99designs vs Catalant: Which Platform Is Better?
Real fees, real tradeoffs. No affiliate links, no sponsored rankings. Compare 99designs and Catalant side-by-side in 2026.
A design-focused platform featuring contests where multiple designers submit work.
Model: Contest + Marketplace
Market: Design
Founded: 2008
Enterprise marketplace for on-demand strategy and consulting. Fortune 500 companies use Catalant to access independent consultants for M&A, transformation, and operational projects. Freelancers pay 0% commission — clients pay a markup.
Model: Consulting Marketplace
Market: Enterprise consulting
Founded: 2013
Fee Comparison
| Feature | 99designs | Catalant |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | 0 | 0 |
| Cost per Lead | Spec work / contests | 0 |
| Commission | ~15–30% | Client-side |
| Free Client Access | Yes | No |
| No Account Required | No | No |
| Target Market | Design | Enterprise consulting |
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 Catalant if: Consultants targeting Fortune 500 companies
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
Catalant
Strategy, Operations, PMI, M&A
US Enterprise (Fortune 500 and major corporations)
Enterprise consulting
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
Catalant Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 0% freelancer commission
- Access to Fortune 500 strategy budgets
- Consulting and M&A project focus
Cons:
- Enterprise-only
- Selective
- Limited project types
Best for: Consultants targeting Fortune 500 companies
Summary
99designs charges ~15–30% in commission, while Catalant charges Client-side. 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.
Catalant works well for consultants targeting fortune 500 companies, particularly in the Enterprise consulting 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 Catalant?
Catalant charges Client-side commission. 0% freelancer fee — clients pay platform markup for strategy & consulting work
Is 99designs or Catalant better for freelancers?
99designs suits Design. Catalant suits Enterprise consulting. Choose based on your preferred fee model and target client type.
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