Travel booking sites > Airbnb vs. VRBO
The vacation rental market is dominated by Airbnb and VRBO, each offering unique advantages. This comparison highlights the key differences to help you choose the platform that best suits your travel needs and preferences.
This comparison analyzes real-world performance, user feedback, and key differentiators to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
Both Airbnb and VRBO offer vacation rental options, but VRBO's specialization in entire homes may appeal to families or larger groups, while Airbnb's broader range of property types caters to diverse needs and budgets. Consider the total cost, including fees, and review cancellation policies carefully before making a decision.
- VRBO focuses on entire property rentals, while Airbnb offers more diverse options including shared spaces.
- Cancellation policies vary widely on both platforms, requiring careful review before booking.
- Service fees are a significant cost factor on both platforms, ranging from 6% to 16%.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Airbnb if:
Travelers seeking diverse accommodation options, including shared spaces and unique stays, and those prioritizing flexible cancellation policies.
Choose VRBO if:
Families or larger groups looking for entire home rentals and those valuing a higher recommendation rate from other users.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Airbnb | VRBO |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Night | Average $137 globally in 2021, varies by region and property type | Varies depending on property, location, and time of year |
| Cleaning Fees | Average $161.10 in the U.S. in 2025 | Average $156 in the US, varies by location and property size |
| Service Fees | Split-fee (3% host, 6-12% guest) or host-only (14-16%) | Guests typically pay 6% to 15% of the total booking cost |
| Cancellation Policy | Flexible, Moderate, Firm, and Strict policies available | Hosts choose from 'No Refund' to 'Relaxed' (full refund up to 14 days before check-in) |
| Property Type | Entire homes, apartments, private rooms, shared rooms, unique stays | Specializes in entire properties: houses, apartments, condos, cabins, etc. |
| Pet Policy | Hosts set their own policies, including fees and restrictions | Hosts set their own rules; look for 'Pets allowed' filter |
| Instant Booking | Available, can increase bookings and visibility | Offered for some properties |
Overall Comparison
Pros and Cons
Airbnb
- No notable advantages reported.
- No major disadvantages reported.
VRBO
- Variety of property types suitable for different needs
- Hosts can choose from several cancellation policy options
- Offers an instant booking option for some properties
- Properties aren't always as described
- Inconsistent check-in process
- Cleanliness is a recurring concern in reviews
User Experiences and Feedback
Airbnb
- No highlights reported.
- No major complaints reported.
- No value feedback reported.
VRBO
- Offers a variety of property types suitable for different needs.
- Some users report that properties aren't always as described.
- Cleanliness is a recurring concern in reviews.
- Some travelers have reported unexpected issues, such as the property not being cleaned.
- Be sure to check 'price details' for a full breakdown of fees, including taxes, cleaning, and service fees.
- Reviews can offer insights, but some users report that properties aren't always as described.
- Check reviews for comments about host responsiveness and communication.
- Cleanliness is a recurring concern in reviews. Some travelers have reported issues with uncleaned properties.
- Reviews can provide information on neighborhood safety and accessibility.
- It's important to verify that listed amenities are present and functional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform has lower fees?
Service fees are comparable, but cleaning fees can vary significantly by property. Always check the 'price details' for a full breakdown.
Which platform is better for pet owners?
Both platforms allow hosts to set their own pet policies, so it's essential to check individual listings for specific rules and fees.
Sources & Citations
- Official product specifications
- Expert reviews from tech publications
- User feedback from online forums
Information gathered through AI-assisted web search and analysis. Last updated: September 2025
Methodology & Transparency
Our comparison methodology combines multiple data sources to provide comprehensive, unbiased analysis:
- Data Collection: We gather information from official specifications, user reviews, and independent testing
- AI-Assisted Analysis: Advanced AI helps process large amounts of data while maintaining accuracy
- Human Oversight: All comparisons are reviewed for accuracy and relevance
- Regular Updates: Content is refreshed to reflect new information and user feedback
- Bias Mitigation: We strive for objectivity by considering multiple perspectives and sources
Versusly.ai uses AI-assisted content generation combined with human oversight to deliver comprehensive comparisons. We are transparent about our process and continuously work to improve accuracy and usefulness.