Are There Any Significant Differences Between Elance and Odesk?

In the world of online freelancing, two of the largest platforms, Elance and Odesk, have recently merged into a single entity. However, they continue to operate as distinct entities with their own unique features and characteristics. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two platforms and help you decide which might be the better fit for your needs.

Understanding the Differences

As a seasoned SEO specialist, I have noticed several key differences between Elance and Odesk over the years. While they share many similarities, these distinctions can greatly impact the user experience and outcomes for freelancers and clients alike.

1. Size and Revenue

One of the most notable differences between the two platforms is their size and revenue. According to industry data, Odesk is significantly larger with a higher monthly revenue compared to Elance. This size disparity can often be attributed to the broader pool of clients and more established positions within the market.

2. Integration and Technology

Another key difference lies in the integration and technology offered by each platform. Odesk has a more robust system for time tracking and screenshot management, which is particularly useful for hourly-based work. Additionally, Odesk's payment system is integrated with their time tracking system, allowing payments to be disbursed based on the hours worked. In contrast, Elance's payment system is based on fixed-priced projects.

3. User Interface and Navigation

The user interface (UI) and navigation of Odesk are also more straightforward and user-friendly. This simplicity can be a significant advantage, especially for clients who are new to the platform and need an easy-to-navigate experience. A simpler UI can lead to a more enjoyable and efficient experience, which may be why Odesk is often considered the winner in user satisfaction surveys.

4. Freelancer Distribution

One of the most striking differences between the two platforms is the distribution of freelancers. Odesk has a larger proportion of freelancers from lower-income countries like Bangladesh and the Philippines. This means that posting a job on Odesk for an SEO expert, for instance, will attract a much larger number of bids from these regions. On the other hand, Elance has a more balanced distribution of freelancers across various income levels.

While Elance does have its fair share of high-quality, expensive freelancers, Odesk tends to have a more significant number of lower-cost, entry-level options. This can make Odesk a more cost-effective choice for projects with limited budgets. However, for higher-quality projects, Elance is generally considered to offer better quality work on average.

5. Commission Rates

Commission rates are another area where the two platforms differ. Odesk charges a 10% commission on each project, while Elance's commission rate ranges from 6.75% to 8.75%, depending on the service provider's subscription package. While Odesk's higher commission might seem like a disadvantage, the platform often compensates for this through higher competition and, consequently, lower prices.

6. Price and Quality

For businesses looking to complete projects for as low as 5-10 dollars, Odesk is the clear winner. This is due to the greater number of low-cost freelancers available on the platform. Conversely, Elance tends to have a higher average cost due to its greater focus on quality work. However, this doesn't mean that Odesk doesn't offer high-quality work; it's simply that Elance tends to attract a higher number of skilled, experienced freelancers.

Conclusion

While both Elance and Odesk have their unique strengths, the decision between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for quality work and a more straightforward user experience, Elance might be the better choice. If you're working with a limited budget and need to take advantage of lowercost freelancers, Odesk might be the way to go.

Regardless of your choice, both platforms continue to offer robust tools and a wide range of services to cater to the diverse needs of freelancers and clients alike. As they continue to merge and evolve, it will be interesting to see how these differences may change in the future.