99designs vs Andela: Which Platform Is Better?
Real fees, real tradeoffs. No affiliate links, no sponsored rankings. Compare 99designs and Andela side-by-side in 2026.
A design-focused platform featuring contests where multiple designers submit work.
Model: Contest + Marketplace
Market: Design
Founded: 2008
Fee Comparison
| Feature | 99designs | Andela |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | 0 | 0 |
| Cost per Lead | Spec work / contests | 0 |
| Commission | ~15–30% | 0% (developer) |
| Free Client Access | Yes | No |
| No Account Required | No | No |
| Target Market | Design | Enterprise (Africa / Global) |
No affiliate links. No sponsored rankings. We earn nothing from recommending any platform listed here.
ListAllExperts is one of the platforms compared - full disclosure: that's us. We apply the same criteria to our own listing.
Platform pricing and features may change without notice. Please verify current terms directly with each platform.
Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by the listallexperts.com team. How we evaluate platforms
Our Verdict
Choose 99designs if: Graphic designers willing to compete in contests
Choose Andela if: Enterprises seeking vetted, English-proficient African developers for long-term engagements
Target Markets & Focus
Each platform caters to specific skills, industries, and geographic regions. Understanding these differences helps you choose where your expertise is most valued.
99designs
Graphic Design, Branding, Web Design, Logo
Global (design-only, strong in Australia and US)
Design
Andela
Full-Stack, Mobile, Data Science, AI/ML
Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda) + global; enterprise clients worldwide
Enterprise (Africa / Global)
99designs Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Access to design-specific clients
- Contest format can lead to wins
- Good for building portfolio
Cons:
- Spec work required
- High competition in contests
- 15-30% commission
Best for: Graphic designers willing to compete in contests
Andela Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 150,000+ vetted engineers
- Deep vetting (coding + live interview)
- African talent pool (Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda)
- Global payroll capabilities
Cons:
- Premium enterprise pricing ($12–15k/mo for seniors)
- Opaque invoice structure
- $50k poaching fee for off-platform hires
- Not for individual clients or SMEs
Best for: Enterprises seeking vetted, English-proficient African developers for long-term engagements
Summary
99designs charges ~15–30% in commission, while Andela charges 0% (developer). The right choice depends on how you work, not just what you pay.
99designs works well for graphic designers willing to compete in contests, particularly in the Design segment.
Andela works well for enterprises seeking vetted, english-proficient african developers for long-term engagements, particularly in the Enterprise (Africa / Global) segment.
Want a third option? ListAllExperts offers flat-rate pricing with zero commission and direct client contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the commission on 99designs?
99designs charges ~15–30% commission. Contest-based with platform fees
What is the commission on Andela?
Andela charges 0% (developer) commission. Enterprise rates; clients pay; African talent focus
Is 99designs or Andela better for freelancers?
99designs suits Design. Andela suits Enterprise (Africa / Global). Choose based on your preferred fee model and target client type.
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