Vrbo vs. Airbnb: How They Stack up for Guests and Hosts

Vacation rentals offer a unique alternative to staying in hotel rooms and appeal to a variety of travelers.

This has prompted many property owners to list their homes in different short-term rental marketplaces to meet the growing demand. But which site is best for travelers? And is one site better suited for hosts looking to put up property listings?

In this Vrbo vs. Airbnb comparison, we dig into the differences between these two popular rental platforms so you can know — whether you're a traveler or a property owner — which one might better suit you.

Vrbo vs. Airbnb: The basics

Types of Accommodation Offered 

The primary difference between Vrbo and Airbnb is in the type of accommodations they offer. Vrbo offers more traditional vacation rentals. Think beach houses, lake houses, a quaint apartment in the city. Airbnb offers those types of properties too, but you can also find a range of quirky, specific, and budget-oriented accommodations like individual rooms in someone's home, actual castles, and glamping tents.

Scale & Listings 

There are many, many more Airbnb properties than there are Vrbo listings. The latter boasts more than 2 million properties, whereas the former claims more than 8 million listings worldwide. That's a product of the variety of properties and accommodations offered by Airbnb when compared to Vrbo's roster of more traditional vacation rentals.

Fee Structures 

Airbnb and Vrbo are pretty evenly matched on fees. Both allow their hosts to charge include guest service fees, cleaning fees, extra guest fees, or pet fees, and additional taxes and fees may apply depending on location.

Booking & Cancellation Policies 

Vrbo maintains five different cancellation policies that owners can choose from: no refund, strict, firm, moderate, and relaxed. Each policy is based on the amount of refund bookers can receive (none, 50%, or 100%) and the days from the reservation the cancellation is made. Some properties may feature custom policies set by the owner that differ from the five standard policies.

Airbnb, meanwhile, has six different policies for stays of 27 days or less, again tiered by strictness and timing: flexible, moderate, limited, firm, strict, and super strict. Refund amounts range from 100% to only a refund on taxes paid. As of October 2025, users can also cancel within 24 hours of booking to receive a full refund so long as the reservation was made at least seven days before check in. Varying policies apply for stays of 28 days or longer, as set by the host.

Search Experience & Filters 

Vrbo and Airbnb offer pretty distinct search experiences. Vrbo's standout options include cancellation policy, neighborhood, and whether or not a virtual tour is available, among other options.

Airbnb's specific options include filtering by unique properties or the language spoken by the host. In recent years, both have begun offering the option to search by nearby amenities and activities.

Target Audience & Experience 

Vrbo has been around longer and is generally aligned with a more traditional take on vacation rentals. The site targets families and large groups searching for traditional vacation properties. It's great for a beach trip with the extended family or a getaway with friends where everyone will need their own room.

Airbnb, on the other hand, offers a wider range of accommodations alongside more traditional stays, whether its a single room within a bigger shared house, a literal treehouse, or a futuristic UFO-shaped home for two.

Host Protections & Insurance 

Vrbo and Airbnb offer similar protections for hosts. Both offer up to $1 million in primary liability coverage at no extra cost and each offer hosts the opportunity to require a security deposit from guests to cover any potential damages. 

Customer Support

While both platforms offer the expected suite of customer support tools (a customer service phone number, online chat, various self-help resources), both also receive lukewarm to bad reviews when it comes to customer service on review platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau. 

The nature of these platforms, though, means that individual experiences will vary widely based on the host you're working with and the almost endless range of issues you could encounter, so take those with a grain of salt — your own experience could be very different. 

Vrbo vs. Airbnb for the traveler

Both Vrbo (Vacation Rental by Owner) and Airbnb provide accommodations for travelers in worldwide destinations. But your preferences may be more suited to one vacation rental site over the other. Here's how both sites stack up against each other when you're a guest:

Vrbo: What we like

Book with Confidence Guarantee

If you book and pay for a Vrbo, you qualify for the Book with Confidence Guarantee at no additional cost. This policy offers:

• 24/7 live customer support
• Emergency assistance if you arrive to a property, can't get in, and the owner isn't responding
• Payment protection against fraud or an owner wrongfully keeping your damage deposit
• Assistance with finding a similar property if an owner cancels your reservation 30 days or fewer before your stay
• Assistance booking a new reservation if property is found to be unsafe or substantially misrepresented

Some of Airbnb's policies may be similar, but not exactly the same. And the benefits you receive are more clear with Vrbo.

Family-focused

Whether by design or not, Vrbo has become known in part as a family-focused vacation rental marketplace because all the properties on the site are entire places (houses, apartments, condos, etc.). This makes it easy for groups, including families, to find the space they need when traveling.

Search filters

In a straight comparison against Airbnb's search functionality, Vrbo comes out on top. You get similar options on both, including sorting properties by date, location, number of guests, bedrooms, and bathrooms. But Vrbo tends to offer more options if you're looking for something specific.

This includes searching by cancellation policy, property reviews, whether a home is suitable for children, and if there are discounts available. Airbnb doesn't offer these types of filters.

Vrbo: What they could improve

Number of properties

Airbnb has millions more properties than Vrbo. This means your options are more limited when searching for accommodations on Vrbo, though the number of listings available will depend on the specific destination.

Property types

Vrbo lists only entire properties, so there's no option for a shared or private room within a larger home. This may not make much of a difference for some travelers, but if you travel on a budget or enjoy meeting other people staying in the same home, Airbnb is likely the better option.

Credit card coding

For frequent travelers, the strategic use of credit cards offers one of the best ways to reduce travel expenses and take advantage of helpful benefits. You're typically able to earn bonus rewards on travel-related expenses if you use certain travel credit cards.

However, Vrbo rentals are a mixed bag when it comes to whether you'll earn additional points or miles because they sometimes don't code as "travel" on your credit card statement. In comparison, Airbnb rentals consistently code as travel purchases and will earn bonus rewards with the right credit cards.

For credit cards that work well with Vrbo rentals, consider our list of the best credit cards for Vrbo.

Airbnb: What we like

Property types

Airbnb offers entire homes, similar to Vrbo, but it also offers shared or private rooms. Most people would prefer an entire home if given the option, but being able to book a single room can help you save money and, in some cases, open the door to more unique opportunities. For example, you might not be able to find or afford an entire home in the middle of a city, but a private room could be available.

Unique properties

Airbnb loves to showcase its wide range of properties, especially the ones that offer something different. This includes castles, yurts, islands, RVs, tiny houses, and more. Vrbo also offers plenty of unique properties, but Airbnb has a specific "unique stays" filter in its search options to help you find something more distinctive.

In addition, Airbnb also provides Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Luxe properties. These properties tend to have the best reviews and offer higher quality than the average Airbnb listing. Vrbo offers high-quality listings as well, but they aren't necessarily placed into a separate category with its own set of standards.

Number of properties

Airbnb has millions more listings than Vrbo in hundreds of countries worldwide. This makes it easy for travelers to search for properties in most destinations without having to worry about a lack of options. And because you have more options, you have more flexibility with your travel plans.

The number of available properties also makes it easier to book an Airbnb with points. If you have a Chase credit card that earns Ultimate Rewards, you may be able to find vacation rentals that are cross-listed on both the Airbnb website and the Chase travel portal.

In addition, cards that have the ability to redeem points for statement credits, such as certain Capital One credit cards, provide an option to use points to cover past travel purchases, which includes Airbnb rentals. Learn more about which cards to use in our list of the best credit cards for Airbnb.

Airbnb Experiences

With Airbnb Experiences, you get to choose from a wide range of activities from around the world, typically hosted by local residents. This could include a desert adventure in Oman, a mole cooking class in Mexico, or a virtual tour of Paris with a Parisian. You don't even have to stay at an Airbnb to book these events. These types of activities, which Vrbo doesn't offer, can help enhance your travel experience or prepare you for your next trip.

Airbnb: What they could improve

Search functionality

Searching for accommodations on Airbnb isn't necessarily bad, but the available filters fall short of what Vrbo offers. It's nice to have filters such as "pets allowed" and "unique stays," but it would be even better if you could search by reviews, cancellation policies, and available discounts.

Guest policies

Airbnb is slightly behind when it comes to providing certain protections for its guests. It has a guest refund policy that involves potentially getting a full refund after submitting a claim that complies with Airbnb's guidelines. It's possible the actual process is smooth in reality, but the written terms don't seem as robust as Vrbo's Book with Confidence Guarantee.

How to make the most of your points and miles

Many types of rewards credit cards earn bonus points or miles if you use them for travel purchases, which could include Vrbo and Airbnb rentals. In addition, you might be able to use your rewards to book a vacation rental.

Here are some of the best travel credit cards to use when booking rentals with Vrbo and Airbnb:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card: Offers 2X points on other travel purchases and 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^®: Offers 3X points on dining, and also offers 8X points on purchases through Chase Travel℠.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Offers 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases.

Keep in mind that Vrbo and Airbnb hosts often cross-list their properties on multiple sites. So although you may not be able to use your credit card rewards to directly book a vacation rental through either Vrbo or Airbnb, it could be possible to find certain rentals through different loyalty program travel portals like the Chase travel portal, for example.

In addition, the certain Capital One cards allow you to redeem your points for statement credits against past travel purchases, which could include Vrbo and Airbnb rentals.

Vrbo vs. Airbnb for the property owner

The vacation rental market has been red hot for years as travelers flock to worldwide destinations and search for alternative lodging options. But when it comes to hosting these rentals, how does a property owner choose which rental service to use?

Take a look at this quick comparison of Airbnb vs. Vrbo for property owners:

Vrbo: What we like

Large spaces

If you want to rent a property with large spaces, such as an entire home, villa, condo, or similar, Vrbo might be a better option than Airbnb. Typical Vrbo properties focus on large groups of people, including families.

Verified guests

Guests want to know they'll be safe and can trust their hosts, but it's a two-way relationship because hosts want the same security. In some ways, it can be more anxiety-inducing for a host because you're worried about your property as well. Fortunately, Vrbo travelers have the opportunity to participate in verification processes to put hosts more at ease.

Property protection

Travelers have the option to buy an accidental damage protection plan in case your property is damaged during their stay. In addition, you have the option to set damage deposits for your listing for the same purpose.

Vrbo: What they could improve

Fees

You have to pay fees as a host, which is expected. But Vrbo charges can seem steep compared with Airbnb. In addition, there is some fear that the option to do a subscription plan instead of the pay-per-booking model might be getting phased out for new Vrbo hosts.

Property types

Vrbo is focused on entire homes, which limits the types of properties you're able to list. If you have different types of rental properties available, you might not be able to list them on Vrbo.

Airbnb: What we like

Types of listings

Compared to Vrbo, the eligible range of Airbnb properties offers a lot more flexibility. You can list entire homes, private rooms, and shared rooms. If you manage different types of properties, Airbnb is the clear choice over Vrbo.

Airbnb Experiences

Participating in Airbnb Experiences won't be for everyone, but it can give you another revenue stream option if you have a creative, interesting, or fun experience you want to share with others. Having the option for online experiences could be especially appealing if you want to work from the comfort of your home. Vrbo doesn't offer anything similar.

Host protections

Airbnb offers both Host Protection Insurance and Airbnb's Host Guarantee, with the former providing up to $1 million in primary liability insurance and the latter providing up to $1 million in property damage protection — all at no additional cost. Vrbo has some similar protections and options, but they're not at the same level.

Airbnb: What they could improve

Fees

It always hurts to see fees take a chunk of your profits, but most property owners are aware of the costs involved in this industry. However, the 20% service fee for Airbnb Experiences seems high.

Local laws

Airbnb has run into trouble multiple times in worldwide destinations with local laws. To be fair, so has Vrbo but it is not as well known. If you want to become a successful Airbnb host, consider the zoning laws in your city, as well as what kinds of taxes and fees may be involved. In some areas, you may need a business license or special permit.

Which platform is right for you?

Both Vrbo and Airbnb offer many benefits and features for both travelers and homeowners. But you might be drawn to one over the other depending on your preferences.

• Choose VRBO if: You're a property owner who manager who manages multiple, large vacation homes. VBRO focuses on private spaces for large groups and families, which could line up with your ideal customer audience.
• Choose Airbnb if: You're a solo traveler or couple looking for a a good deal on a simple room for the night. Vrbo doesn't offer shared spaces, only entire homes, but Airbnb hosts can list rooms within larger, shared spaces.

FAQs

Bottom line

At the end of the day, you could simply use both sites to increase your options and flexibility whether you're a traveler or a host. If you do, remember to use credit cards to earn rewards as you travel or on your property-related purchases as a host. Check out available options with our list of the best rewards credit cards.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card

Benefits

Card Details

• $0 annual fee
• Simple, flat-rate rewards
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• Up to 75% Bank of America Preferred Rewards® bonus potential
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• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
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• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.74% - 27.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
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Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

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Why we like it

• Enjoy 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 17.74% - 27.74% Variable APR)

• Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

• No annual fee, plus earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases

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