Yelp vs Angi: which one fills the calendar?

How they stack up, side by side

We scored Yelp and Angi on six things that matter most: lead quality, cost per lead, how fast you get your first job, how easy it is to set up, refund protection, and how well it works in small markets. Higher is better.

How each one works

Yelp

Yelp is free to claim. You build a page, get reviews, and pay only if you want ads. No yearly contracts to worry about.

The way you actually use it:

1. Make a free Yelp business page.
2. Add photos, services, and ask happy customers for reviews.
3. Turn on paid ads to show at the top of search.
4. Use Yelp Connect to get messages straight to your phone.

Angi

Angi is more of a contract. You pay a yearly fee plus per-lead costs. It's better for pros doing bigger projects who want a steady lead pipeline.

The way you actually use it:

1. Talk to an Angi sales rep. They set up your plan.
2. You pay a monthly fee plus per-lead costs.
3. Customers find you in search or get matched by Angi.
4. You contact them, give a quote, and try to win the job.

Which one pays back more?

Use the sliders below. Put in your average job price and how many leads you can handle in a month. The two cards show which platform looks better for your numbers.

What each one does best (and worst)

Yelp - strengths

• People trust Yelp reviews. Good reviews can fill your calendar.
• Most leads have already read about you before they reach out.
• Works great if your average job is $300 or more.

Yelp - weaknesses

• Ads can cost $5 to $15 per click. Costs add up fast.
• Some leads send the same message to many pros. You have to be fast.
• Hard to track which clicks turn into real jobs.

Angi - strengths

• Strong name in home services. Older customers know it well.
• Bigger projects are common. Bigger ticket = bigger checks.
• You can lock in zip codes you want to work in.

Angi - weaknesses

• Yearly contracts are real money. You pay even if leads are slow.
• Same leads often go to many pros. Speed matters.
• Reviews online from pros are mixed.

Which one fits your business?

Four quick questions. Honest answers. We add up the points and tell you which one to start with.

The bottom line

Yelp is free to start and grows with your reviews. Angi locks you into a yearly fee, which only makes sense for bigger projects.

Pick Yelp when…

• You're a small business with strong reviews.
• You don't want a yearly contract.
• You want to test ad spend month by month.

Pick Angi when…

• Your jobs are usually $2,000+.
• You're a roofer, remodeler, or big-project pro.
• You have budget for a yearly plan plus per-lead fees.

Common questions

Is Angi the same as Angie's List?

Yes. Angie's List changed its name to Angi in 2021. Same company, same lead system.

Should small businesses pay for Angi?

Usually no. The yearly contract and per-lead fees only make sense if your jobs are big and steady. Yelp is friendlier for small shops.

Are Angi reviews trusted?

Yes, but less than they used to be. Some customers feel they're flooded with calls after using Angi. Yelp reviews tend to feel more independent.

How much does Angi cost?

Plans usually start around $300 a month, plus $15 to $100 per shared lead. Total monthly cost can easily hit $1,000+ in busy markets.