By AppsHive Team
Are you a traveler? Or a hodophile who lives to explore new places? Well, we all concur that traveling changes you physically and psychologically. Whether traveling for fun, exploring the beauty of nature , snapping the instagrammable sunsets, or sipping margaritas on a beach, you make sure you have the best time spent.
To make the most of their holiday, today, travelers are preferring vacation rentals over hotels. And when it comes to planning one’s trip, it isn't easy to choose between home rentals, especially between Airbnb vs. Vrbo.
Both offer you numerous benefits, but there are some differences in their services when analyzed meticulously. We will answer your burning questions about whether Vrbo is better than Airbnb. Let's get an overview of each app and discuss which is a better host?
We will answer your burning questions about whether Vrbo is better than Airbnb. Let's get an overview of each app and discuss which is a better host?
What is a Vrbo?
Commonly pronounced as "Ver-boh," Vrbo stands for "Voluntary Rental by Owner." Launched in 1995 and now owned by Expedia Group, Vrbo has aided many families and friends to have the best time.
Present across 190+ countries and still expanding. They have amassed 2 million fantastic places that can be booked through their e-commerce platform.
What is Airbnb?
Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects people searching for a place in a specific location. Launched in 2008 as an Air Bed and Breakfast until its 2009 rebrand. It is present in more than 200 countries.
Vrbo vs. Airbnb- A Cut Throat Competition
With Vrbo and Airbnb growing exponentially in the market, it becomes tough to pick the rentals that offer you the best experience. As per the statistics:-
Airbnb:-
- Airbnb’s current valuation is $93.01 billion.
- Annually the average host earns upto $ 14.000 annually.
- Guests have booked over 1 billion stays.
Vrbo:-
- Vrbo’s valuation is $29 billion.
- On an average, the host earns $33,000 annually.
To choose the best among both the rentals becomes a bit tough. Therefore, in the blog we will talk about which service can offer you with the best experience. By knowing the difference between the services you can know where to book your house for the next trip
What Is the Difference Between Vrbo and AirBnB ?
Let's see pointwise to know which is winning the race in the market in a particular category.
Vrbo VS. AirBnB- Booking
Though both the companies offer the best rental platforms for booking your property, there are some perks of booking your vacation home through Airbnb.
When comparing both platforms, Vrbo offers a long and tedious process for booking a hotel. On the other hand, Airbnb offers the fastest booking process. Let's take a tour of how the booking process of each platform takes place.
Vrbo:-
- Users send the "request" (including the price quote and a message to the host)
- The host will review your request based on your profile and your ratings from your previous bookings.
- After checking, the host confirms or denies the request.
- You have to wait until the user accepts or rejects your application.
See Also : How Does Vrbo Work for Owners?
On Airbnb, you can eliminate these steps by booking the property instantly. One can select the date of arrival and departure and book the place.
Winner:- Airbnb
Vrbo VS. AirBnB- Accommodation
Well, the Airbnb model offers you more flexibility compared to Vrbo. Moreover, there are more offers on Airbnb.
- On Airbnb, you can get the sharing option and own private property.
- While in Vrbo, one can only book private properties. There is no option regarding shared content. One also gets the unique possibilities of campsites.
- If we compare both platforms, Airbnb is a lot cheaper than Vrbo. Therefore, more people prefer Airbnb rather than Vrbo.
- On Airbnb, customers get a long-term staying discount which Vrbo fails to offer to their customers.
- For better service, one can also try Airbnb "Plus" properties.
Winner: Airbnb
Vrbo VS. AirBnB- Flexibility
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Vrbo VS Airbnb- Flexibility
Airbnb
Super Strict 60 Days: Cancellations made up to 60 days before the stay will receive a 50% refund of the nightly rate and cleaning fee.
Super Strict 30 Days: Cancellations made up to 30 days before the stay will receive a 50% refund of the nightly rate and cleaning fee.
Bookings Exceeding 27 Nights: Cancel within 48 hours after the booking, providing the cancellation occurs at least 28 days before check-in.
Strict: Cancel within 48 hours after the booking, providing the cancellation occurs 14 days before check-in. Cancellations made up to 7 days before the stay will receive a 50% refund of the nightly rate and cleaning fee.
Moderate: Free cancellations are permitted up to 5 days before the stay. Less than five days before a visit, cancellations will receive a 50% refund.
Flexible: Free cancellations can be made up to 24 before the stay. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the visit will receive a refund minus the first night.
That the amount refunded will not be more than the amount you have paid under any circumstances.
- In extenuating circumstances, you will be eligible for a refund. One needs to show the supporting documents and claim your refund. However, there are changing policies for cancellations due to the Covid pandemic.
- In the below circumstances, one can ask for a refund; for instance, if you face any of the below-listed issues, you can claim your refund.
- If the host provided the wrong lockbox code, they are now not reachable.
- Space is dirty upon arrival.
- Essential amenities are missing/ not in operating condition.
- The place is not as described in the pictures or facilities are missing as promised.
Vrbo
One can select any of the below cancellation policies.
- No refund Policy: No refund under any circumstances.
- Strict: Cancellations made before 60 days of the start of your staying period can avail full refund.
- Firm: Cancellations made before 60 days of the start of your staying period can avail full refund. Cancellations made before 30 days of the beginning of your stay can receive a 50% refund.
- Moderate: Cancellations made before 30 days of the start of your stay can receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made at least 14 days before the beginning of your visit can receive a 50% refund.
- Relaxed: Cancellations made at least before 14 days of the start of your stay can receive a full refund. Cancellations made at least before 7 days can receive a 50% refund.
Winner: Airbnb
Vrbo VS Airbnb– Selection
Airbnb has 12.7 million listings as of December 2021. On average, there were 8,556,678 active listings in the past 365 days. Moreover, searching for Airbnb rentals in Washington would reveal 42 listings.
Conversely, Vrbo doesn't reveal the exact number of listings, but as a matter of fact, the listed properties are much lower. For instance, if you search for property in Washington on Vrbo, there are only two listed properties.
Winner: Airbnb
FAQs
Is Vrbo Cheaper Than Airbnb?
Yes, we can claim that Vrbo is cheaper than Airbnb as the service charge is lower in Vrbo. Airbnb charges 14% to 20% of the total amount. On the other hand, Vrbo charges 6% to 15% of the total amount.
Is Vrbo Better Than Airbnb?
When we talk about Vrbo vs. Airbnb, both the services offer you at par benefits. However, there are different discounts and offers available on these services, and one can check on them while looking for a rental.
Vrbo vs. Airbnb: Which One Is Safer?
Both the services are safe to use, but we can say that there is one minor difference. Vrbo offers its customers with confidence guarantee, Trust & safety page. Additionally, Vrbo charges a refundable security deposit to the customer's credit card at booking. On the contrary, Airbnb has a trust and safety page.
Which Is Better for Owners: Airbnb or Vrbo?
It is beneficial to list your one's property on both platforms. To maximise your profit and occupancy, it's advisable to be listed on both platforms.
Does Airbnb or Vrbo Have More Fees?
Yes, Airbnb charges the customers more fees compared to Vrbo.
Conclusion:
Well, primarily, travellers book rentals after checking the deals, affordable rates, accommodations, and much more. It has become much easier to check on the latest available deals and discounts with the best vacation rentals services.
When we talk about Vrbo vs. Airbnb, both the services offer you at par benefits. Sometimes, there are attractive offers available in either of the rental services. Also, both platforms provide you with excellent customer care services. You can also check out our list of curated best vacation rentals apps.
It's fair to say that both the competitors are doing well in the market. And one can choose according to the availability and preference.