Airbnb vs. VRBO: Which is Better for Owners?

If you're a short-term rental property owner, choosing the right platform can significantly impact your bookings, revenue, and overall experience. Many entering this space often consider Airbnb vs. VRBO: which is better for owners? Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) are two of the most popular platforms, but they cater to different audiences and operate under different models. In this guide, we'll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and help you decide which platform is better for your rental property.

TL;DR

Airbnb vs. VRBO: Which is better for owners? Airbnb offers more flexibility, allowing hosts to rent out entire homes, shared spaces, or even private rooms, and it attracts a diverse range of travelers. VRBO focuses solely on whole-home rentals, typically drawing longer stays and families. For high occupancy and flexibility, Airbnb is ideal. For fewer but longer bookings and less turnover, VRBO may be the better choice.

When it comes to fees, Airbnb charges hosts around 3% per booking (or 15% if the host covers all fees), while guests pay 14-20%. VRBO has slightly lower host fees at around 8% and guest fees between 6-12%, making it a more cost-effective option for many property owners. Many owners list on both platforms to maximize their reach.

1. Audience & Booking Preferences

Airbnb:

• Attracts a broad range of travelers, including solo travelers, business professionals, and vacationers.

• Listings include entire homes, private rooms, and even shared spaces.

• Strong appeal to budget-conscious guests, digital nomads, and younger travelers.

VRBO:

• Primarily attracts families and groups looking for full-home rentals.

• Only allows entire-home listings—no shared or private room options.

• Guests tend to book longer stays, reducing turnover.

Winner: If you want higher booking volume and a mix of guests, Airbnb is better. If you prefer family-oriented, longer stays, VRBO may be a better fit.

2. Fees & Pricing

Airbnb:

• Host fees: 3% (for most hosts) or 15% if a host pays the entire service fee.

• Guest fees: 14%–20%, which can make Airbnb rentals more expensive for travelers.

• Dynamic pricing tools: Airbnb offers built-in pricing recommendations based on demand and seasonality.

VRBO:

• Host fees: 5% commission + 3% payment processing fee (total of 8%).

• Guest fees: 6%–12%, typically lower than Airbnb’s fees.

• Annual subscription option: $499/year for unlimited bookings instead of paying per-booking fees.

Winner: VRBO has lower fees overall, making it more cost-effective for hosts in many cases.

3. Occupancy & Booking Volume

• Airbnb generally delivers higher booking volume due to its diverse audience and global brand recognition.

• VRBO sees fewer bookings per month but longer stays, meaning less turnover and cleaning.

Winner: If you prioritize maximizing occupancy, Airbnb wins. If you prefer fewer but longer stays, VRBO is better.

4. Cancellation Policies & Guest Expectations

• Airbnb offers multiple cancellation policies (Flexible, Moderate, Strict, etc.), with many guests preferring flexible options.

• VRBO allows owners to set cancellation terms, but many guests expect stricter policies.

• Airbnb hosts must be prepared for last-minute cancellations.

  
  

Winner: VRBO favors hosts more with stricter cancellation options and fewer last-minute changes.

5. Support & Host Protection

Airbnb:

• $3M AirCover protection for hosts against damages and liability.

• 24/7 customer support, but hosts report inconsistent experiences.

VRBO:

• $1M liability insurance coverage.

• Requires hosts to set their own damage deposit.

• Customer service is generally rated lower than Airbnb’s.

Winner: Airbnb offers stronger host protections with its $3M AirCover and responsive (though sometimes inconsistent) support.

6. Ease of Use & Management

• Airbnb’s interface is more user-friendly and offers an intuitive experience for new hosts.

• VRBO’s platform is simpler but lacks some advanced automation features.

• Both platforms integrate with channel managers for multi-platform listings.

Winner: Airbnb wins for ease of use and additional management features.

7. Airbnb vs. VRBO: Which Platform is Best for the Owner?

Final Verdict:

• List on Airbnb if you want higher occupancy and more booking flexibility.

• List on VRBO if you prefer fewer but longer bookings with family travelers.

• List on both to maximize exposure and revenue!

Conclusion

Choosing between Airbnb vs. VRBO depends on your property, management style, and income goals. Many hosts find success listing on both platforms to capture different segments of the market. If you're serious about short-term rental income, diversifying across platforms can help you increase visibility, optimize occupancy, and maximize revenue.

However, managing multiple listings across platforms can be time-consuming. At TruStay, we handle everything for you—including listing management on all major platforms, pricing optimization, guest communication, and data syncing across Airbnb, VRBO, and more. Our full-service management ensures your rental performs at its highest potential while you enjoy hassle-free passive income.

Ready to maximize your short-term rental revenue? Contact us today for a free consultation!