Affordable prices and unique experiences make Airbnb a market leader, with nearly $10 billion in revenue. In 2023, this platform had over five million hosts and 448 million nights booked.
Despite this success, Airbnb’s reputation has been impacted by some challenges and controversies. Some hosts have reported incidents of property damage, theft, etc. Guests have also experienced problems with last-minute cancellations and intrusive hosts.
While Airbnb remains one of the leading platforms, there are alternative options worth considering. The platform’s competitors offer broader accommodation types, enhanced safety measures, loyalty programs, etc.
Keep reading to explore apps like Airbnb that offer similar experiences to help you find the best options.
Before diving into the list of apps like Airbnb, let’s start with some statistics:
Now, let’s move on to a brief overview of Airbnb.
Google Play: 4.3 out of 5 (1.59M reviews)
App Store: 4.8 out of 5 (648.6K reviews)
Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects hosts renting out their homes with travelers looking for accommodations. It was founded in 2008 when two designers in San Francisco opened their home to three visitors. Since then, Airbnb has grown into a global platform with a vast presence, reaching over 100,000 cities across 220+ countries. The mobile app has facilitated over 1.5 billion guest arrivals.
Airbnb offers a broad range of accommodations, including unique properties such as treehouses and castles. There are over 7 million listings in total. Additionally, it provides Airbnb Experiences, where guests can book activities hosted by local experts. The platform also offers solutions for business travelers, including accommodations and team-building activities.
Airbnb also provides 24/7 customer support in 11 languages to assist users globally. Another key advantage is AirCover for Hosts, offering up to $3 million in damage and liability coverage.
This initiative provides hosts with peace of mind, encouraging more property owners to expand the available inventory of unique stays.
Airbnb’s business model relies primarily on service fees to generate revenue. Guests typically pay up to 14.2% of the booking subtotal, while hosts generally contribute about 3% of their earnings. This structure allows Airbnb to maintain and improve its platform while keeping the service accessible to a wide range of users.
Here are the best Airbnb competitors that have gained popularity among globetrotters:
Each platform brings its own unique features and inventory, catering to different travel styles and preferences. Let’s examine selected apps like Airbnb more closely.
Google Play: 4.8 out of 5 (4.06M reviews)
App Store: 4.8 out of 5 (856.8K reviews)
Booking.com, founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, has grown from a small Dutch startup to a global travel leader. With over 28 million listings, including 6.6 million homes and apartments, the platform provides an extensive selection for everyone. Among selected apps like Airbnb, Booking.com offers a broader range of accommodations. Users can choose from budget-friendly options to luxury retreats. Beyond places to stay, the platform offers car rentals and flight bookings.
This Airbnb competitor prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering a user-friendly interface and competitive rates. Unlike some platforms, Booking.com eliminates hidden fees. Backed by robust 24/7 support available in over 40 languages, the app ensures travelers have assistance whenever needed.
Booking through the platform is straightforward. Entering a destination and travel dates on the website or app generates a list of available accommodations. Users can then apply filters for price range, property type, and amenities. Results are displayed on a map, allowing for convenient location-based selection.
For property hosts, Booking.com charges fees based on a commission system. They generally range from 10% to 20% and can sometimes reach up to 25%. The exact rate depends on the country of registration, listing location, property type, and payout method. Additionally, Booking.com’s payment processing fees vary from 1.1% to 3.1%, depending on the property’s location.
Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 (124K reviews)
App Store: 4.8 out of 5 (2M reviews)
Vrbo, one of the popular apps like Airbnb, has been connecting homeowners with travelers since 1995. Now a major player in the vacation rental market, Vrbo offers over 2 million homes across 190 countries.
Unlike some apps like Airbnb that offer various types of stays, Vrbo specializes in whole-home rentals. This focus makes it particularly appealing to families and groups looking for spacious, private accommodations.
The platform’s interface enables guests to search easily and book properties based on their specific needs. Users can filter properties by amenities, location, price range, or property type.
One of Vrbo’s standout features is its rewards program, One Key. It allows users to earn and use rewards on eligible vacation homes, flights, hotels, and car rentals.
For hosts, Vrbo offers flexibility that sets it apart from other apps like Airbnb. Property owners can choose between an annual subscription of $499 or a pay-per-booking model. The latter includes a 5-8% fee plus a 3% service charge. This flexibility caters to both full-time vacation rental businesses and occasional hosts.
Additionally, Vrbo provides features like property management software integration. For annual subscribers, a personal reservation manager helps hosts streamline their operations.
Communication between guests and hosts is facilitated through Vrbo’s messaging platform. Guests can contact hosts to ask questions before booking and get additional information. Hosts are encouraged to respond within 24-48 hours to maintain good customer service.
Google Play: 3.9 out of 5 (1.45M reviews)
App Store: 4.8 out of 5 (366.5K reviews)
TripAdvisor, founded in 2000, has grown into a leading travel research platform. By 2022, it boasted a record 11.1 million business listings, up from 8.7 million in 2018. This growth makes TripAdvisor a strong competitor among apps like Airbnb.
The platform’s global reach is significant. In 2022, 40% of new listings were in Europe, with Asia and North America each accounting for about 23%.
The platform operates websites in 34 countries, including a specialized version for China called daodao.com. This extensive coverage allows travelers to access local insights for destinations worldwide.
TripAdvisor’s comprehensive nature sets it apart from many apps like Airbnb. While it offers a wide range of accommodations, it also provides information on restaurants and activities.
TripAdvisor’s mobile app serves as a comprehensive travel planning tool. It allows users to read reviews, save locations, and book hotels and activities. The app’s AI-powered trip planner creates custom itineraries based on saved locations.
The platform’s review system is robust. Every review undergoes a screening process, including automated checks and human review. A team works around the clock in 28 languages to verify reviews, ensuring reliable information for travelers.
For businesses, TripAdvisor offers two main listing options. Free listings incur a 3% fee per booking, while annual listings pay a yearly fee plus 3% for online bookings.
Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 (2.04M reviews)
App Store: 4.8 out of 5 (158.8K reviews)
Agoda, founded in 2005, has quickly become a prominent player among apps like Airbnb. The platform started by focusing on the Asian market and has since expanded globally.
Agoda’s selection competes with that of apps like Airbnb and Vrbo, offering a wide variety of 4,000,000 accommodations. It also provides flight bookings with over 200 airlines. Additionally, it features a real-time price comparison engine to help users find the best deals.
Their “Best Price Guarantee” feature ensures travelers get the most competitive rates. It means guest can receive a price match if they find a lower price for the same room. This guarantee applies to identical bookings and must be claimed by 11:59 PM the day before check-in. However, it does not include loyalty program rates or package deals.
The PointsMAX initiative allows users to earn loyalty points when booking accommodations. Agoda also offers adaptable payment options, including the “Book Now, Pay Later” feature, providing financial flexibility.
The platform’s user-friendly interface allows travelers to easily search, filter, and book properties based on their preferences. This flexibility makes Agoda appealing to various types of travelers, from leisure vacationers to business professionals.
Like other apps like Airbnb, Agoda charges hosts a commission for bookings. This fee is automatically deducted from the host’s rates. Commission rates typically range from 15% to 25%, depending on the property’s location. Hosts can view their specific commission rate in their account’s Bookings & Earnings section.
Google Play: 3.9 out of 5 (214 reviews)
App Store: 4.6 out of 5 (2.9K reviews)
Blueground was launched in 2013 and now offers 15,000+ premium apartments in 38 cities globally. Plus, there is an extensive Partner Network of an additional 18,000+ homes planned from vetted, third-party furnished apartment providers. The service is available in more than 20,000 U.S. cities and provides a tech-driven, seamless rental experience.
Blueground’s platform is similar to Airbnb but specializes in flexible rentals for one-month or longer periods. This emphasis on extended stays makes it ideal for nomadic professionals and corporate teams.
Blueground offers around-the-clock support, apartment cleaning, and grocery delivery, distinguishing it from other home rental apps like Airbnb.
Guests use units owned by third parties, while Blueground manages the furniture and décor. Payments can be made through credit card, wire transfer, or ACH, with options for cashier’s checks in certain cases. Additional charges may apply for cleaning, utilities, parking, and pets.
Security deposits are required in some locations and can be used to cover damages.
Late payments incur a $50 fee plus interest, and cancellations before the start date involve a half-month rent charge. Switching units within 30 days incurs a $1,500 fee.
Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 (793K reviews)
App Store: 4.7 out of 5 (99.9K reviews)
Expedia has been a major player in the travel industry since its inception in 1996. Today, the platform holds 30.1% of the online hotel booking market. This dominance makes it a solid alternative to Airbnb-like apps.
Expedia provides access to over 500,000 hotels worldwide. This extensive selection includes various accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels.
One of Expedia’s key features is its rewards program, One Key™. Members can save instantly through this initiative, with 10% or more discounts on over 100,000 hotels globally. The program also offers perks like flight price tracking and price drop protection.
The Expedia app offers a comprehensive travel planning and management experience. Users can search and book from millions of travel options, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and attractions. For trip management, users can view all reservations in one place and receive alerts for flight delays or gate changes. Expedia enables itinerary sharing with family and friends and offers curated travel guides for inspiration. The app also includes an AI-powered trip planner, allowing users to get personalized recommendations.
For property owners, Expedia provides a platform to reach millions of potential guests. Unlike some apps similar to Airbnb, this one doesn’t charge upfront fees for listing properties. Instead, it operates on a commission-based model, typically charging 15-20% per booking.
Google Play: 3.8 out of 5 (14 reviews)
App Store: 4.8 out of 5 ( 87 reviews)
Glamping Hub was established in 2013 as a specialized booking platform. It distinguishes itself from general apps like Airbnb by offering luxury camping accommodations. The company operates from offices in Denver, Colorado, and Seville, Spain, with a team from over ten countries.
The platform features diverse glamping options, including eco-friendly and pet-friendly accommodations. It caters to various travel needs, such as family vacations, romantic getaways, and solo trips. Glamping Hub’s inventory spans over 110 countries, offering stays near scenic and remote locations.
Users can search Glamping Hub for a spot, select dates, and check availability. They can then choose a property, request a booking, and enter payment details. Guests can also communicate with the host if needed. Payment is charged after the host confirms the booking. Refunds are issued according to the host’s policy and may take up to 7 business days. The platform supports various currencies, with the final payment amount displayed at checkout.
Glamping Hub, similar to apps like Airbnb, uses a tiered cost structure for guests and hosts. Guests pay a service charge ranging from 0% to 20% of the booking subtotal, which includes the nightly rate and extra fees. This charge is added before the booking request is sent to the host. The percentage decreases as the booking subtotal increases. For hosts, listing on Glamping Hub is free. However, a 4% host commission is applied to confirmed bookings. This charge is deducted from the host’s payout, including the nightly rate and extra fees.
Google Play: 4.3 out of 5 (10K reviews)
App Store: 4.8 out of 5 (4.3K reviews)
HomeToGo provides an extensive selection of vacation rentals, including homes, cabins, and apartments. It aggregates over 15 million listings from thousands of partners around the world. This broad inventory makes it a compelling Airbnb alternative for finding diverse rental options.
Its AI-driven technology helps users find the ideal rental quickly, setting it apart from Airbnb competitors. Guests also benefit from an easy-to-navigate search process and a broad selection that covers different travel needs.
Guests can enter their destination, travel dates, and guest count in the HomeToGo search box. They can then browse available properties and apply filters for specific needs. Once a rental is selected, users can view its details and proceed with booking. Options include “express” bookings directly on the site, “instant booking” via partner websites, and “binding requests” requiring provider approval.
Users can save and share favorite accommodations and check payment details for each listing. Payment policies vary and may include full payment or deposits, with additional costs outlined in the property description.
HomeToGo, one of the alternatives to Airbnb, offers hosts two fee structures. The first option is a split fee, where hosts pay a 3% commission per booking. The second option is a host-only fee, where hosts are charged a 15% commission deducted from their payout.
Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 (2762 reviews)
App Store: 4.8 out of 6 (17.3K reviews)
Vacasa started in 2009 when our founder wanted a better way to manage vacation homes. Today, Vacasa is North America’s top rental management company, serving homes across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Vacasa, as one of the popular Airbnb alternatives, offers full-service vacation rental management. Homeowners get local care, marketing, and property protection, plus maximized income.
For guests, Vacasa offers 24/7 support and guest screening. The mobile app lets users search through thousands of vacation accommodations. They can filter listings by size and amenities or use location services to find nearby options. The platform provides property photos, 3D tours, and reviews to help guests make informed decisions. Users can book rentals in just a few taps and save their favorite homes. The app also offers travel details like driving directions and entry codes, with offline access if needed.
Vacasa, one of the apps like Airbnb, uses a complex and variable fee structure. The company doesn’t publicly disclose its fees, which vary based on market, property, and owner preferences. According to online reviews, Vacasa’s rates typically range from 25% to 35% of monthly revenue, sometimes exceeding 40%. In addition to the base management fee, Vacasa charges hosts for essential services like linen cleaning and hot tub maintenance.
Whether you’re a traveler or a property owner, apps like Airbnb above offer diverse opportunities. For guests, they provide access to unique accommodations ranging from cozy apartments to luxurious villas. Travelers can filter options based on price, amenities, and location to find their ideal stay.
Hosts, on the other hand, gain a platform to showcase their properties to a global audience. They can set prices, house rules, and availability. Many apps like Airbnb offer tools for efficient communication, secure payments, and review systems. Some platforms even provide professional photography services to help hosts maximize their listings. The key is thoroughly exploring and utilizing the features that best align with your goals.
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Booking.com is a great alternative for a wider range of accommodations and additional travel services. Blueground is ideal for flexible, long-term stays. Plum Guide is excellent for luxury rentals.
Booking.com is Airbnb’s biggest competitor due to its extensive listings and additional travel services. Vrbo is also a strong competitor, focusing on whole-home rentals.
Yes, alternatives include:
