Top Vacation Rental Apps Like Airbnb in the USA

Last Updated on September 6, 2024

Who wouldn’t want the perfect place to stay while traveling? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, finding the right accommodation is essential for a great experience. For many, Airbnb has become a go-to option, offering a wide range of unique stays—from cozy condos to quirky flats and even luxurious camping setups. However, while Airbnb remains a popular choice, it may not always be the best fit for everyone. Issues such as cleanliness, hidden fees, vague check-in times, and booking uncertainties can detract from what should be a seamless experience. 

In response to these concerns, a growing number of travelers are turning to alternative apps that provide more affordability, comfort, and convenience. Recognizing this trend, we’ve compiled a list of the top 11 Airbnb-like apps available in the USA. These platforms offer unique, memorable, and hassle-free stays, ensuring you can find the perfect place for your next trip. According to recent industry data, the vacation rental market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% between 2023- 2028, emphasizing the importance of exploring alternatives beyond Airbnb.

Let’s dive into the details of each app, providing you with insights to make an informed choice for your next getaway. 

Top Airbnb-Like Apps in the USA

1. Vrbo

Vrbo, which stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner, is one of the most well-established alternatives to Airbnb. Vrbo offers more than two million properties across 190 countries, specializing in whole-home rentals, which makes it a fantastic option for families and large groups. Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo does not offer shared spaces, ensuring privacy and comfort for its users. 

Features: 

• Whole Home Rentals: Ideal for families and groups. 
• Global Reach: Properties in 190 countries. 
• Easy Booking Process: User-friendly interface and booking system. 
• Customer Support: 24/7 customer service is available. 

Why Choose Vrbo? 

Vrbo’s emphasis on entire home rentals makes it stand out for those seeking privacy and space. The platform also offers detailed property descriptions, high-quality photos, and verified reviews, helping users make well-informed decisions. Additionally, Vrbo’s Book with Confidence Guarantee offers payment protection, ensuring a safe and secure booking experience. 

Planning to launch your own platform similar to Vrbo? Our Vrbo Clone is perfect for launching a vacation rental service focused on family and group travel.

2. Booking.com

Booking.com, originally known for hotel reservations, has expanded its offerings to include vacation rentals and apartments, making it a versatile alternative to Airbnb. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly or luxurious stays, Booking.com has over 28 million listings worldwide to choose from. 

Features: 

• Wide Range of Accommodations: Hotels, apartments, vacation homes, and more. 
• Instant Booking: No approval process; book instantly. 
• Flexible Cancellation: Options for free cancellation on many properties. 
• Loyalty Program: Rewards for frequent users. 

Why Choose Booking.com? 

Booking.com excels with its broad selection of listings and quick booking process, making it perfect for travelers who need flexibility. The platform offers advanced search filters, allowing users to customize their search according to their preferences, like proximity to attractions, pet-friendly accommodations, or amenities such as Wi-Fi and parking. The Genius loyalty program further benefits frequent users by providing special discounts and exclusive perks, adding more value to the experience. 

Check out our Booking.com Clone – an ideal for creating a diverse accommodation booking platform with a global reach. 

3. Trulia

Trulia is a real estate marketplace, that offers an array of rental properties that can serve as vacation homes. Known for its extensive neighborhood data, Trulia helps users find properties that match their lifestyle preferences, from quiet suburban homes to vibrant city apartments. 

Features: 

• Neighborhood Insights: Detailed information about local communities. 
• Crime Maps: Safety ratings and crime data for specific areas. 
• Affordability Calculator: Helps users determine their budget. 
• Mobile App: Search and book from anywhere. 

Why Choose Trulia? 

 Trulia is particularly useful for travelers who prioritize safety and neighborhood quality. The platform’s crime maps and school ratings provide valuable insights for those traveling with family or planning an extended stay. Trulia’s affordability calculator also helps users manage their budget, ensuring they find a property that meets both their needs and financial constraints. 

Oyelabs provides ready-to-launch Trulia Clone tailored for those wanting to build a robust real estate or rental property platform.

4. Expedia

Expedia is a global travel platform that extends beyond hotel bookings to include vacation rentals, offering a wide array of short-term stay options that rival Airbnb. 

Features: 

• All-in-One Travel Solution: Book accommodations, flights, and car rentals all in one place. 
• Package Deals: Save with discounts when bundling services. 
• Rewards Program: Earn points on every booking. 
• Flexible Cancellation: Many properties offer flexible cancellation policies. 

Why Choose Expedia?
Expedia stands out as a one-stop solution for all travel-related needs. Its package deals allow users to save money by bundling services like flights, car rentals, and accommodations. The platform’s rewards program further enhances its appeal, offering points that can be redeemed on future bookings, making it particularly attractive for frequent travelers. 

Our Expedia Clone is a comprehensive solution for launching a multi-service travel booking site.

5. 9flats

9flats is a peer-to-peer rental platform similar to Airbnb but with a distinct European emphasis. It provides a variety of unique accommodation options, from city apartments to peaceful countryside retreats. 9flats is known for delivering genuine local experiences.

Features: 

• Local Experiences: Stay in properties owned by local hosts. 
• Diverse Locations: Available in both major urban centers and rural areas. 
• Verified Listings: Ensures the accuracy and quality of listings. 
• Flexible Pricing: Offers competitive rates and special promotions. 

Why Choose 9flats?
9flats is perfect for travelers who want to deeply engage with local culture. Its emphasis on authentic experiences allows users to live like locals, exploring neighborhoods that may be off the beaten path for typical tourists. With its verified listings and flexible pricing, 9flats provides a dependable and cost-effective alternative to Airbnb. 

Looking to launch your vacation rental platform like 9flats? Try our 9flats clone. 

6. Wimdu

Wimdu is another platform that offers a wide range of vacation rentals and apartments. Known for its focus on urban destinations, Wimdu provides a curated selection of properties in major cities, making it an excellent choice for city dwellers. 

Features: 

• Urban Focus: Ideal for city breaks and short stays. 
• Curated Listings: High-quality properties in popular destinations. 
• Instant Booking: Available for most properties. 
• Mobile App: Convenient booking on the go. 

Why Choose Wimdu?  

Wimdu’s emphasis on urban destinations makes it a top choice for travelers looking to explore major cities. The platform’s curated listings ensure that users have access to high-quality accommodations, while the instant booking feature adds convenience. Wimdu also offers a mobile app, allowing travelers to manage their bookings easily while on the move. 

Our Wimdu Clone is a great choice for starting a short-term rental platform with a wide range of properties. 

7. Plum Guide

Plum Guide is a high-end vacation rental platform that offers meticulously vetted properties for discerning travelers. Known for its strict selection process, Plum Guide accepts only 3% of the properties it reviews, ensuring that each listing meets the highest standards of quality and luxury. 

Features: 

• Luxury Rentals: Handpicked properties with exceptional amenities. 
• Strict Vetting Process: Only the best properties make the cut. 
• Concierge Service: Personalized recommendations and support. 
• Global Reach: Properties in top travel destinations worldwide. 

Why Choose a Plum Guide?  

Plum Guide is perfect for travelers who prioritize luxury and exclusivity. The platform’s rigorous vetting process ensures that each property offers a superior experience, from design and decor to amenities and location. Plum Guide’s concierge service also adds a personal touch, helping users plan their stay with tailored recommendations and support. 

8. HomeExchange

HomeExchange is a distinctive platform that facilitates home swapping between travelers, offering a budget-friendly way to discover new destinations. Featuring over 400,000 homes across 187 countries, HomeExchange provides numerous options for those seeking an authentic local experience. 

Features: 

• Home Swaps: Stay in someone else’s home while they stay in yours. 
• Global Network: Properties in 187 countries. 
• Secure Exchanges: Trust and safety measures in place. 
• Cost-Effective: No rental fees, just an annual membership. 

Why Choose HomeExchange?  

HomeExchange offers a budget-friendly alternative to traditional vacation rentals. By swapping homes with other travelers, users can stay in unique properties around the world without paying for accommodation. The platform’s secure exchange process ensures peace of mind, making it a great option for those looking to travel on a budget while enjoying a local experience.

9. HouseTrip

HouseTrip is a vacation rental platform offering a broad range of properties, from urban flats to country cottages. It is particularly noted for its family-oriented accommodations, making it an excellent option for those traveling with kids.

Features: 

• Family-Oriented: Listings designed with families in mind. 

• Varied Property Options: Includes city apartments, beachside homes, and rural retreats. 

• In-Depth Reviews: Extensive reviews and ratings from previous guests. 

• Flexible Booking Choices: Available for both short-term and extended stays. 

Why Choose HouseTrip?  

HouseTrip excels in providing accommodations that cater to the needs of families. The platform’s focus on safety, convenience, and child-friendly amenities makes it a top choice for parents looking to ensure a comfortable stay for the whole family. With a wide variety of property types, HouseTrip allows travelers to find the perfect setting for their vacation, whether they prefer a bustling city environment or a peaceful rural retreat. 

10. HomeToGo

HomeToGo is a vacation rental search platform that combines listings from multiple sites such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. HomeToGo offers users the ability to compare prices and discover the best accommodation deals from over 18 million listings across various websites. 

Features: 

• Meta-Search Engine: Compiles listings from various rental platforms. 
• Price Comparison: Assists users in discovering the best offers by analyzing price differences. 
• Extensive Variety: More than 18 million listings across the globe. 
• Enhanced Filters: Refine your search results based on location, price, amenities, and additional criteria. 

Why Choose HomeToGo?  

HomeToGo’s meta-search capability makes it a powerful tool for finding the best rental deals. By comparing prices across different platforms, users can ensure they’re getting the most value for their money. The platform’s advanced filters also make it easy to find accommodations that meet specific criteria, whether you’re looking for a beachfront property, a pet-friendly home, or a luxury villa. 

11. Agoda

Agoda, primarily known for hotel bookings, has expanded its offerings to include vacation rentals and homes. With a strong presence in Asia, Agoda provides a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury stays. 

Features: 

• Strong Asian Market Presence: Extensive listings in Asian countries. 
• Wide Range of Accommodations: Includes hotels, vacation rentals, and homes. 
• Exclusive Deals: Special discounts and offers for members. 
• Mobile App: Easy booking and management on mobile devices. 

Why Choose Agoda? 

Agoda’s extensive network in Asia makes it an excellent choice for travelers planning a trip to that region. The platform’s competitive pricing, combined with exclusive member deals, ensures that users can find affordable accommodations without compromising on quality. Agoda’s mobile app also enhances the user experience, allowing for easy booking and management of reservations on the go.

Also Read: How to Build an App Like Airbnb – A Complete Guide

Launch Your Own Rental Marketplace in 72 Hours with Oye Labs 

The rental industry is flourishing, and now is the perfect time to carve out your niche with a custom Airbnb-like booking platform. Oyelabs offers a feature-rich clone script that provides everything you need to create a successful rental marketplace, from multi-language support to currency options for a global audience. Why wait? Customize it to your specifications and have your platform up and running in just 72 hours. Ready to launch your own Airbnb-like app with Oyelabs?  

Conclusion 

As the vacation rental market continues its impressive growth, the variety of options available to travelers expands as well. While Airbnb remains a leading choice, the alternatives explored here—such as Vrbo, Booking.com, Trulia, and others—offer distinct advantages that cater to diverse needs and preferences. Whether you’re in search of a luxury retreat, a budget-friendly stay, or a family-oriented accommodation, these Airbnb-like platforms in the USA provide ample choices to enhance your travel experience. If you are interested in launching your platform, contact us now to discuss your requirements! 

In addition to choosing the right platform for your travel needs, now might be the ideal moment to consider launching your own rental marketplace. With the booming rental booking industry, our all-inclusive clone scripts allow you to build a platform similar to Airbnb quickly and efficiently. By leveraging our customizable solution, you can cater to a global market, offering a seamless experience for both hosts and travelers. 

Explore these alternatives and consider starting your own platform to ensure that your next travel adventure or business venture is both rewarding and successful.