Fiverr vs Upwork vs local Malaysian platforms — where do freelancers actually earn more?
by Fiona Chin·May 25, 2026
After 2 years across multiple platforms, here's my honest comparison.
Fiverr:
- Best for: standardised, packageable services (logo design, voiceover, SEO articles)
- The gig model means you need volume, margins are lower on individual projects
- Malaysian sellers compete globally, which means RM equivalent pricing that's good locally but might undervalue you internationally
Upwork:
- Best for: higher-value, ongoing client relationships
- Takes 20% up to a threshold, then drops. The first projects pay the platform a lot
- Malaysian developers and designers do well here, the labour cost advantage works in your favour vs US/UK competitors
Local platforms (Recommend.my, GoGet, ServiceMarket):
- Best for: services with a physical component or local client relationship (photography, copywriting for Malaysian brands)
- Lower competition than global platforms
- Payment is in RM, no currency conversion friction
My honest answer: The highest earners I know use a combination, Upwork for international clients, local network for Malaysian clients, platforms as a complement not the primary channel.