Both Airbnb and Vrbo allow you to book vacation rentals directly with the owner, and both are prolific within the US and abroad — but they’re not the same.
At a glance
Vrbo only lists private rentals, while Airbnb also offers cheaper,shared spaces
Airbnb is best for extended rentals, because some hosts offer monthly discounts of 15% to 50% off
Service and cleaning fees are similar and depend on each host
Verdict
Airbnb is usually better for budget stays since you can book a spare room, while Vrbo offers a more curated experience for families in need of a private vacation home.
Airbnb generally has more rentals available under $100 nightly, so budget shoppers should start there. But after you start looking at pricier places, both sites offer comparable rates. The difference? Airbnb hosts can choose to offer discounts on longer stays, so you could save up to 50% by staying for at least a moth.
We compared a two-bedroom rental in Colorado on Airbnb and Vrbo, with a listing price of $100 nightly. Though these two properties offer slightly different amenities, you can get an idea of how the overall fees compare:
Keep in mind that each owner is in charge of setting their own cleaning fee, so this varies between rentals. Also, you may be charged a tax fee, depending on the local policies of each vacation rental.
Vacation rentals safety procedures during COVID-19
Both Airbnb and Vrbo provide hosts with a set of enhanced cleaning protocols with step-by-step instructions for sanitizing between guests. However, Airbnb goes a step further by inviting hosts to take a quiz confirming their understanding of this protocol. If they pass, their listing will get an Enhanced Clean indicator — offering further peace of mind that the property has undergone rigorous cleaning prior to your arrival.
Cancellation policies
Both sites are encouraging hosts to offer more flexible cancellation policies during the pandemic. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before checking out, to understand the risk upfront. Vrbo will refund the service fee if you need to cancel due to COVID-19, while Airbnb doesn’t state this explicitly.
Any other differences worth noting?
Airbnb has a wider range of rental types available, from campsites to boats, treehouses and tiny houses, in addition to more traditional options like homes, cabins and condos. Vrbo typically sticks to traditional vacation rentals, though you may be able to find some hidden gems.
On Airbnb, make sure you read the listing carefully before booking so that you know what you’re getting in terms of sleeping arrangements, space sharing and amenities.
Another difference is Airbnb Experiences, which are unique activities and tours that you can book with a local, both online and in person. Vrbo doesn’t offer an equivalent.
Amy Stoltenberg is a staff writer covering all things travel, shopping and lifestyle. After earning a BA at Savannah College of Art and Design, she worked as technical designer in corporate fashion before opting for a career with unlimited travel time. When her laptop's closed, you can find her wandering around Los Angeles looking for hole-in-the-wall eateries and plotting her way to all 50 states (she's currently at 28).
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