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Care.com Review 2026

Marketplace for family care services

3.6

HomeBusinessWatch Rating

Last updated: March 20, 2026

What is Care.com?

Care.com is the largest online marketplace for finding and managing family care. Connects families with caregivers for child care (nannies, babysitters), senior care, pet care, housekeeping, and tutoring. Owned by IAC since 2020.

Pros

  • Free to create a caregiver profile
  • Large platform with millions of families searching
  • Multiple care categories: child, senior, pet, tutoring
  • Set your own rates and availability

Cons

  • Families must pay $40+/month subscription to contact you
  • No payment processing — you arrange pay directly with families
  • Background checks cost extra ($59-238 depending on package)
  • Competition is intense in most metropolitan areas
  • Controversial history with safety incidents and vetting

Rating Breakdown

Residual Income
2.0

Potential for ongoing passive income

Simplicity
3.5

Easy to understand and execute

Transparency
3.0

Clear about costs, requirements, and income

Community & Support
3.0

Quality of training and community

Value for Money
3.5

Worth the investment

Overall Rating
3.6

Frequently Asked Questions About Care.com

How much do Care.com caregivers earn?
Rates vary significantly by location and care type. Babysitters typically earn $15-25/hour, nannies $18-35/hour, senior caregivers $15-30/hour. Rates are negotiated directly with families. Big city rates are higher; rural areas lower.
Is Care.com safe and legitimate?
Care.com is a real platform, but has faced criticism over safety incidents. They offer background checks but don't require them. Caregivers should get their own background checks for credibility. Both sides should verify credentials and references carefully.
Is Care.com free for caregivers?
Creating a profile is free. However, families must pay a subscription ($40+/month) to contact you. Optional background checks cost $59-238. Some caregivers find the free profile gets limited responses since many families use the free tier and can't message directly.