What are Airbnb alternatives?

Airbnb alternatives are short-term rental platforms where hosts can list properties alongside or instead of Airbnb. Each platform attracts a different guest mix, charges different fees and suits different property types.

Understanding Airbnb host fees alongside the fee structures of alternative platforms helps you decide where to focus your listing effort and how to price across channels.

13 Airbnb alternatives for hosts

We have compiled a list of the 13 best Airbnb alternatives that you can consider for your short-let hosting, with a summary of what each platform offers.

1. Vrbo

Vrbo (Vacation Rental By Owner) is a popular vacation rental platform that allows users to book homes, cabins, condos, and other unique accommodations. Owned by Expedia, Vrbo offers a variety of rental options worldwide.

2. Booking.com

Booking.com is an online travel agency that offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, apartments, hostels, and vacation rentals. With over 28 million listings, Booking.com is one of the largest travel booking websites in the world.

3. The Plum Guide

The Plum Guide is a curated collection of the world's best vacation rentals, offering high-quality, stylish, and unique accommodations in top cities around the globe. Each property is handpicked and verified by The Plum Guide team to ensure high quality and comfort.

4. Agoda Homes

Agoda Homes is a vacation rental platform owned by the same company as Booking.com. It offers many accommodations in popular destinations worldwide, including apartments, villas, and vacation homes.

5. Homestay

Homestay is a platform that connects travellers with local hosts who offer affordable accommodations in their homes. This is an excellent option for hosts who want to offer a more culturally immersive experience for guests.

6. Blueground

Blueground is a platform that offers fully furnished and equipped apartments for long-term stays. Their properties are located in major cities worldwide and are designed for travellers who need a home away from home.

7. Sonder

Sonder is a tech-driven hospitality company that offers upscale apartments in major cities worldwide. Their properties are designed for travellers who want high comfort and convenience.

8. Homes And Villas By Marriott Bonvoy

Homes And Villas By Marriott Bonvoy is a vacation rental platform offering premium and luxury properties in top destinations worldwide. Each property is handpicked and vetted by Marriott Bonvoy to ensure high quality.

9. RV sharing sites

RV sharing sites like Outdoorsy and RVshare allow travellers to rent RVs from owners, offering a unique and adventurous way to travel.

10. TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is a travel website that offers reviews, recommendations, and bookings for a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, vacation rentals, and more. With over 860 million reviews and opinions, TripAdvisor is a great resource for travellers seeking the best accommodations.

If you list on more than one platform, see our guide to syncing your calendar across platforms to avoid double bookings and keep availability up to date.

11. Snaptrip

Snaptrip is a UK-based vacation rental platform that offers a wide range of properties across the country. Unlike Airbnb, which focuses on short-term rentals, Snaptrip specialises in vacation rentals for longer stays, such as holidays and weekend breaks. Snaptrip also prides itself on offering unique and unusual properties, such as treehouses, houseboats, and castles, which can make for a memorable and exciting vacation experience. Additionally, Snaptrip has a strict vetting process for hosts and properties to ensure that guests have a safe and enjoyable stay.

12. Hopper

Hopper is a travel booking app that focuses on finding the best deals for flights and hotels. While Hopper does not offer vacation rentals like Airbnb or Snaptrip, it can complement a multi-platform strategy by driving awareness of a destination. Hopper uses machine learning algorithms to predict future flight and hotel prices and advises travellers on the best time to book to get the best deal. Hopper also offers a flexible booking feature, which allows travellers to change their flights without incurring any fees.

13. Local rental management companies

Local rental management companies can be a great Airbnb alternative for guests who prefer a more personalised and local experience. These companies typically manage a portfolio of rental properties in a specific location and offer a more hands-on approach to hosting than Airbnb. Local rental management companies often provide a concierge service to guests, offering recommendations for local restaurants, activities, and attractions. They may also offer additional services such as housekeeping and grocery delivery.

Conclusion

While Airbnb is the dominant platform for hosts, there are several alternatives that offer unique and valuable features. Vrbo and Booking.com provide the widest additional reach. Snaptrip suits longer leisure stays in the UK. For hosts who prefer a fully managed approach, local rental management companies handle operations end to end; for a breakdown of typical costs, see our guide to property management fees.