Best Freelancing Websites for Beginners: Fiverr vs Upwork vs Guru vs FlexJobs (2025)
1. Fiverr – Best for New Freelancers (Gig-Based System)
Since you don't have to apply for jobs, Fiverr is among the simplest platforms for novices. Rather, your gig listings are how clients find you.
Why Fiverr Is Excellent for Novices
• No prior experience is required.
• Easy gig setup
• Customers discover you
• High demand for services like social media, SEO, video editing, logo design, and content creation
Payment and Fees
• 20% commission is charged by Fiverr.
• Payments made through Payoneer, PayPal, or bank transfers
Ideal For
novices seeking small to medium-sized projects and quick exposure.
2. Upwork – Best for Skilled Beginners (Proposal-Based Jobs)
Although Upwork offers long-term, high-paying clients, it is more sophisticated than Fiverr. Although you must submit proposals, the projects are typically of higher quality.
Why Upwork Is Appealing to Novices
• Every day, thousands of job postings
• Work under fixed-price or hourly contracts
• Ideal for marketers, VAs, developers, writers, and designers
Payment and Fees
• 10% is the starting commission.
• Safe transactions through Payoneer, PayPal, or banks
Ideal For
novices with some experience who are looking for steady income and long-term clients.
3. Guru – Best for Low Competition Jobs
Guru is perfect for new freelancers who want to stand out because it is less crowded than Fiverr and Upwork.
Why Guru Is Effective for Novices
• Reduced rivalry
• clear bidding system
• Several ways to pay
Payment and Fees
• Depending on membership, fees range from 5% to 9%.
Ideal For
Novices seeking less competition and simple approvals (writing, coding, design, administrative work).
4. FlexJobs – Best for Remote Jobs & Part-Time Work
Fiverr and Upwork are not the same as FlexJobs. It focuses on flexible, remote, and part-time positions from reputable businesses.
Why FlexJobs Are Appealing to Novices
• No fictitious jobs
• carefully chosen job postings
• Perfect for students and remote workers
Payment and Fees
• Access requires a monthly subscription.
• No earnings commissions
Ideal For
novices looking for steady remote employment as opposed to freelance work.
Comparison Table: Fiverr vs Upwork vs Guru vs FlexJobs
| Feature | Fiverr | Upwork | Guru | FlexJobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Complete beginners | Skilled beginners | Low competition | Remote job seekers |
| Difficulty | Easy | Medium | Easy–Medium | Easy |
| Competition | High | High | Low | Low |
| Fees | 20% | 10% | 5–9% | Subscription only |
| Ideal Skills | Creative services |
Professional skills | Writing, coding, VAs | Remote corporate roles |
• You're looking for long-term customers → Upwork
• Guru, you want less rivalry.
• You're looking for remote work → FlexJobs
To improve your chances of making more money, try starting with two platforms, like Fiverr + Upwork or Fiverr + Guru.
