Where to find the best freelance jobs? The 7 best freelance platforms in 2026

If you’re searching for new freelance projects or temporary assignments, choosing the right platform is a smart first step. There are now dozens of websites where clients and professionals can find each other... but which platform is the best match for you?

In this article, we compare the 7 best freelance platforms in the Netherlands for finding jobs. From specialized marketplaces to international gig platforms, you’ll discover the advantages, disadvantages, and the type of freelancer each platform is best suited for. That way, you can find fitting assignments faster, on a platform where your expertise truly shines.

What is a Freelance Platform?

A freelance platform is an online marketplace where independent professionals and clients connect. Typically, you can:

• Create a profile

• Showcase your skills and availability

• Browse assignments or receive matches

• Communicate directly with clients

• Collect reviews

• Contract and invoice safely (depending on the platform)

The major advantage of freelance platforms is that they are accessible, transparent, and scalable. Whether you’re just starting out, have years of experience, work part-time, or operate as an interim professional, you’ll find opportunities that match your level and field.

Things to check when choosing a Freelance Platform

Not every platform offers the same quality, features, or opportunities. Below are the 10 most important criteria to consider:

1. Number & quality of assignments: Some platforms focus on high-quality projects from larger companies, while others mainly offer smaller or generic tasks. Check the recently posted assignments in your field.

2. Match with your niche: Niche platforms (often in IT, marketing, finance, or creative fields) usually provide higher rates and more relevant work. General marketplaces give you more choice but also more competition.

3. Ease of use & search functionality: Filters, smart matching, notifications, and clear profiles make a huge difference. Platforms with automated matching (like Striive) save lots of time.

4. Costs (subscriptions, commission, credits): Pay attention to monthly fees, per-project commissions, paid upgrades, and visibility boosters.

5. Speed of response / chance of a match: Some platforms are known for fast placements, while others use bidding systems that take longer.

6. Payment structure & safety: Does the platform protect your payment via escrow? How fast do you get paid? What happens in case of disputes?

7. Client quality: Are clients mostly end customers? Recruiters? Small businesses? This affects both rates and overall experience.

8. Reviews & platform reputation: Check independent reviews (Trustpilot, Google) to learn about support, payment reliability, assignment quality, and trustworthiness.

9. Support & customer service: Quick, human support makes a big difference, especially for payments or contract questions.

10. Extra features: Contracting, invoicing, apps, tool integrations, automated matching, all these save time and help you work more professionally.

Top 7 Freelance Platforms in the Netherlands

1. Striive

Striive is designed to connect freelancers and clients in the Netherlands efficiently. Instead of browsing endless assignments and pitching manually, Striive handles much of the matching for you. The platform looks at your profile, skills, and preferences, and links you to relevant assignments. This means you receive more targeted, higher-quality project suggestions, often from clients actively searching for professionals with your background (e.g. marketing, ICT, business, consultancy).

Striive is also clean & modern: built with a professional infrastructure focused on transparency and reliability. It appeals especially to serious freelancers who are not interested in micro-gigs but in solid, sustainable projects. It’s a strong match for interim professionals, senior freelancers, or those with niche expertise.

Pros

• Matchmaking (less time spent searching/pitching)

• Focus on quality and relevant assignments

• Ideal for niche or specialized professionals

• Dutch platform with Dutch clients

Cons

• Still smaller than major international marketplaces, with less overall volume

• Not ideal for very small or short micro-services

2. Starapple

Starapple is a Dutch IT-focused agency and intermediary for interim professionals. You can find assignments at scale-ups, corporates, and government organizations. They handle much of the behind-the-scenes work: matchmaking, contracting, and admin, allowing you to focus on delivering the assignment itself.

Starapple also offers a unique model (“FairLance”) that lets freelancers combine a fixed base income with freelance projects, blending the security of employment with the flexibility of freelancing. This appeals to professionals who want more stability and fewer administrative worries.

Pros

• IT-focused: many relevant assignments for developers, engineers, and tech specialists

• Large network with a high chance of fitting interim projects

• Reduced freelance “stress”: admin and contracting handled

• FairLance option: combines security with freedom

Cons

• Slightly less freedom than open marketplaces due to its intermediated nature

3. GetJobsDone

GetJobsDone focuses on simple, short assignments, ideal for students, starters, or anyone wanting flexible side work. You can get started quickly, with low entry barriers and fast turnaround.

Some users praise the ease of use and quick payments, while others note that earnings can be quite low. It’s best suited as a side income rather than a full-time freelancing source.

Pros

• Very low entry barrier

• Quick, simple assignments

• Easy and accessible

Cons

• Irregular supply and mixed quality of tasks

• Often smaller, lower-paid gigs

4. ProLinker

ProLinker positions itself as a platform for professional matches within IT, interim, and consultancy fields. Freelancers with niche expertise can find strong opportunities, especially if they invest in paid visibility. Some users highlight the potential for securing solid projects, though experiences vary.

Pros

• Tailored to specialized niches

• Potential for serious projects

• Good fit for senior or highly skilled freelancers

Cons

• Subscription costs vs. unpredictable returns

• Mixed reviews on assignment quality and follow-up

• Inconsistent communication and client reliability

5. Hoofdkraan.nl

Hoofdkraan has long been known as the go-to platform for creative freelancers: designers, writers, marketers, content creators. It’s accessible and easy to use, making it perfect for short, creative projects.

Pros

• Easy to join and start

• Many creative and short-term assignments

• Good for supplementary work

Cons

• Frequent complaints about payments and support

• Reliability concerns

• Not ideal as a primary, stable income source

6. Upwork

Upwork is one of the world’s largest freelance platforms, offering a massive pool of clients and categories. Freelancers gain access to global opportunities and professional tools such as contract management, escrow, and time tracking.

Pros

• Huge international market

• Strong professional tools

• Suitable for long-term collaborations

Cons

• Heavy worldwide competition

• Pay-to-play system (connects, boosts)

• Risks around account restrictions and payment issues

7. Fiverr

Fiverr revolves around fixed “gigs” and packages, perfect for quick, standardized services like logo design, short copywriting, or social media posts. You set up your offerings once and clients come to you.

Pros

• Easy to set up

• Great for micro-services

• Works well for standardized offerings

Cons

• Lower rates due to competition

• Commission fees can add up

• Quality varies widely, dependent on the algorithm and reviews

Conclusion

There are countless freelance platforms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. What matters most is choosing a platform that’s reliable, transparent, and helps you find projects that truly fit your expertise. Platforms like Striive offer a modern, high-quality experience where matching is central, meaning you spend less time searching and more time doing your job. Use this guide as a starting point to decide which channel will bring you your next assignment.