99designs vs Clarity.fm: Which Platform Is Better?
Real fees, real tradeoffs. No affiliate links, no sponsored rankings. Compare 99designs and Clarity.fm side-by-side in 2026.
A design-focused platform featuring contests where multiple designers submit work.
Model: Contest + Marketplace
Market: Design
Founded: 2008
Clarity.fm is a pay-per-minute expert advice marketplace where users book phone calls with successful entrepreneurs, investors, and domain experts. 10,000+ advisors covering startups, fundraising, marketing, product, and business strategy. Calls are recorded for future reference. Rates range from $1 to $10+/minute. Purely advisory — not for project delivery.
Model: Pay-Per-Minute Expert Advice
Market: Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals seeking advice
Founded: 2012
Fee Comparison
| Feature | 99designs | Clarity.fm |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | 0 | $0 |
| Cost per Lead | Spec work / contests | $0 |
| Commission | ~15–30% | ~15% |
| Free Client Access | Yes | Yes |
| No Account Required | No | No |
| Target Market | Design | Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals seeking advice |
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 Clarity.fm if: Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals seeking focused strategic advice from domain experts
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
Clarity.fm
Business Strategy, Fundraising, Marketing, Product Strategy, Sales
Global (US-heavy advisor base)
Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals seeking advice
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
Clarity.fm Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Instant access to high-profile advisors and investors
- Pay only for time actually used
- Large library of advisor profiles and call reviews
- Calls recorded for future reference
- Strong startup, VC, and marketing ecosystem
Cons:
- Phone call format only — no project work
- Per-minute billing can become expensive quickly
- Not designed for ongoing or long-term engagements
- Advisor availability and response time varies
Best for: Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals seeking focused strategic advice from domain experts
Summary
99designs charges ~15–30% in commission, while Clarity.fm charges ~15%. 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.
Clarity.fm works well for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals seeking focused strategic advice from domain experts, particularly in the Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals seeking advice 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 Clarity.fm?
Clarity.fm charges ~15% commission. 10k+ advisors; $1–10+/min; startup, fundraising, marketing, strategy focus
Is 99designs or Clarity.fm better for freelancers?
99designs suits Design. Clarity.fm suits Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals seeking advice. Choose based on your preferred fee model and target client type.
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