TaskRabbit is the best-known app for booking help with small jobs, but it is not the only option in the UK, and it is not always the best fit. Some apps are built for trades, some for quick tasks, and some for a particular kind of worker. Here is how the main alternatives compare.
The main UK options
TaskRabbit
You pick a category, choose a Tasker based on their profile, reviews and hourly rate, and book them directly. It works well for furniture assembly, mounting, moving help and general handyman tasks. Taskers set their own hourly rates and a service fee is added.
Airtasker
Airtasker flips the model. You post a task with a budget and people make offers, then you choose one. It suits jobs where you are not sure what a fair price is and want a few offers to compare. Payments are cashless and go through the platform.
Checkatrade
A directory of vetted tradespeople with reviews. It is the right place for proper trade work such as plumbing, electrics and building, rather than small tasks.
MyBuilder and Rated People
You post a job and tradespeople express interest. Again, these are best for trade jobs that need qualifications or insurance.
Bark
You describe what you need and professionals in many categories, from cleaners to tutors, get in touch with quotes.
Fantastic Services
Fixed-price bookings for cleaning, gardening, removals and similar services, carried out by their own network of professionals.
Nextdoor and local Facebook groups
Free, local and often quick, but with no verification, no payment protection and a lot of noise.
KidsHustle
KidsHustle is a UK marketplace where any adult can post a paid job for local 13 to 17 year olds. Most adult gig apps only accept workers aged 18 and over, which shuts out a whole local workforce that is keen, available after school and at weekends, and well suited to small jobs. On KidsHustle you verify your identity once, every listing is checked before it goes live, parents approve their teen's applications, and payment is held until the job is done.
Which one should you use?
- Trade work such as electrics, plumbing or building: Checkatrade, MyBuilder or Rated People.
- Skilled handyman jobs such as mounting a TV or assembling a wardrobe with power tools: TaskRabbit or Airtasker.
- A scheduled professional service such as a deep clean: Fantastic Services or a local firm.
- Small, simple jobs such as washing the car, raking leaves, walking the dog, tech help, gift wrapping or carrying boxes: KidsHustle, where a local teenager can do it for less.
What to check on any platform
- Whether workers are ID-checked, and how
- Whether payment is held until the job is done
- Who covers damage or injury
- What fees are added on top of the price
- Whether messaging and payment stay in the app, which protects both sides
Try KidsHustle for small jobs
If the job is too small for a tradesperson and you would rather support someone local, post it on KidsHustle. For ideas, see small jobs no tradesperson will quote for or how to hire a teenager safely.