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
- Enterprise leads on service and location count, with the largest fleet among major US rental companies.
- Budget often posts the lowest base rates in national comparisons, while National posts the highest, which makes comparison shopping essential.
- National suits frequent business travelers who value skipping the counter through the Emerald Aisle.
- Hertz offers a broad fleet and useful discounts for members, while Sixt suits drivers who want premium and European cars.
- Rental prices vary by city, date, and location, so the cheapest brand for one trip may be expensive for the next.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Enterprise | Best overall service | See website | Yes |
 National | Business travelers | See website | Yes |
 Hertz | Broad availability | See website | Yes |
 Avis | Flexible business rentals | See website | Yes |
 Budget | Lowest base rates | See website | Yes |
 Alamo | Leisure and family trips | See website | Yes |
 Sixt | Premium cars | See website | Yes |
 Dollar | Budget airport rentals | See website | Yes |
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We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best rental car company
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Enterprise operates the largest rental network in the United States, with neighborhood locations as well as airport branches. That spread matters for travelers who want to pick up a car near home, drop it off in another city, or find a replacement car quickly. Enterprise Plus, the free loyalty program, offers straightforward earning and some of the lowest-cost reward redemptions among major programs. Customer satisfaction scores consistently place Enterprise near the top.
The drawback is price. Enterprise rarely posts the lowest rate for a given trip, and its value comes from service, availability, and location convenience rather than rock-bottom pricing. Enterprise fits travelers who prioritize reliable service, a nearby location, and a large vehicle choice. Pure price hunters should still compare Budget, Dollar, and Sixt for the same dates before booking.
What we like- Largest location network and fleet
- Strong customer satisfaction scores
- Free Enterprise Plus loyalty program
Watch out for- Rates are mid-range, not the cheapest
- Airport locations can be busy at peak times
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
National, owned by the same parent as Enterprise, targets business and frequent travelers. Emerald Club members can walk to the Emerald Aisle, choose any car in their reserved class, and skip the counter entirely, which saves real time at busy airports. Executive members get access to a higher aisle, often with larger vehicles. Business travel surveys have rated National first among major suppliers for many consecutive years.
The price premium is the catch. In a national comparison of seven-night rentals, National averaged $679, compared with $333 for Budget, under the same research conditions. That gap means National only makes sense when speed, choice, and loyalty benefits matter more than the lowest rate, or when an employer rate closes the gap. National fits frequent business travelers and Emerald Club members. Leisure travelers on a budget should compare Enterprise and Alamo first.
What we like- Emerald Aisle lets members pick any car in their class
- Fast counter skip for members
- Top-rated by business travel buyers
Watch out for- Highest average rates in national comparisons
- Value depends on using Emerald Club benefits
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Hertz is one of the most widely available rental brands in the United States and abroad, with airport locations in most major cities and a fleet that ranges from economy cars to luxury models and electric vehicles. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, free to join, lets members skip the counter at many locations and earn points toward free rental days. Discount partnerships, including offers for auto club members, can reduce rates further.
Pricing is inconsistent, which is the main frustration. Hertz can be among the cheapest options on one route and among the most expensive on another, so a single quote tells you little. Service also varies by location, with airport branches generally smoother than small franchised sites. Hertz fits travelers who want broad availability, a varied fleet, and loyalty perks. Always compare at least two other brands for the same trip before booking.
What we like- Wide airport and city network
- Large and varied fleet including electric vehicles
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards speeds pickup
Watch out for- Pricing varies widely by location and date
- Service quality varies by branch
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Avis serves business and leisure travelers with a wide network across the United States and internationally. Avis Preferred, free to join, lets members skip the counter and go directly to their car at many locations, with vehicle details sent by app or text. One-way rentals between cities are widely available, which suits road trips and multi-city business travel. The fleet includes standard cars, SUVs, and premium models.
The drawback is price positioning. Avis often sits in the premium tier, and extras such as additional drivers, GPS, and child seats add cost quickly. Avis fits business travelers and international travelers who value a consistent global brand and fast pickup. Budget-conscious travelers should compare Budget, its sister brand, and Dollar for the same itinerary, since the same parent company often prices them differently.
What we like- Wide global network
- Avis Preferred speeds pickup
- Flexible one-way rentals in many markets
Watch out for- Premium pricing on many routes
- Added fees for extras can raise the total quickly
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Budget, the value brand of the Avis Budget Group, posts the lowest average base rates among major companies in national comparisons. For comparable seven-night rentals, Budget averaged $333 in one widely cited 2026 comparison, well below premium rivals. Budget Fastbreak, free to join, speeds pickup at participating locations, and the brand covers most major airports and many cities.
Service is the trade-off. Satisfaction scores trail Enterprise and National, and smaller locations may offer a narrower vehicle choice. Extras, insurance, and young driver fees can also raise the total, so the base rate is only part of the cost. Budget fits price-focused travelers who book early, compare totals including fees, and do not need premium service. Travelers who value service above price should start with Enterprise.
What we like- Lowest average base rates in national comparisons
- Wide airport presence
- Free Budget Fastbreak program
Watch out for- Service scores trail Enterprise
- Vehicle choice can be narrower at smaller locations
- Fees for extras apply
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Alamo, part of Enterprise Mobility alongside Enterprise and National, focuses on leisure travelers and families. Airport locations are its strength, with self-service kiosks and a straightforward pickup process that suits vacationers arriving with luggage and children. The fleet leans toward SUVs, minivans, and family-sized cars, and rates are usually mid-range rather than premium.
The limits are location and loyalty. Alamo has fewer neighborhood branches than Enterprise, so it suits airport trips better than local rentals. Its loyalty offering is also thinner than National Emerald Club, with fewer perks for frequent renters. Alamo fits families and leisure travelers flying into a destination and renting for a week or more. Business travelers should choose National, and local renters should check Enterprise availability first.
What we like- Strong airport presence for leisure travel
- Self-service kiosks speed pickup
- Family-friendly vehicle choice
Watch out for- Mid-range pricing
- Fewer neighborhood locations than Enterprise
- Loyalty benefits are thinner than National
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Sixt, a German company with a growing US presence, stands out for premium vehicles. Renters can find BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi models alongside standard cars, with a modern app, digital check-in, and branches in major US cities and airports. In some cities Sixt undercuts premium rivals, making a nicer car affordable for a special trip.
The US network is still smaller than Enterprise, Hertz, or Avis, and some locations sit off-airport with shuttle service, which adds time. Pricing also varies widely by city and season. Sixt fits drivers who want a premium car, European models, or a nicer vehicle for a road trip or business visit. Travelers heading to smaller cities should confirm location coverage before relying on Sixt.
What we like- Premium and European cars in the fleet
- Modern app and branches
- Competitive rates in many cities
Watch out for- Smaller US network than major rivals
- Pricing varies widely
- Some locations are off-airport
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Dollar, part of Hertz Global Holdings, offers budget rates at many US airports and in leisure destinations. Travelers who book early can often find rates below Hertz for a comparable car, since Dollar positions itself as the value option within the group. Booking is straightforward, and the brand covers most major airport markets.
The trade-offs are coverage and consistency. Dollar has fewer locations than Hertz, vehicle choice can be narrower, and counter upselling for insurance and upgrades is a common complaint in public reviews. Dollar fits budget travelers flying into major airports who want a low base rate and will decline extras firmly. Travelers who want the widest choice or the smoothest pickup should compare Hertz and Budget for the same dates.
What we like- Low rates at many airports
- Part of the Hertz group with broad coverage
- Simple booking
Watch out for- Fewer locations than major brands
- Service and vehicle choice vary
- Upselling at the counter is common
How we chose
We compared fleet size, location counts, pricing comparisons, loyalty programs, and service scores from vendor pages, industry surveys, and public reviews on G2, Capterra, and Reddit, with attention to total cost including fees rather than base rates alone. Companies that offered only a narrow regional network or lacked a working loyalty program scored lower. We favored companies with national coverage, transparent fees, and a clear audience, and we mixed premium, mid-range, and budget brands so readers can match service to budget.
How to book a rental car well
The brand matters less than the total price and the pickup experience for your specific trip. A few habits save more than loyalty to one company.
Compare total price, not base rate
Check at least three brands for the same dates, times, and pickup location, and compare the final price including taxes, airport fees, and extras. A low base rate with high fees can cost more than a higher base rate with fewer add-ons. Booking early usually beats waiting, and downtown locations sometimes undercut airport locations once airport fees are included.
Join the free loyalty program
Every company in this guide offers a free loyalty program, and joining before you book usually speeds pickup and sometimes opens up better vehicle choice. Add your membership number at booking, use the app for check-in, and keep your license and credit card ready. Counter skip programs save the most time at busy airports during holiday peaks.
Check insurance, age, and fuel rules
Confirm whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental damage before buying coverage at the counter. Drivers under 25 face surcharges at most companies, with minimum ages and fees varying by brand and state. Fuel policy also matters: prepaying fuel is convenient but often costs more than returning the car full, so choose the policy that matches your route and schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Which rental car company is best overall?
Enterprise is the best overall pick for most travelers, thanks to its large network, large fleet, and strong service scores. National is better for frequent business travelers who use Emerald Aisle benefits, while Budget is better for travelers who prioritize the lowest base rate. The best company for your trip still depends on price and location for your dates.
Which car rental company is cheapest?
Budget posts the lowest average base rates in national comparisons, but the cheapest brand changes by city and date. Dollar, Thrifty, and Sixt can each win on specific routes. Compare at least three brands for your exact trip, including taxes and fees, rather than trusting a national average.
Should I book directly or through a comparison site?
Booking directly usually makes changes, loyalty credit, and problem resolution simpler, since the rental company holds your reservation. Comparison sites help you find the lowest rate across brands, but read cancellation terms carefully before paying through a third party. A useful habit is to compare widely, then book directly when the direct price is close to the lowest price found.
Do I need rental car insurance?
It depends on your existing coverage. Many personal auto policies extend to rentals, and many credit cards offer secondary or primary rental coverage, subject to terms and exclusions. Check both before your trip, and decline duplicate coverage at the counter if you are already covered. If you lack coverage, buying the rental company's policy is safer than driving uninsured.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in the US?
Most major companies rent to drivers aged 21 and up, with some brands allowing rentals at age 20 in certain states. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge, which varies by company and location. Check the age policy and surcharge for your pickup location before booking, since both vary.
Sources we checked (9)
- https://www.enterprise.com
- https://www.nationalcar.com
- https://www.hertz.com
- https://www.avis.com
- https://www.budget.com
- https://www.alamo.com
- https://www.sixt.com
- https://www.dollar.com
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/what-is-the-best-car-rental-company
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.