Thumbtack is the better app overall, scoring 8.2 to 7.8. Thumbtack wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Meetup on 2.
Homeowners comparing quotes from local pros for repairs and projects
Newcomers and hobbyists looking for recurring groups to meet people locally
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Thumbtack | Meetup |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Community & Events | Community & Events |
| Category rank | #7 of 10 | #9 of 10 |
| Developer | Thumbtack, Inc. | Meetup |
| Pricing | Free | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Strengths and weaknesses
Thumbtack
- Covers far more trades than odd-job apps
- Price estimates shown on many services
- Free for customers to post and compare
- Expect a flurry of messages from pros
- US only, and pro quality varies
Thumbtack connects you with local professionals for bigger home jobs, from plumbing and cleaning to landscaping and remodels. You describe the project, compare price estimates, reviews and credentials, then message pros directly. It is free for customers, but pros pay to reach you, so expect several follow-up messages and calls after you post a request. It is only available in the US.
Full Thumbtack review
Meetup
- Wide range of hobby and professional groups
- Free for members to join and RSVP
- Good for meeting people in a new city
- Organizer fees can push groups to charge dues
- Cluttered app with frequent upsells
Meetup is still the go-to place to find recurring local groups, from hiking clubs and language exchanges to tech talks and book clubs. Joining groups is free, and RSVPs, messages and event updates all live in the app. Organizers pay a subscription, which pushes some groups to charge dues. The app has grown cluttered, and group quality depends entirely on local organizers.
Full Meetup review
