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Sites Like Airbnb: 12 Alternatives Every Host Should Know!
Airbnb is amazing and has revolutionised the vacation rental market. But it’s not the only game in town anymore.
If you’re a short-term rental host looking to expand your reach, diversify your booking streams, or even find a better fee structure, you’re in luck. There are plenty of sites like Airbnb out there, and some might even suit your style of hosting better.
In this post we explore the best alternatives to Airbnb – with pros, cons, key features, and tips for choosing the right one for your property.
Whether you manage a family-friendly flat, a pet paradise, a countryside cabin or a luxury pad – there’s a platform here for you.
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1. Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner)
Best for: Traditional holiday homes & family stays
Vrbo is one of the oldest Airbnb competitors, focused entirely on whole-property rentals. It’s owned by Expedia Group and is hugely popular with families looking for spacious, self-catering accommodation.
Key Features:
- Whole-home only listings (no shared rooms)
- Strong family/travel group audience
- Integrated into the Expedia travel ecosystem
Platform Fees:
- Hosts pay either 8% per booking or an annual subscription fee ($499)
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- No shared spaces
- Attracts longer bookings
- More traditional holiday rental feel
2. Booking.com
Best for: Urban listings, hotels, and apartments
Originally a hotel booking site, Booking.com has expanded to include vacation rentals. It has huge global traffic and is great for boosting occupancy in competitive cities.
Key Features:
- Global exposure
- Instant booking only
- No exclusivity required
- Add-ons like airport taxis and experiences
Platform Fees:
- Around 15% per booking
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- No host-guest messaging before booking
- No cleaning fees (price must be inclusive)
- Listing setup is more hotel-style
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3. TripAdvisor Rentals (formerly FlipKey)
Best for: Travel-savvy guests & international bookings
TripAdvisor’s rental arm brings your property in front of their massive travel audience. It leans toward vacation-style listings and holiday destinations.
Key Features:
- Access to millions of global travellers
- Detailed reviews
- Integrated into TripAdvisor ecosystem
Platform Fees:
- Hosts pay 3% per booking
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Heavily review-driven
- More professional/managed listings
- Great for Europe and US markets
4. Go Lightly
Best for: Female hosts & women travellers
Go Lightly is a members-only platform for women, by women. It focuses on safety, community, and trust. All members are verified.
Key Features:
- Women-only listings and guests
- Private network (invite-only)
- Emphasis on safety
Platform Fees:
- 10% guest fee
- 5% host fee
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Exclusivity and safety-focused
- Community feel
- Invite-only membership
5. Google Vacation Rentals
Best for: Tech-savvy hosts looking for more visibility
Google has stepped into vacation rentals by aggregating listings from multiple platforms and showing them directly in search results.
Key Features:
- Free exposure in Google search
- Pulls listings from partners like Vrbo, Booking.com
- Not a booking platform — redirects to partner site
Platform Fees:
- No direct fees; depends on listing partner
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Not a full platform
- Requires listing with partner sites
- Focused on visibility, not bookings
6. HomeStay
Best for: Cultural exchanges & hosted stays
Homestay focuses on guests staying with local hosts – often in spare rooms – for a real cultural experience.
Key Features:
- Host lives on-site
- Great for student & solo travel
- Personal connections prioritised
Platform Fees:
- 15% guest service fee
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Always hosted/shared
- Focus on interaction and local tips
7. Misterb&b
Best for: LGBTQ+ hosts and travellers
Misterb&b is a global platform tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, offering welcoming and inclusive stays worldwide.
Key Features:
- LGBTQ+ friendly listings
- Local guides & events
- Community reviews
Platform Fees:
- 17% guest fee
- 5% host fee
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Inclusive focus
- LGBTQ+ traveller safety
- Community-driven
8. HomeToGo
Best for: Price-savvy, comparison-driven travellers
HomeToGo is a holiday rental metasearch engine – it lets users compare listings from Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and more in one place.
Key Features:
- Pulls listings from 2,000+ providers
- Filters for everything from price to pet-friendliness
Platform Fees:
- Depends on the linked partner
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Not a booking platform
- Just search and compare
- Can drive traffic to your Airbnb listing
9. VacayMyWay
Best for: Hosts looking for more control
VacayMyWay was built by property managers frustrated by other platforms. It promises fair pricing, no guest fees, and less red tape.
Key Features:
- No guest booking fees
- Transparent pricing for hosts
- Built by hosts, for hosts
Platform Fees:
- 5% host fee only
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Lower costs
- Focus on fairness and transparency
10. Kid & Coe
Best for: Families with young children
Kid & Coe specialises in family-friendly homes that are kitted out for parents and kids – think stair gates, cribs, and toy boxes.
Key Features:
- Curated family-safe listings
- Travel kits and kid gear
- Stylish and comfortable
Platform Fees:
- 10-15% commission
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Child-first approach
- Family-focused amenities
- Design-conscious homes
11. BringFido
Best for: Pet-friendly properties
BringFido is the go-to platform for pet-loving guests who travel with their furry friends. It includes accommodation, attractions, and events that allow pets.
Key Features:
- Pet filters and pet fees
- Resources for pet travel
- Accommodation plus dog parks, beaches, etc.
Platform Fees:
- Listing fees vary by listing type
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Pet-first search
- Niche audience of pet owners
12. 9flats
Best for: Europe-based city stays
9flats is a European-based short-term rental platform similar to Airbnb, especially popular in Germany and surrounding areas.
Key Features:
- Urban-centric listings
- Good for apartments and city breaks
- Active host community
Platform Fees:
- 15% commission
- Guests: none
Main Differences to Airbnb:
- Stronger in Europe
- Smaller scale
- Less saturated than Airbnb in certain cities
Final Thoughts: So, What Sites Are Similar to Airbnb?
With so many vacation rental platforms out there, choosing where to list can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to align each platform with your ideal guest.
Here’s a quick recap to help you match the right platform to your audience:
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Vrbo | Traditional holiday homes & family stays |
| Booking.com | City apartments, hotels, and high booking volume |
| TripAdvisor Rentals | Travel-savvy, review-led international guests |
| Go Lightly | Female hosts and women/non-binary guests |
| Google Vacation Rentals | Search visibility via Google |
| HomeStay | Hosted stays, cultural exchanges, solo travellers |
| Misterb&b | LGBTQ+ hosts and inclusive accommodation |
| HomeToGo | Broad distribution and price-conscious guests |
| VacayMyWay | Hosts wanting low fees and more platform control |
| Kid & Coe | Stylish, family-friendly homes with kids in mind |
| BringFido | Pet-friendly listings for dog owners and travellers |
| 9flats | European city breaks and apartments |
Want to boost your exposure even more? Consider listing on multiple platforms and managing them with vacation rental software (like Changeover.app 😉) to keep everything organised.
Changeover is a clever platform that shares your booking calendar with your cleaners & then fully automates the scheduling & management of changeovers. Sit back & relax as it tracks progress & sends notifications to ensure that everything is completed smoothly & on time.
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