Contra VS Upwork: Where Should Freelancers Go?
One of the most popular platforms where freelancers of all over the world find new work is Upwork.
It’s been around since 2013, and it’s already everyone’s go-to website when it comes to landing a job. In fact, it’s how I started writing here at BforBloggers back in 2021. Oh, how time flies.
So naturally, Upwork has a special place in my heart. But I tried other classic sites like Fiver or Workana, for Spanish speakers, and it’s always good to keep an eye on new trends.
That’s where Contra comes up, a rather new platform for freelancers that was launched in 2019 but has only more recently started getting more attention.
Is Contra a worthy opponent to Upwork?
Have the days of glory already ended for Upwork?
I’ll try to find the answer to these questions in this article.
Contra VS Upwork
Upwork
First, let’s rewind and see some basics. What is Upwork?
Upwork is an American freelancing platform with headquarters in Santa Clara and San Francisco, California. The company was initially formed in 2013 as Elance-oDesk after the merger of two companies and subsequently rebranded as Upwork in 2015.
Fast forward to 2022, and it was named on Time’s list of TIME100 Most Influential Companies of that year. Last year, the company’s revenue reached US$769 million.
Contra
Contra defines itself as a commission-free freelance network, making it an attractive alternative to Upwork. A smaller company, Contra was founded in 2019 but started getting traction in 2023 when it arrived on social media.
The company also has headquarters in San Francisco, California, but it hasn’t truly reached the headlines yet.
Key features
Types of work
One of the main questions you have to ask when hearing about a freelancer platform is: For which types of freelancers?
After all, there are many flavors out there, all depending on the type of work they are doing. Some places are filled with translators and copywriters, others with developers, etc.
On Upwork, you can search through 90 different categories to find work. Yes. A lot.
You’ll find fellow designers, writers, developers, marketers, videographers, sound producers and many more. Currently, the highest amount of skills is in the development and IT area.
Contra also allows all these independents to find jobs on its site, however, it’s much more focused on independent creatives. Especially due to its portfolio features that we’ll dive deep into in a minute.
Connecting with clients
The biggest difference between Contra and Upwork is connects.
When you sign up for the free Upwork plan, you get 10 connects each month. A connect is the virtual token that freelancers must use to bid on opportunities.
But one connection doesn’t equal one proposal submission. The number of connects you’ll need varies per job, so you’ll probably be able to send fewer than 10 proposals per month for free.
You need to either take care of your connects or buy new ones. Connects cost $0.15 (USD) each and are sold in bundles.
Upwork occasionally also rewards freelancers with free Connects. However, they don’t explicitly say the criteria for doing so, so it’s more a case of chance.
One of the things that might earn you connects is getting an interview with an established client on Upwork. Emphasis in the might.
Since I haven’t logged in to Upwork in a while, they stopped giving me free connects and all my previous connects expired. So Upwork is the kind of platform that works best if you are constantly in it.
Contra, on the contrary (no pun intended), doesn’t limit your applications. As they put it: it’s free to apply and always will be.
Customizing your profile
We all know that your profile is super important for landing your dream job.
Upwork, sadly, doesn’t offer many profile customization options. None. It’s closer to a resume than a portfolio.
Contra allows you to showcase your stunning portfolio where your clients can see your work, services and recommendations.
At least, that’s what they said. I was really hyped by the portfolio feature, however, with the free plan, you only get access to one template.
And to actually change fonts, colors and upload a logo, you also need to upgrade to the Pro plan.
However, the portfolio feature is still pretty neat and you can showcase client testimonials and results from previous projects.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is present in Contra and Upwork in different ways.
Contra has AI-powered portfolio templates.
As to Upwork, they have Uma, a mindful AI powered by OpenAI that helps you get work done. Obviously, Upwork reminds freelancers to check in with clients before using it.
The tool is still in beta and you can use it for a number of things: writing proposals, generating themes for a short story collection, translating and more.
Payment methods
Upwork’s payments can be withdrawn via direct bank transfers, PayPal, Payoneer, bank transfers and debit cards.
Contra, apart from those, also lets you take your money home through or Crypto payments.
Who can use these tools?
Countries
Currently, neither Contra nor Upwork supports Russia.
Contra also doesn’t support Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Syria.
Age
Although they are both platforms to find work, each one has different rules to who can use it. Upwork is for people over 18 years old, while Contra allows people of 16 and older.
Other features
Contra Expert Network is Contra’s program that partners with companies to establish freelance talent who excel in specific tools and skills. This means that, if you have a platform, you can spotlight your experts’ skills and foster opportunities for your tool’s usage.
One popular company that has used this feature is Framer. According to them, the network allowed them to act like a 1,000-person team with only 40 full-time employees.
It’s interesting to note that Upwork used to have a network feature, but they removed it in 2024 and their users don’t seem to miss it.
On the other hand, a cool benefit of being an Upwork user is getting discounts on top industry tools such as GoDaddy and Dropbox.
Support and resources
Contra has an FAQ section for freelancers and clients, a blog, multiple guides, a free invoice generator and much more. It also has a YouTube channel, but it’s mainly for use cases.
You can contact support via email.
Upwork has multiple free resources, such as budget and business planning calculators. It also has a blog, a help center and a YouTube channel with weekly videos.
If you need to reach out to their support team, they are available 24/7.
Pricing
Both Contra and Upwork can be used for free. However, while Contra doesn’t take any commission from your projects, Upwork does.
Freelancers and agencies pay a 10% service fee on all earnings from contracts.
Both platforms also have a free and a premium plan.
Upwork’s Pro plan costs $19.99 monthly and gives you access to 100 connects per month. You can also access Uma and customize your profile, which lets you keep your earnings private. If you bring new clients to Upwork through Direct Contracts, you won’t pay any service fee.
Contra Pro, on the other hand, costs $29 per month and it boosts ranking in discover and job applications. It gives you full access to the best freelance opportunities and no platform fees for any of your invited clients.
Contra Pros and Cons
Pros
Contra is designed with creatives in mind, so it’s a warm place for any artist. It even gives Creative Tools Awards.
Moreover, besides the classic payment methods, Contra lets you receive your earnings via crypto, which gives you the freedom to get paid however you want to.
Cons
Although Contra is free for everyone, a big part of its appeal, its advanced portfolio features, are only unlocked once you go with the paid plan.
Upwork Pros and Cons
Pros
Upwork is a massive freelancer network that gives you access to a lot of job opportunities from a wide variety of fields.
It also works as an all-in-one platform, thanks to its AI assistant and multiple free resources.
Cons
The Connect system is quite limiting. You are limited in the number of free applications you can send each month and you should regularly use Upwork to keep all your connects from expiring.
Verdict
Although I was very excited by Contra with its no-commission and creative approach, sometimes going with the ol’ reliable is better.
Contra still doesn’t have that many clients and it also lacks some advanced and cool features present in Upwork.
For now, I’m staying with Upwork.
What’s your choice?
Tell me in the comments!
