Freelancing means learning a skill from home and providing services online. This work is growing a lot in today’s era. You must know about Upwork, which is famous worldwide and has millions of buyers and sellers.
In comparison, you can call Workchest its alternative. But there are many big differences between these. One is famous worldwide, and the other is a new platform. Millions of people are working on Upwork, and thousands are working at Workchest.
In this post, I will explain the difference between the two based on my experience so that it will be easier for you to choose the best platform for yourself.
UpWork:
Upwork, previously known as Elance-oDesk, was launched in 2015. It is a great freelancing platform. You can offer a variety of services in it, such as content writing, design, programming, and marketing.
Upwork operates in about 180 countries and has registered freelancers and clients, making it an even better freelancing platform where you can earn money and build a good future.
UpWork payment system is very secure, easy, and users-friendly for freelancers and clients. Upwork is user-friendly and provides users with a complete guide on how to use it.
WorkChest
Work Chest is a Pakistani freelance marketplace website. To expand the field of freelancing in Pakistan, Pakistan’s leading freelancer Hisham Sarwar created Pakistan’s first freelance marketplace website and named it Work Chest.
Comparison Factors
UpWork Working Mechanism
On Upwork, the client posts his requirements regarding the work like scope, budget, and deadline. Looking at these requirements, the freelancer thinks that he can do the work as per the client’s demand and by the deadline or even earlier.
Then that freelancer sends his proposal to the client. Many freelancers send proposals on the same project. The client interviews a few of them and finally gives the job to one of the freelancers.
WorkChest Working Mechanism
Workchest also works like Upwork. In Workchest, clients also post their projects and requirements and freelancers bid on this project.
After bidding, like Upwork, here too the client interviews 4-5 freelancers and gives the job to one of them, but Workchest has mostly Pakistani freelancers and clients because it is specially made for Pakistani freelancers.
UpWork Cost Structure
Upwork charges an estimate of 10% fee on every freelancer’s earnings. It charges taxes on whatever money they earn. Especially new freelancers have to buy more connects after using their 10 free connects.
Then when they start withdrawing money, taxes or other charges are levied. Upwork’s payment system is good and it is a secure platform, so its charges are also high.
WorkChest Cost Structure
Work Chest has only 7% charges. There are no additional charges for bidding and withdrawing money on other Work Chest connections, just this 7% charge. One reason for this is that it is mainly for Pakistani freelancers.
Work Chest is cheap but Upwork operates all over the world.
| Features | UpWork | Work Chest |
|---|---|---|
| Service Fee | 10% | 7% |
| Bidding Cost | Connects (paid) | Free |
| Global Reach | World wide | Primarily Pakistan |
| Payment System | Secure | Secure |
Job Availability
Upwork has all kinds of categories and their subcategories. Here, there is more work but also more freelancers, due to which the competition becomes tough.
On the other hand, Work Chest also has more categories and subcategories but fewer freelancers. Now you must be thinking that if there are fewer freelancers, then there will be more work. Not at all. Here, along with freelancers, there is less work.
Upwork has international clients and freelancers, while Workchest has local freelancers and clients.
Security and Verification
Upwork’s verification system is very strict and good. To create an account on Upwork, you have to verify your email and when you start withdrawing your money, it takes more information to confirm that no one is being scammed and to provide a good and secure environment to all freelancers and clients.
Workchest also has verification and its security system is also good but it is very weak compared to Upwork because one is Upwork is famous in the world and the other is that Workchest is mainly for Pakistanis.
Both Upwork and Workchest have escrow services.
Ease of Getting Jobs
Upwork has tough competition but has high-paying clients, which is why more people are flocking to it. Workchest has less competition but also has lower-paying clients. Upwork has international clients who are willing to pay more for each project and they have to do their work well.
On the other hand, Workchest has local clients and freelancers who are paid less.
Pros and Cons of Each Platform
Upwork: Pros and Cons
Some of the main and important Upwork pros and cons are given below:
Pros:
- Global Reach with more Clients
- Freelancers can be searched with the help of AI
- Secure payment system
Cons:
- Charges 10% fee and separate money for connects
- Competition is tough due to more freelancers
- It takes a long time to get new accounts approved on UpWork
Work Chest: Pros and Cons
Some of Work Chest pros and cons are given below:
Pros:
- There is only 7% fee and no money for connections
- Targets local freelancers i.e. freelancers from Pakistan
- Registration is easy
Cons:
- Access to some regional clients and projects
- Returns much less money than Upwork
- Chances of international growth less
| Features | UpWork | Work Chest |
|---|---|---|
| Launched Year | 2015 (formerly Elance-oDesk) | Pakistani platform by Hisham Sarwar |
| Global Reach | Worldwide | Primarily Pakistan |
| Service Fee | 10% | 7% |
| Bidding Cost | Connects (paid) | Free |
| Job Availability | Wide range of international clients | Limited to local clients |
| Competition | High due to more freelancers | Low but fewer jobs available |
| Secure System | Strict and robust | Adequate but weaker than Upwork |
| Payment System | Secure escrow | Secure escrow |
| Ease of Use | Tough account approval process | Easy registration |
| Pay Rates | High-paying clients | Lower-paying local clients |
| Best For | Experienced freelancers seeking global reach | Beginners looking to grow regionally |
Which Platform is Better for You? Upwork or Work Chest
For Beginners: Work Chest would be a good choice because there is less competition and you can grow regionally. This will also give you experience and build your confidence.
For Experienced Freelancers: If you are so expert that you have complete knowledge of Upwork, then you can start on Upwork and start your career from there. Because you will have experience, you will be able to grow easily and you will also get work easily.
Conclusion
Upwork is a freelance marketplace spread all over the world, while WorkChest is mainly for Pakistan. If you are new, you can start well with WorkChest, otherwise Upwork is also the best. Upwork has international clients and WorkChest has local clients.
You can earn more money from Upwork than from WorkChest. If you have not started your online journey yet, then choose one of these platforms now and start your freelance journey.