11 Upwork Alternatives That Speed Up Your Hiring Process
Upwork has been a go-to platform for hiring freelancers, but it’s not always the fastest option. Between posting jobs, sifting through dozens of proposals, and waiting for responses, the process can drag on longer than you’d like. If you need to fill a position quickly without sacrificing quality, there are several platforms built specifically for speed. This list covers eleven alternatives that help you connect with talented professionals faster, whether you need a writer, developer, designer, or virtual assistant.
- Legiit
Legiit takes a different approach by letting freelancers create pre-packaged services you can buy immediately. Instead of posting a job and waiting for bids, you browse ready-made offerings from vetted professionals. This works especially well for digital marketing services like SEO, content creation, social media management, and link building.
The platform attracts specialists who know their worth and present their services clearly. You can read reviews, compare options, and make a purchase in minutes. For recurring needs, many sellers offer subscription packages that save even more time on future projects.
- Toptal
Toptal screens freelancers rigorously before accepting them, claiming to approve only the top three percent of applicants. This strict vetting process means you won’t waste time interviewing unqualified candidates. When you submit a project request, Toptal matches you with suitable talent within 24 hours.
The platform specializes in developers, designers, and finance experts for complex projects. While rates run higher than average, the time saved on screening and the reduced risk of a bad hire often justify the premium. Toptal handles the initial matching, so you can start working with a qualified professional almost immediately.
- Guru
Guru offers a WorkRoom feature that centralizes all project communication, files, and payments in one place. This streamlined workspace helps projects move faster because nothing gets lost in email threads or scattered across multiple tools. Freelancers can showcase detailed portfolios, making it easier to assess their fit quickly.
The platform also allows you to invite specific freelancers to quote on your project, bypassing the open proposal process entirely. If you find someone whose work you like, you can reach out directly and often get started within hours. Guru’s interface emphasizes clarity and organization, which keeps projects on track once they begin.
- Contra
Contra eliminates platform fees entirely, which attracts high-quality freelancers who might skip other marketplaces. The commission-free model means professionals keep their full rate, making them more responsive and motivated. The platform feels more like a professional network than a traditional freelance marketplace.
Freelancers create detailed profiles with portfolios, and you can reach out directly without posting jobs or waiting for proposals. The messaging system is straightforward, and many freelancers respond within hours. Contra works particularly well for creative projects like branding, web design, and content strategy where you want to connect with someone whose style matches your vision.
- Hubstaff Talent
Hubstaff Talent is completely free for both clients and freelancers, with no fees or commissions on either side. This zero-cost structure attracts a steady stream of professionals looking to avoid platform cuts. You can browse profiles by skill, location, and hourly rate, then contact candidates directly.
The straightforward search and filtering tools help you narrow down options quickly. Since there’s no formal proposal system slowing things down, you can message multiple candidates and often hear back the same day. The platform works best when you know exactly what you need and can evaluate candidates efficiently on your own.
- We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely functions as a job board rather than a bidding platform, which fundamentally changes the hiring timeline. You post a position, and interested freelancers or contractors apply directly. Because the site attracts remote workers actively looking for opportunities, response rates tend to be high and fast.
The platform draws serious professionals who prefer straightforward job postings over competing for bids. You’ll often receive applications within hours of posting, especially for in-demand roles like software development or product management. The application process feels more like traditional hiring but with the speed and flexibility of the freelance world.
- CloudPeeps
CloudPeeps focuses specifically on marketing, content, and community management roles. This narrow focus means the talent pool is smaller but highly relevant if you need these skills. Every freelancer on the platform goes through a vetting process before being accepted, saving you screening time.
The matching system connects you with pre-approved professionals based on your project requirements. You can review candidates and schedule calls quickly, often starting work within a few days. The platform also offers a concierge service where CloudPeeps staff help you find the right match, further accelerating the process for busy hiring managers.
- PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour lets freelancers create fixed-price offers called Hourlies, similar to pre-packaged services. You can browse these offerings and purchase them instantly without negotiating or waiting for custom proposals. This works well for clearly defined tasks like logo design, article writing, or website audits.
For larger projects, you can still post a job and receive proposals, but the Hourlies feature provides the fastest path to getting work done. Many freelancers respond to messages quickly because the platform emphasizes fast turnarounds. The dual approach gives you flexibility while maintaining speed when you need it most.
- Gun.io
Gun.io specializes in placing software developers and focuses heavily on speed and quality. The platform pre-vets all developers and maintains relationships with them, so matching happens quickly. When you submit a request, Gun.io typically presents qualified candidates within 48 hours.
The screening process includes technical assessments and background checks, which you would otherwise need to conduct yourself. This upfront work means you can trust the candidates presented and move to the interview stage immediately. Gun.io works particularly well for startups and companies that need development talent fast but can’t compromise on skill level.
- Freelancer
Freelancer offers a feature called Recruiter that assigns a dedicated staff member to find candidates for you. Instead of reviewing proposals yourself, the recruiter screens applicants and presents only the most qualified options. This service costs extra but can cut your hiring time significantly.
The platform also supports contests where multiple freelancers submit work, and you choose the best result. This approach works well for design projects where seeing finished examples helps you decide faster than reviewing portfolios and proposals. Freelancer’s large user base means you typically receive responses quickly, even for niche skills.
- Working Not Working
Working Not Working curates a community of creative professionals including designers, art directors, copywriters, and strategists. The membership model means only serious professionals join, and the quality bar stays high. You can browse portfolios and reach out directly to people whose work matches your needs.
The platform displays availability status, so you immediately know who can start quickly. Many members keep their profiles updated in real time, which eliminates the common problem of contacting freelancers who are already booked. The direct messaging system and transparent availability make it easy to connect and start projects within days rather than weeks.
- Bark
Bark flips the typical freelance model by having service providers come to you. When you describe your project, Bark sends your request to relevant professionals who then reach out if interested. You receive multiple responses quickly, often within hours, and can compare options side by side.
The platform covers a wide range of services beyond typical freelance work, including local services, so it’s particularly useful if you need someone who can work on-site or in a specific location. The response-based system means you’re only talking to people who are available and interested, which eliminates much of the back-and-forth that slows down other platforms.
Speed matters when you’re trying to fill a position or complete a project on a tight deadline. These eleven platforms each solve the speed problem in different ways, from pre-packaged services to curated talent pools to direct messaging systems. The right choice depends on what you’re hiring for and how involved you want to be in the selection process. Try a few options that match your needs, and you’ll likely find one that consistently delivers qualified professionals faster than traditional freelance marketplaces. The time you save on hiring means you can focus more energy on the actual work and less on the search.
Recent Comments