DearAuPair vs GreatAuPair
US-focused au pair and nanny marketplace — how do we compare?
Quick Comparison
| Feature | DearAuPair | GreatAuPair |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Marketplace — you choose your match directly | Marketplace (direct match, no agency) |
| Cost for au pairs | 100% Free | Free guest, $60/30 days or $120/90 days for contact access |
| Cost for families | €9.99/mo, €19.99/3mo, €29.99/6mo | $60/30 days or $120/90 days (~€55 / €110) |
| Free conversations | None — membership unlocks messaging | Free Hot List notifications, but contact info requires paid membership |
| Auto-renewal | Never | Not stated |
| Real-time chat | Yes — with typing indicators | Email-based notifications |
| Verification | Email + Stripe card verification | Optional paid background checks |
What GreatAuPair does well
Credit where credit is due — here's what they're known for:
- Strong US market presence since 2001
- Free guest tier with profile browsing & FastMatch
- Also covers nannies & babysitters
- Optional paid background checks
Why families choose DearAuPair
- Au pairs are 100% free always — never pay for contacts
- Families browse every profile free; membership only when ready to message
- Cheaper longer plans: €29.99/6 months vs $120/3 months on GreatAuPair
- Real-time in-platform chat instead of email notifications
- Globally focused, not just US
- Modern Hotwire-powered UX built in 2026
- Card verification on all families
Marketplace, not agency
DearAuPair is a marketplace, not an agency. That means you (au pairs and host families) communicate, decide, and arrange things directly — without a middleman taking a cut or controlling the matching process. You stay in full control of who you talk to, when, and on what terms.
Which one should you choose?
GreatAuPair is a solid choice if you value an established brand with a large existing user base. DearAuPair is the better choice if you want a modern experience, transparent pricing, and the ability to browse all au pair profiles for free before deciding to subscribe.
You can always create a free DearAuPair profile in 5 minutes and see for yourself — au pairs never pay anything, and families can browse every profile for free.
Try DearAuPair risk-free
Free for au pairs · Membership from €9.99/month for families · No auto-renewal
Create Free Profile