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 is the best home warranty company overall in 2026, with the most comprehensive coverage, higher limits, and rare protection for certain preexisting conditions.
- Choice Home Warranty is the better pick for budget-conscious homeowners, with combination plans under $70 per month and consistent pricing regardless of location.
- First American Home Warranty suits high-end homes, with top-tier plans offering up to $7,000 per appliance.
- Both leading providers require a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins, though Choice allows shortening it with proof of prior continuous coverage.
- Pricing varies by location, home size, and plan: national averages run $27 to $130 per month, so get a quote for your exact home before deciding.
Quick comparison
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The best home warranty companies
#1
American Home Shield
Best for: Comprehensive coverage
Visit ahs.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
American Home Shield wins the 2026 comparison for its higher coverage limits and protection for preexisting conditions, while offering more comprehensive protection overall. Plans span systems-only, systems plus appliances, and premium tiers, with ShieldSilver near $21 per month for systems, ShieldGold near $31 for systems plus appliances, and ShieldPlatinum near $92 with added benefits such as $1,000 for roof-leak repairs in some quotes. HVAC coverage reaches up to $5,000 per covered system, and appliance coverage runs $2,000 to $4,000 per item.
Both leading providers require a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins, and American Home Shield is available in 49 states excluding Alaska. Its 30-day workmanship guarantee trails Choice at 60 days. For older homes or homes with unknown preexisting issues, American Home Shield is the strongest overall choice.
What we like- Best overall in 2026 comparisons
- HVAC coverage up to $5,000 per system
- Rare coverage for certain preexisting conditions
- Roof-leak coverage on top plan
Watch out for- Monthly costs range widely from $36 to $100
- Service fees $100 to $125 per claim
- 30-day workmanship guarantee trails rivals
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Choice Home Warranty is the better option for budget-conscious homeowners seeking lower monthly costs, with plans costing $60 to $68 per month in 2026 comparisons, compared with American Home Shield's $36 to $100 range. All plans bundle systems and appliances, with up to $3,000 in coverage for most items, a 90-day parts guarantee, and a 60-day labor guarantee. It is available in 49 states excluding Washington, with technicians dispatched within 24 to 48 hours.
Its Basic Plan excludes air conditioning, refrigerators, and laundry appliances, requiring an upgrade to the Total Plan for broader protection, and monthly payments carry a $2.50 fee. For homeowners who want comprehensive coverage at a predictable price under $70 per month, Choice is the best value pick.
What we like- Combination plans under $70 per month
- Consistent pricing regardless of location
- $3,000 coverage for most major systems and appliances
- 60-day labor guarantee
Watch out for- Basic plan excludes air conditioning, refrigerators, and laundry appliances
- $2.50 monthly payment fee
- 30-day waiting period
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
First American Home Warranty is a strong choice for expensive, high-end appliances, with top-tier plans offering the most generous limits at up to $7,000 per appliance. The First American Advantage upgrade covers code violations and improper installation, and plumbing coverage extends stoppages up to 125 feet from the home, 25 percent farther than most providers. Service fees run $75 to $125 per claim, with technicians dispatched within 24 to 48 hours.
Monthly costs of $77 to $130 run among the highest here, and availability covers 36 states only. For homes with high-end appliances or older plumbing, First American offers the strongest limits.
What we like- Top-tier plans offer up to $7,000 per appliance
- First American Advantage upgrade covers code violations and improper installation
- Strong plumbing coverage to 125 feet
Watch out for- Monthly costs $77 to $130, among the highest here
- Available in 36 states only
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
AFC Home Warranty earns its place as the best option for technician flexibility, letting homeowners work with preferred technicians in many cases rather than accepting only assigned contractors. Monthly costs run $44 to $82, service fees $75 to $125, and customer support ratings rank among the best in 2026 comparisons. That flexibility matters when you already trust a local HVAC or plumbing contractor.
Coverage limits vary by plan, the workmanship guarantee runs 30 days, and pricing varies by state. For homeowners who want to keep their own trusted technician, AFC is the best choice.
What we like- Best technician flexibility in 2026 comparisons
- Monthly costs $44 to $82
- Service fees $75 to $125
- Strong customer support ratings
Watch out for- Coverage limits vary by plan
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
- Availability and pricing vary by state
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Liberty Home Guard offers affordable plans at $57 to $68 per month, with service fees from $65 to $125 per claim and strong scores in 2026 comparisons. Its plan options cover systems and appliances at a price point below American Home Shield and First American, making it a solid mid-range choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
Its BBB rating of D plus trails rivals rated B or higher, coverage limits vary by plan, and service fees can reach $125. For homeowners who prioritize low monthly cost and can accept a weaker BBB record, Liberty Home Guard is a competitive option.
What we like- Monthly costs $57 to $68
- Service fees from $65
- Broad plan options
- Strong 2026 comparison scores
Watch out for- BBB rating D plus trails rivals
- Coverage limits vary by plan
- Service fee range up to $125
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
2-10 Home Warranty offers the lowest monthly costs in this list, at $27 to $61 per month, with service fees of $65 to $100 per claim and a BBB rating of A, the highest among the companies compared here. Its long history in home warranties and straightforward plans suit homeowners who want basic protection at the lowest possible monthly cost.
Coverage limits vary by plan, premium add-ons are fewer than at American Home Shield or First American, and availability varies by state. For homeowners who want the cheapest credible warranty with a strong BBB record, 2-10 is the best low-cost pick.
What we like- Lowest monthly costs here at $27 to $61
- BBB rating A, the highest here
- Service fees $65 to $100
- Long home warranty history
Watch out for- Coverage limits vary by plan
- Fewer premium add-ons than leaders
- Availability varies by state
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Select Home Warranty is known for strong appliance coverage, with plans that bundle major appliances alongside systems at competitive monthly pricing. Multi-year discount options reward longer commitments, and broad systems coverage suits homes with aging appliances that fail most often.
Service fees and limits vary by plan, customer reviews are mixed, and a waiting period applies before coverage begins. For homeowners whose main worry is appliance breakdowns, Select Home Warranty is a strong appliance-focused choice.
What we like- Strong appliance plan options
- Competitive monthly pricing
- Multi-year discount options
- Broad systems coverage
Watch out for- Service fees and limits vary by plan
- Customer reviews are mixed
- Waiting period applies
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Cinch Home Services offers broad availability across most states, with appliance and systems plans plus add-ons for pools, spas, and electronics. Its straightforward claims process and wide coverage suit homeowners in states where smaller providers do not operate.
Pricing varies by plan and state, coverage limits vary, and service fees apply per claim. For homeowners who need a widely available provider with flexible add-ons, Cinch is a reliable choice.
What we like- Broad availability across most states
- Appliance and systems plans
- Add-on options for pools, spas, and electronics
- Straightforward claims process
Watch out for- Pricing varies by plan and state
- Coverage limits vary
- Service fees apply per claim
How we chose
We compared 2026 home warranty reviews that analyzed coverage, costs, contract terms, and customer feedback across 13 providers, plus a 2026 survey of 2,000 homeowners nationwide. A company made this list only if it publishes plan pricing, service fees, and coverage limits for US homeowners with broad state availability. Scores cited are comparison scores, not guarantees, and actual pricing varies by location, home size, and plan selections. Read the full contract before buying, since exclusions and limits decide real value more than headline prices.
What to check before you buy
Start with coverage limits for your most expensive systems. HVAC replacement can exceed $5,000, so a $3,000 cap leaves a large gap, while a $7,000 appliance cap matters only if you own high-end appliances. Check preexisting condition rules carefully: American Home Shield covers certain undetected preexisting conditions, while most rivals exclude them entirely.
Next, compare total annual cost, not just monthly price. Add the monthly premium times twelve, plus expected service fees per claim, plus any monthly payment fees. A $60 per month plan with a $100 fee costs $820 per year before any claim, while a $36 plan with a $125 fee costs $557. Remember that a cheap plan with low limits can cost more overall. Finally, check the waiting period, workmanship guarantee, and claim process: both leaders require 30 days before coverage begins, Choice offers a 60-day labor guarantee versus 30 days elsewhere, and technician dispatch within 24 to 48 hours is standard.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the best home warranty company overall?
American Home Shield is the best overall in 2026 comparisons, with comprehensive coverage, HVAC limits up to $5,000, and rare protection for certain preexisting conditions.
What is the cheapest home warranty company?
2-10 Home Warranty offers the lowest monthly costs here at $27 to $61 per month. Choice Home Warranty is the best budget option with comprehensive coverage under $70 per month.
How much does a home warranty cost per month?
National averages run $27 to $130 per month depending on provider, plan, location, and home size. Kentucky averages $43 to $84 per month, while Alabama averages $31 to $73 per month.
Is there a waiting period before coverage starts?
Yes, both leading providers require a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Choice allows shortening it with proof of prior continuous coverage.
Does a home warranty cover preexisting conditions?
Most providers exclude preexisting conditions, but American Home Shield covers certain undetected preexisting conditions and damage due to lack of maintenance, a rare benefit.
What is a service fee?
A service fee, also called a trade call fee, is the amount you pay per claim, typically $65 to $125. American Home Shield lets you choose $75, $100, or $125, which affects your monthly premium.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.ahs.com
- https://www.choicehomewarranty.com
- https://www.firstam.com
- https://www.afchomewarranty.com
- https://www.libertyhomeguard.com
- https://www.2-10.com
- https://www.selecthomewarranty.com
- https://www.cinchhomeservices.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.
Choice Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty
Liberty Home Guard
2-10 Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty
Cinch Home Services