Side-by-Side Comparison
doTERRA vs Home Business Academy (HBA)
An honest comparison to help you choose the right opportunity
Feature Comparison
Monthly Minimum
100 LRP points (~$100-150/mo) required to earn
$10-160/month, no earning minimum
Winner
Typical Earnings
91% earn $0; top 1% avg $40K/yr
80% commissions: $128/mo per full-suite customer
Winner
Business Model
MLM — unilevel with recruiting bonuses
One-tier affiliate — earn on direct referrals only
Winner
Comp Plan Stability
New comp plan launched 2023
Unchanged since 2016
Winner
Product Type
Essential oils (physical, perishable)
Digital training tools (no inventory)
Winner
Overall Rating
2.5/5
4.8/5
Winner
Detailed Breakdown
doTERRA
Pros
- High-quality, popular essential oil products with strong consumer demand
- Large and passionate community of advocates
- Strong brand recognition — doTERRA is the world's largest essential oil company
- Products can be sold retail without requiring downline
Cons
- 50.35% of U.S. Wellness Advocates received zero earnings (per doTERRA income disclosure)
- Entry-level ranks (Manager/Director/Executive) earn up to $1,600 annually — before expenses
- Required monthly Loyalty Rewards order (~$35-150/mo) to maintain eligibility
Home Business Academy (HBA)
Pros
- 80% commissions — you earn more than the company keeps
- Paid every Thursday without fail since 2016 (never missed a payment)
- One-tier model: income depends on YOU, not a downline
- Comp plan has never changed since 2016
Cons
- Must own a product to earn commission on it (qualified sale rule)
- Requires consistent marketing effort — not passive without work
Our Verdict
Winner: Home Business Academy (HBA)
4.8
Home Business Academy wins for most people looking to build residual income. doTERRA has quality products but requires a 100 PV monthly autoship ($100-150/mo) to earn commissions, and 91% of Wellness Advocates earn $0. HBA's one-tier model, 80% commissions, and no mandatory recruiting make it a cleaner path to real income.
Ready to Get Started with Home Business Academy (HBA)?
Based on our analysis, Home Business Academy (HBA) offers the best opportunity for success.