99designs vs GLG: Which Platform Is Better?
Real fees, real tradeoffs. No affiliate links, no sponsored rankings. Compare 99designs and GLG side-by-side in 2026.
A design-focused platform featuring contests where multiple designers submit work.
Model: Contest + Marketplace
Market: Design
Founded: 2008
GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) is the world's largest expert network, connecting professionals at leading firms with subject-matter experts for brief phone consultations and research. 900,000+ experts globally across every industry. Used by top consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG), private equity, hedge funds, and Fortune 500 companies for market research, due diligence, and strategic insights. Rigorous compliance framework for regulated industries.
Model: Expert Network
Market: Consulting firms, PE/VC, hedge funds, and corporations needing expert insights
Founded: 1998
Fee Comparison
| Feature | 99designs | GLG |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | 0 | Enterprise subscription |
| Cost per Lead | Spec work / contests | $0 |
| Commission | ~15–30% | 0% (expert); client pays subscription or per-consultation |
| Free Client Access | Yes | No |
| No Account Required | No | No |
| Target Market | Design | Consulting firms, PE/VC, hedge funds, and corporations needing expert insights |
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 GLG if: Consulting firms, PE/VC investors, hedge funds, and large corporations needing rapid expert insights for research and due diligence
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
GLG
Industry Research, Due Diligence, Market Intelligence, Expert Interviews, Strategic Insights
Global (HQ New York)
Consulting firms, PE/VC, hedge funds, and corporations needing expert insights
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
GLG Pros & Cons
Pros:
- World's largest expert network — 900k+ experts globally
- All industries and geographies covered
- Rigorous compliance framework for financial/regulated industries
- Established trust with top consulting and PE/VC firms
- Range of formats: phone consultations, surveys, in-depth projects
Cons:
- Enterprise subscription pricing — not accessible for SMEs or individuals
- Expert consultations only — no project delivery
- Not a traditional freelance or contractor platform
- Compliance requirements limit certain expert categories
Best for: Consulting firms, PE/VC investors, hedge funds, and large corporations needing rapid expert insights for research and due diligence
Summary
99designs charges ~15–30% in commission, while GLG charges 0% (expert); client pays subscription or per-consultation. 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.
GLG works well for consulting firms, pe/vc investors, hedge funds, and large corporations needing rapid expert insights for research and due diligence, particularly in the Consulting firms, PE/VC, hedge funds, and corporations needing expert insights 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 GLG?
GLG charges 0% (expert); client pays subscription or per-consultation commission. Gerson Lehrman Group; world's largest expert network; 900k+ experts; brief phone consultations
Is 99designs or GLG better for freelancers?
99designs suits Design. GLG suits Consulting firms, PE/VC, hedge funds, and corporations needing expert insights. Choose based on your preferred fee model and target client type.
Related Comparisons
Find Related Experts
Looking for experts in skills commonly found on 99designs or GLG?
List yourself in our directory
Direct client contact, zero commission, from CHF 1/month. No surprises.