Airbnb vs Vrbo | Which is Better for Guests?

Planning a trip is exciting — until it’s time to book a place to stay. That’s when the real challenge starts.

Airbnb and Vrbo are the biggest names in vacation rentals, but they offer different experiences. Do you go with Airbnb, known for its massive selection and quirky stays, or Vrbo rentals, which focuses on larger, private vacation homes? While both platforms offer vacation rental services, there are some key differences that can significantly impact your guest experience. So, which is better Airbnb or Vrbo?

The differences go beyond just property types. Pricing structures, fees, booking processes and cancellation policies and the fine print all play a part in your overall experience. In this blog, we’ll break down the key and biggest differences between Airbnb and Vrbo to help you decide which platform best suits your needs.

Airbnb vs. Vrbo: A Quick Overview

Airbnb

Airbnb was founded in 2008 in San Francisco when two roommates decided to rent out air mattresses in their apartment to make some extra cash. What started as a small side business quickly grew into a global phenomenon. Today, Airbnb has over 7.7 million active listings in 220+ countries and regions — making it the largest vacation rental platform in the world.

Airbnb’s success stems from its diverse range of listings. The platform allows hosts/property managers to offer everything from private rooms and shared spaces to entire homes and unique properties like treehouses, yurts and even castles. Airbnb’s versatility attracts a broad audience, including budget-conscious travelers, luxury seekers and adventure lovers.

Airbnb also offers Airbnb Experiences, where guests can book activities like cooking classes, guided tours and cultural experiences hosted by locals. This added feature makes Airbnb more than just a booking platform — it’s a complete travel experience.

Vrbo

Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) was founded in 1995 and is now part of the Expedia Group. Unlike Airbnb, which allows hosts/property managers to list single rooms or shared accommodations, Vrbo focuses exclusively on entire homes. This makes it a preferred vacation rental platform for families and groups seeking larger, more private accommodations.

Vrbo’s catalog includes over 2 million listings in 190+ countries and every listing is a full property — meaning potential guests won’t have to share space with others. Vrbo’s focus on entire properties makes it ideal for family vacations, group trips and longer stays where privacy and space are important.

Because Vrbo doesn’t allow shared spaces or single rooms, the guest experience is more consistent and predictable. Travelers booking through Vrbo can expect larger homes with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and private outdoor spaces. This makes Vrbo vacation homes a go-to choice for many travelers who value privacy and comfort, particularly older demographics and families seeking a more traditional vacation experience.

User Interface and Search Experience

Airbnb’s modern and user-friendly interface

Airbnb’s website and app are designed to be intuitive and easy to use. The search function allows guests to filter properties by:

• Price range

• Type of accommodation

• Amenities (Wi-Fi, pool, pet-friendly)

• Property rating

• Location

Airbnb’s interface is modern and streamlined, making it easy to browse and compare properties. The ability to use Instant Book for many properties allows travelers to secure a reservation quickly without waiting for host approval.

Vrbo’s detailed search and filtering

Vrbo’s platform isn’t as visually modern as Airbnb’s, but it offers more detailed search options. Vrbo allows travelers to filter properties based on:

• Guest rating

• Cleanliness score

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Type of property

While Vrbo’s search functionality is more detailed, it also requires more time to navigate compared to Airbnb’s simpler and faster interface. However, the added level of detail helps guests find exactly what they need, especially for larger group stays.

Booking Process

Airbnb’s instant booking

Airbnb’s Instant Book feature allows guests to confirm reservations immediately without host approval. This makes it easier to secure last-minute bookings and eliminates the uncertainty of waiting for a host’s response.

Airbnb’s fast booking process is ideal for solo travelers and those who need to book a stay quickly.

Vrbo’s host approval system

Vrbo’s booking process is more controlled. Most Vrbo vacation rentals require host or property owner approval before confirming a reservation. While this adds an extra step, it also gives both the host and the guest more control and reassurance.

Vrbo’s approach helps reduce issues like double bookings and ensures that the host can communicate directly with the guest before confirming a stay.

Pricing and Fees

Airbnb properties charges guests a service fee of 14% to 20%, plus hosts pay around 3% per booking. On top of that, cleaning fees, extra guest fees, other fees and local taxes can add up — so the total price is often higher than what you first see.

That said, Airbnb’s variety of listings means you can usually find budget-friendly stays. Reserving a private room or spare room is often cheaper than a hotel room, making it a solid choice for travelers on a budget.

Vrbo, on the other hand, keeps pricing more straightforward. Vrbo guests pay a 6% to 12% booking fee, while hosts pay a 5% commission plus a 3% payment processing fee. When considering the Vrbo fee, it’s important to note that this can be a more predictable cost compared to Airbnb's fluctuating fees.

One big advantage? Vrbo offers hosts an annual subscription fee for $499, which eliminates per-booking fees. This can help bring down overall costs for guests. Plus, Vrbo shows the total price upfront, including cleaning fees and taxes — so no surprises at checkout.

Cancellation Policies

Airbnb and Vrbo handle cancellations policies differently, reflecting their overall reservation styles.

Airbnb tends to be more flexible, with hosts offering a range of options — from full refunds up to 24 hours before check-in to stricter, non-refundable terms. Most Airbnb hosts lean toward more flexible cancellation policies, which gives you the freedom to adjust your plans without losing money — a big win if your schedule isn’t set in stone. The flexibility helps you avoid stress and manage any changes to your trip, especially if your total reservation cost is a concern and you need to make adjustments.

Vrbo takes a more rigid approach since it focuses on whole-property rentals. Some listings offer full refunds, but most have stricter terms compared to Airbnb. That means you might face penalties or limited refund options if you need to cancel close to your stay. Vrbo’s stricter policies make sense given its focus on longer stays and protecting hosts from last-minute cancellations.

Reviews and Trustworthiness

Airbnb's mutual review system

Airbnb has a unique mutual review system where both the guest and host can leave reviews — but the reviews are only posted once both parties have submitted them or after a set period. This ensures that neither party is influenced by the other’s review.

The mutual review system promotes honesty and transparency. Guests can see detailed ratings on:

• Cleanliness

• Accuracy of the listing

• Check-in process

• Value for money

Airbnb’s rating system also helps guests identify high-quality listings through "Superhost" status. A Superhost is a host who maintains a rating of 4.8 or higher, has no cancellations and responds to messages quickly.

The combination of detailed reviews and the Superhost program helps guests feel confident about their booking decisions.

Vrbo’s one-way review system

Vrbo’s review system is slightly different. Guests can leave reviews about their stay, but hosts aren’t required to review their guests. However, Vrbo allows hosts to respond to guest reviews, which adds a layer of accountability and gives future travelers insight into how the host manages their property.

Vrbo’s reviews focus more on the property itself rather than the overall guest experience. This reflects Vrbo's emphasis on consistency and property quality over guest-host interaction.

Safety and Security

Airbnb’s AirCover protection

Airbnb offers AirCover— a comprehensive protection plan. AirCover includes:

• Protection against last-minute cancellations by the host – If a host cancels unexpectedly, Airbnb will help find a new place to stay or provide a refund, so travelers aren’t left stranded.

• Reimbursement for misleading or inaccurate listings – If the property doesn’t match the description or photos, Airbnb will either reimburse or help secure a better alternative.

• Assistance with check-in problems – If there’s an issue at check-in, Airbnb’s support team is available to fix the problem quickly.

• 24-hour safety line for guests in emergencies – Visitors have access to a dedicated safety line, available around the clock for any emergencies during their stay.

Airbnb also conducts background checks on hosts and ensures that all communication happens within the platform, adding an extra layer of security and protecting guest privacy.

Vrbo’s Book with Confidence Guarantee

Vrbo’s Book with Confidence Guarantee kicks in automatically when you book and pay through Vrbo’s site. Most stays go smoothly, but if things don’t go as planned, Vrbo’s support team is available 24/7 to step in. The guarantee covers:

• Access issues – If you can’t get into the vacation rental at the scheduled check-in time and the host isn’t responding — unless the listing clearly states a specific check-in window — Vrbo will step in to help.

• Payment protection – If you’re the victim of fraud or the host unfairly withholds your damage deposit, Vrbo will make sure you’re financially covered.

• Owner cancellations – If the host cancels within 30 days of your stay, Vrbo will help you find a comparable property or provide a refund.

• Misleading property descriptions – If the property is significantly different from the listing (like missing a bedroom or needing major repairs), Vrbo will help you book a new place.

Vrbo’s protection is more focused on the booking and the property itself rather than the overall guest experience. It’s designed to give the target audience peace of mind that their booking and payment are secure, even if things go sideways.

Customer Support

Airbnb and Vrbo both offer 24/7 customer support, but they take different approaches.

Airbnb’s support is more personal and guest-focused. If you’re dealing with a last-minute cancellation, a misleading listing or a safety concern, Airbnb’s team is quick to respond through phone, email or chat. They’re hands-on and focused on resolving guest issues directly, making it a better fit if you value quick, personalized help when things go wrong.

Vrbo, on the other hand, focuses more on protecting the transaction and the property. Their support team is highly effective at handling payment disputes and spotting fraudulent listings, but they’re less involved when it comes to guest-specific problems. If your priority is securing your booking and ensuring the property meets expectations, Vrbo’s support might be a better match.

In short, Airbnb excels at resolving guest-related issues with a personal touch, while Vrbo is stronger at safeguarding reservations and property standards. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize personalized support or a more secure transaction process.

Maximizing Bookings on Airbnb and Vrbo

Understanding what the target audience wants on each platform helps hosts create better experiences and attract more bookings.

Vrbo tends to draw families and groups, so highlighting spacious layouts and family-friendly amenities can give you an edge. Meanwhile, Airbnb appeals more to travelers looking for unique stays and local experiences, making it a great place to showcase distinctive properties and curated activities.

Reviews and trust play a big role in how well a listing performs. Since positive feedback boosts visibility and credibility, handling all reviews — whether good or bad — professionally helps maintain a strong reputation.

Pair that with great communication and consistent quality and you’ll keep guests happy while encouraging repeat bookings.

Final Verdict: Choosing Between Airbnb and Vrbo

Choose Airbnb if you value flexibility, unique stays and a wide range of options. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples and anyone looking for a more immersive experience.

Go with Vrbo if you prefer privacy, consistency and straightforward pricing. It’s the best bet for families and groups who need more space and a traditional vacation vibe. An important consideration is that Vrbo exclusively offers entire homes, meaning no shared accommodation — just a private retreat. Plus, Vrbo tends to attract higher value bookings, as larger groups often secure premium vacation rental for extended stays.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what you prioritize — Airbnb for variety and flexibility or Vrbo for privacy and predictability. Either way, you’re set for a great stay.