Undoubtedly, there is a high demand for service professionals, especially for household services. So if you’re in the trades, such as heating and air conditioning, electrical work, painting, cleaning services, landscaping, or other fields, you’re likely in a good place. But simply setting up shop, throwing up a website, and putting some flyers in mailboxes isn’t likely drum up the business you need to succeed.
You need leads. Yet getting quality leads is one of the biggest challenges for contractors. Whether you’re an HVAC pro, a skilled electrician, or the go-to painter in town, steady work depends on getting your business in front of the right people. And while Angi (formerly Angie’s List) is a popular choice for lead generation, it’s far from the only option.
Maybe you’re frustrated with the platform’s fees, how leads are handled, or just want to explore other ways to grow your business. The good news? Plenty of other sites help contractors connect with homeowners looking for their services.
In this guide, the team at Housecall Pro will share the best alternatives to Angi, from platforms with lower fees to those that offer better customer connections. Whether you’re looking for a fresh approach or a backup plan, these options can help you bring in new jobs and grow your client base.
Angi Alternatives Every Contractor Should Know
How Angi Works
Let’s start by understanding how Angi works, and why Angie’s List was even set up in the first place. Before it became the Angi we know today, it all started with a woman named Angie Hicks back in 1995. Frustrated by the lack of reliable service providers, she set out to create a directory that homeowners could trust. What began as a small subscription-based list of highly rated contractors grew into one of the most recognized platforms for connecting homeowners with service pros.
Fast forward to today, and Angi is a powerhouse in the home services industry. The platform helps homeowners find everything from HVAC specialists and plumbers to painters and landscapers. Customers can browse reviews, compare quotes, and choose a provider—all in one place.
For contractors, though, the experience can be a mixed bag. Businesses pay per lead, but they don’t get to control lead quality. That means you might be paying for potential customers who aren’t serious, have already hired someone else, or are just shopping around. This unpredictability can make customer acquisition costs feel like a gamble, leaving many pros searching for alternatives that offer better value and control over their leads.
Angi’s Pricing Structure
Angi operates on a pay-per-lead model, where contractors are charged for every potential customer inquiry. Pricing varies based on job type, location, and demand, with leads typically ranging from $15 to $85 each. Contractors can also pay for monthly advertising to improve their rankings and visibility on the platform.
However, many service providers report frustration with paying for low-quality or even fake leads. In 2023, the FTC took action against HomeAdvisor, Inc., an Angi-affiliated company, requiring them to pay up to $7.2 million for misleading small businesses into purchasing home improvement leads that often weren’t legitimate.
Company Size Best Suited For
With its pay-per-lead model and additional advertising costs, Angi tends to work best for larger service businesses that can absorb higher marketing expenses. Companies with bigger budgets and dedicated sales teams may have an easier time turning a high volume of leads into paying customers.
For solo contractors or small business owners, the cost of leads—especially lower-quality ones—can add up fast. Without a steady cash flow or a strong conversion strategy, many smaller businesses find it difficult to make Angi a profitable lead generation tool.
Top 9 Angi Competitors List for Home Services
Angi may be one of the biggest names in home service marketplaces, but it’s not the only game in town. While some contractors find success on the platform, others struggle with unpredictable lead quality and rising costs. The good news? There are plenty of other ways to connect with homeowners looking for your services. Whether you want more control over your leads, lower costs, or a better overall experience, these nine Angi alternatives offer solid options for growing your business.
1. HomeAdvisor (Now Part of Angi)
HomeAdvisor, now under the Angi umbrella, functions as a lead generation platform for contractors across various industries. While similar to Angi, it has key differences that impact how businesses gain and manage leads.
Pricing Structure
- Pay-per-lead model, but leads are shared with multiple contractors, increasing competition.
- Subscription plans available for improved visibility.
- No refunds on bad leads, which can result in wasted marketing spend.
Company Size Best Suited For
- Best for mid-to-large businesses with the budget to handle a large flow of leads.
- Contractors must be prepared to compete aggressively for jobs.
2. Thumbtack
Founded in 2008, Thumbtack takes a different approach to lead generation by giving contractors more control over their budget and service areas. Instead of blindly paying for every lead, businesses can review customer inquiries before committing, making it a more flexible option than some competitors.
Pricing Structure
- Pay-per-lead model, but contractors set their own budget and service areas.
- Contractors can review job details before paying, reducing wasted spend.
- Leads are not exclusive, but competition is generally lower than on HomeAdvisor.
Company Size Best Suited For
- Pay-per-lead model, but contractors set their own budget and service areas.
- Contractors can review job details before paying, reducing wasted spend.
- Leads are not exclusive, but competition is generally lower than on HomeAdvisor.
3. Houzz Pro
Originally launched as an interior design platform, Houzz expanded into contractor lead generation with Houzz Pro in April 2020. This business management software helps home professionals attract leads, manage projects, and grow their brand.
Pricing structure:
- Subscription-based plans start at $149/month (Essential) and $249/month (Pro).
- Advertising packages available from $499/month.
- Includes marketing tools, website services, and lead generation.
- Higher cost than other platforms but offers branding benefits.
Company Size Best Suited For
- High-end contractors specializing in remodeling, design, or custom home improvement projects.
- Ideal for those looking to build an online presence, not just generate leads.
4. Porch
Porch connects homeowners with contractors through its online platform and retail partnerships with Lowe’s and other major brands. This integration helps contractors gain exposure to homeowners seeking home improvement services.
Pricing structure:
- Pay-per-lead model with optional monthly subscription plans.
- Vetted Network membership available for $360/year.
- Some leads come from Lowe’s partnerships, but lead quality varies—some contractors receive strong referrals, while others deal with irrelevant inquiries.
Company Size Best Suited For
- Best for general contractors, handymen, and pros in the home improvement industry.
- Works well for contractors who benefit from Lowe’s referrals.
5. Pro Referral (By Home Depot)
Home Depot’s Pro Referral program connects customers needing installation services with local contractors. Unlike other lead platforms, it rewards pros who shop at Home Depot, making it a unique way to generate business.
Pricing Structure
- Free to join—no commission fees on leads.
- Leads are earned through Home Depot purchases.
- Customers come directly from Home Depot’s installation services, with lower competition than Angi or HomeAdvisor.
Company Size Best Suited For
- Ideal for contractors specializing in installations (e.g., flooring, HVAC, plumbing).
- Best for pros looking for steady, retail-driven leads.
6. Networx
Founded in 2004, Networx offers a mix of exclusive and shared leads, giving contractors a short window to secure jobs before leads are opened to others.
Pricing Structure
- Flat monthly fee with no long-term contract.
- Exclusive leads at first, with no extra charge if a small job turns into a bigger project.
- Option to purchase pre-qualified leads, helping reduce wasted ad spend.
Company Size Best Suited For
- Ideal for contractors seeking a mix of inbound leads and marketing support.
- Great for newer businesses wanting an affordable way to start lead generation.
7. Bark
Bark connects contractors with homeowners by allowing them to bid on job requests across service industries. Instead of paying upfront for leads, pros purchase credits to respond to potential customers.
Pricing Structure
- Pay-per-lead model with flexible pricing based on job type and demand.
- Contractors buy credits to respond, rather than paying for every lead.
- Leads are semi-exclusive, meaning fewer competitors per job.
Company Size Best Suited For
- Best for small-to-medium contractors seeking flexible pricing and lower competition.
- Great for pros who prefer bidding on specific jobs instead of paying for every lead.
8. HomeGuide
HomeGuide is a lead marketplace where homeowners can compare quotes from multiple contractors before choosing a provider. It offers a more transparent approach to lead generation.
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Pricing Structure
- Pay-per-lead system with clear, upfront pricing.
- Contractors can review job details before purchasing leads, reducing wasted spend.
- More affordable pricing compared to Angi and HomeAdvisor.
Company Size Best Suited For
- Great for small-to-medium contractors wanting cost-effective lead generation.
- Ideal for pros who prefer quoting jobs directly before committing to a lead.
9. Neighborly
Neighborly is a home services franchise network that connects contractors with homeowners while providing marketing and business support. Unlike traditional lead platforms, it offers a franchise-based model for long-term growth.
Pricing Structure
- Franchise model—contractors pay a fee to join the network.
- Leads are exclusive to Neighborly franchisees.
- Includes marketing, branding, and operational support.
Company Size Best Suited For
- Best for contractors seeking franchise opportunities with built-in brand recognition.
- Ideal for businesses focused on long-term growth, not just lead generation.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business
Looking for Angi alternatives? There are plenty of other sites like Angie’s List that can help contractors connect with homeowners. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Angi/HomeAdvisor: Best for large companies with big budgets that can handle high competition.
- Thumbtack: Thumbtack offers more control over spending, great for small-to-medium businesses. And, Thumbtack Pros get a discount on HousecallPro software,
- Houzz Pro: Ideal for high-end remodeling and design contractors who need branding and marketing tools.
- Porch & Pro Referral: Best for pros who benefit from Lowe’s and Home Depot referrals.
- Networx & Bark: Affordable options with semi-exclusive leads and flexible pricing.
- HomeGuide: Cost-effective with transparent pricing, great for budget-conscious contractors.
- Neighborly: Best for those seeking franchise opportunities with long-term growth potential.
Your Next Steps to More Leads & More Jobs
The best lead generation platform depends on your business size, budget, and service type. Whether you’re looking for exclusive leads, lower costs, or built-in marketing tools, these lead generation alternatives provide real opportunities to grow your contracting business.
If you’re weighing Thumbtack vs. HomeAdvisor, consider how much control you want over spending and competition. Platforms like Networx and Bark offer flexible pricing, while Porch and Pro Referral connect contractors with retail-driven leads. For those focused on branding, Houzz Pro provides marketing tools alongside lead generation.
Since Housecall Pro partners with Angi, it also helps contractors streamline operations while integrating with lead sources. No matter which option you choose, the goal is to find a reliable, cost-effective way to connect with homeowners and keep your business thriving.
