Earshot vs Thumbtack vs Angi
— The Honest Comparison

Contractors pay $50–150/week for shared leads on Thumbtack and Angi. Earshot costs $29/mo flat and uses AI to find customers who are already looking for you — exclusively.

✓ Earshot wins on pricing, exclusivity, and ROI — every single time

Every metric. Every category.
No spin.

We're confident enough to put the numbers next to each other. Here's exactly how each platform compares.

Earshot Thumbtack Angi
Monthly cost $29 – $149 flat $50–150/week ($200–600/mo) $300–600/mo
Pricing model Flat monthly fee Pay per lead Monthly membership + pay per lead
Lead exclusivity ✓ Exclusive — yours only ✕ Shared with 3–5 contractors ✕ Shared with multiple pros
Lead source AI finds people actively asking for help online Homeowner submits project request Homeowner submits project request
Lead intent quality High — AI filters for location + urgency + fit Mixed — no pre-qualification Mixed — no pre-qualification
Speed to contact Automated — Earshot reaches out in minutes Manual — you see it, you call Manual — you see it, you call
Bidding / competition Zero — no bidding wars Yes — competing with 3–5 other pros Yes — competing with multiple pros
Contracts / lock-in Cancel anytime — no commitment No contract, but spend is unpredictable Often requires annual membership
Monthly spend control 100% predictable Unpredictable — can spike $2,000+ Partially predictable (but per-lead adds up)
Outreach automation ✓ AI-drafted personalized messages ✕ Manual — you write everything ✕ Manual — you write everything
Setup time 2 minutes 30–60 minutes (profile, verification) 60+ minutes (extensive profile, background check)
Annual cost (10 leads/mo) $348/year $2,400–$7,200/year $3,600–$7,200/year

Thumbtack and Angi pricing based on published rates and contractor surveys. Actual spend varies by trade and location.

Why contractors are switching

✓ Recommended
Earshot
$29/mo
  • Flat rate — no surprises
  • AI scans the internet for people asking for your service
  • Leads are exclusive to you
  • Auto-drafts personalized outreach
  • Cancel anytime
  • 2-minute setup
✕ Expensive
Thumbtack
$200–600/mo
  • Pay per lead whether they respond or not
  • Leads shared with 3–5 competitors
  • Monthly spend wildly unpredictable
  • You do all the outreach manually
  • Algorithm controls your visibility
✕ Most Expensive
Angi
$300–600/mo
  • High base membership + pay per lead
  • Leads shared with multiple pros
  • Annual contracts common
  • Extensive setup and verification
  • No automation — manual outreach only

Thumbtack alternative FAQ

What is the best Thumbtack alternative for contractors?

Earshot is the best Thumbtack alternative for local service contractors. Instead of paying $50–150/week for shared leads that go to multiple competitors, Earshot charges a flat $29/mo and uses AI to find customers who are already online asking for your exact service in your area — then reaches out on your behalf automatically.

Is there a better alternative to Angi for plumbers and electricians?

Yes. Earshot is a significantly cheaper and more effective alternative to Angi for plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, roofers, and other skilled trades. Angi's combination of membership fees and per-lead costs often adds up to $300–600/month, with no exclusivity. Earshot starts at $29/month with exclusive, AI-found leads.

How is Earshot different from HomeAdvisor?

HomeAdvisor (now merged with Angi) charges for every lead and sends that same lead to multiple contractors simultaneously. Earshot doesn't wait for homeowners to submit requests — instead, AI actively monitors community forums, social media, and local groups for people who are already asking about your services. You get the lead first and only you get it.

Does Earshot work for all contractor types?

Earshot works for any local service business: plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, roofers, landscapers, house cleaners, painters, general contractors, handymen, pest control, auto repair, and more. During setup, you tell Earshot your trade, service area, and ideal customer — the AI tailors its signal detection accordingly.

Can I cancel Earshot anytime?

Yes. Earshot has no contracts and no lock-in. Cancel anytime. Unlike Angi's annual memberships or Thumbtack's unpredictable weekly spend, you're never locked in with Earshot.

How quickly can I get started with Earshot?

Setup takes about 2 minutes. You tell Earshot your trade, location, and ideal customer. The AI starts scanning immediately. First signals typically appear within 24 hours depending on activity in your area.

Related: FTC Orders $110M+ in Thumbtack & Angi Refunds — Are You Eligible? →

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