Top 10 Apps Like Airbnb: Best Alternatives for Vacation Rentals
Airbnb may be the king of short-term rentals with over 8 million listings worldwide across 220+ countries, but it’s not the only game in town. In fact, its dominance (an estimated 44% of the global short-term rental market as of 2024) hasn’t stopped travelers and hosts from seeking out other options.
Why? For one, the shine of Airbnb can wear off when confronted with high service fees or chores at checkout, nearly 46% of travelers have decided not to book a rental due to cleaning fees and similar add-ons. Additionally, some guests crave experiences Airbnb can’t always provide, whether it’s a rustic campsite under the stars or a luxury-vetted villa with hotel-level amenities.
The good news is that there are plenty of apps like Airbnb that cater to various needs and niches. From vacation rental platforms with loyalty programs to peer-to-peer car-sharing services (yes, “Airbnb for cars” is a thing), the alternatives are thriving.
This blog will explore 10 of the best Airbnb alternatives, what makes each unique, their key features, pros and cons, and who they’re best suited for. Plus, if you’re an entrepreneur wondering how to build an app like Airbnb yourself, keep in mind that success comes from understanding what users want. Many of these apps started by serving a specific demand Airbnb wasn’t meeting. With the right vision and perhaps the support of a professional Mobile app Development Company USA you could be on your way to creating the next big platform.
Now, let’s dive into the top 10 Airbnb alternatives and see how they compare.
10 Best Airbnb Alternatives (Apps Like Airbnb)
Whether you’re a traveler hunting for the perfect stay, a host looking to diversify, or an entrepreneur eyeing the booming rental market, these platforms offer a wealth of insights.
1. Vrbo – The Family-Friendly Airbnb Alternative
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is one of the oldest players in the home-rental game and a direct competitor to Airbnb. Now part of the Expedia Group, Vrbo focuses on whole-home rentals; you won’t find spare-room stays or couch-surfing here. With over 2 million properties listed globally, Vrbo offers everything from beach houses to mountain cabins, often catering to families and larger groups. In many ways, Vrbo is like the “Uber vs. Lyft” analogy, if Airbnb is Uber, Vrbo is the slightly smaller, but highly trusted Lyft of vacation rentals. If you’re inspired by platforms like Vrbo or Booking.com and want to launch your own niche rental marketplace, partnering with a Mobile App Development Company in Houston can help you replicate and scale such models
Features:
Entire Home Rentals Only: Vrbo specializes in full vacation homes, so renters get the whole property to themselves. This makes it ideal for families or groups seeking privacy and multiple bedrooms.
Robust Search Filters: Vrbo offers powerful filtering options – you can sort by user ratings, cleanliness, pet-friendliness and more. In fact, Vrbo’s filter and sort tools are often praised as more intuitive than Airbnb’s, helping you quickly find top-rated properties.
Loyalty Program (One Key): Vrbo participates in the One Key rewards program. Travelers earn 2% back in “OneKeyCash” on eligible bookings, redeemable across Vrbo, Expedia, and Hotels.com.
Transparent Pricing Tools: Vrbo’s interface includes a “total price” view that helps guests see the full cost upfront (including fees), avoiding surprises at checkout.
Family-Oriented Listings: Many Vrbo properties are geared toward family needs, think larger homes with kitchens, yards, and amenities like cribs or play areas.
Pros
- Entire home rentals with lots of space
- Lower guest fees on many bookings
- Loyalty rewards through the One Key program
Cons
- Fewer budget options (no shared rooms or cheap homestays)
- Less variety in unique stays (mostly traditional homes)
- Cancellation policies can be stricter/confusing
Best for: Vrbo is best for families and groups who want an entire property and a more traditional vacation rental experience. It’s also great for travelers who value loyalty rewards and a straightforward, hotel-like booking process.
2. Booking.com – A Global Travel Giant for Apartments & Homes
Booking.com is a household name for hotel bookings, but it’s also a powerhouse in vacation rentals. The platform has over 28 million total accommodation listings worldwide, including hotels, apartments, villas, and vacation homes. In recent years, Booking.com has aggressively expanded into Airbnb’s turf by adding homes and apartments (often called “Booking Homes”) alongside its hotel offerings. The experience of booking a home on Booking.com feels very much like booking a hotel: instant confirmation, clear policies, and a professional touch.
Features:
Massive Inventory: Booking.com’s sheer scale is a benefit as travelers can choose from an enormous range of places. This means you’re likely to find options on Booking.com even in less-traveled locations.
Instant Booking & Support: Like hotels, most vacation rentals on Booking.com are instantly bookable with a credit card, no host approval needed.
Filter by Property Type: The platform lets you filter searches for “Entire homes & apartments” separate from hotel rooms. You can also filter by amenities to find a home-like stay with hotel-like ease.
Travel Bundles and Perks: Because it’s an OTA, Booking.com sometimes offers package deals (flight + stay) or Genius loyalty discounts.
Pros
- Enormous selection (homes, hotels, etc. in one place)
- Easy, instant online booking (no approval wait)
- Competitive pricing due to high competition
Cons
- Less “personal” touch – many rentals feel like hotels
- Limited host interaction or local flavor (pro for some, con for others)
- Interface can be overwhelming with so many options at once
Best for: International travelers and hassle-free bookers will love Booking.com. It’s best for those who want a reliable, hotel-like booking experience for vacation homes, especially in cities or countries where Airbnb isn’t as prevalent.
3. Vacasa – Professionally Managed Vacation Homes
Vacasa stands out by offering vacation rentals with a full-service property management twist. Instead of simply listing owner-managed homes, Vacasa partners with homeowners to professionally manage everything. Vacasa has become the largest vacation rental management company in the U.S. It’s like the convenience of a hotel chain merged with the space and uniqueness of private homes. To achieve this level of seamless guest experience, startups often rely on a Mobile App Development Company San Francisco given the city’s expertise in building hospitality-focused tech platforms.
Features:
High Quality & Consistency: Vacasa homes must meet strict standards. The company performs rigorous inspections and cleaning protocols, so the experience is consistent.
Tech-Enabled Easy Stays: Vacasa’s robust mobile app and web portal make the guest experience seamless.
Loyalty & Points Integration: Unique among rental platforms, Vacasa has partnerships that let you book Vacasa homes with hotel or credit card points.
Local Expertise: Vacasa maintains local staff in the destinations it serves, giving it a bit of “hometown flair.”
Pros
- Professionally cleaned, inspected homes (reliable quality)
- 24/7 guest support and local managers
- Can earn/use points via partner programs
Cons
- Smaller inventory – ~40k homes vs millions on Airbnb
- Primarily in North America (limited options in Europe/Asia)
- Less direct interaction with owners (feels closer to a hotel)
Best for: Vacasa is best for travelers who crave consistency and service. If you love the idea of a vacation home but worry about flaky hosts or inconsistent quality, Vacasa provides peace of mind.
4. Plum Guide – Curated Luxury Rentals for Discerning Guests
Think of Plum Guide as the Michelin Guide of vacation rentals. This London-based platform curates a collection of the world’s best homes, accepting only a small fraction of those that apply. With over 30,000 handpicked properties in 500+ locations across 29 countries, Plum Guide offers a sharply vetted selection of luxury apartments, townhouses, and villas that you can book with confidence. If you’re considering creating your own platform, working with a Mobile App Development Company New York ensures access to enterprise-grade design and development talent to bring your vision to life.
Features:
Rigorous Vetting (“Plum Award”): Every home on Plum Guide undergoes a strict evaluation for design, cleanliness, comfort, and even things like shower pressure and quality of linens.
Expertly Curated Experiences: The platform often provides detailed descriptions and insider neighborhood info written by travel experts. The focus is on matching picky, quality-conscious travelers with their ideal rental.
Multiple Price Points (All High-Quality): While Plum Guide targets high-end stays, not every home is a penthouse or mansion. You’ll find a range from chic studios to sprawling villas, but all share that stamp of quality.
Service & Support: Plum Guide offers concierge-style customer service to assist with bookings or issues, aligning with the expectations of luxury travelers.
Pros
- Top 3% homes only, vetted for design, comfort, etc.
- Consistent, luxury-level quality across all listings
- Detailed, trustworthy listings with no bad surprises
Cons
- Smaller catalog (tens of thousands vs millions on larger sites)
- Higher price range on average (quality comes at a premium)
- Limited presence in some locations (focus on major cities & resorts)
Best for: Plum Guide is best for discerning travelers and luxury seekers. If you’re the type who normally spends hours combing Airbnb for that one perfect gem, or you have a special trip, Plum Guide does the hard work for you.
5. Hipcamp – Airbnb for Camping & Outdoor Stays
For nature lovers and campers, Hipcamp is a game-changer, often dubbed the “Airbnb of camping.” Hipcamp opens up private lands for camping, glamping, and RV stays, connecting travelers with unique outdoor accommodations. Whether it’s a tent site on a family farm, a yurt in the woods, or a cabin by a lake, Hipcamp’s platform likely has it. The service boasts over 120,000 campsites and unique outdoor stays that you won’t find anywhere else, as well as access to public campgrounds, all bookable in one app.
Features:
Unique Outdoor Listings: Hipcamp offers tent sites, RV spots, glamping tents, treehouses, cabins, and more on private property.
Community & Safety Focus: The platform emphasizes safe, respectful camping. Hosts often provide guidance on site rules, wildlife, and emergency info.
Robust Search Filters for Nature: You can filter Hipcamp listings by the activities or ambiance you want like “fishing,” “hiking,” “stargazing,” or amenities such as toilets, showers, pet-friendly, etc.
Affordability: Many Hipcamp sites are relatively low-cost (some as low as $20–$30/night for basic tent spots) compared to hotels or even Airbnb rooms.
Mobile App for On-the-Go: Campers are frequently on the road, and Hipcamp’s app reflects that. It works offline to show your booking details, handy when you’re far out of cell range.
Pros
- Access to unique private campsites and cabins
- Emphasis on safety, privacy, and respectful camping
- Affordable way to stay immersed in nature
Cons
- Some locations are very remote & can lack amenities or cell service
- Coverage varies by region (very strong in U.S., expanding elsewhere)
- Limited to outdoor-focused travelers (not for urban trips)
Best for: Hipcamp is best for campers, road-trippers, and adventure seekers. If your ideal getaway involves a campfire under the stars or waking up to birdsong, this platform is for you.
6. Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy – Vacation Rentals with Hotel Benefits
When a world-leading hotel brand enters the home rental space, you get Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott’s platform offers a curated selection of premium and luxury whole-home rentals, all managed by professional property management companies and vetted by Marriott’s quality standards. Since launching in 2019, Homes & Villas has grown to 140,000+ properties in over 800 destinations worldwide. They range from urban apartments to beachfront villas, each one hand-picked for quality and serviced like a high-end hotel residence.
Features:
Marriott Bonvoy Integration: One of the biggest draws, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points when booking these rentals.
Quality Assurance by Marriott: All homes are vetted for Marriott-level standards. Expect hotel-quality linens, amenities, Wi-Fi, and welcome packs.
Consistent Service: Unlike typical peer-to-peer rentals, here you’ll often get services like professional cleaning, 24/7 support via Marriott or the property manager, and sometimes extras like concierge services.
Bonvoy Elite Benefits: In some cases, Marriott Bonvoy elite members may get little perks (like late check-out, welcome amenities, or a dedicated support line) when booking Homes & Villas, similar to hotel stays.
Pros
- Backed by a trusted hotel brand (Marriott), reliability
- Earn and use Marriott Bonvoy points on rentals
- High-quality homes with professional management
Cons
- Smaller inventory compared to open platforms (quality over quantity)
- Generally higher prices (premium/luxury segment of the market)
- Fewer quirky or ultra-budget options, skewed to upscale
Best for: Homes & Villas is best for luxury and loyalty-focused travelers. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member or simply someone who trusts hotel brands more than individual hosts, this platform is a perfect fit.
7. Sonder – Hotel-Style Apartments for the Modern Traveler
Sonder offers a hybrid between hotels and Airbnbs. This company leases, designs, and manages its own portfolio of furnished apartments and boutique hotel-style properties. It means when you book a Sonder, you’re staying in a space operated entirely by Sonder, not a private host. With over 9,000 units in 40+ cities worldwide (10 countries), Sonder has grown rapidly by appealing to travelers who want the consistency of a hotel and the space and character of an apartment. Imagine Airbnb homes that all went through a slick IKEA catalog makeover and are run by a hospitality startup – that’s Sonder.
Features:
Consistency & Design: Walk into any Sonder and you’ll notice a common aesthetic: modern, minimalist decor with local flair. They outfit each unit with quality furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, premium toiletries, and crisp linens.
Contactless Check-In: Sonder pioneered tech-forward hospitality. Guests receive digital check-in instructions, keycodes or app-based locks, and can often check themselves in without ever dealing with a front desk or host.
On-Demand Service: Need extra towels or a repair? Sonder units usually have a quick-response support team reachable by text or the Sonder app 24/7.
Hotel Amenities in a Home: Many Sonder buildings have amenities like a concierge, luggage storage, fitness centers, or pools, especially in properties that are hotel-residence hybrids.
Pros
- Stylish, hotel-quality apartments (curated design)
- Reliable amenities and cleanliness across all units
- Easy self check-in and app-based customer service
Cons
- Limited locations (major cities and a few resort areas only)
- No personal host experience – can feel a bit impersonal
- Fewer unique home types (all units have a similar modern vibe)
Best for: Sonder is best for urban travelers, business travelers, and anyone who values predictability. If you’re tired of the variability of Airbnbs, the key handoff rituals, and the host idiosyncrasies, Sonder provides a refreshingly smooth alternative.
8. Agoda Homes – Budget-Friendly Rentals (Especially in Asia)
Agoda is a major online travel agency under Booking Holdings (the same family as Booking.com), and it’s particularly popular in Asia. While known for hotels, Agoda also offers a growing selection of vacation rentals and private homes through its Agoda Homes section. With a presence in 200+ countries and millions of properties, Agoda brings extensive reach and often lower prices, thanks to its focus on deals and discounts. It’s a strong Airbnb alternative for finding apartments or houses in Asia-Pacific destinations, as well as worldwide, often at very competitive rates.
Features:
Huge Global Network with Asian Emphasis: Agoda lists over 2 million properties globally, including hotels and homes, but it’s especially robust in Asia.
Budget Deals and “Secret” Discounts: Agoda is known for its deals. They have things like Secret Deals, coupons, and limited-time promotions that can make stays cheaper than on other platforms.
Multilingual, Multicurrency Convenience: Agoda supports 38 languages and 16+ currencies, with customer support in many languages. The interface is friendly for international users.
Integrated Travel Services: Through Agoda, you can also book flights or ground transport, making it a one-stop shop for trip planning. They even have an option to bundle flight + hotel/home for savings.
Pros
- Often cheaper rates and deals, especially in Asia
- Multilingual support and currency options for ease
- Part of a trusted OTA (with customer support backup)
Cons
- Focused on whole-unit rentals, no shared room options
- Less direct host interaction/community feel
- Cancellation policies vary (read fine print; some are strict)
Best for: Agoda is best for travelers in Asia or those hunting for a bargain. If you’re visiting Southeast Asia, for instance, Agoda might surface homestays, condos, or villas that aren’t listed on Airbnb.
9. TripAdvisor Rentals (FlipKey) – Vacation Rentals with a Review Edge
TripAdvisor, the giant of travel reviews, also dips into vacation rentals through its platform sometimes referred to as TripAdvisor Rentals (formerly FlipKey). Rather than being a direct booking platform with its own inventory, TripAdvisor often serves as a metasearch for rentals – you find a property on TripAdvisor and it redirects you to partner sites (like Vrbo, Booking.com, or others) to book. However, some listings (like those via FlipKey or house owners) can be booked within TripAdvisor’s system. The key advantage here is the wealth of reviews and the ability to compare options across multiple rental sites in one place.
Features:
- Massive Review Database: TripAdvisor’s core strength is reviews, with over 1 billion user reviews for accommodations, restaurants, attractions, etc.
- Comparative Meta-Search: Searching “vacation rentals in X” on TripAdvisor might show you results from multiple sources side by side.
- FlipKey Integration: FlipKey, one of the early Airbnb competitors, is owned by TripAdvisor and its listings are part of the TripAdvisor Rentals pool.
- Trust and Safety Filters: TripAdvisor, by aggregating listings, allows you to use its filters and see credibility indicators.
- Travel Community Q&A: A unique TripAdvisor element: for many destinations or even specific listings, there are Q&A sections or forums.
Pros
- Leverages TripAdvisor’s huge review base for rentals
- Access to FlipKey’s established vacation rental listings
- Backed by TripAdvisor’s trusted brand and support
Cons
- Booking is not always direct, often redirects to other sites
- Limited unique inventory (mostly overlaps with other platforms)
- Payment/cancellation terms depend on external partner sites
Best for: TripAdvisor Rentals is best for travelers who are research-obsessed and review-hungry. If you like to compare your options extensively and read plenty of reviews before choosing a place, using TripAdvisor as a starting point makes sense.
10. Turo – Airbnb for Car Rentals
Not a house or apartment, but deserving of a spot on this list for its innovative spin on peer-to-peer sharing: Turo is essentially “Airbnb for cars.” If you need a vehicle on your travels, Turo lets you rent cars directly from local owners instead of traditional car rental agencies. Operating in over 5,500 cities across 56 countries. With more than 360,000 active vehicle listings on the platform, it’s a serious alternative to Hertz or Enterprise, and a unique extension of the sharing economy concept.
Features:
Wide Variety of Vehicles: Turo hosts list all sorts of vehicles, you can find affordable commuter sedans, fancy sports cars, roomy SUVs, camper vans, and even rare or vintage models.
Local Pick-Up & Delivery: Many Turo hosts offer convenient pick-up options. You might pick up the car from the owner’s driveway, or they may deliver it to your location.
Cost-Competitive: Without the overhead of rental companies, Turo prices can be quite attractive. Often, you’ll find a better deal on Turo, especially for longer rentals.
Insurance Coverage Options: Turo provides insurance protection plans for renters and hosts. When you book, you choose a coverage level from minimal liability to comprehensive.
Pros
- Unique car selection (from practical to exotic)
- Often better prices and flexible rental terms
- Great for specialty needs (one-way trips, moving, test-driving a model)
Cons
- Vehicle availability varies a lot by location – big cities have more choices
- Insurance and fees can add up (read the fine print on coverage)
- Hosts’ reliability can differ (cancellations, etc., though rare and penalized)
Best for: Turo is best for travelers who need wheels and want something different from the standard rental experience. If you’re on a trip where having a car will level up your exploration, Turo can enhance that experience.
How to Choose the Right Airbnb Alternative
With so many alternatives to Airbnb, how do you pick the platform (or platforms) that are right for your needs? Here are some tips to narrow it down:
1. Identify Your Travel Priorities
Start by defining what matters: authenticity, unique locations, or the cheapest stay? Platforms cater to different goals. Airbnb or Plum Guide are great for unique, local experiences. Booking.com or Sonder suit travelers seeking hotel-style stays. Families might prefer Vrbo or Vacasa for space, while budget travelers may choose Agoda Homes or Hostelworld. Match your preferences (price, style, location, amenities) to platform strengths to quickly eliminate mismatches.
2. Check Inventory and Coverage
Not all platforms have listings where you're headed. Some specialize by region: Hipcamp excels in the US, Canada, and Australia for camping. Agoda thrives in Asia; Vacasa focuses on North America. Searching your destination on each platform helps gauge inventory. Some apps may have rich options in one city and almost none in another. More listings usually mean better prices and choices.
3. Consider Safety and Support
Safety and support matter—especially off the beaten path. Platforms like Vacasa or Marriott Homes & Villas offer 24/7 support and professional management. Nervous about peer-to-peer rentals? Choose services with strong help options like Booking.com or TripAdvisor. Understand what happens when issues arise Airbnb’s Host Guarantee, Vrbo’s insurance, or refund policies. Look for features like verified reviews or ID-masking. Plum Guide’s strict vetting is great for avoiding scams. Choose what makes you feel secure.
4. Read Reviews and Policies
Once you shortlist listings, dig into reviews and policies. Cancellation rules vary: Airbnb/Vrbo hosts often set their own, while Booking.com offers hotel-like terms. TripAdvisor may redirect to stricter third-party terms. Read recent reviews of each property. Consistent issues are red flags. Also note how hosts respond, professional replies show care. Treat this like any big purchase: research the home and the platform before booking.
5. Factor in Loyalty and Future Plans
Frequent travelers should think long-term. Booking.com and Agoda offer loyalty discounts; Marriott and Vrbo have point systems. Airbnb doesn’t—but might align with your hosting or travel style. Some prefer niche communities (Couchsurfing, home swaps), others want convenience. Choose what fits your travel ethos for better trips now and in the future.
Build an App Like Airbnb with Appicoders
The rise of Airbnb alternatives proves one thing clearly: the on-demand rental economy is thriving, and there’s plenty of room for innovation. Whether it’s niche platforms like Hipcamp for outdoor stays or disruptive models like Turo for cars, these success stories highlight how entrepreneurs can capture opportunities by solving unmet needs in the market. If you’re inspired to create the next big rental platform, whether for homes, cars, experiences, or entirely new niches, you need more than just an idea. You need the right technology partner to bring it to life.
That’s where Appicoders comes in, a leading Mobile App Development Company USA that specializes in building scalable, secure, and user-friendly marketplace apps. From ideation to launch, we guide you through every step of creating an app like Airbnb that not only matches industry standards but also stands out with unique features.
Why Build Your Airbnb-Like App with Appicoders?
Custom Design & Branding: Tailored UI/UX that captures your brand identity and delights users.
End-to-End Development: From MVP to full-scale product, we cover iOS, Android, and web.
Robust Tech Stack: Expertise in scalable architectures, real-time booking systems, and secure payments.
Feature-Rich Platforms: Advanced search filters, geolocation, ratings & reviews, loyalty systems, and more.
Niche-Specific Solutions: Whether it’s housing, car rentals, or unique experiences, we customize features for your audience.
Global Compliance & Security: Ensuring your platform meets international standards for data protection and payment security.
Ready to turn your idea into the next disruptive platform? Let’s build your Airbnb-like app together. Connect with app development experts at Appicoders.
