A Host's Guide to Airbnb Competitors

Short term rental tips

A Host’s Guide to Airbnb Competitors

Cait Kontalis

February 4, 2025

The short-term rental market is booming. With travel demand soaring and the desire for unique stays growing, it’s no surprise that hosting on platforms like Airbnb has become a successful endeavor for many. But here’s the thing — Airbnb isn’t your only option. There’s a world of Airbnb alternatives out there, each catering to different audiences and offering special features.

If you’re a host, you might be wondering, “Why should I consider other platforms?” This guide will walk you through the benefits of diversifying your rental profile, the top Airbnb competitors, and practical tips to help you manage multiple listings.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

Why Vacation Rental Hosts Should Explore Airbnb Competitors

Focusing solely on one platform like Airbnb might feel like a safe bet, but it’s also a missed opportunity. Here’s why investing in an alternative to Airbnb makes sense:

Reach more guests

Not every traveler uses Airbnb. Platforms like Vrbo or Booking.com attract different demographics, such as families, older travelers, or international tourists. By diversifying, you can tap into a wider audience.

Reduce dependency

Relying on a single platform makes you vulnerable to changes in their policies, algorithms, or commission structures. Expanding your presence across multiple platforms spreads your risk.

Higher occupancy rates

When you list on multiple platforms, you increase your property’s visibility, which can translate into better occupancy rates and revenue.

Targeted audiences

Each platform has its niche—whether it’s luxury stays, last-minute bookings, or large vacation homes. Matching your rental to the right audience on another platform can boost bookings and satisfaction.

Top Airbnb Competitors You Should Know

There are numerous platforms in the vacation rental industry to consider, but these are some of the top Airbnb competitors that stand out based on their unique features, commission rates, and target audience.

1. Vrbo

Commission: 15% booking fee or subscription-based model (~$699/year)
Target Audience: Families, vacationers
Why It’s Great: Vrbo (Vacation Rental By Owner) is one of the largest platforms for vacation homes. Its audience is typically families searching for entire homes, making it a solid option if you have spacious private vacation rental properties.

2. Booking.com

Commission: 10%-25% commission on bookings
Target Audience: International travelers, luxury seekers
Why It’s Great: Booking.com boasts a massive global reach, offering exposure to over 29 million listings worldwide. It’s particularly effective for hosts with high-end properties or those interested in attracting international guests. It also includes opportunities for car rentals and hotel rooms.

3. Houfy

Commission: None; no guest or vacation rental service fees for hosts.
Target Audience: Budget-conscious travelers, cost-savvy hosts
Why It’s Great: Houfy allows hosts to connect directly with guests, bypassing fees altogether. This can save you money over time, and its community-driven approach creates personal guest experiences.

4. Plum Guide

Commission: 3% host fee; 12$ to guest. Alternatively, a host-only fee is 16.5%.
Target Audience: High-end travelers seeking top-tier stays
Why It’s Great: Plum Guide caters to the luxury vacation rental market, emphasizing quality over quantity. If your property meets their high standards, you’ll stand out to a premium clientele willing to spend more for a unique experience.

5. Local and Niche Platforms

Don’t overlook regional or niche platforms designed for unique traveler needs, such as Hipcamp (for outdoor stays) or Kid & Coe (family-focused rentals). These platforms can help you target highly specific audiences.

Tips for Managing Listings Across Multiple Platforms

With great diversification comes great responsibility—but managing multiple Airbnb listings doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how you can simplify the process.

1. Sync your calendars

Nothing spells trouble like double bookings. Use calendar syncing tools, like iCal, or consider property management software like Host Tools to keep availability updated across platforms effortlessly. Host Tools automates these updates so you can avoid overlaps without constant manual work.

2. Adopt pricing automation

Different platforms may call for different pricing strategies depending on target audiences or commission rates. Intelligent pricing tools that work within Host Tools can adjust rates for weekdays, weekends, holidays, or “dry seasons.” Customize your pricing rules for each platform while maximizing your revenue.

3. Maintain consistent branding

Treat each listing as representative of your brand. Use high-quality photos, engaging descriptions, and consistent messaging to establish trust across platforms. Highlight features that resonate with the audience of each vacation rental platform (e.g., family-friendly amenities for Vrbo, urban conveniences for Airbnb).

4. Use automated messaging

Manually responding to inquiries and sending check-in details can get exhausting. Platforms like Host Tools allow you to automate guest communication with templates for every scenario. This ensures a professional, timely response without taking up all your time.

5. Provide a great guest experience

Regardless of the platform, glowing reviews are your ticket to success. Go above and beyond for your guests—whether it’s by offering extra amenities, quick responses, or personalized recommendations. This will boost your ratings and help you rank higher on all platforms.

6. Leverage Host Tools

If it all feels like too much, tools like Host Tools simplify the process. Here’s why hosts and property owners are already using this platform to manage their vacation rental listings:

Sync calendars and listings across channels to avoid double bookings
Automate guest messaging with customizable templates for every occasion
Optimize prices with intelligent pricing based on market trends
Manage turnovers with a shared cleaning calendar
Integrate smart locks for seamless guest access

With plans starting as low as $28/month, Host Tools is designed for hosts like you, whether you’re managing one vacation rental space or 100.

Final Thoughts

Listing on multiple platforms might feel like a daunting task to start, but the results speak for themselves. Diversification increases your reach and revenue and provides a safety net that protects you from over-reliance on a single platform. You can grow your short-term rental business without sacrificing time or quality by exploring Airbnb competitors like Vrbo, and Booking.com, and using management tools like Host Tools.

Are you ready to take your hosting to the next level? Start a free 14-day trial with Host Tools and make diversification easy, seamless, and profitable.