget, scope, and timeline to surface relevant freelancers. You can also search and filter independently and invite specific candidates to apply to your job. Transparent freelancer profiles — Evaluate candidates through detailed profiles, portfolios, verified work history, client feedback, skill certifications, and badges. Message or interview freelancers before starting a contract. Flexible contract types — Choose between hourly contracts, billed weekly based on logged hours, or fixed-price contracts funded in milestones, depending on how the work is structured. Built-in payment protection — For fixed-price projects, funds are held in escrow and released only upon client approval. For hourly projects, logged hours can be reviewed before billing is finalized. Centralized project management — Contracts, messaging, milestones, timesheets, and payments are managed from a single dashboard, with dispute assistance available if issues arise. Upwork is primarily used by business owners, hiring managers, and procurement teams looking for a faster, lower-risk alternative to traditional staffing or full-time recruitment, whether for a single project or an ongoing contingent workforce strategy. ## Upwork Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users commend the **ease of use** on Upwork, facilitating job searches and secure payments seamlessly. (665 reviews) - Users value the **wide variety of job opportunities** on Upwork, facilitating connections with clients globally and ease of application. (367 reviews) - Users appreciate the **convenience and reliability** of Upwork, finding it ideal for freelancers seeking secure and rewarding projects. (358 reviews) - Users appreciate the **time efficiency** of Upwork, enabling quick navigation and easy contract management. (288 reviews) - Users value the **secure payment systems** and organized management, fostering trust and reliability in job transactions. (266 reviews) - Talent Quality (231 reviews) - Payment Reliability (215 reviews) - Convenience (191 reviews) - Many Options (186 reviews) - Helpful (149 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users find Upwork to be **expensive** due to costs associated with Connects and commission on earnings, impacting accessibility. (474 reviews) - Users express frustration over **high fees** on Upwork, feeling increasingly burdened by costs and reduced earnings. (454 reviews) - Users express frustration over **job scarcity** on Upwork, citing competition and low-paying clients as significant challenges. (207 reviews) - Users face **intense competition** on Upwork, struggling to secure jobs despite qualifications due to aggressive bidding practices. (155 reviews) - Users face significant **limitations** on Upwork, including cumbersome messaging, slow payouts, and a flooded talent pool. (123 reviews) - Hidden Fees (114 reviews) - Freelancer Issues (106 reviews) - Lack of Information (94 reviews) - Payment Issues (93 reviews) - Users report a rise in **scams** on Upwork, with fake accounts and untrustworthy freelancers causing financial loss. (93 reviews) ## Upwork Reviews ### 1. A Reliable Platform for Freelancers to Find Quality Work **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Diomar D. | English-Portuguese Brazilian Translator | Data Entry Specialist | Transcriber , Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork has been a game-changer in my freelance career. It provides access to a global marketplace of clients looking for a wide range of services, from writing and design to development and marketing. The platform makes it easy to search for jobs, submit proposals, and manage contracts all in one place. One of the features I appreciate most is Upwork's escrow system, which helps ensure that payments are secure and on time. The time tracking tool and work diary are also useful for hourly projects, providing transparency for both freelancers and clients. Disclosure: I received a gift card for sharing my honest review. The opinions are my own. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The service fees can feel high, especially for newer freelancers just getting started. Additionally, competition can be intense, so it takes time and effort to build a strong profile and win consistent work. But once you establish credibility, Upwork can become a steady source of income. Disclosure: I received a gift card for sharing my honest review. The opinions are my own. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** I’ve been using Upwork since the oDesk days, completing over 30 contracts in areas like translation and transcription. One of the hardest parts of freelancing is finding trustworthy clients and ensuring payments go smoothly. Upwork solves both of those problems by giving me access to a global client base and handling contracts, escrow, and payment security. For me, that’s been a huge benefit. Instead of worrying about chasing down invoices or struggling to find new leads, I can focus on delivering quality work. The platform makes the process simple: job discovery, communication, and payment are all in one place. Over the years, this has allowed me to build long-term relationships with international clients while keeping my freelance career flexible and stable. ### 2. Worth Exploring for Freelancers **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** James S. | Staff Writer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 18, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** The best thing about Upwork is that you see there are jobs available in your field and related fields. The clients have the openings up and there's definitely something for everyone depending on their skill set and experience. I've found quick gigs, short-term projects and clients I've worked with for years now on Upwork. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Having to wait 4-5 days to be paid on top of the client finally getting around to OK your work is very annoying. Three days should be the lengthiest end of your wait for funds. Some might complain about the Connects system but having been on Upwork for over 10 years and coming over from eLance prior to it merging with oDesk, the payout time has been my main issue with the platform. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Nothing, really. I'm a contributor/worker and Upwork has the work up for me to pursue if I wish. Again, it would be great if the payout time was shortened to 3 days at most but outside of that, Upwork is very "Help yourself" with work and I dig that. ### 3. My experience using upwork **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sofia N. | Freelance Writer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 18, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I find Upwork very easy to use. The interface is straightforward, and I appreciate that they sometimes give free connects. Building my profile and landing clients was surprisingly simple right from the start. I also really like the search function and filters. They make it quick and efficient to narrow down jobs that fit my skills. I haven’t had to use customer service yet, so I can’t speak to that. However, overall, my experience setting things up and getting started has been smooth. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** One drawback is that a large share of job postings now involve AI in some way, which makes searching feel a bit uncomfortable if you’re not experienced with it. Another issue is transparency: I’ve come across jobs where the real requirement is leaving positive reviews, but you only find that out after spending connects to apply. It makes the process a little frustrating since you can waste resources on opportunities that aren’t what they seem. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves the problem of connecting freelancers with clients. Instead of spending time cold pitching or searching for opportunities on different platforms, I can go to one place where clients are already looking to hire. This benefits me by making it much easier to find freelance clients and start building working relationships quickly. ### 4. Upwork has been a fantastic platform **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Shabi A. | Virtual Assistant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 18, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork is super helpful because it connects me with clients from all over the world, offering a range of projects that match my skills. The payment system is secure, so I feel confident I’ll get paid for my work. I also love the flexibility to choose projects and set my own schedule. Plus, the reviews help build my credibility, making it easier to land future work. Overall, Upwork makes freelancing smoother and more reliable. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The downsides of Upwork can include connect fees, especially for beginners like me, which can take a chunk out of my earnings. It can also be very competitive, making it tough to stand out among a large pool of freelancers. Sometimes, clients may not fully understand the value of my work, leading to lower-paying jobs or difficult negotiations. Additionally, there are occasional issues with clients who don't respond or provide unclear instructions, making the workflow harder to manage. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork helps me find freelance work easily. It connects me with clients from around the world, so I can choose projects I like. It also makes payments safe and easy, so I don’t have to worry about that. Upwork saves me time and lets me focus on doing good work. ### 5. Best choice for Freelancers **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Zeenah Z. | Peer Tutor, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 26, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I like that there are a lot of jobs available and that you can see a companies reputation. It helps me choose clients and if you do have an issue, they do an investigation and make a decision if you get paid. It helps my peace of mind knowing that my work is protected. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The fees are high. I understand that they need something from the jobs they arrange, but it's more than it should be. If they had a year cap for the year or after so long, they no longer take as much, then it would be more fair. I've worked for years with clients and they still take fees. I think 5%-7% would be fair, but it's as much as 20%. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** It is ensuring that I get paid for the work that I do and that the jobs I apply to are real. ### 6. Reliable Platform with Secure Payments **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** María Angélica E. | Virtual Assistant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 18, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** What I like most about Upwork is how easy it is to build and improve your profile. I can filter the job categories I want to search for, and I can easily track my proposals both on the website and in the mobile app. I also like that it offers a video call option without needing to pay for a membership, which makes it easier for clients to contact you directly. Upwork posts thousands of job opportunities every day, making job searching simple — with the right filters, you get a smart and tailored job search experience. Plus, the platform suggests job listings that match your profile. Another thing I really appreciate is that there are also many job opportunities in Spanish, which allows me to work in my native language. It is also great that if you report a suspicious job post or a scam, the support team quickly removes the fake profile and even refunds your Connects. Finally, withdrawing payments is very easy, with several options available, which is very convenient. "I received a gift card for sharing my honest review". **What do you dislike about Upwork?** What I dislike about Upwork is the service fees. I find them quite high, especially when you are just starting out on the platform. Not every client relationship lasts more than six months, which makes it hard to lower the percentage fee. In the beginning, the more you earn, the more you end up paying in fees. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Once, I had an issue signing a contract with a client, and the support team helped us solve it quickly and effectively. ### 7. Trusted Platform with growing opportunities **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ivana C. | German-English-Croatian Translator | AI Model Trainer & MTPE Expert, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 17, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I really enjoy working on Upwork. I started about three years ago, and it was the beginning of my freelance journey in translation and AI-related projects. It’s helped me grow so much—both by improving my existing skills and learning a ton of new ones. What I love most about the platform is how seriously they take safety. These days, you always have to be cautious about scammers or clients who don’t pay. Upwork makes that a lot less stressful by verifying payment methods, so you know who you can trust. And if something still feels off, they’re quick to step in and investigate. That peace of mind makes a huge difference. I received a gift card for my honest review. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** One thing I’m not too happy about is that Upwork recently raised their service fee on most projects from 10% to 15%. It might not sound like a huge jump, but when you're working regularly, it definitely adds up over time. I understand platforms need to make changes to stay sustainable, but it still feels a bit discouraging—especially for freelancers who’ve been loyal to the platform for years. I just hope they continue to improve other areas to balance it out. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork helps freelancers feel safe making money online—something that’s not always easy these days. It also solves the problem of being tied to one location by allowing you to work with clients from anywhere in the world. ### 8. Digital Illustrator review **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Paula T. | Freelance Illustrator and Portraitist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 17, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Flexibility, work in my field that is not otherwise easy to find, a time tracking app, legal and payment backup. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Double Dipping: Freelancers have to pay to bid AND Upwork takes 20% of the fee. Take it or Leave it Bidding: You have to pay for connects to bid for jobs that you are unable to ask any questions about. If the client provides a vague job description--extremely common--there's no way to clarify. Vague Job Descriptions: I've contacted Upwork six times regarding vague and nearly identical quality of their AI-generated job descriptions. These tell absolutely nothing about the style of illustration the client wants, the age range of the book, the art style, the number of pages/illustrations, etc. If I read the word "whimsical" one more time, I'm going to scream. Why can't clients be encouraged to provide an image of the style they're looking for? These may be great jobs with great clients, but all I can do is either skip them or gamble on wasting connect money. I've left the platform completely for months. Now I look from time to time, but it's become a low priority because of this impossible and incredibly frustrating situation. Scams: These seem less than they used to be, but they're still out there. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** There appear to be less scam jobs. Often, by the time that I can get to a scammer email, the client has been removed from the platform. But they have NOT solved the vague job description issue well at all. ### 9. A Mixed Bag of Talent and Frustration **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Diana P. | Translateor, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 17, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork is a fantastic platform for finding and hiring freelance talent across a huge range of industries. What I appreciate most is the immense and diverse talent pool. You can find experts for virtually any project, from web development and design to writing, marketing, and legal services. The user interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, which makes the process of posting a job and sifting through proposals very straightforward. The built-in project management and payment features are also a major plus. The platform handles contracts, invoicing, and secure payments, which gives both clients and freelancers peace of mind. For hourly contracts, the time tracker with screenshots provides transparency and confidence that you're only paying for work that is actually being done. For fixed-price projects, the escrow system ensures the freelancer doesn't start work until the funds are secured and that the client doesn't release the payment until they're satisfied with the work. The review and rating system is a great way to vet potential hires and build a reputable profile for yourself. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** While the platform has many strengths, it's not without its flaws. My biggest concern is the quality of customer support. When issues arise—especially concerning scams, disputes, or account verification problems—the support team can be slow to respond and often provides generic, canned replies that don't actually solve the problem. This can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when a project or payment is on the line. Another downside is the prevalence of low-quality proposals and scams. While Upwork has a vast talent pool, it also has a high volume of unvetted freelancers who may submit generic, AI-generated proposals or try to take the project off-platform, which can be risky. This means you have to spend a significant amount of time sifting through numerous applications to find a few genuinely qualified candidates. The "Connects" system, which requires freelancers to pay to apply for jobs, can also be a barrier for new talent trying to get a foothold on the platform. Finally, the fees can be quite high, which impacts a freelancer's take-home pay and, in turn, can affect the rates they charge clients. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** The platform's built-in escrow and payment system is a major benefit. For fixed-price projects, the client funds the project upfront, so I'm assured the money is there before I start. For hourly contracts, the time-tracker provides proof of work and payment protection, eliminating the risk of not getting paid. This has saved me from having to chase payments or deal with financial disputes. As a freelancer, Upwork gives me a massive client base that I'd never be able to access on my own. It connects me with businesses from around the world, allowing me to find work regardless of my physical location. ### 10. Great Platform for Freelancers, But Barriers for Beginners **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Gina F. | Freelance Recruiter, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 17, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** What I like most about Upwork is the opportunity it gives freelancers to find contract work while feeling supported and protected. I appreciate the transparency in payout schedules and the security of knowing that once a contract starts, there’s a system in place that backs me up. The platform also allows me to check an employer’s history before accepting a job, which helps ensure legitimacy. Overall, the rating system between employers and freelancers makes it a solid tool for anyone starting out in the freelance world. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** On the downside, I really dislike the current Connects system. For freelancers who are just trying to get started, it feels discouraging to have to pay for Connects on top of already having 10% of earnings deducted per hour. This creates an extra barrier for those struggling to land their first opportunities. Additionally, despite Upwork’s safeguards, there are still quite a few scams that slip through, which can make the experience frustrating at times. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork gave me the chance to break into the freelance world, especially in the beginning when free Connects made it easier to get started and test the waters of the industry. It provides a structured and safe environment where freelancers and employers can connect without as much risk of unreliable contracts or negative experiences. For freelancers, it’s a platform that makes entering the market more accessible, and for employers, it offers a vetted way to find talent with a clear record of past work and reliability. ### 11. Exceptional Developers, Smooth Process, and Great Value **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Allen D. | President, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I discovered a fantastic individual who is terrific to work with and truly skilled in software. Not only is he an excellent developer who communicates easily and responds quickly, but his services are also affordable. The entire process is smooth—you negotiate with several people, and they place bids on your project. Once you select someone, I make the payment. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** I have been so pleased with the results I am getting that I keep on doing more projects I had not planned on, and I guess that is a good thing. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** I have someone I can afford to do the project with now, that I couldn't before. ### 12. Upwork helps me find quality clients **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kim K. | Bookkeeper, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 17, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I like that I have control over who I choose to work with. It is very easy to use and releases funds to me after a certain timeframe even if the work isn't "approved" yet by the client. This helps because sometimes clients are forgetful :) I use it every day and have plenty of potential clients that reach out directly to me. I received a gift card for sharing my honest review. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** I think that a lot of people don't have realistic expectations about what someone should be paid. They want "expert" advice for $5.00/hr. It would be helpful if maybe Upwork could suggest an appropriate price range for payment. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** I work very part time and would never be able to find such limited and flexible hours locally. I homeschool and have unpredictable times during the day that I work so not having to be logged on during certain hours of the day is very helpful and allows our family to continue homeschooling. ### 13. A Reliable Platform for Finding Freelance Talent **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Vivek D. | Software Developer, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 17, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I recently started freelancing on Upwork. Getting the first client was challenging, but once I did, things improved significantly. I’ve since landed contracts with several clients, and it’s been a great experience working with them. Some of the features I really appreciate are: 1) Easy to setup and use, Even for begineers. 2) Transperancy between freelancer and client. 3) Good payment managment system which feels secure and reliable. 4) Great exposure to many opportunities. 5) Verified users and clients. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Proposal System for jobs use too much connects which I think can be improved. Getting first client is tough. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork helps connecting freelancer client in safe and secure ways. Instead of making connection to get work its the best place to find work where you know you will not be ghosted or scammed by client. I am using upwork to get the freelance jobs so I can use my skills in interesting projects and earn at the same time ### 14. Good spot to find clients **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jakub K. | HTML5 Game Developer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 17, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** It provides access to a vast number of jobs and clients. I can easily filter and search offers that match my criteria. I see scope and salary. It is easy to receive a salary from any banking system, for an equal fee. If I didn't get a job where I applied, I'll receive my tokens back. The token system is very clear and, in my opinion, helps reduce spam offers. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The message system is not comfortable, and sharing files often fails. Managing invoices by the current month is taking dates not from the invoice date, so I have to filter it manually (maybe the logic works for the USA, but not in my country's accounting system) It's challenging to start, as receiving the first task without experience on Upwork can require some effort. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** It give me access to clients that are looking for my services, I do not heve to making cold calls/emails. I can show my portfolio easily on my profile ### 15. great freelancer website **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ashia M. | Professional Freelancer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 14, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** What I like most about Upwork as a freelancer is the variety of projects I can choose from and the ability to connect with clients from around the world. It makes finding work flexible and convenient, and I appreciate how the platform provides tools to manage contracts, payments, and deadlines easily. Plus, the review system helps build my reputation and attract new clients. Overall, it’s been a great way to grow my freelance career and work on projects I’m passionate about. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Honestly, one thing I find a bit challenging about Upwork is the competitive nature of the platform. Sometimes, there are many freelancers bidding on the same project, which can make it hard to stand out or get hired. Additionally, the service fees can add up, especially when you're just starting out, which affects how much you take home. And occasionally, the communication or payment process can be slow or a bit complicated. But overall, I still find it a valuable platform for finding work and building my freelance career. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** finding quality leads ### 16. Freelancer Side Gig Work **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jennifer K. | Data Analyst, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** It is easy to use. I am very easily able to find projects that are of interest to me, whether it is showing in my best matches, I was sent an invite, or I search for a project. There are a wide variety of projects - from beginner to expert and projects for all interests. It is a great place to get a side-gig. I have worked on some fun projects I have found through Upwork I wouldn’t have been able to do without it. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** It is very competitive to land a project. Multiple people are often applying to the same project so there are a lot of talented and qualified people you are competing with. If you have the free version, you only get 10 connects a month to apply to projects. They encourage paying for a membership by offering 100 connects a month for those who pay. They also charge fees for the work that is being completed so you will only receive a portion of the final pay. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** They are helping connect people who have a problem with those who know how to fix it. It is probably cheaper to do it this way, and response times are quick. People are able to get help with data manipulation, homework help, and many other tasks in a very quick and short amount of time that they may not be able to have any other assistance with from people near them. ### 17. Quality you pay for **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Margo D. | Principal, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork is always on brand. The content is always solid and the functionality and response time is A+ **What do you dislike about Upwork?** You have to determine the cost of biz d'ev that you are comfortable with. The commissions are high on both ends. The tone of the terms and communications sound dire and punitive. Don't worry. If you are using the platform correctly, they aren't talking about you. I realize that Talent works all over the world offering different levels of expertise but I am so disappointed to see posts for executive-level assistance with a long list of skills and requirements that are only offering $5-8/hr. There is an opportunity to make a shift here and be the hero of the story. I wish the would take it. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** I live in an area where networking for clients of the skillset I offer is limited. It offers consultants a chance to bid and propose in a controlled marketplace and then highlight a growing portfolio and satisfied clients. ### 18. Solid work overall, with some areas that could be refined. **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** A. B. | Freelancer consultant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork is helpful because it connects freelancers and clients from around the world, making it easier to find opportunities in many different fields. The platform offers secure payments, contracts, and built-in tools that make managing projects simple and reliable. It also allows freelancers to build credibility through reviews and ratings, which can lead to long-term client relationships. One of the biggest upsides is the flexibility to work from anywhere while consistently finding new projects. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** One of the least helpful aspects of Upwork is the high service fees that cut into freelancer earnings, especially for smaller projects. The fees have increased over time, which can make it harder for freelancers to justify taking on certain jobs. Competition is also intense, and many clients expect low rates, which can undervalue skilled professionals. In addition, the platform policies and algorithms sometimes favor established freelancers, making it challenging for new users to gain traction. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork helps businesses solve the problem of finding qualified talent quickly without the need for lengthy hiring processes. It gives companies access to a wide pool of freelancers with specialized skills that may not be available locally. The platform also makes it easier to manage short-term or project-based work without committing to full-time hires. In addition, it solves payment and contract challenges by providing secure systems that protect both businesses and freelancers. ### 19. Good for side gigs, not a full-time job **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Arturo M. | Senior Art Director, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I really value the global reach Upwork provides. I've use it every time I get invitated to a new project and I've been a member since the early stages, so I use it pretty frequently. It allows me to offer my services to clients around the world, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with large enterprise businesses. I’ve consistently delivered projects to their satisfaction, which is reflected in the positive feedback and 5-star ratings I’ve received. In all the years I’ve used Upwork, I’ve only had one instance where a client tried to cheat and avoid payment, and Upwork’s customer support was very helpful in resolving the issue. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** I’ve been using Upwork since its early days, and one major change I don’t like is the way freelancers now apply for jobs. Spending connects just to submit proposals, and then having to pay even more connects to boost visibility, is really unfair. Freelancers are on the platform to earn, not to spend money without guarantees. If you don’t get hired, you don’t get your connects back, and those connects cost real money. I’m fortunate to be in the top 1% of talent on the platform and, as an Expert-Vetted freelancer, I receive invitations to projects, so I don’t often need to spend connects. But for newcomers, breaking in must be extremely difficult. I believe Upwork should prioritize presenting the best candidates to clients rather than making freelancers spend more to be noticed. Another issue is the feedback system. Clients are not required to leave written comments with their ratings. I’ve completed projects where clients were extremely happy and left 5-star ratings, but without a written review. A rating without a comment feels incomplete and less trustworthy to potential future clients. Since Upwork is a platform built on trust and reputation, I believe written feedback should be mandatory for both freelancers and clients. Another drawback is their ease of use AKA as having a custom URL (e.g., upwork.com/freelancer-name) requires paying a monthly fee. This feels unreasonable: custom URLs should be available to all freelancers. It would actually benefit Upwork as well, since freelancers would naturally promote their profiles by sharing clean, branded links instead of long, random strings of letters and numbers. Making it really difficult to implement, and not making it easy to integrate well on the web in general. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves the problem of access and trust in freelancing. It connects me with clients from all over the world—including large enterprise businesses—that I wouldn’t have been able to reach otherwise. The platform gives freelancers a safe and structured way to find projects, manage contracts, and ensure payments are protected. For me, this has meant being able to consistently deliver high-quality work, build long-term relationships, and grow my reputation with 5-star reviews and positive feedback. The biggest benefit is that Upwork makes it easier to focus on my work—creative direction and design—while the platform handles the logistics of connecting with clients, securing contracts, and guaranteeing payments. ### 20. Essential tool for freelancers looking to take business to the next level **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Global N. | Travel Agent, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2020 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork is my go-to to find clients and work on interesting projects. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** I don't like the fact that you have to pay for credits to bid on jobs, but most of the time I wind up getting hired. **Recommendations to others considering Upwork:** Create a snazzy profile and start with 1 project at a time at an affordable rate. Focus on wowing the client and earning that 5-star review. Always be transparent and communicate with your clients so you are on the same page. It's a great platform if you are persistant! **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Being able to interact with clients who need services immediately and have a good idea of what they want as they are willing to put up an ad and describe tangibles. Sometimes there is a lack of communication from clients which is not ideal as I rely on feedback. Despite the fees charged for work performed on the platform, I wouldn't have the volume of clients that I have today. Glad I started 5 years ago and have a strong foundation/reviews to attract more people to assist. ### 21. Great for Freelancers! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Zoila E. | Administrative Assistant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I really enjoy the experience. It's very convenient and easy to use, especially for new freelancers looking to find quality clients and projects. The platform offers a wide range of job opportunities, and the interface makes it simple to communicate, submit work, and get paid securely. Overall, Upwork has made freelancing life much more organized and accessible for me. Highly recommend it to anyone starting or growing their freelance career! **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Currently, I don't have any dislikes. I like everything. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** One of the main reasons I love using Upwork is the peace of mind it gives me as a freelancer. The platform has robust systems in place to protect freelancers if a client fails to pay. They have built a solid process where I know I’ll be paid for the work I deliver — as long as I follow the rules. That kind of security is hard to find when freelancing independently. It really feels like Upwork has my back, and that makes a huge difference. ### 22. Used to be a really great source for work, but lately not so much **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Amber S. | Owner | Chief Strategist, Marketing and Advertising, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I've been using UpWork since just about day 1, and it's been good to me over the early years. I found a wide range of work and clients to be available on the site and it's a very flexible way to grow my business. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** There are just so many downsides of UpWork these days. From the astronomical fees and reduced quality of gig listings to the hoops you have to jump through to even speak with a potential client. Not to mention the fact that new freelancers are completely unable to even use the platform lately because of the oversaturation in specific fields. I miss the old days when fees were reasonable and you didn't have to pay through the nose to promote your proposal to even get in front of a client, let alone get hired. Now, you could be spending $100 just to send a proposal that won't even get viewed. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Lately? Nothing really. I haven't been using it lately because it's expensive and unreliable. ### 23. Upwork Review **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Karly D. | Registered Nurse, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I’ve had a great experience using Upwork as a freelancer. The platform makes it easy to connect with companies from around the world, and the variety of projects is impressive—whether short-term tasks or long-term collaborations. The platform is easy to use. The interface is user-friendly, the messaging system keeps communication smooth, and the secure payment structure provides peace of mind for both sides. I especially appreciate the transparency in reviews and contracts, which helps build trust. Overall, Upwork has given me valuable opportunities to grow professionally and access flexible work that fits my schedule. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore freelance opportunities. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** I wish that it didn't take so long for upwork to release funds. I also wish there was an easier way to look at jobs posted by the same people you have been hired by before. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork has really simplified the way I connect with clients and find meaningful work. As a freelancer, one of the biggest challenges is securing steady projects and making sure payments are handled fairly. Upwork solves both problems by providing a trustworthy platform where everything from communication to contracts to payments is streamlined. This has benefited me by giving me access to a wide variety of opportunities, helping me build my reputation, and allowing me the flexibility to choose projects that fit my skills and schedule. ### 24. Upwork **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kara C. | Virtual Assistant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I highly recommend Upwork to anyone looking for flexible work opportunities or reliable freelancers. The platform is easy to navigate, with clear job postings and secure communication tools that make the process smooth for both clients and freelancers. Payments are handled safely, which gives peace of mind, and the review system helps build trust on both sides. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** One downside to Upwork is that it can take some time to land your first job. However, don’t get discouraged, stay persistent, keep applying, and the opportunities will come. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves the problem of connecting skilled freelancers with clients who need reliable talent. Instead of spending hours searching for opportunities or worrying about payment security, I can easily find projects that match my skills, communicate directly with clients, and get paid safely through the platform. This benefits me by giving me flexibility in when and how I work, access to a wide range of opportunities I wouldn’t have found otherwise, and the ability to build long-term client relationships. ### 25. Frederick's Upwork Review **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Frederick A. | Software Developer, Program Development, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Lower rates on commission compared to other freelancing platforms like Fiverr. Upwork has a very fluid UI that allows easy navigation of the website and mobile app. The requirements for jobs posted are easy to understand prior to discussing with the intended buyers. The customer support is fantastic. They responded to my complaint in less than 24 hours when i had an issue with my profile, and it was resolved quickly. Upwork also allows me to offer consultation services, which is a plus compared to other freelancing sites. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** What i find least helpful about Upwork is the Jobs posted by unserious Buyers. Some post for jobs are just ruse and i have to still pay for connects to apply for those jobs. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork is bridging the gap between Buyers and verified Freelancers. This gives buyers the assurance on the abilities of the people the intend to hire to get their jobs done. Because of this, I am able to advertise my services on the platform and sell my authenticity based of reviews i have been able to gather from clients i have worked with on the platform ### 26. An easy to use platform to find consulting work with an easy payment process. **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Leah A. | Pediatrician, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I like its strong privacy features, and that the platform facilitates obtaining payment for my work. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Over the recent year, it is more difficulty to find work due to the increased need to use "connects" and to "bid" on projects. In some cases, I would need to purchase "connects" in order to submit a proposal for a project for which I ultimately may not get hired. UpWork takes a percentage of my earnings, to I don't feel it is necessary to also pay for proposals. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** The problem that I have experienced in 2025 is a reduced number of client proposals. I suppose this may have something to do with more clients using AI for the type of work I have done for the past six year. UpWork occasionally sends me emails about potential products that may be appropriate for my expertise. I wish, however, that I would receive more of these notifications. ### 27. Freelancer Upwork Review **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Cole A. | chief consultant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Been on the platform for a few years. Use it daily. Upwork has introduce me to some great clients and colleagues. People and companies that I have worked with closely for years now. It serves as a centralized place where you can find people with similar talent and collaborate forces, or find opportunties where contrasting skillsets can compliment each other as well. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** 1) The fees are getting a little outrageous. 2) Some non-Enterprise clients will try and leverage a good review or sabotage if you don't continually go above and beyond. 3) as a freelancer, you have to spend credits (money) to bid on projects and it gets insanely expensive. 4) Hubspot support is virtually non existent and extremely hard to get ahold of. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** It serves as a middle ground for people/companies needing specific skillsets to find each other. And the ability to review each others work provides transparency for future folks interested in working with either party. So there is a little bit of insight with expectations and working relationships. ### 28. Upwork: Good or Bad? **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Hridoy B. | GA4 & GTM Tracking Specialist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I like Upwork because it connects me with clients from all over the world. The platform makes it easy to find projects that match my skills and interests. I also like the secure payment system, which gives me confidence while working. Upwork allows me to build long-term client relationships and grow my career as a freelancer. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Nowadays, most clients use Upwork's AI to write job posts. When AI writes a job post, it often fails to mention the actual issue the client is facing. Most job postings contain vague job descriptions: "I have a tracking issue that needs to be fixed." However, the exact issue isn't mentioned at all. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork is solving the problem of limited job opportunities by giving freelancers access to a global marketplace. It removes the barrier of location and allows me to connect with clients worldwide. The platform also solves trust issues with its secure contracts and payment protection. This benefits me by providing steady work opportunities, building long-term relationships, and ensuring I get paid safely for my efforts. ### 29. Can Be Amazing, Seems to Have Gotten Considerably More Competitive **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Krissy Anne W. | AI Content Evaluation Specialist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I have earned several thousand dollars on Upwork and had the opportunity to work on some very cool projects. I have enjoyed meeting the contacts I have made and the wide variety of projects I've had the chance to work on. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is a wide variety of projects at any given time to work on. I have found local projects and collaborated with teams from around the world. If I ever had any issues working with a client, Upwork's customer support was always quick to help me out. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** When I first started using Upwork, I received multiple offers for gigs sent to me on a weekly basis. There was so much work available, I often had to turn work down. If I ever wanted to get extra side gig work, it was easy to find someone to partner with. In recent years, much like the job market in general, it has become much more competitive. Specifically, in the field of copywriting and with the advancements of AI, it seems that many clients do not want to pay standard rates for professional work. Additionally, it appears that due to the high competition and monetization efforts of Upwork, you now need to spend considerable money to be "seen" by potential clients when bidding for a job or to have your profile stand out. This has caused me to lose interest in using the platform as frequently as I previously had. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** The job market has become difficult and increasingly competitve in recent years for remote workers across many fields such as marketing, UX, programming, etc. Increasingly, employers are turning to contract work and laying off employees. The gig economy is likely to continue to grow. Upwork offers the opportunity to help build a side-income and buffer income loss associated with decline of long-term traditional employment opportunities. ### 30. A Great Platform for Freelancers to Grow - 14 Years on Upwork and earned over $500K **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Autonu K. | YouTube Marketing, SEO, SEM, SMM Strategist - Google Ads Specialist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork has provided me with a professional, reliable platform to connect with serious clients from around the world. As a YouTube Marketing Specialist and Digital Marketer, I appreciate the ability to showcase my skills, build long-term client relationships, and scale my freelance business on my own terms. The platform’s structure — from detailed job postings to secure payments and transparent client communication — makes it easy to focus on delivering results. Upwork has played a key role in my ability to earn over $500,000 and work more than 27,000 hours since 2011. It's a true game-changer for dedicated freelancers. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** While Upwork has been instrumental in growing my freelance career, there are some challenges. The platform is highly competitive, and sometimes new freelancers underbid, which can make it harder for experienced professionals to stand out without lowering their rates. Additionally, Upwork’s service fees can feel steep, especially for long-term freelancers. Another issue is the review system — clients can leave negative feedback without necessarily providing detailed justification. In a face-to-face setting, they would typically need to explain what went wrong, but on Upwork, it can feel less transparent or fair at times. Improving this aspect could help maintain trust and professionalism on the platform. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves the challenge of connecting skilled freelancers like myself with clients who need specialized digital marketing and YouTube growth expertise—without the barriers of geography or lengthy hiring processes. It provides a trusted, secure platform for discovering projects, managing communication, and ensuring timely payments. For me, this means I can focus on delivering high-quality YouTube SEO, video editing, video marketing, and content services while Upwork handles client sourcing, contract management, and payment protection. This streamlined workflow has enabled me to grow my freelance business to over $500,000 in revenue and build long-term relationships with clients worldwide. Ultimately, Upwork empowers me to scale my impact and reach more brands seeking expert video marketing solutions. ### 31. The Place for both Seasoned and Newbie Freelancers **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sissy Y. | Founder // Creative Director, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 23, 2020 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork is great for anyone who is looking to get started in the freelance world but also for seasoned freelancers who are just looking for a different method of finding new clients. It has something for anyone, beginners, novices, and experts, and the prices paid out reflect such. I also like how you can filter through jobs, to see whether it's something you actually want to do or not and if it's in the price range of what you're willing to do it for. Also Upwork seems to have a great customer service team, which I'm grateful for! **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The fees, oh man the fees are rough. But it is what it is, I suppose! I always charge extra to offset it but it would be nice to have lesser fees. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Now that I'm a bit established on it, it's been really nice to have invitations to work so that I don't have to go hunting for work. It saves me time and energy...and money! Because when you get invited to a project, you don't have to use up your credits! ### 32. Good opportunity, but definitely room for improvement **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Eugenia G. | Independent Consultant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I appreciate that Upwork offers access to a diverse range of projects and clients. It’s a great way to discover opportunities I might not have been exposed to otherwise, and it allows me to build skills across different types of work. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Some projects seemed questionable or like potential scams, making it difficult to determine what was legitimate. There’s also a lot of competition, and having to pay for extra credits just to get your proposal noticed seemed unfair and potentially like bribery. Also, the payment process could be frustrating because it sometimes meant waiting weeks to actually receive earnings. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves the problem of connecting freelancers with clients from all over the world. Instead of spending time searching for opportunities on my own, I can access a wide variety of projects in one place. This has benefited me by giving me exposure to new types of work, building my portfolio, and helping me connect with clients I wouldn’t have reached otherwise. ### 33. Upwork has Given Me The Opporunity To Get Back On My Feet! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Nehemiah K. | Self Employed Freelance Videographer and Video Editor, Media Production, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork has been upgraded tremendously over the years, not only has it been easier to use and impalement into my workflow, the increase number of features and integration has led me to increase my use of the service. I started using Upwork nearly 10 years ago and didn't get much value out of it. However Upwork increased its customer support and created more value for their service and that made me do a 180 with them. I currently use Upwork to connect with clients for my video editing service and they have provided me with financial security and customer satisfaction with the protection they offer for both parties. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The only downside is that upwork has started to increase prices for some of the more advance services, but the benefits outweigh the costs. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** The best thing upwork has done has upgraded its reach and algorithm to better help connect clients with service providers. Not only are people able to find my account faster and send me requests directly, I am also able to search for clients how have particular needs and services that meet the talents that I provide. Being a Freelance Video editor can be hard to find clients, especially online. Too often do people get ripped off and scammed trying to make an honest living. Upwork provides a safe environment that allows me to work knowing that I will be accurately compensated and not have my time or edits stolen. For transparency “I received a gift card for sharing my honest review." ### 34. A place to grow, learn, and connect **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tori S. | Virtual Assistant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** The ability to get started in a virtual field with little friction, overhead cost, or risk of losing money. It allows the users to easily get started in a new field without the stress of figuring things out on their own. After I completed a couple of jobs and was given 5 star reviews, I had jobs being offered to me several times a week. So pushing hard at the beginning of your time on the website definitely pays off. It's easy to use, get a profile set up, apply for jobs, connect with potential clients, and log hours and get paid. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The one downside is that the site is relatively over saturated. BUT, this doesn't *have* to be a bad thing. It means you have to stand out somehow. Sometimes the process of logging hours can be a little confusing at first. Especially if you're trying to "clock-in" and not manually add time. The process of how to do this could be explained and laid out a little more clearly. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork has allowed me to get jobs in my field (virtual assisting), grow my portfolio, and build relationships with business owners and entrepreneurs. ### 35. Upwork is my favorite source of freelance work. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kevin C. | Screenwriter, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** There is no freelance platform I recommend to others more than Upwork. It has mightily improved my income and resume over the last decade. Sure, it took a while to build my resume on there (why shouldn't it?) but, once I had shown my skills on a few project, my client base started to build. That's when work began coming to me. It was a dealbreaker in tough times like the pandemic. An awesome resource for a stay-at-home creative / parent. They're the best. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** In my many years on the site, I have run into many jobs that are coming from places that want too much work for too little pay. You do run into some crazies so you have to be discerning. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Without Upwork, I would have no way of contacting so many of the individuals I've found that are needing just the kind of screenwriting work that I provide. They are an excellent handshake with freelancers and those in need of freelance work. ### 36. A functional platform for finding frelance work **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jess S. | Freelance Writer and Editor, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Payment from clients is guaranteed and automatic so I don't need to worry about invoicing and chasing money. I have also found some high-quality clients on the site that have become long-term sources of work. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The fees for writing jobs are fairly high. The limited number of connects you get with the free account is also annoying. I also dislike that freelancers don't have control over closing contracts--I have some old clients who have since left the platform, so those contracts are just sitting there "open" for perpetuity. The biggest issue is something outside of Upwork's control, which is that a lot of the work/clients available are a race to the bottom. Actually landing writing work that pays a reasonable, professional rate can be very difficult because only a small percentage of jobs on the site are in that category, and everyone and their brother is clammoring for them. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** The problems of finding clients and managing payments. Upwork benefits me because it provides a marketplace with those payment features included. ### 37. Upwork Offers Opportunity and Protection, But Competition and Scams Are Real **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Summer K. | Reading Interventionist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork has some solid checks in place to protect you as a professional, which is definitely a plus. Navigating the platform is user-friendly, the mobile app for iOS is convenient, and there’s a plethora of available jobs to explore. The idea of being able to connect with clients from all over is exciting and I'm glad the service/platform does exist. I like being able to feature my work in a portfolio, and I appreciate the automated procedures in place such as once you submit work, you get paid even if the client doesn't respond. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The platform is extremely competitive. I don't appreciate having to pay to submit a proposal, which I assume is necessary because it is so saturated. Landing jobs often requires a lot of unpaid work and investment, and you can’t really factor that time into your costs without pricing yourself out of the market—especially when you’re just starting out. On top of that, I’ve been contacted more than once by what I believe were scammers posing as someone with a job to offer, so it’s important to stay cautious while navigating the platform. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves the problem of finding clients for your freelance business. As a freelancer, this aid to finding work and clients is a benefit. ### 38. Platform is set up well, but it's really difficult to find work when you're new to the platform **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jenna E. | Commercial Account Executive, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I found Upwork to be generally easy to navigate and search for contract opportunities that matched my skill set. The process of completing a contract once started was also pretty straightforward. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Unfortunately, I found it very difficult to find contract work without already having established reviews on the Upwork platform. Despite having many years of experience at a top company in my field, plus a degree and multiple certifications in the field (all of which were clearly listed on my profile along with testimonials from past managers and clients), I rarely even got responses to the contracts I applied for. I ultimately decided it wasn't worth the cost of purchasing the credits to apply for contracts with the response rate I was getting. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** I initially used Upwork to search and apply for contract work, but I now simply have my offerings posted on my profile, since I didn't find that the cost of applications was worth it for the response rate I was getting. I have secured some contract work through the platform but not enough to justify the cost for me. ### 39. Great platform, could use improvement **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Esmeralda M. | Freelancer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I like the user interface and how simple the platform is to navigate. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** I dislike the lessened amount of connects freelancers get every month. I dislike that Upwork decided to make freelancers pay for more connects. I also dislike that Upwork takes 15% of all earnings for the life of the contract instead of their old model of only taking 15% up to certain earned amount then lowering it to 10% until the percentage they took dropped to 5%. It seems like the more money they saw freelancers making then the more they decided to take from freelancers **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Right now, they’re not helping me solve any business problems. I use Upwork as my primary source of income, but with not enough connects to apply for more jobs, I’m stuck. I can’t make money to even buy connects, which I find the idea ridiculous in the first place, so I definitely can’t use the platform until next month when I get my measly 10 connect allowance. ### 40. UpWork is a great tool for finding work leads and growing your client pipeline **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ruth Katharine C. | Community, Content and Career Coaching Strategist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork is great for finding new clients without doing a ton of marketing legwork. You get access to projects from all over the world that you'd never find otherwise, plus the platform handles payments and has tools to track your work. The reviews and ratings help build your reputation, which makes it easier to land better projects over time. You can also see what other people are charging, so you know if your rates are competitive. It's especially useful as a backup when your regular clients go quiet or you're just starting out and need to build up your client base. Most successful freelancers don't rely on it completely, but use it alongside other ways of finding work. It's basically a good safety net that can turn into solid recurring income if you do good work. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The fees can be painful, especially when you're starting out and paying the higher rates. There are also plenty of sketchy clients who try to get free work or aren't actually serious about hiring anyone. Luckily, the platform offers information about spotting red flags. You learn to avoid clients who want to move conversations off-platform or ask for free samples upfront. Or, don't yet have payments verified. But honestly, the ghosting is the worst part. You can spend a lot of time crafting a perfect proposal and then hear absolutely nothing back. It's brutal if you're a perfectionist because you want every proposal to be great, but that time investment really hurts when most clients don't even respond. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork is mainly solving my client pipeline problem - it gives me a steady stream of potential leads without having to do cold outreach or expensive marketing. It also helps with cash flow consistency, especially during those slow periods when my regular clients go quiet. The platform is basically my backup plan and business insurance. Instead of panicking when work dries up, I can jump on Upwork and find something to fil the gap. Plus it exposes me to different types of clients and projects I might not find through my usual network, which could open up new possibilities. It's also solving the credibility problem that a lot of freelancers face - the reviews and portfolio give me social proof that's harder to get when I'm just starting out or trying to break into new markets. ### 41. Upwork Made Freelancing Possible for Me **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Danielle S. | Assistant Director of Regional Events, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** What I like best about Upwork is how it has opened doors to freelance work and consultations I never would have found on my own. The platform makes it simple for clients to search profiles and reach out directly about projects, which creates opportunities for meaningful connections. On top of that, the platform itself is very easy to navigate, making the whole process—from browsing opportunities to communicating with clients—smooth and efficient. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** What I dislike most about Upwork is the service fees. While nobody enjoys paying fees, I recognize they are part of what makes it possible to connect with clients. The bigger challenge, though, comes when you’re just starting out. Without reviews, it can be tough for new freelancers to land their first clients. I think Upwork could improve the experience by offering more support or tools to help newcomers build credibility and get started. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork is solving the challenge of connecting freelancers with quality clients and projects that would otherwise be difficult to find on my own. It eliminates the guesswork of where to look for opportunities by providing a trusted platform where both freelancers and clients can discover and connect with each other. For me, this has meant access to freelance work and consultations that have expanded my professional network and career growth. The ability for clients to reach out directly through my profile makes the process seamless, and the easy-to-navigate platform ensures that managing these opportunities is efficient and stress-free. ### 42. Super Helpful (small companies to big brands) **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Deanna K. | Event Marketing Consultant and Trade Show Coach, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork gives the opportunity to easily source valuable services that we do not have the capabilities for in house. It is easy to see if the provider speaks the same language as you, how effective/highly rated they have been on previous jobs and how much they cost. The first time I used Upwork was literally a life saver. I needed an app for a trade show and the company I had been working with for months could not complete it. I contracted someone on Upwork and it was done in less than 24 hours! **What do you dislike about Upwork?** This is not a must have, but it would be nice to know how much of the fee I pay actually goes to the final contractor. It would also be nice to know how much on average people pay for this type of work. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** The people I've contracted with in Upwork are super responsive and very fast at completing deliverables. We typically outsource skills for which we don't have the skills (app creation) or time (illustrations). ### 43. Smooth and Satisfying Process **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Consulting | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** What I like best about Upwork is how it allows me to build long-term client relationships, not just one-off gigs. For example, I’ve turned small trial projects into ongoing collaborations where clients return for new work without me having to pitch each time. That continuity and trust make the platform much more valuable than a typical freelance marketplace. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** One thing I dislike about Upwork is how competitive the bidding process can be—high-quality proposals sometimes get buried under a flood of generic ones. It can take extra effort to stand out, even when you have proven results. I’d love to see the platform prioritize skilled freelancers and verified quality over just volume of bids.” **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves the biggest problem freelancers face—finding consistent, trustworthy clients without spending endless hours chasing leads. The platform gives me access to projects I wouldn’t find locally and provides contract and payment security, so I can focus on delivering results instead of worrying about whether I’ll get paid. That stability has allowed me to grow my freelance career into something more sustainable and predictable ### 44. Upwork Makes Freelancing Easier and More Secure **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tovah W. | Consultant Dietitian & Nutrition Science Expert, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** - Access to Contract Work: The platform makes it easy to connect with a wide variety of opportunities, from short-term projects to longer-term engagements, helping freelancers consistently find meaningful work. - Contractor Protection: I appreciate the safeguards in place that ensure freelancers are treated fairly and paid for the work they deliver. This layer of security provides peace of mind that isn’t always guaranteed elsewhere. -Seamless Communication: The built-in chat and messaging system is simple and effective, allowing for quick updates, sharing of files, and smooth collaboration with clients. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** - Calendar Integration: It would be extremely helpful if meetings could sync directly with calendars. This would make scheduling smoother, avoid back-and-forth messages, and reduce the chance of missed appointments. - Cost Structure: The cost to contractors has noticeably increased over time. While I understand platform fees are necessary, I wish the financial burden felt more balanced, with a larger share placed on the clients hiring, rather than falling so heavily on freelancers. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves the challenge of consistently finding reliable contract work by connecting freelancers with a wide range of clients and opportunities. It also provides a secure framework that protects contractors—both in terms of payments and dispute resolution—which gives me peace of mind and allows me to focus on doing quality work rather than worrying about administrative risks. On top of that, the platform’s integrated chat and collaboration tools make communication with clients smooth and efficient, reducing delays and helping projects move forward seamlessly. ### 45. Upwork has come through for me for Years! **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Darlan D. | Versatile Professional with Healthcare and Tech, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I enjoy working on Upwork and have been using it for years. I have always been able to keep a steady income flow, sometimes without any other side hustles. The jobs I get on Upwork have made me new friends that I still have today. Working with other honest, fair, and reliable freelancers and clients has made my journey with Upwork a wonderful one, and one I plan to keep using in the future. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Some of the fees have changed over the years, and I don't like the addition of all the AI, but I can understand why the fees have changed, since the economy has changed, and as long as I use AI as a tool and not a crutch, I am good with the changes. I was offered a small incentive to give my honest review. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves the problem of not having a job and needing one immediately. I can get on Upwork after being laid off and find a gig within a few days to keep going. It keeps the lights on and the rent paid. I like the realness of the clients who just want to get down to business and not go through a ton of onboarding paperwork. Honest people doing honest business. ### 46. My Upwork Experience **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Katie S. | Instructional Design Mentor & Coach, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** What I really appreciate about Upwork is its ease of use. The platform is incredibly intuitive, making it simple to navigate, find projects, and manage my work. As someone switching careers, the ease of implementation was a huge relief; I could set up my profile and start applying for jobs without a steep learning curve. This accessibility allowed me to quickly showcase my skills and connect with clients who valued my work. The escrow payment system is also a lifesaver — it gives me peace of mind knowing I’ll be paid for the projects I complete. I also love that every job I take helps me build my portfolio and reputation. Seeing those client reviews stack up has boosted my confidence and brought me more invitations to work on projects I genuinely enjoy. I find myself using Upwork with high frequency of use, often checking for new opportunities and managing ongoing projects daily. The platform offers a good number of features that are genuinely helpful, from time tracking to messaging tools, all designed to streamline the freelance process. While I haven't needed extensive customer support, the resources available have been clear and helpful when I've had questions. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** While I’ve had great experiences overall, I do find the competition can be tough — especially on lower-budget projects. Sometimes it feels like clients receive so many proposals that even strong applications don’t get noticed. Another challenge is the cost of Connects. Having to spend extra just to apply to jobs can add up, especially when you’re starting out and trying to land your first few projects. It doesn’t always feel fair to pay before you’ve even secured work. Lastly, I wish payments were released a bit faster. The escrow system is secure, but waiting through the hold period and bank transfer times can be a little frustrating when you’re managing tight budgets or quick turnarounds. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork solves one of the biggest problems freelancers face: finding consistent, reliable clients. Instead of spending endless hours networking or cold pitching, I have access to a global marketplace where opportunities are already waiting. This has taken away a lot of the uncertainty that comes with freelancing. Upwork also benefits me by providing structure and tools all in one place — contracts, time tracking, messaging, and file sharing are all built into the platform. That means I don’t need to juggle multiple tools just to keep projects on track. Lastly, the platform helps me build credibility. Every project I complete adds to my professional reputation, so instead of starting from scratch with each new client, I can showcase a track record that speaks for itself. This visibility has led to repeat work and even direct invitations, saving me time and helping me grow faster as a freelancer. ### 47. My Go-To Platform for Finding Work **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Paris M. | Administrative Assistant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork has been an incredible platform for me. I’m impressed with how quickly I was able to find quality job opportunities that fit my skills and schedule. The site makes it easy to connect with clients, submit proposals, and manage projects all in one place. The user interface is intuitive, the payment system is secure, and communication with clients is seamless. Overall, Upwork has made freelancing straightforward and rewarding for me, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for flexible work opportunities. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The only thing I wish were different is that connects aren’t refunded if you don’t get the job. It would be great if unused connects were credited back to freelancers. Aside from that, Upwork has made freelancing straightforward and rewarding for me, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for flexible work opportunities. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Upwork has solved one of the biggest problems freelancers face: finding consistent, trustworthy work without spending hours searching. Instead of cold-pitching or relying on word of mouth, I can log in, instantly see projects that match my skills, and submit a proposal in minutes. It also handles the administrative headaches that used to slow me down — things like contracts, invoices, and secure payments, all in one place. Because of that, I spend less time chasing leads or worrying about getting paid and more time actually doing the work I enjoy. For me, this has meant a steadier flow of projects, faster starts with new clients, and a lot less stress running my freelance business ### 48. Grateful for the platform, but I miss the good old days **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Stephanie M. | Freelance Copywriter, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** I love the clients I've been able to connect with through Upwork. I love the opportunities I've had and the fact that I've been able to freelance full-time for 6 years now. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** I don't care for the bid process - I used to get rewarded for being top rated on the platform, but now my proposals are only seen if I use a LOT of extra connects to boost myself to the top. To me this does not reward long-time users, those with excellent feedback, or even the right person for the job - it just rewards the person who is willing to pay the most to be seen. I have tried to play this game, but my proposals are not even being opened lately. There have been many cases where I was beyond qualified for the job, but haven't even had my proposal opened. It's discouraging and a little scary to look toward the future of freelancing. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** Connecting with clients and finding opportunities. Lately it doesn't work like it once did, but it's nice to have a platform where I can at least attempt to find new clients. ### 49. Overall a nice platform, better if I could get work. **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** michael h. | Director of Industrial Design and Systems, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** Upwork's simple structure provides a forum for business and talent to develop ideas, products, and services. This is executed in an open settings that is easy to search, bid, and potential win projects. The service can be free to start and is more successful under a paid subscription. Overall this matches up clients with appropriate freelance talent. It is easy to start, implement, and get on the platform. **What do you dislike about Upwork?** Upwork requires a subscription to participate and additional funds to get going. To get projects going you need to be highly active to improve chances for winning a project. Most projects seem to be saturated with bids within hours, sometimes minutes of posting. You also are driven to buying more "connects" to win anything. This tends to be frustrating as you end up bidding on dozens of projects before you get to the next stage. There are metrics such as location, or success scores that further filter you out of potential projects. This structure, probably aimed to help, ends up making it difficult to secure any work. The platform is more suitable for beginner and intermediate talent. It falls short with highly experience talent. Someone like me, with decades of work experience, in-depth knowledge and expertise would benefit from a higher level platform. This has been shared before with Upwork. This separate platform could be aspirational for lower level freelancers. The separate platform would provide talent that is more attractive to larger companies looking for credible freelancers providing confidence they might not have with the current lot on Upwork. The economy is ripe for this as there are tons of talent out of work with this tough job market. So far, I have subscribed and bought "connects" with no new projects or work... **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** No idea what they are working on. As mentioned in the previous section there is little to no work for experts. We charge more, and therefor you can receive more. Why arent you setting up more expert level projects? ### 50. My business runs on Upwork! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Charles H. | Owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2025 **What do you like best about Upwork?** In short, I would not have a successful web design business if a friend didn't introduce me to Upwork just over 2 years ago. The platform provides a steady source of qualified client leads plus a suite of features to manage contracts, milestones, payments and reviews. The helps ensure a favorable outcome for both parties, which results in more opportunities. Some of the features I like include: - Ability to filter by US Only and Worldwide projects - The escrow model for payments - The rating system - The Connects feature **What do you dislike about Upwork?** The one thing I would like to see improved is Customer Support. It's been almost a year since my last interaction, which I recall being frustrating due to the number of interactions it took to resolve my issues. **What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?** 1. Qualified Lead Generation: Upwork is a key lead source for new projects 2. Revenue: The revenue from the projects I close is an important part of my revenue stream. ## Upwork Discussions - [Is Upwork better or Fiverr?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/upwork-is-upwork-better-or-fiverr) - 3 comments, 4 upvotes - [What is Upwork used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-upwork-used-for) - 2 comments, 2 upvotes - [As a new user of Upwork, how can I effectively use its proposal bidding system to increase my chances of winning projects?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/as-a-new-user-of-upwork-how-can-i-effectively-use-its-proposal-bidding-system-to-increase-my-chances-of-winning-projects) - 2 comments, 1 upvote - [How Can I grow more on Upwork?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-can-i-grow-more-on-upwork) - 1 comment, 1 upvote - [Is there any plan to reduce/increase the service charge by Upwork?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-there-any-plan-to-reduce-increase-the-service-charge-by-upwork) - 1 comment, 1 upvote - [View Upwork pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/upwork/reviews?page=5§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-19+04%3A06%3A06+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=60e884cd-be6e-4e39-a6d4-6a1d70965e0c&secure%5Btoken%5D=fec4b899b4fe585cf8531bb0b6d002d74feadc417e267b7c512e59e180518ce6&format=llm_user) ## Upwork Integrations - [Adobe Acrobat](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews) - [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-illustrator/reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) - [Asana](https://www.g2.com/products/asana/reviews) - [AWS Auto Scaling](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-auto-scaling/reviews) - [AWS Lambda](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-lambda/reviews) - [Behance](https://www.g2.com/products/behance/reviews) - [Calendly](https://www.g2.com/products/calendly/reviews) - [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) - [ChatGPT](https://www.g2.com/products/chatgpt/reviews) - [ClickUp](https://www.g2.com/products/clickup/reviews) - [Dropbox](https://www.g2.com/products/dropbox/reviews) - [Fiverr](https://www.g2.com/products/fiverr/reviews) - [GHL](https://www.g2.com/products/ghl/reviews) - [Google Analytics for G Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/google-analytics-for-g-suite/reviews) - [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews) - [Labelbox](https://www.g2.com/products/labelbox/reviews) - [LinkedIn Job Search](https://www.g2.com/products/linkedin-job-search/reviews) - [Literatu for Google Docs for G Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/literatu-for-google-docs-for-g-suite/reviews) - [Microsoft Excel](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews) - [Microsoft Word](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-word/reviews) - [monday AI Work Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/monday-com/reviews) - [Payoneer](https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews) - [QuickBooks Online](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews) - [Salesforce Headless 360 Platform (formerly Salesforce Platform)](https://www.g2.com/products/agentforce-360-platform-formerly-salesforce-platform/reviews) - [Slack](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews) - [TimeTracker.pro](https://www.g2.com/products/timetracker-pro/reviews) - [Zapier](https://www.g2.com/products/zapier/reviews) - [Zoom Rooms](https://www.g2.com/products/zoom-rooms/reviews) - [Zoom Workplace](https://www.g2.com/products/zoom-workplace/reviews) ## Upwork Features **Platform Basics** - Payment - Project Management - Dashboard **Generative AI** - AI Text Summarization **Hiring** - RFP Creator - Messaging - Freelance Screening - Freelance Profiles **Platform Performance** - Interoperability - Performance **Project Management** - Calendar - Guidelines and Policies - Workflow Builder - Digital Asset Management **Platform Content** - Contracts - Request Tool - Selection Management - Invoicing Tool - Proposal Tool **Payment** - Payment Automation - Secure Payments - Multi-Currency Payments - Multiple Payment Methods **Platform Additional Functionality** - Reporting - Mobility - Portal ## Top Upwork Alternatives - [Fiverr](https://www.g2.com/products/fiverr/reviews) - 4.3/5.0 (457 reviews) - [Bark.com](https://www.g2.com/products/bark-com/reviews) - 1.6/5.0 (323 reviews) - [Toptal](https://www.g2.com/products/toptal/reviews) - 4.7/5.0 (269 reviews)