10+ Best Upwork Alternatives to Find Freelance Jobs in 2025

When searching for Upwork Best Alternatives, freelance remote jobs nonbidding USA or freelancing websites, one of the first platforms you’ll come across is Upwork. It’s one of the oldest and most popular freelancing marketplaces today. Millions of freelancers worldwide use it to find jobs in various fields, ranging from graphic design to content writing and software development. It’s a go-to choice for many seeking freelance remote jobs in different industries. However, despite its popularity and extensive client base, Upwork isn’t without its challenges—especially for freelancers in the USA who prefer non-bidding platforms that offer more transparent pricing and less competition-driven job searches.

 While Upwork has been a pioneer in the freelancing industry, it’s now facing saturation and intense competition. This is especially true for freelancers in the USA who are seeking non-bidding platforms with competitive rates. In such a scenario, exploring alternatives to Upwork becomes a necessity for freelancers who want to avoid platform fees, high competition, and the stress of bidding.

In this post, we’ll delve into some top alternatives to Upwork. These platforms can help you find freelance gigs and steer clear of the frustrations often associated with Upwork.

Why Use Upwork Alternatives?

Upwork is a giant freelancing platform that generates billions of dollars in revenue annually. By 2022, the platform had over 145,000 active clients regularly posting jobs and hiring freelancers, bringing in over $2.5 billion annually from these clients. At first glance, this massive client base might make Upwork seem the perfect place to find freelance remote jobs in the non-bidding USA. However, it’s not that simple.

Having many clients doesn’t always mean that the jobs are high-quality. Many clients on Upwork are looking for cheap labor, and bidding on projects for low rates is expected. For instance, a client might post a job for something like logo design but only offer a budget of $25. The problem is thousands of freelancers are willing to bid on such low-paying jobs, making it challenging to earn what you deserve. This intense competition can be incredibly frustrating for those seeking freelance remote jobs nonbidding USA.

Additionally, millions of freelancers on Upwork are willing to work for far less than what you charge. This creates bidding wars, making it harder for freelancers in the USA to secure decent-paying freelance remote jobs. Moreover, Upwork’s service fees cut into freelancers’ earnings, with fees taken from every completed job. If that’s not enough, freelancers are charged for withdrawing their earnings and limited in the number of “connects” (tokens used to apply for jobs). When those run out, freelancers must purchase more just to apply for more gigs.

Pay to Leave the Platform?

Upwork has also introduced increasingly restrictive policies that make it harder for freelancers to grow. For instance, if you want to take a client off-platform and work directly with them, Upwork imposes a massive fee—up to $50,000! This change was quietly added to their terms of service, causing frustration for many freelancers, particularly those seeking more freedom and better-paying freelance remote jobs non-bidding USA.

Given these restrictions, it’s worth exploring alternative platforms where freelancers can find freelance remote jobs non bidding USA with fewer fees, less competition, and more control over their careers.

Upwork’s Restrictions and Their Impact

One of the more controversial moves by Upwork was their introduction of a policy that charges freelancers a steep fee for taking clients off the platform. If you want to continue working with a client outside of Upwork, you could face a fee of up to $50,000! This policy change, added without upfront notification to users, has made many freelancers consider moving away from Upwork in search of freelance remote jobs non bidding USA where they have more control over their client relationships and earnings.

Top 10+ Upwork Alternatives in 2025

The restrictions on Upwork continue to grow, and as they do, freelancers are finding it harder to thrive. If you’re looking for more freedom, better pay, and freelance remote jobs non bidding USA with fewer hurdles, it’s time to consider some alternatives.

1. Crackerjack

For those seeking freelance remote jobs non bidding USA, Crackerjack offers a refreshing alternative. It provides freelancers in the USA with access to local and remote jobs across various categories. Crackerjack’s commission-based model ensures that freelancers only pay a small portion of their earnings, making it much more affordable than platforms like Upwork. Plus, without the toxic environment of constant bidding wars, freelancers can focus more on delivering quality work than competing for the lowest rate.

2. LinkedIn Jobs

LinkedIn has become more than just a networking site. It’s now a powerful resource for finding freelance remote jobs non bidding USA through its dedicated Jobs section. Many companies post freelance and remote job opportunities directly to LinkedIn, allowing freelancers to bypass platform fees entirely. The best part is that LinkedIn is free to use, and its professional environment often leads to higher-quality clients, giving freelancers a great chance to secure non bidding gigs in the USA.

By leveraging your LinkedIn profile, you can increase your chances of connecting with employers and finding long-term clients looking for freelance remote jobs non bidding USA.

3. ProBlogger Jobs

ProBlogger Jobs is one of the best platforms if you’re a writer searching for freelance remote jobs non bidding USA. It’s specifically tailored to content creators, bloggers, and freelance writers. Freelancers can apply to job listings without worrying about platform fees or bidding. Most listings on ProBlogger come from reputable websites and blogs, making it a great place to find higher-paying gigs for experienced writers. Since the platform is free to use, you can contact clients directly via email without jumping through the hoops of traditional bidding systems.

4. SimplyHired

Another excellent platform for finding freelance remote jobs non bidding USA is SimplyHired. Much like Google, it functions as a job search engine and allows freelancers to filter jobs by location. You can find thousands of job listings across various industries by simply typing in your desired job title and selecting “remote” as the location. SimplyHired doesn’t charge platform fees or require freelancers to bid for jobs, making it a hassle-free option for those looking for freelance remote jobs in the USA.

5. We Work Remotely

For freelancers specifically looking for freelance remote jobs non bidding USA, We Work Remotely is another fantastic alternative. This platform focuses solely on remote work and provides opportunities for freelancers in fields like development, design, marketing, and writing. One of the most significant advantages of We Work Remotely is that freelancers can connect with clients directly, without worrying about fees or bidding wars. Since the platform is still growing, there’s less competition than on larger platforms, making it an ideal place for U.S.-based freelancers to find non-bidding jobs.

6. FreeUp

FreeUp is unique in that it operates more like a freelance agency. It’s known for its rigorous vetting process, only accepting the top 1% of freelancers. FreeUp’s approach differs from Upwork because it doesn’t charge freelancers hefty fees. Instead, clients pay a 20% fee on top of the freelancer’s rate, meaning freelancers keep 100% of their earnings. This makes FreeUp an excellent option for experienced professionals seeking freelance remote jobs non bidding USA, where they don’t have to worry about losing a portion of their income to platform fees.

7. FlexJobs

If you’re looking for a platform with a wide variety of vetted freelance remote jobs non bidding USA, FlexJobs is one of the most giant job boards for remote and freelance work. Although there’s a monthly subscription fee of $9.95, FlexJobs ensures all job postings are vetted, significantly reducing the risk of scams or low-quality jobs. FlexJobs allows freelancers to apply for unlimited jobs for a single fee, without any bidding requirements. You can work with multiple clients and avoid platform fees on each project.

8. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is another popular freelancing platform, though it shares similarities with Upwork regarding fees and bidding. That said, it can be a good backup option for finding freelance remote jobs non bidding USA. Freelancers can either apply for posted jobs or set up Fiverr-like “gigs” where clients can approach them directly. While there’s still competition, the ability to create gig listings makes it easier to find non-bidding opportunities.

9. Toptal

If you’re an expert in software development, UX design, finance, or project management, Toptal is an excellent platform for finding freelance remote jobs non bidding USA. Toptal is known for only accepting the top 3% of freelancers after a rigorous vetting process. While it’s challenging to get in, the upside is that freelancers don’t have to pay any fees—clients cover the costs. Toptal offers access to high-paying clients and top-tier projects, making it a perfect alternative for U.S.-based freelancers seeking non-bidding jobs.

10. College Recruiter

For college students or recent graduates looking for freelance remote jobs non bidding USA, College Recruiter is a great platform to explore. It features job listings tailored to those with college-level skills and experience, including internships, part-time gigs, and entry-level freelance positions from reputable businesses. While details about the platform’s fee structure are unclear, it’s still worth checking out if you’re new to freelancing and want to gain experience without the need to bid on jobs.

11. Behance Jobs

It is a top-notch option for designers looking for freelance remote jobs non bidding USA. Behance, a portfolio platform for creative professionals, has a Jobs section where companies post listings specifically for designers. Freelancers can land jobs in graphic design, UX/UI, and more. The platform is free to use, and its reputation in the creative industry makes it an excellent way to connect with quality clients without bidding.

12. CloudDevs

CloudDevs is a platform that caters to top-tier developers, and it’s a good fit for those seeking freelance remote jobs non bidding USA. While currently limited to freelancers from Latin America and Europe, it offers high-paying gigs exclusively for skilled developers. If you’re a top-tier developer looking for lucrative, non-bidding opportunities, CloudDevs can provide a steady stream of quality freelance work.

Bonus: 5 Tips for Finding Freelance Work Online

To wrap up, here are five additional tips to help you find better freelance remote jobs non bidding USA and build a successful career:

1. Explore Niche Job Boards: Instead of relying solely on general job boards, delve into niche platforms tailored to your industry. These often feature higher-quality job listings and less competition, which is particularly beneficial for those seeking freelance remote jobs non bidding USA.
2. Market Yourself: Create a professional website or portfolio showcasing your work. Utilize social media to engage with potential clients and position yourself as an expert in your field. This can help attract clients looking for freelancers in the USA who don’t want to engage in bidding wars.
3. Offer Specialized Services: Specialization helps you stand out from the crowd. By focusing on a specific niche or industry, you can command higher rates and attract clients who need your unique expertise. This strategy is effective for finding freelance remote jobs non bidding USA that fit your skills perfectly.
4. Collaborate with Other Freelancers: Building relationships with other freelancers can lead to joint projects and referrals. By collaborating with freelancers with complementary skills, you can expand your network and discover more opportunities for freelance remote jobs.
5. Follow Up with Previous Clients: Maintaining relationships with past clients can lead to repeat business. Keep in touch and remind them of your successful projects, offering new ideas or services that align with their needs. This can become a valuable source of income, especially for freelancers focused on non bidding opportunities.

By following these strategies and exploring the alternatives listed above, you can navigate the world of freelancing more effectively and secure better freelance remote jobs non bidding USA. The key is to remain proactive, flexible, and open to new opportunities.

Conclusion

While Upwork may be a good starting point for freelancers learning the ropes, its high fees, restrictive policies, and competitive bidding can be significant roadblocks as you progress in your career. Exploring these alternative platforms is essential if you’re serious about finding freelance remote jobs nonbidding USA. They offer better pay and greater flexibility and provide an environment where you can build relationships with clients without the need for constant bidding wars.

By utilizing these platforms, you can take control of your freelance career, enjoy more freedom in your work, and ultimately increase your earning potential. Whether you’re a writer, designer, developer, or freelancer, these alternatives will help you find suitable freelance remote jobs non bidding USA that align with your skills and goals. Don’t forget to check out learnfreelancingskills for additional resources and tips on navigating the freelancing world.

FAQs:

1. What are the top alternatives to Upwork for finding freelance jobs in 2025?

Some top options for Upwork in 2025 include Crackerjack, LinkedIn Jobs, ProBlogger Jobs, SimplyHired, FreeUp, and FlexJobs. These platforms offer better opportunities for freelancers without the need for bidding wars.

2. Why should I consider alternatives to Upwork in 2025?

Upwork’s high fees, bidding wars, and restrictive policies can make it difficult for freelancers to thrive. Alternatives offer more freedom, better pay, and a less competitive environment, especially for freelancers looking for remote jobs.

3. How can I find freelance jobs without bidding in 2025?

Platforms like Crackerjack, LinkedIn Jobs, and FreeUp allow freelancers to connect with clients without having to bid. These alternatives to Upwork focus on providing high-quality job listings with more straightforward application processes.

4. Which platforms have low fees for freelancers in 2025?

Crackerjack, FreeUp, and FlexJobs are some platforms that charge lower fees than Upwork. FreeUp, for example, charges clients instead of freelancers, allowing you to keep 100% of your earnings.

5. Are there specific platforms for freelance writers in 2025?

Yes, platforms like ProBlogger Jobs are tailored for freelance writers, bloggers, and content creators. ProBlogger allows writers to apply for gigs without platform fees or bidding.

6. How can LinkedIn help me find freelance jobs in 2025?

LinkedIn’s dedicated Jobs section allows freelancers to search for remote and freelance positions. Many high-quality job listings are posted directly by clients, making it easier to find freelance jobs without bidding.