With vacation rentals becoming a popular alternative to traditional hotels, travelers are often faced with the choice between platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Each has its own strengths and caters to different preferences. NerdWallet did a comparison of both platforms: here’s their breakdown of how these two giants stack up across various aspects to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Types of Accommodations
Airbnb Offers More Variety
Airbnb stands out for its diverse range of accommodation options. You can find everything from entire homes and shared spaces to unique stays like treehouses and yurts. This variety makes Airbnb a flexible option for different types of travelers, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly shared room or a quirky, one-of-a-kind experience.
In contrast, Vrbo focuses exclusively on stand-alone vacation homes. While this makes it a great choice for families or groups looking for spacious, private accommodations, it doesn’t offer the same level of diversity as Airbnb.
User Experience and Search Features
Vrbo Excels in Search Filters
When it comes to searching for your perfect stay, Vrbo takes the lead with its comprehensive filter and sort options. The platform allows you to filter properties based on user reviews, cleanliness, and specific amenities like pet-friendliness right from the main search screen. This makes it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Airbnb’s search functionality, while visually appealing, lacks some of these detailed filters. Important criteria such as guest ratings are not as easily accessible, which can make the search process less efficient for users with specific needs.
Number of Listings
Airbnb Has the Numbers
Airbnb boasts an impressive inventory of listings, far outstripping Vrbo. This vast selection means that no matter where you’re traveling, you’re likely to find numerous options on Airbnb. Even in smaller towns or less popular destinations, Airbnb’s extensive reach provides more choices.
Booking and Payment Processes
Both Platforms Offer Convenience
Both Airbnb and Vrbo serve as intermediaries between guests and property hosts, which means the booking process involves submitting a request that the host must approve. To streamline this, both platforms offer “instant book” options on select properties, allowing you to secure your booking immediately without waiting for host confirmation.
Cancellation Policies
Airbnb is More Transparent
Cancellation policies can be a make-or-break factor when booking travel. Airbnb simplifies this with standardized policies that are clearly displayed and easy to understand. They use a straightforward color-coded system to show the flexibility of each property’s cancellation policy.
Vrbo, while offering similar policies, also allows hosts to create custom rules. This can make it harder for guests to quickly grasp the terms, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected issues.
Long-Stay Discounts
Tie: Both Offer Savings
For those planning extended stays, both Airbnb and Vrbo provide discounts for long-term bookings. These discounts can make a significant difference, especially for digital nomads or travelers looking to stay in one place for a longer period.
Pricing Transparency and Fees
Vrbo Shows the Full Cost Upfront
Vrbo has a clear advantage when it comes to displaying total costs. The platform includes cleaning fees and other charges in the initial price display, making it easier to understand the full cost of your stay from the beginning.
Airbnb, in response to user feedback, now offers a toggle feature to show total prices, but it doesn’t default to this view. This can sometimes lead to surprises when the final cost is calculated.
Safety Features
Both Platforms Prioritize Safety
Safety is a priority for both Airbnb and Vrbo. They offer various features to protect guests, including verified reviews, secure communication channels, and customer support. Airbnb’s AirCover and Vrbo’s property description guarantee provide additional peace of mind, ensuring that guests are covered in case of discrepancies or issues during their stay.
Overall Recommendation
Airbnb Takes the Crown
Airbnb emerges as the winner in this comparison, mainly due to its extensive range of listings and flexible accommodation options. It caters to a wider variety of travel needs and preferences, making it a more versatile choice for most travelers.
While Vrbo excels in search functionality and upfront pricing transparency, Airbnb’s comprehensive offerings and user-friendly policies make it the better overall platform for vacation rentals. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or an extended stay, Airbnb’s diverse options and ease of use make it the top choice for your travel plans.
Barb is the president of NASTRA and has spent her professional career in hospitality and real estate. After acquiring her first short-term rental in 2018, Barb moved her focus to legal advocacy after she sued the city of Nashville over a permit issue. Over the last three years, she has mentored more than 2,800 new STR hosts and is the Community Leader for Airbnb in Nashville, as well as an Airbnb “Ask a Superhost” Ambassador. Barb has appeared on numerous radio broadcasts, television shows, and podcasts to talk about her love of hosting. She also manages and co-hosts a number of short term rentals across Tennessee and Arkansas. Barb and her husband Pat own a hotel brokerage, development and consulting company. Look for her upcoming podcast series, “Women of Airbnb.”