Orca vs Upwork, Fiverr & Agencies
Founders usually compare Orca to Upwork for dedicated assistant hiring. This page shows how Orca stacks up on fees, speed, commitment, and pricing transparency — without bidding wars or platform cuts.
| Feature | Orca | Fiverr | Upwork | Taskbullet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform / agency fees | None | 20% from VA | 10% from VA | 35% management fee |
| Speed to first message | Instant | Instant | After proposals | ~1 day |
| Dedicated assistant | Yes — same person | No — gig-based | Possible but varies | Yes — managed |
| Transparent pricing upfront | Yes — rate on profile | Yes — per gig | Varies — negotiated | Yes |
| Bidding / proposals required | No — direct message | No | Yes — proposal process | No |
| VA keeps 100% of their rate | Yes | No — 80% | No — 90% | No — managed model |
| AI-assisted matching | Yes — Scout Concierge | Limited filters | Smart matching | Yes |
Common questions
Is Orca cheaper than Upwork?
Orca charges zero platform commission. VAs keep 100% of their agreed rate, while Upwork takes a percentage from freelancers. Clients also avoid the proposal process and hire directly from structured profiles.
Can I hire the same VA long-term on Orca?
Yes. Orca is built for ongoing assistant relationships — not one-off gigs. You message a dedicated VA, agree on scope and hours, and continue working together without rebidding.
Do I still need to post a job?
No. Orca is directory-first. Browse live profiles, compare rates and skills, and message the VA you want to speak with.
What if I want help choosing a VA?
Use Scout Concierge — Orca's $49 AI-ranked shortlist service — or browse the directory sorted by responsiveness and experience.
Try Orca without the proposal grind
Browse vetted profiles with rates visible upfront, or use Scout Concierge for a ranked shortlist.
Browse the VA directory