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    Upwork

Upwork

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Overview

Upwork has a rating of 2.5 stars from 2,119 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Upwork most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and job success problems. Upwork ranks 6th among Freelancing sites.

  • Service
    477
  • Value
    459
  • Shipping
    253
  • Returns
    289
  • Quality
    453

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Positive reviews (last 12 months): 15.8%
Positive
3
Neutral
0
Negative
16
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270
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How would you rate Upwork?
Top Positive Review

“Unlocking Freelance Opportunities with Upwork”

पपीता म.
4/23/24

Upwork has been my trusted platform for finding freelance opportunities and connecting with clients from around the world. The platform's vast network of clients and freelancers, comprehensive job listings, and secure payment system make it easy to find meaningful projects and build a successful freelance career. I appreciate Upwork's commitment to transparency and professionalism, as seen in its dispute resolution process and feedback system, which ensure fair and equitable transactions for both parties. Moreover, the platform's collaboration tools and communication features enhance teamwork and streamline project management. With Upwork, freelancing is not just a job—it's a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Date of experience: 4/22/24
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Top Critical Review

“Not worth it”

P X.
9/10/24

Business practices are arbitrary and unfair with the cost for freelancers of doing business on the site constantly increasing and various services and perks taken away. Not worth it for freelancers--and clients don't fare much better.

Date of experience: 9/10/24
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Reviews (2,119)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (91) freelancing platform (135) credit card (22) customer support (44) payment protection (24) freelancing site (80) bank account (20) freelancing career (25) post jobs (16)
Thumbnail of user imranm64
Bangladesh
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 15th, 2022
Verified purchase

Upwork is a blessed platform for me. I've made my freelance career with Upwork. I'm really happy with their management and worldwide work opportunities. Not only clients, freelancers are also now benefited when pandemic starts.

Date of experience: May 13, 2022

Thumbnail of user teresaa232
Indiana
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 6th, 2020

As a full-time freelancing Voice Talent, Upwork is one of my favorite platforms for offering my services through! Your success on the platform depends on the level of commitment of the seller. Any issues I've had with projects or technical questions were handled promptly and I was treated like a person, not a worker-drone like I'm made to feel on other platforms. Upwork gives a lot of freedom to the buyers and sellers to run their business and work with the people that best suits their preferences without overly worrying about stats and traffic. As long as you are offering quality work, deliver on time, have a great consistent work ethic and pair those qualities with good customer service, Upwork is a great place for you too!

Tip for consumers:
If you are new, trying to get your first job, consistent action every day will go a long way to help you find success!

Products used:
I work with Upwork to provide my services as a freelance voice talent. I spend anywhere from $14.99- $40 a month in connects and make $100's (and sometimes $1000's) a month from just Upwork. AMAZING R.O.I.!!!

Service
Value
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: July 6, 2020

Thumbnail of user miroslavd2
Serbia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 27th, 2020

A site-platform where you can look for associates, colleagues and future companies... globally all over the world. Start your business and always be up to date with events, market demand. Of course with the competition -challenge

Date of experience: July 27, 2020

Thumbnail of user annab944
Utah
1 review
8 helpful votes
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January 20th, 2021

I love Upwork! Love it. I was new to freelancing when the pandemic hit, but I had to do something to make ends meet. Not only have I met amazing clients and increased my hourly rate over time, but I have payment protection that other sites don't offer. I know I'll get paid for my work. They even have features you can use to filter for like client's payment is "verified" or their rating from previous freelancers out of 5 stars.

Tip for consumers:
Put in the work and send out as many proposals as you can. Worth it!

Products used:
Freelancer, using their medium to get clients/contracts

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: January 19, 2021

Thumbnail of user kumnegert
Ethiopia
1 review
14 helpful votes
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October 14th, 2020

Before joining Upwork, 8 months back, I never thought that skilled experts like me, who live in developing countries, can join the global workforce just because of where we are located.
Upwork has proved me wrong. By joining Upwork not only I have benefited from better earnings but also my service benefited clients all across the globe and that makes me a lot proud of myself and I'm thankful of Upwork for that.
Working remotely has become the new tradition, and Upwork has the best team and platform to ensure anyone from anywhere work everywhere!

Date of experience: October 14, 2020

Thumbnail of user oscarp137
DO
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 17th, 2021

Upwork is good for freelancers with beginning, intermediate or advanced skills in a particular area. There are jobs that require minimum expertise as well as more skillful jobs. It's definitely been worth it for me

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: March 16, 2021

Thumbnail of user jeanb619
VE
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 22nd, 2021

In less than two weeks I got three jobs!, Upwork helps new freelancers who have completed their profile and portfolio, it has excellent tools such as the phone and desktop application, the technical support is attentive and fast, it has been a very pleasant experience.

Date of experience: February 20, 2021

Thumbnail of user candiceo18
South Africa
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 26th, 2021

I have been an Upwork freelancer since 2016 but I have been working consistently as a freelancer/independant consultant for the last 6 months and I am able to make my full-time income from home and online. I have worked with amazing clients who are all doing such good things in this world and I really enjoy the platform.The Upwork platform is user friendly, they provide an exceptional service pairing skills and talent with clients. They really have the best interests of the freelancer and the client at heart. Very communicative and their customer service teams respond promptly, they guide you along the way and ensure you get paid for the work you do.

Tip for consumers:
Follow the rules and read the terms and conditions thoroughly.

Products used:
The freelancer premium profile and have purchased additional connects.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: March 26, 2021

Thumbnail of user russa35
Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 22nd, 2021

I've been using the Upwork platform for around seven years now, and have seen constant evolution in their product offering, which has proven refreshing. Uptime is excellent and I've worked on some really great contracts through the platform. The time tracking app is easy to use and the system takes all of the hassle out of invoicing as they take care of the billing side of things. It takes a while to get established, but is an invaluable part of my life now.

Tip for consumers:
Stick with it, it takes time to develop a client base!

Products used:
Freelancing platform

Service
Value

Date of experience: April 22, 2021

Thumbnail of user carolannew2
Montana
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 1st, 2020

While it did take time to establish myself on Upwork (almost a year), I find it to be a solid freelancer site with plenty of opportunity. It has nice features like payment protection through Escrow, Talent Specialist coaching, and the time tracker tool.

An area for improvement is the steep service fee (20% for the first $500 per client, 10% thereafter). I think fees for this service should be in the 7-8% range, especially with the financial toll of the pandemic hitting hard this year.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: December 1, 2020

Thumbnail of user razan1
Pakistan
1 review
2 helpful votes
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March 24th, 2021

Being a freelancer i tried several platforms but did'nt got success then finally when i started working on upwork i feel so good that its beyond my expectations, their criteria is so good that you never experience scam on this platform because of their policies, and their dispute option is just awesome means even if you frustrate from any client then they will help freelancers to get the reward if they worked well with client. So I highly recommend to all freelancers to use upwork platform for better earnings.

Date of experience: March 24, 2021

Thumbnail of user ramila5
Philippines
1 review
2 helpful votes
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June 30th, 2021

Upwork has provided reliable and professional source of talent to meet my business needs. For short term and even long term requirements, I have always found amazing talents to work on my processes.

Of course this is no miracle solution. The key is meticulously reviewing and interviewing freelancers to best suit your business principles. It's the same with regular hiring. Upwork just makes it easier and faster.

Tip for consumers:
Make sure to take time analyzing freelancers' past projects and reviews.

Products used:
Freelancer services

Date of experience: June 30, 2021

Thumbnail of user joannet197
Sri Lanka
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 25th, 2021

Upwork is good for freelancers to find clients from all over the world. There are lots of opportunities for interesting and varied work. You might have to submit quite a lot of proposals to get going but I have not had to buy any 'connects' yet. The increased service fee of 20% feels too high so I can't give 5 stars. The website is easy to use and had many useful features.

Date of experience: May 24, 2021

Thumbnail of user santiagoh28
VE
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 6th, 2021

I have been using Upwork for almost 4 years and since I started I have not stopped getting a lot of work, this platform connects me with many clients and has helped me in my development as a freelancer. If you want to start as a freelancer, look no further, Upwork.com is the right place. Upwork supports freelancers, I am currently a "Top Rated" freelancer which brings more advantages such as faster withdrawals and the badge that helps us to have more credibility in our profile.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: April 6, 2021

Thumbnail of user marufa2
Bangladesh
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 20th, 2020

How much I love UpWork I can not express in a few line. Since 2013 I started my career with oDesk and I love this platform from that time till now. Hope our relation will remain alike present forever. Thank you so much!

Date of experience: November 19, 2020

Thumbnail of user maricrisn
Philippines
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 18th, 2021

Upwork has been a great platform for a working mom like me. Especially when the pandemic started, It took me months to look for a job that will allow me to stay only at home; working safely while taking care of my son. Upwork gives a lot of opportunities and you don't need to worry about your security as a freelancer because they make sure that you are secured, not only your identity but your salary and job are also secured by Upwork's rules and guidelines. I always recommend this platform to my friends especially to those who want to work at home.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: April 18, 2021

Thumbnail of user obaydulh1
Bangladesh
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 12th, 2021

Upwork is the best freelance marketplace, where Clients and professionals get connects to each other. There are no non-skilled or, non-professional freelancers who can give services. So, All clients and professional freelancers work in an amazing marketplace environment.

Tip for consumers:
Please be skilled and be professional to stay connected in this marketplace. Also, provide your legit information about yourself.

Products used:
Digital product. As like graphics design, web developments, etc.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: March 12, 2021

Thumbnail of user kashifa24
India
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 14th, 2021

Upwork is a best freelancing platform and simple to use. Upwork's terms and policies are in favors of both freelancers and clients. Upwork helps talents showing their skills, hard work & experience, It's great to start freelancing or as a Client on Upwork where we can have an opportunity to prove yourself. Upwork keeps on improving as time goes and becoming great place for the talents across the globe. I'm grateful to Upwork, Upwork helped me to earned even the during the most difficult time (pandemic). I would glad to highly recommended Upwork to everyone!

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: January 13, 2021

Thumbnail of user nuwanbhaggyam
Sri Lanka
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 1st, 2021

Upwork is very helpful for freelancers to provide service in many categories to clients all around the world.
I could recognize new creative solutions when I work for multiple clients from different nations, also it's a great opportunity to improve individual talents.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: July 31, 2021

Thumbnail of user monicaa126
Mexico
1 review
12 helpful votes
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May 7th, 2020

I've been a freelancer for exactly one year now, and it has been an excellent experience. Every question I have ever had, has been accurately answered. Great customer support, everything is clear upfront and excellent place to work as a freelancer. Although I know there are other platforms that charge less, I prefer Upwork, since the quality of the clients are higher and more professional.

Date of experience: May 6, 2020

Thumbnail of user sergeym50
Uzbekistan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 23rd, 2020

Upwork is great place to work remotely. It gives everything you need to find jobs, communicate with customers, track your progress, make reports and get paid. I've been working through Upwork for 5 years and very happy with the service. Customer support is responsive and willing to help. On the other hand, working remotely is not for everyone and it is not easy. I guess it might be hard to get started, because of the high competition and other top-level freelancer with higher ratings... Well, live is not easy. That's the fact. Believe in yourself and you will succeed!

Date of experience: July 23, 2020

Thumbnail of user mosiurr1
Bangladesh
1 review
22 helpful votes
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November 24th, 2020

I come from a poor family. Paying college bills was not possible for us. So I took a year off and learned web development. Then I started freelancing on upwork. Surely there was bad clients and good ones. It took a lot of hard work at first. But without upwork it would've been impossible to continue my study. Without upwork, I would be working as a labourer on the corner a factory. Thank you Upwork.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: November 24, 2020

Thumbnail of user ricardog130
El Salvador
1 review
14 helpful votes
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August 13th, 2020

Living in a country with a high rate of violence is difficult, finding a job is not only difficult due to job competition, but it must also be taken into account if one will travel through areas controlled by organized crime to get to work from home and when returning. Upwork was the solution to this dilemma, now I not only plan to continue working with them, I also organize free campaigns and seminars teaching others how to join Upwork and get ahead in work.

Tip for consumers:
try to keep a small group of clients that you work with on a recurring basis

Products used:
Hourly and fixes price contracts

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: August 12, 2020

Thumbnail of user nazmulh19
Bangladesh
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 2nd, 2020

It's a great experience with Upwork. I really love to because they have wonderful payment protection, support, and of-course echo friendly interface! If you are professional and have solid skills then no doubt, just go with Upwork!

Date of experience: November 2, 2020

Thumbnail of user pankajg29
India
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 13th, 2021

I find Upwork provides quite an exclusive platform for freelancers to establish themselves in providing a host of services to clients who post mostly relevant and qualitative jobs. The tools developed by Upwork to keep a control on entry of freelancers and allowing only credible ones to join is helping the platform earn a reputation of quality delivery. The practice of awarding badges related to milestones also help the freelancers in creating a differential and a niche for themselves, which further strengthens there efforts for more contracts. All in all the platform stands out amid a rather crowded market place for such freelancing work.

Date of experience: August 12, 2021

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