ITHire is a freelance marketplace focused on IT and technology work, such as development, design and other digital services. It launched publicly on Product Hunt in October 2022 and again with an updated version in February 2024. Its main pitch is protection for both sides: escrow for fixed-price work, hourly protection backed by a built-in time tracker, and in-app messaging and video calls, so clients and freelancers can run a whole project inside the platform.
At a glance
| What it is | A freelance marketplace for IT and tech work |
| Launched | 2022, with a relaunch in 2024 |
| Work types | Fixed-price and hourly projects |
| Payment protection | Escrow and hourly protection |
| Tools | Time tracker, messaging, video calls |
| Fees | Not confirmed; check before you start |
How it works
Freelancers create a profile with their skills, rates and portfolio. Clients post projects, and freelancers send proposals. Once a client hires you, the work runs through ITHire. For fixed-price work, the client funds escrow before you begin, and the money is released when the work is approved. For hourly work, the smart time tracker records your time and activity, which is what makes hourly protection possible if a client disputes your hours.
Messaging and video calls are built in, so you can discuss scope, share files and hold check-ins without moving to other apps. Keeping everything on the platform also keeps you covered by its protections.
The time tracker
The time tracker is ITHire’s standout tool. It logs hours against a contract and gives the client a record of what you worked on. If you’re used to Upwork’s work diary, the idea is similar. Run it whenever you bill hourly work, because untracked time may not be protected.
Pay and fees
ITHire doesn’t make its freelancer fee easy to find in public sources, and I couldn’t confirm it. Before you accept a contract, check the current service fee, withdrawal options and how long released payments take to reach you.
Competition and visibility
ITHire is far smaller than Upwork or Freelancer.com. That cuts both ways: fewer clients, but also fewer competing proposals on each job. Early reviews and a complete profile carry more weight on a smaller marketplace.
Writing proposals that win
Read the brief closely and reply to the client’s actual problem. Mention one relevant past project, suggest a first step and give a clear estimate. Keep it short and specific, and avoid copying the same proposal across jobs.
Common mistakes
Some freelancers start work before escrow is funded. Others bill hours without the tracker running. Both leave you unprotected. Agree scope in writing on the platform before you begin.
Keeping clients happy
Send short progress updates, flag problems early and share work in small pieces so the client can give feedback. On a smaller marketplace, a few repeat clients and good reviews can keep your calendar full.
Is it worth it?
For tech freelancers, a profile costs little effort, and the payment protection lowers the risk of working with new clients. Treat it as an extra channel and track how many contracts it brings.
Final tip
Keep your profile focused on two or three core skills rather than everything you can do.
Owen’s take
ITHire is worth a profile if you do IT or development work and want another source of clients with real payment protection. Its smaller size means it won’t replace a big marketplace, but it can add projects.
Who it suits
It suits developers, designers, IT support specialists and other tech freelancers comfortable with time tracking. It suits less well writers or non-technical freelancers, or anyone who needs steady high volume.
Getting started
Sign up as a freelancer, complete your profile with skills and portfolio links, set your rate and start sending tailored proposals. Install the time tracker before your first hourly contract.
Similar options
- Upwork has a similar time tracker and escrow.
- Freelancer.com is a large bidding marketplace.
- Codeable focuses on WordPress developers.
- Turing matches vetted developers with companies.
More options are in Freelancing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Escrow and hourly protection
- Built-in time tracker, messaging and video
- Less competition than the giants
Cons
- Smaller client base
- Fees not clearly published
- Narrow focus on IT work
FAQ
What is ITHire?
A freelance marketplace for IT and technology work.
Does ITHire protect payments?
Yes, with escrow for fixed-price work and hourly protection through its time tracker.
Does ITHire have a time tracker?
Yes, a built-in smart time tracker for hourly contracts.
Can I talk to clients on ITHire?
Yes, through in-app messaging and video calls.
What does ITHire charge freelancers?
I couldn’t confirm the current fee; check the site before you start.
