Remote work is now one of the fastest-growing ways to earn online. From content creation to admin support, more businesses are hiring freelancers instead of full-time staff. The key is knowing where to look and choosing the right platform to start with.
Not all freelance websites are safe or worth your time. Some offer low pay, fake jobs, or poor client support. That’s why it’s important to use trusted platforms with real projects and secure payments.
In this guide, you’ll find 10 legit freelance websites for remote jobs in 2025. Each one offers different types of jobs, but all are safe and widely used.
What Are Freelance Job Platforms?
Freelance job platforms are websites where businesses post tasks or projects, and freelancers apply, bid, or offer services to secure a hire. These platforms make it easy to find remote work, handle payments, and build a client base from anywhere in the world.
In 2025, they’re a top choice for people who want to earn online without needing a full-time job. Whether you write, design, code, or assist, these sites give you access to real clients and real income.
10 Legit Freelance Websites for Remote Jobs
The top 1 freelance websites include Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, PeoplePerHour, Toptal, Guru, FlexJobs, We Work Remotely, Remotive, and LinkedIn. These sites connect you with real clients, offer secure payments, and support beginners and professionals.
Below are 10 legit freelance websites that help you get remote work in 2025:
1. Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest freelance platforms, with thousands of job listings in writing, design, admin, coding, and marketing. You create a profile, apply to jobs using “connects,” and submit proposals explaining why you’re the best fit. Clients then invite, interview, or hire you directly through the platform.
Upwork has a secure payment system where funds are held in escrow until the work is approved. You can earn hourly or fixed project rates, with beginner jobs starting from $10 to $25 and experienced freelancers charging $50+. It’s trusted and widely used worldwide.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr works differently from most platforms. Instead of applying to jobs, you create fixed-price “gigs” that clients browse and buy. These gigs can be anything from “I will design a logo” to “I will write your blog post.” You can offer basic, standard, and premium packages for each service.
It’s beginner-friendly and helps you earn passive sales while building reviews. Fiverr takes a 20% cut but manages everything—order tracking, delivery, messaging, and payments. Popular sellers consistently earn $500 to $2,000 per month.
3. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com offers freelance jobs in dozens of categories, including data entry, content writing, tech support, and web development. You create an account, browse listings, and place bids on jobs that match your skills. Clients choose from the applicants based on profile and pitch.
The platform is competitive due to its high volume of freelancers, but it maintains a steady flow of projects daily. You get access to both hourly and milestone-based work, with earnings protected through their payment system.
4. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelance platform that connects professionals to clients mainly in the UK and Europe. You can create service offers (similar to Fiverr) or apply for posted jobs (like Upwork). It’s ideal for writers, marketers, and designers targeting local clients.
Projects pay in GBP and range from quick gigs to long-term roles. Payments are held in escrow until delivery is confirmed, ensuring security. It’s a great platform if you want to build trust in a regional freelance market.
5. Toptal
Toptal is for highly skilled freelancers who want to work with premium clients. You must pass a multi-stage screening process, which includes English testing, technical assessments, and live interviews. Once accepted, you join a pool of top-tier professionals in tech, finance, and design.
Clients on Toptal include Fortune 500 companies, startups, and established brands. Hourly rates are much higher, ranging from $60 to $150+. Toptal is best for experts who want serious projects and long-term contracts.
6. Guru
Guru offers freelance jobs in writing, engineering, sales, translation, and admin. It allows you to showcase past work, quote on jobs, and set up work agreements directly with clients. You manage tasks and payments through their “WorkRoom” dashboard.
Guru uses a SafePay system to protect your earnings. While not as large as Upwork or Fiverr, Guru has loyal users and good projects in niche fields. Freelancers can earn $20 to $75 per hour, depending on the role.
7. FlexJobs
FlexJobs lists freelance, part-time, and remote jobs from verified companies. It’s not a bidding platform—you browse listings and apply directly like a job board. Every listing is hand-screened to avoid scams and low-quality work.
FlexJobs charges a small fee (approximately $10–$15 per month) but filters out fake job offers. The site is ideal if you’re looking for flexible freelance contracts or part-time jobs with companies. Many listings offer hourly rates ranging from $20 to $40.
8. We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is a simple job board where companies post remote job openings in writing, customer service, design, and development. There’s no bidding or profiles—you apply directly by email or through the company’s website.
The platform is free and clean, with quality listings. It’s ideal for freelancers who prefer applying like a regular job rather than competing on proposals. Many listings are full-time or contract-based with consistent pay.
9. Remotive
Remotive curates remote job listings across roles like marketing, support, sales, and software. It’s a job board—not a freelance bidding site—so you apply directly to employers. All listings are reviewed to ensure legitimacy.
It’s especially good for freelancers looking to move into longer-term contracts or part-time remote roles. You can subscribe to new job alerts in your field. Many roles range from $25 to $60 per hour, depending on experience.
10. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that’s now a top place to find freelance jobs. You can search for freelance roles, post your services, and message potential clients directly. Many businesses now hire through LinkedIn profiles rather than other platforms.
You’ll find short gigs, long-term contracts, and direct opportunities in your inbox if your profile is strong. It’s free to use and ideal for freelancers looking to build a personal brand while working remotely.
How Do These Platforms Compare?
Each freelance platform works differently, so it’s important to choose based on your skill level, experience, and working style. Some platforms are beginner-friendly and focus on fast jobs. Others are better for professionals who want long-term, high-paying clients.
Below is a comparison between platforms:
- Upwork vs Fiverr: Upwork is for applying to jobs using proposals, while Fiverr is for selling pre-set services. Upwork offers more control, but Fiverr offers faster client discovery through its search function.
- Freelancer vs PeoplePerHour: Freelancer is broader and more competitive. PeoplePerHour offers better opportunities for UK-based freelancers who prefer GBP payments and smaller client pools.
- Toptal vs Guru: Toptal is strict and for experts only, but pays more. Guru is open to all levels and offers flexibility with tasks and rates.
- FlexJobs, Remotive, and We Work Remotely: These are job boards, not freelance platforms. They don’t handle payments or profiles you apply directly to companies. Best for remote part-time or full-time freelance work.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn works across all levels. With a strong profile and network, you can attract direct jobs or referrals. It blends freelancing with long-term professional growth.
Can You Work on More Than One Platform at Once?
Yes, you can work on more than one freelance platform at the same time. Many freelancers use multiple sites to increase visibility, land more jobs, and avoid relying on a single source of income.
Just make sure your profiles are consistent and your schedule is realistic. Delivering late or missing deadlines on one platform can affect your reviews and future work. Focus on quality over quantity.
How to Spot Fake Freelance Job Sites
To spot fake freelance job sites, look out for warning signs like unclear payment systems, unrealistic job offers, and poor site design. Scammers often create counterfeit platforms to collect money or personal data from job seekers. Staying alert protects your time and income.
Here’s how to spot fake freelance job sites:
- No verified payment system: If a platform doesn’t use escrow, PayPal, or bank-secured payments, avoid it. Real platforms protect your earnings.
- Upfront payment requests: Never pay to get access to jobs unless it’s a known site like FlexJobs. Scammers often request payment before offering fake job opportunities.
- Unprofessional website design: Bad grammar, broken links, or missing contact pages are red flags. Trustworthy platforms invest in user experience.
- Too-good-to-be-true jobs: If the listing promises $1,000 per day for no experience, it’s likely fake. Real freelance work pays fairly, not instantly.
- No client reviews or ratings: Authentic platforms show job history, ratings, and client feedback. If none of that exists, walk away.