7 Best Truelancer Alternatives in 2024 (Compared)

Truelancer can be a promising platform for finding talent, but concerns about fake profiles, forced payments, and skewed ratings are leaving many employers feeling frustrated. If you're tired of sifting through questionable proposals and facing potential project delays, it's time to explore reliable alternatives that prioritize genuine talent, transparency, and client protection.

We've compiled a list of 7 Truelancer alternatives designed to connect you with real, skilled freelancers.

Our carefully curated selection prioritizes verified users, secure transactions, and transparent communication, empowering you to confidently find and collaborate with the perfect freelance partner for your needs. You’ll also find a table of comparison for a quick overview of Truelancer's competitors.

Best Truelancer alternatives in 2024

• Growmodo
• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Freelancer
• Toptal
• PeoplePerHour
• 99designs

Growmodo

Growmodo is a comprehensive design and development subscription-based platform offering unlimited graphic design and development requests, a dedicated project manager, and a team of experienced professionals. Ideal for businesses with frequent design and development needs who seek a seamless and cost-effective solution.

Growmodo Features

• Unlimited design and development requests
• A dedicated project manager
• Daily progress reports
• Transparent pricing
• Access to a curated team of designers and developers
• Fast Onboarding (24/47hours)
• Quick turnaround times

Growmodo Services

Here are the most popular services we offer.

Design

• UX/UI Design: We develop user-centric websites and apps with high conversion rates. Our team specializes in user flow optimization, wireframing, and conversion-focused UI design.
• Graphic Design: Easily get stunning brand identities, brochures, social media graphics, and packaging. 
• Video Editing & Motion Graphics: Bring your raw footage to life with captivating edits and engaging animations. Perfect for website intros or social media ads that grab your audience's attention.

If you’re in the middle of a website redesign project, check out our plan, and grab a free template.

Development

• Website & Landing Page Development: We have WordPress, Shopify, and Webflow experts who can build and customize your high-performing websites. We can also create a seamless eCommerce setup for your online store.
• Website Maintenance: Leave your website management to us. Our team will make sure your website runs smoothly and securely 24/7 with security updates, performance optimization, and content management.

Automation & Efficiency

• Zapier and Parabola Integration: You can streamline your workflow by automating repetitive tasks and connecting your favorite tools.
• Email Marketing Setup: Trust Growmodo to handle campaigns on ActiveCampaign, HubSpot, MailChimp, or Klaviyo, maximizing your reach and engagement.
• Custom Chatbot Development: You can personalize customer interactions with chatbots that capture leads, offer instant support, and enhance your efficiency.

SEO

• Title Tag & Meta Description Update: We will optimize your website's visibility by adding or updating title tags and meta descriptions.
• Image Alt Tag Update: Improve search engine rankings by adding or updating image alt tags.
• Fixing Technical SEO Issues: Enhance website performance, search visibility, and user accessibility by resolving technical SEO issues.

Growmodo Pricing

Growmodo's transparent pricing starts at $1795/month. This gives you unlimited design and development requests, revisions, a dedicated project manager, and daily progress reports. No hidden costs, no surprises, just predictable value. You can always scale the number of designers working on your project request if you need more hands on deck. 

Upwork

One of the most popular freelance marketplaces, Upwork offers a wide range of talent from all over the world. It has a user-friendly interface and a variety of features to help you find the right freelancer for your needs. Upwork presents itself as a platform that caters to both businesses and independent professionals but it may have a higher cost than some alternatives. And you have to be prepared to manage your projects individually. 

Upwork Features  

• A vast pool of experienced freelancers
• Enables posting projects and receiving proposals from qualified designers
• Detailed profiles and reviews
• A mobile app available for IOS and Android
• Secure payment system and project management tools

What we don’t like:

• Customer support can be unresponsive or unhelpful when you’re navigating platform-related issues or disputes

• Hiring freelancers will require a vetting process

Upwork Services

• Development & IT
• Al Services
• Design & Creative
• Sales & Marketing
• Admin & Customer
• Writing & Translation
• Finance & Accounting
• Engineering &Architecture

Upwork Pricing

Upwork is a free platform with no entry fees. You will have to pay a one-time contract initiation fee with your first payment to a freelancer of up to $4.95.

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These are the rates you can expect:

• Hourly Rates: Freelancers on Upwork set their hourly rates, ranging from $10 per hour to over $200 for top-tier professionals. The average hourly rate typically falls between $30 and $70
• Fixed-Price Projects: Projects with fixed budgets vary widely based on complexity, duration, and designer expertise. Basic graphic design jobs start at $50-$100, while extensive projects like e-commerce website development range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more

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Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that caters to diverse needs, from design, website creation, and illustration, to virtual assistance and admin services. It features detailed freelancer portfolios, with transparent ratings. The platform has various pricing models like hourly rates, fixed-price packages, and personalized quotes. However, the quality of work can vary depending on the chosen designer. You need to be sure to vet the designers and carefully communicate project details.

Fiverr Features

• A large freelance marketplace 
• Affordable micro-services
• Fast turnaround times
• A mobile app available for IOS and Android
• Direct hiring for specific projects 
• Flexible pricing options, ranging from hourly rates to fixed-price packages
• A secure payment system with escrow protection 

What we don’t like:

• Limited scope of services
• Not suitable for complex projects
• The quality of work can vary greatly 
• Requires extensive vetting

Fiverr Services

• Graphics & Design
• Digital Marketing
• Writing & Translation
• Video & Animation
• Music & Audio
• Programming & Tech
• Business
• Lifestyle
• Photography
• Al Illustration
• Social Media Design
• WordPress
• SEO
• Data Entry

Fiverr Pricing

Creating a profile and searching for designers is on Fiverr free.

• Hourly rates set by freelancers can vary widely, starting from $5 per hour to $200+ per hour, with an average falling between $20 and $50
• Fixed-price packages cover a range of services, with basic graphic design starting at $10-$20, while more intricate projects like logo design or website development can range from $100 to $500+ or even higher

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Freelancer

Freelancer is one of the pioneers in the freelance industry. It caters to individuals and businesses with diverse needs. There are two ways to find freelancers here, you can either post a project fixed-price and let freelancers bid for it, or create a contest where freelancers can submit their designs and you choose the winner. The platform has a variety of pricing options, including fixed-price and hourly rates.

Freelancer Features

• A large talent pool that spans globally 
• Detailed freelancer profiles with a Freelancer certificate displayed
• Project management tools both for freelancers and employers
• A mobile app with time tracking and project management features available both for IOS and Android
• A user-friendly interface
• An on-page chat feature that enables direct real-time communication with your selected freelancers
• Payment flexibility with a variety of options

What we don’t like:

• The platform can be overwhelming with so many freelancers to choose from
• Some profiles might be outdated
• The hiring process can be long and require careful screening 
• While user-friendly for basic use, navigating the interface for intricate tasks like tracking freelancer progress can be confusing  
• Some users are questioning the reliability of the tracking feature

Freelancer Services

• Websites, IT & Software
• Mobile App Development
• Writing & Content
• Design, Media & Architecture
• Data Entry & Admin
• Artificial Intelligence
• Engineering & Science
• Product Sourcing & Manufacturing
• Sales & Marketing
• Freight, Shipping & Transportation
• Telecommunications
• Education
• Business, Accounting, Human Resources & Legal
• Translation & Languages

Freelancer Pricing

Freelancer is free to use, but you will pay a percentage of the project value.

• For fixed-price projects: 3% of the project value or $3
• For hourly projects: 3% of each payment 

Here are the rates you can expect:

• Hourly rates on Freelancer can range from $15 to $50 per hour for mid-level freelancers, depending on experience and portfolio
• Freelance writers typically charge $30-40 per hour
• The average hourly rate ranges from $13.54 for data entry to $80.19 for a cinematographer
• Hourly projects on Freelancer incur a 10% project fee charged to freelancers

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Toptal 

‍Toptal is a global platform of freelancers where you can gain access to a carefully vetted pool of highly skilled contractors, this allows you to scale your workforce up or down as needed, adapting to specific project requirements. Toptal boasts access to the top 3% of freelancers, offering services in software development, design, web development, and more. You can hire freelancers based on hourly work or per project.

Toptal Features 

• Rigorous vetting process  
• High-quality talent sourced globally
• Account management, and project management tools
• A dedicated account manager
• User-friendly interface and efficient processes
• Flexible hiring options
• Secure payment methods

What we don’t like:

• Toptal's fees, aimed at both clients and freelancers, are significantly higher compared to similar platforms
• Limited talent pool
• Not suitable for small projects

Toptal Services

• Web development
• Software development
• Design
• Marketing, 
• Finance 
• Product management
• Project management

Toptal Pricing

When first starting there is a $500 deposit that is refundable on your first invoice.

• Developers typically charge $45-$80 per hour for full stack, and $40-$75 for front-end, and back-end development 
• Designers may charge $70-$150 per hour 
• Toptal invoices clients twice monthly 
• Hourly rates can exceed $200+ for premium jobs, with freelancers retaining 100% earnings 

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PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a freelance marketplace that allows you to set your own budget for projects. You can pay freelancers based on the time they dedicate to your project, which is ideal for tasks with unpredictable durations. There is also an option to set a budget upfront and receive bids from freelancers competing for the job. 

PeoplePerHour Features

• Transparent pricing and a secure payment system

• Bespoke service packages that you can buy directly from a freelancer profile

• The platform uses AI to connect you with freelance profiles that match your project requirements
• WorkStream provides a dedicated space for communication, file sharing, and project management with your chosen freelancer

What we don’t like: 

• Smaller talent pool compared to others, this is a less well-known platform
• While AI matching helps, you still need to thoroughly review freelancer profiles and portfolios before making a decision
• Hourly rates can fluctuate between freelancers
• Popular projects might attract numerous bids, requiring careful selection based on skills and experience

Services

• Technology & Programming
• Writing & Translation
• Design
• Digital Marketing
• Video, Photo & Image
• Business
• Music & Audio
• Marketing, Branding & Sales
• Social Media

Pricing 

• The hourly rates start at $8, and project offers begin at $10
• Freelancers typically charge $10 to $60 per hour for entry-level work, while experts charge $60 to $120+ hourly
• Buyers pay a service fee of $0.7 plus 10% for credit card and electronic payments

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99designs

99designs is a freelance marketplace that specializes in design projects, and custom graphic design services, including logos and websites. 99designs operates on a crowdsourcing model, allowing you to host design contests or work directly with designers. The platform offers various pricing models, and unique features like one-on-one projects and an AI-powered Logo Maker, it's a great option if you're looking for design work on a budget.

99designs Features 

• A large global network of freelancers
• Design contests where you can submit a design brief, and freelancers respond with their offers
• A direct hiring feature that allows you to hire designers directly
• A pre-made design store where you can buy in bulk
• Secure payment options
• A money-back guarantee

What we don’t like:

• Can be expensive depending on the contest or project
• Not suitable for complex design needs
• Projects may require multiple rounds of revisions

99designs Services

• Logo design & Identity
• Web design & App design
• Business & Advertising
• Clothing & Merchandise
• Art & Illustration
• Packaging & Label
• Book & Magazine

99designs Pricing

• Logo design pricing ranges from $299 to $1,299, with additional optional upsells 
• 1-to-1 projects involve a flat 5% platform fee for clients 
• Fixed-price packages start at $599, offering creative concepts from multiple designers and full copyright 
• Additional services like web page design start at $599

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What is the best Truelancer alternative?

Different platforms offer unique strengths and cater to different project types and budgets. 

For niche expertise, unlimited project requests, and exceptional project management consider Growmodo. For verified talent, one-time projects, and secure transactions Upwork, Toptal, and PeoplePerHour can be a good choice. For budget-conscious options, there’s Fiverr, Freelancer, and 99designs.

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Is Truelancer real or fake?

While Truelancer might not cater to every niche like some competitors, it still provides solid opportunities for popular fields like content creation, design, development, and digital marketing. 

The platform offers:

• Flexible bidding
• Milestone payments and escrow protection 
• Direct chat within the platform
• Organized workspace in the Work Diary

Some users reported that they found fake profiles on Truelancer. These profiles may be created by users who are not qualified to complete the work they are proposing to do. Others have been unable to get refunds from Truelancer after accepting a proposal from a fake profile.

It is important to be aware of these potential risks before using Truelancer. You should also be sure to understand the platform's refund policy before starting any work.

Here are some tips for staying safe on Truelancer:

• Carefully review the profiles of freelancers before accepting any proposals
• Look for reviews and ratings from other clients
• Be wary of freelancers who offer very low prices
• Do not pay for work in advance
• Use the platform's escrow service to protect your payments
• Report any suspicious activity to Truelancer

Make outsourcing easy with Growmodo 

Growmodo offers a one-stop solution for all your design and development needs. Expert teams, seamless communication, and unlimited project and revision requests. We offer:

• Fast hiring in 24-48 Hrs: Add team members with a click of a button
• Vetted experts: We find, manage & keep training the best talents we can find
• Fully-managed teams: Your dedicated project manager matches you with the right team members
• Daily progress reports: Stay in the loop on everything we worked on and completed for you

Book your free consultation with Growmodo today and we’ll make sure all your projects run smoothly.