Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) has been gaining popularity in the vacation rental market, presenting itself as a strong competitor to Airbnb. Several factors contribute to this trend.
Over the past decade, Airbnb has dominated the vacation rental industry, becoming the go-to platform for travelers looking for unique stays. But lately, a quiet shift has been happening — Vrbo, once seen as Airbnb’s less flashy competitor, is gaining serious momentum. More and more travelers are switching platforms, finding Vrbo not only easier to use but also better tailored to family and group travel.
One of the main reasons behind this rise is Vrbo’s no-nonsense approach. While Airbnb has leaned into experiences, boutique hotels, and even luxury rentals, Vrbo has stuck to its roots: vacation homes. For travelers who want simplicity, privacy, and a straightforward booking process, Vrbo feels refreshingly focused.
And it doesn’t stop there. Travelers frustrated with Airbnb’s rising fees, complicated rules, and inconsistent host experiences are turning their eyes to other platforms entirely. From Booking.com to niche rental sites, alternatives are giving Airbnb a run for its money — and showing that travelers now have more power than ever when deciding where to stay.
Read Here European Things that terrify Americans and American Habits that make Europeans Cringe
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Quick Easy Tips
Compare fees before booking: Airbnb’s service charges add up quickly; Vrbo often shows you the total cost upfront.
Check cancellation policies: Vrbo tends to have clearer cancellation terms, while Airbnb’s can vary drastically between hosts.
Look into alternatives: Sites like Booking.com, Plum Guide, or even direct booking with property managers can save you money.
Think about your group size: For families and large groups, Vrbo often offers larger properties at better rates.
Always read reviews carefully: On any platform, reviews tell the real story — don’t just trust the photos.
Airbnb’s decline in popularity isn’t just about money — it’s also about trust. Many travelers argue that Airbnb has shifted away from its original community-driven ethos and into a corporate model that benefits the platform more than the users. Rising fees, hidden cleaning charges, and strict check-in rules leave many guests feeling nickel-and-dimed.
On the flip side, some critics argue that Vrbo’s simplicity can be limiting. While it caters well to vacation homes, it doesn’t always offer the quirky, one-of-a-kind experiences that once made Airbnb so appealing. Some travelers believe this makes Vrbo “too boring” for those seeking something truly different.
The bigger debate, however, is about the future of short-term rentals altogether. Locals in many cities blame platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo for driving up housing costs, disrupting neighborhoods, and pushing out long-term residents. For some, the growing popularity of Vrbo is less about traveler benefits and more about shifting the burden from one platform to another — a controversy that isn’t going away anytime soon.
One reason travelers are choosing Vrbo over Airbnb is predictability. Vrbo has stayed closer to its original model of entire-home rentals, which reduces the uncertainty many travelers now associate with Airbnb. Guests are less likely to encounter shared spaces, last-minute rule changes, or mismatched listings. For families and groups, this consistency makes planning far less stressful.
Another major factor is pricing transparency. Vrbo tends to show total costs earlier in the booking process, making it easier to compare options without surprise fees at checkout. As travelers grow more budget-conscious, platforms that feel straightforward and honest are gaining trust over those that require extra steps to reveal the real price.
Customer support is also influencing the shift. Many travelers report smoother dispute resolution and clearer communication with Vrbo, especially when issues arise during a stay. When accommodations are central to a trip, knowing that problems will be handled quickly can outweigh flashy features or massive inventories.
Finally, travelers are expanding beyond both platforms altogether. Boutique hotels, serviced apartments, and region-specific rental sites are gaining popularity because they combine local character with professional management. As expectations change, people are prioritizing reliability, fairness, and ease over novelty explaining why Vrbo and its alternatives are increasingly winning the booking battle.
1. Focus on Entire Home Rentals
Vrbo specializes exclusively in entire home rentals, catering to travelers seeking private accommodations. This focus appeals particularly to families and larger groups desiring more space and privacy during their stays.
2. Targeted Audience
The platform attracts families and groups looking for larger accommodations, aligning with its inventory of entire home rentals. This targeted approach enhances the booking experience for these demographics.
3. Integration with Expedia Group
As part of the Expedia Group, Vrbo benefits from extensive marketing and distribution channels, increasing its visibility among potential travelers.
4. Professionalism and Quality
Some travelers perceive Vrbo listings as more upscale and professionally managed compared to Airbnb, leading to better overall experiences.
5. Fee Structure
Vrbo’s fee structure may lead to better net earnings for property owners, potentially resulting in more competitive pricing for travelers.
When choosing between Airbnb and Vrbo for vacation rentals, it’s essential to understand their differences to determine which platform aligns best with your travel needs.
Airbnb Vs Vrbo
Accommodation Types
Airbnb offers a diverse range of accommodations, including entire homes, private rooms, shared spaces, and unique stays like treehouses or yurts. This variety caters to solo travelers, couples, and those seeking unconventional lodging experiences.
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) specializes in entire property rentals, such as homes, cabins, and condos, ensuring guests have the entire space to themselves. This focus makes Vrbo particularly appealing to families and larger groups seeking privacy.
Search Functionality
Vrbo provides robust filter options, allowing users to sort properties based on specific criteria like user reviews, cleanliness ratings, and amenities such as pet-friendliness. This detailed filtering enhances the search experience.
Airbnb offers a visually appealing interface with comprehensive search tools. While it includes various filters, some, like the “pets allowed” option, might be less prominently displayed, requiring users to navigate deeper into the platform.
Pricing and Fees
Airbnb typically charges guests a service fee ranging from 5% to 15% of the reservation total. Hosts also incur a service fee, usually between 3% and 5% per booking. Cleaning fees can vary significantly, sometimes adding substantially to the overall cost.
Vrbo generally implements a more straightforward fee structure. Guests pay a booking fee ranging from 6% to 12% of the total booking amount. In many instances, travelers have found that Vrbo’s fees are lower compared to Airbnb for similar properties.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Both platforms have received mixed reviews from users. On Trustpilot, both Airbnb and Vrbo have ratings around 1.3 out of 5 stars. However, individual experiences can vary, and many travelers continue to use both platforms without significant issues.
Conclusion
Choose Airbnb if you’re seeking a wide variety of accommodation types, including shared spaces or unique lodging options, and if you’re comfortable with a broader range of rental scenarios.
Opt for Vrbo if you prefer renting entire properties, especially when traveling with family or larger groups, and if you aim to potentially benefit from a more straightforward fee structure.
Alternative Platforms to Consider
For travelers seeking alternatives to Airbnb, several platforms offer unique features and benefits:
Booking.com
Renowned for its extensive international reach, Booking.com offers a wide array of accommodations, from hotels to vacation rentals, making it a versatile choice for travelers.
Vacasa
Providing professionally managed vacation rentals, Vacasa ensures consistent quality and local support, appealing to travelers seeking reliability.
Marriott Homes and Villas
Backed by the trusted Marriott brand, this platform offers luxury vacation rentals, allowing Marriott Bonvoy members to earn and redeem points.
HomeExchange
Facilitating home swaps, HomeExchange enables travelers to exchange homes with others worldwide, offering an affordable and immersive travel experience.
Fairbnb
As an ethically focused platform, Fairbnb donates a portion of its commission to community projects, appealing to socially conscious travelers.
Each of these platforms offers distinct advantages, allowing travelers to choose options that best align with their preferences and values.
Final Thoughts
The travel landscape is changing, and Airbnb is no longer the undisputed leader. Vrbo has carved out its own space by staying true to vacation homes and offering a more straightforward user experience. But the rise of alternatives suggests travelers are more willing than ever to shop around and demand better value.
At the end of the day, the “best” platform depends on what kind of traveler you are. If you’re a solo adventurer craving unique stays, Airbnb might still hold its charm. But if you’re a family, a group of friends, or someone who wants less hassle and clearer pricing, Vrbo may feel like a breath of fresh air.
What’s certain is that the short-term rental industry is entering a new phase — one where loyalty to a single platform is no longer guaranteed. Travelers have options, and in 2025, that freedom of choice is exactly what’s reshaping how we book our stays.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.