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 | Visiting Angels | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 2.5% | N/A |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +1.5%/yr | +20 units |
| Total Fee Burden | 3.5% | 5.3% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Visiting Angels vs BrightStar Care
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Visiting Angels and BrightStar Care 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 | Visiting Angels | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $84K | $132K |
| Max Investment | $132K | $235K |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 3.5% | 5.3% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 0.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Visiting Angels | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $1.2M | $2.4M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Visiting Angels | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 700 | 408 |
| Annual Growth | 1.5% | N/A |
| Failure Rate | 2.5% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Visiting Angels | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 78/100 | N/A |
Track Record
| Metric | Visiting Angels | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 28 | 24 |
| Years Franchising | 26 | 21 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Visiting Angels | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $150K | $500K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $75K | $100K |
Operations
| Metric | Visiting Angels | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 40 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 2 | N/A |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Visiting Angels | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 2.5% | N/A |
| Annual Unit Growth | 1.5% | N/A |
| Units Opened Last Year | 25 | 20 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Visiting Angels or BrightStar Care a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Visiting Angels has 700 total units and a 78/100 franchisee satisfaction score. BrightStar Care has 408 total units and a track record in its industry. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
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.
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.
What is the royalty rate for Visiting Angels vs BrightStar Care?
Visiting Angels's royalty rate is 3.5%. BrightStar Care's royalty rate is 5.3%. That means Visiting Angels has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Visiting Angels or BrightStar Care?
Visiting Angels has 700 total units. BrightStar Care has 408 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Visiting Angels or BrightStar Care semi-absentee friendly?
Visiting Angels is typically run as a owner-operator model. BrightStar Care 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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