Choosing the right platform for your vacation rental can significantly impact your success as a host. The Vrbo vs Airbnb is a common debate, as they are two of the most prominent platforms in the short-term rental market and both offer unique benefits. Airbnb attracts a diverse range of travelers, making it ideal for urban properties and unique stays. In contrast, Vrbo focuses on entire home rentals, appealing to families and larger groups, often resulting in longer bookings. For Canadian hosts, understanding the differences between Airbnb and Vrbo will help you match your property with the right audience and maximize your rental income.
TL;DR – The Vrbo-Airbnb Showdown Recap
When comparing Airbnb vs Vrbo, both platforms offer distinct advantages for hosts.
| Vrbo | Airbnb | Recap | |
| Marketshare | ❌ | ✅ | Airbnb takes the lead in market share, offering a broader reach and higher booking potential, especially in urban areas, while Vrbo appeals to families and long-term bookings with greater control over guest selection and flexible cancellation policies. |
| Platform Fees | ✅ | ✅ | Airbnb’s lower service fees (~3%) make it ideal for new hosts, while Vrbo’s annual subscription model may benefit high-occupancy properties. |
| Insurance & Host Protections | ❌ | ✅ | Airbnb’s AirCover offers up to $3 million in damage protection, compared to Vrbo’s $1 million liability coverage. |
| Cancellation Policy | ✅ | ❌ | Vrbo stands out with its customizable cancellation policies, allowing hosts to set terms that align with their specific needs. |
| Reputation Management | ✅ | ❌ | Vrbo offers more control over guest reviews, allowing hosts to contest or remove unfair reviews, while Airbnb’s double-blind system promotes balanced feedback but requires consistent excellence. |
| Guest Booking Experience | ✅ | ✅ | Airbnb’s Instant Book feature offers convenience and higher occupancy rates, while Vrbo’s pre-booking communication provides greater host control and attracts guests who prefer thorough communication. |
For hosts looking to maximize rental income, cross-listing on both Airbnb and Vrbo is a smart strategy to boost your property’s visibility and increase booking potential. Partnering with Home Again can streamline this process, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences while their team handles the complexities of multi-platform management.
Whether your property is in the heart of Toronto or a charming getaway near Niagara Falls, Home Again offers tailored management solutions to keep your rental booked and earning.
Airbnb vs Vrbo Market Share
Founded in 2008, Airbnb has expanded globally, offering a wide range of accommodations, from shared spaces to entire homes. With approximately 8.1 million listings managed by 5 million hosts in over 200 countries and 81,000 cities, Airbnb represents around 20% of the global vacation rental market, attracting a diverse group of travelers.
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) has a longer history, established in 1995. The company focuses on entire home rentals, appealing primarily to families and larger groups seeking vacation properties. While its global presence is significant, Vrbo generally has a smaller market share compared to Airbnb, featuring more than 2 million listings in over 190 countries that attracts 18 million unique visitors.
For Canadian hosts, Airbnb’s broader audience might result in higher booking potential, especially in urban areas. However, if your property is a vacation home suited for families, Vrbo’s targeted user base could be advantageous.
Winner: Airbnb
Platform Fees: How Much Do You Pay as a Host?
When it comes to platform fees, Airbnb and Vrbo have different models, and which is better depends on your hosting needs.
Airbnb offers two fee structures:
1. Split-Fee: Hosts pay 3% of the booking subtotal, and guests pay a service fee of around 14%.
2. Host-Only Fee: Hosts pay 14-16%, typically used for software-connected hosts or hotels.
Vrbo, on the other hand, charges hosts an 8% commission fee on the rental amount and any additional fees (like cleaning). Vrbo also charges guests a service fee of 6-15% per booking.
For hosts, Airbnb’s split-fee model can be more advantageous if you prefer a lower upfront cost, particularly for smaller bookings. However, Vrbo’s model might be better if you prefer predictable costs and want more control over what guests see, as their guest fees are often lower than Airbnb’s.
Overall, if you’re a host managing multiple listings or higher-end properties, Vrbo’s consistent commission structure might save you more in the long run. But for those with smaller or more casual listings, Airbnb’s lower host fee could be a better fit.
Winner: Tie
Insurance & Host Protections: Which Offers Better Coverage?
Airbnb provides AirCover for Hosts, which includes up to $3 million in damage protection and $1 million in liability coverage. This program covers a range of issues, including damage caused by guests and their pets.
Meanwhile, Vrbo offers $1 million in liability insurance but does not include property damage protection. Hosts are encouraged to require security deposits from guests to cover potential damages.
Regarding insurance and host protection, the Vrbo vs Airbnb comparison leans towards Airbnb, as its comprehensive coverage might offer more peace of mind, especially for new hosts. However, Vrbo’s approach allows hosts to set and manage their own security deposits, providing a level of control over potential damages.
Winner: Airbnb
Vrbo vs Airbnb Cancellation Policy: Which Platform Protects Hosts Better?
Airbnb offers multiple cancellation policies—Flexible, Moderate, Firm, and Strict—allowing hosts to choose the level of flexibility they offer. However, in certain dispute cases, Airbnb may override these policies in favor of the guest.
On the other hand, Vrbo stands out with its customizable cancellation policies, allowing hosts to set terms that align with their specific needs. Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo generally upholds the host’s stated policy, offering more stability and control over booking terms.
If maintaining control over cancellations is important to you, Vrbo’s approach may be more appealing, while Airbnb’s standardized options offer simplicity but might involve more platform intervention.
Winner: Vrbo
Reputation Management: Which Platform Favors Hosts?
Airbnb operates on a double-blind review system where both guests and hosts have 14 days to leave a review. Reviews are published only after both parties have submitted them or the 14-day period has ended. Maintaining high ratings is crucial, as it affects your search ranking and eligibility for programs like Superhost status.
Vrbo allows hosts to see guest reviews before leaving their own. Hosts have more discretion to contest or remove reviews they deem unfair. The platform focuses on whole-property rentals, so Vrbo reviews may often be fewer more detailed.
Airbnb’s system promotes balanced feedback but requires consistent excellence to maintain high ratings. Vrbo offers hosts more control over the review process, which can be beneficial in managing your property’s reputation.
Winner: Vrbo
Guest Booking Experience
When it comes to guest booking experience, Airbnb offers features that prioritize convenience and ease of use. The Instant Book feature allows guests to book instantly without host approval, making it ideal for spontaneous travelers. However, this convenience can come at a cost to hosts, as it reduces their control over guest selection, potentially increasing the risk of undesirable bookings. Airbnb’s user-friendly search tools, including advanced filters for property type, amenities, and cancellation policies, make it easy for guests to find suitable listings quickly, boosting the chance of occupancy. Additionally, the Airbnb app is widely regarded for its smooth user interface, enabling hosts to manage bookings seamlessly while on the go.
On the other hand, Vrbo emphasizes a more controlled booking process through pre-booking communication, requiring guests to send a booking request and interact with hosts before confirmation. This feature often appeals to planners and families who seek detailed information about the property before committing to a reservation. Vrbo’s approach to booking requests allows hosts to vet potential guests, leading to more informed reservations and potentially fewer issues during stays. However, some users find Vrbo’s platform less intuitive, with slower messaging and a more detailed booking process that involves in-depth communication, which could deter last-minute bookings.
The overall difference between Airbnb and Vrbo considering guest booking experience is that Airbnb is better for quick bookings and guests comfortable with minimal communication, often leading to higher occupancy rates. On the other hand, Vrbo is Ideal for hosts seeking more control, attracting guests who prefer thorough communication and are often willing to pay more for premium experiences.
Winner: Tie
What Hosts Are Saying on Reddit
Properties hosts on Reddit have shared their experiences with Airbnb and Vrbo, revealing insights into guest behavior, platform usability, and booking trends. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
Airbnb:
- Last-Minute Bookings: Many hosts use Airbnb to fill in booking gaps, as the platform attracts more last-minute requests. Some mentioned that they rarely receive bookings more than a month in advance.
- Younger Audience: Airbnb tends to appeal to younger travelers, with some hosts noting that these guests may have less appreciation for property upkeep, particularly regarding cleaning fees.
- Higher Volume of Bookings: Hosts report a broader audience reach, leading to more frequent bookings, especially in urban areas.
- Intuitive Website Design: Hosts praised Airbnb’s website for being easy to navigate for both hosts and guests. The user-friendly interface makes managing bookings and communicating with guests straightforward.
- Competitive Service Fees: Compared to Vrbo, Airbnb’s host fees are often lower, allowing for more competitive pricing.
- Payment Options: Airbnb offers the ability to pay with PayPal, providing guests with an additional layer of security.
- Customer Service: While customer service was not universally praised, some hosts found it to be more reliable than Vrbo’s support.
Vrbo:
- More Mature Guests: Hosts often find that Vrbo attracts a more mature clientele, particularly families and wealthier groups. Guests are generally more respectful of properties.
- Longer Booking Lead Times: Vrbo tends to secure long-term bookings, often 6-12 months in advance, making it ideal for vacation properties and family-oriented rentals.
- Website Navigation Issues: Many hosts described Vrbo’s website as challenging to use and difficult to navigate, even for those with technical expertise.
- Higher Service Fees: Vrbo typically charges a higher service fee than Airbnb, leading hosts to set higher rental prices on Vrbo to offset the cost. Despite that, hosts reported that Vrbo guests are often willing to pay a premium and still maintain a steady booking rate, particularly for well-maintained vacation homes.
Should You Host on Airbnb or Vrbo?
When deciding whether to host on Airbnb or Vrbo, your choice should align with your property type, target audience, and hosting goals. If your rental is located in an urban area with a steady flow of short-term visitors, Airbnb might be the better option. The platform attracts a diverse range of travelers, including younger guests and spontaneous bookers, thanks to features like Instant Book and a user-friendly app. Additionally, Airbnb’s lower service fees (~3%) make it a cost-effective choice, particularly for new hosts or those seeking quick bookings.
On the other hand, Vrbo shines when it comes to vacation homes and entire home rentals, particularly in family-friendly destinations. Vrbo often attracts mature and respectful guests, with many bookings made 6-12 months in advance, offering hosts predictable occupancy. The platform also provides more control over guest selection, as pre-booking communication is required, allowing hosts to vet guests thoroughly. For hosts who prefer manual booking approvals, higher average booking rates, and greater flexibility in managing reviews, Vrbo could be a more suitable platform.
Maximize Your Earnings with Airbnb and Vrbo Management
A smart strategy to maximize your rental income is to cross-list your property on both Airbnb and Vrbo, leveraging the strengths of each platform. Cross-listing increases your property’s exposure to a broader audience, helping you fill calendar gaps and balance occupancy with revenue potential. For example, you could use Airbnb to attract last-minute bookings while relying on Vrbo for longer-term stays and higher-value reservations.
For new hosts or those looking to streamline their rental management, Home Again Property Management offers a seamless solution with multi-platform listing services on both Airbnb and Vrbo, giving you access to 99% of the short-term rental market. Our comprehensive services include optimizing pricing strategies, synchronizing calendars, and handling the day-to-day operations, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of hosting without the hassle.
Final Thoughts
The Vrbo vs Airbnb debate isn’t about which platform is universally better but rather which aligns best with your hosting strategy. Both platforms offer distinct advantages, from Airbnb’s broader market share and urban appeal to Vrbo’s focus on family-friendly, long-term stays. The difference between Vrbo and Airbnb often comes down to guest selection control, cancellation policies, and fee structures, making each platform suitable for different types of properties and hosting goals.
For hosts looking to maximize rental income, the smartest strategy might not be choosing between Airbnb or Vrbo, but rather cross-listing on both platforms. This approach can boost your property’s visibility, fill calendar gaps, and balance occupancy with revenue potential. Whether you’re a new host or an experienced Airbnb property manager, understanding the pros and cons of each platform can help you create a tailored hosting strategy that leverages the best of both worlds.