For freelancers and contractors in 2026, the right job board can mean the difference between a steady stream of well‑paid gigs and endless applications that go nowhere. Two of the largest traditional job boards—SimplyHired and Indeed—have evolved to serve the growing freelance economy. But which one actually helps you land more contracts and earn higher rates?
This comprehensive comparison dissects every feature that matters: job volume, search filters (especially remote and contract‑type), application experience, salary transparency, company reviews, mobile apps, and real contractor feedback. We’ll also look at how each platform has adapted for the 2026 freelance market and give you a clear winner based on different freelancer profiles.
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📋 Table of Contents
SimplyHired vs Indeed: 2026 Overview
Both SimplyHired and Indeed are aggregators: they pull job listings from thousands of sources (company career pages, other job boards, staffing agencies) into one searchable database. In 2026, both have added robust filters for remote work, contract type, and even project‑based gigs. But their philosophies differ: Indeed emphasizes sheer volume, while SimplyHired focuses on salary transparency and a cleaner application flow.
📊 Key Stats (2026)
- Indeed: 300M+ unique visitors monthly, 60M+ job listings at any time.
- SimplyHired: 30M+ unique visitors monthly, 10M+ listings, but stronger salary data.
- Both offer free job posting for employers; freelancers can apply at no cost.
Job Volume & Categories
When it comes to sheer numbers, Indeed is the undisputed leader. It indexes jobs from everywhere, including many freelance‑specific sites. SimplyHired, while smaller, still offers millions of listings and often has better categorization for contract work.
| Metric | Indeed | SimplyHired |
|---|---|---|
| Total job listings (approx.) | 60M+ | 10M+ |
| Freelance/contract specific filter | Yes (Job Type → Contract, Temporary, Internship) | Yes (Job Type → Contract, Freelance, Part‑time) |
| Remote‑only filter | ✅ (dedicated Remote toggle) | ✅ (Location → Remote) |
| Number of freelance jobs (est.) | ~5M | ~1.5M |
| Top categories for freelancers | Writing, Design, Software Dev, Customer Service, Admin | Writing, Design, Marketing, IT, Project Management |
Indeed’s massive database means you’re more likely to find niche or highly specific freelance roles. However, it also means more competition and more outdated or duplicate listings. SimplyHired’s smaller pool is often more curated, with fewer spammy posts.
Search Filters for Freelancers
Good filters save hours of scrolling. Here’s how the two platforms compare for the filters freelancers care about most in 2026.
Indeed’s Filter Power
ExtensiveIndeed offers: Remote toggle, Job Type (Full‑time, Part‑time, Contract, Temporary, Internship, Commission), Salary Estimate, Company, Location (radius), Date Posted, and even Experience Level (Entry level, Mid‑level, etc.).
SimplyHired’s Filter Precision
Salary‑FocusedSimplyHired’s filters include Job Type (Full‑time, Part‑time, Contract, Internship, Temporary, Freelance), Location (with Remote option), Company, Date Posted, and an excellent Salary Estimator that shows a range for every listing, even when the employer didn’t specify pay.
Winner: SimplyHired for salary transparency, Indeed for depth of filters. If you need to know the pay before clicking, SimplyHired is unbeatable. If you want to slice and dice by dozens of criteria, Indeed wins.
Application Process & User Experience
How you apply matters—especially when you’re mass‑applying to freelance gigs.
- Indeed: Offers “Quick Apply” (submit with your Indeed profile) or “External Apply” (redirect to company site). Quick Apply is fast but can feel impersonal. Many employers prefer external applications, which adds friction.
- SimplyHired: Almost all applications redirect to the employer’s site. No proprietary apply system. This means you’ll have to fill out forms repeatedly, but it also means you’re dealing directly with the employer.
🛠️ Pro Tip for 2026
Create a standard “freelance proposal” template and tailor it for each job. Both platforms let you upload a resume and cover letter—use them to stand out, even with external applications.
Salary Transparency & Company Reviews
Indeed is famous for company reviews and salary data contributed by employees. SimplyHired uses its own salary algorithm to estimate pay for every job, even when the employer hides it.
| Feature | Indeed | SimplyHired |
|---|---|---|
| Salary on job post (if provided) | ✅ shown | ✅ shown |
| Salary estimate when not provided | ❌ rarely | ✅ always (based on title/location) |
| Company reviews | ✅ millions of reviews | ✅ integrated from partner sites |
| Salary comparison tools | ✅ Indeed Salary Search | ✅ SimplyHired Salary Estimator |
If you’re a freelancer who values knowing the pay range before applying, SimplyHired’s estimates are a huge time‑saver. Indeed’s reviews help you avoid toxic clients—a must for long‑term contracting.
Mobile Apps & Alerts
Both platforms have robust mobile apps with job alerts. Indeed’s app is more feature‑rich, allowing you to apply directly, track applications, and message employers. SimplyHired’s app is simpler but reliable for browsing and saving jobs.
App Store Ratings (Feb 2026)
Indeed’s app offers more functionality, but both are solid.
Contractor Success Stories
📊 Case Study: Freelance Writer (2 years experience)
Using Indeed: Applied to 50 jobs, got 5 interviews, landed 2 contracts (one long‑term). Found a remote content writing gig at $45/hour.
Using SimplyHired: Applied to 30 jobs, got 4 interviews, landed 1 contract (project‑based). The salary estimates helped filter out low‑paying gigs early.
Verdict: Indeed offered more volume, SimplyHired saved time on underpaid posts.
📊 Case Study: Web Developer (5 years experience)
Using Indeed: Found a senior contract role through a staffing agency posting on Indeed. Used company reviews to vet the agency.
Using SimplyHired: Found a direct‑hire freelance project for a startup; the salary estimate was accurate and led to a $80/hour contract.
Alternatives & When to Use Each
Both platforms are excellent for broad searches, but freelancers should also consider niche sites:
🤔 So, which one should you use?
Use Indeed if you want maximum volume, company reviews, and don’t mind sifting through some low‑quality posts. Use SimplyHired if you want salary transparency upfront and a cleaner interface. Most successful freelancers use both, setting up alerts on each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both are completely free for job seekers. Employers pay to promote listings, but you can search and apply at no cost.
Indeed has more total remote jobs simply due to its size. However, SimplyHired’s remote filter works well, and the ratio of quality remote jobs is similar on both.
Generally yes. SimplyHired uses machine learning based on job title, location, and industry data. It’s not always exact, but it gives a reliable ballpark—much better than nothing.
Watch for red flags: requests for money upfront, vague job descriptions, too‑good‑to‑be‑true pay. Use company reviews, search the employer online, and never share sensitive personal information before a legitimate interview.
Final Verdict: Which Board Wins in 2026?
There’s no single winner—it depends on your priorities. Choose Indeed if you want the largest database and company insights. Choose SimplyHired if salary transparency and a cleaner interface matter more. The smart freelancer uses both, leveraging their unique strengths to uncover the best opportunities.
🚀 Ready to start?
Create free accounts on both platforms, set up email alerts with your preferred filters, and start applying today. The freelance economy is booming—make sure you’re where the clients are.