Upwork

4.0 / 5
A freelance marketplace where freelancers and agencies bid on hourly and fixed-price projects from clients around the world.
Monthly cost
$0
Category
Freelance marketplace
Last updated
October 13, 2026

Pros

  • Free Basic plan to get started
  • Access to larger, longer-term client projects
  • Supports both hourly and fixed-price contracts
  • Payment protection through Upwork contracts

Cons

  • Freelancer service fee of 0% to 15% per contract
  • Proposals cost Connects, about $0.15 each beyond the free monthly ones
  • Very competitive for new freelancers
  • Optional Freelancer Plus plan costs $19.99 a month

Verdict

Upwork is a good fit for skilled freelancers who want bigger, ongoing projects rather than small gigs.

Bidding takes time and Connects, so a focused profile and well-targeted proposals make a big difference.

Questions

Is Upwork free for freelancers?
The Basic plan is free and includes 10 Connects a month. Upwork charges a service fee of 0% to 15% on earnings, depending on the contract.
What are Connects?
Connects are credits you spend to send proposals. Extra Connects cost about $0.15 each.
What is Freelancer Plus?
An optional $19.99 a month plan with 100 Connects a month and other extras.
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