For Filipino freelancers, Upwork is better for those seeking a wide range of job opportunities and platform support, while Guru is better for those looking for lower fees and niche projects. Here's my honest comparison after using both for 6 years.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Guru | Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 9% to 5% | 10% to 20% |
| Payment to Philippines | PayPal, Payoneer | PayPal, Payoneer, Direct to Local Bank |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy |
| Best for | Low-fee projects, niche markets | Wide range of jobs, platform support |
When to Choose Guru
Choosing Guru might be the right move for you if you find yourself in these scenarios: - **Low Budget Projects:** If you're starting out and want to minimize costs, Guru's lower fees can be very appealing. In my 6 years of freelancing, I noticed that for projects under $500, Guru's fee structure saved me more compared to Upwork. - **Niche Skills:** Guru often has more niche or specialized projects. For instance, if you're into rare software or specific design skills, Guru might have listings that are more tailored to your expertise. - **Consistent Clients:** If you have clients you regularly work with, Guru's fee reduction over time (from 9% to 5%) can be a great advantage. I had a client in web development, and as our projects continued, the reduced fees made a noticeable difference in my earnings. - **Independent Handling:** For freelancers who prefer more control over client interactions and project management, Guru provides a slightly less structured environment, which can be beneficial if you're experienced in managing your freelance business.When to Choose Upwork
Upwork can be the better choice in these situations: - **Wide Job Variety:** If you're looking for a broad spectrum of job opportunities, from entry-level to expert, Upwork's platform has a vast range of listings. I once landed a $2,500 project in my first month on Upwork due to its extensive network. - **Platform Support:** Upwork provides comprehensive support, including dispute resolution and payment protection, which can be a lifesaver for new freelancers who are still navigating client interactions. - **Regular Payments:** With options like direct transfer to local Philippine banks, Upwork makes receiving payments more straightforward and less costly than other methods, which is crucial when balancing earnings with local expenses like GCash or BPI transfers. - **Reputation Building:** Upwork's feedback and rating system can significantly enhance your profile's visibility. As a Top Rated freelancer, I've noticed that a good Upwork profile can dramatically increase job invitations.Detailed Comparison
Fees and Costs
When considering fees, it's essential to look at the long-term impact. Guru charges a sliding scale fee from 9% to 5%, depending on your membership plan and lifetime billing with a client. Upwork, on the other hand, has a flat fee of 20% for the first $500 billed with a client, which reduces to 10% after reaching $500, and eventually 5% beyond $10,000. For Filipino freelancers, this means that if you're frequently landing smaller projects, Guru might be more cost-effective. However, for long-term client relationships, both platforms can become quite comparable.Payment Methods
Both platforms offer convenient payment methods, but Upwork's options are slightly more diverse. Guru allows payments via PayPal and Payoneer, which are widely used in the Philippines Payoneer guide. Upwork extends payment options to include direct bank transfers, which often result in lower withdrawal fees compared to PayPal, especially when transferring to major banks like BDO, BPI, or UnionBank. This can be a significant factor if you're looking to optimize your earnings in pesos and avoid unnecessary conversion fees.User Experience
Upwork's interface is known for its user-friendliness and comprehensive feature set, making it easier for freelancers to navigate job listings, submit proposals, and manage contracts. Guru, while functional, can feel a bit outdated and requires more effort to navigate efficiently. For new freelancers, Upwork's guided processes can be a more comfortable starting point, whereas experienced users might not mind the extra legwork on Guru for the sake of lower fees.Client Quality
Client quality can vary on both platforms, but Upwork generally attracts a broader range of international clients, offering potentially higher-paying opportunities. Guru, however, might have clients who are more focused on long-term relationships and niche projects. During my time on these platforms, I found that Upwork clients were often more diverse in terms of industry and project scope, whereas Guru's clients tended to offer more specialized work.For Beginners vs Experienced
For beginners, Upwork provides more resources and support systems to help you get started, including a robust help center and community forums. Guru might be better suited for experienced freelancers who already know how to manage client relationships and prioritize cost-effectiveness over platform support. I've personally guided several new freelancers to start with Upwork before transitioning to Guru as they become more comfortable and strategic in their approach.My Personal Experience
In my freelancing journey, I started on Upwork and quickly became a Top Rated freelancer within a year, earning over $10,000 in that time. The platform's vast job listings and client diversity allowed me to explore various projects and hone my skills. The direct transfer option to my BPI account was a game-changer, reducing withdrawal fees significantly compared to PayPal. However, as I became more established, I explored Guru for projects that matched my growing expertise in content writing and digital marketing. The lower fees on Guru were beneficial for ongoing projects, particularly with clients who consistently hired me for similar tasks. This dual-platform approach allowed me to maximize my earnings while managing risks associated with freelancing, such as client non-payment or project cancellations.Common Mistakes to Avoid
- **Neglecting Platform Fees:** Always factor in each platform's fees when quoting your rates to clients. This ensures you don't undercut yourself and can sustain your freelance business. - **Ignoring Payment Methods:** Choose the right payment method to minimize fees. For instance, using Payoneer or direct bank transfers can save significant money compared to PayPal Payoneer guide. - **Overlooking Client Communication:** Effective communication is crucial. Always clarify project details before starting to avoid misunderstandings and potential disputes. - **Failing to Diversify:** Don't rely solely on one platform. Diversify your client base across different platforms to mitigate risks and increase your income streams.Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform offers better payment options for Filipinos?
Upwork offers more payment options, including direct bank transfers to the Philippines, which can be cheaper than PayPal, commonly used on both platforms.
Can I use both platforms simultaneously?
Yes, many freelancers use both platforms to diversify their client base and maximize job opportunities.
How do fees on Upwork and Guru compare?
Upwork's fees start at 20% and reduce with client billing, while Guru offers a sliding scale from 9% to 5%, which can be more cost-effective for ongoing projects.
What are the best practices for getting hired on these platforms?
Create a detailed profile, highlight your skills, gather client testimonials, and consistently apply for jobs that match your expertise.
Are there any specific challenges for Filipino freelancers on these platforms?
Common challenges include dealing with time zone differences and ensuring competitive pricing without undercutting local market rates.