Thumbtack
by Thumbtack, Inc. · Lifestyle · Home & Services
A service marketplace connecting homeowners with local professionals for home improvement, events, and personal services.
Quick Answer: Thumbtack has a verified Real Score of 3.4/5 based on 18,000 verified reviews, compared to its App Store rating of 4.5/5. Mixed reviews from verified users.
Real Score vs App Store Rating
App Store Rating
Includes unverified reviews
Verified Real Score
Based on 18,000 verified reviews
Gap Alert: Thumbtack's App Store rating is 1.1 points higher than its verified Real Score. This suggests that some store reviews may be inflated by fake or incentivized ratings.
Pros & Cons
What Users Love
- Wide range of professional services
- Detailed project matching
- Multiple quotes from pros
- Licensed professional options
Common Complaints
- Quote quality varies
- Professionals pay for leads
- Response times inconsistent
- Some unqualified pros slip through
Verified Reviews (20)
Got 5 quotes for my bathroom remodel
Submitted my project and received 5 detailed quotes within 24 hours. Comparing prices, timelines, and reviews made choosing a contractor informed rather than random. Great for big projects.
Some pros aren't actually qualified
Hired a "plumber" through Thumbtack who clearly wasn't experienced. The vetting process needs improvement. Checking licenses and credentials yourself is still necessary.
Perfect for finding niche services
Found a Japanese garden designer, a vintage furniture restorer, and a pet portrait artist through Thumbtack. The range of niche services available is impressive and surprising.
Pros pay per lead which affects quality
Professionals pay Thumbtack for each lead. This cost gets passed to customers through higher quotes. The lead-based model creates a hidden markup on services.
Response time varies wildly
Some pros respond within minutes, others take days or never respond. The inconsistency in response times makes planning difficult. Wish there was a response time guarantee.
Reviews help identify good pros
Detailed reviews with project descriptions and before/after photos help evaluate professionals. Reading how previous customers experienced the work is invaluable for selection.
Project questionnaire is thorough
The detailed questions about your project help match you with appropriate professionals. The matching accuracy improves when you provide complete project details.
Background checks on pros available
Some professionals display background check badges. Knowing a pro entering your home has been vetted adds confidence. Should be mandatory, not optional.
Quotes can vary hugely
Received quotes ranging from $500 to $2500 for the same kitchen painting job. The price variation is useful for comparison but also shows how inconsistent pricing is in home services.
No guarantee on work quality
Thumbtack connects you with pros but doesn't guarantee the work. If something goes wrong, you're dealing directly with the professional. The platform is a matchmaker, not a warranty.
Event planning services are great
Found a caterer, photographer, and DJ for my daughter's graduation party all through Thumbtack. The event services category with multiple vendor quotes simplified party planning.
Cost estimator is helpful
The cost guide showing average prices for common projects in your area sets expectations before getting quotes. Knowing the ballpark prevents sticker shock.
Photo messaging with pros
Sharing photos of the project with professionals through in-app messaging helps them give accurate quotes. Visual communication prevents misunderstandings about scope.
Seasonal availability affects options
During peak home improvement season, popular pros are fully booked. Submitting requests early or during off-season gets better responses and potentially lower prices.
Repeat bookings build relationships
Finding a good house cleaner through Thumbtack and rebooking them monthly created a reliable relationship. The platform works best when you find your go-to pros.
Licensed vs unlicensed isn't clear enough
The distinction between licensed contractors and unlicensed handypeople isn't always clear. For work requiring permits and licenses, the platform should better highlight credentials.
Good for comparison shopping
The biggest value of Thumbtack is getting multiple quotes quickly. Even if you don't hire through the platform, the quotes inform what you should pay any contractor.
Personal services beyond home
Tutors, personal trainers, music teachers, and life coaches available alongside home services. The service range extends well beyond home improvement into personal development.
Follow-up from pros can be pushy
Some professionals send multiple follow-up messages trying to secure the job. The eagerness is understandable but the persistent messaging can be annoying.
Useful starting point for projects
Thumbtack is a good first step for finding service professionals. Combine it with your own research, license verification, and references for the best results.
Showing 1-20 of 12,847 reviews
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Last updated: April 2026