Top 7 Freelancing Websites in The Philippines

Educated and competent youth in The Philippines is increasing. However, opportunities in the local corporate world are not rising with the same ratio, leaving a majority of competent professionals settling for below-par roles or unemployed.

This shifts their attention to freelancing, the option that does not follow usual boundaries or limitations and allows skillful people to maximize the benefits of their skills. With Filipino freelancers generating millions, there’s no doubt about the industry's potential and the skillsets of Filipino freelancers.

There is a wide range of freelancing websites in The Philippines that they can surf on and determine the right platform for themselves. In this article, we uncover the top 7 freelancing websites in The Philippines to help you find the right fit for your skills. But before we do that, let’s see what are some of the most in-demand freelancing skills globally.

Top 5 In-Demand Freelancing Skills

The world of freelancing is very diverse with clients looking for all kinds of skillsets and professions to hire from. The high demand of skill can vary from platform to platform. However, there are some skills that have been in very high demand all around in 2024 and will continue to remain top of the list in coming year. Here is the list of top 5 most in-demand skills in the freelancing industry.

Data Analytics

Individuals capable of managing and interacting with big data and interpreting decisions based on the information gathered have a very high demand in the freelancing industry.

Full-Stack Development

Developers with strong grip over back-end and frontend modules and capability to deliver with diverse set of programming languages is something always needed.

Social Media Marketing

Generating ideas, running paid ads, driving organic growth and keeping the brand relevant on multiple social media platforms is vital to business success in the modern world. This makes social media marketing a very valuable skill and keeps marketers high on the demand list.

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Startups and small businesses usuall avoid hiring full-time accountants. Therefore, hiring them on hourly basis works best for more businesses which drives there demand high in the freelance industry.

Graphic Design

While tools and platforms evolve, graphic design continues to remain an evergreen skill. The ability to create meaningful graphics is vital to any business and therefore it remains a highly valued skill in the freelance industry.

Now that you know the most in-demand skills, let’s see what are some of the top platforms where you can sell your skills and make a living.

7 Top Freelancing Websites Used in The Philippines

Many freelance platforms are now popular in The Philippines for generating business for freelancers nationwide. Each platform operates uniquely, and it is up to you to determine which works for you. Some platforms are more renowned for gigs on specific skill sets than others. Let’s dig deeper into each of these platforms and see what they have to offer.

Upwork

Upwork is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in freelancing websites in The Philippines. It has been around for over a decade and is home to millions of Filipino freelancers. Upwork is ideally known for bigger, lengthier projects leading to long-term relationships between clients and freelancers. Upwork uses a currency specific to the platform called Connects. You must purchase these Connects and use them to apply for jobs. The number of Connects required for each job can vary, but it ensures that people thoughtfully apply for each job and that no clients are bombarded with applications.

This also ensures that you will compete with real contenders and that your application will be less likely to be lost among thousands of others. You can also see the number of applications a job has so you can decide if it is too late to apply and if there are already too many competitors. Upwork is also renowned for its payment protection services, which offer security to both the client and the freelancer. The platform is very competent and has high-value projects, so if you are up for the challenge, this could be the path to kickstarting your new career.

Some of the most in-demand skills on Upwork are data analytics, full-stack development, social media marketing, accounting, and general virtual assistance.

Fiverr

Fiverr is another popular freelancing platform in The Philippines. Because of its simplicity and wide range of services, it is ideally known for simpler, smaller projects. Unlike Upwork, Fiverr does not require platform-specific currencies like Connects. Instead, freelancers, known as 'sellers,' create ,gigs, showcasing the services they offer, and clients, or 'buyers,' can directly purchase these gigs or request custom offers.

You create a ‘gig’ that looks like a thumbnail to sell your services. You can pair it up with keywords to match a potential client’s search. Clients then look for their ideal freelancer through these gigs and reach out to the one that suits them best.

While this is relatively less effort, sometimes you do nothing for days just waiting for a client to appear. You can always pay to promote your gig to appear higher in clients' search results.

As you grow and gain experience on Fiverr, your rank evolves. You start as a 'New Seller' and can go as far as 'Top Rated Seller' based on performance and client reviews. This system allows you to charge your per-hour rate according to your skill level. It also allows clients to differentiate according to skill and budget when searching.

Payment protection is also a key feature of Fiverr, ensuring secure transactions and reducing the risk of non-payment for freelancers.

Some of the most in-demand skills on Fiverr include graphic design, content writing, digital marketing, video editing, and website development.

Also Read: Top 7 Freelancing Websites in Bangladesh

Freelancer

Another well-established freelancing platform in The Philippines is Freelancer. Similar to Upwork, Freelancer allows freelancers to bid on projects posted by clients. However, instead of using a system like Connects, freelancers receive a limited number of free bids each month. They can also purchase additional bids if they wish to.

This platform also offers various membership plans that you can get to avail additional benefits on your profile; these include more bids, the ability to highlight bids, and increased visibility to clients.

Freelancer also boasts a payment protection system through its milestone payments. This ensures that freelancers get paid for their work, as clients deposit payments in advance, which are released upon successful completion of project milestones.

The platform hosts various projects, from small tasks to long-term contracts, making it a versatile choice for freelancers with different skill levels. Some of the most in-demand skills on Freelancer include web development, mobile app development, SEO, graphic design, and data entry.

Freelancer is ideal for Filipino freelancers looking to expand their reach. It offers a competitive environment where freelancers can showcase their skills and secure meaningful projects with global clients.

Toptal

Toptal is a highly reputed freelancing platform in Fiverr. Unlike platforms like Freelancer, Toptal prides itself on connecting clients with the top 3% of freelancers worldwide. This platform is highly selective, requiring freelancers to go through a rigorous screening process that includes skill assessments, interviews, and test projects to ensure only the best talent is accepted.Toptal primarily caters to highly skilled professionals in fields such as software development, design, project management, and finance. This makes it an excellent choice for freelancers with extensive experience and expertise in their respective domains.

Unlike platforms where freelancers bid on projects, Toptal matches freelancers with clients directly based on their skill sets and the client's requirements. This ensures a streamlined process where freelancers can focus on delivering quality work rather than competing for projects.

The platform also offers flexibility in terms of work arrangements, allowing freelancers to choose between short-term, long-term, or hourly contracts. Payments are processed through a secure system, and freelancers can expect competitive rates due to the platform's premium client base.

For Filipino freelancers, Toptal provides an excellent opportunity to work with top-tier clients, including Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups.

PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour provides freelancers with a straightforward way to connect with clients worldwide. Like other platforms, PeoplePerHour allows freelancers to create profiles, showcase their portfolios, and bid on projects posted by clients.PeoplePerHour operates on a bid-based system, where freelancers receive a limited number of free bids each month and can purchase additional bids if needed. Freelancers can also choose from different membership plans that offer various benefits, such as more bids, premium placement in search results, and reduced fees on payments.

One of PeoplePerHour’s key features is its wide variety of payment options. Depending on the project's nature, freelancers can set up work agreements on a fixed-price, hourly, task-based, or recurring basis. PeoplePerHour also ensures payment security through its escrow system, where clients fund projects upfront, and payments are released after milestones or tasks are completed.

Some of PeoplePerHour’s most in-demand skills include programming, design, writing, marketing, and administrative support.

OnlineJobs.PH

OnlineJobs.ph is a platform designed to connect Filipino professionals with international employers, focusing primarily on remote and long-term employment opportunities. Freelancers can create detailed profiles showcasing their skills and experience, while employers can browse profiles or post job openings. Unlike bidding-based platforms, freelancers don’t compete for projects but instead attract clients through well-crafted profiles. The platform specializes in roles such as virtual assistance, content writing, SEO, web development, customer service, and graphic design. Employers pay a subscription fee to access freelancer profiles, ensuring only serious job postings. Payments are handled directly between freelancers and clients, typically using PayPal or Wise, allowing flexibility in terms.

A standout feature is the ID Proof system, which assigns credibility scores to freelancer profiles, helping them secure jobs more effectively. Additionally, skill assessments are displayed to attract employers. Exclusively targeting Filipino professionals, OnlineJobs.ph creates a tailored environment where freelancers can thrive in stable, long-term roles rather than short-term gigs. It’s an ideal platform for Filipino freelancers looking to establish sustainable careers with international clients.

99Designs

99Designs specializes in creative services like graphic design, logo creation, branding, and illustration. Unlike general freelancing platforms, 99Designs is tailored specifically for designers and businesses looking for high-quality design work.

Freelancers on 99Designs can secure projects in two primary ways:

Design Contests: Clients launch contests, and freelancers submit their work. The client selects the winning design, and the chosen freelancer receives payment.
Direct Work: Freelancers collaborate one-on-one with clients who browse profiles and portfolios to hire them.99Designs offers tiered memberships (Entry, Mid, and Top Level), determining visibility and credibility. Payments are secure, with clients depositing funds upfront.

For Filipino freelancers, 99Designs offers a chance to connect with global clients, focusing on design-specific projects that build portfolios and generate competitive earnings.

Freelance Career Gets Better With Elevate Pay

Now that you have manifested your desire to earn USD, you must also consider a payment solution that makes the whole process seamless. Elevate Pay is the ultimate payment solution at this stage of your journey.

While many solutions are available, there’s not one that is tailor-made for Filipino freelancers and also offers a free USD account. With Elevate Pay, you get a free USD bank account from Bangor Savings Bank. More importantly, it gives you the best FX rates in the market and the lowest fees for sending money home.

When you earn, you want to save your funds in USD without having to convert them and protect your hard-earned money from inflation. With Elevate Pay, you can keep your earnings in USD for as long as you wish.

Create your account now in three easy steps by downloading the app on iOS or Android.

Conclusion

A freelancing career might seem complicated to start. It may take you months to find your first job. But the adrenaline of that first income from home will drive you through to keep struggling and launching a successful career. In the beginning, you have to make the right decisions, such as creating a profile and portfolio that looks professional and choosing the right freelance platform.

Freelancing websites in The Philippines and the insights shared above can really help you shape your decision. Knowing how each platform works will allow you to make an informed decision about which platform you want to use to start this roller coaster journey.