
So, you’re ready to start your next exciting business venture.
You know you want to invest in one of the top franchises, but with so many options in the market, finding the right business opportunity can be overwhelming.
When it comes down to it, the best franchise to start is the one that fits your financial capabilities, goals, and lifestyle.
Are you looking for a home-based business? What kind of start-up costs and franchise fees can you afford? Do you want to avoid any specific types of business models?
Once you’ve answered those questions, you can start the process of buying a franchise. To help you begin, we’ve put together a list of the best franchises to invest in for 2021.
Before We Jump In…
You should know what to look for in a franchise business to determine if it’s a promising investment. For this article, we looked at several factors, including:
Brand Recognition
When you’re looking into buying a franchise, you want to take a deep dive into the company you’re putting your name to. For each franchise you look into, answer the following questions:
How long have they been in business?
What expertise does their team bring?
What are the company’s core values and mission? Does it align with my own?
What do their reviews tell you about their established reputation?
Initial Investment
Whether you’re a beginner franchisee or are adding to your large investment portfolio, you may want to consider buying a franchise with a lower barrier of entry.
When we looked into the best franchises to invest in for 2021, we considered the initial investment costs, franchise fees, and royalty fees.
Growth and Potential
Next, we looked into how the franchise has grown and expanded over the years, including when they were established and franchised, how many locations they have, and what countries they’ve expanded into.
The Best Franchises to Invest in 2021:
Cruise Planners
Want to help people travel the world? Then the best franchise to start is Cruise Planners, a well-established travel agency franchise that began in 2005. In 2021, they were ranked as the top travel franchise on a list of top part-time franchises.
Based in Coral Springs, Florida, Cruise Planners has expanded to over 2,811 locations over the years and is the nation’s largest travel franchise network. With a home-based business model, Cruise Planners allows its franchise owners to work from anywhere in the world, traveling while helping others do the same.
The Cruise Planners training team provides its franchise owners with all the training they need to succeed in their role, along with award-winning technology, marketing, and support services.
Incentive programs are available for retired or active military members (and family), first responders (and family), and travel industry professionals.
Initial Investment: $2,295–$23,617
Franchise Fees: $695–$10,995
Royalties: 1%–3% of Gross Commissions Fares
Learn more about Cruise Planners franchise opportunities.
SuperGlass Windshield Repair
SuperGlass Windshield Repair was established and began franchising in 1992. They are now the largest repair specialist chain worldwide, with over 336 locations. They specialize in mobile service windshield repair, headlight restoration, and scratch removal and are an industry leader in technology, training, and customer service.
As a mobile service, overhead costs for this business can be kept low. They provide their franchise owners with comprehensive training and setup, including a week of training at SuperGlass headquarters in Orlando, Florida. They offer a veteran incentive of 10% off the franchise fee.
Initial Investment: $18,685–$84,205
Franchise Fees: $5,000–$17,500
Royalties: 4% of Gross Revenues
Learn more about SuperGlass Windshield Repair franchise opportunities.
Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting
Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting is a professional commercial cleaning company that has been in operation since 1995. They have since expanded to 102 locations and counting.
Jan-Pro was founded by a US military veteran, which led them to design the first franchise commercial cleaning program for veterans called VETCONNECTIONSM. They also offer a home-based business model, allowing franchise owners to choose where and when they work.
With their five-course certification program, you’ll receive all of the education you need to become an expert in the industry. If you don’t feel comfortable selling services or products, Jan-Pro might be the best franchise to start. They provide a team of sales professionals to find clients for you, so you don’t have to make any sales calls.
Initial Investment: $127,500–$768,000
Franchise Fees: $50,000–$600,000
Royalties: 4% of Gross Monthly Revenue
Learn more about Jan-Pro franchise opportunities.

Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations has been in business for over 28 years and has more than 1,500 franchise owners. They are the world’s largest cruise vacation seller and are consistently ranked in the top home-based travel franchises.
As a Dream Vacations franchise owner, you can choose between their two brands: Dream Vacations, which offers travel agency services for all vacation types, or CruiseOne, which specializes in cruise vacations.
You’ll be supported by over $4 million per year in marketing efforts, extensive training and ongoing education, modern online business tools, and 24/7 support. Dream Vacations is the only travel franchise to offer capped royalty fees to provide their franchisees with higher earning potential.
They also provide discounts for veterans, first responders, experienced travel and hospitality professionals, and community heroes (teachers, medical professionals, etc.).
Initial Investment: $1,795–$20,300
Franchise Fees: $495–$10,500
Royalties: 1.5%–3.0% of Annual Commissionable Sales
Learn more about Dream Vacations franchise opportunities.
Century 21 Real Estate
One of the most recognized names in North American real estate for over 50 years, Century 21 Real Estate comprises 8,000 independently owned and operated offices in 86 counties, as well as 100,000+ global affiliates. In 2021, they were recognized by Entrepreneur as one of the fastest-growing franchises.
When buying a Century 21 Real Estate franchise, you receive comprehensive industry training, global marketing exposure, expert support, and a 12-month phased transition process. Century 21 Real Estate offers up to 40% off real estate pre-licensing courses and education courses for veterans.
Initial Investment: $24,700–$269,050
Franchise Fees: $25,000 (Maximum)
Royalties: 6% of Gross Revenue
Learn more about Century 21 Real Estate franchise opportunities.
Start Your Franchise Business Today
There’s a world of franchising opportunities out there, whether you’re looking to buy a travel agency franchise, real estate franchise, or another lucrative business.
According to the International Franchise Association’s projections, franchisors will open over 26,000 new business locations, add 800,000 new jobs to the economy, and contribute $477 billion to the US GDP in 2021.
Are you ready to start a business and be a part of that amazing growth?
Use Franchise123’s comprehensive database to identify, compare, and research the best franchises to invest in that fit your exact needs and goals. Start today by searching our database of top franchises.


