How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- American Home Shield offers the broadest coverage and the highest HVAC limits, which suits older homes with aging systems.
- Choice Home Warranty offers strong basic coverage at a predictable price, with a service fee of $85 or $100 per claim.
- Liberty Home Guard stands out for plan variety and availability in all 50 states, with a long workmanship guarantee.
- Cinch Home Services suits appliance-heavy households, with competitive entry pricing and appliance-focused plans.
- A home warranty is a service contract, not insurance, so read coverage caps, exclusions, and waiting periods before paying.
Quick comparison
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best home warranty company
Starting price$39.99 per month
Free planNo
American Home Shield is the largest home warranty provider in the United States, and its scale shows in coverage breadth. Plans cover heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and major appliances, with higher tiers adding items such as roof leak repair and electronics protection. The HVAC limit of $5,000 per term exceeds most rivals, and coverage for rust, corrosion, and sediment is included on all plans, which matters for older water heaters and HVAC equipment.
The costs are also at the higher end. Monthly pricing ranges from $39.99 to $89.99 depending on plan, and each approved claim carries a service fee of $100 or $125, chosen at signup. American Home Shield fits owners of older homes, buyers who want the broadest standard coverage, and households with aging HVAC systems. Budget buyers should compare Choice and Select for lower monthly costs.
What we like- Broad systems and appliance coverage
- HVAC limit up to $5,000 per term
- Covers rust and corrosion on all plans
Watch out for- Service fee of $100 or $125 per claim
- Higher top-tier pricing
- Not available in Alaska
Starting price$46.67 per month
Free planNo
Choice Home Warranty keeps its lineup simple, with a Basic plan and a Total plan covering systems and appliances together. Monthly pricing starts around $46.67 for the Basic plan and $55.00 for the Total plan on annual billing, with a service fee of $85 or $100 per claim. That simplicity helps buyers compare total cost without sorting through many tiers and add-ons.
The limits are the trade-off. Coverage caps at $3,000 per item, which is below American Home Shield for HVAC, and rust or corrosion damage is generally excluded. Choice also does not sell in California or Washington. Choice fits buyers who want straightforward coverage at a predictable price and who live in a covered state. Owners of older HVAC systems should check the $3,000 cap against replacement costs first.
What we like- Simple two-plan structure
- Basic plan covers many systems and appliances
- Service fee of $85 or $100
Watch out for- Per-item limit of $3,000
- Rust and corrosion generally excluded
- Not sold in California or Washington
Starting price$49.99 per month
Free planNo
Liberty Home Guard offers appliance-only, systems-only, and combined plans, which lets buyers pay only for the coverage they need. Monthly pricing starts around $49.99 for appliance plans and $59.99 for combo plans, with service fees from $65 to $125 depending on the quote. The company sells in all 50 states, a distinction few rivals match, and offers a workmanship guarantee that can extend to 365 days in some reviews of its plans.
The per-item limit of $2,000 is lower than American Home Shield and Choice, so a major HVAC repair may exceed coverage. Service fees also vary, which makes a personalized quote essential. Liberty Home Guard fits buyers who want a tailored plan, buyers in states where rivals do not sell, and owners who value a long workmanship guarantee. Buyers with high-value HVAC systems should compare caps carefully.
What we like- Appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plans
- Available in all 50 states
- Long workmanship guarantee
Watch out for- Per-item limit of $2,000
- Service fee varies by quote
- Pricing varies by home and location
Starting price$34.99 per month
Free planNo
Cinch Home Services, formerly part of a larger home services group, offers three combination plans covering systems and appliances, with entry pricing from $34.99 to $39.99 per month and combo plans from $49.99 to $61.99 per month in published comparisons. Appliance coverage is a strength, with kitchen and laundry appliances covered across plans, and add-ons available for items such as pool equipment.
Service fees run from $100 to $150 per claim, higher than Choice at the top end, and coverage limits vary by plan, with some plans capping total term payouts lower than American Home Shield. Availability also varies by ZIP code. Cinch fits appliance-heavy households and buyers who want a lower entry price with room to upgrade. Buyers focused on HVAC limits should compare American Home Shield first.
What we like- Competitive entry pricing from $34.99 per month
- Three combo plans
- Strong appliance coverage
Watch out for- Service fees from $100 to $150
- Per-term limits vary by plan
- Availability varies by ZIP code
Starting price$44.00 per month
Free planNo
Select Home Warranty positions itself as a low-cost entry option, with plans from $44.00 per month for basic coverage and $52.00 per month for combo coverage in published comparisons. Service fees range from $75 to $100, lower than many rivals, which helps keep claim costs down. Plans cover appliances, systems, or both, with a straightforward structure.
Coverage limits are modest on some items, including a $3,000 HVAC cap and a $500 appliance cap in some plan summaries, so buyers should read the contract for their state before assuming broad protection. Select fits budget buyers, first-time warranty buyers, and owners of newer homes with lower repair risk. Owners of older systems should weigh lower monthly cost against lower caps.
What we like- Low entry pricing from $44.00 per month
- Appliance, systems, and combo plans
- Service fee from $75
Watch out for- Coverage limits are modest on some items
- Availability and terms vary by state
- Fewer add-ons than larger rivals
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
First American Home Warranty offers three combination plans with strong coverage for systems and appliances, and some plans carry no total term cap, a rare feature that appeals to owners worried about multiple large claims in one year. Coverage for high-end appliances and systems is a noted strength, and the company has a long history in real estate transactions, where warranties often transfer at closing.
Availability is the main limit. First American sells in a limited set of states, far fewer than Liberty Home Guard or American Home Shield, so many buyers cannot purchase it at all. Pricing also varies widely by home size and location. First American fits buyers in covered states who want high limits and no total term cap. Buyers outside its footprint should start with American Home Shield or Liberty Home Guard.
What we like- Three combo plans
- No total term cap on some plans
- Strong coverage for high-end items
Watch out for- Available in a limited set of states
- Service fees from $75 to $125
- Pricing varies widely by home
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, often called 2-10 HBW, is best known for builder warranties and for helping owners transition from a builder warranty to a consumer home warranty. That background makes it a natural fit for newer homes approaching the end of builder coverage. Consumer plans offer HVAC limits up to $5,000 and total term limits up to $50,000 on some plans, comparable to American Home Shield.
Service fees and pricing vary by plan and location, so a quote is essential for comparison. Availability also varies by ZIP code. 2-10 fits buyers of newer homes, owners transitioning off a builder warranty, and households that want high term limits. Owners of much older homes may find American Home Shield coverage broader for aging systems.
What we like- Strong for new construction transitions
- HVAC limit up to $5,000
- Total term limit up to $50,000 on some plans
Watch out for- Service fee varies by plan
- Availability varies by ZIP code
- Pricing varies by home and plan
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
AFC Home Club offers four plans covering appliances, systems, or both, with monthly pricing in published comparisons from $44 to $82 and service fees from $75 to $125. Its distinctive feature is technician flexibility: in many cases members can use their own licensed technician rather than waiting for an assigned contractor, which appeals to owners who already trust a local pro.
The per-item limit of $2,000 is modest for major HVAC work, and AFC does not sell in California, Hawaii, or Washington. Plan terms also vary by state. AFC fits buyers who value choosing their own technician and who live in a covered state with moderate repair risk. Buyers with high-value HVAC systems should compare American Home Shield or First American limits first.
What we like- Four plan options
- Lets members use their own technician in many cases
- Service fees from $75
Watch out for- Not sold in California, Hawaii, or Washington
- Per-item limit of $2,000
- Availability varies
How we chose
We compared plan structures, monthly pricing, service fees, coverage caps, state availability, and workmanship guarantees from vendor pages and contract summaries, then checked public reviews on G2, Capterra, and Reddit for recurring complaints about claim denials, contractor delays, and cap surprises. Companies that hid caps, excluded common failures without clear disclosure, or lacked availability in most states scored lower. We favored companies with transparent limits, a clear service fee, and a distinct audience, and we mixed large national providers with smaller specialists.
What to check before you buy
A home warranty only helps if its contract covers the failures your home is likely to face. Read the contract, not just the marketing page, before paying.
Coverage caps and exclusions
Check the per-item cap for HVAC, appliances, plumbing, and electrical separately, since a generous total term limit can still leave a single repair undercovered. Look for exclusions on rust, corrosion, sediment, improper installation, and pre-existing conditions, since those exclusions drive many claim denials. Ask for a sample contract for your state before signing.
Service fees and waiting periods
Add the monthly premium and the per-claim service fee together for a realistic yearly cost. Most companies impose a 30-day waiting period before claims are accepted, except for plans purchased with a home sale, which usually start at closing. Confirm your waiting period in writing, and avoid scheduling non-urgent repairs during that window.
Contractor and claim process
Ask how claims are filed, how quickly a technician is assigned, and whether you can choose your own contractor. Companies with assigned networks may dispatch faster in cities but slower in rural areas, while flexible companies depend on your ability to find a licensed technician. Keep maintenance records, since lack of maintenance is a common reason for denial.
Frequently asked questions
What does a home warranty cover?
A home warranty typically covers major home systems, such as heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical, and major appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, washers, and dryers, subject to caps and exclusions. Coverage varies by plan and state, and items such as roof leaks, pools, and well pumps often require add-ons. Read the sample contract for your state to confirm exactly what is included.
How much does a home warranty cost per month?
Most comprehensive plans cost roughly $45 to $90 per month, plus a service fee of $65 to $150 per approved claim. Basic plans start lower, around $35 to $50 per month, while premium plans with higher limits cost more. Your exact price depends on home size, location, plan tier, and service fee choice, so get a personalized quote before budgeting.
Is a home warranty worth it for an older home?
A home warranty is often worth considering for an older home with aging HVAC, plumbing, and appliances, since one major repair can exceed a year of premiums. It is less compelling for a new home still under builder warranty or for a home with new systems and appliances. Compare the annual premium plus service fees against the likely cost of one major repair for your home's age and condition.
How long is the waiting period before I can file a claim?
Most companies impose a 30-day waiting period after purchase before claims are accepted, to prevent buying coverage for a known breakdown. Plans purchased as part of a home sale usually start at closing instead. Confirm your waiting period in the contract, since it varies by company and state.
What is the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance covers sudden damage from events such as fire, storms, and theft, while a home warranty covers breakdowns from normal wear and tear on systems and appliances. The two products complement each other rather than replacing each other. A warranty will not pay for storm damage, and insurance will not pay for an aging furnace that stops working.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.ahs.com
- https://www.choicehomewarranty.com
- https://www.libertyhomeguard.com
- https://www.cinchhomeservices.com
- https://www.selecthomewarranty.com
- https://www.firstamerican.com
- https://www.2-10.com
- https://www.afchomeclub.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
American Home Shield
Choice Home Warranty
Liberty Home Guard
Cinch Home Services
Select Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
AFC Home Club