Need apps like Taskrabbit for short-term help?

Alternative Apps
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Looking for alternatives to Taskrabbit for quick and reliable help with everyday tasks like moving, cleaning, or handyman work. I’ve been using Taskrabbit but need some other options due to availability issues. What similar platforms would you recommend?

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1. Handy

  • Homepage Link: https://www.handy.com
  • Pros:
    • Straightforward booking experience.
    • Wide range of services including cleaning, moving help, furniture assembly, and minor repairs.
    • Offers recurring service options for regular cleaning or maintenance.
  • Cons:
    • Limited handyman service availability in smaller cities.
    • Pricing fluctuates depending on location and market demand.
  • Key Features:
    • Transparent pricing displayed upfront before confirming a booking.
    • Handy Guarantee offers a satisfaction policy for all services.
    • Option to book next-day services.
  • User Reviews: Users generally appreciate the cleanliness of the platform UI and how it simplifies hiring pros quickly. However, some report inconsistent service quality depending on the individual hired.
  • Verdict: Best suited for household chores like cleaning or furniture assembly. Handy’s recurring service option sets it apart for users looking for ongoing help.

2. Thumbtack

  • Homepage Link: https://www.thumbtack.com
  • Pros:
    • Extensive categories ranging from handyman services to photography, catering, and more.
    • Allows comparison of multiple professionals, including their rates and reviews, before hiring.
    • No booking fees; you deal directly with the pros.
  • Cons:
    • Quality and reliability depend heavily on the individual contractor.
    • Some services are pricier compared to similar platforms.
  • Key Features:
    • Robust professional profile system including reviews, past project photos, and certifications.
    • Chat functionality with service providers before booking.
    • Wide range of services that go beyond task-oriented jobs.
  • User Reviews: Lauded for its broad selection and intuitive interface, though users note varying levels of reliability with individual contractors.
  • Verdict: Ideal for people who want to personally compare and choose their service providers; great for specialized tasks and projects.

3. Airtasker

  • Homepage Link: https://www.airtasker.com
  • Pros:
    • Unique bidding system allows you to set your budget and find offers within that range.
    • Easily customizable job descriptions tailored to your specific needs.
    • Available in multiple countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.
  • Cons:
    • Less established in the US compared to Taskrabbit or Handy.
    • Some users report job cancellations if tasks are under-budgeted.
  • Key Features:
    • Budget flexibility gives users financial control.
    • Comprehensive user review and rating system for taskers.
    • Supports insurance coverage for tasks booked via the platform.
  • User Reviews: Users value the platform for its unique cost-saving approach, but many advise being realistic with budgets to avoid cancellations.
  • Verdict: Best for those who want more flexibility in pricing or are comfortable negotiating with workers.

4. Takl

  • Homepage Link: https://www.takl.com
  • Pros:
    • Pre-priced packages for common tasks.
    • Extensive vetting procedures for service providers.
    • Quick booking process with the ability to find same-day help.
  • Cons:
    • Limited availability in smaller markets.
    • No negotiation options for pricing.
  • Key Features:
    • Task templates for easy selection like lawn care, moving help, grocery delivery, and more.
    • Neat categorization of services for specific needs.
    • Real-time tracking of service providers once you book.
  • User Reviews: Beloved for its simplicity but knocked for sometimes higher-than-average prices due to its pre-priced structure.
  • Verdict: Excellent for quick, hassle-free hiring if budgeting is secondary to convenience.

5. HomeAdvisor

  • Homepage Link: https://www.homeadvisor.com
  • Pros:
    • Specifically tailored to home improvement and repair services.
    • Detailed profiles and background checks on professionals.
    • Offers cost guides to help users plan their budget.
  • Cons:
    • Less focus on smaller, everyday tasks like cleaning or moving.
    • Some complaints about spammy follow-up contacts.
  • Key Features:
    • Free to use for getting quotes and browsing pros.
    • Project cost estimator for better planning.
    • Instant booking or bidding options for flexibility.
  • User Reviews: HomeAdvisor’s cost guide is often praised, but some users expressed dissatisfaction with the follow-up marketing emails after inquiry submissions.
  • Verdict: Perfect for home repairs and renovation work — not ideal for one-time, quick tasks.

6. Local Heroes

  • Homepage Link: https://www.localheroes.com
  • Pros:
    • Backed by British Gas, ensuring vetted and trustworthy professionals.
    • Focused on specific categories such as plumbing, electrical, and heating services.
    • No surprise charges — includes fixed upfront pricing.
  • Cons:
    • Works best in the UK and might not be as feasible elsewhere.
    • Limited categories, mostly focused on trade services.
  • Key Features:
    • 12-month warranty on all work carried out.
    • Transparent breakdown of costs for peace of mind.
    • Excellent customer service support.
  • User Reviews: Extremely well-rated in the UK market; users consistently highlight the transparent pricing and reliability of the professionals.
  • Verdict: A great option for those based in the UK, especially for home repair jobs requiring certified professionals.

7. Porch

  • Homepage Link: https://www.porch.com
  • Pros:
    • Specializes in home improvement and repair tasks.
    • Advanced matching system pairs you automatically with professionals available in your area.
    • Project details are simplified with preset templates for common tasks.
  • Cons:
    • Limited to home-related services; no personal or moving help available.
    • Relatively smaller database than competitors like Thumbtack.
  • Key Features:
    • In-app project tracking for ongoing services.
    • Background-checked professionals.
    • Free estimates for projects.
  • User Reviews: Users enjoy its specialization in home services but feel the platform could use more variety in available tasks.
  • Verdict: An excellent tool for home-related projects, particularly if you don’t want unnecessary frills.

8. Zaarly

  • Homepage Link: https://www.zaarly.com
  • Pros:
    • Handpicked service providers curated for quality.
    • Strong focus on local professionals with personalized service.
    • Simple interface with transparent upfront pricing.
  • Cons:
    • Market availability is currently limited to select cities.
    • Smaller network compared to widely-used platforms like Taskrabbit.
  • Key Features:
    • Excellent customer-to-provider communication tools.
    • Highly-vetted pros with consistent five-star performance.
    • Focused on smaller-scale jobs like cleaning and maintenance.
  • User Reviews: Compliments for high-quality professionals but some negative feedback due to limited availability in smaller towns.
  • Verdict: Best for users in cities where Zaarly operates who value quality over quantity.

9. Rover (Specialized for Pet Care)

  • Homepage Link: https://www.rover.com
  • Pros:
    • Solely focused on pet-related tasks like dog walking, boarding, or grooming.
    • Affordable rates with clear upfront pricing.
    • Highly-reviewed sitters and walkers.
  • Cons:
    • Limited to pet-related services only.
    • Coverage can be uneven depending on location.
  • Key Features:
    • Excellent for scheduling last-minute pet care needs.
    • Insurance coverage for pet sitters.
    • Comprehensive user review system to vet services.
  • User Reviews: Glowing reviews from pet owners, but the limited scope beyond pets can alienate those looking for broader service options.
  • Verdict: Highly recommended for pet-loving households — not suitable for general task assistance.

10. Neighbor (For Storage or Space Needs)

  • Homepage Link: https://www.neighbor.com
  • Pros:
    • Affordable, shared storage and space options.
    • Peer-to-peer system fosters safer, local transactions.
    • Uniquely solves storage issues, perfect for decluttering before moving.
  • Cons:
    • Doesn’t offer moving labor directly—focused only on storage needs.
    • Lack of consistent flexibility in some rural areas.
  • Key Features:
    • A marketplace designed for renting out or renting storage spaces.
    • Great for short-term storage needs.
    • Secure transactions through Neighbor directly.
  • User Reviews: Loved by users who need temporary storage at cheaper rates, some noted better communication would improve the service.
  • Verdict: Niche use case—amazing for temporary storage during moving but unsuitable for most other task needs.