Top 5 Airbnb Alternatives to List Your Short-Term Rental On

Key Takeaways

• Diversifying across multiple platforms can increase bookings, reduce risk, and help hosts adapt to market trends.
• Each alternative site has its own strengths and target audiences, from Vrbo's whole-home rentals to Plum Guide’s luxury guest demographic.
• When choosing platforms, consider factors like fees, host control, market reach, and management tools.

While Airbnb might be a big wig in the short-term rental (STR) space, it's not the only player in the game.

Listing on other online travel agencies (OTAs) could be the key to maximizing your revenue and reaching more guests. Each platform comes with its own set of pros and cons. You might find lower fees on one site, but the trade-off is fewer bookings. Another booking site might offer a more targeted audience but require more hands-on management of your listing and reservations. It's all about finding the right mix that aligns with your hosting goals.

That’s why we've compiled a list of the top 5 Airbnb alternatives that could help diversify your hosting strategy and potentially boost your bottom line. 

How We Picked Our Top Airbnb Alternatives

We didn't just throw darts at a board of sites like Airbnb. Our focus? Platforms that bring unique value to hosts looking to diversify their listings and boost their revenue.

Sure, we included some big names like Vrbo and Booking.com - they've earned their stripes, but we didn't stop there. We dug deeper to find specialized platforms that provide superior host tools or help you tap into niche markets. 

From luxury-focused sites to ones that emphasize cultural immersion, our list mixes industry heavyweights with up-and-coming players. Diversifying your listings isn't just about casting a wider net - it's about finding the right ponds to fish in. We lay out detailed pros and cons for each platform to help you make an informed decision about where your property might shine brightest.

Vrbo: The Leading Competitor

Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) has become a major player in the short-term rental market, providing a strong alternative to Airbnb. It originated from a rebrand of HomeAway after being acquired by Expedia in 2015. With over 2 million listings worldwide, Vrbo is a popular choice for hosts with larger properties looking to attract families and groups. Vrbo exclusively focuses on entire home rentals, offering guests the privacy they seek. When it comes to Airbnb vs. Vrbo, it ultimately comes down to your guest demographic and the listing strategies of short-term rental competitors in your area. Often, listing on both platforms is the smartest strategy. 

Pros of using Vrbo

Vrbo's focus on whole-home rentals is ideal for hosts targeting families and groups looking for privacy.

• Higher nightly rates and longer stays: Vrbo’s guest base of families and groups often prefer extended stays, which can mean more consistent income for hosts. Compared to Airbnb, Vrbo properties are more likely to be located in coastal and mountain destination markets and have a higher bedroom count. This supports higher prices. 
• Support tools for hosts: In addition to customer service and learning resources, Vrbo offers a unique Boost program for hosts that allows Vrbo owners to earn and use credits to increase listing visibility. 
• Established brand recognition: Being backed by the Expedia group helps boost Vrbo’s credibility, making it easier for hosts to attract guests who might be pivoting from hotels to a vacation rental experience. Plus, Vrbo rentals are part of the OneKey travel rewards program, which allows users to save money across Expedia products.

Cons of using Vrbo

While Vrbo can be lucrative, it comes with some drawbacks for hosts.

• Higher fees: Vrbo charges a total of 8% per booking, consisting of a 5% commission fee and a 3% payment processing fee. This is notably higher than Airbnb’s standard 3-5% Split Fee model that distributes fees between hosts and guests .
• Tax collection burden: Unlike Airbnb, which often handles local tax collection, Vrbo requires hosts to manage this themselves. This adds an extra layer of administrative work for hosts who prefer a more hands-off approach.
• Limited international reach: While Vrbo has a strong presence in North America, its reach is more limited internationally compared to Airbnb. This can be a drawback for hosts looking to attract a global audience.

Booking.com: Best for International Travel

Booking.com is one of the most established names in the travel experiences industry. It started with hotel bookings and has since expanded to include over 6.2 million homes, apartments, and other unique vacation rentals. With its presence in more than 220 countries and a particularly strong presence in Europe, it offers hosts a vast audience.

Pros of using Booking.com

Booking.com is a powerful platform for hosts aiming to reach a global audience.

• Easy to cross-list: Unlike Airbnb, Booking.com can import review scores from other travel websites into a new property's page. Hosts that already have a good reputation on Airbnb and Vrbo can seamlessly carry over that credibility if they decide to cross-list.
• Marketing services: Booking.com markets short-term rental properties on behalf of hosts, sending follow-up emails when a user looks at a listing but doesn’t make a reservation. 
• Convenient booking experience for guests: The platform allows travelers to book accommodations alongside other services like flights and car rentals, offering a one-stop shop for trip planning that can draw in more bookings.

Cons of using Booking.com

However, hosts on Booking.com should be aware of certain challenges.

• High commission fees: Booking.com charges hosts a 15% commission of the total booking price, but the fee can vary depending on the location and property type.
• Limited insurance coverage: The platform offers Partner Liability Insurance, which covers up to $1 million for third-party injury or property damage claims (e.g. harm to your neighbor). It doesn’t include protection against damage caused by guests to the host’s property.
• Reviews are a one-way mechanism: Guests can leave reviews on Booking.com, but hosts can’t return the favor. This can be seen as a downside, especially for STR operators who utilize host reviews of guests as part of their screening process before accepting a booking.

For a closer look at the pros and cons of this Airbnb alternative, read our guide on Booking.com vs. Airbnb. 

Plum Guide: Curated Luxury Homes

Plum Guide is a premium short-term rental platform founded in 2016, focusing on high-end, carefully vetted properties. Known for its selective process, Plum Guide accepts only about 3% of homes that apply, positioning itself as a go-to choice for luxury travelers.

Pros of using Plum Guide

Plum Guide’s strict standards ensure only top-quality properties are listed.

• Rigorous vetting process: Each listing undergoes a 150-point inspection that ensures properties meet high standards in design, comfort, and location.
• Attracts premium guests: Plum Guide draws mature travelers who are willing to pay more for guaranteed quality, allowing hosts to achieve higher nightly rates. According to their website, the guest cancellation rate is 30% lower compared to other booking platforms.

Cons of using Plum Guide

Plum Guide’s emphasis on quality comes with some trade-offs for hosts.

• Limited exposure: Plum Guide's selective approach means that it has fewer overall listings, which can translate to lower competition but also lower site traffic compared to broader platforms. As a result, hosts might experience fewer booking inquiries than they would on platforms with a larger user base.
• Higher price points: The focus on high-end properties can limit the pool of potential guests. This can mean longer vacancy periods for hosts if pricing doesn’t align with local demand, especially outside peak travel times.
• Onboarding fee: Plum Guide’s per booking fee is comparable to Airbnb (3% host fee under a split-fee model), but includes a one-time $400 onboarding fee that gets deducted from your first payout. That being said, you get what you pay for—this fee covers the costs of creating, merchandising and advertising your listing. 

Homestay: For Cultural Immersion

Homestay, launched in 2013, connects travelers with hosts who are open to sharing their homes and local insights. The platform emphasizes cultural exchange, making it ideal for travelers looking to experience destinations through the perspective of a local. Homestay may be the ideal booking platform for hosts who are offering a private room in their primary residence.

Pros of using Homestay

Homestay’s emphasis on community makes it a great choice for hosts who enjoy personal interaction.

• Cultural connection: The platform allows hosts to showcase their community and traditions with guests, and learn about other cultures in turn. This results in a more engaging experience for both hosts and guests.
• No host fee: Guests pay the only fee, which is equal to 15% of the price of their stay. 
• Potential for longer stays: Homestay supports both short-term and long-term stays for independent travelers and students, allowing hosts to remain agile and adjust their preferred length stay. 

Cons of using Homestay

However, the platform’s unique focus can present some challenges for hosts.

• No guaranteed payout: Guests that book through Homestay pay you the full amount upon arrival, according to terms that you set with the guest outside of the booking platform. Only some qualifying hosts can require a 25% deposit to cover cancellations and no-shows. 
• Lower earning potential: Listings on Homestay tend to be more affordable, attracting travelers looking for budget-friendly options. The flip-side to affordability for guests is that host earning potential is likely less on Homestay than it is on a platform like Airbnb.

Direct Booking Sites: Take Control of Your Revenue

Direct booking sites allow short-term rental (STR) hosts to build their own online presence, enabling direct reservations without relying on a third-party booking platform. With a direct booking website, hosts can retain complete control over their listings, avoid platform fees, and foster guest loyalty.

Many property management systems, like Uplisting, make it easy to launch a direct booking website. Uplisting offers a streamlined setup for hosts, allowing you to create a direct booking site in just minutes, complete with guest messaging, booking management, and automated payments. For hosts interested in greater independence, Uplisting also integrates with Google Vacation Rentals, providing added visibility for your listing.

For hosts who still want the convenience of third-party management but prefer more revenue control, companies like Vacasa can handle bookings and direct guests to your dedicated listing on their site. Keep in mind, though, that Vacasa generally takes a commission of 25-35% of your booking revenue. In contrast, Uplisting has 0% commission.

Pros of using direct booking sites

• Revenue Control: No commission fees or OTA charges; you keep the full booking amount.
• Enhanced Guest Relationships: Manage communication directly and build loyalty for repeat bookings.
• Complete Customization: Control listing presentation, pricing, and policies to best fit your property and brand.
• SEO Benefits: Optimize your website for search engines, making it easier for guests to find you on Google.

Cons of using direct booking sites

• Marketing Responsibility: Without a built-in audience, you’ll need to promote your site to drive traffic.

Time Investment: Setting up and maintaining a website requires effort, though a PMS can streamline much of this process.

Honorable Mentions

For hosts looking to explore even more sites similar to Airbnb, these additional platforms may offer unique benefits:

• Atraveo: A strong choice for hosts with properties in Europe, Atraveo provides access to a broad affiliate network, making your listings visible across 50,000 rental sites. It charges a 15% fee per booking, offering a wide reach within the European market.
• OwnerDirect: With a history dating back to the 1990s, OwnerDirect has earned a solid reputation among vacation rental platforms. It allows hosts to register for free and prides itself on transparent pricing and service fees.
• Outdoorsy: Specializing in RVs, camper vans, and motorhomes, Outdoorsy is likely a good fit for hosts of unique rentals in particular.
• Kid & Coe: Tailored for hosts who market their properties as kid-friendly, Kid & Coe connects hosts with families seeking vacation rentals suited for children. It’s a great option for properties in family-oriented destinations, helping you reach a targeted audience with ease.

Remember that launching your own direct booking website is the best—and only—way to have complete control over what guests get charged and how much you get paid out. 

At the end of the day, the value of third-party booking platforms is their visibility in the vacation rental marketplace and the exposure they give your listing. While it may take time for your direct booking platform to gain momentum and exposure, it could be a worthwhile effort to pursue in tandem with listing on other booking platforms.

How to Choose the Right Airbnb Alternative for Your Needs

Selecting the right short-term rental platforms is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your success as a host. Whether you're considering listing on a single site or listing across multiple platforms, here are key factors to consider:

1. Analyze service fees and commissions

Compare the cost structures to determine which platforms offer the best value for your business model.

• Calculate the total fees for each platform (service fees + commission rates)
• Compare fee structures across platforms for single and multiple listings
• Project long-term profitability based on these fee differences

2. Evaluate platform policies and host control

Each platform offers different levels of control over your listing and guest interactions. Assess how much flexibility and autonomy you need as a host to find the best fit for your management style.

• Review booking approval options (instant booking vs. manual approval)
• Compare cancellation policy flexibility across platforms
• Assess guest interaction guidelines and host communication rules

3. Assess market reach and target audience

Different platforms cater to various traveler demographics. Identify which platforms align best with your target guest profile to maximize your listing's visibility to the right audience.

• Identify your ideal guest demographic (families, business travelers, etc.)
• Research each platform's user base and market strengths
• Consider using multiple platforms to diversify your audience reach

4. Examine host support and management tools

The right tools can streamline your hosting operations. Look for platforms that offer strong support and management features to increase your efficiency and improve the guest experience.

• Look for platforms offering centralized calendar management
• Check for integrated pricing tools and analytics
• Evaluate the availability and responsiveness of host support services
• Consider compatibility with your preferred property management software.

5. Balance your platform strategy

Developing a balanced approach to platform selection can help mitigate risks and maximize opportunities. Regularly review and adjust your strategy to adapt to changing market conditions and your evolving business needs.

• Decide between focusing on one platform or diversifying across several
• Align platform choices with your specific property characteristics and location
• Plan for regular review and adjustment of your platform strategy.

Why List on Multiple Short-Term Rental Platforms

Expanding your listings across a variety of Airbnb alternatives can be a powerful strategy for hosts seeking to boost their bookings and stabilize their income. Here are the key advantages of listing on other booking platforms: 

• Fill more nights: Reach a wider range of guests, helping you book more stays and reduce vacancies.
• Attract different types of travelers: Whether it's families with young kids through Kid & Coe or high-end travelers through Plum Guide, utilize niche booking platforms to hone in on different guest demographics.
• Lower your risk: Avoid relying too heavily on one platform's rules, search rankings, or technical hiccups. If something goes awry on one platform, being listed on more than one platform will reduce the impact on your short-term rental business.  
• Take advantage of seasons: Use each platform's strengths to keep bookings coming even during slower times. For example, listing your spare room at an affordable price through Homestay during the slow winter months can tap into university schedules that are at odds with typical STR seasonality. Spring semester rental income from a college student can make a historically slow January or February lucrative again. 
• Fine-tune your pricing: Compare how you're doing across platforms to set the best rates.
• Get more guest insights: Collect feedback from a greater variety of guests to make your rental appealing to a diverse set of renters. 
• Stay on top of trends: Quickly adapt to changes in travel patterns or which platforms are popular.
• Keep a steady income: Maintain a consistent flow of bookings, even if one platform has a slow period.

When you list on multiple platforms, you're not just reaching more people—you're building a stronger, more flexible rental business.