If you’re travelling as a family, where you stay can make or break the trip. Over time, we’ve found ourselves moving away from hotels and more towards apartments and full homes, mainly for the extra space, kitchen access, and a bit more flexibility with kids.
Last updated: March 2026
That’s where platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb come in.
At first glance, they seem very similar. Both offer private homes, apartments, and short-term rentals. But once you actually start booking and staying in these places, the differences become much clearer, especially when travelling with kids.
In this guide, we’ll break down Vrbo vs Airbnb, including pricing, ease of booking, reliability, and which one works better for family travel.
⭐Quick Answer: Which Is Better?
If you’re short on time, here’s the simple answer:
Best for families: Vrbo
Best for unique stays: Airbnb
Best for entire homes: Vrbo
Best overall for family travel: Vrbo
If you’re travelling with kids and want something simple, predictable, and spacious, Vrbo is often the better place to start. You can browse family-friendly homes on Vrbo here, then compare options on Airbnb if you’re looking for something more specific.
VRBO vs Airbnb: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Vrbo | Airbnb |
Property type | Entire homes only | Rooms + entire homes |
Family suitability | ⭐ Excellent | Good |
Ease of booking | Simple | Moderate |
Fees | Clearer | Can be higher |
Flexibility | Good | Varies by host |
Unique stays | Limited | Excellent |
What Is Vrbo?
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) focuses almost entirely on entire homes and apartments, rather than shared spaces.
It’s known for:
- Full homes only (no shared rooms)
- Family-friendly properties
- Simpler booking process
For families, this can make a big difference. You don’t need to filter through shared spaces or worry about whether a property is suitable, everything is already geared towards having your own space.
What Is Airbnb?
Airbnb offers a much wider variety of accommodation options, including:
- Private rooms
- Shared spaces
- Entire homes
- Unique stays
It’s known for:
- Variety
- Local experiences
- Unique properties
We’ve used Airbnb a lot over the years, especially for longer stays and when we wanted something a bit different. But it does require more filtering and checking to make sure the place works for a family.
Key Differences: Vrbo vs Airbnb
Property Type (Biggest Difference)
This is the most important distinction.
- Vrbo = entire homes only
- Airbnb = mix of everything
For family travel, this matters.
With Vrbo, you don’t have to:
- Filter out shared spaces
- Double-check listings
- Worry about privacy
It’s already built for that.
Pricing and Fees
Both platforms include service fees, but:
- Airbnb fees can sometimes feel less transparent
- Vrbo pricing is often clearer upfront
We’ve found that Airbnb listings can look cheaper initially, but once fees are added, the total price can be higher than expected.
Booking Process
Vrbo is generally simpler.
- More instant bookings
- Less back-and-forth with hosts
Airbnb sometimes requires:
- Messaging hosts
- Waiting for approval
- Reading detailed house rules
This isn’t always an issue, but it can add friction, especially when you’re trying to book quickly.
Ease of Use
Airbnb has a very polished interface, but it can feel slightly more complex because of the variety of listings.
Vrbo is more straightforward:
- Fewer listing types
- Easier to compare options
Variety of Stays
This is where Airbnb wins.
If you’re looking for:
- Treehouses
- Unique apartments
- Boutique stays
Airbnb offers far more variety.
Vrbo is more focused on:
- Practical, family-friendly homes
Which Is Better for Families?
From our experience, Vrbo is often the better choice for families.
The biggest reason is simplicity.
When travelling with kids, you usually want:
- Your own space
- A kitchen
- Multiple bedrooms
- No surprises
Vrbo naturally filters for all of this.
With Airbnb, you can absolutely find great family properties, but it takes a bit more effort to sort through listings and double-check everything.
Pros and Cons
Vrbo
Pros
- Entire homes only
- Very family-friendly
- Simpler booking process
- Clearer pricing
Cons
- Less variety
- Fewer “unique” stays
Airbnb
Pros
- Huge variety of properties
- Unique stays
- Strong global coverage
Cons
- More filtering required
- Fees can add up
- Less consistency
When You Should Use Each
Use Vrbo if:
- You’re travelling with kids
- You want a full home
- You want something simple and predictable
Use Airbnb if:
- You want unique stays
- You’re travelling as a couple or solo
- You’re staying longer and want more options
Our Recommendation
For family travel, we’d usually start with Vrbo.
It removes a lot of the uncertainty and makes it much easier to find places that actually work for a family setup.
That said, we still check Airbnb occasionally, especially if we’re looking for something more specific or staying longer in one place.
Tips for Booking Family Accomadation
- Always check recent reviews
- Look for multiple bedrooms
- Prioritise location over size
- Check cancellation policies
- Make sure there’s a kitchen if needed
FAQ
Is Vrbo as safe to use as Airbnb?
Yes, Vrbo is generally just as safe as Airbnb. Both platforms verify listings and offer secure payment systems.
The main difference is that Vrbo focuses on entire homes, which can actually make things feel more straightforward — especially for families who want privacy and fewer surprises.
What is the main difference between Vrbo and Airbnb?
The biggest difference is the type of properties available.
Vrbo: Entire homes only
Airbnb: Includes shared spaces, private rooms, and entire homes
This makes Vrbo simpler for families, while Airbnb offers more variety.
Is Vrbo better than Airbnb for families?
In many cases, yes.
Vrbo is often better for families because:
All properties are entire homes
It’s easier to find multi-bedroom options
There’s less need to filter listings
Airbnb can still work well, but it usually requires more searching.
Is Vrbo more expensive than Airbnb?
Not necessarily.
Prices can vary depending on the property and location, but Vrbo often has more transparent pricing, while Airbnb can include additional service and cleaning fees that increase the total cost.
Can you negotiate prices on Vrbo or Airbnb?
Sometimes, but it’s not guaranteed.
On Airbnb, some hosts may accept discounts for longer stays
On Vrbo, you may occasionally be able to contact owners directly
However, most listings have fixed pricing, especially for shorter stays.
Why do some people prefer Airbnb over Vrbo?
Airbnb is often preferred for:
Unique stays (treehouses, studios, etc.)
More variety of properties
Wider global coverage
Vrbo is more focused on practicality, while Airbnb offers more variety and experiences.
Final Thoughts
Both Vrbo and Airbnb are great platforms, but they serve slightly different purposes.
If you’re travelling as a family and want something simple, private, and reliable, Vrbo is often the better place to start.
If you’re looking for variety or something more unique, Airbnb still has a lot to offer.
For us, the approach is simple:
