Pro tip: Use ⌘K to quickly search anything in Kazi
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
kazii.ai/dashboard
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.
How do I move off Upwork to KAZI?
Upwork is a marketplace, so there is no data export to import. You bring your own client relationships off-platform instead. Recreate your Upwork profile as a KAZI portfolio, invite repeat and referral clients to work with you directly, and manage their projects, invoices, contracts, and time tracking in KAZI. Most freelancers do this gradually while keeping their Upwork profile active for new leads.
Can I bring my Upwork clients and reputation with me?
You can bring the client relationships you already own. Invite repeat clients to continue with you directly, off the marketplace (while respecting Upwork’s terms on any active contract). Your Upwork job-success score and reviews stay on Upwork, but in KAZI you build a portable reputation by collecting testimonials and showcasing work on your own portfolio domain, where you control what is shown.
Can I keep my Upwork account open while I switch?
Yes, and most freelancers do. Keep Upwork active for client discovery while you build a direct client base in KAZI through referrals and your portfolio. As direct, higher-paying clients grow, you can reduce your Upwork dependency. The goal is to move from renting clients to owning the relationships.
Will I lose anything by leaving Upwork for KAZI?
You keep the client relationships you own and stop paying Upwork’s 10-20% service fees on direct work, plus you drop the mandatory screenshot time tracking. What you give up is Upwork’s built-in job discovery, so KAZI relies on a SEO-ready portfolio, AI proposal and content tools, and referrals to bring clients in. Note there is no marketplace escrow; you protect yourself with custom contracts, e-signatures, and upfront deposits or milestone invoicing instead.
Is KAZI a good Upwork replacement for freelancers?
Yes, for freelancers ready to own their business instead of competing on price in a marketplace. KAZI gives you a branded portfolio, direct contracts, professional invoicing, surveillance-free time tracking, and AI automation, with no platform commission, only standard Paystack processing. You trade marketplace lead flow for keeping your clients, your rates, and your earnings.