The more desperate you are for remote work, the more platforms like Upwork and Fiverr profit off that desperation. You pay to apply. You pay to be seen. You even pay to get paid. It’s a cycle built on keeping freelancers hustling while skimming off the top.
Remote Rocket Ship breaks that cycle. No tokens. No commissions. No bidding wars. Just real remote jobs that don’t cost you your time, energy, or paycheck to chase.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly how Remote Rocket Ship works, why it’s gaining traction with freelancers who are tired of being squeezed, and how it stacks up against Upwork and Fiverr in actual dollars and real-world experience.
The Pay-to-Play Trap: Upwork & Fiverr
Let’s be honest. If you’ve used Upwork or Fiverr, you already know how the game works. It’s not about your skills—it’s about how much you’re willing to spend just to be considered.
1. Upwork: Tokens and Tolls
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Connects cost $0.15 each, and a single job can require 8–30 connects. That’s $1.20–$4.50 just to apply.
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Freelancer Plus plan: $14.99/month for 80 connects. Still not enough if you’re actively applying.
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Commission: 20%. If you make $1,000, you only see $800.
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Psychology: The less you hear back, the more connects you buy. It feeds on uncertainty.
2. Fiverr: Boost or Be Buried
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Promoted gigs cost $1–$3 per click. To compete, you might be spending $50–$150/month.
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Commission: Still 20%.
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The Algorithm: If you’re not boosting your gigs, they drop to page 12 where hardly anyone sees them.
The kicker? Around 72% of their revenue comes from freelancers, not clients. You’re not the customer—you’re the product.
What Is Remote Rocket Ship?
Remote Rocket Ship is a job board built for freelancers who are done paying to work. Instead of charging freelancers, employers cover the costs through subscriptions. You browse and apply freely. No tokens. No bids. No percentage cut.
You get access to real remote jobs across writing, design, development, marketing, customer support, and more—many of which list exact salary ranges and don’t care where you live. It’s not flashy. It’s just fair.
Why This Platform Is Different (In a Good Way)
Here’s what makes it worth your time:
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0% commission – you keep what you earn. Period.
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No pay-to-play features – you don’t have to boost your profile to be seen.
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Salary transparency – over 70% of jobs list pay upfront.
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Global access – work from anywhere, not just the U.S. or EU.
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No fake listings – jobs are vetted. No MLMs or sketchy “brand ambassador” roles.
And importantly, Remote Rocket Ship doesn’t make money when you fail. It makes money when companies post legit jobs.
Upwork vs. Remote Rocket Ship: Actual Numbers
Let’s break it down. Say you’re a freelance copywriter making $3,000 a month on client work.
On Upwork:
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20% commission: $600/month → $7,200/year
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Tokens: Average $45/month → $540/year
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Freelancer Plus: $180/year
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Total = Approximately $7,920/year in platform fees
On Remote Rocket Ship:
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Free tier: $0
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Premium plan (optional): $216/year
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Commission: $0
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Total = Approximately $216/year max
Annual savings: Over $7,700. That’s enough for a decent vacation, a new laptop, or just some extra peace of mind.
Standout Features That Make It Work
1. Free Tier That’s Actually Useful
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300+ curated jobs monthly
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Weekly updates by category
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No caps on applications
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Filters by role, skill, and region
For example, a freelance writer named Sarah landed three clients in two weeks using just the free tier. She saved $87 that month compared to what she would’ve spent on Upwork connects.
2. Paid Tiers (Still Dirt Cheap)
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$6 per week – Priority access to 1,000+ jobs, early alerts for new listings, perfect if you’re actively hunting.
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$18 per month – Save 25% versus the weekly rate; ideal if you apply to 15+ jobs per month.
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$54 per year – Just $4.50 a month if you pay annually; great for long-term job seekers.
If you’re applying regularly, the paid plan is a no-brainer—but it’s not required to get real value.
Real Tips to Land Jobs Faster
Here’s how to make Remote Rocket Ship work for you:
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Use Job Filters Like a Pro
Sort by “No Experience Needed,” “Worldwide,” or “Part-Time” to narrow it down to manageable, legitimate options. -
Apply Early
Jobs drop around 9AM EST. Set a reminder—being one of the first 10 applicants can increase your odds of a response by three times. -
Make Your Profile Count
Include your title (e.g., “Email Copywriter for SaaS Brands”), a couple of lines about your expertise, a link to your portfolio or a relevant case study, and bullet points listing your skills. -
Avoid Vague Listings
If a posting says “Influencer Coach” or “Health Mentor” with no pay listed, skip it. Even on vetted boards, some odd listings slip through.
Who This Is Actually Good For
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Freelancers who hate losing 20% of their paycheck
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Remote-first workers needing flexible, global roles
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People leaving the 9-to-5 grind for freelance life
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Career switchers who can’t get past the “5 years experience for entry level” hurdle
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Anyone tired of endless bidding and ghosting
FAQs That Need Straight Answers
Q: Is the free tier legit or just a teaser?
A: It’s legit. Over 60% of users land a job interview within 30 days using just the free version.
Q: Can I negotiate salaries?
A: Yes. Most listings include a pay range, and negotiation is part of the process.
Q: Do they charge you after a trial?
A: No. There’s no auto-billing trick. You choose your plan and can cancel anytime.
Q: Are the jobs actually remote or just “hybrid” tricks?
A: Fully remote. Any job that pulls a hybrid bait-and-switch is removed.
Q: Do you get paid through the platform?
A: No. You deal directly with the employer, so there’s no middleman taking a cut.
Final Word: Your Skills Deserve Better
Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr profit the most when you struggle the hardest. The more desperate you are, the more they sell you tokens, boosts, and false hope.
Remote Rocket Ship flips the script. It gives you access without obstacles. It lets you apply without paying. And it doesn’t take a cut from your earnings.
Your talent isn’t a product — you shouldn’t have to pay to prove it.
So, if you’re tired of being taxed just to exist in the freelance world, give Remote Rocket Ship a shot. The free tier alone might change the way you hunt for jobs. Your wallet — and your sanity — will thank you.
Note: I earn a small commission (about the price of a coffee) if you use my link, but I only promote tools I’d genuinely recommend to a close friend trying to escape the freelance struggle.