Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How Freelancer.com Works
- How Toptal Works
- How Gigred Works
- Detailed Comparison: Gigred vs Freelancer.com vs Toptal
- Trust, Workflow and Risk
- Earning Potential: Which Platform Gives you the Best Chance?
- Freelancer.com vs Toptal vs Gigred: Which Should you Pick?
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Tips for Freelancers to Maximize Earnings
- Tips for Clients to Get the Best from Freelancers
- Why Gigred Stands Out (and Why you Might Consider it)
- Final Thoughts
Freelancing marketplaces have transformed the way people find work or hire talent. Whether you’re a freelancer looking for the next opportunity or a business owner seeking skilled help, platforms like Freelancer.com, Toptal, and the global marketplace Gigred each offer distinct paths. Choosing the best fit depends on your priorities: fee structure, trust and protection, earning potential, user experience, and workflow. In this post, we’ll dive into each platform, compare them side-by-side, and highlight key factors to inform your decision.
How Freelancer.com Works
Freelancer.com connects clients and freelancers through a project-based or contest-based system. Clients post projects or launch contests, set budgets, and outline their needs. Freelancers then place bids or submit contest entries. Clients can review profiles, ratings, portfolios, and proposals before selecting someone.
Once a freelancer is hired, Freelancer.com provides tools for managing the work, project milestones, chat, file sharing, time tracking (via the desktop app), and secured payments through the milestone system.
Overall, Freelancer.com structures the workflow by linking tasks with milestones, protecting payments, and supporting everything from small, quick jobs to large, ongoing projects.
Freelancer.com: Fees and Plans
Freelancers on Freelancer.com pay a project fee when they are awarded and accept a project. The fee may vary depending on whether the project is fixed-price or hourly. Contest entries have their own fee rules if you win.
Clients can post projects for free, but additional paid options are available for features such as project upgrades, visibility boosts, and listing promotion.
For freelancers, the main consideration is the project fee deducted after accepting work.
For clients, the milestone payment system offers secure transactions and controlled fund releases.
Freelancer.com: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- A large global marketplace with thousands of live projects
- Project and contest formats give freelancers multiple ways to earn
- Milestone payments enhance security for both sides
- Clients can filter and compare freelancers by budget, experience, reviews, and skills
Cons:
- Competition can be intense, especially for new freelancers
- Project fees reduce net earnings
- Clients may need to sort through many bids to choose the right Freelancer
- Some useful project upgrades for clients are paid add-ons
How Toptal Works
Toptal operates as a curated talent network that connects clients with pre-vetted freelancers. Instead of open bidding, Toptal screens developers, designers, finance experts, project managers, and other specialists through a multi-step evaluation process. Only a small percentage of applicants are accepted.
Clients share their project requirements with Toptal, and the platform matches them with suitable talent. Once the client approves the match, work begins. Toptal manages onboarding, contract setup, time tracking options, and billing through its internal systems.
In essence, Toptal focuses on delivering vetted professionals rather than running an open marketplace.
Toptal: Fees and Plans
Freelancers do not pay to join Toptal. Instead, Toptal sets the rates that clients pay and manages the compensation structure internally. Toptal usually bills clients on an hourly, part-time, or full-time basis, depending on the engagement.
Clients pay a deposit to start working with Toptal, and the overall project cost depends on the professional’s skill set and availability. Toptal also handles all administrative tasks related to payments and contracts.
For freelancers, the main point is that there are no bidding fees or membership charges.
For clients, the value lies in quick access to vetted experts without having to sort through proposals.
Toptal: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Highly curated network—freelancers are thoroughly screened
- No bidding, no platform competition
- Clients get fast matches based on skill and project requirements
- Streamlined project setup and payment structure
Cons:
- Not accessible to everyone; strict screening limits who can join
- Higher cost for clients compared to open marketplaces
- Less flexibility for freelancers in setting rates
- No open project browsing or proposal system
How Gigred Works
Gigred is a global freelance marketplace designed to connect skilled freelancers and clients across industries and geographies. Its marketplace structure offers a refreshing alternative to traditional platforms like Freelancer.com and Toptal, combining flexibility, transparency, and trust.
Freelancers on Gigred can build detailed profiles, showcase their portfolios, receive job offers, or apply for posted projects. Clients, in turn, can post projects, browse verified freelancer profiles, review proposals, and manage deliverables — all through a streamlined and efficient workflow.
What sets Gigred apart is its hybrid operating model. This gives users complete freedom:
- Clients can browse pre-defined Gigs for fast, one-time tasks, or
- Post custom projects, invite bids, and hire freelancers for long-term or specialized work.
Fees, Trust & Features
Gigred emphasizes transparency, fairness, and affordability. The platform offers some of the lowest fees in the freelance industry — clients pay zero fees, and freelancers retain a larger share of their earnings. As one user summarized:
“Gigred’s fees are clear upfront, so you know exactly what you’ll earn before accepting a project.” — Reddit
Funds are protected through an escrow-based payment system, ensuring that freelancers get paid only when clients approve deliverables. The platform also enforces identity verification for both freelancers and clients, supports multiple payout methods (depending on region), and provides a dispute resolution process to maintain trust and reliability.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Transparent fee structure with clear earnings visibility.
- Hybrid workflow (ready-to-buy Gigs + project bidding).
- Global marketplace with freelancers and clients from multiple regions.
- Escrow-based payments and strong identity verification for trust.
- Encourages repeat collaborations and long-term client-freelancer relationships.
Cons:
- As a newer marketplace, it may have fewer legacy users or large enterprise clients.
- Freelancers may need time to build a reputation and visibility.
- Active self-marketing is still necessary for consistent work.
Detailed Comparison: Gigred vs Freelancer.com vs Toptal
| Category | Gigred | Freelancer.com | Toptal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Types of Clients | Startups, small businesses, and global enterprises. Clients hire through verified, category-based listings ensuring transparency. | Entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large companies posting short-term tasks, contests, and long-form projects. | VC-funded startups, growth-stage companies, and enterprises seeking elite, pre-vetted talent. |
| Types of Freelancers | Professionals from 180 countries. Specialized across 15+ service categories including design, marketing, tech, and business. | Global freelancers across thousands of skills including design, engineering, IT, writing, finance, and more. | Top 3% vetted experts in software development, design, finance, project management, and product roles. |
| Ways to Find Freelancers | Browse Gigs or Post Projects. Built-in match suggestions. Use search filters. Hire verified freelancers from curated lists. | Post a project, launch a contest, or browse profiles. AI recommendations suggest skilled freelancers. | Submit project requirements. Toptal matches clients with a screened expert within 48 hours. |
| Hiring Process | Post a project or browse verified freelancers. Discuss details in chat. Secure payment in Gigred Escrow. Approve work and release payment. | Post a job or contest, review bids, interview candidates, award the project, and fund milestones. | Share requirements, get matched with top talent, start trial period, and hire after approval. |
| Billing Methods | Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, UPI, Payoneer, Crypto (Beta) | Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Skrill, Bank Transfer | Credit card, ACH, wire transfer, and corporate invoicing options |
| Client Fees | 4.5% payment gateway fee plus a flat $1 platform fee — no hidden charges or extra processing costs. | 3% project fee for fixed-price and hourly projects, plus contest posting fees. | Premium pricing model with no additional marketplace fees; clients pay for access to curated talent. |
| Freelancer Fees | 10% flat commission on all earnings. No withdrawal or hidden fees. | 10% or $5 (whichever is greater) on fixed projects; similar for hourly and contests. | Freelancers do not pay platform fees; Toptal charges clients directly. |
| Available Freelancer Badges / Levels | Rising Talent, Skilled Performer, Prime Performer, Gigred Star | Preferred Freelancer Program, Elite top-rated members, Verified profiles | All freelancers are vetted; no level-based public ranking system. |
| How to Apply for Jobs | Freelancers can create Gigs or apply directly to posted projects — offering flexibility and hybrid opportunities. | Freelancers bid on projects or participate in contests to get hired. | Freelancers must pass multi-stage screening; after approval, they receive matched project invitations. |
| Workflow | Create Gig or apply to project, discuss details, contract via Escrow, deliver work, instant payout. | Bid, negotiate terms, agree on milestones, deliver work, and request milestone payments. | Matched expert works under structured contracts with trial-to-hire assurance. |
| Payout Methods | Bank Transfer, PayPal, Payoneer, UPI (India), Crypto (Beta) | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, Express Withdrawal, Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer, Payoneer, and direct payouts depending on region |
| Special Features (Freelancer) | AI based Gigs and Project Posting, Instant Escrow Release, Zero Withdrawal Delay, 24/7 Human Support, Transparent Ratings System. | Contests, Preferred Freelancer Program, Milestone Payments, Recruiter service for premium hiring. | Rigorous vetting, expert matching, trial periods, dedicated account managers. |
| Special Features (Client) | Verified Client Profiles, Gigred Star Secure Escrow, Custom Project Dashboard, No Expiry Funds Policy. | Contests for idea generation, Recruiter support, project tracking tools. | Hands-on project scoping, curated talent list, dedicated support team. |
| Trust & Transparency | Built on clarity and fairness — no hidden fees, verified users, and transparent ratings. | Long-standing global marketplace but mixed reviews on bidding competitiveness. | High trust due to strict vetting and enterprise-first model. |
| Earning Potential | Highest earning potential with low fees, fast payouts, and global exposure. | Good for high-volume bidders and niche experts; earnings vary based on competition. | Very high — premium rates for elite professionals. |
| Specializations | Design and Creative, Web Development, Digital Marketing, AI & Tech Services, Writing and Translation, Business Consulting, Architecture, Legal, and Admin Support. | Engineering, IT, design, sales, content, manufacturing, data science, business and more. | Development, UI/UX, product management, finance, project leadership. |
Trust, Workflow and Risk
Fees are only one part of the decision. Workflow efficiency, trust systems, dispute handling, and support infrastructure play a major role in choosing the right platform.
Freelancer.com – Trust & Workflow
- Freelancer.com uses a bid-based system where clients post projects and freelancers submit competitive proposals.
- Contracts support both fixed-price and hourly models, and payments are protected through milestone-based escrow.
- Freelancer.com includes identity verification options, employer/freelancer reputation scores, and detailed performance histories.
- Its large global user base provides access to many clients, but also means high competition for most project categories.
- Potential risk: Because thousands of freelancers compete for similar jobs, rates may drop, and freelancers often need to submit many bids before landing consistent work.
Toptal – Trust & Workflow
- Toptal features a strict talent-screening system that selects only a small percentage of applicants. Once accepted, freelancers are connected to high-budget clients and long-term project opportunities.
- The platform manages matching, interviews, contracts, and payments. Toptal typically handles invoicing and ensures timely payout, making the workflow predictable for both clients and freelancers.
- Potential risk: The barrier to entry is extremely high, with a lengthy screening process. Freelancers who do not pass the initial evaluation cannot join, limiting accessibility.
Gigred – Trust & Workflow
- A transparent fee structure means freelancers know exactly what they’ll earn before accepting a job, reducing surprises.
- Global marketplace: supports multiple countries, regions, and payout methods.
- Encourages repeat client/freelancer match to enhance trust and reduce “one-off churn”.
- Potential risk: Being newer means fewer legacy, large clients than on older platforms; you may need to be more proactive in marketing your profile.
Earning Potential: Which Platform Gives you the Best Chance?
Your long-term earning capacity is influenced by your expertise, niche, pricing strategy, reputation, communication skills, repeat clients, and how well you fit into a platform’s workflow model.
Freelancer.com Earning Potential
- Freelancer.com offers access to both short-term tasks and longer, multi-stage projects. If you consistently win bids and maintain strong client relationships, you can secure recurring work.
- Milestone-based payments let freelancers break larger projects into multiple revenue points, and strong reviews can improve your visibility in competitive categories.
- However, the bid-driven system means you must actively pitch for each project, and competitive pricing from thousands of freelancers may affect average earnings.
- Those who bid strategically, build a strong portfolio, and respond quickly to projects tend to generate more consistent income.
Toptal Earning Potential
- Toptal positions itself as a premium network, connecting top-tier freelancers with high-budget clients, often in long-term or full-time engagement formats.
- Once accepted into the network, you can access projects that typically pay higher-than-market rates, thanks to Toptal’s strict screening process and its enterprise clientele.
- Freelancers who excel in specialized or senior-level skills — such as software development, finance, or design leadership — often see strong earning potential.
- Because the platform handles matching and negotiation, you spend less time pitching and more time working.
- The main limitation: only a small percentage of applicants are admitted, so earning potential applies only to those who pass the screening.
Gigred Earning Potential
- The transparent fee means you can set clearer targets for net earnings.
- Global reach allows you to access clients in regions you might not find otherwise.
- Because the platform encourages ongoing engagements, you may build repeat business faster, which boosts lifetime earnings.
- For freelancers serious about scaling, Gigred offers a promising model: combine clear fees, global access, and repeat client focus.
- For clients hiring talent, Gigred allows you to find specialized freelancers worldwide, potentially at competitive rates, with built-in trust and workflow.
Freelancer.com vs Toptal vs Gigred: Which Should you Pick?
Selecting the right freelancing platform depends on your goals and the type of work you handle. Here are the key factors to evaluate:
Are you a freelancer or a client?
- Freelancers should focus on fee transparency, access to steady work, opportunities to build a strong profile, and the potential for repeat clients.
- Clients should prioritize access to reliable talent, a smooth hiring process, consistent delivery, and clear pricing.
What type of work is involved?
- Straightforward, predefined tasks: Platforms built around fixed service listings can be quicker to start with.
- Larger, ongoing, or complex projects: Platforms designed for structured collaboration and long-term relationships tend to work better.
- Global, repeat-friendly engagements: Marketplaces with transparent fees and international reach can help you scale relationships more effectively.
How important are fees?
Freelancers should look at the actual earnings after platform charges. Clients should evaluate the total project cost. Platforms that offer simpler, upfront fee structures often reduce confusion and make long-term planning easier.
What workflow and trust features matter to you?
- If you need detailed tools for milestones, tracking, and long-term collaboration, look for platforms built for structured project management.
- If you want quick, straightforward service purchases, marketplaces with preset offerings are convenient.
- If you prefer clarity, global access, and a system that supports repeat business, consider platforms that emphasize transparency and reliability.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Fee structure: Gigred uses a flat 10% fee with full transparency into freelancer earnings, while Freelancer.com charges project-based and contest fees, and Toptal charges premium pricing for both clients and talent.
- Client-workflow vs freelancer workflow: Freelancer.com operates on bidding, proposals, milestones, and both hourly and fixed projects; Toptal uses a talent-matching system where clients work with pre-vetted experts; Gigred supports project posting, applications, hiring, delivery, and repeat relationships.
- Earning model: Gigred follows a hybrid structure offering both Gigs and project bidding; Freelancer.com relies heavily on bidding and milestone-driven work; Toptal emphasizes long-term, high-value engagements with vetted professionals, while Gigred provides global visibility, recurring clients, and transparent earnings in one place.
- Suitability: Freelancer.com suits users who prefer open bidding and flexible project types; Toptal suits clients needing top-tier, pre-screened talent; Gigred suits freelancers and clients looking for clarity, global reach, and scalable growth.
- Competition and visibility: On Freelancer.com, competition depends on bid quality and profile strength; on Toptal, the screening process filters talent before projects begin; on Gigred, as the platform grows, reputation and repeat clients will play an increasingly important role in visibility.
Tips for Freelancers to Maximize Earnings
- Create a standout profile: clear headline, portfolio, relevant examples, strong reviews.
- Focus on repeat clients: they often cost less to serve (less acquisition effort) and improve your lifetime value. On platforms like Freelancer.com and Gigred, this can reduce fees and boost earnings.
- Price appropriately: factor in platform fees when setting your rate so your net income meets your target.
- Be responsive and reliable: deliver quality, meet deadlines, communicate well. Good reviews build visibility and trust.
- Specialize: dominating a niche often beats being a generalist competing everywhere.
- Monitor your net take-home: after platform fees, taxes, and payout fees, ensure your rate sustains you.
- For clients: write clear project briefs, pick freelancers with proven experience, set milestones or deliverable checkpoints, and keep communication open.
Tips for Clients to Get the Best from Freelancers
- Define your project scope clearly: deliverables, timeline, budget, and revisions.
- Review freelancer profiles for relevant experience, ratings, and sample work.
- Use platforms that offer secure payment and dispute resolution.
- Establish communication cadence and expectations upfront (how many revisions, response time, deliverables).
- Consider long-term relationships: a good freelancer might serve you across multiple projects at a better value.
- Factor in platform fees when comparing quotes: sometimes what seems “cheaper” isn’t after fees and quality trade-offs.
- Build trust: once you find a good freelancer, working together repeatedly reduces onboarding costs and lifts quality.
Why Gigred Stands Out (and Why you Might Consider it)
While Freelancer.com and Toptal have established brands and large user bases, Gigred brings something fresh: clear fee transparency, a global marketplace mindset, and emphasis on repeat engagements. For freelancers, the ability to know exactly what you’ll earn before accepting a project reduces uncertainty. For clients, global access and workflow tools make hiring smoother.
Also, because Gigred places the freelancer’s net earnings front and center, it allows you to plan your pricing and workload strategically. If you’re in a region where global clients pay higher rates or you bring specialized skills, you can leverage Gigred effectively.
Furthermore, building repeat client relationships on Gigred means you may benefit from lower acquisition costs, better dynamics, higher lifetime value, and smoother workflows. If you’re looking to build a sustainable freelance business (not just “one-off” jobs), Gigred may be extremely relevant.
Final Thoughts
Selecting a freelance marketplace isn’t just about picking the lowest fee or fastest job. It’s about matching the platform to your working style, goals, and preferences.
- If you prioritize quick hires, competitive bidding, and a wide range of project types, Freelancer.com may be the right fit.
- If you want premium, pre-vetted experts for high-value and long-term work, Toptal could be your choice.
- If you want transparent fees, global reach, repeat business, and freedom to grow, then Gigred warrants serious consideration.
For freelancers: analyse your net take-home, build strong profiles, and aim for repeat clients. For clients: focus on clear project definitions, choose platform workflows that match your style, and plan for quality over the cheapest option.
Whatever your choice, understanding fees, trust mechanisms, and earning potential is key. And when you’re exploring marketplaces, don’t overlook Gigred — it might just offer the clarity, global access, and flexibility you’ve been seeking.