Review Insights · App Store
Upwork
Upwork Global Inc. · 66,253 ratings · ★ 4.6
4.6
★★★★★
66,253 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 68 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"work"
16 negative reviews mention this · 24% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Funds Withheld. We have a substantial sum of money locked in UpWork. We don’t have details regarding the reason. We had work done by freelancers and had to pay them separately due to funds not being released by the platform. Overall the experience was not …" - kbanks003
2
"money"
14 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Funds Withheld. We have a substantial sum of money locked in UpWork. We don’t have details regarding the reason. We had work done by freelancers and had to pay them separately due to funds not being released by the platform. Overall the experience was not …" - kbanks003
3
"upwork"
14 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Funds Withheld. We have a substantial sum of money locked in UpWork. We don’t have details regarding the reason. We had work done by freelancers and had to pay them separately due to funds not being released by the platform. Overall the experience was not …" - kbanks003
4
"freezes"
13 negative reviews mention this · 19% of all complaints
★★★★★ "App never works properly. App never works properly and constantly freezes and crashes" - GinaPG21
5
"experience"
11 negative reviews mention this · 16% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Funds Withheld. We have a substantial sum of money locked in UpWork. We don’t have details regarding the reason. We had work done by freelancers and had to pay them separately due to funds not being released by the platform. Overall the experience was not …" - kbanks003
6
"platform"
10 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Funds Withheld. We have a substantial sum of money locked in UpWork. We don’t have details regarding the reason. We had work done by freelancers and had to pay them separately due to funds not being released by the platform. Overall the experience was not …" - kbanks003
7
"paid"
10 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "All crashing. Great platform, but a very frustrating experience overall. The app keeps crashing and getting stuck every time I try to use it. I paid $29 to boost a job posting, but I was charged twice. I’ve been trying to figure out how to correct the du…" - Office furniture shop
8
"apply"
10 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Upwork keeps increasing the cost for freelancers. Once again Upwork increased the cost for freelancers to apply for jobs. This is on top of the fee taken out of our earnings. So, it will cost an insane amount money, aka connects, to apply for jobs. It’s not worth using the app at these pri…" - amberjack09
9
"keeps"
9 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "All crashing. Great platform, but a very frustrating experience overall. The app keeps crashing and getting stuck every time I try to use it. I paid $29 to boost a job posting, but I was charged twice. I’ve been trying to figure out how to correct the du…" - Office furniture shop
10
"proposals"
8 negative reviews mention this · 12% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Unusable!!!. Keeps freezing when scrolling through proposals!" - Michael Taranchino Chow
11
"connects"
8 negative reviews mention this · 12% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Upwork keeps increasing the cost for freelancers. Once again Upwork increased the cost for freelancers to apply for jobs. This is on top of the fee taken out of our earnings. So, it will cost an insane amount money, aka connects, to apply for jobs. It’s not worth using the app at these pri…" - amberjack09
12
"frustrating"
7 negative reviews mention this · 10% of all complaints
★★★★★ "All crashing. Great platform, but a very frustrating experience overall. The app keeps crashing and getting stuck every time I try to use it. I paid $29 to boost a job posting, but I was charged twice. I’ve been trying to figure out how to correct the du…" - Office furniture shop
📋 All 68 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
Funds Withheld
We have a substantial sum of money locked in UpWork. We don’t have details regarding the reason. We had work done by freelancers and had to pay them separately due to funds not being released by the platform. Overall the experience was not appreciated. Nearly impossible to speak with an actual person representing the platform. Would not recommend based on our experience.
Not a better platform
Long wait still got no job
All crashing
Great platform, but a very frustrating experience overall. The app keeps crashing and getting stuck every time I try to use it. I paid $29 to boost a job posting, but I was charged twice. I’ve been trying to figure out how to correct the duplicate charge, but the app makes it very difficult to get support or resolve the issue.
On top of that, trying to log in is another headache. It keeps asking security questions - honestly, who remembers security answers today after logging in from so many devices . The platform should offer easier and more easier verification options, like text message or email verification codes, to make the login process smoother and more user-friendly.
On top of that, trying to log in is another headache. It keeps asking security questions - honestly, who remembers security answers today after logging in from so many devices . The platform should offer easier and more easier verification options, like text message or email verification codes, to make the login process smoother and more user-friendly.
Crypto Scam Artist App
It’s just fillled with everyone pretending to make things then you press links and they hack and steal everything it’s a con artist Craigslist for people in Germany & Poland to steal hard earned money from folks in USA smh 🤦♀️
Unusable!!!
Keeps freezing when scrolling through proposals!
UI issue on ipad
The Upwork iPad app still feels like the mobile iPhone version instead of a proper iPad app.
It only opens in portrait mode and doesn’t fully support landscape/full-screen view.
For iPad users, especially freelancers who work professionally, a proper landscape layout would make the experience much better and more productive. The current interface feels limited and wastes the larger screen space of the iPad.
Please optimize the app for iPad with:
- Full landscape support
- Proper full-screen layout
- Better multitasking experience
- UI designed specifically for iPad screens
This would greatly improve usability for editors, freelancers, and remote workers using iPads daily.
It only opens in portrait mode and doesn’t fully support landscape/full-screen view.
For iPad users, especially freelancers who work professionally, a proper landscape layout would make the experience much better and more productive. The current interface feels limited and wastes the larger screen space of the iPad.
Please optimize the app for iPad with:
- Full landscape support
- Proper full-screen layout
- Better multitasking experience
- UI designed specifically for iPad screens
This would greatly improve usability for editors, freelancers, and remote workers using iPads daily.
App never works properly
App never works properly and constantly freezes and crashes
Poor app
The app is poorly developed. I can tell it’s a cheap cross platform app.
Constant freezing
Literally freezes everytime trying to scroll for reviewing applicants
Keeps freezing up
Keeps freezing. Stick with the web app
App is really bad
It is amazing to me that Upwork has not thought of just going and getting some of their workers to help them build their app. It is buggy to the point of being not usable.
Right now it’s trash
Constantly freezes. I need to open the app a dozen times just to send a handful of messages. Very very annoying when you’re trying to be efficient. PLEASE fix it
Doesn’t work
This is a perfect example of why apps should be made natively, not using some “write once run anywhere” browser based app. The app randomly locks up and freezes. On input boxes the keyboard freaks out and you can’t use copy and paste.
Overall just a poor quality experience.
Overall just a poor quality experience.
Poor function
Scroll gets stuck and app freezes. Very inconvenient
Upwork keeps increasing the cost for freelancers
Once again Upwork increased the cost for freelancers to apply for jobs. This is on top of the fee taken out of our earnings. So, it will cost an insane amount money, aka connects, to apply for jobs. It’s not worth using the app at these prices. Upwork doesn’t care about freelancers.
I would lie to add the Upwork’s new AI chat bot and other features are a textbook example of everything wrong with AI. You’ll never get the support you need. So, you’re basically on your own.
Additionally, a platform that’s supposed to help people find work deciding to replace people with AI for its customer service and to create cheesy advertising content is particularly disgraceful.
I would lie to add the Upwork’s new AI chat bot and other features are a textbook example of everything wrong with AI. You’ll never get the support you need. So, you’re basically on your own.
Additionally, a platform that’s supposed to help people find work deciding to replace people with AI for its customer service and to create cheesy advertising content is particularly disgraceful.
Sign in issues
My account is attached to my Apple ID but it won’t let me reset my password. And I need to update my location but I’m not able to put in my password because I’m linked to my Apple ID and the. I try to reset it just logs me out and send me to the home page
Glitchy
Super glitchy up continues to freeze up. Their customer service is also less than desirable.
Almost impossible to get work
I’ve spent 4 months now on the app, sending out multiple proposals, setting up my profile and portfolio just as Upwork recommends as well as paid for “visibility” but it seems impossible at this point to get hired lol waste of time and energy
Terrible structured app, but great connections
The app freezes every 15 seconds and you have to exit and restart repeatedly- so frustrating
Scammy Garbage
Making people pay to apply for jobs and then charging all the GD tokens to verify identity - over and over and over. ID scanning doesn’t work so I guess I just paid $35 for nothing.
Deceptive onboarding. Long approval time.
Initial onboarding is a nice experience but once you find a perfect opportunity you’re excited about, you must pay to apply. Once you pay, you then must get your account verified before applying, updating your account, etc. I’ve waited over 5 business days to get verified (still no update) and have nothing but read-only access while great opportunities slip by. Bad first impression.
My advise: don’t anticipate to land any jobs on this platform for a minimum of 2-3 weeks after you download it.
My advise: don’t anticipate to land any jobs on this platform for a minimum of 2-3 weeks after you download it.
Filled with Scams
Really disappointed with my experience. I’ve heard good things, but I’ve only had a negative experience. Most of the jobs I’ve applied to have been scams. I appreciate that they refund me the credits when the job is taken down. But for a service that is paid, I’d expect there to be a better system in place to make sure these are legitimate jobs before freelancers can apply. On top of it all, I can tell someone stole my data because i have been receiving nonstop spam calls every day now since I joined UpWork, yet zero interviews or anyone contacting me through the app. It’s so disappointing that it’s nearly impossible to apply for jobs now anywhere without my information getting leaked.
Freezes CONSTANTLY
App CONTINUOUSLY freezes! I have to close and restart. Makes it incredibly frustrating. I’m lucky if I can navigate on the app for longer than three minutes.
Unfair for freelancer
I have clients who wants to have free test work. And threaten to give bad review. If you’re a freelancer wants to get paid and be respected. Do not use this, it’s just a waste of time.
This platform earns money from job seekers
It is a big joke, need to pay real money for applying a job?! Seriously?
App Glitches Badly
You need to fix the glitches on your app! I have to force close and reopen multiple times to get anything done on it.
App doesn’t function correctly
The most old app worked great, but the new one is awful. Firstly, it is impossible to find where to list a new job. Secondly, when you get proposals you cant swipe thru and shortlist the talent. I have to close the app and reopen to look at 2 applicants before the whole thing freezes and doesn’t respond. Super frustrated
Might as well use ads online or Fiverr
They’re very intolerant on this app and you find a lot of predatory behavior and poor quality workers. My first time I used Upwork I mistakenly mentioned other payment methods in the messages not knowing the policy and was immediately banned without any warning. They’re extremely intolerant and although I never submit reviews I had to go out of my way with Upwork. Avoid this platform if you’re a human that makes honest mistakes.
Frustrating communication policy
Upworks obsession with making sure no one, god forbid, communicates outside their platform, makes the app and candidate vetting processes really annoying.
Some recent examples.
I can't get calendar invites for candidate interviews.
I can't send candidates screening forms.
I actually value their payment platform, fees and all. They are overly protective to the point where it makes their platform less useful.
Some recent examples.
I can't get calendar invites for candidate interviews.
I can't send candidates screening forms.
I actually value their payment platform, fees and all. They are overly protective to the point where it makes their platform less useful.
Disappointed
Was connected with someone and then alerted they weren’t vetted or real. Could have lost money.
Non Quality + Dishonest Freelancers
I have never met a good quality, honest, reliable, committed and truly experienced freelancers on Upwork, especially when it comes to Mobile App developers. It’s been one horrible experience after the other. Overall, it’s been a Waste of my money and time! So, I give up completely on Upwork.
Unusable
The app constantly freezes/crashes. It’s literally unusable.
Terrible new app
Try logging in on your phone. You’ll see. Absolutely awful experience.
Refund policy
Just be aware that you should take great heed in the refund policy. I had a project that had a 3-4 month turn around. It’s been 8 months and my developers still have not delivered me a useable project. I decided to let them go and requested a refund due to the lack of competence on their part. Upwork told me I cannot get a refund unless the developers are so kind to give me one. Which, you can guess it, they declined. I paid them over $7800 and I can’t get any of it back because you have 30 days to request a refund which is the silliest thing I’ve heard when dealing with long projects. Highly unrecommended and will NEVER use Upwork again!
Engineer
There is no protection against fake clients.
Scam app！
i was shown a discounted offer for Freelancer Plus, but I was charged the full $30 price and the purchase initially showed as failed. My bank card was charged anyway. After that, I purchased 100 credits/Connects, and then my Freelancer Plus membership suddenly showed as active. This makes me believe there was a billing or activation error.
Can't create profile
I fill everything out and then get to the end where you put your phone number in and it verifies you but it keeps giving me an error saying phone verification isn't available right now. Annoying.
Crashes
App keeps crashing every time I go to check proposals for the job I listed. I scroll past 2 candidates and it freezes. Website works fine but this app needs to be fixed
It’s a scam, read this. Or Be careful if you don’t.
Same reasons for all the other negative reviews. I strongly suspect they paid for positive reviews or manufactured them. This app and company are horrible, check android play store for their accurate reviews. Same as their reviews on trustpilot.com as well. It’s bad. I wouldn’t use this app. Fiverr is pretty much the same thing but much better policies, protections, and work ethic in place. Fiverr is fig based (often smarter) but the pro will work with you for sure.
The app is glitchy
Very glitchy it’s frustrating.
Horribly buggy, AI nonsense
Truly one of the buggiest apps I use, and given the professional needs, that’s a major problem. It crashes often, it’s slow, and getting harder to navigate. They are now pushing useless AI features that serve no use whatsoever and instead just add unnecessary bloat to the experience. They don’t care about users on either side of the marketplace and they aren’t shy about it. Horrific.
A broken "Pay-to-Play" system that favors scammers over professionals.
Upwork has officially transitioned from a professional marketplace to a high-stakes gambling site where the Upwork always wins but you lose. The platform is now overrun with sophisticated scams, identity theft attempts, and AI voice-harvesting schemes.
The 'Connects' system is predatory; you are forced to pay a premium just to apply for jobs that, more often than not, are phishing attempts. I’ve encountered several 'Verified' clients misrepresenting legitimate companies only to lure freelancers into external Google Forms or Drive requests to steal data and intellectual property.
Upwork’s security is non-existent. They profit from every bid we place on these fake listings but offer zero accountability or human support when a report is filed. It’s a massive asymmetric power dynamic where the freelancer takes all the financial and security risks while the company collects fees from both sides. Unless you want to pay for the 'privilege' of being scammed, stay away.
The 'Connects' system is predatory; you are forced to pay a premium just to apply for jobs that, more often than not, are phishing attempts. I’ve encountered several 'Verified' clients misrepresenting legitimate companies only to lure freelancers into external Google Forms or Drive requests to steal data and intellectual property.
Upwork’s security is non-existent. They profit from every bid we place on these fake listings but offer zero accountability or human support when a report is filed. It’s a massive asymmetric power dynamic where the freelancer takes all the financial and security risks while the company collects fees from both sides. Unless you want to pay for the 'privilege' of being scammed, stay away.
Keeps freezing
This app is not functional. It keeps freezing after several minutes of use and you have to do a hard restart of it. I don’t really understand why.
Pure exploitation
You pay to apply. You pay to be seen. You get roped into a subscription to earn the right to be told no. When you do finish a job they take even more from you. It’s not worth it. Companies like this are what’s wrong with the world
App is awful
I just started using upwork and for a few days I had no issue with the website. Then I decided to get the app, WORST DECISION EVER! The app is awful; it constantly freezes, nothing works, lacks lot of features… so frustrating experience.
FRAUD
I am a victim of fraud and it is impossible to report it. I’m unable to speak to anyone and AI chat is not providing adequate instructions. I would appreciate assistance as soon as possible.
AI stealing work
They allow companies who should be hiring W2 employees as Fortune 500 companies like they gloat. Yet you’re making 1099 wages, they rarely pay above minimum (which is not a livable wage), and they’re getting away with just at this point coercing the public to destroy their copyrights.
Freezing
Kept on freezing
gouging money
they are charging for everything now, even a simple identity verification costs money. each application you submit costs money even if the sellers funds havent yet been verified.
Keeps freezing
I want to like the app However it keeps freezing a can't even review my proposals
+ 18 more in the clipboard copy
Sentiment summary
91%
Positive (4-5★)
3%
Neutral (3★)
6%
Negative (1-2★)