If you’ve recently decided to try freelancing online in 2025, two platforms will keep popping up in your search: Fiverr and Upwork. Both are well-known, trusted by clients, and packed with freelancers from around the world, including thousands from Pakistan. Lets Read Fiverr vs Upwork in 2025: Which Platform Is Better for Beginners?
But if you’re new to freelancing and have no clue where to begin, which one should you go for?
Let’s break them down in plain, honest terms — no hype, no confusion.
1. Fiverr and Upwork Work Very Differently
Fiverr is like putting your services on a digital shelf. You list what you can do (for example: “I will write a blog post for you”), set a price, and wait for someone to buy it.
Upwork, on the other hand, is more like a job board. Clients post what they need, and you apply by sending a message (called a proposal) explaining why you’re a good fit.
So on Fiverr, clients come to you. On Upwork, you go to them.
2. Which One Helps You Get Started Faster?
Fiverr
You can sign up, create a gig, and be ready in a couple of hours. If your gig is well-written, you might get your first order soon. You don’t need to message anyone — just set it up and wait.
Upwork
You’ll spend more time upfront. You need to fill in your profile, search for jobs, and send out proposals. Most beginners send 10–20 applications before hearing back from someone. So yes, it’s slower — but more personal too.
3. What If You Have No Experience?
Fiverr
It doesn’t show your experience until you start getting reviews. This gives everyone, even total beginners, a fair shot. If your work is good, your gig will slowly climb up the search results.
Upwork
Here, your profile matters more. Clients usually check your job history before hiring. If your profile is empty, you’ll need a great proposal and a small sample to prove your skills. It’s doable, but you’ll have to try harder.
4. Let’s Talk About Money
Fiverr
You set a fixed price for each service. Most beginners start at $5 to $15. Fiverr keeps 20% of whatever you earn. So if you charge $10, you’ll get $8.
Upwork
You can charge by the hour or per project. You have more control over pricing. Upwork takes 10% of what you make — less than Fiverr — but remember, you’ll spend more time applying for jobs at first.
5. What Kind of Work Is on Each Platform?
Fiverr is better for small, quick services.
Think logo design, short writing pieces, voiceovers, video edits — work you can do in a day or two.
Upwork is better for bigger or ongoing jobs.
Things like building websites, managing a brand’s social media, or writing 10 articles a month. Many jobs turn into long-term work.
6. What’s the Vibe on Each Platform?
Fiverr feels like a shop.
You set up your gig, and buyers browse. Most orders are quick, and buyers often just want the job done — no extra chatting.
Upwork feels more like an office.
You usually talk to the client before starting. There are video calls, messages, and more back-and-forth. It’s a slower process, but more personal.
7. So, Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Fiverr if…
- You’re not confident writing proposals
- You want to start fast without talking to clients
- You’re offering clear, repeatable services like logos or social media posts
Choose Upwork if…
- You like messaging and pitching your services
- You prefer long-term work over one-time jobs
- You want more control over pricing and client selection
Final Thoughts: Pick One and Stick With It
Fiverr and Upwork both work. The real difference comes down to how you work.
Fiverr is great if you’re better at doing than talking. Just post your gig, and let it sell itself.
Upwork is better if you’re good at writing and want to build lasting relationships with clients.
Don’t try to master both right away. Pick one, give it a few weeks, and learn how it works. Your first few jobs may be small, but they’re your stepping stones to something bigger.
