Hire Freelancers: 30 Best U.S. Platforms to Outsource Work Remotely in 2025

Hire freelancers through leading U.S. freelance platforms and outsourcing websites. Discover and compare 30 top US freelance platforms—from general marketplaces like Upwork and Freelancer to specialized sites like 99designs and WriterAccess—so you can find the right independent contractors and remote freelance workers for your needs. Our guide explains costs, best practices, and legal tips for hiring freelancers in 2025.

Hiring remote talent has never been easier. U.S. businesses can now hire freelancers across virtually every field through dozens of specialized platforms and outsourcing websites. These freelance platforms give companies instant access to a vast pool of skilled, independent contractors in the USA (and worldwide), whether you need a web developer, graphic designer, virtual assistant, or content writer. For example, Upwork alone hosts roughly 18 million global freelancers, including about 3.7 million in the U.S.famewall.io. This means that by hiring freelancers on these sites, companies of any size can tap into talent without long-term commitments.

• Why hire freelancers? You can scale teams quickly for short-term or project-based work, often at lower cost than full-time hires.
• Broad talent coverage: From SEO and marketing to programming, translation, and design, there are specialized freelance platforms for nearly every skill set.
• Flexible budgets: Many independent contractors USA charge hourly or fixed rates, allowing precise budgeting and often savings over salaries.
• Remote freelance workers: By posting projects online, you can access professionals nationwide (or globally) who work remotely on their own schedules.

The 2025 freelance market continues growing: industry reports show 64 million Americans freelanced last year (about 38% of the workforce). Many of these are U.S.-based independent contractors hired via platformsinvestors.upwork.com. In this guide, we rank the 30 best U.S. platforms to hire freelancers. We cover general marketplaces (Upwork, Fiverr, etc.), design-specific sites, developer networks, admin/VA services, and writing marketplaces. Each entry includes key features, pros/cons, and direct links so you can evaluate where to find the ideal freelancer for your project.

Best U.S. Platforms to Hire Freelancers in 2025

Below are 30 top US-friendly freelance and outsourcing websites, grouped by category. Each platform name is linked to its official site. We summarize their focus and fees to help you choose:

1. Upwork – The largest US-based freelance marketplace, offering millions of remote professionals across all categories (development, design, marketing, admin, etc.). Clients post projects or job posts, and freelancers bid or are invited. Upwork provides time-tracking tools and escrow payment protection. Service fees range from 5–20% depending on total billing with a clientconsultport.com. (See Upwork stats: ~18M freelancers globally, $21.80/hr avg payfamewall.io.)
   • Pros: Huge talent pool; flexible project terms; payment protection (Upwork Wallet).
   • Cons: High competition for freelancers; service fees (5–20%)consultport.com; requires buying “Connects” to bid.
2. Freelancer.com – A global platform (strong US presence) where clients post contests or projects and freelancers bid competitively. Categories span web, mobile, data, writing, marketing, etc. Freelancer.com uses milestone payments to ensure security. Fees are up to 15% on earningsarc.dev.
   • Pros: Vast range of job types; contests let you see designs from multiple freelancers; escrow payments.
   • Cons: High service fee (up to 15%)arc.dev; intense bidding competition; many low-cost bids can drive down quality.
3. Fiverr – Known for “gig” packages, Fiverr is a marketplace where freelancers offer fixed-price services (gigs) in fields like graphic design, writing, video, tech, and more. Buyers browse seller profiles and purchase gigs directly. Fiverr charges a flat 20% commission on each salearc.dev.
   • Pros: Easy-to-use gig system; clear pricing; great for quick tasks (logo designs, voiceovers, social media posts).
   • Cons: 20% service fee eats into freelancer payarc.dev; quality can vary widely; more suited for small scopes.
4. PeoplePerHour – A UK-based platform popular in the US, connecting businesses with freelancers for hourly or fixed-price work. Freelancers can send 15 proposals free per month and purchase credits for more. It offers an escrow payment system and a project stream for communication. Fees go up to 20% (based on total billings)consultport.com.
   • Pros: Flexible pricing (hourly or project); secure payments; “Hourlies” feature for quick tasks.
   • Cons: Up to 20% service feeconsultport.com; stiff competition; limited proposals without extra credits.
5. Guru – A US-based general freelance site focusing on programming, design, writing, and admin support. Users create profiles and bid on jobs with quotes. Guru’s SafePay feature holds funds until project milestones are approved. The platform charges a small job fee (2.9%) on paymentsarc.dev.
   • Pros: SafePay escrow ensures payment; flexible payment terms; built-in workroom for collaboration.
   • Cons: Competitive marketplace; 2.9% transaction fee (on top of any membership fees)arc.dev; smaller user base.
6. FlexJobs – A subscription-based job board that curates only remote, freelance, and flexible jobs in various industriesarc.dev. Each listing is screened for quality, making it scam-free. You must pay a monthly fee to view and apply to jobs.
   • Pros: High-quality, vetted freelance and remote job postings; broad categories (from entry-level to senior roles).
   • Cons: Subscription cost (plans from one week to one year); fewer instant gigs (better for long-term or part-time roles).
   • Note: Since FlexJobs is a job board rather than a marketplace, it’s ideal if you want to browse curated listings for specific roles.
7. We Work Remotely – A leading job board exclusively for remote work. It features listings from companies around the world (mostly tech, marketing, customer service, etc.). There’s no built-in freelancer profiling; clients post jobs and workers apply off-site. However, it’s very popular, attracting high-quality employers.
   • Pros: Simple interface; free to browse/apply; great for finding long-term remote freelance or contract roles.
   • Cons: It’s a job board (no integrated payments or vetting); mostly full-time and longer-term roles rather than short gigs.
8. Hubstaff Talent – A 100% free freelance directory powered by the Hubstaff time-tracking companyhubstafftalent.net. Clients can post jobs or search freelancer profiles by skill without fees. There are no commission or subscription costs (hubstaff talent is free to use). It covers development, design, writing, marketing, and more.
   • Pros: Completely free; no middlemen or fees; lots of remote tech and marketing talent.
   • Cons: Lacks quality control (anyone can join); communication/payment is direct (no escrow or dispute resolution).
9. LinkedIn ProFinder – LinkedIn’s platform for finding freelance professionals. Businesses get matched to independent contractors in design, writing, accounting, and marketing. It leverages LinkedIn profiles and network connections.
   • Pros: Integrated with LinkedIn’s massive network; good for vetted, professional freelancers; supports freelance and project-based work.
   • Cons: Available only in limited regions; no built-in payment system (you contract independently).
10. Working Not Working – A curated community of creative freelancers (designers, illustrators, writers, marketers) who have worked for top brands. Companies like Google, Apple, Airbnb post gigs here.

• Pros: High-profile clients and high-quality creatives; vetted community ensures experienced talent.
• Cons: Very competitive; must apply and be accepted to be a freelancer on the platform; fewer listings than general sites.

11. Authentic Jobs – A niche job board for web and UX designers, developers, and creative professionals. Freelancers and agencies can find contract and remote opportunities here.

• Pros: Focus on quality tech/design roles; used by known companies (Uber, Twitter, etc.); minimal fluff.
• Cons: Job board only (no profile system); often targets senior positions, so less entry-level.

12. Designhill – A freelance marketplace and crowdsourcing platform specifically for graphic design. Clients can start design contests (logo, brochure, packaging) or hire designers one-on-one. Designers submit work and only contest winners get paid.

• Pros: Access multiple creative ideas via contest; also supports direct-hire projects; global design community.
• Cons: If entering contests, most submissions go unpaid; designers only earn if their entry wins.

13. DesignCrowd – Another crowdsourced graphic design site. Clients post contests for logos, branding, web design, etc., or hire freelancers directly. It’s similar to 99designs.

• Pros: Large design community; flexible pay for contests or direct jobs; good for building a broad portfolio.
• Cons: Contest model can lead to many unpaid entries; time spent on non-winning designs is not compensated.

14. 99designs – A leading design-specific platform. Clients run contests or hire designers privately for logos, websites, book covers, and morearc.dev. The site ranks designers by experience level.

• Pros: High-quality designs; global network of vetted designers; option to run contests or do 1-on-1 projectsarc.dev.
• Cons: Service fees (up to 15%) and intro fees for new clientsarc.dev; contest fees are non-refundable unless a winner is chosen.

15. Crowdspring – A design crowdsourcing marketplace. Clients launch contests (for logos, packaging, websites, naming, etc.) and pick the winning design. Packages typically start around $299crowdspring.com, which includes the winning designer’s reward and Crowdspring’s fee.

• Pros: Wide range of design categories; affordable contest packages; legal transfer of rights includedcrowdspring.comcrowdspring.com.
• Cons: You pay only for winning designs; up to dozens of non-winning submissions get no pay.

16. Dribbble – A community and portfolio site for visual designers (UI/UX, graphic, animation). While primarily a showcase platform, Dribbble also has a job board and “Pro” listings where businesses can hire creatives.

• Pros: Access to a focused design community; great for inspiration and networking; Pro members get job matching and profiles.
• Cons: Free members must pay to post gigs; high competition to attract clients; works best if you already have a strong portfolio.

17. SketchUp – (Bonus niche category) A marketplace where architects and 3D designers offer modeling and drafting services. Not as mainstream, but useful if you need specialized 3D/architectural freelancers.

• Pros: Specialized talent in 3D design and architecture; curated professionals.
• Cons: Very niche; smaller pool than general platforms.

18. Toptal – A premium US-based network for top-tier freelancers in software engineering, design, and finance. Toptal rigorously vets applicants (only ~3% acceptance). Clients seeking highly skilled developers, designers, or finance experts can hire through Toptal’s matching service.

• Pros: Elite freelancers (often former Fortune 500 employees); project managed relationships; high trust and quality.
• Cons: Premium pricing; long-term or large projects are the norm; not suitable for entry-level tasksarc.dev.

19. Gun.io – A specialized marketplace for hiring vetted software developers and engineersgun.io. Gun.io handles sourcing and interviewing for you. It’s aimed at companies needing reliable coders for complex tech projects.

• Pros: Focus on software talent; manages recruitment and contracts; provides ongoing billing and compliance supportgun.io.
• Cons: More expensive than general freelancing sites; interview process can be involved.

20. Gigster – A platform for on-demand dev and software teams. Gigster uses an AI-driven process to assemble teams of engineers, designers, and product managers for custom software projectsgigster.com. It promises outcomes-based delivery (software done on time and budget).

• Pros: Handles entire dev process (from scoping to delivery); 50,000+ vetted experts in its network; AI-driven matchinggigster.com.
• Cons: High minimum budgets; geared towards larger projects; more like hiring an outsourced team than an individual contractor.

21. Codementor – Originally a mentor marketplace, Codementor also offers CodementorX, a platform for hiring freelance software developers. Clients post requirements and Codementor matches them with vetted programmers (often from the same global dev community).

• Pros: Rapid vetting; expertise across many languages; mentorship available alongside development.
• Cons: Quality varies by individual; fewer non-coding options.

22. Upwork Enterprise – (For completeness) Upwork’s higher-tier service for larger companies. Offers a managed team solution and streamlined compliance. (This is more an enterprise option on Upwork than a separate platform, but worth noting if hiring big teams through the site.)

• Pros: Dedicated account management; strict vetting; consolidated billing.
• Cons: For larger budgets only; still 10% platform fee on freelancers’ pay.

23. BELAY – A U.S.-based virtual assistant and bookkeeping service. BELAY provides highly trained assistants (and bookkeepers) on a long-term fractional basis. Assistants are W-2 employees and focused on administrative support, social media, project research, and moreboldly.com.

• Pros: Experienced, US-based assistants; agency handles matching and oversight; assistants have benefits (higher retention).
• Cons: Premium pricing (around $1,600+ per month)boldly.com; requires startup fee; contracts are longer-term.

24. Time etc – A virtual assistant service with US and UK staff. Clients can have a dedicated VA or assign tasks via their platform. Services include email management, scheduling, data entry, social media, and moreboldly.com.

• Pros: College-educated US/UK assistants; flexible plans with rollover hours; lower cost than some competitors.
• Cons: Best for light admin tasks; not ideal for specialized projects; no free trials.

25. Fancy Hands – A crowd-sourced VA service. Instead of one dedicated assistant, tasks are handled by any qualified agent in the network. Suitable for many small tasks (making calls, research, scheduling).

• Pros: Very affordable (plans start under $20/month)boldly.com; fast turnaround on simple tasks; no contract required.
• Cons: Work not done by a single assistant (lack of continuity); limited to short, one-off tasks (no deep projects).

26. Boldly – Premium remote staffing for executives and entrepreneurs. Offers highly experienced U.S. and Canadian assistants, marketers, and designers on a monthly subscription (40+ hours/month)boldly.com. The assistants are actual employees (W-2) with benefits.

• Pros: High caliber assistants (often ex-Fortune 500), thorough matching process; U.S./Canada-based; flexible support.
• Cons: Expensive ($3,000+/month for 40h)boldly.com; geared toward executives or high-demand clients.

27. Zirtual – A subscription VA service with U.S.-based assistants (and specialized VAs in areas like legal, bookkeeping)boldly.com. Clients get a dedicated assistant, with backup support for overflow. Tasks include scheduling, travel bookings, invoice prep, and research.

• Pros: Dedicated, vetted U.S. assistants; assistants can escalate tasks to specialized team; fixed monthly plans for set hours.
• Cons: Starter plans (12h/month) begin at ~$599boldly.com; assistants are shared (backup), so not 100% dedicated; minimum commitment.

28. WriterAccess – A U.S. content writing marketplace. Writers can join by application and then apply to client requests for blog posts, web copy, articles, etc. Writers advance through tiers (and pay tier-based fees on earnings) as they earn positive reviewsarc.dev.

• Pros: Focus on quality content (training and AI tools); tiered writer levels (higher pay for top writers); tools for managing workflows.
• Cons: Highly competitive for entry-level writers; platform takes ~30% commissionarc.dev; mostly content-focused (not for non-writing skills).

29. Scripted – A professional writing service. Clients submit a project brief and Scripted matches them with specialized writers (in fields like tech, finance, marketing). Writers are vetted and can earn bonuses.

• Pros: Emphasis on quality and subject-matter expertise; clients can rate writers; Scripted claims its writers earned over $1,000,000 in 2020 (indicating volume)scripted.com.
• Cons: Writers must apply and are approved to access jobs; limited to writing/editing only.

30. Verblio (BlogMutt) – A content creation platform (formerly BlogMutt). Businesses can post content needs and writers submit drafts. It’s mainly for blog content and SEO copy.

• Pros: Large network of SEO-savvy writers; subscription plans for ongoing content; includes editing services.
• Cons: Writers pay to join; may need significant editing on first drafts; again, writing-only platform.

Each of these platforms includes an external link above. When comparing them, consider category focus, pricing model (hourly vs fixed), and any vetting or quality features. Use the links to visit and verify current fees or policies, as platforms update regularly.

What Types of Freelancers Can You Hire Remotely?

Modern freelance platforms cover nearly every skill set. Common remote freelance workers you can hire include:

• Graphic & Creative Designers: Logo, branding, illustration, or web design. Platforms: 99designs, Dribbble, DesignCrowd, Fiverr, Upwork.arc.devarc.dev
• Web & Software Developers: Front-end/back-end developers, app programmers, DevOps, and database experts. Platforms: Toptal, Gun.io, Gigster, Upwork, Freelancer.com. These sites often vet or test tech skills, helping you find qualified coders for projects.
• SEO and Digital Marketing Specialists: Consultants for search engine optimization, content marketing, social media management, PPC advertising, and email campaigns. Many general marketplaces have categories for marketing (Upwork, Guru) or niche marketing sites. For example, Upwork’s “Digital Marketing” category and PeoplePerHour are rich with SEO and ad experts.
• Virtual Assistants & Admin Support: Remote admins, customer support reps, and data entry specialists. Services like BELAY, Time Etc, and Fancy Hands specialize in virtual assistant work. General sites (Upwork, Fiverr) also have large “Admin & Customer Support” sections. Remote assistants can handle scheduling, email, research, and billing.
• Content Writers & Editors: Blog and article writers, copywriters, technical authors, and editors. You can find talented writers on WriterAccess, Scripted, Fiverr (writing gigs), or specialized content sites. They can produce website copy, whitepapers, marketing materials, and translations. Freelance translators and multilingual specialists are also available on many of these platforms.
• Audio/Video/Media Professionals: Freelancers for video editing, animation, voiceovers, music production, and podcast editing. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Voices.com cater to media projects. (Voices.com specifically connects you with voice actors for projects like commercials and audiobooksarc.dev.)

In short, almost any expertise you need – from creative to technical – can be sourced through these platforms. Clients search by skill keywords or post detailed job descriptions, and freelancers worldwide bid or respond. Because work is remote, you can hire US-based or international talent, but many platforms allow filtering for freelancers in specific locations or time zones if needed.

Hiring Freelancers vs. Full-Time Employees: Which One is Right for You?

Deciding between hiring freelancers (independent contractors) and W-2 full-time staff involves weighing flexibility, cost, and legal factors.

• Cost & Overhead: Freelancers typically charge hourly or per-project rates. You pay only for work done, without covering benefits, taxes, or office space. Full-time employees earn salaries plus payroll taxes, healthcare, and other benefits.
• Flexibility: Freelancers are ideal for short-term projects, seasonal work, or specialized tasks. You can scale up or down quickly by hiring gig workers as needed. Full-time employees are better for ongoing needs and roles requiring deep company knowledge.
• Expertise: Many platforms match you with highly skilled freelancers for niche work. For example, Upwork and Toptal offer vetted experts in areas like software and designarc.devconsultport.com. If you only need a skill briefly, a freelancer is efficient. However, employees typically have loyalty and deeper investment in the company’s success.
• Legal & Tax Considerations: In the U.S., using independent contractors means issuing Form 1099 at year-end, while full-time hires get W-2s. The IRS warns that misclassifying an employee as a contractor can be costlyadp.com. 1099 contractors run their own business and handle their own taxesadp.com, whereas W-2 employees have taxes withheld and receive legal protections (overtime, unemployment insurance, etc.). Employers do not pay payroll taxes on contractors, but must ensure the worker truly meets the definition of an independent contractor. See ADP’s guide: “1099s typically refer to freelancers, contractors, consultants and other short-term jobs”adp.com.
• Control & Commitment: With employees, you have more control over how and when work is done. Contractors work autonomously. Freelancers can refuse tasks or terminate the relationship more easily. Also, 1099 contractors do not expect vacation or insurance benefits, unlike employees.
• When to Use Contractors: Many U.S. businesses hire independent contractors for project work or to test out a role. For example, bring on a freelance marketer to launch a campaign, or a developer to build a prototype. If the need becomes ongoing, you might then consider converting to a W-2 employee. Always document work scope and use written contracts to clarify that the freelancer is responsible for their own taxes and expensesadp.com.

In summary, hire freelancers when you need specialized, short-term, or flexible support with lower overhead. Choose full-time hires when you need stable, integrated team members and can invest in a long-term role. Remember: 1099 contractors require careful compliance (they should control how work is done) and typically cannot replace core staff doing daily business dutiesadp.com.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Freelancers?

Pricing models on freelance platforms vary by region, skill, and experience. Some factors affecting cost:

• Hourly vs Fixed Rates: Many contractors quote an hourly rate, while others prefer fixed bids for a project. Hourly can range from <$15 to $200+ depending on skill. For example, Upwork reports freelancers earn an average of about $21.80/hourfamewall.io (though this is a global average). Payoneer’s survey finds the global average freelance rate is about $21/hrpayoneer.com. High-end skills (software engineering, financial consulting) often command $100+/hr, while entry-level tasks (data entry, simple graphics) may be $5–$15/hr.
• U.S.-based vs Offshore: Hiring U.S.-based freelancers generally costs more than sourcing overseas talent. On U.S. platforms, you might pay $30–$100/hr for design or tech work; similar skills in lower-cost countries often bid for $10–$30/hr. Decide if you need US time-zone work or legal simplicity (1099 to US contractors) versus tighter budgets that offshore talent can offer.
• Platform Fees & Commissions: Nearly all freelance marketplaces charge fees. Upwork, for instance, takes 10–20% of each paymentconsultport.com. Fiverr takes 20%arc.dev. PeoplePerHour up to 20%consultport.com. Some platforms charge the freelancer’s fee to the client (others have membership plans). Always factor in these costs.
• Surveys and Reports: According to a Glassdoor and Payoneer surveys, freelance rates span wide ranges by field. Upwork’s own data shows projects can start at the platform minimum ($3/hr on Upwork) and go very high for expert work. On Deck (a startup) found U.S. freelancers (men) charge ~$75/hr on averageinvestors.upwork.com. Payoneer notes design and programming are popular but not the highest-paid fields (top rates go to fields like legal and marketing).
• Budgeting: If unsure, look at each platform’s listings to gauge going rates. Post a clear job description with your budget. Some clients start with a small test task to determine rates. For reference, freelance writers in the U.S. average around $82K/year on Glassdoor (roughly $40/hr)glassdoor.com. A graphic designer might earn $47K–$75K (as per user reports)glassdoor.com. Of course, freelancers set their own prices.

Useful strategy: Check multiple sources. Use Upwork’s rate guides (they list typical rates by categoryfamewall.io), Glassdoor salary data, and global reports like Payoneer’s to set realistic budgets. Also consider whether to pay hourly or a fixed price; hourly is safer for exploratory work, fixed for well-defined tasks.

Step-by-Step: How to Hire Freelancers Online Safely

Follow these best practices when hiring independent contractors through online platforms:

1. Define scope and budget: Clearly write what you need (e.g., “Redesign company logo,” or “Develop a WordPress site”) and how much you’re willing to spend. Include deliverables and a deadline. This helps freelancers give accurate quotes.
2. Post or browse profiles: On most sites you can either post a job request (clients create a posting) or search freelancer profiles. Review portfolios and specialties. Platforms like Upwork and PeoplePerHour let you sift by rating and skill.
3. Evaluate candidates: Look for relevant experience and strong portfolio samples. Read reviews from past clients. Check that freelancers have worked on similar projects. For technical roles, you may ask to see code examples or design mockups.
4. Use written contracts or escrow: Many platforms have built-in contracts or escrow services (e.g., Upwork Escrow, Freelancer Milestones). This protects both parties. Only release payment when each milestone is satisfactorily completed. If the platform has its own workroom (like Guru’s SafePay or Upwork’s Work Diary), use those. For off-platform hires, draft a contract specifying payment terms and IP ownership.
5. Onboarding and communication: Once hired, onboard the freelancer as you would an employee: share necessary resources (brand guidelines, tools access, Trello boards, etc.). Use collaboration tools: email, project management software (Trello, Asana, Jira), and regular meetings via Zoom/Slack. Set clear expectations for communication frequency (daily updates, weekly reports).
6. Check progress and pay fairly: Monitor the work against milestones. Provide feedback and revisions promptly. Pay promptly once work is accepted. Remember, long-term freelancers value clear and respectful communication as much as compensation.

By following these steps — defining needs, carefully vetting talent, and using secure payment methods — you can safely hire freelancers online. Leverage escrow or milestone systems and always maintain professional contracts (1099-based) for U.S. independent contractors. Proper onboarding and tools (Slack for chat, Google Drive for file sharing, Zoom for calls) ensure that even a remote freelancer feels integrated into your project team.