It's close: Airbnb edges it 8.2 to 8.0, so the right pick depends on what you need. Airbnb wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Vrbo on 2, with 1 tied.
Families and groups who want a whole home with a kitchen
Families and groups booking a whole house, cabin or condo for a getaway
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Airbnb | Vrbo |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Travel & Maps | Travel & Maps |
| Category rank | #10 of 13 | #12 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 Vrbo?
It's close: Airbnb edges it 8.2 to 8.0, so the right pick depends on what you need. Airbnb wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Vrbo on 2, with 1 tied.
Which is cheaper, Airbnb or Vrbo?
Airbnb: Free app; you pay per booking, including Airbnb's service fees. Vrbo: Free app; a service fee that varies by booking is added at checkout. On value for money, Vrbo scores higher.
Do Airbnb and Vrbo work on the same devices?
Yes, both run on iPhone & iPad, Android, Web.
Which is more private, Airbnb or Vrbo?
Vrbo scores higher on privacy (6.4/10). App Store label: user content may be used to track you. Purchases, payment info, location, contact info, searches, identifiers and usage data may be linked to you.
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
Vrbo
- Entire homes, so groups get the place to themselves
- Group planning with votes and comments
- Rewards you can also spend on Expedia and Hotels.com
- A service fee that varies by booking is added at checkout
- Sponsored listings can now sit at the top of search
Vrbo only lists whole homes, so your family or group gets the entire beach house, cabin or condo with no shared spaces. Trip Planner lets everyone save favorites, vote and chat in one place, and many stays offer free cancellation. You earn and spend One Key rewards shared with Expedia. Watch the checkout total, though: a service fee that changes with each booking gets added, so compare the same home elsewhere.
Full Vrbo review
