When it’s time to take some time off and enjoy the sunshine or the snow, vacation rentals have increasingly become the go-to choice for many travelers. With options ranging from secluded lakeside cabins to swanky urban lofts, vacation rentals can cater to diverse tastes and budgets. But as more people turn to the short-term rental market, platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo stand out, often dominating the market. So which one should you choose for your next getaway? Let’s break down the differences and similarities to help you make your decision easier.
Airbnb has carved its niche as the giant of the vacation rental space. Renowned for its eclectic offerings, the platform currently boasts over 7.7 million listings globally, far surpassing Vrbo’s mere 2 million. This extensive selection allows travelers to find more unique and diverse places to stay, whether it be treehouses, yurts, or even replicas of famous movie homes, like Carl Fredricksen's house from Disney and Pixar’s “Up.” According to Dave Stephenson, Airbnb's chief business officer, this variety is one of the core strengths of Airbnb: "We believe Airbnb offers more unique places to stay and unforgettable experiences than any other travel platform."
On the flip side, Vrbo was around even before Airbnb made its splash on the scene, credited with helping to pioneer the vacation rental category nearly 30 years ago. Acquired by Expedia Group, Vrbo — originally known as VRBO — soon became focused solely on vacation homes. Melanie Fish, vice president of Global PR for Expedia Group Brands, emphasizes Vrbo's commitment: "It’s not about spaceships or a celebrity’s garage – just real, fully functioning homes meant to be lived in and enjoyed together with family and friends." This emphasis on larger, whole-home rentals typically makes Vrbo the more family-friendly choice.
While both Airbnb and Vrbo have their merits, they also have some notable differences. One of the prominent ones is the kind of accommodations offered. Airbnb allows hosts to rent out individual rooms or shared spaces, which can be great for solo travelers or those seeking to mingle with locals. On the other hand, Vrbo strictly provides entire homes for rent. This aspect may appeal to groups or families who want the full privacy and comfort of having the whole place to themselves. Fish highlights this advantage, noting, "Guests always get the whole place to themselves and never share the space with a host.”
Pricing is another significant factor to keep in mind. While host-sets are the basis for rates on both platforms, costs can vary across sites. Madeline List, a senior research analyst at Phocuswright, explains, "It might be slightly different across sites for all sorts of technical reasons, like the types of commissions and fees they pay to the different booking sites." Because of this variability, it’s important for travelers to compare prices on both platforms before settling on their final booking.
Apart from differences, both platforms share common features like 24/7 customer support, adding to the convenience for users. Whether you're having issues with bookings or need help during your stay, the availability of customer service is reassuring. That being said, travelers have also reported frustrations with hidden fees on certain sites. For example, Vrbo automatically displays total prices, including all fees, whereas Airbnb requires users to toggle on the total price display.
One notable perk of using Vrbo is participation in the One Key rewards program, which allows guests to earn cash back usable across Expedia platforms, including Hotels.com. This could make Vrbo the more rewarding choice for frequent travelers. On Airbnb, the process of booking directly often raises issues, as it can sometimes limit security and support.
When it boils down to costs, there are often differing opinions. Some reports indicate Airbnb receiving approximately 7,580 complaints from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) compared to Vrbo’s 2,934. Given these numbers, Airbnb’s sheer volume of users might lead to more feedback and, possibly, more complaints. Nevertheless, it is clear both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and which one is better can depend largely on individual needs, preferences, and travel styles.
Whenever you decide to book your next vacation rental, it’s sensible to evaluate both options carefully. Whether you lean toward Airbnb’s unique offerings or Vrbo’s family-friendly approach, being mindful of your personal travel goals will undoubtedly guide you to the best decision for your upcoming adventure. So next time you think about getting away from it all and recharging those batteries, make sure to explore what each platform has to offer.
