Skip to content

Best Carbon Offset Programs & Apps to Neutralize Your Footprint

Compare trusted carbon offset providers to balance unavoidable emissions. Fund verified projects from renewable energy to reforestation while supporting global climate action.

$2B

Market Size 2024

500M

Tons Offset/Year

$10-25

Per Ton CO₂

170+

Countries

Even after cutting waste and switching to greener products, most of us still have an unavoidable carbon footprint. That's where carbon offset programs come in – allowing individuals and businesses to fund projects that remove or prevent emissions elsewhere to balance out their own CO₂ output.

The voluntary carbon market is growing rapidly and could reach $50 billion by 2030. In this guide, we highlight the most reputable carbon offset providers and apps that turn your dollars into climate action – from planting trees and building wind farms to supporting community-led reforestation and clean cookstove projects.

Find Your Offset Provider

Top Carbon Offset Providers

G

Gold Standard

4.7(890 reviews)

Gold Standard offers the highest quality carbon credits from rigorously verified projects worldwide, initiated by WWF and other NGOs.

Highest QualityMost Rigorous

Pros

  • Most rigorous verification standard in the industry
  • Wide variety of high-quality certified projects
  • Direct impact on sustainable development goals
  • Transparent pricing and project details
  • Choose specific projects aligned with values

Cons

  • Higher prices due to quality standards
  • Website can be complex to navigate
  • Limited consumer-friendly features

Price/Ton CO₂

$10-$50

Min Purchase

1 ton

Total Offset

150.0M tons

In Business

20 years

Gold StandardCDMVCS Compatible
Offset Now →
T

Terrapass

4.3(2100 reviews)

Terrapass makes carbon offsetting simple with calculators, bundles, and subscriptions for individuals and businesses.

Most User-FriendlyBest Calculator

Pros

  • Easy-to-use carbon footprint calculator
  • Convenient offset bundles for travel and lifestyle
  • Monthly subscription options available
  • Clear pricing with no hidden fees
  • Good for both individuals and businesses

Cons

  • Limited project selection vs marketplaces
  • Focus mainly on US-based projects
  • Less transparency on specific projects

Price/Ton CO₂

$8-$15

Min Purchase

1 ton

Total Offset

6.0M tons

In Business

19 years

Verified Carbon StandardClimate Action Reserve
Offset Now →
W

Wren

4.5(1500 reviews)

Wren offers a modern subscription approach to carbon offsetting with a curated portfolio of projects and regular updates.

Best SubscriptionMost Transparent

Pros

  • Modern app with excellent user experience
  • Monthly portfolio updates with photos/videos
  • Diverse project portfolio approach
  • Strong community and education focus
  • Easy to start, pause, or adjust subscription

Cons

  • Higher price per ton than some options
  • Newer company with shorter track record
  • Subscription model may not suit everyone

Price/Ton CO₂

$15-$20

Min Purchase

0 tons

Total Offset

0.5M tons

In Business

4 years

Various per projectThird-party verified
Offset Now →
C

ClimatePartner

4.4(650 reviews)

ClimatePartner specializes in corporate carbon management with certified offset projects and labeling solutions.

Best for BusinessMost Flexible

Pros

  • Excellent for businesses and events
  • Wide range of certified projects globally
  • Custom solutions and consulting
  • Product carbon labeling services
  • Strong European presence

Cons

  • More focused on B2B than individuals
  • Website less consumer-friendly
  • Pricing not always transparent

Price/Ton CO₂

$5-$30

Min Purchase

1 ton

Total Offset

15.0M tons

In Business

17 years

Gold StandardVCSPlan Vivo
Offset Now →
a

atmosfair

4.6(420 reviews)

atmosfair is a non-profit specializing in travel offsets with high-impact renewable energy and efficiency projects.

Best for TravelHighest Impact

Pros

  • Non-profit with 90%+ going to projects
  • Excellent flight emissions calculator
  • High-impact projects in developing countries
  • Tax-deductible donations in many countries
  • Transparent annual reports

Cons

  • Higher price per ton
  • Limited project variety
  • Basic website interface

Price/Ton CO₂

$23-$25

Min Purchase

1 ton

Total Offset

2.0M tons

In Business

18 years

CDM Gold StandardPlan Vivo
Offset Now →
N

Native Energy

4.2(380 reviews)

Native Energy pioneers innovative offset projects with strong social and environmental co-benefits, especially for corporations.

Most InnovativeSocial Impact

Pros

  • Pioneer in carbon offset industry
  • Focus on projects with social co-benefits
  • Help Build™ model funds new projects
  • Strong indigenous and farmer partnerships
  • Innovative project types

Cons

  • Higher minimum purchase amounts
  • More complex for individuals
  • Limited consumer tools

Price/Ton CO₂

$12-$40

Min Purchase

5 tons

Total Offset

5.0M tons

In Business

25 years

VCSClimate Action ReserveACR
Offset Now →

Estimate Your Carbon Footprint

Average Annual Emissions

Transportation (car, flights)5.5 tons CO₂
Home energy3.0 tons CO₂
Food & consumption7.5 tons CO₂
Total average footprint16 tons CO₂/year

Offsetting Costs

Budget option ($10/ton)$160/year
Standard option ($20/ton)$320/year
Premium option ($30/ton)$480/year
Monthly subscription$13-40/month

*US average. Your actual footprint varies based on lifestyle

Quick Comparison

Provider$/Ton CO₂TypeSubscriptionBest For
Gold Standard$10-$50marketplaceNoHighest Quality
Terrapass$8-$15marketplace$10-50/monthMost User-Friendly
Wren$15-$20subscription$10-100/monthBest Subscription
ClimatePartner$5-$30corporateNoBest for Business
atmosfair$23-$25nonprofitNoBest for Travel
Native Energy$12-$40marketplaceNoMost Innovative

Frequently Asked Questions

Do carbon offsets really work?

How much do carbon offsets cost?

What types of offset projects are most effective?

Should I reduce emissions or buy offsets?

How do I choose a carbon offset provider?

Start Your Carbon Neutral Journey

While reducing emissions comes first, quality offsets help balance what you can't eliminate. Choose a provider that matches your values and budget to support verified climate projects worldwide.

Start Offsetting →