Freelancing has exploded in popularity, transforming how businesses and professionals work together. While Contra stands out for its zero-commission model and user-friendly interface, many professionals seek alternatives that better match their specific needs.
We’ve curated 14 top Contra alternatives, analyzing their unique features, fee structures, and specialties. Whether you’re hiring specialized talent or seeking your next freelance opportunity, this guide will help you choose the perfect platform.
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Why consider Contra alternatives?
While Contra offers no commission fees, flexible contracts, and strong portfolio tools, there are good reasons to explore other options:
- Bigger talent pool: Contra has fewer users than platforms like Arc, Upwork, or Freelancer.
- Niche platforms: If you need specialized help, a niche site focused on your industry might be a better fit.
- Advanced tools: Contra is user-friendly but lacks advanced project management tools.
- Different pricing models: Some platforms offer pricing that fits your budget better.
Exploring these alternatives could connect you to bigger talent pools, industry-specific services, and better tools.
14 Best Contra alternatives you need to check out
Here’s a detailed look at top alternatives to Contra, covering their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you make an informed choice.
1. Arc
Arc makes finding top tech, design, and marketing talent easy for you. With rigorously vetted freelancers, Arc ensures high-quality matches. Its AI-powered HireAI tool connects you with talent quickly, saving time and cutting hiring costs.
Key features
- Rigorous vetting provides access to top-talent
- Save up to 80% with global hires
- Instant matches with AI recruiter (HireAI)
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
Pricing
You won’t face extra fees for hiring through Arc. Freelancer rates depend on role, experience, and location. For full-time hires, you pay a one-time fee—no hidden fee.
Why is Arc a great Contra alternative?
Arc simplifies your hiring with AI-powered matches, helping you find the right freelancers fast. Freelancers set their rates, and for full-time hires, you pay a one-time fee. It’s flexible, fast, and transparent.
2. Upwork
Upwork is an ideal freelance services marketplace for talent across various industries—marketing, development, writing, and more.
Key features
- Large candidate pool with talent across 90+ categories
- Built-in project management tools (e.g., time tracking, milestones)
- Flexible billing options (hourly, fixed-rate, retainer)
Pricing
Upwork charges 7.99% on all payments, plus a small contract initiation fee of $4.95.
Why is Upwork a great Contra alternative?
With Upwork, you access a wide range of talent and use built-in tools to manage projects and track progress. It’s a versatile option with easy communication tools.
What users are saying
“I feel very strongly that the quality of work that the independent talent are doing enables us to uphold our core value of being customer obsessed.” — Kevin Conway, Director of Renewal Strategies @ iCIMS
3. Fiverr
Fiverr offers a gig-based model with freelancers offering set services at specific price points. Just pick the gig that fits your needs.
Key features
- Gig-based services with predefined deliverables
- Transparent pricing starting as low as $5
- Categories spanning design, marketing, and development
Pricing
Fiverr takes a 5.5% service fee per payment, plus a $3 fee for small orders.
Why is Upwork a great Contra alternative?
Fiverr’s gig model gives you affordable options for high-quality services, with clear prices and a wide client base.
What users are saying
“Within 5 minutes, I received a response after placing my order. I was able to take a short break from my project, discuss my requirements with the designer, and get a clear idea of the expected result.” — Mary Braelynn
4. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com lets you post projects and hire freelancers directly or through a bidding process.
Key features
- Bid on projects or be hired directly
- Integrated project management tools
- Supports both hourly and fixed-rate projects
Pricing
Freelancer.com charges 3% or $3 (whichever is greater) on fixed-price projects and 3% per milestone for hourly projects.
Why is Freelancer.com a great Contra alternative?
Freelancer.com works for a variety of projects, from simple tasks to complex jobs, with a bidding system that helps you find the best price.
What users are saying
“I am amazed by the number of quality freelancers we found on the site. It took us very little time to find the right people that we are looking for.” — Dafeng Guo, CTO @ Strikingly
5. Guru
Guru focuses on secure, straightforward hiring. The SafePay system holds funds until you approve the work, enabling safe and reliable payments.
Key features
- SafePay for secure, protected payments
- Detailed freelancer profiles with portfolios and reviews
- Multiple payment terms (hourly, milestone-based, task-based)
Pricing
Guru’s 2.9% service fee is among the lowest in the market.
Why is Guru a great Contra alternative?
With pre-vetted freelancers and customizable agreements, Guru gives you confidence in your hiring, backed by security and transparent pricing.
What users are saying
“I hired a freelancer for a project; we were communicating all the way up until the moment I made payment. Guru did a fantastic job resolving the issue and helping me get things back on track. I have nothing but good things to say about Guru. So, if you are trying to decide if you should use Guru or not, just know that they treated me great, were very polite, and went out of their way to help me.” — Michelle Shaw
6. Crackerjack
Crackerjack connects you with local talent and keeps hiring simple. It’s a great option for competitive rates and an easy process.
Key features
- Verified freelancers
- Competitive pricing for businesses
- Supports various project types (hourly, fixed-rate)
Pricing
Crackerjack doesn’t list exact fees but promises some of the lowest in the market.
Why is Crackerjack a great Contra alternative?
Crackerjack is suitable for project-based work without back-and-forth negotiations. Clear pricing lets you know costs upfront.
What users are saying
“I used different similar websites to hire someone for my home projects, this is just another one. Overall it was a great experience.” — Matt L.
7. Speedlancer
Speedlancer is ideal when you need projects done fast, with most tasks completed within four hours.
Key features
- Fast project delivery, typically within 4 hours
- Pre-vetted freelancers ensure high-quality output
- Team-based approach for larger projects
Pricing
You set the price for tasks, though Speedlancer suggests a fair rate to attract freelancers.
Why is Speedlancer a great Contra alternative?
If you need fast results, Speedlancer’s turnaround time is unbeatable. Its pre-vetted talent ensures reliable, high-quality work.
What users are saying
“I use Speedlancer for all of my design jobs, from logos to images to use on my blog posts and presentations. Recently, I’ve upgraded to Concierge & love how easy it makes getting work done.” — Adrian
8. Onsite
Onsite, a UK-based platform, connects you with high-quality freelancers in creative and tech fields like development, design, and content creation.
Key features
- Vetted freelancers ensure high-quality results
- No bidding system for pricing
- Focus on creative and tech sectors
Pricing
Onsite has zero commission for companies and provides instant matching, so you get connected with freelancers as soon as you post a job.
Why is Onsite a great Contra alternative?
Onsite simplifies hiring by instantly matching you with qualified freelancers. Plus, its built-in project management and communication tools keep everything in one place.
What users are saying
“I’ve successfully recruited a Senior UI Designer for London based Design Studio. Great UX, Well considered UI, and probably the best source of Freelance Design talent.” — Alex Kavel
9. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour uses AI to match you with freelancers, especially in web design, writing, and marketing.
Key features
- AI-powered matching for relevant job opportunities
- Flexible hiring options (hourly, fixed-price, project-based)
- Collaboration tools for real-time communication
Pricing
PeoplePerHour charges a service fee of £0.60 plus 10% on payments through credit card or electronic services like PayPal.
Why is PeoplePerHour a great Contra alternative?
Its scoring system, CERT, helps you find experienced, skilled freelancers. Built-in collaboration tools make it easy to communicate with freelancers throughout the project.
What users are saying
“I love PeoplePerHour because it’s easy to use and the quality of freelancers is better than other marketplaces.” — Chika Russell, Founder @ Chika’s
10. SolidGigs
SolidGigs saves you time by curating high-quality freelance opportunities without the hassle of traditional job searches.
Key features
- Curated gig opportunities
- Focus on high-quality, high-paying projects
- Resources like courses and templates for freelancer success
Pricing
SolidGigs charges a flat fee of $49 monthly after a free trial.
Why is SolidGigs a great Contra alternative?
SolidGigs’ curated job listings mean you don’t waste time sifting through endless applications—just high-quality gigs in one place.
11. Toptal
Toptal connects you with the top 3% of freelance talent, perfect for specialized software development, design, marketing, and finance needs.
Key features
- Access to the top 3% of freelance talent
- Rigorous vetting process
- Project management tools for smooth collaboration
Pricing
Toptal has a flat monthly subscription fee of $79, plus bi-monthly invoices based on freelancer roles.
Why is Toptal a great Contra alternative?
Toptal’s vetting ensures top talent and a trial period to test the freelancer’s fit before committing. It’s ideal when you need expertise you can trust.
What users are saying
“I interviewed two recommended programmers in my budget. Both were very good. I selected one. Did great work solving WordPress code issues and finding errors as we moved to the current WordPress and PHP programs.” — Ted Telesky
12. Gigster
Gigster is built for large-scale software projects, taking a team-based approach to complex development needs.
Key features
- Collaborative teams for software and app development
- Built-in project management tools
- Focus on top tech talent
Pricing
Gigster charges no recruiter fee, and project costs vary by role.
Why is Gigster a great Contra alternative?
Gigster’s vetted talent and integrated project management tools keep everything moving smoothly, so you get quality results without micromanaging.
What users are saying
“I like that Gigster supplies our development team with the external technical expertise we need to accomplish our objectives and meet the requirements of our stakeholders.” — Jodi A.
13. Dribbble
Dribbble connects you with top graphic design, web design, and illustration designers. Its community-driven approach gives you a peek at portfolios and insights from other professionals.
Key features
- Showcase portfolios to a global audience
- Job board for designers
- Community and feedback for informed hiring decisions
Pricing
Hiring freelancers is free; posting a job is $150 per month, with premium access at $300.
Why is Dribbble a great Contra alternative?
With Dribbble, you can browse portfolios and review feedback to make informed hiring choices. It’s a trusted platform for creative professionals.
What users are saying
“If what you are looking for is to redesign things in your company, you should definitely look for the designer in this program, it works very well when finding the right designer for your company and you have a wide variety to choose from, you can find without any problem the professional you are looking for, it has a very easy to use and modern interface.” — Andrea P.
14. MarketerHire
MarketerHire connects you with professional marketers within 48 hours. Each hire has a two-week trial, so you can assess fit with no long-term commitment.
Key features
- Pre-vetted marketing experts
- Fast hiring process, typically within 48 hours
- Flexible contracts (hourly, part-time, or full-time)
Pricing
Pricing starts at $5,000/month for the starter level, with options at $10,000 and $15,000.
Why is MarketerHire a great Contra alternative?
MarketerHire’s quick turnaround and two-week trial let you test the waters before fully committing. It’s a great solution when you need marketing expertise fast.
What users are saying
“MarketerHire paired my company with an outstanding Growth Marketer. Since the beginning of our collaboration, we have surpassed every KPI and target we set. I have already recommended MarketerHire to others looking for marketing help.” — Christopher Egasti
Pros and cons of using Contra
Before making a final decision, consider the pros and cons of using Contra compared to other platforms.
Pros of using Contra
- Transparent pricing: You can post jobs for free on Contra. For project pricing, there’s a $29 fee per contract for one-time projects or $29 per month for ongoing ones. If you want more visibility for your job post, you can boost it for $199.
- Customizable profiles and portfolios: Contra lets freelancers showcase their work by creating custom profiles and portfolios, giving you a clear view of each candidate’s skills and experience.
- Flexible contracts: With Contra, you can set up flexible payment terms and project structures that suit your needs. This makes it easy to arrange project terms that work best for you.
- User-friendly interface: Contra’s clean, simple design makes it easy for you to navigate and manage hiring without extra hassle.
Cons of using Contra
- Smaller talent pool: Contra’s freelancer base is smaller than that of platforms like Arc, Upwork, or Fiverr, which may limit your options.
- Limited project management tools: Contra’s tools may feel basic if you manage complex or long-term projects, especially compared to more feature-rich platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.
- Fewer categories: Contra focuses on creative and knowledge-based work, so larger platforms may offer more variety if you need freelancers in areas like customer service or technical support.
Key factors to consider when choosing a freelance platform
When you’re choosing a freelance platform, a few key factors can help you find the best investment for your needs. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Define your project scope and requirements
Start by outlining what you need for your project. Are you looking for short-term help, long-term collaboration, or full-time support? Defining your project’s scope and the skills required will help you set realistic timelines and measure the project’s success.
Compare pricing and fees
Freelancer costs vary widely depending on the platform, skill level, and project complexity. Comparing platform fees is an excellent way to balance cost with value—while lower fees can help you save money, higher rates sometimes bring added quality, better service, or premium features. Be sure to check for hidden costs, such as service charges or transaction fees, to avoid surprises and stay within budget.
Platform support and dispute resolution
Reliable customer support is crucial. Whether you have a technical issue or a problem with a freelancer, the right platform should offer quick solutions through live chat, email, or phone support. Strong dispute resolution is also key—it protects you if issues arise around paying freelancers or project outcomes. Look for platforms with clear processes to keep your projects safe and smooth.
Reviews and testimonials
Client reviews and testimonials give you an inside look at how well a platform works. Look for feedback on the quality of candidates, the hiring experience, and project outcomes. Also, check how freelancers rate the platform—happy freelancers tend to deliver excellent results for employers. Sites like Glassdoor or Trustpilot offer valuable reviews on fair pay and support, helping you make an informed choice.
Finding the best Contra alternative for your needs
Choosing the right freelance platform is crucial for your business. This guide covers 14 alternatives to Contra, outlining their features, pricing, and talent pools to help you find freelancers that fit your needs. Platform fees, project management tools, and support can greatly impact your hiring success.
Explore the platforms listed if you need freelancers for short-term projects or ongoing work. You’ll make a smart, informed choice by clearly defining your needs, comparing fees, checking reviews, and understanding what each platform offers. This careful approach will help you hire the right candidate and deliver better results for your business.
You can also try Arc, your shortcut to the world’s best remote talent:
⚡️ Access 450,000 top developers, designers, and marketers
⚡️ Vetted and ready to interview
⚡️ Freelance or full-time
