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Audited & Verified: Oct 2, 2025, 11:14am
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| Staff EditorHome warranties, while not required by any state laws, are highly attractive to homeowners. They offer peace of mind and convenience, as well as opportunities to save: Major home systems and appliances can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands, to fix. With a home warranty, those expenses are often completely covered after a small service fee.
While some plans are packed with value, others come with fine print that can leave you footing the bill on the back end. That’s why we analyzed over 50 plans and surveyed 1,800 real homeowners who have actually used these home warranty companies. To determine pricing and value, we pulled over 100 quotes. We’ve identified the most affordable home warranty companies available today. Here’s what we found.
We know that dozens of home warranty plans are available to homeowners, and sorting through all the fine print to choose the right one for your home can be frustrating. That’s why we’ve evaluated the top companies with the best plan value and compiled this list of the best home warranty companies to help you make an informed decision based on your home and budget needs. The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use proprietary data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our Advisory Board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Select Home Warranty
Plans Available
3
Response Time
Great
Number of States
46 + District of Columbia
2
Choice Home Warranty
Plans Available
2
Response Time
Excellent
Number of States
49 + District of Columbia
3
American Home Shield
Plans Available
3
Response Time
Excellent
Number of States
48 + District of Columbia
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | MONTHLY COST | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.7    | Best Overall | $32+ | Read Forbes' Review | |
| 4.6 | Best Eco-Friendly Add-Ons | $46.08+ | On HWA's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best Technician Flexibility | $33.25+ | On First Premier Home Warranty's Website | |
| 4.4 | Best For No Service Fees | $49+ | ||
| 4.4 | Best Plan Tiers
| $31.91+ | On Select Home Warranty's Website |
Best Overall
Best Overall
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has been in the game for 45 years, which gives it some serious staying power. It’s available in 48 states and offers three core plans that can be layered with more than 15 add-on options—things like plumbing leaks, pool systems and septic backups. The company’s also tied to professional organizations like the National Home Builders Association, which speaks to its credibility.
Learn more: 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty review
We like how simple yet solid the company’s base plans are. With three tiers and well-matched pricing, homeowners can choose just what they need—no frills, no fluff. It’s a reliable starting point for anyone new to home warranties.
Why We Like It
There’s comfort in a company that’s been around this long. Plus, we like that the plans don’t feel overly complicated. You can stick with the basics or build up with targeted add-ons, depending on what your home actually needs, which can help save you money without sacrificing value.
What We Don’t Like
It’s tough to pin down 2-10’s service fees without digging. And with only three base plans, you might find yourself boxed in if you’re looking for more flexible coverage.
Who It’s Best For
Homeowners who want straightforward protection from a company that’s stood the test of time and aren’t looking to over-engineer their coverage.
2-10 offers three unique plans to choose from, each with its own coverage terms. As you might guess, the higher the plan, the more coverage. For even more added value, there are almost two dozen add-ons to choose from.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Simply Kitchen | $32+ | $65 - $100 |
Complete Home | $52+ | $65 - $100 |
Pinnacle Home | $72+ | $65 - $100 |
Add-On Options:
Customers with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty shared largely positive experiences. Most said the service met their expectations, and only 14% reported any surprise charges. With an average annual cost of around $701, respondents felt like the value tracked with what they were paying. In fact, 83% said they’d recommend 2-10 to a friend, and the provider earned a strong 8.3 out of 10 on value for money.
On AFC's Website Have you considered AFC Home Warranty?
Whether you need repairs or a new appliance, AFC can help cover the cost of even the most expensive items like HVAC and plumbing. Here’s why we chose it:
Available plans to choose from: Silver Plan, Gold Plan, Platinum Plan, Systems Plan
Three years work guarantee of repairs
Plans include free credit monitoring, family emergency services and discounts on household items, restaurants and more
On AFC's Website 
Best Eco-Friendly Add-Ons
Best Eco-Friendly Add-Ons
Home Warranty of America (HWA)
HWA covers the full U.S. map and has been doing this since 1996. Its two plan types (Standard and Select Plus) start at around $46 per month and include the usual suspects like heating, electrical and ductwork. Want to add a washer, dryer or AC? Go with Select Plus. The big highlight: a GreenPlus option that allows you to upgrade select home items to Energy Star-qualified appliances when replacement is needed for just under $6 per month.
Learn more: Home Warranty of America review
The GreenPlus add-on really stands out here. Though it’s an extra expense upfront, upgrading your appliance to something more energy-efficient can help save you money in the long run.
Why We Like It
You get plenty of coverage, even with the base plan. And if you’re the type who has already upgraded or plans to upgrade to eco-friendly appliances, this one’s a no-brainer.
What We Don’t Like
We’d like to see AC included in every plan. Also, not much info is given upfront about how the company’s add-ons stack up in cost.
Who It’s Best For
Those who want to prioritize sustainable options while still getting the basics covered.
While HWA may not have as many options to choose from in terms of plans, the company still provides plenty of value at an affordable rate. Want even more coverage? There are additional options to add to whichever package you choose.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Select | $46.08+ | $75 - $100 |
Select Plus | $59.92+ | $75 - $100 |
Add-On Options:
HWA seems to offer solid value, though customer impressions were a bit more mixed compared to competitors. 15% reported unexpected charges, and the provider earned a value rating of 7.9 out of 10. The average premium sat just above $644 per year.
Best Technician Flexibility
Best Technician Flexibility
First Premier Home Warranty
First Premier keeps it simple with just two plans: Premier and Platinum, both with fairly low monthly premiums. The Platinum plan covers major appliances and HVAC systems, while Premier sticks with plumbing, electrical and your water heater. The standout feature here? The company can send a tech out in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and you can handle everything (from filing to follow-up) online. Coverage spans all 50 states, and you’ll get access to 14 optional add-ons if you need to go further.
Quick turnaround is a big deal when your AC is on the fritz. This provider is one of the few that promises service that fast and actually delivers. When you need service urgently, that quick turnaround time can save you money and an even bigger headache.
Why We Like It
The company’s online platform is simple, which we appreciate. It’s easy to know what you’re getting when it’s all available online. Plus, the short tech dispatch window adds a lot of confidence that you won’t be waiting around for days.
What We Don’t Like
You’ll need the top-tier plan to cover appliances, and that could be a dealbreaker for folks on tighter budgets.
Who It’s Best For
Homeowners who don’t want to mess around when something breaks and like knowing help is just a day or two away.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Platinum | $33.25+ | $60 - $90 |
Premier | $41.58+ | $60 - $90 |
Add-On Options:
First Premier earned the highest customer satisfaction out of our top picks. Just over 4 in 10 rated its service a perfect 10, and the brand scored a leading 8.5 value rating overall. Annual premiums hovered around $651, and only 11% of respondents reported unexpected costs, which helped reinforce customer trust.
Best For No Service Fees
Best For No Service Fees
Complete Protection
Complete Protection takes a different approach to home warranties. Instead of charging a separate service fee for each technician visit, the cost is baked right into the monthly premium. That makes it easier to budget since there are no additional costs when something breaks. The company offers four plans, ranging from coverage for appliances only to comprehensive systems and appliances. You’ll also get flexibility on contractor selection, which isn’t always the case in this industry.
We love that you’re not hit with a service fee every time something goes wrong. For folks who want predictable monthly costs, Complete Protection makes that easy.
Why We Like It
There’s something reassuring about not having to think twice before calling a tech. If your system fails, you call, they fix (it’s that simple). And the ability to choose your own service provider adds an extra layer of trust to the whole process.
What We Don’t Like
Premiums can run higher since Complete Protection rolls everything into one payment. Also, its availability and plan details vary depending on your location, which means you’ll need to double-check what’s offered in your state.
Who It’s Best For
Budget-conscious homeowners who prefer predictable, all-in pricing and don’t want to be penalized for needing frequent repairs.
Complete Protection is very unique in that its plans are both affordable and include the cost of a service fee instead of you paying an extra charge. There are four to choose from and plenty of add-ons for extra protection options.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Essential | $49 | $0 |
Advanced | $59 | $0 |
Comprehensive | $69 | $0 |
Ultimate | $79 | $0 |
Add-On Options:
Complete Protection had a slightly higher share of unexpected cost reports (16%), but that didn’t drag down overall sentiment. With service fees already baked into premiums and no surprise bills after the fact, many customers said they chose the company due to its pricing (54%). Its value rating was respectable as well at 27%. Annual costs averaged around $709, though, which was on the higher side compared to most companies.
Best Plan Tiers
Best Plan Tiers
Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty has great plan options, which can be helpful for those with different coverage needs and budgets. You’ll find three different tiers and each plan has a slightly different focus, whether on appliances, systems or both.. There are also nine extra options you can add, like garage door openers, sump pumps and even spa coverage, so you can really customize coverage.
Learn more: Select Home Warranty review
The plan options here are some of the best we’ve seen. Even lower-tier plans come stacked with useful coverage items, but are so specialized that you won’t pay for coverage you don’t need.
Why We Like It
It’s easy to find a plan that fits and still feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. If you’re not worried about your appliances, you won’t have to include them just to get a lower-priced plan (the same goes for systems if you care about appliances!).
What We Don’t Like
Finding out which states it covers isn’t super easy to do from the website. Also, although the plan options may be right for some users, for those who want appliance and system coverage, they’ll need to opt for the highest plan, which may not be budget-conscious. This isn’t necessarily a drawback for everyone, but is worth noting.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone who wants appliance-only or systems-only coverage.
Select Home Warranty has three plan options, with its mid-tier coverage offering both an excellent price and value.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Gold Care | $31.91+ | $75 |
Bronze Care | $41.58+ | $75 |
Platinum Care | $43.75+ | $75 |
Add-On Options:
Survey feedback suggests that Select Home Warranty delivers on value. Despite a fairly typical premium average of around $660 per year, 84% of customers reported no surprise fees, which was about average from our survey. What stood out most? Over half (63%) stated they would recommend Select Home Warranty to friends and family. A flattering metric considering the average for all the companies was 54%.
The average cost of a home warranty is $57 per month (or $684). Of course, this is only an average; the precise amount depends on the provider you select, your coverage level and add-on options.
If you’re trying to plan ahead for your costs, know that your range can be as low as $27 per month up to $100 per month for a standard plan. This cost range will typically cover your basics, but any additional coverage can increase your monthly premiums. Not to mention service fees that can be tacked on any time you request a technician to come out.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Home Warranty Companies
Free, No-commitment Estimates
The cost of your home warranty depends mostly on your provider and location, as prices will obviously vary by company and may even change based on where you live and the size and type of your home. One provider can charge one price for one location and another price for a home across town. Then, of course, you need to add in service fees, coverage options, your home’s age, its current condition and limitations.
Let’s unpack each of these.
The service fee is the cost you’ll pay when a service provider visits your home for a repair or replacement. In the same way you select your car insurance deductible, when you select your service fee amount, it typically impacts your monthly premiums and vice versa. Providers often offer flexibility in selecting a service fee that aligns with your budget and risk tolerance.
The more coverage you go for, the higher the cost. Your basic plans may cover essential systems such as your HVAC or plumbing, while higher-tiered coverage includes appliances, electrical and additional features. We recommend looking into several companies and plans so you can have a good balance of budget and adequate coverage.
The age and condition of your home can also have a significant effect on your coverage costs. First, if you have an older home or aged systems, you may have higher premiums. This is because there is a higher likelihood of needed repairs. Keep in mind that some home warranty companies may also deny homes or systems because of their age, so check with any company you’re considering.
However, newer homes aren’t always cheaper either. Newer homes may be less prone to immediate breaks, but they often feature newer, higher-end appliances. These new technologies or smart home appliances can cost more to repair or replace, which may be over your coverage limits or even drive up your price.
As you probably guessed, coverage limits are the amount that you are capped at in terms of coverage. For example, if your plan has a $5,000 coverage limit, your warranty is only responsible for covering this much in coverage costs. Coverage limits can apply to a specific item and to how much the company will cover overall during the course of your plan.
Plans with higher coverage limits can bring you peace of mind if a repair or replacement is needed, but they typically cost more.
When determining if a home warranty is worth it, it helps to compare plan costs and service fees against common home repair costs. Below we’ve listed some average costs for some common home repairs. Of course, these will vary based on the details of the repair, the contractor you choose, where you live and more. However, knowing generally how much these may cost can help you make a more informed decision about your home warranty plan.
| COMMON REPAIRS | COST |
|---|---|
| Leaky faucet | $150 - $350 |
| Roof repairs | $950 |
| Water heater repairs | $600 |
| HVAC issues | $215 - $1,200+ |
| Electrical issues | $250 - $1,000+ |
| Septic issues | $1,775 |
| Dishwasher repairs | $250 |
In early 2025, we asked 1,800 homeowners how they felt about their home warranty policies, what they paid and how much they used them. Here are some of the most eye-opening findings:
Find the top ranked home warranty company in your area
Home warranties can protect you against unexpected expenses. Click on your state today to find out more.
Prices are not always set in stone for home warranties; there are some loopholes to get valuable coverage at a lower price. But before you get started comparing, find three to four companies you’d like to consider and request quotes from each. This process will give you a baseline to start from. Once you can see their itemized costs, take a look at the following;
Best Home Warranty Companies By State
To determine the cheapest home warranty companies, we analyzed 19 companies and 58 plans across several different attributes, with factors like plan premiums and service fees and cancellation fees making up a significant chunk of our scoring.
We also included our in-house net promoter score survey, where we polled 1,800 home warranty policyholders about how they feel about their specific companies and home warranties generally. We got insights that included how they’d rate the value of their plans for the money and how many times they’ve used their policies since signing on. Our data team also gathered and compared more than 100 price quotes to determine the best value.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates home warranty companies on our detailed methodology page.
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If the coverage feels vague or the exclusions are buried in fine print, that’s a red flag. It should be easy to understand what home items are included and what’s not, as well as any catches like coverage limits. Watch out for plans that aren’t upfront about service fees or providers that have a pattern of denying claims over technicalities.
Yes, and it’s often worth trying. Whether you’re buying a plan on your own or getting one through a home sale, you can ask for discounts, coverage upgrades or even a lower service fee. Some companies will throw in extras if you ask, especially around renewal time.
They can be. If your home’s systems or appliances are older, a warranty can soften the blow of an unexpected repair bill. It’s not about covering every issue, but about bringing some predictability to your budget when something major breaks. We recommend looking at the age of your systems, how much you might pay for repairs in the future and how much home warranty plans would cost for your home to make an educated guess.
The biggest downsides are coverage limitations and repair delays. Some issues might not be covered, or might not be covered in full, and you don’t always get to choose who shows up for the repair. For homeowners who like control or want instant fixes, this can be a pain point.
Ashlyn is one of Forbes Home's in-house writers and a former civil engineer-turned content writer with over six years experience. Until recently, Ashlyn focused on creating content for Forbes Home as a freelance writer. Her areas of expertise range from home improvement, moving services, home warranties and home security. As a homeowner and tireless DIY enthusiast, Ashlyn combines her deep knowledge and practical expertise to provide valuable insights and advice. Her dedication to enhancing homeowners' understanding and skills in managing their properties has been the cornerstone of her writing career.
Kristin is a lead editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
