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 other sites like Contra?
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 Contra competitors 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 freelance sites that compete with Contra, covering their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you make an informed choice.
| Platform | Fees | Top Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc | You pay only for the hours worked with no extra fees; one-time fee for full-time hires | Top 2% candidates, AI-powered matching, no hidden fees, save up to 80% with global hires | High-quality talent, cost-effective global hires, transparent pricing | Focuses exclusively on remote talent |
| Upwork | Starting from 5%; Business plan requires a 10% service fee; Custom plans for enterprises | Large talent pool, built-in project management, flexible billing | Versatile, robust tools, and strong community | Fees can be high, and vetted freelancers only available for the Enterprise plan |
| Fiverr | 5.5% service fee + $3 for small orders | Gig-based model, transparent pricing, wide range of categories | Affordable and clear pricing, quick project setup | Premium services and hiring support costs higher |
| Freelancer.com | 3% or $3 on fixed-price projects | Bid-based or direct hiring, project management tools, flexible pricing | Broad range of projects, competitive bidding | Risk of lower-quality bids, picking a winner can be time-consuming |
| Guru | 2.9% service fee | SafePay system, detailed freelancer profiles, customizable agreements | Secure payments, low fees, detailed profiles | Unvetted freelancers |
| Crackerjack | Not specified | Verified freelancers, competitive pricing, flexible project types | Low-cost hiring, straightforward project-based pricing | Lack of transparency in fees, limited to local freelancers |
| Speedlancer | User-set rates, fair price suggestions | Fast project delivery, pre-vetted freelancers, team-based approach | Unbeatable speed, quality work, reliable pre-vetted freelancers | Limited to urgent or smaller tasks, only one free revision |
| Onsite | Zero commission | An invite-only platform for capable freelancers, no bidding system, creative and tech focus | Instant matching, integrated tools, no commission | Limited freelancer diversity due to invite-only model, no freelancer vetting |
| PeoplePerHour | £0.60 + 10% service fee | AI-powered matching, flexible hiring, and collaboration tools | CERT scoring for reliable freelancers, easy communication tools | Fees can add up for large projects, unvetted freelancers |
| Hubstaff Talent | Completely free | No fees or markups, no third-party interference, integration with time-tracking and project management tools | Direct hiring without middlemen, hiring, time-tracking, and project management in one platform | Lacks freelancer vetting and advanced talent matching |
| Toptal | $79/month + bi-monthly invoices | Top 3% of talent, rigorous vetting, trial periods | Access to elite talent, trial before commitment | High subscription fee and suitable for long-term projects only |
| Gigster | No recruiter fee, costs vary by cost | Team-based approach, project management tools, top tech talent | Collaborative team model, 30% more efficient staffing, 60% lower risk | Non-transparent pricing, No trial period available |
| Dribbble | Free to hire; $150-$300 to post jobs, 7.5% platform fee for hiring freelancers | Portfolio showcase, designer job board, community feedback | Access to community insights, no additional fee for hiring freelancers | High job posting cost, platform fee for hiring freelancers |
| MarketerHire | Starts at $5,000/month | Pre-vetted marketing experts, fast hiring, flexible contracts | Two-week trial, quick turnaround, and flexibility | Expensive for small businesses, no option to browse the talent network |
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.
Arc vs. Contra: Which is better for tech talent?
With HireAI, Arc helps you find the right freelancers fast. Arc specializes in serving startups and tech companies, providing access to top-tier tech talent.
Its large global talent pool ensures high-quality professionals at lower costs, offering a flexible, fast, and transparent hiring experience.
In contrast, Contra lacks AI-matching capabilities and charges a service fee based on the project structure, whether it’s a one-time task or an ongoing arrangement. Its small talent pool also limits your search, giving you fewer options to choose from.
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 a service fee starting from 5%, with the Business Plan requiring a 10% service fee and custom fees for Enterprise plans.
Upwork vs. Contra: Key differences
With Upwork, you gain access to a vast pool of 18 million freelancers, allowing you to choose the best talent for your needs. Built-in tools make it easy to manage projects, track progress, and communicate effectively.
In contrast, Contra has a significantly smaller freelancer pool and lacks the scale of Upwork, limiting your options for finding the ideal candidate.
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 the most affordable 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 Fiverr a great Contra alternative?
Fiverr’s gig model gives you affordable options across 700 services, with clear prices and a wide client base. Its gig-based structure is ideal for small projects that don’t require significant investment.
In contrast, Contra’s smaller talent pool and lack of a bidding system limit flexibility. Its personalized approach can also take longer to finalize agreements, with clients paying set rates plus a service fee.
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. It’s ideal for tight budgets, allowing freelancers to offer competitive rates even if your deliverables aren’t defined.
Whereas, Contra lacks a bidding system, requiring you to pay freelancers’ set rates along with a service fee based on your project’s structure, whether it’s one-time or ongoing.
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 verified freelancers and customizable agreements, Guru gives you confidence in your hiring. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for companies managing different types of projects, especially small businesses seeking cost-effective solutions.
Guru charges a 2.9% service fee, while Contra has a monthly platform fee of $29 and focuses solely on one-time and ongoing projects.
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.
Crackerjack vs. Contra: What’s best for project-based work?
Crackerjack is suitable for project-based work without back-and-forth negotiations. Clear pricing lets you know costs upfront. The platform claims to have the lowest fees in the market and is great for hiring in-person local talent.
In contrast, Contra has higher prices, charges a monthly platform fee, and is limited to remote hiring, making it less versatile for local, in-person roles.
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.
Speedlancer vs. Contra: Which is better for quick solutions?
If you need fast results, Speedlancer’s turnaround time is unbeatable. Its pre-vetted talent ensures reliable, high-quality work. It is ideal for small businesses and provides quick solutions for tasks like one-time graphic design projects.
Hiring on Contra can take longer due to its personalized approach, which requires more time to finalize agreements.
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 in a few seconds 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. Onsite is ideal for budget-conscious businesses seeking to hire quickly in the creative and tech industries.
Unlike Contra, Onsite allows you to chat directly with freelancers without the need for formal contract signing and charges no commission. In contrast, hiring on Contra requires formal contracts and includes a service fee.
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 AI-based scoring system, CERT, helps you find skilled freelancers. Built-in collaboration tools make it easy to communicate with freelancers throughout the project. It’s Ideal for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions without bidding wars.
In contrast, Contra lacks AI-powered matching, making the process less efficient and more reliant on manual searches.
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. Hubstaff Talent
Hubstaff Talent is a completely free platform for hiring remote talent worldwide. It removes fees, markups, and middlemen, providing a simple and direct way to connect with freelancers and agencies.
Key features
- Access a global freelancer directory with no fees or markups
- Choose freelancers freely, without third-party interference
- Improve project management with Hubstaff’s time-tracking tools
Pricing
Hubstaff Talent is completely free to use. The optional time-tracking and project management tools offer free trials.
Why is Hubstaff Talent a great Contra alternative?
Hubstaff Talent is ideal for businesses looking for a no-cost solution to find and manage remote talent. Unlike Contra, which charges a monthly fee, Hubstaff Talent gives free access to its directory.
With Hubstaff’s time-tracking tools, it provides an all-in-one solution for hiring and managing remote teams.
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 is regarded as a top freelance platform for hiring developers, offering a rigorous vetting process that ensures access to top talent.
It also includes a trial period to test the freelancer’s fit before committing, making it perfect for high-stakes projects, long-term engagements, and high-investment hires that require top expertise.
In contrast, Contra doesn’t list any trial period on its website, which may limit your hiring flexibility.
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.
Gigster vs. Contra: Which platform is more affordable?
Gigster’s vetted talent and integrated project management tools keep everything moving smoothly, so you get quality results without micromanaging.
Gigster is one of the best alternatives of Contra for startups due to its affordability and ability to assemble collaborative teams for complex, long-term projects.
Gigster charges no recruiting fees, unlike Contra, which serves diverse categories that may limit specialization and require a service fee for hiring.
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, but posting a job costs $150 per month, with premium access available for $300. A 7.5% service fee applies to hiring a freelancer.
Dribbble vs. Contra: Which is best for hiring designers?
With Dribbble, you can browse portfolios and review feedback to make informed hiring choices. It’s a trusted platform for creative professionals. As one of the most well-known platforms among designers, Dribbble is a trusted choice for creative professionals.
It’s ideal for creative agencies and businesses to prioritize quality assurance, with designer reviews and feedback aiding in informed hiring decisions.
In contrast, Contra’s broader focus means you may not find top-tier design talent compared to Dribbble.
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.
MarketerHire vs. Contra: Which is best for hiring marketing talent?
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.
It’s ideal for startups seeking senior marketing professionals who deliver scalable solutions, proven results, and effective campaign leadership.
In contrast, Contra doesn’t offer a trial period and, due to its diverse categories, lacks specialized marketing talent.
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 | Cons |
|---|---|
| Transparent pricing Free job posting; $29/contract for one-time projects or $29/month for ongoing ones. Boosting costs $199 | Smaller talent pool Smaller freelancer base than platforms like Arc, Upwork, or Fiverr, which may limit your options |
| Customizable profiles Freelancers can create custom profiles and portfolios, showcasing their skills and experience clearly | Fewer categories Focus on creative and knowledge work; limited options for roles like customer service or tech support |
| Flexible contracts You can set up flexible payment terms and project structures that work best for you | Minimum support Doesn’t offer personalized hiring assistance or candidate rematching if dissatisfied |
| Quick hiring It takes an average of one day to hire freelancers | Limited tools Contra’s tools may feel basic for managing complex or long-term projects compared to feature-rich platforms |
Key factors to consider when choosing a freelance platform
When exploring where to hire freelancers other than Contra, understanding key factors is essential to finding the best platform for your project. Here are the top considerations you should check.
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 and value. Lower fees save money, but higher rates may offer 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 since 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
Hiring the right freelancers is crucial for your business. When searching for freelance platforms, you should consider the related fees, management tools, and support since they can significantly impact your hiring success.
By clearly defining your needs, comparing fees, and checking reviews, you can hire the right candidate and achieve better results.
If you’re looking for expert freelancers, Arc is the top choice. Find the best talent at a lower cost with personalized support to set your business up for long-term growth.
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
