Airbnb review

Airbnb is the default place to start a whole-home search because nothing else on this list comes close on choice. Its App Store listing counts more than 8 million vacation rentals in over 240 countries and regions, with more than 80 filters. Fees are in transition: Airbnb says it is moving all home hosts to a single fee paid by the host, with most hosts paying 15.5%, while listings still on the split model charge guests 14.1% to 16.5% of the subtotal. Cancellation rules are set by the host but drawn from a fixed menu, so Flexible always means a full refund until 24 hours before check-in and Moderate until 5 days before. Every standard policy also includes a 24-hour window to cancel for a full refund, as long as you book at least 7 days ahead. The weak spots are cleaning fees, which vary widely, and strict policies on popular homes.

Who it is for

Most travelers who want the widest choice of whole homes and a short window to cancel for free.

Price

Free app and website; guest service fee depends on the listing.

Airbnb Homes, experiences, services Free
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• More than 8 million vacation rentals in 240+ countries and regions
• Over 80 search filters, including pools, kitchens and step-free entry
• 24-hour full refund window on standard policies for bookings made 7+ days ahead
• Host-chosen policies such as Flexible and Moderate shown on each listing
• In-app messaging with hosts and shared trip details for every guest

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Largest home inventory on this list
• Strength: Policies are standardized, so Flexible means the same thing on every listing
• Strength: Experiences and in-home services can be booked in the same app
• Weakness: Guests on split-fee listings pay a service fee of 14.1% to 16.5%
• Weakness: Cleaning and other host fees vary by listing
• Weakness: Strict host policies can leave little room to cancel

Key facts

• Vacation rentals: 8+ million in 240+ countries and regions
• Guest service fee (split-fee listings): 14.1% to 16.5% of the subtotal
• Host fee (single-fee listings): Most hosts pay 15.5%
• Free cancellation window: 24 hours after booking, if 7+ days before check-in
• App Store rating: 4.8 from 704K ratings

Where it ranks

Airbnb is No. 1 in our Best Vacation Rental Websites verdict.