Fiverr vs Upwork Fees
Fiverr vs Upwork Fees (2024 Comparison)
| Aspect | Fiverr | Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer Commission | Flat 20% on all orders | Sliding scale: • 10% on all earnings (as of 2023+) |
| Client Service Fees | • Fixed fee: $2 for orders under $50 • 5.5% for orders $50+ | • 5% flat fee per contract (standard) • 3% for eligible clients on Upwork Plus |
| Payment Withdrawal | Free via PayPal, Fiverr Card Bank transfer (fee may apply) | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire Transfer Some methods may incur fees |
| Withdrawal Delay | 14 days (7 for Top Rated Sellers) | 5-day security hold before withdrawal |
| Membership Cost | Free (Fiverr Pro by invite only) | Free (Basic) or $14.99/month (Freelancer Plus) |
| Dispute Handling Fee | None (handled internally) | Free mediation, arbitration fee if escalated ($291 shared) |
💼 For Freelancers
🔸 Fiverr:
- Every order you complete, Fiverr takes 20%.
- Example: If your gig is $100, you get $80.
- There is no scaling down—even for repeat clients or higher earnings.
- Payout after 14 days, or 7 days if you are a Top Rated or Pro seller.
🔸 Upwork:
- As of 2023, freelancers are charged a flat 10% fee for all contracts (previously it was 20%/10%/5% tiered).
- Example: On a $1000 project, you get $900.
- If you are on the Talent Scout or Expert-Vetted programs, the rate may be even lower.
- Funds are available after 5 days from payment release.
✅ Verdict: Upwork wins on freelancer commission—10% vs Fiverr’s 20%.
🛒 For Clients
🔹 Fiverr:
- Clients pay:
- $2 fee on purchases below $50
- 5.5% fee for orders $50 and above
- Example: $100 gig → client pays $105.50
- No subscription or monthly fees required.
🔹 Upwork:
- 5% client fee per contract for most users.
- Clients on Upwork Plus (paid program) pay 3%.
- Larger businesses using Enterprise plans may have custom pricing.
✅ Verdict: Fiverr is slightly cheaper for small orders, but Upwork is more cost-effective for large and long-term projects.
🔧 Hidden or Extra Fees
| Type | Fiverr | Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Currency Conversion | May apply depending on method | 2% conversion fee |
| Subscription Fee | None (optional Fiverr Pro) | $14.99/month for Freelancer Plus |
| Arbitration (Disputes) | None (handled by Fiverr support) | Optional arbitration: $291 (shared) |
📊 Fee Impact Examples
Freelancer earns $500:
- Fiverr: 20% → You receive $400
- Upwork: 10% → You receive $450
Client hires for $1000:
- Fiverr: 5.5% → Client pays $1055
- Upwork: 5% → Client pays $1050
🎯 Final Thoughts: Fiverr vs Upwork Fees
| Scenario | Better Platform |
|---|---|
| Short, one-time gigs | Fiverr |
| Long-term contracts or high budgets | Upwork |
| Low fees for freelancers | Upwork |
| Simplicity & pre-packaged services | Fiverr |
| Control over proposals & pricing | Upwork |