Guru
One of the oldest freelance marketplaces, matching companies with freelancers across programming, design, writing, and business services. Work is managed through WorkRooms with SafePay escrow payments.
Good for WritersSoftware developersUX and UI designersGraphic designers
- Since
- 1998 28 yrs
- Available
- Worldwide except Cuba, Iran, North Korea a…
- Pays via
- PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer +1
- Fees
- 5% to 9% handling fee
- Web rank
- #37,568 worldwide
Work from home
Guru is a freelance marketplace where anyone can register to start earning, and the work can be done remotely. Fees are 5% to 9% handling fee and you can withdraw via PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer and Direct deposit. Founded in 1998, Guru is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It is available worldwide.
Last updated
Not verified yet: Minimum payout · Payout speed Know the answer? Tell us
What people actually earn on Guru
Figures published by Guru or by independent studies and surveys, as dated. Individual earnings vary widely.
Can I join Guru?
Not verified yet: ID verification · First payout Know the answer? Tell us
Free Basic plan gives 10 bids a month with a 9 percent job fee, paid plans from $11.95/mo add bids and lower fees.
Official requirements ↗ · Check which platforms you can join →
Not verified yet: Mobile apps · Support Know the answer? Tell us
How Guru compares
- At 5%–9%, Guru takes a smaller cut than 24 of the 30 freelance sites we track that charge a percentage fee (median 12.3%).
- Guru offers 3 ways to withdraw — more than most freelance sites we track (typical: 1).
- Guru is one of 9 of the 58 freelance sites we track with built-in payment protection (SafePay escrow).
- Founded in 1998, Guru has been running for about 28 years — longer than 57 of the 58 freelance sites we track with a known launch year.
Compared with the freelance sites in our directory. See them all →
Is Guru legit?
Guru is a real, operating platform. What we could verify:
- Operating since 1998 (28 years)
- Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Payment protection: SafePay escrow
- Has a Wikipedia article
- Its domain guru.com was registered in 1988 (registry record)
- Among the world's top 100,000 websites by traffic (Tranco rank #37,568)
Listing last updated September 2026 · how we verify platforms · Missing or out of date? Tell us
Guru in public records
- Website rank
- #37,568 worldwideAmong the top 100,000 sites (guru.com)
- Domain registered
- Aug 1988guru.com, 38 years ago
- Industry
- Internet
Sources: Tranco · RDAP registry · Wikidata. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
Guru timeline
-
Founded
Guru founded
Headquarters today: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
-
Milestone
5-9% job fee
Guru charges freelancers a job fee of 9% on free and entry plans falling to 5% on its top Executive membership, per its official pricing page.
Source ↗ -
Milestone
$0-49.95/mo plans
Guru freelancer memberships run from free to $49.95 a month, and paid plans lower the job fee and add bids, per Guru's pricing page.
Source ↗ -
On FreelanceSites
Added to the FreelanceSites.net directory
Checked against its official pages before listing.
From the platform's own reports and press coverage we checked, plus company records on Wikidata. Know a milestone we're missing? Tell us
Guides
No step-by-step guide for Guru yet. Browse all guides or find the right way to earn for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Guru charge?
Guru fees: 5% to 9% handling fee. On a $100 payment that leaves you about $91–$95, before withdrawal or conversion costs.
How do you get paid on Guru?
Guru pays out via PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer and Direct deposit.
Which countries is Guru available in?
Worldwide.
Is Guru legit?
Yes, Guru is a real, operating platform: operating since 1998 (28 years), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States and payment protection: SafePay escrow. As with any platform, check its current terms before relying on it for income.
What are the best Guru alternatives?
Similar platforms include Toptal, Arc.dev, Kolabtree and Andela. Compare their fees and payouts in the alternatives section below.
Compare Guru with…
Guru alternatives
More freelance sites like Upwork
ToptalA premium network that screens applicants and accepts only a small percentage of freelance developers, designers, finance experts, product and project managers. Aimed at companies that want senior, pre-vetted talent quic…
Fees 0% - no commission on freelancer's set ratetoptal.com
Arc.devA vetted network matching remote developers with full-time and freelance roles at US companies - pass the review once, get matched repeatedly.
Fees 0% - no fee to developersarc.dev
KolabtreeA freelance marketplace for scientists and researchers - PhDs and specialists consult on projects from data analysis to regulatory writing.
Fees 20% commission deducted from project feekolabtree.com
AndelaA global network that vets and places software engineers (with deep African roots) into remote roles at companies.
Fees No fee to join, negotiated payandela.com
BraintrustA user-owned talent network that connects vetted freelancers with enterprise clients. Talent pays 0% fees and earns ownership in the network through tokens.
Fees 0% for talent, clients pay 10%usebraintrust.com
CometA French platform matching freelance tech and data experts with company missions, with fast vetting.
Fees 5% service fee on daily ratecomet.co