Fiverr vs Upwork vs TaskRabbit – Which Side Hustle Platform Pays the Most?
Around 173.7 million people globally earn money through side hustles, and over 36% of U.S. adults engage in side hustles — whether online freelancing or local gigs. But here’s the problem: not all platforms pay the same, and your time is too valuable to waste on the wrong one.
I personally tested Fiverr, Upwork, and TaskRabbit to see how much money a beginner (and later, an experienced freelancer) can realistically earn. In this article, I’ll share what I learned, what each platform is best for, and which one actually pays the most.
💻 Fiverr: High Volume, Lower Starting Rates
How Fiverr Really Works in 2025
Fiverr is designed around “gigs” — you list a service, set a price, and wait for buyers. It’s fast to set up, and there’s no need to send endless applications like on other platforms.
The catch? Fiverr is crowded. With thousands of sellers, you need to stand out with strong gig descriptions and optimized titles.
My Experience on Fiverr
When I listed my first logo design gig at $15, it took three days to land my first buyer. By the second month, I had repeat clients paying $50–$75 per project. Eventually, I built packages where some gigs brought in $200+.
The downside: Fiverr charges a 20% commission, and lowball buyers are common. Still, if you want to start freelancing today with zero upfront investment, Fiverr is the easiest entry point.
Who Fiverr is Best For
Beginners testing freelancing waters.
Digital creatives: design, writing, marketing, video editing.
People who prefer passive inbound leads instead of pitching jobs.
👉Try Fiverr today and start selling your skills for instant cash.
🌍 Upwork: Bigger Contracts, More Pitching
How Upwork Works
Unlike Fiverr, Upwork is more like a job board. Clients post projects, and freelancers apply by sending proposals. This means you spend more time pitching before you start earning.
But once you land clients, the contracts are usually larger and longer-term.
My Experience on Upwork
I applied to seven jobs before I landed my first gig — a $300 writing project. It felt like a breakthrough, and once my profile had a review, new clients trusted me faster.
Over time, I earned $25–$50/hour for writing and content strategy jobs. Some freelancers I met on the platform were charging $75–$100/hour.
The challenge: unpaid time spent sending proposals. But if you’re patient, Upwork has the highest earning ceiling of the three platforms.
Who Upwork is Best For
Professionals and specialists with strong skills.
People willing to invest time upfront.
Freelancers aiming for long-term income over quick wins.
👉Sign up on Upwork and land high-paying clients this week.
🛠 TaskRabbit: Fast Cash, But Location-Based
How TaskRabbit Works
TaskRabbit connects people with local “taskers” for jobs like furniture assembly, moving help, delivery, or home repairs. Unlike Fiverr and Upwork, this is physical work — you can’t do it online.
My Experience on TaskRabbit
My first gig was assembling IKEA furniture for a client. It took under two hours, and I earned $85. The hourly rate beat both Fiverr and Upwork at my beginner level.
The issue? Availability depends on your city. Some areas have constant demand, while others barely offer jobs. And while income is quick, it doesn’t scale — you can’t take on 10 clients at once.
Who TaskRabbit is Best For
People who don’t mind physical work.
Those who want immediate cash flow.
Side hustlers in major cities with high demand.
👉Turn spare hours into cash with TaskRabbit tasks near you.
💰 Head-to-Head Comparison: Which Pays the Most?
| Platform | Average Starter Pay | Growth Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | $10–$25 per gig | $50–$200+ with repeat clients | Beginners, digital creatives |
| Upwork | $20–$30/hour | $1,000+ contracts possible | Skilled professionals |
| TaskRabbit | $20–$40/hour | Limited scaling | Quick local cash |
👉 Winner for Fast Cash: TaskRabbit
👉 Winner for Long-Term Income: Upwork
👉 Winner for Easy Start: Fiverr
🚀 Final Takeaway: Where Should You Hustle?
If you need quick side money, TaskRabbit wins.
If you want scalable freelance income, Upwork is the strongest.
If you want low barrier entry, Fiverr is best.
The right choice depends on your skills, location, and goals. But here’s the truth: side hustles are no longer “extra cash.” For many, they’re the start of sustainable, full-time careers.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use Fiverr, Upwork, and TaskRabbit at the same time?
Yes, and many freelancers do. It diversifies your income and helps you see which platform fits your lifestyle best.
Q2: Which platform is safest for payments?
All three protect freelancers, but Upwork’s escrow system offers the strongest guarantee for large projects.
Q3: How much can I realistically earn monthly?
Fiverr: $200–$800 part-time
Upwork: $1,000+ once established
TaskRabbit: $500–$2,000 depending on hours and city demand
Hi, I'm Chelsea Parker, a globetrotter, storyteller, and life enthusiast with a knack for turning everyday experiences into unforgettable lessons. From surviving $20-a-day adventures in Southeast Asia to mastering mindfulness in my daily routine, I share relatable and entertaining tales that inspire you all to explore, grow, and thrive. When i'm not writing, you may find me chasing sunsets, savoring street food, or dreaming up my next big adventure.
