Upwork Review: Hire Freelancers by the Project or by the Hour
First, see how Upwork client plans work. Then compare the fees, so you know what each hire really costs.
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Four Upwork plans, for clients and for freelancers
Public sources list the figures below. However, rates and thresholds change, so confirm the current terms on the official pricing page.
Basic
Basic lets you post jobs for free, so small hiring needs stay cheap, and it also charges a marketplace fee on payments.
From Free plus a 5% fee, or 3% with ACH
Start on BasicBusiness Plus
Business Plus adds Expert-Vetted talent and hiring analytics; however, it charges a 10% fee on top of the subscription.
From $49.99 per month
Try Business PlusEnterprise
Overall, Enterprise brings custom pricing and managed programs, so large accounts get tailored contracts.
From Custom pricing, by quote
Ask about EnterpriseFreelancer Plus
Freelancer Plus is a paid membership for freelancers, and it also adds Connects and lower fees.
From $19.99 per month, for sellers
Learn about PlusUpwork fees: what clients and freelancers pay
Fees stack on this platform, so compare each plan before you hire.
| Feature | Basic | Business Plus | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Free | $49.99 | Custom quote |
| Marketplace fee | 5%, or 3% with ACH | 10%, or 8% with ACH | Terms set by contract |
| Contract initiation fee | $0.99 to $14.99 | Mostly waived | None listed |
| Expert-Vetted talent | Not available | Available | Included |
| Pay Later terms | Unavailable | Net-30 option | Custom terms |
Specifically, freelancers pay a separate service fee between 0% and 15%, and most pay about 10%. Also, some sources show Basic fees up to 7.99%, so verify the current rate. In addition, fees change, so check the official pricing page.
Who should hire on Upwork, and who should look elsewhere?
Your monthly spend and contract count are the clearest signals, because they decide which fee structure costs less.
A startup hiring one developer
In fact, Basic keeps costs low for a single contract. However, the initiation fee applies once per new contract.
A company with many small contracts
Overall, Business Plus waives most initiation fees. As a result, frequent small hires cost less per contract.
An enterprise with a large freelance program
For instance, custom pricing and managed talent fit big, recurring programs, while sales sets the terms.
Where Upwork shines
- Specifically, a huge talent pool covers nearly every skill.
- Flexible contracts also suit ongoing work.
- In particular, milestones protect your budget on big projects.
- Finally, vetted experts support critical roles.
Worth checking first
- Overall, fees stack, so add the marketplace and initiation fees.
- Business Plus costs more, however, per payment.
- Specifically, quality varies, because proposals differ widely.
- Likewise, hiring takes longer than buying a ready gig.
What to look for when you hire on Upwork
Because proposals vary widely, check these six points before you hire.
Job success and ratings
Overall, check each freelancer’s ratings and history, because they show reliability.
Relevant experience
In addition, look for past projects like yours, so you reduce guesswork.
Rate and budget fit
Moreover, compare hourly rates and fixed prices, since proposals differ widely.
Milestones and contract type
Meanwhile, pick milestones for projects and hourly contracts for ongoing work.
Communication
Furthermore, interview two or three candidates before you hire.
A short paid trial
Finally, start with a small paid task, and then expand the contract.
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View the rankingsUpwork: answers to common questions
Short answers to what people ask most.
What is Upwork?
In fact, Upwork is a freelance marketplace where companies hire independent professionals. Also, you post a job, review proposals and hire by project or by the hour. In addition, categories include development, design, writing, marketing and finance.
Is Upwork free to join?
Yes, posting a job and joining as a client costs nothing. However, you pay a marketplace fee on each payment to a freelancer. Therefore, your cost grows with your spending.
Is there a free trial?
No trial exists, because the Basic plan is already free to use. Also, a paid Business Plus plan adds extra features at a monthly price. As a result, most clients start on Basic and upgrade later.
What fees do clients pay?
Overall, on the Basic plan, clients pay a 5% marketplace fee, or 3% for eligible US clients who pay by bank transfer. Also, a contract initiation fee of $0.99 to $14.99 applies to new contracts. Because some sources show slightly different rates, confirm them on the official pricing page.
What does Business Plus cost?
Specifically, Business Plus costs about $49.99 per month, and its marketplace fee runs 10%, or 8% with ACH. In addition, it adds Expert-Vetted talent, hiring analytics and Pay Later terms. Therefore, it pays off mainly for larger or recurring hiring budgets.
What do freelancers pay?
In particular, freelancers pay a variable service fee between 0% and 15%, and most pay about 10%. Meanwhile, they also buy Connects to apply for jobs. As a result, freelancers often build the fee into their rates.
Affiliate disclosure
Overall, Speed Host Guide may earn a commission if you sign up through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. However, this never changes the information we publish. Moreover, fees and features come from public information and can change, so check the official website for current terms. Also, Upwork and its logo belong to their owner, and this page does not carry their endorsement.
Post your first job on Upwork
First, describe the work and your budget. Then review proposals, interview two or three candidates, and fund the first milestone.
Post a job on Upwork