Freelance Platforms for B2B Services: Comparison 2026
Not all freelance platforms serve enterprise needs—compare pricing, vetting, enterprise features, and transparency to pick the best fit for project or full-time hiring.
The rise of freelancing has transformed hiring, with businesses increasingly relying on platforms to connect with skilled professionals. By 2027, freelancers are expected to make up 50.9% of the U.S. workforce, and in 2026, platforms like Upwork, Toptal, Fiverr Business, and Scale.jobs are catering to enterprise needs with unique strengths.
- Upwork: Known for quick hires (average 3 days) and robust project management tools. Offers access to top 1% talent with its Expert-Vetted program.
- Toptal: Focuses on elite professionals (top 3%) through a rigorous screening process. Ideal for high-budget, technical roles.
- Fiverr Business: Simplifies hiring with fixed-price Gigs and enterprise features like compliance tools and team collaboration.
- Scale.jobs: Targets full-time hiring with a flat-fee pricing model, human-powered application management, and real-time updates.
Each platform has distinct pricing models, features, and use cases, making it easier for companies to find the right fit for their hiring strategies. Below, we break down how these platforms compare in terms of cost, enterprise offerings, and transparency.
Best & Worst Freelancing Platforms of 2024 (upwork, fiverr, peopleperhour, toptal, guru, etc)
1. Upwork
Upwork stands out as a global hub for freelance talent, connecting businesses with professionals across more than 180 countries. With 145,000 clients spending at least $5,000 annually, the platform has cemented its position as a leader in B2B freelance services. Its ability to facilitate quick hires for tight deadlines, combined with clear pricing and enterprise-level offerings, underscores its appeal.
Fees and Pricing
Upwork's pricing is tailored to different tiers of service. For Marketplace clients, there’s a one-time contract initiation fee ranging from $0.99 to $14.99, along with a service fee of up to 7.99%. U.S. clients using ACH bank transfers enjoy a reduced fee of 3%. Business Plus clients pay a 10% service fee (or 8% with ACH) and an additional $4.99 fee for fixed-price contracts under $100. Unlike subscription-based platforms, Upwork charges per contract rather than requiring monthly fees, making it a flexible choice for businesses with varying hiring needs.
Enterprise-Level Services
Subscribers to Business Plus gain access to Expert-Vetted talent - the top 1% of professionals who have undergone rigorous evaluations of both technical and interpersonal skills. Talent Specialists provide curated shortlists within two business days, streamlining the hiring process. For larger organizations, Upwork Enterprise offers managed services, including dedicated account management, with pricing available through custom quotes. Additional services like Upwork Payroll and Any Hire ensure compliance and worker classification for both on-platform and off-platform hires.
Transparency and User Experience
Upwork employs an escrow system to hold project funds until clients approve milestones or logged hours, ensuring fairness for both parties. Built-in tools like time tracking, automatic invoicing, and integrated communication features (including Zoom and direct messaging) simplify project management. The platform also prioritizes security, meeting PCI DSS Level 2 standards and offering features like Single Sign-On (SSO), multi-factor authentication, and session timeouts.
Tools and Features
Upwork's AI assistant, Uma, helps enterprise clients streamline hiring by drafting job posts and managing workflows, saving valuable time for teams handling multiple roles. The platform’s badge system highlights top talent, including Rising Talent for newcomers, Top Rated for the top 10%, Top Rated Plus for the top 3%, and Expert-Vetted for the top 1% in specific fields. Shared WorkRooms foster team collaboration, and the built-in dispute resolution system addresses conflicts efficiently.
With its comprehensive features and user-friendly design, Upwork sets a high standard for freelance platforms, making it an essential point of comparison against other leading services.
2. Toptal
Toptal focuses on connecting businesses with the top 3% of freelance talent through a rigorous five-step screening process. By leveraging human-powered matching, the platform ensures clients are paired with freelancers who meet their specific needs.
Fees and Pricing
Toptal requires a $500 refundable deposit and a $79 monthly search fee. Additionally, clients pay a 40–60% markup on freelancer invoices, while freelancers themselves are not charged any service fees. Hourly rates for freelancers typically range from $60 to over $250, reflecting the platform's focus on high-caliber professionals. Payment options include credit cards, U.S. bank transfers (ACH), bank wires, and PayPal, offering flexibility for clients.
Enterprise-Level Services
Toptal specializes in six key areas: Web Development, Design, Management Consulting, Project Management, Product Management, and Marketing. Clients undergo a thorough application review to ensure their expectations and needs align with the platform's offerings. Businesses benefit from a two-week risk-free trial period - if a freelancer doesn’t meet expectations, clients are not charged, and Toptal will provide a replacement. For freelancers, the onboarding process is extensive, taking up to five weeks and including English fluency evaluations, technical assessments, and live problem-solving tasks.
Transparency and User Experience
Toptal provides dedicated project managers for clients, ensuring ongoing support and a streamlined process. Freelancers, on the other hand, receive personalized guidance from talent advisors. Unlike other platforms, Toptal eliminates bidding wars; instead, freelancers are presented with curated opportunities tailored to their skills and experience. Contract options include hourly, part-time (20 hours/week), and full-time (40 hours/week) agreements, giving both businesses and freelancers the flexibility to match their project needs.
Tools and Features
Toptal’s payment system simplifies financial transactions with options like direct bank connections and the Toptal Pay Prepaid Card. Freelancers also benefit from professional development resources, such as financial support for certifications, coaching programs, and networking events. Additionally, the TopVolunteer™ program allows freelancers to participate in volunteer work while staying connected to their professional community. These features underscore Toptal's commitment to delivering a streamlined and enriching experience for both clients and freelancers.
3. Fiverr Business
Fiverr Business stands out from platforms like Upwork and Toptal by using a fixed-price Gig model. This approach simplifies hiring by eliminating lengthy negotiations and offering transparent, upfront pricing for services.
Fiverr Business, now incorporated into Fiverr Pro and Fiverr Enterprise, allows businesses to browse pre-packaged services with clear deliverables and costs. Instead of posting jobs and waiting for proposals, companies can quickly find and hire freelancers, saving time and effort in the process.
Fees and Pricing
Fiverr charges a 5.5% service fee on all transactions, with an additional $3.50 fee for orders under $100. If you spend at least $1,000 annually, you qualify for Fiverr Pro Essential, which is free and includes access to vetted talent along with a 25% discount on sourcing services. For larger companies, Fiverr Pro Advanced is priced at $129 per month. It includes perks like a dedicated Business Success Manager, document management tools, and worker classification audits.
The platform also offers a rewards program: Silver tier members earn 5% back in credits on orders over $350, while Gold and Platinum members receive 5% back on all orders. These features make Fiverr Business appealing for organizations looking for cost-effective solutions paired with enterprise-level benefits.
Enterprise-Level Services
Fiverr Enterprise caters specifically to large companies managing global freelance teams. This service supports compliance, budget tracking, and workforce classification to minimize legal risks. Fiverr Pro provides access to the top 1% of vetted freelancers - only about 1% of applicants pass its rigorous screening process.
In Q3 2024, Fiverr reported over $99 million in goods sold, with 65% of its core marketplace revenue coming from repeat buyers. The platform’s AI tool, Neo, enhances order conversion rates by matching clients with freelancers who fit their project needs, making it a powerful solution for businesses.
Why scale.jobs Wins:
- Personalized, human-powered application management vs. Fiverr’s automated Gig selection
- ATS-optimized resumes and cover letters compared to fixed deliverables
- One-time flat fees and dedicated WhatsApp support vs. transaction-based fees
- Real-time proof-of-work screenshots and refunds for unused credits vs. standard tracking tools
- Reverse recruiters managing complete job searches vs. Fiverr’s pre-packaged services
Transparency and User Experience
Fiverr’s Gig model provides clarity and transparency. Each service listing specifies what’s included, the delivery timeline, and pricing across Basic, Standard, and Premium tiers. With over 4 million active buyers in 160 countries and a Net Promoter Score of 79 out of 100, Fiverr has built a reputation for reliability. For projects that don’t fit standard Gig formats, buyers can request custom offers to create unique milestones and pricing.
This transparent structure is complemented by advanced tools that make project management seamless for businesses.
Tools and Features
Fiverr Pro Advanced members gain access to team collaboration tools, bulk ordering options, and priority support. The platform integrates with popular tools like Slack, Asana, and Trello, enhancing workflow efficiency. Fiverr also uses a merit-based seller level system (Level 1, Level 2, Top Rated) to help businesses quickly identify skilled and reliable freelancers based on success scores, ratings, and earnings.
For companies prioritizing legal compliance, the Pro Advanced tier includes identity verification and worker classification audits, reducing risks tied to large-scale freelance operations. With its fixed-price Gig model and enterprise-grade tools, Fiverr Business demonstrates how platforms are evolving to meet the needs of modern businesses.
4. scale.jobs
scale.jobs stands out from platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and Fiverr Business by focusing on full-time job seekers and supporting companies with internal hiring needs. Instead of connecting freelancers to short-term projects, scale.jobs uses a reverse recruitment model, helping businesses build their internal teams and streamline the hiring process.
Fees and Pricing
scale.jobs operates on a straightforward flat-fee pricing system, starting at $199 for 250 applications - no subscriptions, no commissions. The Standard tier is priced at $299 and includes 500 applications along with two human assistants. For those requiring more, the next tier offers 1,000 applications for $399. At the top end, the Ultimate Bundle costs $1,099, featuring 1,000 applications, two human assistants, AI-customized resumes, a personal recruiter, resume reviews, and LinkedIn profile optimization.
This pricing approach is a sharp contrast to platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, which often charge percentage-based fees or commissions. With scale.jobs, the flat-fee structure ensures clarity and predictability for users.
Transparency and User Experience
scale.jobs prioritizes transparency by providing real-time updates via WhatsApp and time-stamped proof-of-work screenshots for every application. This means clients can easily track progress without navigating complicated dashboards. Plus, unused credits are refundable - a feature rarely seen on similar platforms.
Human assistants on the platform manually handle applications across various portals, from corporate ATS systems to niche job boards. This personalized approach includes a 24-hour turnaround for custom resumes and cover letters tailored to specific job postings. This hands-on service is particularly helpful for companies managing outplacement programs or internal mobility initiatives.
Tools and Features
scale.jobs offers a range of free tools designed to simplify the job search process. These include an ATS resume checker, cover letter generator, job application tracker, salary predictor, interview question predictor, and even a portfolio website generator. These tools are especially useful for HR teams supporting employees during layoffs or career changes.
For those looking to enhance their recruiting efforts, the AI Assistant Pro tier provides unlimited AI-generated resumes, cover letters, and interview responses. However, the platform’s standout feature is its human-powered application process. Trained virtual assistants handle the entire job search workflow, saving job seekers an estimated 20+ hours per week. This allows users to focus on networking and preparing for interviews, making scale.jobs a reliable choice for enterprise-level hiring needs.
Platform Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses
Freelance Platform Comparison 2026: Upwork vs Toptal vs Fiverr vs Scale.jobs
Here's a closer look at how different platforms cater to B2B hiring needs, highlighting their unique strengths and potential drawbacks.
Upwork shines in project management with features like milestone tracking, automated invoicing, and integrated Zoom calls. Their Uma AI assistant simplifies drafting proposals and job posts. Clients pay a 5–10% service fee along with a one-time contract initiation fee ranging from $0.99 to $14.99. For enterprise clients, the Business Plus tier offers curated talent shortlists from the top 1% of freelancers.
Toptal focuses on quality through its rigorous vetting process and human-powered matching, completely bypassing the bidding system. Clients benefit from dedicated account managers and a two-week trial period. However, the 40–60% markup makes Toptal the most expensive option, reflecting its premium service and quality assurance.
Fiverr Business operates on a subscription model, with its Pro Advanced plan priced at $129 per month. This tier includes enterprise-grade compliance features like Business Success Managers, worker classification audits, and document management tools. Buyers also pay a 5.5% transaction fee on purchases. While ideal for companies prioritizing compliance and structured workflows, the ongoing subscription costs may not suit everyone.
scale.jobs takes a different approach, focusing on full-time hiring rather than freelance projects. It offers a flat-fee structure starting at $199 for 250 applications, with no additional commissions or subscriptions. Human assistants handle manual application submissions across platforms and provide real-time updates via WhatsApp, along with time-stamped proof-of-work screenshots. Unused credits are refundable, making this model particularly suitable for businesses managing outplacement programs or internal mobility efforts, where cost predictability and transparency are crucial.
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of enterprise features, pricing models, and best use cases for each platform:
| Platform | Pricing Model | Enterprise Features | Transparency Tools | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | 5–10% fee, $0.99–$14.99 initiation | Business Plus tier, Uma AI, curated top 1% talent | Desktop time tracker, milestone escrow, Zoom integration | Project-based work with management tools |
| Toptal | 40–60% markup | Account managers, two-week trial periods | Human-powered talent matching, weekly freelancer payments | High-budget projects needing premium talent |
| Fiverr Business | 5.5% fee, $129/month Pro Advanced | Success managers, classification audits, document management | Background checks, team collaboration features | Compliance-focused enterprise needs |
| scale.jobs | Flat-fee ($199–$1,099) | Human assistants, reverse recruitment model | WhatsApp updates, proof-of-work screenshots, credit refunds | Full-time hiring and internal team building |
This breakdown highlights the varying approaches and features each platform offers, helping businesses choose the best fit for their specific hiring needs.
Conclusion
When it comes to enterprise hiring, each platform brings its own strengths, catering to different business needs and priorities.
Upwork Business Plus stands out for enterprises juggling diverse B2B demands. Its access to a curated pool of top-tier talent, combined with built-in project management tools, makes it a strong fit for large-scale operations with varied hiring requirements.
For businesses focused on high-stakes technical roles, Toptal leads the way. Its rigorous screening ensures only elite professionals make the cut, and while the premium pricing reflects this exclusivity, it also includes dedicated account management and unmatched expertise.
Fiverr Business is a go-to for companies managing creative or short-term projects, especially those needing compliance and structured workflows. The Pro Advanced tier offers enterprise-level features, though the combination of subscription and transaction fees may require careful budgeting for high-volume needs.
When hiring for full-time roles, scale.jobs provides a refreshingly straightforward approach with its flat-fee model. Unlike commission-based competitors, scale.jobs uses human assistants to oversee the entire application process, offering real-time updates and documented proof-of-work - perfect for businesses seeking clear, predictable costs for full-time hires.
The best choice ultimately depends on your hiring strategy and budget. With projections showing that freelancing will make up 50.9% of the U.S. workforce by 2027, selecting the right platform to match your quality standards and cost expectations is key to efficiently securing top B2B talent.
FAQs
How do freelance platforms compare in terms of pricing models?
Freelance platforms come with a variety of pricing models, often based on transaction fees or subscriptions. For instance, Upwork charges freelancers a percentage of their earnings, typically ranging from 5% to 10%, while Fiverr takes a larger cut at 20%. On the other hand, platforms like Toptal cater to high-end clients, offering premium services with no upfront fees but higher overall costs.
In comparison, scale.jobs operates on a straightforward flat-fee model tailored for job seekers. Their plans range from $199 to $1,099 and include features like ATS-optimized resumes, personalized application management with human assistance, and real-time updates. With no recurring subscriptions or commission-based charges, this model offers a clear and budget-friendly option, particularly for those targeting full-time positions or high-level opportunities.
What are the advantages of using a human-powered job application service like scale.jobs?
Using a job application service like Scale.jobs comes with several clear benefits that set it apart from typical automated platforms.
First, it provides a highly personalized experience. Trained virtual assistants and reverse recruiters take charge of tasks such as crafting ATS-friendly resumes, writing tailored cover letters, and ensuring applications are submitted on time. This hands-on approach not only makes the process smoother but also improves your chances of landing interviews.
Second, Scale.jobs stands out for its transparency. You’ll receive real-time updates through WhatsApp, complete with time-stamped proof of every submission. This feature offers unmatched clarity and keeps you informed about your job search progress - something automated systems often fail to provide.
Finally, the service operates on a straightforward, flat-fee payment model. There are no recurring subscriptions or hidden commissions, making it a budget-friendly option. Whether you’re dealing with visa complexities or aiming for senior-level roles, Scale.jobs offers customized, stress-free support that saves time and delivers results.
What is the best platform for hiring top-tier freelancers for high-budget technical projects?
For technical projects with substantial budgets, Toptal stands out as a leading option thanks to its rigorous vetting process. By selecting only the top 3% of freelance professionals, Toptal ensures access to highly skilled experts, making it a go-to platform for specialized, high-stakes assignments that demand premium expertise.
Unlike platforms like Upwork, which cater to a broad spectrum of skill levels and budgets, Toptal zeroes in on high-caliber clients and projects. This focus allows freelancers to set higher rates, aligning seamlessly with the expectations and needs of high-budget technical roles.
