Airbnb vs Vrbo: A Host’s Guide to Choosing the Right Platform

Updated : Mar 12, 2025

Airbnb vs Vrbo is the first decision you’ll have to make in your short-term rental hosting journey (there will be a LOT more!). The two platforms are travelers’ most popular choices. While Airbnb and Vrbo share similarities, their demand gap is enormous. Airbnb is a popular choice, with over 7.7 listings worldwide. There are markets where Vrbo is the popular choice as well.

So, how do you choose? What is the difference between Airbnb and Vrbo? These are the questions that we will discuss in this blog.

By the end, you’ll be able to decide for yourself and, hopefully, sign up for a platform!

What is Airbnb?

Airbnb is a global online marketplace founded in 2008 that revolutionizes travel by offering a diverse range of accommodations and unique experiences. It connects hosts who want to rent out their spaces with travelers seeking alternative lodging options, from shared rooms and entire homes to distinctive stays like treehouses and boats.

Key Features:

1. Diverse Listings: Airbnb offers a wide variety of property types, catering to different preferences and budgets. These include everything from affordable shared accommodations to luxurious villas.
2. Experiences: Beyond just lodging, Airbnb allows hosts to offer curated activities and tours. These Airbnb experiences range from local food tours to adventure excursions, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the culture of their destination.
3. Airbnb Adventures: Recently introduced, this feature expands on the experiences by offering multi-day adventures led by local experts. These adventures include lodging, meals, and activities, providing travelers unique opportunities to explore remote locations and engage with local communities.
4. User-Friendly App: The Airbnb app is highly rated for its ease of use. It allows users to search for accommodations, book stays, and manage reservations seamlessly.
5. Instant Booking: Many listings offer instant booking options, making it easy for travelers to secure their accommodations without waiting for host approval.

Airbnb has transformed travel by meeting the demand for unique, localized experiences while fostering connections between hosts and guests worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or an unforgettable adventure, Airbnb offers something for everyone.

What is Vrbo?

Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is a leading online platform specializing in whole-home rentals, making it an ideal choice for families and larger groups seeking spacious accommodations. Founded in 1995 and now a subsidiary of Expedia Group, Vrbo focuses on providing a home-like experience for travelers, allowing them to enjoy the comforts of home while away.

Key Features:

1. Whole-Home Rentals: Vrbo primarily offers entire homes, perfect for families and groups that need ample space to relax and spend quality time together.
2. Family-Friendly Options: The platform includes filters and features specifically designed to meet family needs, such as homes with child-friendly amenities and proximity to family-oriented attractions.
3. Global Reach: With an extensive selection of international listings, Vrbo allows travelers to find vacation rentals in diverse locations worldwide, catering to various tastes and preferences. 
4. Owner Dashboard: Property owners benefit from a comprehensive dashboard that provides tools for effective property management, including booking management, pricing strategies, and performance insights.
5. Secure Booking: Vrbo prioritizes guest safety with robust payment protection measures, ensuring secure transactions and peace of mind for guests and hosts.

Vrbo has carved out a niche in the vacation rental market by focusing on whole-home rentals and family-friendly features. It provides travelers with comfortable, spacious options for their getaways. Whether planning a family reunion or a group retreat, Vrbo offers various properties to suit every need.

Airbnb vs Vrbo: A Quick Comparison

Airbnb vs Vrbo: Evaluating 11 Key Areas

Based on Listing Inventory

Airbnb is renowned for its diverse listings, including entire homes and private rooms, shared spaces, and unique accommodations like treehouses and tiny homes. This variety allows hosts to cater to a wide audience, from solo travelers seeking budget-friendly options to families looking for spacious homes. Airbnb categorizes its listings into over 60 different categories, such as “Cabins,” “Lakefront,” and “National Parks,” making it easier for guests to find accommodations that match their specific interests or needs.

Vrbo focuses primarily on whole-home rentals, which makes it particularly appealing to families and larger groups seeking vacation properties. Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo does not offer shared spaces or unique lodging types; it strictly features entire homes. This specialization simplifies the search process for travelers who prefer standalone accommodations without the possibility of shared living situations.

Based on Fees

Airbnb service fees are structured to support the platform’s operations, including customer support and secure payment processing. There are two primary fee structures: the split fee and the host-only fee. In the split fee model, which is the most common, hosts typically pay a service fee of around 3% of the booking subtotal, while guests incur a service fee that usually ranges from 5% to 15%, with most fees falling under 14.2%. This guest fee can increase for cross-currency transactions, reaching 16.5%. Alternatively, the host-only fee structure deducts a higher percentage from the host’s payout, typically between 14% and 16%, and is often applied to traditional hospitality listings. Additionally, fees may vary based on factors such as cancellation policies and the duration of stays, with discounts available for longer bookings.

Vrbo has a structured service fee system designed for both hosts and guests. For hosts, there are two primary fee models: the pay-per-booking option and the annual subscription. Under the pay-per-booking model, hosts incur a 5% commission fee on each booking and a 3% payment processing fee, totaling 8%. This model is ideal for those who may not have frequent bookings. Alternatively, the annual subscription model requires a one-time payment of $499 per property, allowing hosts to avoid per-booking fees for the entire year. On the other hand, guests typically pay a service fee ranging from 6% to 12% of the booking subtotal, which covers transaction costs and customer support. This fee structure enables Vrbo to maintain its platform while providing hosts flexible options based on their rental strategy.

Based on Cancellation Policies

Airbnb offers various Airbnb cancellation policies designed to give guests flexibility while protecting hosts from unexpected vacancies. 

Here’s a breakdown of the main cancellation options available:

1. Flexible: Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before check-in for a full refund. If they cancel later, the host will receive payment for all booked nights plus one additional night. This policy is ideal for guests who may have uncertain plans.
2. Moderate: Under this policy, guests can cancel up to 5 days before check-in for a full refund. If they cancel after that, hosts are compensated for each night booked plus one additional night and receive 50% of all unspent nights.
3. Firm: Guests must cancel at least 30 days before check-in to receive a full refund. Cancellations made between 7 and 30 days before check-in result in hosts receiving 50% of the total payment, while cancellations less than 7 days before check-in entitle hosts to 100% of the payment.
4. Strict: This is Airbnb’s most stringent option. Guests can secure a full refund if they cancel within 48 hours of booking, provided it is at least 14 days before check-in. If they cancel between 7 and 14 days, hosts receive 50%, and if canceled after that, hosts receive 100%.
5. Long-term: For stays of 28 nights or more, there are specific long-term cancellation policies:
   1. Flexible Long-Term: Guests must cancel at least 30 days in advance for a full refund.
   2. Strict Long-Term: Similar to the standard strict policy, but applies to longer stays.
6. Super strict: Two super strict policies (30 days and 60 days) offer limited flexibility and are available only under certain conditions.
7. Special circumstances: Airbnb also has a Major Disruptive Events Policy, which allows cancellations without penalties during significant events that affect travel.

Hosts can choose their preferred cancellation policy, which will apply to all future bookings, allowing them to balance guest flexibility with their own financial security.

Vrbo offers a variety of cancellation policies that hosts can choose from to suit their rental needs and guest preferences. 

The five standard options include:

1. No Refund: Guests receive no refunds for cancellations at any time.
2. Strict: Guests get a 100% refund if they cancel at least 60 days before check-in; if canceled between 30 and 60 days, they receive a 50% refund.
3. Moderate: A full refund is available if canceled at least 30 days before check-in; cancellations made between 14 and 30 days before check-in receive a 50% refund.
4. Relaxed: This policy allows for a full refund if canceled at least 14 days before check-in, and a 50% refund for cancellations made between 7 and 14 days before check-in.
5. Custom Policies: Hosts can create tailored cancellation policies that differ from the standard options, allowing them to set specific terms that fit their rental strategy.

These policies provide flexibility for both hosts and guests, balancing the need for security in bookings with the desire for guest-friendly cancellation options.

Based on Review System

Airbnb reviews are essential to the platform, enabling guests and hosts to provide feedback about their experiences. This review system fosters trust and helps future users make informed decisions.

After a stay, guests and hosts have 14 days to submit their reviews. For Experiences, the timeframe extends to 30 days. Reviews are based on a 5-star rating system, with additional prompts for feedback on aspects such as cleanliness, communication, and accuracy of the listing. Importantly, reviews from both parties are published simultaneously or at the end of the review period if one party does not submit theirs.

Reviews must be unbiased and relevant, reflecting genuine experiences. They cannot contain explicit or discriminatory content and should not be influenced by coercion or incentives. If a review violates Airbnb’s content policy, it may be removed.

Listings typically require at least five recent reviews to qualify for special recognition within the platform.

Vrbo reviews play a crucial role in the platform’s operation, allowing guests to share their experiences and provide feedback on properties. After a guest checks out, they receive a notification prompting them to leave a review. An email reminder is sent if they do not submit a review within three days. Reviews are rated on a 5-star scale and include breakdowns for cleanliness, communication, and adherence to house rules. 

Once submitted, reviews cannot be edited or removed, ensuring transparency. Both guest and host reviews are posted simultaneously, providing balanced feedback on the rental experience. Guests can filter reviews to focus on the aspects that matter most to them.

High ratings can enhance a property’s visibility and attractiveness to potential renters, while detailed feedback helps hosts improve their offerings. However, Vrbo is noted for having fewer reviews than competitors like Airbnb, which may affect the decision-making process for some travelers.

Based on Property Management

Airbnb provides various features to manage a listing, such as:

1. The Listing Editor allows hosts to easily add and update details about their properties, including descriptions, amenities, and pricing. This feature simplifies managing listings, ensuring all information is current and accurately reflects the property.
2. Hosts can upload high-quality images and organize them by room using an AI-powered photo tour feature. This helps potential guests visualize the space and enhances the overall appeal of the listing.
3. Airbnb offers pricing management, which enables hosts to set custom nightly rates, discounts, and additional fees (like cleaning fees). Hosts can adjust these settings directly from their listings to optimize pricing strategies based on demand.
4. The platform includes a calendar feature that allows hosts to manage their booking availability in real-time. This helps prevent double bookings and ensures guests can only book dates when the property is available.
5. Hosts can provide detailed check-in instructions within their listings, including check-in times and any special directions or requirements for guests.
6. Airbnb allows hosts to connect compatible smart locks to their accounts, enabling automatic generation of unique access codes for each reservation, enhancing security and convenience.
7. Airbnb supports integration with property management software for hosts managing multiple properties, allowing centralized control over listings across different platforms.

Vrbo provides several features to help property owners effectively manage their listings:

1. Vrbo offers a straightforward platform for creating and managing listings. It allows hosts to easily input property details, upload photos, and set house rules.
2. Hosts can comprehensively describe their properties, including amenities, policies, and pricing options, to help potential guests make informed decisions.
3. Owners can set pricing strategies, including nightly rates, weekly discounts, and seasonal pricing adjustments. They can also manage availability calendars to prevent double bookings.
4. The Owner dashboard provides hosts with essential tools for tracking bookings, managing inquiries, and communicating with guests. This centralized system helps streamline operations.
5. Hosts can upload high-resolution images of their properties to enhance their listings and attract more guests.
6. Vrbo offers different subscription plans (annual or pay-per-booking), allowing hosts to choose the model that best fits their business strategy.
7. Hosts can enable instant booking, making it easier for guests to secure reservations without waiting for host approval, which can increase booking rates.

Based on Membership Programs

Airbnb offers several membership programs designed to enhance the experience for both guests and hosts:

1. Hosts who consistently provide exceptional hospitality can achieve Superhost status. This program offers benefits like increased visibility in search results and a badge that enhances credibility with potential guests.
2. Airbnb Resident Hosting Program allows residents in multifamily buildings to host on Airbnb, provided their building management approves. It includes features like customized building rules, visibility into hosting activities, and revenue-sharing options for building management.

Vrbo offers two primary membership programs for hosts to manage their listings:

1. Hosts can opt for an annual subscription fee of $499. This fee allows them to list their property and covers all bookings received throughout the year. This model is beneficial for hosts who expect a high volume of bookings, as it provides cost predictability.
2. Hosts can choose a pay-per-booking model, paying a 5% commission fee on each booking and a 3% credit card processing fee. This option is ideal for hosts who rent their properties only occasionally or seasonally, as they incur costs only when they receive bookings.

Vrbo is part of the One Key loyalty program, which rewards members for booking travel across Vrbo, Expedia, and Hotels.com. Members earn OneKeyCash for eligible bookings, which can be used for future stays. The program features tiered membership levels (Blue, Silver, Gold, Platinum) that offer increasing benefits based on booking activity.

Based on Insurance and Protection

Airbnb provides hosts several insurance and protection options through its AirCover for Hosts program, ensuring comprehensive coverage during guest stays.

1. Host Liability Insurance offers up to $1 million in coverage for hosts found legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage to guests or others during an Airbnb stay. 
2. Host Damage Protection to protect hosts against damages caused by guests, with coverage up to $3 million.
3. For hosts offering experiences, Experience Liability Insurance provides up to $1 million in liability coverage for incidents occurring during the experience, protecting against claims related to guest injuries or property damage.

Vrbo provides various insurance and protection policies for hosts, such as:

1. Liability Insurance: Vrbo offers hosts $1 million in liability insurance for bookings made through Vrbo Payments, protecting them from potential claims arising from guest injuries or property damage.
2. Property Damage Protection: Hosts can access up to $5,000 in property damage protection for accidental damages caused by guests during their stay. This coverage helps facilitate quick repairs without the need for lengthy claims processes.
3. Verified Guest Badge: Hosts can choose to accept only guests who have a Verified Guest badge, which indicates that they have undergone additional identity verification.
4. Book with Confidence Guarantee: This guarantee provides guests with payment protection against fraudulent listings and assistance if a property is significantly misrepresented. It also includes rebooking support if a host cancels within 30 days of the stay.

Which is better: Airbnb or Vrbo for Owners?

After comparing the two platforms, you might better understand which option suits your business best. However, you don’t necessarily have to choose between Airbnb and Vrbo. Many hosts find it highly beneficial to list their properties on both platforms.

Even if you manage only a few listings, being present on Airbnb and Vrbo can significantly expand your reach. This broader exposure helps maximize occupancy rates and increase bookings. 

While managing multiple listings might seem challenging, it can be simplified with a few key strategies:

1. Sync Your Vrbo and Airbnb Calendars: Updating your availability across both platforms is crucial to avoid double bookings. Export your Airbnb calendar in iCal format and import it into Vrbo, then do the same with Vrbo’s calendar, importing it into Airbnb. This creates a two-way sync, ensuring that any booking on one platform automatically updates the other.
2. Use a Channel Manager: A channel manager is software that integrates directly with booking sites. It automatically syncs your availability and updates your listings across platforms in real-time, minimizing manual effort and reducing the risk of errors.
3. Map both listings using PriceLabs: Import your Airbnb and Vrbo listings to PriceLabs and map them with each other. You can name one as a child and the other as a parent. Any change you make in the parent will also be reflected in the child listing. This will help you ensure that pricing strategies are applied on one listing is also applied on the other one. 

Ultimately, both platforms offer distinct advantages, so why not leverage both to reach a wider audience and increase your booking potential?

Conclusion

Airbnb and Vrbo give us several reasons why they are so popular among travelers and vacation rental hosts. While Airbnb is more popular among the hosts with significantly more listings than Vrbo, the latter has markets of its own where it dominates over Airbnb.