When it comes to Airbnb competitors for landlords, the world these days is not short on supply. VRBO is the most well-known competitor, but did you know that traditional booking sites that primarily focus on hotel bookings have now gotten into the short-term lets for private landlords market as well? If you have a short-term rental, it’s important to give yourself as many avenues to market as possible, including some of the new players in the market that you might be able to list. So, who are these Airbnb competitors, and are they really as good as the Godfather of short-term rentals, Airbnb? Let’s break it down below.
What are short-term rental platforms, and how do they work?
Short-term rental platforms are online marketplaces where property owners can list homes, apartments, or vacation properties for temporary stays. These platforms connect hosts (property owners or managers) with guests (travelers, vacationers, or business professionals) who need accommodations for anywhere from one night to a few months.
How do STR platforms work?
The process is fairly standardized across platforms, though each has its own unique features and rules. Here’s a general breakdown of how they work:
| Process | What happens |
|---|---|
| Listing your property | Hosts create a profile for each rental property, adding photos, descriptions, amenities, and pricing. Most platforms offer pricing tools that adjust rates automatically based on demand. |
| Guest browsing and booking | Guests browse available properties based on location, dates, price range, and desired amenities. When a guest books, the platform processes payment and holds funds until after check-in. |
| Communication and management | Most platforms offer built-in messaging so hosts and guests can communicate directly. Some platforms integrate with property management software for automated communication, check-in instructions, and calendar syncing. |
| Payments and fees | After check-in, platforms release the booking payment to the host, minus service fees. Hosts typically pay a flat fee per booking or a percentage of the reservation total. |
| Reviews and ratings | Both guests and hosts leave reviews after the stay, helping build credibility for future bookings. Some platforms also offer guest verification and background checks. |
| Tax and legal support | Many platforms automatically collect local occupancy taxes and issue year-end tax documents, which can simplify record-keeping. This data can also support cost segregation studies, helping landlords maximize tax deductions. |
What makes a good short-term rental platform for landlords?
Not all platforms work equally well for every landlord. Before choosing an Airbnb competitor, pay attention to the following:
- Platform fees: How much will you pay per booking? Are there hidden charges?
- Target audience: Does the platform specialize in vacationers, corporate travelers, or long-term guests?
- Host control: Can you set your own cancellation policies, deposits, and guest rules?
- Guest screening tools: Does the platform offer ID verification, background checks, or host review control?
- Integration options: Can the platform connect with property management software?
- Tax and reporting tools: Will the platform help you track income and expenses, which is essential for cost segregation studies?
Overview of the best Airbnb competitors
Airbnb might be the biggest name in short-term rentals, but it’s far from the only platform available to landlords. There have been several other companies and organizations that have jumped on the private landlord letting bandwagon. Several competitors offer unique advantages that fit different property types, guest preferences, and hosting styles. Some platforms focus on family vacations, others specialize in luxury properties, and a few cater to mid-term renters like traveling nurses or corporate professionals.
For landlords, listing on multiple platforms can improve booking rates, reduce reliance on a single source of income, and help attract a wider range of guests. Below are some of the most popular Airbnb competitors landlords should know about:
VRBO: The family-friendly alternative
Platform focus and typical guests
VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) primarily targets families and larger groups looking for entire home rentals. Remember, there is a truck driver shortage, so multiple bedroom homes that need furniture can cost. This focus sets VRBO apart from Airbnb, which also allows private room stays and shared spaces. Families booking on VRBO tend to look for multi-bedroom homes, properties with kitchens, backyards, and amenities like pools or game rooms.
Because VRBO markets itself as a whole-home platform, it appeals to guests who want more privacy, making it a strong choice for landlords offering larger properties rather than small apartments or individual rooms.
Fee structure for hosts
VRBO’s fees are relatively straightforward:
- Host service fee: 5% per booking
- Payment processing fee: 3%
Together, hosts pay about 8% in total fees per booking, which is slightly lower than Airbnb.
Pros and cons for landlords: is VRBO really worth it?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-established brand with high guest trust | Smaller global reach compared to Airbnb |
| Appeals to families, who often book longer stays | Primarily focused on vacation markets, limiting urban property appeal |
| Transparent pricing with no added guest service fees | Less flexibility for shared-space or private room rentals |
Best property types
- Vacation homes with 3+ bedrooms and multiple bathrooms
- Properties with family-friendly amenities (kitchens, outdoor spaces, game rooms)
- Large single-family homes in vacation destinations (beach towns, ski resorts, lakefront areas)
- Multi-unit properties catering to family reunions or group tripsBooking.com: Global reach with lots of volume
How important are fees? According to Charles Whitehead of PearlLemonProperties, there are some things that are worth considering:
In addition to the typical platform host charges, landlords have several other costs to consider when running short-term rentals. These include the cost of cleaning, which may depend on the property size and the turnover frequency. Maintenance costs also come into play. Things like routine repairs, landscaping, and pest control should be factored in.
Property insurance is also important because short-term rental companies cannot be completely insured under standard homeowner’s insurance. Taxes like occupancy taxes might be imposed based on municipal regulations, which might differ drastically from state to state.
Booking.com: Global reach with lots of volume
Platform focus and typical guests
Booking.com is one of the largest travel websites in the world, offering everything from hotels and hostels to private homes and vacation rentals. Chances are, you have seen one of their advertisements on television or online. Their sheer global scale makes them attractive to landlords in high-demand tourist destinations, especially urban hubs with strong international tourism.
Unlike Airbnb and VRBO, Booking.com’s guest base leans more toward shorter stays and international travelers looking for convenient, central locations rather than unique or character-filled homes. This makes it perfect for landlords with city apartments, but less suited for rustic vacation homes or luxury properties that rely on a curated guest experience.
Fee structure for hosts
- Host fee: 15% per booking (this is significantly higher than both Airbnb and VRBO)
Pros and cons for landlords: Is Booking.com worth the higher fees?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive global audience, with high exposure to international travelers | Highest host fees among major platforms at 15% |
| High visibility in search results for travelers booking stays in popular cities | Limited control over cancellation policies and guest screening |
| Works well with many property management systems for automated calendar syncing | Focused heavily on hotels and apartments, with less demand for unique rentals |
Best property types
- Urban apartments and condos
- Multi-unit buildings in high-traffic cities
- Properties near airports, convention centers, or major landmarks
- Boutique apartments in popular tourist areas
Hospitable.com: Automation and direct bookings
Platform focus and typical guests
Hospitable.com is not a booking platform but a powerful automation tool that helps landlords run direct bookings alongside listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. It’s designed for hands-on landlords who want to cut out middlemen, reduce platform fees, and build guest loyalty over time.
Since there’s no built-in guest traffic, Hospitable works best for landlords who already have strong visibility through their own marketing efforts or repeat guests.
Fee structure for hosts
- Monthly subscription: starts at $40 per month for 1-2 properties
Pros and cons for landlords: is Hospitable the right fit for you?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full control over pricing, policies, and guest experience | No built-in marketplace, meaning you have to find your own guests |
| No per-booking fees, only a fixed monthly subscription | Requires strong marketing skills or existing guest relationships |
| Keeps guest contact information, allowing for direct repeat bookings | Initial setup takes time, especially for hosts new to direct booking |
Best property types
- Vacation homes with repeat guests (annual visitors)
- Corporate housing for business travelers
- Destination rentals with loyal followings
- Properties managed by landlords building direct booking websites
Furnished finder: Ideal for mid-term rentals and traveling professionals
Platform focus and typical guests
Furnished Finder specializes in 30+ day stays, targeting travel nurses, corporate relocations, and other professionals who need temporary housing. The big difference between them in the others is the”professional traveler’ focus, and thus the properties will generally be ‘work friendly.’ The platform does not handle payments directly, but acts as a matchmaker between landlords and guests. This makes it very different from Airbnb, where the platform controls both the booking and payment process.
Furnished Finder attracts reliable renters who need furnished properties near hospitals, corporate offices, or project sites.
Fee structure for hosts
- Flat annual fee: $99 per listing
- No booking commissions
Pros and cons for landlords: Is Furnished Finder right for your rental strategy?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| targets reliable professionals, reducing risk of problematic guests | Slower booking flow than Airbnb or VRBO, especially for non-urban areas |
| no per-booking fees, just a single annual listing fee | Requires strong property descriptions and photos to stand out |
| longer stays mean fewer turnovers and lower management costs | Limited to mid-term rentals; not ideal for weekend stays or vacation markets |
Best property types
- Fully furnished apartments and condos
- Properties near hospitals, corporate campuses, or government facilities
- Rentals in medical hubs, tech corridors, or military base towns
- Units designed for mid-term stays (30+ days) with low turnover
Plum guide: the luxury niche platform
Platform focus and typical guests
Plum Guide focuses on high-end, design-forward homes that undergo a rigorous vetting process before being accepted. This invite-only model creates an exclusive, luxury experience, making Plum Guide attractive to affluent travelers who want unique, high-quality properties.
Because of this strict quality control, Plum Guide appeals to property owners who are confident in their design and hospitality standards.
Fee structure for hosts
- Host fee varies, but typically falls between 3% and 5% per booking
Pros and cons for landlords: Does Plum Guide match your property?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher nightly rates due to luxury positioning | Only accepts properties that pass a strict 150-point quality test |
| Prestige branding attracts high-end guests willing to pay a premium | Limited to upscale properties — not suitable for budget rentals |
| Lower competition, as fewer properties qualify for the platform | Some properties may require upgrades to meet Plum Guide standards |
Best property types
- Luxury vacation homes and villas
- High-end urban apartments
- Architecturally unique properties
- Designer rentals with premium amenities
Case study: how one landlord boosted income by diversifying across platforms
Maria owns four vacation rentals in Orlando, one of the most popular short-term rental markets in the U.S. Like many landlords, she started out listing exclusively on Airbnb, drawn in by the platform’s size and easy-to-use tools. For a few years, things went smoothly, but once that pesky pandemic hit, Maria saw firsthand how dangerous it can be to rely on a single platform. When COVID hit, Airbnb raised host fees, made cancellations easier for guests, and tightened its policies: all while competition surged as more homeowners flooded the platform. Maria’s profits shrank, and her income became unpredictable.
To protect her cash flow, Maria expanded to three additional platforms, each filling a different niche: VRBO for family bookings during peak seasons, Furnished Finder for mid-term stays from travel nurses, and Hospitable.com for direct bookings that bypassed platform fees entirely.
Understanding the results: how diversification paid off
Over the next year, Maria carefully tracked her bookings, nightly rates, average stay lengths, and host fees across all four channels. Here’s how the numbers broke down:
| Platform | Average Nightly Rate | Average Stay Length | Annual Bookings | Annual Host Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | $175 | 4 nights | 70 bookings | $3,675 |
| VRBO | $190 | 6 nights | 40 bookings | $1,520 |
| Furnished Finder | $140 | 30 nights | 10 bookings | $99 (flat annual fee) |
| Direct Bookings (Hospitable.com) | $165 | 5 nights | 20 bookings | $0 |
Bottom line: More is better when it comes to rental platforms
When consulting with any financial advisor or real estate professional, diversification is the name of the game, and it’s the same for individuals managing short-term rentals. Also, competition is always a good thing, and Airbnb’s pure dominance in the market could cause them to unilaterally raise fees for both hosts and guests with absolutely no repercussions. If you already have a successful Airbnb account that works well for your property, great, but do be aware that things can change, such as a pandemic, economic downturn, or even an algorithmic change as well.
FAQ
How many platforms should a landlord list on to maximize income?
There’s no single answer, but most landlords see the best results when they list on at least two or three platforms that target different guest types. For example, listing a vacation home on both VRBO and Airbnb covers traditional vacationers, while adding Furnished Finder captures mid-term professionals.
