7 Hidden Freelance Platforms That Pay Better Than Fiverr

If you’ve ever tried freelancing on Fiverr, you probably know how hard it can be to earn what your work is truly worth.

The platform is flooded with sellers offering low prices just to get noticed. While Fiverr has its advantages—it’s easy to start and has millions of buyers—it’s not always the best place to build a stable, high-paying freelance career.

That’s why I decided to look into alternative platforms that most freelancers either don’t know about or overlook.

These platforms may not have Fiverr’s massive traffic, but they often attract serious clients who value quality and are willing to pay higher rates.

If you’re ready to earn more for your skills, here are 7 hidden freelance platforms that actually pay better than Fiverr.

1. Contra – Freelancing Without Fees

Contra is one of my favorite hidden gems. It’s a zero-commission freelance platform built for independent professionals who want to keep 100% of their earnings.

Unlike Fiverr, Contra doesn’t take a cut from your payments, and it focuses more on building long-term client relationships rather than one-off gigs.

You can create a beautiful profile that looks like a personal website, showcase projects, and set your rates upfront.

Clients here are usually startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs looking for skilled professionals—not bargain hunters.

Best for: Designers, marketers, writers, developers, and content creators.
Why it pays better: No fees and higher-value clients.

2. Toptal – The Platform for Elite Freelancers

If you’ve been freelancing for a while and have strong skills, Toptal might be your golden ticket. It connects freelancers with big companies like Airbnb, Shopify, and Duolingo—but only after you pass a tough screening process.

Toptal’s clients are serious about quality, which means you can charge premium rates. Most freelancers here make between $60–$150 per hour, depending on their experience. It’s not the easiest platform to join, but once you’re in, it’s worth it.

Best for: Developers, finance experts, designers, and project managers.
Why it pays better: Clients are top-tier companies with larger budgets.

3. SolidGigs – Pay Once, Get Quality Leads

Unlike Fiverr, SolidGigs isn’t a marketplace where you wait for clients to find you. Instead, it’s a lead generation platform that sends you handpicked freelance job listings directly to your inbox.

You pay a small monthly fee, and in return, you get access to high-quality gigs from vetted companies.

The big benefit here is that you’re not competing with thousands of freelancers for the same job. You get fewer but better opportunities, and that often leads to higher-paying clients.

Best for: Writers, marketers, developers, and designers who prefer proactive pitching.
Why it pays better: You get direct access to clients ready to hire, with less competition.

4. Flexiple – For Tech and Design Freelancers

Flexiple is another high-end platform that matches freelancers with startups and companies looking for vetted professionals. It’s similar to Toptal but a bit more flexible in terms of the application process.

The platform focuses on remote tech and design roles, with most freelancers earning between $50–$100 per hour.

Flexiple handles client billing, communication, and project management, so you can focus on doing the work instead of chasing payments.

Best for: Developers and designers with proven experience.
Why it pays better: Clients are pre-qualified and projects are long-term.

5. Worksome – High-Quality Clients, Transparent Rates

Worksome is a Danish freelance platform that’s quickly growing in popularity. It connects freelancers with businesses looking for specialized skills, especially in marketing, IT, and creative services.

Unlike Fiverr, where rates are often a race to the bottom, Worksome encourages fair pay and transparency. You set your hourly or project rate, and clients apply to work with you—not the other way around.

Best for: European freelancers, consultants, and skilled professionals.
Why it pays better: Transparent pricing and business clients with real budgets.

6. CloudPeeps – Build Long-Term Relationships

CloudPeeps is a great place for freelancers who prefer ongoing work over one-time gigs. It’s designed for marketers, content creators, and social media professionals looking to manage long-term clients.

While CloudPeeps has a smaller community than Fiverr, it offers better quality jobs and clients who value your expertise. The platform also allows you to build your own freelance “packages” so clients can clearly see what they’ll get.

Best for: Marketers, social media managers, and copywriters.
Why it pays better: Focuses on retainer work and long-term client relationships.

7. Expert360 – Freelancing for Professionals

If you have a background in consulting, finance, strategy, or project management, Expert360 might be the platform for you. It connects experienced professionals with companies looking for on-demand experts.

Projects on Expert360 often pay thousands of dollars because they’re tied to specialized, high-level work. It’s ideal for freelancers who already have corporate or agency experience and want to work independently without lowering their value.

Best for: Consultants, business analysts, and project managers.
Why it pays better: Clients are mid-sized to enterprise-level companies with big budgets.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Depend on Just One Platform

No matter which platform you choose, don’t rely on just one source of income. Diversify. Create profiles on multiple platforms and test which one brings you the best clients and highest rates. Over time, you’ll notice a pattern—some platforms will fit your niche better than others.

Also, don’t forget to build your own personal brand outside of these platforms. A personal website or portfolio, active LinkedIn presence, and client testimonials can go a long way in helping you attract high-paying work without paying platform fees.

FAQs

Which platform is best for beginners?

If you’re just starting out, Contra and SolidGigs are great options. Contra is beginner-friendly with zero fees, while SolidGigs gives you access to curated leads so you don’t waste time applying to low-quality jobs.

Can I work on multiple platforms at once?

Absolutely. In fact, I recommend it. Each platform attracts a different type of client, so having profiles on more than one increases your chances of finding good projects.

How do I stand out on these platforms?

Focus on creating a clean, professional profile that clearly communicates what you do, shows examples of your work, and includes testimonials. Clients want to see proof of results, not just promises.

Are these platforms free to join?

Most of them are free, except SolidGigs, which charges a small monthly fee for job listings. Platforms like Contra and CloudPeeps are free, but some take a small commission on payments.

Final Thoughts

Fiverr can be a good starting point, but it’s not the only way to build a successful freelance career. There are better-paying platforms out there—you just have to know where to look.

From Contra’s no-fee structure to Toptal’s premium projects, each of these platforms gives freelancers more control over their rates and relationships.

If you’ve been feeling stuck earning less than you deserve, maybe it’s time to try something new. Which of these platforms are you going to explore first?