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Trying to decide between Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield? Let’s break down how they really perform in 2025—from pricing to peace of mind.
Why This Comparison Even Matters in 2025
If you’ve ever had a major home system break down—like your air conditioning in July or your fridge right before a dinner party—you know the stress (and the cost) that comes with it. That’s why a home warranty isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s a safety net.
But not all warranty providers are created equal. And two of the biggest names in 2025—Choice Home Warranty (CHW) and American Home Shield (AHS)—both claim they’re the best. So, who actually delivers when things go wrong?
I dug into customer reviews, pricing, and real-world experiences so you don’t have to. Here’s what I found.
Pricing & Plans: What Are You Really Paying For?
Let’s Talk CHW First
CHW keeps things pretty straightforward. You’re looking at $44–$55/month, with a flat $85 service fee when you file a claim. They keep it simple with two main plans: a Basic one and a Total plan that covers more appliances.
I liked the predictability here—no surprises, no “nickel-and-dime” upselling.
AHS is a Bit More… Layered
American Home Shield starts around $65/month, but can climb closer to $90+ depending on how much customization you want. Their service fees are also on a sliding scale ($75–$125), depending on what plan you pick.
They do offer more flexibility, though. You can mix and match options like electronics coverage, roof leak protection, and more. But with that flexibility comes more reading—and more cost.
Bottom Line: If you’re budget-conscious or new to homeownership, CHW gives you a cleaner, more affordable setup. If you’ve got a high-end home or want extras, AHS gives you options (for a price).
Coverage: What’s Actually Protected?
CHW Covers the Essentials
Think HVAC, plumbing, electrical, dishwasher, oven, and water heater. If you want to protect extras—like a pool or septic system—you’ll have to add those on.
For most people, this is all they need.
AHS Covers… Almost Everything (If You Want It)
AHS really leans into the custom plan route. You can cover everything from appliances to electronics to guest units. Their ShieldPlatinum™ plan even includes HVAC tune-ups and unlimited refrigerant—a rarity in this space.
Fine Print? Oh Yeah, It Matters
CHW is a lot easier to read through. But that also means more clear exclusions. If something is old or wasn’t installed correctly, you may be out of luck.
AHS includes more—but their contracts are thicker than a novel. Make time to really understand what you’re buying.
Winner: Want no-fuss, practical coverage? CHW. Need options for a complex property? AHS.
Claims Experience: What Happens When Stuff Breaks?
CHW: Surprisingly Quick
According to most users (and trust me, I read a lot of reviews), CHW usually gets things moving within 48–72 hours. Their mobile app makes filing a claim easy, and emergency issues get top priority.
I’ve seen homeowners rave about how their broken fridge or AC got fixed within a day or two.
AHS: Fast… But Not Always
American Home Shield offers 24/7 claim filing too, but the experience seems more hit-or-miss depending on where you live. Urban areas? Great. More rural zip codes? You might wait longer for a tech.
Customer Service: The People Behind the Plans
CHW’s service has gotten a big upgrade this year. Reps are quicker to respond, friendlier, and (gasp) actually helpful.
AHS also has solid support, though a few reviewers said they felt like they were being bounced around or had trouble getting updates.
My Take: CHW wins this round—especially for how easy they’ve made claims and how quickly they respond.
What Other People Are Saying (Spoiler: It’s Helpful)
CHW Reviews in 2025
- Trustpilot: 4.3 stars
- BBB: A- rating
- Real feedback highlights fast claim approval, honest pricing, and friendly reps.
One homeowner wrote, “Our furnace died on Christmas Eve. CHW had someone out the next day. Saved the holidays.”
AHS Reviews in 2025
- Trustpilot: 3.9 stars
- BBB: B rating
- Customers appreciate the wide range of coverage, but some complain about claim denials or service delays.
Someone said, “Coverage is great—if you can get a hold of someone and navigate the fine print.”
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Choice Home Warranty | American Home Shield |
| Monthly Cost | $44–$55 | $65–$90+ |
| Service Fee | Flat $85 | $75–$125 |
| Plans | Basic & Total | Silver, Gold, Platinum + add-ons |
| Claim Speed | 2–3 days | 2–5 days |
| Network Strength | Solid in cities | Strong in urban + rural |
| Customer Ratings | 4.3 (Trustpilot) | 3.9 (Trustpilot) |
Who Should Choose Which?
Go With CHW If:
- You want affordable, no-frills coverage
- You’re a first-time buyer or landlord
- You hate reading 40-page contracts
Go With AHS If:
- You want every bell and whistle covered
- You live in a rural area where service access matters
- You don’t mind paying more for a customized plan
FAQs: What You’re Probably Wondering
Q: Who’s cheaper overall?
CHW—both monthly and long-term. Especially if your systems are in decent shape.
Q: Which company is more flexible?
AHS, hands down. But flexibility = more decisions and usually, more cost.
” Best Home Warranty Companies 2025 ”
Q: Can I cancel either plan?
Yes. Both allow cancellation—though you may pay a small fee depending on the terms.
Q: Can I transfer the plan if I sell my home?
Yup! Both CHW and AHS let you transfer warranties to new owners.
Q: Which one has better real-life reviews in 2025?
CHW is winning in the review department this year, especially when it comes to fast service and affordability.
So… Who Actually Wins?
If you’re looking for simple, reliable protection that won’t wreck your budget—Choice Home Warranty is the smarter move in 2025. They’ve stepped up big this year with better service, faster claims, and a solid reputation backed by real users.
But if you’ve got a big house, custom systems, or just want to sleep better at night knowing literally everything is covered—American Home Shield is still a powerful option.
In the end, the “best” company depends on your priorities. But now, you can make that choice with confidence.
