At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | BrightStar Care | Visiting Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 2.5% |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +20 units | +1.5%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 5.3% | 3.5% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: BrightStar Care vs Visiting Angels
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, BrightStar Care and Visiting Angels are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Senior Care sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Visiting Angels has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Visiting Angels has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Visiting Angels charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | BrightStar Care | Visiting Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $132K | $84K |
| Max Investment | $235K | $132K |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.3% | 3.5% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | 0.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | BrightStar Care | Visiting Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.4M | $1.2M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | BrightStar Care | Visiting Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 408 | 700 |
| Annual Growth | N/A | 1.5% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | 2.5% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | BrightStar Care | Visiting Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | N/A | 78/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | BrightStar Care | Visiting Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 24 | 28 |
| Years Franchising | 21 | 26 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | BrightStar Care | Visiting Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $500K | $150K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100K | $75K |
Operations
| Metric | BrightStar Care | Visiting Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | 40 |
| Training Weeks | N/A | 2 |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | BrightStar Care | Visiting Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 2.5% |
| Annual Unit Growth | N/A | 1.5% |
| Units Opened Last Year | 20 | 25 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is BrightStar Care or Visiting Angels a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. BrightStar Care has 408 total units and a track record in its industry. Visiting Angels has 700 total units and a 78/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a BrightStar Care franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a BrightStar Care franchise requires an initial investment of $132K – $235K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 5.3%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Visiting Angels franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Visiting Angels franchise requires an initial investment of $84K – $132K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 3.5%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for BrightStar Care vs Visiting Angels?
BrightStar Care's royalty rate is 5.3%. Visiting Angels's royalty rate is 3.5%. That means Visiting Angels has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — BrightStar Care or Visiting Angels?
BrightStar Care has 408 total units. Visiting Angels has 700 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is BrightStar Care or Visiting Angels semi-absentee friendly?
BrightStar Care is typically run as a owner-operator model. Visiting Angels is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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