The 10 Best Alternatives to 99Designs

99Designs is a popular platform for sourcing design work, but it might not work for everyone. It’s a wide world out there and there are many different freelancing platforms to suit differing needs. So if you’re stuck in a 99Designs rut, read on while we suggest some alternatives.

In this blog post, we’re unveiling the top 10 alternatives to 99designs. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or a business in search of exceptional design solutions, join us as we explore a diverse array of marketplace platforms. Let’s go!

What to Look for In 99Designs Alternatives?

When exploring alternatives to 99 Designs, it’s essential to review alternatives to make sure they have several key features before you switch platforms. Look for:

A broad range of design categories and services.
Access to highly skilled and specialized designers.
Flexible pricing options, including fixed-price projects and hourly rates.
Robust communication and collaboration tools to ensure seamless interaction with designers.
Transparent review and rating systems to help evaluate the quality of designers’ work and reputation.

By evaluating these factors, you can find the ideal 99Designs alternative to enhance your freelance career.

The Top 10 99Designs Alternatives

So let’s kick off our deep dive into the 10 best 99Designs alternatives for freelancers and clients. We’ll highlight the key pros and cons of each service to help you discover the next generation of freelancing solutions beyond 99Designs. Let’s go!

1. Twine

If you’re looking for a 99Designs alternative, Twine is a good place to start – it’s a marketplace with more than half a million freelance members! Twine helps businesses to link up with experts in all sorts of fields. It’s used and trusted by big companies and fresh startups alike. And with its easy-to-use platform and tons of talented professionals, Twine makes finding top-notch freelancers a breeze for bringing your projects to life.

Pros of using Twine:

Scale Your Team: Companies increasingly require teams of contractors rather than just one freelancer. Twine offers a solution that can scale from two freelancers to hundreds.
Quality Assurance: Twine rigorously vets job applicants, ensuring only top level talent gets through.
Free Job Posting: Unlike some other freelancing platforms, Twine allows businesses to post jobs for free.

Cons of using Twine:

Competition: Freelancers may face stiff competition from other talented professionals vying for the same projects, compared to other 99Designs alternatives.
Pro Tier: Some freelancer features are part of Twine’s Pro membership, which is a paid subscription service.
Limited Free Membership: Freelancers are limited to 15 job applications per month on the free Starter plan.

Why is Twine a better alternative to 99Designs?

Twine offers a more versatile alternative to 99Designs with its broader range of creative services beyond just design. While 99Designs specializes primarily in graphic design, Twine extends its offerings to include music production, animation, and more, making it a one-stop-shop for various creative projects. Additionally, Twine’s collaborative approach allows clients to work directly with freelancers, fostering stronger communication and creative synergy throughout the project lifecycle.

2. DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is a popular platform that specializes in crowdsourced design services. It provides businesses with access to a global community of talented designers who compete to create custom designs based on the client’s specifications. With a focus on graphic design, DesignCrowd offers businesses a diverse range of design solutions, including logos, branding materials, website designs, and more.

Pros of using DesignCrowd:

Crowdsourcing: DesignCrowd offers the opportunity to receive multiple design concepts from a pool of designers, giving you a variety of options to choose from.
Customization and Collaboration: Clients can interact directly with designers, providing feedback and requesting revisions to ensure the final design meets their exact requirements
Quality and Creativity: With access to a global network of designers, DesignCrowd delivers high-quality, creative designs that are tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Scalability: DesignCrowd can accommodate projects of various sizes and budgets, making it suitable for both small businesses and large corporations.

Cons of using DesignCrowd:

Higher Costs: DesignCrowd’s crowdsourcing model may result in higher costs, particularly for projects that require extensive revisions or multiple design concepts.
Time-Intensive Process: The design competition process on DesignCrowd can be time-consuming, as clients need to wait for designers to submit their concepts and provide feedback before selecting a winning design.
Limited Scope: While DesignCrowd excels in graphic design services, it does not offer a wide variety of freelance services, compared to other marketplace alternatives.

Why is DesignCrowd a better alternative to 99Designs?

DesignCrowd can be a viable alternative to 99designs due to its larger pool of designers and more diverse range of design services. DesignCrowd also offers a wide variety of design services, including logo design, web design, and even packaging design. Additionally, DesignCrowd’s competitive pricing and robust design contest model provide clients with more options and flexibility to choose the best design solution for their budget.

3. Upwork

When researching 99Designs alternatives, you might consider Upwork. It’s a leading online platform designed to connect freelancers with clients seeking various services, ranging from web development and graphic design to digital marketing and virtual assistance. With millions of registered users and a vast array of job categories, Upwork has established itself as a go-to destination for both freelancers and businesses looking to collaborate remotely.

Pros of using Upwork:

Greater Flexibility: Upwork can offer more flexibility in terms of project scope, duration, and pricing structures, allowing freelancers and clients to negotiate terms that best suit their needs.
Customized Hiring: Upwork allows clients to post detailed job descriptions and screen applicants based on specific criteria.
Project Management Tools: Upwork offers project management features, including time tracking, milestone tracking, and collaboration tools.

Cons of using Upwork:

Higher Fees: Upwork can charge higher fees for both freelancers and clients, as well as additional fees for premium features and services.
Competitive Environment: Upwork’s large talent pool can lead to increased competition among freelancers, making it challenging for new or less experienced freelancers to stand out.
Variable Quality: While Upwork offers access to a wide range of talent, the quality of work may vary, requiring clients to carefully vet freelancers and monitor project progress.

Why is Upwork a better alternative to 99Designs?

You should consider using Upwork as an alternative to 99designs due to its versatility and extensive talent pool. While 99designs specializes in graphic design, Upwork offers a wide array of services beyond design, including web development, marketing, writing, and more. This broader scope allows clients to find freelancers for various projects all in one place, saving time and effort.

4. Freelancer

Freelancer is a renowned platform in the world of freelancing, offering a vast marketplace where businesses and individuals can connect with skilled professionals across various industries. Whether you’re a freelancer seeking new opportunities or a business looking to outsource projects, Freelancer provides a platform to facilitate these connections efficiently. It’s a real contender in the world of 99Designs alternatives.

Pros of using Freelancer:

Flexible Pricing: Freelancer provides more flexibility in pricing, enabling freelancers to set their rates based on project requirements and their level of expertise.
Bidding System: Freelancer operates on a bidding system where freelancers can submit proposals for projects, giving them more control over the projects they choose to work on.
Opportunity for Long-term Relationships: Freelancer facilitates the development of long-term relationships between freelancers and clients, fostering ongoing collaborations beyond individual projects.

Cons of using Freelancer:

Competitive Environment: Freelancer’s bidding system can create a highly competitive environment where freelancers need to constantly bid on projects to secure work, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Fee Structure: Freelancer’s fee structure, including membership fees and project commission rates, may be higher compared to other marketplaces, affecting freelancers’ overall earnings.

Why is Freelancer a better alternative to 99Designs?

Depending on your needs, Freelancer can be a better alternative to 99Designs due to its versatility and extensive range of services. While 99Designs primarily focuses on graphic design projects, Freelancer offers a broader array of freelance opportunities, spanning various industries and skill sets. Clients can find freelancers for not only design but also development, writing, marketing, and more on Freelancer’s platform. This diversity provides clients with greater flexibility and ensures they can find the right talent for any project.

5. Toptal

Toptal is a premier platform that connects businesses with top freelancers in various industries, including design, development, finance, and project management. Unlike traditional freelance marketplaces, Toptal rigorously screens its freelancers to ensure they possess exceptional skills and expertise, making it an ideal platform for businesses seeking high-quality talent for their projects. For these reasons it can make a great alternative to 99Designs for freelancers.

Pros of using Toptal:

Top-tier Talent: Toptal boasts a curated network of elite freelancers who undergo a comprehensive screening process.
Customized Matchmaking: Toptal matches businesses with freelancers based on specific project requirements, ensuring an efficient hiring process.
Dedicated Support: Toptal provides dedicated support throughout the entire project, including project management and dispute resolution.
Focus on Quality: Toptal prioritizes quality over quantity, guaranteeing businesses receive deliverables of the highest standard.

Cons of using Toptal:

Higher Costs: Toptal’s premium services come at a higher cost compared to 99Designs, making it less accessible for businesses with limited budgets.
Limited Scope: Toptal primarily focuses on high-end projects and specialized skill sets, which may not be suitable for businesses with smaller-scale or more generalized needs.

Why is Toptal a better alternative to 99Designs?

Toptal can be a great alternative to 99Designs primarily due to its focus on elite talent and personalized matching. While 99Designs offers a wide pool of designers for graphic design projects, Toptal specializes in curating a network of top-tier professionals across various disciplines, including design, development, and finance. Clients on Toptal benefit from a rigorous screening process that ensures they’re matched with highly skilled experts who can deliver exceptional results.

6. Fiverr

When it comes to the best 99Designs alternatives, we can’t leave out Fiverr. Whether you need a logo, a website, or a jingle for your latest project, Fiverr has a massive pool of freelancers ready to tackle any task you throw their way. It’s a virtual marketplace where you can shop for any service you might need, making it one to consider when looking for 99Designs alternatives.

Pros of Using Fiverr:

Variety: Fiverr has thousands of freelancers offering services in over 300 categories.
Affordability: Fiverr’s pricing is often more budget-friendly compared to other 99Designs competitors. You can find gigs starting as low as $5, making it accessible to freelancers and businesses of all sizes.
Flexibility: Freelancers on Fiverr set their own prices and work schedules, giving you the freedom to find someone who fits your budget and timeline.
Easy Communication: Fiverr’s messaging system makes it simple to communicate with freelancers, share files, and discuss project details all in one place.

Cons of Using Fiverr:

Quality Varies: While Fiverr boasts a wide range of talent, the quality can be hit or miss. It’s important to thoroughly vet freelancers before committing to a job.
Service Fees: Fiverr takes a cut of every transaction, which can add up, especially for larger projects.
Limited Control: Since freelancers set their own work schedules, you may encounter delays or difficulty getting revisions done in a timely manner.

Why is Fiverr a Better Alternative to 99Designs?

Fiverr presents a better alternative to 99Designs for several reasons. Firstly, Fiverr offers a broader range of services beyond just design, including writing, programming, and marketing, making it suitable for diverse project needs. Secondly, Fiverr’s platform allows clients to browse through portfolios and reviews of individual freelancers, enabling them to find the right fit based on their specific requirements and budget. Additionally, Fiverr’s pricing structure often provides more flexibility, with options for fixed-price services as well as hourly rates.

7. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a popular platform designed for freelancers to showcase their skills and connect with businesses in need of various services. With its user-friendly interface and extensive range of categories, PeoplePerHour provides freelancers with ample opportunities to find work and businesses to hire skilled professionals for their projects.

Pros of using PeoplePerHour:

Customized Project Listings: PeoplePerHour allows businesses to create custom project listings tailored to their exact requirements, making it easier to find the right freelancers for their projects.
Quality Control: PeoplePerHour has a rigorous vetting process to ensure the quality of freelancers.
Flexible Pricing: PeoplePerHour offers flexibility in pricing, allowing freelancers to set their rates based on the complexity of the project and their expertise.

Cons of using PeoplePerHour:

Limited Project Scope: PeoplePerHour may have a more limited scope of projects compared to Toptal, especially in certain niche categories.
Higher Competition: Due to its focus on specialized services, PeoplePerHour may have higher competition among freelancers, making it more challenging to stand out and secure projects.
Fee Structure: PeoplePerHour’s fee structure, including commission rates and membership fees can be higher, affecting freelancers’ overall earnings.

Why is PeoplePerHour a better alternative to 99Designs?

PeoplePerHour caters to a wider range of project types beyond just design, including writing, marketing, and programming, offering greater versatility for clients. Secondly, PeoplePerHour’s platform allows clients to directly negotiate project terms with freelancers, providing more flexibility in pricing and project scope. Additionally, PeoplePerHour’s transparent rating system and verified freelancer profiles ensure greater trust and reliability in hiring.

8. Skyword

Looking for a comprehensive solution to your content creation needs? Enter Skyword, where businesses and freelancers come together to create compelling narratives and drive engagement. With its vast network of talented professionals, Skyword simplifies the process of finding quality freelancers and managing projects efficiently.

Pros of using Skyword:

Specialized Expertise: Skyword focuses on content marketing, providing access to a network of skilled writers, designers, and content strategists.
Quality Assurance: The platform employs rigorous vetting processes to ensure that freelancers have the necessary expertise.
Extra Support: Skyword offers additional services such as content strategy consultation, helping clients develop effective content marketing plans.
Integrated Workflow: Skyword provides tools and features for seamless collaboration between clients and freelancers.

Cons of using Skyword:

Limited Scope: Skyword specializes in content marketing, so it may not be suitable for projects requiring other skills.
Higher Costs: Skyword’s focus on quality and expertise might come with higher rates compared to more generalized freelance platforms.

Why is Skyword a better alternative to 99Designs?

If you’re after content creation and storytelling, Skyword may be a better alternative to 99Designs. While 99Designs focuses primarily on graphic design, Skyword offers a broader range of services, including copywriting, content strategy, and multimedia production. This diversity allows businesses to access a wider pool of creative talent and fulfill their content needs more comprehensively.

9. SolidGigs

SolidGigs is a go-to platform for freelancers seeking high-quality projects and clients looking to hire. With a curated selection of opportunities spanning various industries, SolidGigs streamlines the process of finding and securing freelance work.

Pros of using SolidGigs:

Curated Jobs: SolidGigs provides curated job listings, saving freelancers time by presenting only high-quality opportunities.
Development Resources: The platform offers resources like courses, templates, and guides to help freelancers enhance their skills.
Personalized Recommendations: SolidGigs uses algorithms to match freelancers with relevant jobs based on their skills and preferences.
Community: Freelancers on SolidGigs can connect with each other, share advice, and collaborate.

Cons of using SolidGigs:

Limited Job Selection: Compared to larger freelance marketplaces, SolidGigs may have a limited selection of job opportunities.
Membership Fee: SolidGigs requires a subscription fee for access to its curated job listings and resources.
Competition: As SolidGigs aims to connect freelancers with high-quality clients, competition for available jobs may be more intense.

Why is SolidGigs a better alternative to 99Designs?

SolidGigs offers a superior alternative to 99Designs by providing freelancers with a curated selection of high-quality projects across various industries. Unlike 99Designs, which primarily focuses on design contests, SolidGigs offers a diverse range of opportunities, including design, writing, marketing, and more. With its subscription-based model, SolidGigs ensures that freelancers have access to a consistent stream of well-paying gigs, eliminating the need to participate in competitive contests.

10. Guru

Guru is a popular platform for both freelancers and businesses to collaborate on projects. Guru offers several stand out features for the freelancing industry, including a safe pay system, collaborative work rooms, and flexible payment agreements. It’s one to consider if you’re after a 99Designs alternative.

Pros of Using Guru:

Secure Payments: Guru’s SafePay system ensures freelancers and clients are satisfied before funds are released.
Flexible Payments: Guru allows users to choose between hourly rates, fixed prices, recurring payments, or task-based payments.
Collaboration: WorkRooms provide a centralized space for freelancers and clients to collaborate, share files, and track project progress in real-time.

Cons of Using Guru:

Higher Commission: Some may find Guru’s commission rates to be higher than other platforms.
Limited Quality Control: Unlike platforms with stringent vetting processes, Guru may have a less rigorous quality control system, leading to variability in the quality of freelancers’ work.

Why Is Guru a Better Alternative to 99Designs?

Guru can potentially be a better alternative to 99Designs due to its versatile platform catering to a wide range of freelance services beyond just design. While 99Designs focuses primarily on graphic design contests, Guru offers a diverse array of skilled professionals across various industries, including IT, marketing, writing, and more. This broader scope allows clients to find experts for a multitude of projects, from web development and content creation to business consulting and beyond.

Final Thoughts:

And there you have it! Those were our top 10 alternatives to 99Designs. Whether you’re a designer looking for a new platform to showcase your skills or a business in need of creative solutions, there’s something out there for everyone. So go ahead, explore your options, and find the perfect fit for your design projects. Happy designing!

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