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Comet vs Upwork

Comet and Upwork are both freelance sites. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $950 on Comet and $850–$1,000 on Upwork, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.

Updated · from each platform’s published fees and payout terms · how we verify

Key differences

  • On a $1,000 payment you keep about $950 on Comet and $850–$1,000 on Upwork, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
  • Both pay out via Bank transfer. Only Upwork offers PayPal, Payoneer and M-Pesa.
  • Comet screens providers before they can join, while Upwork is open to anyone.
  • Only Upwork lists built-in payment protection (Escrow for fixed-price, hourly payment protection).
  • Upwork is the older platform — founded in 2013, 3 years before Comet (2016).
  • Comet is based in France, Upwork in United States.
  • Comet focuses on France, while Upwork operates internationally.

Which should you choose?

Choose Comet if…

  • Keeping more of each payment matters most — its fee is lower.
  • You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
  • You live in France.

Choose Upwork if…

  • You want to withdraw via PayPal and Payoneer.
  • You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
  • You want built-in payment protection.

Side by side

Comet A French platform matching freelance tech and data experts with company missions, with fast vetting. Visit Upwork One of the largest freelance marketplaces in the world, covering everything from development and design to wri… Visit
Type Freelance sites like Upwork Freelance sites like Upwork
Category General Marketplace General Marketplace
Vetted Yes No
Work from home Yes Yes
Fees 5% service fee on daily rate 0-15% variable service fee per contract
Minimum payout Varies by method, from $5 via Direct to Local Bank
Payout speed Hourly: 10 days after the billing week ends (5 for Top Rated), fixed-price: 5 days after approval
Payment protection Escrow for fixed-price, hourly payment protection
Withdraw via Monthly bank payment on invoice Direct to Local Bank, PayPal, Payoneer, Direct to U.S. Bank, Wire transfer, M-Pesa, Instant Pay (US)
Availability France Worldwide (180+ countries)
Local to France
Founded 2016 2013
Headquarters Paris, France San Francisco, California, United States
Stock ticker NASDAQ: UPWK
iOS app App ★ 4.8
Android app App ★ 4.6
Popularity 110 views · 0 likes 93 views · 0 likes

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Comet or Upwork?

On a $1,000 payment you keep about $950 on Comet and $850–$1,000 on Upwork, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.

Where are Comet and Upwork available?

Comet: France. Upwork: Worldwide (180+ countries).

Which is easier to join, Comet or Upwork?

Upwork — anyone can sign up, while Comet screens providers before accepting them.

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