Comparison
Fiverr vs Upwork: Which Is Better in 2026?
Updated: October 24, 2026 · WorkIsThere
Fiverr and Upwork are the two largest global freelance platforms, but they work differently: on one you sell packages, on the other you apply to projects. We compare them on costs, model and language, alongside Workana and WorkIsThere, the options built for Latin America.
Quick answer
Fiverr suits one-off, fixed-price services; Upwork suits longer or hourly projects with US clients. Fiverr keeps 20% of every sale; Upwork charges 0% to 15% per contract plus Connects to apply. Both are English-oriented. WorkIsThere offers projects and proposals in Spanish with 0% fees.
Quick comparison
The four platforms side by side, with public data from October 2026:
| Platform | Model | Cost for the freelancer | Cost for the client | To apply | Main language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | Packaged services (gigs) | 20% per sale | 5.5% + USD 3.50 under USD 200 | You don't apply: you list gigs | English |
| Upwork | Projects and proposals | 0% to 15% per contract | 5% + contract initiation (USD 0.99 to 14.99) | Connects (USD 0.15 each) | English |
| Workana | Projects and proposals | 20% to 5% depending on billing + plans | 4.5% | Limited proposals without a plan | Spanish and Portuguese |
| WorkIsThere | Projects and proposals | 0% | 0% | Free: 4 per week + 2 per job | Spanish, Portuguese and English |
The core difference: gigs or proposals
On Fiverr the freelancer sets up a storefront: you list services with a price and delivery time, and the buyer chooses. It costs nothing to “apply”, but you depend on the search algorithm and your reviews to be seen.
On Upwork, Workana and WorkIsThere it's the other way around: the client posts what they need and you send a proposal with your price. It's better for custom or long projects, because you can quote case by case. On Upwork each proposal costs Connects; on WorkIsThere it's free.
How much you keep on each: USD 500
The same USD 500 job on each platform, with a new client:
| Platform | Freelancer receives | Client pays |
|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | USD 400 | USD 527.50 |
| Upwork (10% fee) | USD 450, minus Connects | USD 525 + contract initiation |
| Workana | USD 420 | USD 522.50 |
| WorkIsThere | USD 500 | USD 500 |
When Fiverr is better and when Upwork is
Fiverr is better if your service can be packaged (a logo, a short video, a voice-over, a simple landing page) and you want buyers to come to you. Upwork is better if you do custom projects, hourly contracts or long relationships with US companies, and have solid English.
On both, costs are high and competition is global. That's why many Latin American freelancers add a regional platform: Workana, with a tiered fee, or WorkIsThere, with no fees.
Payment protection: what changes with WorkIsThere
Fiverr, Upwork and Workana hold the client's money in escrow and release it when the delivery is approved; part of their fee pays for that service. WorkIsThere doesn't process payments: client and freelancer agree on the method (bank transfer, Mercado Pago, Pix, PayPal, Payoneer, Wise…). In return, nobody takes a cut. To work with peace of mind, split the project into deliveries, ask for a deposit and check ratings.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Fiverr or Upwork?
Which is better, Fiverr or Upwork?
It depends on your service: Fiverr for fixed-price packages, Upwork for custom or hourly projects. If you want 0% fees and clients from Latin America, WorkIsThere.
Which charges more, Fiverr or Upwork?
Which charges more, Fiverr or Upwork?
Fiverr keeps a flat 20%; Upwork charges 0% to 15% depending on the contract, but adds Connects to apply. Both also charge the client.
Are Fiverr and Upwork available in Spanish?
Are Fiverr and Upwork available in Spanish?
Fiverr has a Spanish version, Upwork doesn't; on both, most clients work in English. WorkIsThere works in Spanish, Portuguese and English.
Can I use Fiverr, Upwork and WorkIsThere at the same time?
Can I use Fiverr, Upwork and WorkIsThere at the same time?
Yes. It's common to have a profile on several platforms; just follow each platform's rules with the clients you met there.