Quick answer
Yes: KAZI is a strong Upwork alternative for freelancers and agencies who want to own their business. Upwork connects you to clients but charges service fees and keeps the relationship on its platform. KAZI is not a job marketplace; it is the software to run your own practice (direct clients, your own rates, zero commissions) plus invoicing, contracts and AI that handles the admin. Free to start.
vs
UpworkCommand Center Dashboard in action
Everything about your business (projects, money, clients) on one screen.
Why Freelancers Leave Upwork
Upwork helped you start. Now it is holding you back.
10-20% commission on all earnings
Based on publicly available information as of July 2026, Upwork’s service fees can reach up to 20%: 20% on your first $500 with each client, then 10% up to $10K, then 5%. On a $5,000 project, that is $600 in fees you could keep.
You do not own your clients
Clients belong to Upwork. Get banned, suspended, or have a policy disagreement? You lose your entire client base overnight. No export, no recourse.
Race to the bottom pricing
Upwork incentivizes clients to choose the cheapest option. Freelancers compete on price rather than quality, driving rates down across the platform.
Mandatory invasive time tracking
Hourly contracts require screenshot monitoring every 10 minutes. Upwork literally watches your screen. There is no opt-out for hourly work.
How KAZI Solves These Problems
No KAZI platform commission. Only standard Paystack processing rates apply, so you keep the rest of what your clients pay you.
Replaces: 10-20% commission fees
Your clients are yours. CRM, direct contracts, your brand portal. Leave anytime and your business comes with you.
Replaces: No client ownership
Set your own rates. Professional branded invoicing and proposals position you as an expert, not a commodity.
Replaces: Race to the bottom
Time tracking without surveillance. Track hours, bill clients, and generate reports without anyone watching your screen.
Replaces: Invasive screenshot tracking
Comparison based on publicly available information as of July 2026; see Upwork’s own site for current details. Prices are published in USD; amounts shown in other currencies are approximate, converted at current exchange rates. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. No affiliation or endorsement implied.
What You Get with KAZI
Everything you need to run your freelance business independently.
Zero Commissions
No KAZI commission or sliding-scale fees, just standard payment-processing rates.
Client Ownership
Full CRM, direct contracts, branded portal, and client relationships you own permanently. Leave anytime and your business stays yours.
AI Proposal Writing
AI generates tailored proposals in seconds based on project requirements and your portfolio. Win more clients without spending hours writing.
Professional Branding
Custom domain portfolio, branded invoices, client portal with your logo. Present yourself as a professional, not a marketplace profile.
Video Studio
Create portfolio showcases, client presentations, and promotional videos. Built-in tools Upwork freelancers pay separately for.
AI Automation
AI agents handle follow-ups, scheduling, invoice reminders, and admin. Spend time on billable work, not platform management.
How Much Are You Losing to Upwork?
Annual savings by switching from Upwork to KAZI:
Annual Revenue
$25,000
Upwork takes: $3,500
You save: $3,152/year
Annual Revenue
$50,000
Upwork takes: $7,500
You save: $7,152/year
Annual Revenue
$100,000
Upwork takes: $12,500
You save: $12,152/year
Based on Upwork's 10-20% sliding fee scale minus KAZI Pro at $49/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about leaving Upwork for KAZI.