Founded in 2008, Airbnb has become a global leader in the short-term rental space, operating across more than 220 countries and over 100,000 cities and towns. By 2023, the platform had facilitated an impressive 448 million bookings, generating a gross booking value of $73.3 billion.
Airbnb’s growth trajectory has been remarkable. By 2024, it had over 8 million active listings globally, up from 7.7 million in 2023 and 6.6 million in 2022. In the US travel app market, Airbnb ranks as the third-largest player, holding a 17% market share, trailing closely behind Expedia (19.3%) and Booking.com (17.4%). [1]
While Airbnb is undeniably popular, it is often considered expensive. In some instances, service fees can exceed 20%, adding significantly to the total cost. In high-demand destinations, prices tend to soar, and availability can become limited. Plus, the platform’s saturation with listings sometimes makes maintaining consistent quality a challenge.
Alternative platforms may cater better to specific preferences, such as pet-friendly stays or eco-friendly options. In the following section, I highlight top Airbnb competitors that offer unique features at reasonable pricing or specialized accommodations to suit diverse traveler needs.
Did you know?A study by NerdWallet revealed that Airbnb rentals may not always be cost-effective, particularly for solo travelers and couples. While the average Airbnb for a group of six was 33% cheaper than booking three hotel rooms, hotels were, on average, 29% less expensive than renting an Airbnb for two people. [2]
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17. Hostelworld
Founded: 1999Number of Listings: 17,800+
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Competitive Edge: Concentrates exclusively on hostels and young travelers
Hostelworld is a global online booking platform offering budget accommodations, including hostels and guesthouses. It primarily targets backpackers, solo travelers, and those seeking shared spaces and opportunities for social interactions.
Hostelworld’s app-centric ‘social’ strategy facilitates connections among travelers, fostering a vibrant sense of community and enriching the overall travel experience. This approach has contributed to increased market share and a steady stream of repeat business.
In 2023, Hostelworld delivered strong financial and strategic growth, reporting a record revenue of €93.3 million, a significant increase from €69.7 million in the previous year. Its focus on a ‘social’ travel experience has resonated strongly with its audience, with young solo travelers making up 61% of its customer base. [3]
16. Vacasa
Founded: 2009Number of Listings: 41,800+
Headquarters: Oregon, US
Competitive Edge: Utilizes advanced data analytics to optimize pricing
Vacasa is a leading full-service vacation rental management company that combines technology, professional property management, and marketing to ensure seamless experiences for both homeowners and guests. It has a strong presence in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
The company charges homeowners 20-35% of the rental income as a management fee, while guests pay service fees, typically ranging from 5-15% of the booking cost.
Vacasa facilitates over 3 million bookings annually and, in 2023, generated $1.11 billion in revenue with a gross profit of $598 million. In 2024, the company announced plans to merge with Casago, a privately-held vacation rental property management firm. This strategic merger aims to strengthen Vacasa’s market presence across North America. [4][5]
15. Outdoorsy
Founded: 2015This 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 fits 2 guests and has a custom memory foam mattress, spacious bamboo countertops, a two-burner propane stove, and portable toilet. This pet-friendly van comes with everything you need for an epic outdoor road trip.https://t.co/46j65qZI8n pic.twitter.com/QIw9wtjAkB
— Outdoorsy (@Outdoorsy) January 3, 2025
Number of Listings: 25,000+ rentals
Headquarters: Texas, US
Competitive Edge: Extensive insurance options and 24/7 roadside assistance
Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer marketplace that allows owners to rent out their RVs, campervans, motorhomes, and travel trailers to travelers. It is often referred to as the “Airbnb of RVs” and is one of the largest in the RV rental market.
The platform offers over 25,000 unique rentals across more than 4,800 cities in 14 countries, with a strong presence in the United States, Canada, and Australia. To date, Outdoorsy customers have collectively driven over 250 million miles, with 92% of users rating the platform between 4 and 5 stars (out of 5 stars). [6]
The company charges RV owners a 20% commission on bookings and up to 25% service fees for renters. Average rental costs range from $50 to $300 per night, depending on the type of vehicle and amenities.
14. HomeExchange
Founded: 1992Number of Listings: 360,000+ homes
Headquarters: Massachusetts, US
Competitive Edge: Eliminates accommodation costs
As the name suggests, HomeExchange is a home-swapping platform that allows members to exchange their homes with others for vacation stays without monetary transactions. It caters to travelers who value cultural exchange, affordability, and the opportunity to experience destinations like a local.
The company employs a membership-based model, where members pay an annual subscription fee of $220 to access unlimited home exchanges. Once subscribed, no additional fees are required for each exchange. [7]
The platform allows for both simultaneous exchanges (both parties stay in each other’s homes) and non-simultaneous exchanges (stays don’t overlap). In the latter arrangement, members earn GuestPoints by hosting travelers in their homes and can spend these points to stay in other members’ homes at different times.
In 2023, HomeExchange expanded its market presence by acquiring competitor Love Home Swap. Today, with over 200,000 members and more than 360,000 homes in 145 countries, HomeExchange is one of the largest platforms of its kind.
13. Evolve Vacation Rental
Number of Listings: 30,000+ properties
Headquarters: Colorado, US
Competitive Edge: Low fees for homeowners
Evolve Vacation Rental features a diverse array of properties, ranging from homes with pools and mountain-view residences to waterfront and beachfront properties. It has established a robust presence in premier vacation destinations across the United States, including Florida, California, Colorado, and Hawaii.
For homeowners, the company charges a flat 10% management fee, significantly lower than traditional property management services. They handle everything, from marketing and booking management to customer support, all aimed at maximizing rental income and providing peace of mind.
In 2023, the company made a strategic shift to a new phase, termed “Evolve 3.0,” prioritizing improved customer experiences through AI integration and workforce augmentation partnerships. As part of this initiative, they collaborated with bnbfinder, a platform specializing in professionally managed vacation rentals, to expand booking options for travelers seeking well-vetted accommodations. [8]
12. Hipcamp
Number of Listings: 500,000+ outdoor stays
Headquarters: California, US
Competitive Edge: Nature-focused experiences
Founded in 2013, Hipcamp has quickly grown to become the “Airbnb for camping,” offering an extensive range of outdoor stays, including private lands, public parks, and unique accommodations like yurts and treehouses.
Hipcamp has unlocked access to over 5 million acres of private land by empowering landowners to list their properties. Impressively, nearly 90% of these listings are exclusive to the platform. [9]
Active hosts on Hipcamp enjoy significant earning potential, with the top performers making over $100,000 annually and the average active host earning between $8,000 and $15,000 a year. Hosts offering affordable tent camping options (priced under $75 per night) generate the most.
The company targets nature lovers, families, and individuals seeking off-grid or eco-conscious travel experiences. They have a strong presence in North America and Australia, with a growing reach in Europe.
11. Hopper
Founded: 2007Number of Listings: 2 million+
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
Competitive Edge: Data-driven insights and price prediction algorithms
Hopper is a travel aggregator and booking platform that uses advanced predictive analytics and AI to help users find the best prices for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation homes. It targets budget-conscious travelers who prioritize affordability and timing, as well as users seeking an app that simplifies travel planning and booking.
Hopper’s competitive edge lies in its use of data-driven insights and price prediction algorithms to inform users when to book for the best deals. The company’s data advantage is significant, processing over 400 million search result sets and 20 billion priced itineraries daily. [10]
To date, the Hopper app has assisted over 100 million travelers in securing the best prices on flights, homes, hotels, and car rentals. More than half of the company’s total revenue comes from fees generated by its fintech offerings, including “Price Drop Guarantee,” “Instant Travel Refund Promise,” and “VIP Customer Service.”
10. Glamping Hub
Number of Listings: 25,000+
Headquarters: Seville, Spain,
Competitive Edge: Focuses exclusively on luxury outdoor accommodations
Glamping Hub is a niche online booking platform that connects travelers with unique outdoor accommodations, blending the allure of camping with modern comforts—a concept known as “glamping.”
It offers unique lodging options like treehouses, safari tents, domes, cabins, and yurts, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors with modern comforts. This platform appeals to travelers seeking an alternative to conventional hotels or vacation rentals, focusing on sustainability, eco-friendliness, and unique experiences.
The company charges a 4% fee to hosts and a 6-20% fee to guests for every booking made through its platform. The service fee percentage decreases as the guest’s booking subtotal increases, offering better value for higher-spending guests. [11]
9. Sonder
Founded: 2014Number of Listings: 9,000+ units
Headquarters: California, US
Competitive Edge: Its tech-forward approach
Sonder is a tech-driven hospitality company that manages a portfolio of apartment-style accommodations. Originally founded in Montreal, Canada, the company has relocated its headquarters to San Francisco, California.
Unlike traditional vacation rental platforms, Sonder directly leases and manages its properties, ensuring consistent standards and streamlined services for travelers. Notably, it is the largest host on Airbnb, despite operating as a competitor by leasing and managing its own rentals.
The company offers sleek, modern properties equipped with amenities like full kitchens and workspaces, catering to both leisure and business travelers. It integrates self-check-in technology, 24/7 virtual support, and smart property management systems to decrease operational costs and enhance the guest experience.
Sonder has over 9,000 units listed in more than 40 cities across 10 countries, serving over 1 million guests to date. In FY 2024, the company generated approximately $620 million in revenue, up from $603 million in 2023 and $460 million in 2022. [12][13]
8. Onefinestay
Founded: 2009Number of Listings: 4,500+ one-of-a-kind private homes
Headquarters: London, UK
Competitive Edge: Every property is handpicked & meticulously maintained
Onefinestay is a premium vacation rental service specializing in luxury homes, villas, and apartments in some of the most desirable cities and destinations worldwide. Most of its properties feature high-end amenities like private pools, designer furnishings, and distinctive architectural designs. [14]
In 2016, Onefinestay was acquired by the French hospitality giant AccorHotels. Today, it distinguishes itself with its focus on bespoke hospitality services, including 24/7 concierge support, professional housekeeping, and access to personal chefs.
In recent years, the company has increased its presence in popular vacation spots like Maldives and Provence to meet the growing demand for luxury holiday stays. It emphasizes hyper-personalization, striving to tailor experiences to individual guest preferences. It has also partnered with eco-conscious homeowners and promoted green travel practices within its portfolio.
7. FlipKey
Founded: 2007Number of Listings: 830,000+ properties
Headquarters: Massachusetts, US
Competitive Edge: Intuitive search and booking process
FlipKey, part of the TripAdvisor ecosystem, is a vacation rental platform that provides a diverse range of properties for short-term stays. It emphasizes personalized experiences, offering everything from budget-friendly homes to luxury accommodations.
The company operates on a commission-based model, charging service fees to both hosts and guests for each booking facilitated through its platform. The service fee for hosts is approximately 3% of the booking amount, while guests typically pay around 14% of the booking subtotal.
FlipKey’s integration with TripAdvisor offers users access to millions of traveler reviews, enabling them to make well-informed decisions. The platform has established a strong presence in key markets, including the U.S., Europe, and the Asia-Pacific regions.
6. 9flats
Founded: 2011Number of Listings: 6 million+
Headquarters: Singapore
Competitive Edge: Strong presence in European markets
9flats is a peer-to-peer accommodation platform that connects travelers with hosts offering short-term rentals, including houses, apartments, and unique spaces. It offers more than 6 million accommodations across 100+ countries.
The platform caters to budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable alternatives to hotels, as well as hosts looking to monetize unused spaces. It charges travelers a service fee ranging from 6% to 15% and takes a 15% commission from hosts on each booking. To ensure peace of mind, hosts are also offered free liability insurance.
In 2016, 9flats merged with Wimdu, another vacation rental platform, to strengthen its market presence in Europe. The two platforms now operate under the same management. [15]
5. Couchsurfing
Founded: 2004Number of Users: 14 million+
Headquarters: California, US
Competitive Edge: Free accommodations
Couchsurfing is a social networking platform that connects travelers with hosts who offer free accommodations, usually a couch or spare room in their home. The platform promotes community-building, cultural exchange, and a unique travel experience based on hospitality rather than monetary transactions. It is popular among budget travelers and backpackers.
Although hosts are not allowed to charge for lodging, users in certain countries are required to pay a fee to access the platform. In 2020, Couchsurfing implemented a mandatory subscription fee that costs about $2.39 per month or $14.29 annually to cover operational costs.
Unlike traditional accommodation platforms, Couchsurfing gives a unique opportunity to engage with locals and gain authentic experiences without financial transactions. It operates in over 200,00 cities, fostering an international community of about 14 million people. [16]
4. Plum Guide
Founded: 2016Number of Listings: 40,000+ homes
Headquarters: London, UK
Competitive Edge: Stringent vetting process that involves a 150-point inspection
Plum Guide is a high-end vacation rental platform specializing in luxury homes. It differentiates itself from other platforms by offering only properties that pass its rigorous “Plum Test, a unique 150-point vetting process that evaluates properties on design, amenities, location, comfort, and more. Only 3% of properties that apply to be listed on Plum Guide are accepted following this vetting process.
Unlike Airbnb’s vast inventory, Plum Guide focuses on a smaller number of exceptional properties. It targets high-income individuals, families, and groups seeking premium, high-end accommodations. [17]
In 2023, Plum Guide partnered with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) to improve its loyalty program. This collaboration broadens accommodation options for GHA members, offering access to both curated vacation homes and top hotel amenities.
3. Booking.com
Number of Listings: 29 million+
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Competitive Edge: Unmatched availability in diverse locations
Booking.com, a subsidiary of Booking Holdings, is one of the world’s largest online travel agencies. It offers a broad range of accommodations, including vacation rentals, hostels, hotels, and unique stays, along with additional travel services like flights and car rentals.
Users can book accommodations with free cancellation policies for most properties. In fact, many properties offer no prepayment options, providing financial flexibility. Since 2010, Booking.com has hosted over 4.5 billion guest arrivals across all property types, including more than 1 billion guest stays in alternative accommodations such as homes and apartments. [18]
Booking.com utilizes AI and advanced data analytics to offer personalized location recommendations and create a seamless booking experience. Available in 45 languages, the platform is supported by exceptional 24/7 customer service, ensuring users can access assistance whenever needed.
2. Expedia
Founded: 1996Number of Listings: 3 million+
Headquarters: Washington, US
Competitive Edge: Offers everything from flights and hotels to travel experiences
Expedia is the second-largest online travel agency in the world, just behind Booking Holdings. It is known for its comprehensive travel services, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Expedia.com, Vrbo, Hotels.com, Orbitz, Travelocity, and others.
Expedia negotiates room rates directly with hotels, sells them at a markup, and retains the difference. In 2023, the Expedia Group employed over 17,100 people and generated $12.8 billion in revenue, with a net income of $688 million. Approximately 60% of its total revenue came from the United States. [19]
In 2024, Expedia underwent leadership changes, with CEO Peter Kern departing and Ariane Gorin stepping in as the new CEO. The company has been focusing on increasing market share and improving efficiency.
1. Vrbo
Founded: 1995Number of Listings: 2 million+ whole homes
Headquarters: Texas, US
Competitive Edge: Exclusively offers entire properties
Vrbo, short for Vacation Rentals by Owner, is an online marketplace that connects property owners with travelers. It primarily focuses on entire properties, such as vacation homes, chalets, and villas, catering to groups and families looking for private accommodations.
The platform offers filters and features specifically tailored for families, such as pet-friendly homes, cribs, kitchens, and pools. And since it’s a part of the Expedia Group, it leverages Expedia’s extensive travel ecosystem to reach a broader audience and integrate travel services like flights and car rentals.
However, Airbnb has a more extensive global presence, with approximately four times more listings than Vrbo. Airbnb lists 89% of global short-term rental properties on its platform, while Vrbo lists 27%. Despite this, Vrbo remains a strong contender, particularly for customers who prioritize privacy and family-friendly amenities. [20]
Read More
Sources Cited and Additional References- Fast facts, 8 million+ active listings worldwide, Airbnb
- Sally French, Are Airbnbs more cost-effective than hotels? NerdWallet
- Investors, 2023 was a year of improved financial performance, Hostelworld
- Annual Report, Vacasa’s financial conditions and results of operations, SEC
- News, Premier vacation rental brands Casago and Vacasa announce strategic merger, BusinessWire
- Fast facts, The company has 25,000+ unique rentals in over 4,800 cities, Outdoorsy
- Membership benefits, Access to over 200,000 members’ homes, HomeExchange
- News, bnbfinder Partners with Evolve, PRNewswire
- Alyssa Ravasio, 10 years of hipcamping, Hipcamp
- Power List, Hopper’s sales and ranking, Travel Weekly
- FAQs, What is the Glamping Hub service fee?, Glamping Hub
- About Page, Building the future of hospitality, Sonder
- Company Highlights, Revenue for Sonder Holdings, CompaniesMarketCap
- Travel Partners, We have 4,500 one-of-a-kind private homes and villas, Onefinestay
- Company Highlights, 9flats’ financials and acquisitions, Crunchbase
- About Page, Couchsurfing connects members to a global community of travelers, Couchsurfing
- Plum Guide vs Airbnb, Discover the key differences, Plum Guide
- Fast Facts, Over 350 million verified reviews from real guests, Booking.com
- Investors Relations, Expedia Group reports Q4 and full year 2023 results, Expedia Group
- Data Insights, 2023 OTA trends across channels: Airbnb, TripAdvisor & Vrbo, Lighthouse