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19 Rental Sites like Airbnb, Ranked for 2024

Like Vrbo, Sonder, Plum Guide and Vintage Travel

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sites like airbnb. mid century modern house with pool
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If the idea of staying in a cozy cabin, luxurious multi-bedroom house or sleek city apartment while on vacation is infinitely more appealing to you than checking into a classic hotel, then it’s likely you have Airbnb bookmarked and ready to peruse any time wanderlust hits. But the app isn’t the only option for booking non-traditional accommodations—there are plenty of sites like Airbnb that cater to all types of vacations. Our best overall pick is Vrbo for its wide range of offerings, from beach cottages to magnificent mansions. Meanwhile, Plum Guide is known for its meticulous vetting process and luxury properties across the U.S. and U.K. Whether you’re visiting a big city or want to go way off the map, here are 19 other sites to check out before your next trip for interesting rentals.

The Top Ten Rental Sites Like Airbnb at a Glance

1

Best Overall

Vrbo

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2

Best for Quality Control

Plum Guide

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3

Best for Big City Vacations

Sonder

read more

4

Best for Nature Lovers

Getaway

read more

5

Best for Multi-Stop Trips

Outdoorsy

read more

Show More

How We Chose the Best Sites Like Airbnb

PureWow editors produce travel content all year long and are regularly scanning the internet for the best deals across different trip-booking sites including Airbnb, Vrbo, Tripadvisor, Expedia and more. To create this list, we looked at various perks of Airbnb, such as prices, accommodation for large parties, personal host experiences, property locations and more to find other sites like Airbnb that deliver excellence on one or more of the qualities that make Airbnb great, and then researched dozens of companies to bring you the 19 best sites like Airbnb.

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The Best Sites Like Airbnb

Best Overall

1. Vrbo

What We Like

  • wide selection of properties
  • accommodates all budgets
  • great for long-term stays

What We Don’t Like

  • only lists entire residences, so not ideal if you only want a room

Vrbo

Much like Airbnb, Vrbo (ver-boh)—originally an acronym for Vacation Rentals By Owner—has a wide range of offerings, from tiny two-person beachside cottages to enormous mansions that can fit the whole family and then some. There are both domestic and international options available, and many homes also allow pets—though there are plenty of accomodations for those who are allergic, too. You may be wondering, “Is VRBO cheaper than Airbnb?” It depends on what you need. Prices range greatly, from less than $100 a night to well over $2,000, and some offer discounts for longer stays or off-peak seasons. One thing to note is unlike Airbnb, Vrbo only lists entire residences (there are no individual rooms for rent) guaranteeing you and your travel buddies will have the place all to yourselves. PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth often books through the site and notes that it’s user friendly. “I’ve had nothing but good experiences working with the hosts,” she says. “I find it has more options than Airbnb and doesn’t have nearly as many bizarre additional fees (the kind that make your total inexplicably go from $500 to $1,200).”

Rental Recommendations

Best for Quality Control

2. Plum Guide

What We Like

  • meticulous vetting
  • beautiful properties
  • reliable staff

What We Don’t Like

  • expensive
  • may have long-stay minimum

Plum Guide

For those who prefer only the best of the best, Plum Guide is the way to go. Each home listed here has gone through an extensive and meticulous test with more than 150 criteria points examined—from WiFi speed to sociability of the space—all focused on increasing the odds of your having a “perfect” stay. The site also has a very reliable team of experts who can help answer any additional questions or address concerns with a quick phone call. As you might imagine, Plum Guide’s prices are a bit higher than Airbnb and start at about $196 per night. But the homes available, both in the U.S. and the U.K., are truly stunning (design aesthetics is one of the criteria measured in the Plum Test) making them well worth the splurge, in our opinion.

Rental Recommendations

Best for Big City Vacations

3. Sonder

What We Like

  • all properties owned by Sonder
  • no worries about communicating with a host
  • choose from 30 major cities across the globe

What We Don’t Like

  • only apartments and condos available

Sonder

While all the companies on this list have extensive measures in place to ensure hosts and homeowners live up to the expectations of renters, sometimes issues do arise. Sonder seeks to eliminate those worries by combining the fun of staying in an individualized location with the efficiency of a hotel. All the properties listed on the site are owned and operated by Sonder itself, so you never have to deal with a host who forgot to swap the towels or mixed up the key drop-off time. There are currently listings in more than 40 major cities, including Chicago, San Francisco, London and Rome, and almost all the accommodations are apartments or condos rather than houses, though you can also search solely for places with in-suite laundry, free parking or an adjoining outdoor space, if you want. PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey loves the site for its under-the-radar properties, saying she always recommends it to out-of-town visitors. “[The properties] offer more style and value than large chain hotels,” she notes. “For example, there are great options for cute accommodations in notoriously expensive Los Angeles for around $150 per night, and other cities also have great rates.” Gallery Media Group Audience Development Strategist Nicole Frazzini adds that it felt like “the ultimate combo of an Airbnb + hotel yet was somehow cheaper than both options. It’s the best travel hack!”

Rental Recommendations

Best for Nature Lovers

4. Getaway

What We Like

  • great for nature-lovers
  • off-the grid locations help you disconnect and relax
  • uniform experience across locations

What We Don’t Like

  • limited locations

Getaway

Getaway is best for those looking to truly escape their urban dwelling and embrace nature in all its simplicity. And we mean truly escape, as none of the tiny cabins have WiFi and, due to their remote locations, might have spotty cell service too, making them ideal for anyone looking to totally disconnect and refresh their mind and spirit. Rather than scrolling through endless listings of all sorts of accommodations, pretty much every Getaway location is the same and has been pared down to feature just the things you need—like comfy beds with fresh linens, hot showers and kitchens stocked with the essentials. Right now there are Outposts (cabin locations) near Seattle, Boston, Washington D.C., NYC, Atlanta, Portland, L.A., Dallas, Houston, Austin, Pittsburg and Charlotte.

Rental Recommendations

Best for Multi-Stop Trips

5.  Outdoorsy

What We Like

  • insurance and training provided
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • plenty of styles and sizes of vehicles

What We Don’t Like

  • you might need a special license depending on RV size

Outdoorsy

Like Getaway, Outdoorsy is geared toward folks looking for simpler, nature-focused vacations, only this time instead of renting a stationary cabin you can rent an RV, camper van or travel trailer so you’re not limited to just one destination. And like Airbnb, these campers are owned and maintained by individual people (i.e., they’re not part of a boring, identical fleet), so there’s a huge range of styles, sizes and levels of rusticity available to you. The owners can either meet at your doorstep or you can go to them, but either way you’ll get a full walk-through of the details of the vehicle before the key is handed over, so even those who’ve never driven an RV can feel confident hitting the open road. Outdoorsy also offers 24/7 roadside assistance so you won’t have to stress about breaking down or having to replace a tire while you’re on the go.

Rental Recommendations

Best for a Splurge

6. Marriott Homes & Villas

What We Like

  • earn Marriott loyalty points
  • easy to book tours and activities
  • wide selection of domestic and international locations

What We Don’t Like

  • no personal connection with hosts

Marriott Bonvoy

Much like TurnKey, Marriott Homes & Villas bridges the gap between homeowners and renters to make things easier on everyone, with the added bonus that you can earn and redeem Marriott loyalty points as well. And, as part of the Marriott Bonvoy group, you can also easily book tours and activities in the surrounding area, as well as car rentals, all in one place. In the words of our idol Ina Garten, “how easy is that?” There are tons of domestic and international locations to choose from, with everything from cozy ski chalets to literal castles available to book. And while there are certainly many super-luxe, high-end homes, there are also plenty of more affordable options, too.

Rental Recommendations

Best for Combining with Car Rentals and Flights

7. Expedia

What We Like

  • can find unique gems
  • easy to bundle car rentals and flights
  • can save money with travel packages

What We Don’t Like

  • non-hotel selection not as robust

Expedia

You’ve probably used Expedia in the past to compare flight prices, book a hotel or plan a car rental, but did you know you can also book non-hotel accommodations there as well? When you search for your location and dates, just go over to the filters on the left and scroll to Property Type. There you can filter down to see only private vacation homes, cottages, townhouses and even house boats. There are often fewer options than with the other sites on this list, but there are some real gems hidden in Expedia’s listings, and if you book more than one element of your vacation together (i.e., a car and rooms) there’s the potential to save major moo-lah with a package deal. “The platform is so seamless to use and I like to save different lists to compare places,” shares Natalie LaBarbera, PureWow’s assistant commerce editor. “The Key Rewards (which are free to sign up for!) really add up fast to take money off your next trip, too.”

Rental Recommendations

Best for Building an Itinerary

8. Tripadvisor

What We Like

  • streamlined trip planning
  • get assistance from a Trip Designer
  • aggregation system pulls results from across the web

  • doesn’t manage the properties

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is another great all-round vacation planning option, with tools to help you book a home and plan activities all in one place. You can also hire a Trip Designer through the site to help do the research for you if you’re not the planning type. Unlike the other sites on this list, however, Tripadvisor lists both its own rentals and aggregates listings from other places, like VRBO, to give you even more options. As such, there is a very wide range of prices, with a ton of affordable places mixed in with more luxe accommodations. And if you sign up for Tripadvisor Plus you can find even better deals, with exclusive savings on popular properties, museum tickets, dinner reservations and more. And that’s not even counting the automatic 10 percent discount on all Tripadvisor bookings made through Plus.

Rental Recommendations

Best for Any Type of Lodging

9. Booking.com

What We Like

  • millions of listings
  • available in 43 languages
  • bundle flights, car rentals and activities

What We Don’t Like

  • no internal vetting process for properties

Booking.com

Whether you’re looking for a posh hotel or cool glamping site, Booking.com has got you covered. “They offer free cancellations up to a month before, which I love because things do come up (ahem, COVID),” notes PureWow’s Assistant Sales and Deals Editor Destinee Scott. “It’s a pretty straightforward process to secure hotel stays around the world. You can even book a hotel and flight together if you want.” The site offers a slew of lodging options—including hostel-style rentals—for whatever vibe you’re going for while on vacay. Like Expedia and Tripadvisor, Booking.com also allows you to look up flights, nearby activities and car rentals in addition to lodging, so you don’t have to worry about having to go to multiple sites. Available in 43 languages and hosting more than 28 million reported accommodation listings, this site makes sure you have your ideal vacation rental no matter where you are in the world.

Rental Recommendations

Best Villas with a Pool

10. Vintage Travel 

What We Like

  • all properties have private pools
  • other services like rental cars, travel insurance, flights
  • properties across Europe

What We Like

  • can get pricey

Vintage Travel

The U.K. company Vintage Travel has one M.O.: finding you the perfect holiday villa with a private pool. Choose from countryside locations across Europe and the Mediterranean, including hilltop villages in Provence, olive-grove laden valleys in Umbria and the turquoise waters of Crete. In addition to scoring you the perfect vacation rental, Vintage Travel can also assist with other services, such as rental cars, travel insurance and flights. With recognition from the likes of Condé Nast Traveler and The Telegraph, it’s safe to say a vacation with them is going to go swimmingly.

Rental Recommendations

Best for UK Cottage Rentals

11. Rural Retreats

What We Like

  • idyllic properties
  • range of architectural styles
  • over 600 homes across U.K. and Ireland

What We Don’t Like

  • not many activity options
  • may have to rent a car

Rural Retreats

Get ready to channel your inner Jane Austen protagonist when you book a vacation with Rural Retreats. The company specializes in cottage rentals across the United Kingdom and Ireland—and that includes the locations of some of the author’s most beloved books, from Derbyshire and Kent (Pride and Prejudice) to Surrey (Emma) and Dorset (Persuasion). The platform’s portfolio of over 600 properties allows you to rent charming farmhouses, historical grand country homes, contemporary hideaways and quirky outposts like lightkeepers cottages.

Rental Recommendations

Best for Road Trips

12. RVshare

What We Like

  • delivery available
  • can accommodate larger groups
  • long-term rental possibility

What We Don’t Like

  • no vehicle training

RVshare

If you want to head on an old school road trip that’s sure to bring you and your loved ones closer together, then rent a mobile home courtesy of RVshare. You can book the vehicle for a weekend or an entire month. Those who aren’t able to go to the designated pickup location can also opt to have the RV delivered, which is super convenient. Vehicles come fully decked out with full kitchens, private bathrooms and sleeping areas, of course. The size of the RV is totally up to you—depending on how close you really want to get with your travel companions—with some vehicles housing three guests and others housing as many as ten.

Rental Recommendations

For an Immersive Cultural Experience

13. Homestay

Homestay

Remember what Airbnb used to be? A chance to meet someone in a different city, state or even country? Friendly, involved hosts? A cultural exchange? Now, it feels like the site is overflowing with beautiful short-term rentals owned by house flippers and investors. Homestay is taking the original concept and running with it in over 170 countries. The platform offers affordable accommodations (the average price is $38 per night) and the chance to connect with a local. Oh, and did we mention it’s been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Independent and Mail Online?

Rental Recommendations

Largest Selection

14. HomeToGo

What We Like

  • aggregates results from across the web
  • operates local apps and websites in 25 countries
  • fits a range of budgets

What We Don’t Like

  • no personable experience

HomeToGo

House boats? Check. Farm stay? Check. HomeToGo is an amalgamation of results pulled from its partners, which include the likes of Tripadvisor, Vrbo and Booking.com. If you want to see all your options without toggling between a million website tabs, this is the site for you. Simply plug in your dates and destination to see your options across the web. When you find an interesting deal, HomeToGo will take you directly to the partner site. It also operates local apps and websites in 25 countries across the world.

Rental Recommendations

Best for Travel Inspiration

15. FlipKey

What We Like

  • rentals available worldwide
  • similar pricing to Airbnb
  • Trip Ideas feature provides handy travel inspiration

What We Don’t Like

  • in some cases, must be over 30 to book

FlipKey

Run by Tripadvisor, FlipKey does worldwide vacation rentals, from Amsterdam and Rome to Telluride, Colorado and the Cayman Islands. The pricing and concept are similar to Airbnb, but where it really shines is its handy trip ideas feature. Choose from themes like a girls’ getaway, weekend trips, city inspiration, fall travel or National Park adventure, and the site will pull up top destinations and accommodations in the locale. The homepage also has a useful summary of trending spots, traveler favorites and hidden gems.

Rental Recommendations

Most Luxurious Vacation Rentals

16. Oliver’s Travels

What We Like

  • will accommodate large groups and families
  • luxury properties across the world

What We Don’t Like

  • minimum stay duration

Oliver's Travels

Oliver’s Travels features the top 2 percent of holiday homes, specializing in villa rentals. But here, luxury doesn’t necessarily equal stuffy. The British company is happy to accommodate large groups and children and has a whole section of its website dedicated to quirky villas with interesting architecture. Whether you want to vacation in a French chateau, head to the Lake District in England or host a ten-person party in Barbados, Oliver’s Travels will make sure you do it in style. Pricing can be anywhere from $700 to over $34,000 per week, depending on your location and amenities.

Rental Recommendations

Most Extensive European Portfolio

17. Novasol

What We Like

  • most accommodation options for Europe
  • great for countryside getaways
  • off-the-beaten path locales

What We Don’t Like

  • not ideal for people who want to visit a city

Novasol

With over 50,000 villas, apartments and cottages throughout Europe, Novasol is essentially the European version of Airbnb. The Danish site features popular destinations like Greece and France, plus rentals in more off-the-beaten-path locations like Montenegro, Luxembourg and Cypress. Many of the options are homes and villas in countryside locations. When planning, Novasol gives you the option to search by theme, filtering locations by pet friendliness, whether or not the stay is all-inclusive or if you’re specifically searching for island getaways or winter travel.

Rental Recommendations

Best for Families

18. Kid & Coe

What We Like

  • thoughtfully curated properties
  • each home stocked with kid-friendly activities
  • personalized service from staff (who are parents, too)

What We Don’t Like

  • limited destinations

Kid & Coe

Heading on a trip with a band of kids? Any parent knows that traveling with youngsters isn’t so much a vacation as it is a trip. Kid & Coe makes it easier to relax, keeping parents and kids satisfied with carefully curated vacation rentals in family-friendly destinations. With over 1,000 properties in 50 global locations, holiday homes are stocked with books, toys and other family amenities to make your stay seamless and keep the kids entertained.

Rental Recommendations

Best for Hotel-Level Service

19. Vacasa

What We Like

  • properties all managed by Vacasa
  • over 44,000 rentals available
  • affordable

What We Don’t Like

  • only available in 35 states

Vacasa

Vacasa operates in a similar way to Sonder, with the company managing upkeep and turnover for its 44,000-plus home rentals. However, the homes themselves are still owned by individuals, which helps keep costs a little lower and allows for a great range of destinations. Vacasa has gorgeous houses, condos and apartments available in 35 states, and just like all three of the above sites it only lists full residences, no one-off rooms. Prices are typically higher than Airbnb, but for the ease of not having to deal with hosts (who have their own lives to lead) and the promise that your rental will always be freshly cleaned, stocked and up to snuff, it’s worth doling out a little extra.

Rental Recommendations

What to Look for When Choosing a Site Like Airbnb

When choosing a site like Airbnb, you’ll want to consider the features that are most important to you. When traveling, do you want interaction with the locals? Hotel-like service? Cool accommodations in a hip neighborhood? Is price a priority? Do you need access to far-flung locales? The qualities you’re looking for should guide your search. For instance, if you’re traveling with kids, Kid & Coe is a good option because it helps you plan vacations with children’s amenities and interests in mind. Those wanting an idyllic retreat in the English countryside might turn to Rural Retreats, known for their vast portfolio across the U.K. And travelers who need all-in-one deals will probably benefit most from Booking.com, where accommodations, activities, flights and transportations can all be managed from one portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Better Alternative to Airbnb?

As mentioned above, a better alternative to Airbnb depends on what you need as a traveler. If you want lots of options in Europe, try a local site like Novalsol. Need to see *every* available option on the internet? Check out HomeToGo. Craving the “good old days” of Airbnb? Your best bet is HomeStay.

What Is the Difference Between Airbnb and Vrbo?

While Airbnb and Vrbo are similar, a key difference is that Vrbo tends to rent out entire properties, while you can still find private rooms and shared common spaces on Airbnb. Airbnb also lists hotel rooms.

Other differences: Vrbo has better search filters, while Airbnb has many more rental properties. The latter can also be more economical, depending on the scenario. Cancellation policies are clearer and more uniform on Airbnb, but Vrbo has a more reasonable cleaning fee.

Is Vrbo Owned by Airbnb?

No, Vrbo is owned by Expedia. The headquarters are in Austin, Texas. Airbnb was founded in 2008 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Are Airbnb Cheaper Than Hotels?

It depends on the property, location and type of accommodation. NerdWallet also points out that cost savings come into play depending on the number of travelers and length of stay. For example, Airbnb is actually more expensive if your vacation is short and you’re only traveling with a few people. This is because hosts are incentivized to offer long-term stay discounts, and cleaning fees are the same whether you rent for two days or seven. If you’re trying to accommodate a larger group, then Airbnb could be less expensive because you’re likely to find a property that can host seven, eight, ten or even 16 people, instead of needing multiple hotel rooms.


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Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...

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Steph is a native of Zimbabwe who is both enamored and genuinely baffled by the concept of silent letters. From 2020 to 2022, she served as Associate Editor at PureWow covering...