99designs vs RemoteOK: Which Platform Is Better?
Real fees, real tradeoffs. No affiliate links, no sponsored rankings. Compare 99designs and RemoteOK side-by-side in 2026.
A design-focused platform featuring contests where multiple designers submit work.
Model: Contest + Marketplace
Market: Design
Founded: 2008
RemoteOK is one of the highest-traffic remote job boards globally, created by serial bootstrapper Pieter Levels. Receives 3 million+ monthly visitors. Companies pay to post; listings are not editorially curated. Particularly strong for software development, design, and digital nomad-friendly roles.
Model: Remote Job Board
Market: Remote developers, designers, and digital nomads
Founded: 2014
Fee Comparison
| Feature | 99designs | RemoteOK |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | 0 | $0 |
| Cost per Lead | Spec work / contests | $0 |
| Commission | ~15–30% | 0% |
| Free Client Access | Yes | Yes |
| No Account Required | No | Yes |
| Target Market | Design | Remote developers, designers, and digital nomads |
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 RemoteOK if: Developers and designers seeking high-visibility remote job listings with global reach and no account required
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
RemoteOK
Software Engineering, Design, DevOps, Marketing, Product Management
Global
Remote developers, designers, and digital nomads
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
RemoteOK Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Very high traffic (3M+ monthly)
- Free to browse
- Global reach and visibility
- Strong for developer and design roles
- No signup required to apply
Cons:
- No editorial curation — quality varies
- Not a marketplace (no payment infrastructure)
- High volume can mean more noise
- Primarily employment and long-term contract (not project-based)
Best for: Developers and designers seeking high-visibility remote job listings with global reach and no account required
Summary
99designs charges ~15–30% in commission, while RemoteOK charges 0%. 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.
RemoteOK works well for developers and designers seeking high-visibility remote job listings with global reach and no account required, particularly in the Remote developers, designers, and digital nomads 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 RemoteOK?
RemoteOK charges 0% commission. Created by Pieter Levels; 3M+ monthly visitors; no curation
Is 99designs or RemoteOK better for freelancers?
99designs suits Design. RemoteOK suits Remote developers, designers, and digital nomads. Choose based on your preferred fee model and target client type.
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