Airbnb vs. VRBO vs. Booking.com — Which Platform Should You Use as a New Host?

If you’ve got a furnished space and you’re ready to start earning income, the next big question is:
Where should you list it?

Airbnb? VRBO? Booking.com? All of them?

Each platform has its pros and cons. But the best choice depends on your location, your property type, and how much support you want as a host.

Here’s what you need to know before clicking "List My Property."

Airbnb: The All-Around Favorite for Hosts

✅ Easiest setup process for beginners
✅ Huge guest traffic worldwide
✅ Great for apartments, rooms, and entire homes
✅ Strong community features like reviews and messaging
✅ Insurance coverage with AirCover

Best for:
Hosts looking for short stays (1–5 nights), especially in urban areas. If you want your calendar full fast, start with Airbnb.

VRBO: Great for Family-Size Properties

✅ Focuses on full-property rentals (no shared spaces)
✅ Ideal for family vacations or longer stays
✅ Guests often book 3+ nights
✅ Trusted by travelers in North America

Watch out for:
VRBO tends to attract older, more traditional travelers. It works best for stand-alone houses, cottages, and multi-bedroom properties.

Best for:
Hosts with larger spaces, especially vacation homes.

Booking.com: High Volume, Less Personal

✅ Massive international exposure
✅ Guests can book without an account
✅ Better for mid-range hotels or apartments
✅ High booking volume in tourist-heavy cities

But…
⚠️ Lower host control (you can't decline guests easily)
⚠️ Some guests expect hotel-like service
⚠️ No built-in guest reviews or pre-booking messaging

Best for:
Professional hosts with systems in place — especially those managing multiple units or offering hotel-style experiences.

So, Which One Should You Pick First?

If you’re just getting started:

1. Start with Airbnb
   It’s beginner-friendly, gets lots of traffic, and lets you stay in control.
2. Add VRBO if you have a house or multi-bedroom unit.
3. Use Booking.com only if you’re ready to handle higher volume and guest turnover, and don’t mind less screening.

Eventually, many hosts list on all three using software to sync calendars. But in the beginning, start simple.

Need Help Listing Across Multiple Platforms?

BookedHosts can help you set up across Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com — with synced calendars, optimized listings, and guest communication taken care of.

📩 Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down and apply to get started.