It's close: Airbnb edges it 8.2 to 8.1, so the right pick depends on what you need. Airbnb wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Expedia on 1, with 2 tied.
Families and groups who want a whole home with a kitchen
Travelers who want to book flights, hotels and cars together in one itinerary
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Airbnb | Expedia |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Travel & Maps | Travel & Maps |
| Category rank | #10 of 13 | #11 of 13 |
| Developer | Airbnb, Inc. | Expedia Group |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Airbnb better than Expedia?
It's close: Airbnb edges it 8.2 to 8.1, so the right pick depends on what you need. Airbnb wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Expedia on 1, with 2 tied.
Which is cheaper, Airbnb or Expedia?
Airbnb: Free app; you pay per booking, including Airbnb's service fees. Expedia: Free app and free One Key rewards; you only pay for what you book. On value for money, Expedia scores higher.
Do Airbnb and Expedia work on the same devices?
Yes, both run on iPhone & iPad, Android, Web.
Which is more private, Airbnb or Expedia?
Airbnb scores higher on privacy (6.2/10). App Store label links contact, payment, location, messages, searches, browsing and ad data to you, though nothing is listed as tracking. No ads in the app.
Strengths and weaknesses
Airbnb
- Huge range of homes for groups and long stays
- Clear, well-designed booking flow
- Extras like groceries and services in one app
- Fees can make stays pricier than hotels
- Quality and house rules vary a lot by host
Airbnb is still the first stop for renting a whole home, especially for families and groups who want a kitchen and space to spread out. The app is easy to use, Guest Favorites highlight reliable stays, and you can now book experiences, services and even groceries for your trip. The catch is cost: cleaning and service fees add up, and quality varies by host. Compare against hotels before you book.
Full Airbnb review
Expedia
- Book a whole trip, then manage it in one itinerary
- Bundles and Member Prices can cut hotel costs
- Price alerts and Flight Deals help you time fares
- App Store label lists wide tracking across apps
- Most members now earn only 1% in One Key rewards
- No OneKeyCash on flights since July 2026
Expedia puts flights, hotels, rental cars, activities and package deals in one app and one itinerary. Bundling a flight and hotel can save money, Member Prices take 10% or more off many stays, and price tracking tells you when fares drop. One Key rewards work across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, but July 2026 changes cut earning for most casual travelers. Expect heavy tracking, and compare prices before you book.
Full Expedia review
