The

3

best

Hardware

franchises of 2026

Complete ranking by Growth & Profitability

Hardware franchises operate across retail and mobile distribution models serving contractors, tradespeople, and DIY consumers. Performance in this segment is driven by system scale, capital efficiency, and repeat commercial demand, with the strongest brands combining large unit networks and attractive payback profiles.

Below are the top 3 hardware franchises in the market today, highlighting the brands that best balance scale, efficiency, and stability.

Ace Hardware

9.4
/
10

Ace Hardware is a trusted neighborhood hardware store franchise offering a wide range of tools, supplies, and expert advice for DIY enthusiasts.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

4645
+
5%
5%
Franchise fee

?

$5,000
Investment

?

$116,000 - $1,913,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$3,378,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
9.4
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Ace Hardware operates neighborhood-based hardware retail stores serving both consumers and professional contractors.
Its ranking reflects unmatched system scale combined with strong unit economics.

  • Massive system with 4,645 franchisees
  • High average investment (~$1.01M) reflects large-format retail footprint
  • Excellent 0.30x payback
  • Positive franchisee growth (~5%) supports long-term stability

Metal Supermarkets

8.9
/
10

Metal supplier franchise offering a wide range of metal products, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, catering to both individual customers and businesses.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

92
+
14%
14%
Franchise fee

?

$44,500
Investment

?

$351,000 - $613,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$1,749,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
8.9
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Metal Supermarkets supplies metal products and fabrication services to commercial and industrial customers.
Its ranking is driven by efficient economics and healthy system growth.

  • Mid-sized system with 92 franchisees
  • Moderate average investment (~$482K)
  • Strong 0.28x payback
  • Positive franchisee growth (~14%) supports continued expansion

Snap-on Tools

8.5
/
10

Tool and equipment franchise specializing in high-quality hand and power tools for automotive, industrial, and professional use, catering to professional mechanics and technicians.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

3201
+
-2%
-2%
Franchise fee

?

$16,000
Investment

?

$222,000 - $500,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$797,000

+
-2.3%
-2.3%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
8.5
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Snap-on Tools operates mobile tool distribution routes serving professional mechanics and technicians.
Its ranking reflects enormous system scale paired with reliable payback.

  • Very large system with 3,201 franchisees
  • Moderate average investment (~$361K)
  • Solid 0.45x payback
  • Slight franchisee contraction (~-2%) marginally weighs on ranking

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