Freelancer vs Kolabtree
Freelancer and Kolabtree are both freelance sites. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $900 on Freelancer and $800 on Kolabtree, 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 $900 on Freelancer and $800 on Kolabtree, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
- Both pay out via PayPal and Bank transfer. Only Freelancer offers Payoneer and Skrill.
- Kolabtree screens providers before they can join, while Freelancer is open to anyone.
- Freelancer is the older platform — founded in 2009, 6 years before Kolabtree (2015).
- Freelancer is based in Australia, Kolabtree in United Kingdom.
Which should you choose?
Choose Freelancer if…
- Keeping more of each payment matters most — its fee is lower.
- You want to withdraw via Payoneer and Skrill.
- You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
- You prefer a long track record (since 2009).
Choose Kolabtree if…
- You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
Side by side
|
Freelancer
A global freelance marketplace where clients post projects and freelancers bid on them, alongside contests for…
Visit
|
Kolabtree
A freelance marketplace for scientists and researchers - PhDs and specialists consult on projects from data an…
Visit
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Type | Freelance sites like Upwork | Freelance sites like Upwork |
| Category | General Marketplace | Vetted Talent |
| Vetted | No | Yes |
| Work from home | Yes | Yes |
| Fees | 10% or $5 minimum on projects | 20% commission deducted from project fee |
| Minimum payout | $50 after withdrawal fees | — |
| Payout speed | First withdrawal waits 15 days. After processing, PayPal, Skrill or Payoneer within 24 hours, express bank 2 to 3 business days, wire 3 to 5. | Within 45 days of the invoice issued after work is accepted, by bank transfer or payment gateway |
| Withdraw via | PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, Wire transfer | Bank transfer, PayPal |
| Availability | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Founded | 2009 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, United Kingdom |
| Stock ticker | ASX: FLN | — |
| iOS app | App ↗ | — |
| Android app | App ↗ | — |
| Popularity | 51 views · 0 likes | 139 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Freelancer or Kolabtree?
On a $1,000 payment you keep about $900 on Freelancer and $800 on Kolabtree, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
How fast do Freelancer and Kolabtree pay out?
Freelancer: First withdrawal waits 15 days. After processing, PayPal, Skrill or Payoneer within 24 hours, express bank 2 to 3 business days, wire 3 to 5. Kolabtree: Within 45 days of the invoice issued after work is accepted, by bank transfer or payment gateway.
Where are Freelancer and Kolabtree available?
Freelancer: Worldwide. Kolabtree: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, Freelancer or Kolabtree?
Freelancer — anyone can sign up, while Kolabtree screens providers before accepting them.