The best Thumbtack alternative depends on where you live and the size of the job. Some apps match you with pros, some let you post a job for free and wait for replies, some are vetted directories, and some start with a video call before anyone visits. Ten options follow, in no particular order.
Thumbtack is a popular way to hire local pros in the US, from cleaners to contractors. But it isn't the main option in the UK or Australia, and some homeowners would rather post a job and let trades come to them, read vetted reviews, or get advice before anyone turns up.
The ten apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, covering the US, UK and Australia. Every description comes from the app's own App Store listing, read this week. If you're planning bigger work, my guide to home improvements that add value helps you decide what's worth doing first.
Thumbtack alternatives at a glance
I checked the free plan column on each app's own App Store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the page names a free app, a free version, a free plan, free posting or open source. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the page I read named neither, even where there's a download button, so check the tool's own page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angi | Home services matching app | Being matched with US home pros | Not stated |
| Bark | Local services platform | Services beyond the house | Not stated |
| Checkatrade | UK tradesperson directory | Vetted UK trades for emergencies | Not stated |
| Frontdoor | Video chat home repair app | Getting advice before calling someone out | Yes |
| hipages | Australian tradie platform | Hiring a tradie in Australia | Yes |
| Houzz | Home design and remodel app | Design ideas before you hire | Not stated |
| MyBuilder | UK job posting app for trades | Letting tradespeople come to you | Yes |
| Rated People | UK tradesperson platform | Boiler servicing to new kitchens | Yes |
| TrustATrader | UK trades directory | Trades who passed an application check | Not stated |
| Yell | UK business directory app | Searching millions of UK businesses | Not stated |
Ten apps to find local pros worth a look
Angi
Best for: US homeowners who want to be matched with local pros for remodeling, landscaping, cleaning and handyman projects from a very large network.
Bark
Best for: People who need more than home repairs, from house cleaning to personal training, connected with verified professionals.
Checkatrade
Best for: UK homeowners who want vetted plumbers, electricians, roofers and builders, booked and reviewed in one app, including for emergencies.
Frontdoor
Best for: Do-it-yourselfers who'd like to video chat with a repair expert first, with the first chat free and a free membership to start.
hipages
Best for: Australian homeowners who want to post a job for free and compare quotes from local painters, plumbers, electricians and builders.
Houzz
Best for: Renovators who want to browse millions of home design photos first, then find and work with design and building professionals.
MyBuilder
Best for: Homeowners in the UK who'd rather post a job for free and let available local tradespeople come to them than cold call around.
Rated People
Best for: Anything from boiler servicing to a new kitchen in the UK, with free job posting, reviews to read and chat with tradespeople in the app.
TrustATrader
Best for: Homeowners who want a directory of rated tradespeople, where every member goes through an application to prove they're accredited and reliable.
Yell
Best for: Locals who want to find, contact, book and review tradesmen and services from a directory of millions of UK businesses.
Which app suits which job
- You'd like advice before booking anyone: Frontdoor.
- You're in Australia: hipages.
- You want trades to come to you in the UK: MyBuilder.
- You're planning a renovation and need ideas: Houzz.
- You need help beyond the house, such as a trainer: Bark.
Reviews aren't qualifications
A tradesperson can have dozens of five-star reviews and still not be allowed to do certain jobs. In the UK, GOV.UK lists the authorised competent person schemes. They include Gas Safe Register for gas work and electrical schemes whose members appear on a single register of electricians that householders can search.
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So for anything involving gas, electrics or building regulations, check the scheme register as well as the app. In the US, licensing is set by each state, so look up the state's contractor licence search before you sign anything for a bigger job.
Questions to ask before you hire through an app
- Does the app check identity, insurance or qualifications, or only collect reviews?
- Is posting a job free for you, and does the tradesperson pay to reply?
- Can you see recent reviews with photos of finished work?
- Will you get a written quote before work starts?
- Who do you contact if the job goes wrong?
- Does the app cover your town, or only big cities?
How to get three good quotes
Describe the job in detail with photos, measurements and the outcome you want. Vague posts get vague quotes. Ask each person what's included, how long it'll take and when they can start, and get everything in writing before anyone picks up a tool.
For bigger work, agree on stages and payment points in a simple contract. My guide to what a contractor agreement should include explains the basics.
Do you make home services, local pro or tradesperson finder apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing a Thumbtack alternative
Use the app to find people, then check them like you would a stranger knocking on the door. Read recent reviews, ask for proof of insurance, and for gas or electrics confirm they're on the right register. Get three written quotes for anything big, and never pay the whole lot upfront.
If you're outside the US, start with the apps built for your country. They usually have far more local trades.
Want your tool on this list? Featured spots and reviews here are paid partnerships. Here's how to partner with me.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Thumbtack?
It depends on your country and the job. Matching apps suit quick US jobs, job-posting apps suit the UK and Australia, and vetted directories suit people who want checks done first.
Is there a free app to find tradespeople?
Several apps here say posting a job is free for homeowners. Check whether the tradesperson pays to reply.
What is the UK version of Thumbtack?
The UK has several apps where you can post a job or search vetted trades. Look for ones that cover your area.
How do I check a gas engineer in the UK?
GOV.UK lists Gas Safe Register as the competent person scheme for gas work, so check the engineer is registered.
How many quotes should I get?
Three written quotes is a sensible rule for anything bigger than a small repair.
Should I pay a tradesperson upfront?
Avoid paying the whole amount upfront. Agree on stages and pay as each part is finished.
