Wonolo (short for Work Now Locally) is an on‑demand staffing platform that connects businesses with local, pre‑vetted hourly workers known as “Wonoloers” for short‑term, shift‑based roles.
They also help workers find work ranging from delivery to administration, event staffing, merchandising, warehouses, general labor among several others.
Businesses post jobs on the Wonolo marketplace, and workers review the positions and choose the ones they want.
Although most Wonolo jobs are entry-level jobs and not highly paid, Wonolo pledges to guarantee all its workers a “living wage.”
Living wages differ from minimum wage in that it calculates the cost of living in different cities.
One downside to Wonolo, however, is the extent of its reach. They are looking to extend to all cities in America, but they presently operate in only a fraction.
Additionally, you are not permitted to cancel shifts with less than 12 hours’ notice or Wonolo will lower your work rating and could kick you off the platform. Meanwhile, companies are not penalized for doing the same.
Workers are often seen complaining about their customer support.
Fortunately, other platforms provide similar services that you could defer to if you are not pleased with Wonolo.
In this post, we will talk about some of the best apps like Wonolo that you might want to consider.
Let’s dig in.
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Best Apps Like Wonolo
1. Instawork
Instawork is perhaps the best alternative to Wonolo connecting businesses with hourly workers in sectors like hospitality, events, warehouse, and logistics.
If you’re a tasker, it’s a great platform to find a gig. With reasonable pay, and the flexibility to work for who you want to and when, Instawork poses a very good alternative to Wonolo.
Their job availability however is streamlined to warehouse, general labor, hospitality, and culinary. But they have a lot of jobs in these categories.
To get started with Instawork, all you have to do is download the app and browse through the available jobs and pick the one that works best for you.
You can also apply for permanent work that fits your schedule. You can book shifts, track your working hours, and get paid, all through the app.
As with most staffing companies, there are some work requirements that you need to fulfil, such as:
- You should be at least 18 years old
- Have a smartphone
- Have relevant experience for the job you’re applying for
- Complete a background check
Pay ranges from minimum wage to as much as $30 per hour in some cases.
Currently, they operate in over 30 major metro areas. And for the places they don’t operate in yet, they have an option for you to complete your profile and join the waitlist.
That way they can contact you once they open in your neighborhood.
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2. Qwick
Qwick is another on-demand staffing platform tailored exclusively for the hospitality industry including restaurants, bars, hotels, catering, events, stadiums, and similar venues.
While businesses can post their requirements on Qwick, F&B professionals can find work in the area of their expertise.
The pay scale starts from the minimum wage. To check which cities they operate in currently, check out the page here.
You must adhere to the following:
- Have a smartphone
- Have prior experience
- Have any required licensing (such as food handlers certificates for chefs)
- Attend an in-person orientation
Unlike Wonolo, Qwick pays as quickly as within the next hour after completing your shift (once you set up the Instant Pay feature).
They also encourage their clients to develop relationships with workers and hire them permanently, if both parties are on board with the idea.
The app is available for Android and IOS.
3. TaskRabbit
A fantastic alternative to Wonolo, TaskRabbit is particularly awesome for trained professionals offering home services.
TaskRabbit provides work gigs in a wide array of fields, from electrical services and TV mounting to lawn care services to painting.
Unlike Wonolo, TaskRabbit allows workers to set their rates. That way, you are paid what you charge.
They operate in most major cities in the U.S. There is a complete list of all the places they are available in here.
To work, you have to:
- Be 18 or older
- Submit to an identity-check
- Have a bank account
- Have a smartphone
- Have a valid Social Security number. In California, you will also need a business license.
All charges (other than a $25 registration fee) are paid by customers, not freelancers. That means that you get 100% of the rate you set.
4. JiffyOnDemand
JiffyOnDemand, popularly known as Jiffy is another home services platform that offer common services including Hanging Pictures & Hooks, Paint Touch Ups, Tiling, Hardware Install, Misc. Jobs & Repairs etc.
Like Wonolo, Jiffy takes contractors’ pay seriously with a price range anywhere from $40 to $85 per hour.
But they also charge commissions of 12% to 18% of the contractor’s pay. You will also pay fines for job cancellations.
JIffy operates in limited locations as of now including Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Ottawa.
In order to enrol on Jiffy as a Contractor, they must have the following:
- Appropriate experience
- Appropriate licenses
- Appropriate Insurance
- Any necessary tools of the trade
- Smartphone
The site offers different payment schedules for different tasks, including electrical and plumbing work, appliance repair, snow removal, and general handyman services.
The bigger the job, the more money that goes into the contractor’s pocket.
Even though the payment is not processed as quickly, they are made before Saturday. They are always made on Friday, without fail, after the week the job was completed.
While contractors can earn more by themselves, having someone market their services for less than 20% might be considered a reasonable trade-off. Plus Jiffy gives better rates than most platforms.
Also, there’s a “user’s protection plan” that can be triggered by the customer. This means the contractor is obligated to redo a service or be responsible for the cost of the job if need be.
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5. Bellhop
Bellhop is a specialized gig platform that focuses exclusively on moving jobs.
It connects physically capable workers with residential moving gigs, including lifting, packing, and transportation assistance.
Workers, called “Bellhops,” operate in teams and are often paired with experienced leads who coordinate the move.
There are some requirements for workers:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be able to lift 100 pounds
- Own a smartphone
- Handle your transportation
Workers also need to complete the Bellhops interview process, pass a background check, and have a standard checking account to receive payment.
The average pay is $15-$21 per hour, including tips.
Check out the locations they operate in here.
Their app is available for both IOS and Android.
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6. Bluecrew
BlueCrew is a workforce-as-a-service platform that offers workers the unique benefit of being W-2 employees rather than independent contractors.
This means that BlueCrew workers are eligible for health insurance, overtime, paid sick leave, and workers’ compensation benefits that are rare in the gig economy.
BlueCrew focuses on roles in warehousing, fulfillment, logistics, and customer service, very similar to Wonolo’s job categories.
Workers use the app to select shifts, track earnings, and manage work history.
Since you’re technically employed by BlueCrew, you also have access to protections like minimum wage laws and employer-covered taxes.
For workers looking for the flexibility of gig work without giving up legal protections and benefits, BlueCrew is arguably one of the best alternatives on the market.
7. ToolBelt
ToolBelt is geared toward skilled trades professionals in the construction and home renovation space.
It’s a job-matching app that connects licensed professionals and contractors with construction projects in their area. This includes carpenters, electricians, roofers, plumbers, and HVAC technicians.
ToolBelt allows users to showcase their work history, licenses, and portfolio, enabling them to bid on jobs or be discovered by contractors in need of help.
It’s a strong alternative for tradespeople who prefer project-based work and want to stay local.
ToolBelt promotes transparency in job details and pay, and its focus on the skilled trades sector makes it more targeted than general gig platforms like Wonolo.
It’s especially useful for freelancers and small contractors who want to fill gaps in their schedule with short-term gigs.
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8. WorkMarket
WorkMarket, an ADP company, is a platform designed for managing freelancers, independent contractors, and field service workers.
While it’s more complex and enterprise-focused than Wonolo, it offers significant benefits for experienced professionals and companies that require large-scale contract labor.
WorkMarket supports industries such as IT services, telecommunications, field marketing, and business consulting.
Workers create detailed profiles, submit qualifications, and join private talent pools. Payment is processed through the platform, and WorkMarket also provides tools for tax handling, project tracking, and compliance.
It’s best for tech-savvy freelancers, consultants, or skilled service providers looking for serious, high-value contract work with large organizations.
Though not ideal for casual gig seekers, WorkMarket is a robust solution for those who want a professional freelance infrastructure.
9. Shiftsmart
Shiftsmart is another great alternative to Wonolo. It connects businesses in search of product teasers, retail workers, telemarketers, etc.
They have both remote and in-person job opportunities.
With availability in over 50+ countries including the United States, Shiftsmart provides a lot of job opportunities for people around the globe.
Much like Wonolo, you also have the luxury of cherry-picking the jobs and shifts that you want and/or fit your schedule.
The pay varies depending on the company you work for and the type of work you choose to do.
Although based on the kind of available jobs, payment ranges from $10 to $20 per hour. Some jobs also promise bonus payments.
To work with them you have to:
- Be 18 or older
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S
- Have a smartphone
- Be fluent in English
- Be able to access a Mac or Windows computer with a strong internet connection for remote work
After a shift, Shiftsmart approves your payment. Ideally, this takes five days.
Once the payment has been approved, you can withdraw it immediately or wait for up to three days for a direct deposit. You can, however, choose Instant Pay for a $3 fee.
The app is available on Android and IOS platforms.
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10. Upshift
Upshift is a shift-based platform that connects workers with part-time jobs in hospitality, events, manufacturing, and warehousing.
It’s built around quality and reliability, users must complete an application and assessment to get approved. Once accepted, workers are matched with local jobs and shifts based on their preferences and skills.
Upshift emphasizes professionalism and accountability, and workers can build a reputation to access more premium gigs.
The platform pays weekly, and it offers both W-2 employee status and optional benefits in some locations.
Employers benefit from a curated pool of high-quality talent, while workers enjoy stability and consistent opportunities.
Upshift is especially attractive for workers who are serious about building long-term relationships with employers while still retaining control over their schedules.
Final Thoughts
All these platforms offer users flexible, on-demand job opportunities with quick payouts and minimal barriers to entry.
Workers can choose when and where to work, access a wide variety of short-term gigs, and get paid quickly, often within days.
The mobile-friendly setup, easy onboarding, and lack of long-term commitments make these platforms ideal for people seeking extra income, short-term work, or a more independent lifestyle.
This combination of freedom, convenience, and fast earnings makes them highly appealing in today’s gig economy.
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