Freelancing is slowly replacing the traditional work system. Most pioneering freelancers used to commit time and energy to securing gigs by sending cold emails, pitching their skills and proficiencies to potential clients. This method of securing gigs and clients used to be time-consuming and unreliable. However, as freelancing is becoming a mainstream work domain, platforms have emerged to help both experienced and rookie freelancers in easily landing clients and gigs with little to no hassle.
This guide will explain all you need to know about the top 5 beginner-friendly freelance platforms in 2025. As concise as this guide is, it covers various platforms, including Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, and what they are best known for. In simple terms, this guide will let you know what platform is ideal for you, depending on your skill sets and proficiency. The best part? You can easily get paid from these platforms through any virtual accounts you create on the Cherrypay App, be it Dollar, Euro, or GBP. So, continue reading to learn more about them.
1. Fiverr
Fiverr has been active since 2010, and in the year that followed its launch, the platform made over $1 million in monthly gross merchandise. It is one of the pioneering platforms allowing freelancers to connect easily with potential clients. As of 2024, Fiverr has over 4 million active buyers, showing the growing demand for freelancing skills. Now, most freelancers use this platform, and here is why it is considered beginner-friendly:
- It is easy to set up and start selling immediately
- You offer packages called gigs instead of bidding for jobs
- There is a high level of demand for entry-level and mid-level work.
Fiverr is known for quick gigs and creative services, which makes it ideal for writers, graphic and product designers, and voice-over professionals.
2. Upwork
Upwork was founded on December 18, 2013, and since then, it has grown exponentially to become a household name for freelancing. It currently has over 822,000 active clients and at least 200,000 – 250,000 active jobs at any given time. Upwork now boasts 18+ million users and is considered one of the best platforms for beginners, and here is why:
- A vast pool of jobs across various industries
- You can filter jobs to get entry-level jobs only. This helps you find gigs.
- New users get more Connects compared to any other platform.
Upwork is acclaimed for offering more long-term freelancing gigs, mostly in web development, marketing, and admin support.
3. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com hit the market in 2009 and has become a go-to place for most entry-level professionals. Freelancer.com boasts over 79 million users and availability in 247 countries. Freelancer.com connects freelancers and employers and offers a broad range of over 2,700 categories of services. Freelancer.com claims that it connects over 80,439,935 freelancers and employers globally. Freelancer.com has become one of the top platforms among beginners because:
- It provides frequent small, one-time tasks that are perfect for portfolio building.
- The Contest feature lets you showcase your work and get paid without much competition.
Freelancer.com is ideal for tech, design, writing, and marketing gigs. You are always sure to see active gigs; all you have to do is fine-tune your CV and portfolio to land these gigs.
4. Toptal
Toptal has been a reliable place for skilled beginners to find gigs since 2010. It’s ideal for those who are highly experienced in their field but still early in their freelance journey. Unlike many other sites, Toptal focuses on connecting freelancers with long-term clients rather than one-off projects. Although it has a smaller user base, it stands out for its strong emphasis on quality and efficiency. The vetting process is more rigorous than most, which makes it a better fit for competent beginners ready to take on serious opportunities. Here’s why it’s especially suited for them:
- Toptal itself is elite, but Toptal Rise (their mentorship program launched in late 2024) is geared toward training and onboarding promising beginners into premium freelance markets.
- Provides mentorship, mock client projects, and skill sharpening.
Toptal has become a home for coders and designers, so if you want to become a part of this. Platform, sharpen your skills, and get onboard.
5. Contra
Contra is relatively recent when compared to other platforms on this list. It was founded in 2021, providing freelancers an easy way to connect with clients regardless of location. Contra has over 10 million independent freelancers worldwide, catering to a wide range of skills and providing opportunities for various freelancers. Beginners get to enjoy the following:
- Zero fees, enabling you to keep 100% of your earnings
- An intuitive design that feels like LinkedIn + Portfolio in one.
- An interface great for building a personal brand from day one.
This platform is best for creatives, consultants, and tech freelancers. The scrutiny here is not as heavy as on other platforms on this list, which makes it suitable for beginners.
The Wrap Up
Freelancing has come a long way, from freelancers securing clients via cold emails to platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Freelancers can now easily sign up on any of the platforms we mentioned above to sell their services without hassle. They have proven track records, making them the most suitable places for beginners seeking jobs at their skill level. With this guide, you can jump on any of them, knowing what to expect. Remember that before you start applying, build a credible portfolio, create a compelling resume and set up a payment method; you can use Cherrypay to receive payments as a freelancer with zero stress. You can click here to learn more about Cherrypay and all of its offerings.
