Airbnb is better for hosts who want to offer unique or niche accommodations, and who are interested in building personal connections with guests, while Booking.com is better for hosts who want to reach a wider global audience, and who prefer a more hands-off approach to guest interactions.
This article compares their features, listings, fees, and policies to help travelers choose the best app.
Airbnb vs Booking.com
Here is an overview of the key differences between Airbnb and Booking.com:
| Feature | Airbnb | Booking.com |
|---|---|---|
| Types of Rentals | Mainly homes, apartments, unique stays | Hotels, motels, some vacation rentals |
| Listing Quantity | 4+ million | Over 28 million |
| Cancellation Policy | Varies by host | Customizable search filter |
| Cleaning Fees | Set by the host, not included in the nightly price | Usually included in nightly price |
| Booking Flexibility | Moderate, depends on host | Very flexible free cancellation on many listings |
Pricing and Fees
| Fee | Airbnb | Booking.com |
|---|---|---|
| Traveler Service Fee | 0-5% of total stay cost | None |
| Cleaning/Service Fees | Set by the host, not included in the nightly rate | Usually included |
| Taxes | Set by host, not included in the nightly rate | Included in listed nightly rate |
Advantages of Airbnb
- More unique, non-hotel accommodation options
- Lower nightly rates on average
- Get to interact with hosts
Advantages of Booking.com
- No traveler service or booking fees
- Free cancellation is available on many listings
- Reward program benefits
Which site is better?
For a wide assortment of international hotels at competitive rates, Booking.com excels.
For affordable, more personal stays in homes, apartments, and unique properties, choose Airbnb.
Here’s a summary of which site works best for different travel needs:
| Need | Airbnb | Booking.com |
|---|---|---|
| Unique home/apartment rentals | Yes | Limited |
| Predictable hotel-style stays | Limited | Yes |
| Ease of free cancellation | No | Yes |
| Nightly rate transparency | No – fees added later | Yes |
Additional Considerations
- Airbnb has a stronger social community for hosts and guests
- Booking.com listings may offer free breakfast or other amenities
- Both sites offer robust search filters and mobile apps