Opus Group Insights
HomeAdvisor vs Angi for Plumbers: What's the Difference in 2026?
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Updated 16 October 2026: Usually only as a test. HomeAdvisor now runs on Angi's lead system: third-party 2026 reports put Angi plumbing leads at $40–$85 plus about $300 a year, often shared with 3–8 pros and on 12-month terms. SearchLight puts 2026 plumbing Local Services Ads at $57 a lead, usually not shared.
Summary: HomeAdvisor and Angi aren't competitors any more. HomeAdvisor, Inc. does business as Angi Leads and HomeAdvisor powered by Angi, so a plumber choosing between them is really choosing whether to buy Angi's shared leads at all. The fair comparison is Angi Leads against Google Local Services Ads and Search ads in your own account, measured on cost per booked job.
At a glance
| HomeAdvisor | Angi | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | HomeAdvisor, Inc., part of Angi | Angi Inc. |
| Lead product for pros | Now sold as Angi Leads | Angi Leads |
| How you pay | Per lead | Per lead |
| Shared? | Up to five pros per request | Up to five pros per request |
The real choice: shared leads or your own Google channels
| Channel | How you pay | Is the lead shared? | Published lead-price figure (third-party unless stated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angi Leads (HomeAdvisor) | Per lead, charged when you and the homeowner both show interest | Yes: matched with up to five pros (Angi help centre) | Plumbing $40–$85 a lead, plus a roughly $300 yearly fee contractors report (Founders Resource) |
| Thumbtack | Per lead, at prices you set within a weekly budget; no joining or membership fee | Thumbtack says competition per lead is limited; it doesn't publish a number | No public price sheet; your account shows the range (Thumbtack) |
| Google Local Services Ads | Per valid lead; ads on Google Search and Maps | No: the lead comes to you | Plumbing $57 a lead in Feb 2026 (SearchLight, 230 accounts); $69.26 in May 2026 |
| Google Search ads | Per click; you count the leads | No | Plumbing non-branded search $183 a lead, PMax $82, Q1 2026 (SearchLight, 524 contractors) |
| Opus Group accounts | Your own Google Ads and LSA; ad spend paid to Google | No | $63 average cost per lead across the accounts we run; $44–$90 in clients' best months |
What the FTC found
The FTC charged HomeAdvisor in March 2022 with misrepresenting the quality and source of its leads, and with claiming its leads turn into jobs at rates it couldn't substantiate. Its complaint also describes an annual membership fee on top of per-lead fees. The final order in April 2023 required up to $7.2 million in redress.
Sources
- FTC: HomeAdvisor case page
- FTC: complaint press release (Mar 2022)
- FTC: final order (Apr 2023)
- Angi Help Center: Opportunities and Leads FAQ
- SearchLight: LSA cost per lead by trade (2026)
All sources checked 15 October 2026. Prices and terms change, so confirm them with each company.
Plumbing lead prices: 2026 update
| Angi / HomeAdvisor | Thumbtack | Local Services Ads | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing per lead | $40–$85 (Founders Resource, LeadTruffle) | You set it; median $27.17 all categories | $57 (SearchLight) |
| Fees | ~$300/year | None | None |
| Shared? | Often 3–8 pros | Customer may contact several | Usually one business |
| Contract | Often 12 months, 30–35% early cancel | None | None |
Third-party figures are labelled with their source; they are not Opus Group claims.
Sources for the 2026 update
- Founders Resource: Angi lead cost by trade, mid-2026
- LeadTruffle: Angi lead cost and contract terms, 2026
- Tack Tools Pro: 5,985 Thumbtack leads, Mar–Sep 2026
- SearchLight: LSA cost per lead by trade, 2026
Checked 16 October 2026.
FAQ
Are HomeAdvisor and Angi leads worth it for plumbers in 2026?
Usually only as a test. HomeAdvisor now runs on Angi's lead system: third-party 2026 reports put Angi plumbing leads at $40–$85 plus about $300 a year, often shared with 3–8 pros and on 12-month terms. SearchLight puts 2026 plumbing Local Services Ads at $57 a lead, usually not shared.
How much is an Angi plumbing lead in 2026?
Third-party 2026 reports put it at $40–$85, plus about $300 a year in membership (Founders Resource, LeadTruffle).
Is HomeAdvisor the same as Angi?
Yes. The FTC's case records describe HomeAdvisor, Inc. as doing business as Angi Leads and HomeAdvisor powered by Angi.
Which is better for plumbers, HomeAdvisor or Angi?
They're the same lead product. Compare Angi Leads with Google Local Services Ads and Search ads instead, on cost per booked job.
How do HomeAdvisor/Angi leads work?
A homeowner request is matched with up to five pros, and you're charged when you and the homeowner both show interest, according to Angi's help centre.
What did the FTC order HomeAdvisor to do?
Pay up to $7.2 million in redress and stop making false or unsubstantiated claims about its leads, under a final order approved in April 2023.
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