Thumbtack vs Angi: which lead site is worth your money?

How they stack up, side by side

We scored Thumbtack and Angi on six things that matter most: lead quality, cost per lead, how fast you get your first job, how easy it is to set up, refund protection, and how well it works in small markets. Higher is better.

How each one works

Thumbtack

Thumbtack is easy to start. You sign up, set your services, and pay only when leads come in. No yearly fee.

The way you actually use it:

1. Sign up and pick the jobs you want.
2. Set your service area and prices.
3. Customers send you a request. You pay for the contact info.
4. Reply fast. The first good answer usually wins.

Angi

Angi runs on yearly contracts. You pay a base fee, then more per lead. It targets bigger home services with bigger budgets.

The way you actually use it:

1. Talk to an Angi sales rep. They set up your plan.
2. You pay a monthly fee plus per-lead costs.
3. Customers find you in search or get matched by Angi.
4. You contact them, give a quote, and try to win the job.

Which one pays back more?

Use the sliders below. Put in your average job price and how many leads you can handle in a month. The two cards show which platform looks better for your numbers.

What each one does best (and worst)

Thumbtack - strengths

• Lots of customers. You can fill your schedule fast.
• Lower cost per lead than most other platforms.
• Works in almost every U.S. city, big or small.

Thumbtack - weaknesses

• Many pros get the same lead. You have to reply in minutes.
• Some leads are just price shoppers. Many will ghost.
• Refund rules are strict. You can lose money on bad leads.

Angi - strengths

• Strong name in home services. Older customers know it well.
• Bigger projects are common. Bigger ticket = bigger checks.
• You can lock in zip codes you want to work in.

Angi - weaknesses

• Yearly contracts are real money. You pay even if leads are slow.
• Same leads often go to many pros. Speed matters.
• Reviews online from pros are mixed.

Which one fits your business?

Four quick questions. Honest answers. We add up the points and tell you which one to start with.

The bottom line

Thumbtack lets you start small and grow. Angi locks you in but works for big-ticket trades.

Pick Thumbtack when…

• You're a small business or just starting out.
• You want no yearly contract.
• You're a cleaner, painter, mover, or other broad-service pro.

Pick Angi when…

• You do big remodels, roofing, or HVAC system jobs.
• You can spend $1,000+ a month on lead-gen.
• You want exclusive zip codes (some Angi plans offer this).

Common questions

Is Thumbtack cheaper than Angi?

Almost always yes. Thumbtack has no monthly minimum or contract. Angi makes you commit before you even see your first lead.

Which one has better leads?

It depends on the trade. For cleaners, handyman work, and small jobs - Thumbtack. For roofing, big HVAC jobs, or remodels - Angi can pull bigger budgets.

Can I leave Angi if it's not working?

Hard. Angi contracts can be tough to cancel early. Read the fine print before you sign.

Do Thumbtack and Angi sell the same leads?

No, but both share each lead with multiple pros. Speed of response wins on both platforms.