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Contra vs Toptal
Contra and Toptal are both freelance sites. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on Contra and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Updated · from each platform’s published fees and payout terms · how we verify
Key differences
- On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on Contra and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
- Both pay out via Bank transfer. Only Contra offers Stripe. Only Toptal offers PayPal and Payoneer.
- Toptal screens providers before they can join, while Contra is open to anyone.
- Only Toptal lists built-in payment protection (No-risk trial period for clients).
- Toptal is the older platform — founded in 2010, 9 years before Contra (2019).
Which should you choose?
Choose Contra if…
- You want to withdraw via Stripe.
- You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
Choose Toptal if…
- You want to withdraw via PayPal and Payoneer.
- You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
- You want built-in payment protection.
- You prefer a long track record (since 2010).
Side by side
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Contra
A commission-free platform where independent workers showcase portfolios, sell services, and get hired for fle…
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Toptal
A premium network that screens applicants and accepts only a small percentage of freelance developers, designe…
Visit
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|---|---|---|
| Type | Freelance sites like Upwork | Freelance sites like Upwork |
| Category | General Marketplace | Vetted Talent |
| Vetted | No | Yes |
| Work from home | Yes | Yes |
| Fees | 0% commission for freelancers | 0% - no commission on freelancer's set rate |
| Payout speed | Standard 4-9 business days, faster payouts in 0-30 minutes | — |
| Payment protection | — | No-risk trial period for clients |
| Withdraw via | Bank transfer, Stripe | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire transfer |
| Availability | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Founded | 2019 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, United States | United States |
| Popularity | 72 views · 0 likes | 66 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Contra or Toptal?
On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on Contra and $1,000 on Toptal, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Where are Contra and Toptal available?
Contra: Worldwide. Toptal: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, Contra or Toptal?
Contra — anyone can sign up, while Toptal screens providers before accepting them.