Airbnb Vs. Vrbo: Which One Should You Choose For Your Travels?

The days of having only one option for booking travel accommodations are long gone. Although hotels have increased in popularity in recent years, Airbnb and Vrbo are the two leading platforms for booking short-term rentals. Airbnb is perhaps more well-known than Vrbo. However, one can argue that without Vrbo, there would be no Airbnb. Vrbo was founded in 1995 and innovated the online vacation rental market. At a glance, the competitors seem more similar than different.

When you head to Airbnb or Vrbo, their homepage beckons users to input their destination (domestic or international), the dates they plan on traveling, and the number of guests. When users hit the "search" button, they are provided an array of results at their chosen destination. Whether you click on a listing on Airbnb or Vrbo, you'll find nearly identical information and interface. This includes photos, the rental's amenities, ratings, reviews, house rules, and a rental description.

One of the most significant differences regarding listings is that Vrbo includes an FAQ section. Likewise, while each Airbnb listing provides tidbits of information about a rental's host, not all Vrbo listings do. Nevertheless, both platforms are user-friendly. If you're stuck on whether to book on Airbnb or Vrbo, we have you covered. Ultimately, the nuances between the platforms could influence your decision about what's best for your travel accommodation and needs.

There's one catch regarding Vrbo, which stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner, that may have you rethinking booking an Airbnb: There are no shared spaces for rent on Vrbo. In other words, you will only find listings for entire apartments or homes, including cottages, villas, guest homes, cabins, houseboats, and more. This is ideal for various guests, including those with big families, those who prefer a larger space for their vacations, or those who seek a secluded stay. Having said that, Vrbo has several search filters that aid users in finding their perfect rental space. 

Users can use these filters and explore listings with specific amenities, like pools and air conditioning, and rentals that allow pets and are kid-friendly. Of course, Airbnb also has search filters. Unlike Airbnb, however, Vrbo's filters include a "nearby activities" option to narrow options further, making vacation planning easier. These activities include everything from theme parks to horseback riding. 

Another thing to note: Vrbo listings provide the distance to nearby significant attractions and landmarks. For instance, a listing in Santa Monica, California, will state that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is only 30 minutes from the rental. On the other hand, Airbnb provides a Google Map in its listing. This feature does not allow users to search the distance between a rental and another location, which could hinder rather than help. 

Airbnb offers a wide range of rental options. Users can book an entire home or a private room in a host's house. In some cases, they are allowed access to other parts of the rental if they book the latter, including the kitchen. However, this all comes down to what spaces the host decides to have open for guests. Nevertheless, this can be a more affordable choice for solo travelers, couples, or friend groups on a budget. 

Likewise, the platform has more listings than Vrbo. For example, when you search "Los Angeles" on Vrbo, you'll be met with over 300 results and over 1,000 results when you search the city on Airbnb. You can also expect an eclectic array of rentals on Airbnb that you won't be able to find on Vrbo. Simply put, Vrbo takes a cookie-cutter approach when it comes to its rentals. This could be a problem for travelers seeking something more distinct. 

On Airbnb, you can find out-of-this-world rentals that will make your vacation unforgettable. Want to stay in a castle? How about a tree house or a Cold War-era missile silo? Airbnb has that and more. Ultimately, this could allow travelers to build a vacation based on a unique stay. 

Airbnb and Vrbo have comparable pricing and fees. A 2023 article from USA Today states that data gathered from Which?, a company focused on informing the public on consumer products and services, found that the average price of a one-bedroom listing on both platforms was $158. That said, Airbnb and Vrbo charge service and cleaning fees for their rentals, which are added to the nightly price. 

While hosts can decide how much they want to charge for the cleaning fee, you can expect the service fee for Airbnb to be 14.2% or less and anywhere from 6 to 15% for Vrbo of the subtotal. Keep in mind that some listings on Vrbo request a damage deposit that is charged at the time of booking. Airbnb does not. If a Vrbo host determines the rental is in good standing and no harm was done to the property, the deposit is returned to guests. 

There are genius hacks to find the most budget-friendly price for your stay. However, Airbnb and Vrbo also offer payment plans through Klarna and Affirm, respectively. Klarna and Affirm allow you to pay for your rental in four payments, which are charged every two weeks or via monthly payments. Note that not all rentals on the platform will have the option for payment plans. It varies from listing to listing.

Life happens, and if you need to cancel your reservation on Airbnb or Vrbo, here's what you need to know. The cancellation policies on either platform will differ in each listing; hosts can choose the policy for their rental. If you book with Airbnb, you will receive a refund if your host cancels before you check-in. You may also be eligible for a full or partial refund if your rental is unsanitary or not as pictured in the Airbnb listing.

If this is the case, contact Airbnb within 72 hours and provide them with proof of said issues. For any other problems or refund requests, message your host first. If you and the host cannot settle the matter, you can take the issue to Airbnb's Resolution Center. They will try to work something out for you. The Resolution Center can help guests up to 60 days after leaving a rental.

Vrbo has a Book With Confidence Guarantee policy. You may be eligible for a refund if the Vrbo listing is not as described, if you believe you've been the victim of fraud, or if, for any reason, you cannot check into your rental. Moreover, if your host cancels your reservation, Vrbo will assist in finding another stay on the platform. Like Airbnb, it's recommended that you message your host first if there are any issues before contacting Vrbo's customer support.

If you're still unsure whether Airbnb or Vrbo is right for you, there's more to know. Airbnb offers experiences worth booking, including hikes, tours, animal encounters, and much more. These are available for any budget and for all, not just individuals with an Airbnb reservation. If you want to create an itinerary, Airbnb makes things easy. You can book your accommodations and activities on one platform; what's not to love about that?

While Vrbo does not offer a comparable service, it does have something that Airbnb does not: a loyalty program. Vrbo, which is owned by Expedia, introduced One Key in 2023. Users can gain OneKeyCash and other rewards when they book with Vrbo, Expedia, and Hotels.com. For instance, if you book a five-night stay with Vrbo, you will be boosted to One Key's silver tier, which can ultimately provide you with discounts and more. All you need to do is create a Vrbo account, and you're in.

Overall, Airbnb and Vrbo have similar pricing, cancellation, refund policies, and search tools. Whatever platform you choose for your next getaway comes down to a personal preference. If you are looking for an incredibly specific accommodation, chances are you'll find it on Airbnb. For families or large group vacations, Vrbo might be a better choice. Whatever you decide, know you can't go wrong with either platform.