Thumbtack Competitors: Finding the Right Alternative

If you’ve looked into finding local leads for your home service or small business, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Thumbtack. But is it the best option out there? Maybe. Maybe not.

Whether you’re a cleaner, contractor, electrician, or lawn care pro, finding quality leads is key to growth. This guide breaks down Thumbtack’s competitors and helps you decide which one’s the right fit for your business.

What Is Thumbtack?

Thumbtack is an online marketplace in the United States that connects local contractors and service professionals with customers looking for help. Based in San Francisco, the platform covers everything from home improvement and wellness to events and tutoring.

Pros:

• Covers over 1,000 service categories
• Offers real-time lead notifications
• Includes customer reviews and profiles

Cons:

• You pay per lead, not per booking
• Leads can be shared with multiple pros
• Negative reviews about lead quality and ROI

How Does Thumbtack Work?

You set up a profile, list your services, and receive job leads based on your location and preferences. You’ll pay a small fee each time a lead reaches out, and you handle follow-up from there.

It works well for some but there are plenty of alternatives that may offer better pricing, targeting, or results.

Top Thumbtack Competitors (and What Sets Them Apart)

1. Taskrabbit

• Ideal for odd jobs, furniture assembly, and small tasks
• Customers post tasks and pros bid directly
• Offers flexibility and fast bookings

2. Angi (formerly Angie’s List) & HomeAdvisor

• Huge presence in the home service industry
• Owned by Angi Homeservices
• You pay for leads regardless of job success
• Better for experienced contractors with sales systems in place

3. Handy

• Great for cleaning and maintenance pros
• Customers can book directly on the iOS app or website
• Payments and scheduling are handled in-platform
• You must follow their rates and service terms

4. Porch

• Integrates directly with Lowe’s and real estate networks
• Good for movers, plumbers, electricians, and more
• You can get booked directly through retailer partnerships

5. Pro Referral (by Home Depot)

• Leads come from Home Depot customers
• Strong for licensed contractors
• Home Depot verifies credentials for credibility

6. Houzz

• Focused on home remodeling, design, and improvement
• Offers lead generation plus marketing tools
• Best for visual pros like landscapers, remodelers, and interior designers

7. Yelp

• Yes, Yelp still matters — especially for local visibility
• Set up a business profile and collect reviews
• You can advertise or let leads come organically

8. Service Whale

• Offers transparent pricing tools for home service jobs
• Focuses on larger projects like HVAC, remodeling, and roofing
• Customers get estimates instantly based on inputs

9. Service Direct

• Focuses on exclusive leads (not shared)
• You only pay for verified contacts
• Good for plumbing, HVAC, electrical, pest control, etc.

More Platforms to Explore

Lawn Starter

• For lawn care and landscaping pros
• Offers scheduling, billing, and customer support in-app

Gentask

• A newer platform with no commissions
• Better for freelancers and solopreneurs

Build Zoom

• Strong in commercial construction and large home projects
• Helps match contractors with serious buyers

Bloomchase

• Niche platform for coaches, consultants, and personal services

Adopt A Contractor

• Specializes in connecting licensed professionals with vetted leads

1800 Remodel

• Focused on remodeling, HVAC, and solar
• Helps with inbound call generation

Contractors.com

• Covers the full range of trades and general contracting

HUX

• Best for cleaners in select cities
• Flat-rate pricing and recurring client options

The Home Fixers

• Focuses on small, local contractors
• Sends leads via email and phone

Talk Local

• Connects homeowners and businesses with local service pros
• Emphasizes fast response times

Bark

• Covers a broad range of personal and professional services
• Includes resume writers, tutors, photographers, and more

Fixr

• Home improvement focus
• Strong SEO presence and content-driven leads

Contractor Connection

• Focuses on insurance restoration, repair, and remodeling
• Works with vetted, credentialed contractors

Nextdoor

• Neighborhood-based app
• Word-of-mouth + online referrals
• You can promote directly in your ZIP code

HomeStars (Canada)

• One of Canada’s top home service platforms
• Best for north-of-the-border pros

How Thumbtack Stacks Up

How to Pick the Best Lead Generation Platform for Your Business

Ask yourself:

• What’s your service area? Bigger platforms might not work well for niche ZIP codes.
• Are you willing to pay per lead — even if it doesn’t convert?
• Do you want exclusive leads or are you okay competing?
• What’s your business model? Are you solo or do you manage a team?
• Do you need help with scheduling appointments, payments, or reviews too?

Different platforms suit different goals. For example, Nextdoor might work well if you get leads through friends, family, and neighborhood referrals. ServiceDirect is great if you only want leads that match your exact target market.

If you’re still experimenting with what works, test two platforms and track lead quality over time.

Keep Your Operations Tight

Lead platforms bring in business — but what happens after you book the job matters too.

If you’re not already using a tool to invoice customers, track payments, and follow up, now’s the time.

Try our Invoice Maker, built for service businesses like yours. Send clean, branded invoices the same day you finish a job.