99designs vs Kolabtree: Which Platform Is Better?
Real fees, real tradeoffs. No affiliate links, no sponsored rankings. Compare 99designs and Kolabtree side-by-side in 2026.
A design-focused platform featuring contests where multiple designers submit work.
Model: Contest + Marketplace
Market: Design
Founded: 2008
Kolabtree is the world's largest platform for freelance scientists, researchers, and technical experts. PhD-level professionals work on drug development, regulatory consulting, clinical research, statistical analysis, and technical writing. Serves pharma, biotech, food science, and corporate R&D teams.
Model: Scientific Project Marketplace
Market: Science, engineering, and research projects
Founded: 2015
Fee Comparison
| Feature | 99designs | Kolabtree |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | 0 | $0 |
| Cost per Lead | Spec work / contests | $0 |
| Commission | ~15–30% | Up to 20% platform fee |
| Free Client Access | Yes | Yes |
| No Account Required | No | No |
| Target Market | Design | Science, engineering, and research projects |
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 Kolabtree if: Pharmaceutical, biotech, and R&D companies that need credentialed scientific expertise for regulatory, research, or technical writing projects
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
Kolabtree
Scientific Research, Data Analysis, Life Sciences, Clinical Research, Regulatory Affairs
Global
Science, engineering, and research projects
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
Kolabtree Pros & Cons
Pros:
- PhD-level scientific talent pool
- Unique niche (few direct competitors)
- Covers pharma, biotech, life sciences
- Fixed-price and hourly models
- Global scientist network
Cons:
- Niche platform (science only)
- Platform fee up to 20%
- Smaller talent pool than general platforms
- Project timelines can be longer due to scientific complexity
Best for: Pharmaceutical, biotech, and R&D companies that need credentialed scientific expertise for regulatory, research, or technical writing projects
Summary
99designs charges ~15–30% in commission, while Kolabtree charges Up to 20% platform fee. 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.
Kolabtree works well for pharmaceutical, biotech, and r&d companies that need credentialed scientific expertise for regulatory, research, or technical writing projects, particularly in the Science, engineering, and research projects 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 Kolabtree?
Kolabtree charges Up to 20% platform fee commission. PhD-level scientists; pharma, biotech, and R&D focus
Is 99designs or Kolabtree better for freelancers?
99designs suits Design. Kolabtree suits Science, engineering, and research projects. Choose based on your preferred fee model and target client type.
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