Our 2026 ranking methodology
We evaluate agencies across 8 dimensions: compensation, communication, community, LGBTQ+ inclusion, helper orientation, flexibility, first-timer friendliness, and experienced-surrogate service. Each dimension is scored 0-20 based on verified surrogate reviews, direct interviews, and transparent data.
We don't take advertising money from agencies. Our only incentive is matching surrogates with agencies where they'll have a good experience — because we only get paid when a matched surrogate completes her application. That's why we only list four agencies. More than 150 agencies operate in the US. Only four meet our bar.
The 2026 overall rankings
#1 Best Overall — Family Makers Surrogacy
Why #1: Family Makers combines the highest first-time total compensation in our network ($95,000) with the fastest response time (under 1 hour during business hours), the most structured process, and all-former-surrogate case management staff. They consistently score highest across our 8 evaluation dimensions.
Best for: First-time surrogates in the Southeast (GA, FL, IL, VA, MD, NC, SC, TN, OH, PA, MI) who want highest compensation and most structured support. The highest-scoring agency in our partner network across most categories.
Honest limitation: Doesn't serve TX, LA, NE, or NY.
Read full review →#2 Best for First-Timers (CA) — Family Tree Surrogacy Center
Why #2: Family Tree has the highest review rating in our partner network (4.9 stars across 56 reviews). Their 24/7 case manager access and weekly check-in minimum make them the most hands-on partner for first-time surrogates. They pay a $1,000 first-timer bonus on top of the $60,000 base — small but a nice touch.
Best for: First-time California, Arizona, and Nevada surrogates who want maximum hands-on support. Most family-like atmosphere among our partners.
Honest limitation: Small team means rematching can take time if your first match doesn't work out.
Read full review →#3 Best for LGBTQ+ Match Priority — Simple Surrogacy
Why #3: Simple Surrogacy has the longest operating history in our network (since 2002), the highest LGBTQ+ intended parent ratio (70%), and 100% review positivity across 32 verified reviews. The owner is a 3-time surrogate, and they sit on the Advisory Council of Men Having Babies. If helping LGBTQ+ families matters to you, they're the clear choice.
Best for: Surrogates in Texas who want to help same-sex couples. Also strong for surrogates in the Midwest and Central US. All-female owned and operated.
Honest limitation: Compensation is lower than other partners ($73K vs $80K–$95K). Keeps pricing accessible for intended parents.
Read full review →#4 Best for Experienced Surrogates — NewGen Families
Why #4: NewGen has the highest experienced-surrogate compensation in our partner network at $80,000+ base and $92,000 total. Their staff is senior-only with 10+ years of experience each — no junior coordinators. The founder is a dad through surrogacy who understands the IP perspective from years of personal experience.
Best for: Experienced surrogates optimizing pay. Also strong for West Coast surrogates (CA, NV, OR, WA, CO). 50/50 heterosexual/same-sex IP split.
Honest limitation: Newest agency (founded 2021) with smaller review count (9 reviews). IPs can't sign until matched, which some find frustrating.
Read full review →Match with the best agency for you
Our quiz factors in your state, experience level, and priorities to recommend the best partner agency from our top 4.
Get my match →Category winners
| Category | Best Agency | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Family Makers | Highest first-timer pay + fastest response |
| Best for first-timers | Family Tree | 24/7 case manager access, hands-on approach |
| Best for experienced | NewGen Families | $80K+ experienced base (highest in network) |
| Best for LGBTQ+ matches | Simple Surrogacy | 70% LGBTQ+ IPs, advocacy leadership |
| Best in California | Family Tree | San Diego HQ, California is their primary market |
| Best in Texas | Simple Surrogacy | 70% TX surrogate pool, Chapter 160 expertise |
| Best in Florida | Family Makers | Southeast coverage from Atlanta |
| Best compensation (first-timer) | Family Makers | $95,000 total — highest in network |
| Best compensation (experienced) | NewGen Families | $80K base + $92K total |
| Most hands-on support | Family Tree | 24/7 case manager cell access |
| Best reviews | Simple Surrogacy / NewGen | Both at 5.0 stars, 100% positivity |
| Longest established | Simple Surrogacy | Operating since 2002 |
How to pick between them
The best agency for you depends on three things: your state, your experience level, and what matters most to you.
If you live in California, Nevada, or Arizona
Family Tree (first-timers) or NewGen Families (experienced). Both have deep CA coverage.
If you live in Texas
Simple Surrogacy is the clear choice. Chapter 160 requires court pre-approval, which they handle routinely.
If you live in Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, the Carolinas, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, or Pennsylvania
Family Makers is probably your partner. They cover most of the Southeast and Midwest.
If you're an experienced surrogate
NewGen Families offers the highest experienced base pay ($80K+) and senior-only staff. Worth comparing to Family Makers if you're in their coverage area.
If you're motivated to help LGBTQ+ families specifically
Simple Surrogacy (70% LGBTQ+ IPs) or NewGen Families (50/50).
If you value the highest first-time compensation
Family Makers at $95,000 total, then Family Tree at $80,000+. Simple Surrogacy's $73,000 is lower but the cost of living in Texas offsets much of the difference.
Why we don't rank more agencies
We evaluated dozens of US surrogacy agencies for this list. Only four met our bar for partnership. The rest failed on one or more of these criteria:
- In-house escrow (not independent)
- No SEEDS or ASRM membership
- Vague or inflated compensation claims
- No former surrogates on staff
- Pressure-sell tactics with prospective surrogates
- Hidden fees or surrogate-facing charges
- Below-market compensation
- Poor surrogate reviews across multiple platforms
We'd rather tell you about four agencies we actually trust than pad a list with agencies that might not serve you well. If you're researching an agency not on this list, run it through our red flags guide before proceeding.