9 Best Freelancing Platforms for App Developers in Australia

When it comes to finding the best freelancing platforms to hire remote mobile app developers or connect with skilled app developers in Australia, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some platforms are worth your time and effort, while others may leave you feeling frustrated. To help you navigate through the crowded freelancing landscape, here’s a breakdown of some popular platforms, highlighting the pros, cons, and fees associated with each.

Comparison table of The Best & Worst Freelancing Platforms of 2024 (upwork, fiverr, peopleperhour, toptal, guru, etc)

1. Upwork: A Platform with Mixed Feelings

 

Upwork is often seen as the granddaddy of freelancing platforms, providing access to over 150,000 active core clients. It’s a platform that many app developers in Australia use to get started, but it comes with some caveats.

• Pros:

  • Diverse job opportunities: Whether you’re into app development, mobile app design, or even legal consultation, there’s something for everyone.
  • Large client base: With such a vast number of clients, the potential to find work is high.

• Cons:

  • Overwhelming competition: You’ll be competing with over 18 million other freelancers, making it challenging to stand out.
  • Confusing bidding system: The bidding process can be complicated, and freelancers need to purchase “connects” to apply for jobs.
  • Fees: Upwork charges a flat 10% fee on all earnings, which can quickly add up.

Verdict:

Upwork is best suited for beginner app developers looking to gain experience. However, as you progress and build your portfolio, you may find better opportunities elsewhere.

2. PeoplePerHour: Confusing and Costly Fees

Launched in 2007, PeoplePerHour is another established platform for mobile app developers in Australia. While it boasts a significant number of clients, it also comes with heavy competition and a confusing fee structure.

• Pros:

  • 1 million clients: Not bad for those looking to expand their reach.

• Cons:

  • High fees: With a tiered system starting at 20% for the first £250 earned per client, the fee structure is difficult to navigate.
  • Customer service issues: Users often report difficulties in resolving issues with customer service.
  • Intense competition: With over 3 million freelancers, the competition is stiff.

Verdict:

PeoplePerHour falls into tier five due to its high fees and confusing structure, making it a platform to avoid unless you’re desperate for work.

3. Fiverr: Great for New App Developers

Fiverr is a unique freelancing platform where app developers can set their own prices, offering various packages for clients. It’s a fantastic place for beginners to get their feet wet.

• Pros:

  • 5 million yearly buyers: This gives app developers access to a large potential client base.
  • Package pricing: Allows freelancers to offer services as a package rather than charging hourly, making it easier to manage client expectations.

• Cons:

  • High fees: Fiverr charges 20% on all earnings, including tips, which can be discouraging for many.
  • Low pay: Due to the nature of the platform, clients often expect lower prices.

Verdict:

Fiverr is a solid option for beginners looking for their first few gigs. However, as your skills grow, you might want to shift to platforms that offer higher pay. Fiverr goes into tier three.

4. TopTal: Exclusive, High-End Clients

TopTal stands for “Top Talent,” and it lives up to its name by accepting only the top 3% of freelancers. If you’re an experienced mobile app developer in Australia, this is the platform for you.

• Pros:

  • High rates: Freelancers can expect to charge around $80 an hour or more.
  • Serious clients: Clients must place a $500 deposit, ensuring they’re serious about their projects.

• Cons:

  • Highly exclusive: Only 3% of applicants are accepted, making it hard to get in.
  • Limited job types: Focused mainly on business, design, and tech roles.

Verdict:

TopTal is ideal for seasoned professionals who can pass its rigorous vetting process. It falls into tier two.

5. Freelancer.com: Crowded and Complex

With over 67 million users, Freelancer.com is one of the largest freelancing platforms in the world. But the large user base comes with its own set of challenges.

• Pros:

  • Diverse job opportunities: There’s a wide range of jobs available, from app development to graphic design.

• Cons:

  • Heavy competition: The platform’s large user base makes it hard to stand out.
  • Contests: Some jobs are posted as contests where multiple freelancers submit completed work, and only one gets paid.

Verdict:

Freelancer.com is better for beginners or those looking to practice their skills. It belongs in tier three due to the combination of heavy competition and confusing job structures.

6. Guru: Subscription and Commission-Based System

Guru is a platform for app developers and mobile app developers in Australia that has been around for quite some time. However, it comes with a subscription model, which is less common in the freelancing space.

• Pros:

  • Better job ratio: Guru has a more balanced freelancer-to-job ratio compared to other platforms, which means less competition per job.

• Cons:

  • Subscription model: While you can use the platform for free, it heavily encourages freelancers to pay for premium features, including being able to ask clients questions about their job postings.
  • Terrible user interface: Many users complain that the UI is outdated and difficult to use.
  • Fees: The fees start at 9% but can drop to 5% if you have the most expensive subscription.

Verdict:

Guru falls into tier five due to its confusing subscription-based model and commission fees. It’s not the most freelancer-friendly platform, especially for mobile app developers who are just starting out.

7. Ripple: A Newer Platform with No Fees

Ripple is a newer platform that primarily focuses on marketing clients, but there are opportunities for app developers as well. It’s one of the few platforms that doesn’t charge freelancers any fees.

• Pros:

  • No fees: Ripple stands out for not charging any fees to freelancers, which is a huge plus.
  • Vetted clients: They claim that their marketplace includes only qualified projects from top brands and agencies.

• Cons:

  • Fewer clients: As a newer platform, Ripple doesn’t have as many clients as other, more established platforms.
  • Exclusive: You need to apply to be accepted onto the platform, and not everyone gets in.

Verdict:

Ripple goes into tier four due to its niche focus and lack of fees. If you’re a mobile app developer in Australia with some experience, it’s worth checking out, but it might not be suitable for everyone just yet.

8. Contra: Freelancer-First Platform

Contra is a breath of fresh air in the freelancing world, focusing on providing freelancers with an ideal experience. It’s particularly great for app developers looking for fair rates and no hidden fees.

• Pros:

  • No fees: Contra charges no fees on freelancer earnings.
  • Freelancer protections: They offer a dispute resolution system where both clients and freelancers are treated fairly.
  • Minimum rates: Contra sets minimum rates at $25 per hour and $250 for flat-rate projects, ensuring freelancers are paid fairly.
  • Strong community: Contra offers a Slack community where freelancers can share tips, get feedback, and improve their portfolios.

• Cons:

  • New platform: Contra is still new, so it doesn’t have as many clients as more established platforms.

Verdict:

Contra takes the top spot in tier one. It’s perfect for mobile app developers in Australia who want to avoid fees and work with clients that value fair pricing.

9. FlexJobs: Subscription-Based Model

FlexJobs is known for offering remote and flexible job opportunities. However, the platform primarily caters to part-time or full-time remote jobs rather than freelance gigs, which might be limiting for some app developers.

• Pros:

  • Diverse job types: FlexJobs offers a wide variety of jobs in many industries, including tech and app development.
  • Vetted job postings: Each job is reviewed to ensure it’s legitimate and worth applying for.

• Cons:

  • Subscription-based: You have to pay to access the job postings, with rates starting at $10 per week.
  • Limited freelance options: FlexJobs is primarily for remote and part-time roles, not necessarily freelance jobs.

Verdict:

FlexJobs lands in tier five due to its subscription fees and focus on non-freelance work. It’s better suited for those seeking remote full-time or part-time positions rather than freelance app development work.

 

Final Thoughts: A Strategic Approach to Freelancing Platforms

Navigating freelancing platforms can be overwhelming for app developers in Australia, but the key is to focus on quality over quantity. Here’s a quick strategy to ensure success:

1. Pick Two Platforms: Select no more than two platforms to focus on, like Contra and Upwork for app developers, depending on your experience level.

2.Set Weekly Goals: Create a system where you apply to a certain number of jobs or outreach per week.

3.Commit to Consistency: Stick with this system for at least 2–3 months to see results.

By following this strategy, you can avoid burnout, find high-quality clients, and grow your freelancing career. For those just starting, consider platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. As you gain experience, transition to premium platforms like Contra or TopTal, where you can charge higher rates and work with top-tier clients.