Airbnb removed its category browsing system in 2023
Yes, Airbnb removed the category tiles that used to appear on its home page. Until mid-2023, you could click on categories like "Beachfront," "Cabins," or "Tiny Homes" to filter listings. That system is gone. Instead, Airbnb now uses a search-based approach where you enter a location and dates first, then refine results using filters on the left side of the search results page.
The company made this change to push users toward location-based searching rather than browsing by property type. This shift affected how people discover rentals, especially those who were browsing for inspiration without a specific destination in mind.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb's home page category tiles disappeared in 2023, replaced by a location-first search model.
- You can still filter by property type, amenities, and price after you search for a location and dates.
- The "Explore" section on the Airbnb app and website now shows curated collections instead of browseable categories.
- If you want to browse by property type without a location in mind, you can use the filter menu after entering any location.
How to find property types now
The old category tiles are replaced by filters you access after searching. Here is the current path: enter a location in the search bar, select your dates, then click the "Filters" button. A panel opens on the left showing options like "Type of place" (Entire place, Private room, Shared room), "Property type" (House, Apartment, Cabin, Tiny home, and dozens more), and amenities like pools, kitchens, or WiFi.
You can also use the "Explore" section, which shows themed collections like "Beachfront escapes" or "Cabins in the woods." These are curated lists rather than browseable categories, and they change seasonally. The collections are meant to inspire trips rather than serve as a systematic way to filter all listings by type.
Why Airbnb made this change
Airbnb's data showed that most bookings start with a destination in mind, not a property type. By requiring a location first, the company streamlined the search process for the majority of users. The old category system also created a problem: someone clicking "Cabins" would see cabins worldwide, which was too broad to be useful without narrowing by location anyway.
The new model also benefits Airbnb's business. Location-first searching makes it easier to show sponsored listings and promoted properties at the top of results. It also reduces the number of clicks before a user sees specific listings, which can increase booking rates.
What changed on mobile versus desktop
The mobile app and desktop website both removed category tiles, but the experience differs slightly. On mobile, the search bar is more prominent, and you tap it to enter a location. On desktop, the search bar is at the top, and the "Explore" section below shows collections instead of categories. Both versions now require you to search before filtering by property type.
The "Explore" section on mobile is easier to scroll through and shows larger images of collections. On desktop, it displays as a grid. Either way, these collections are not the same as the old categories—they are marketing-driven and rotate frequently.
How to browse by property type without a specific location
If you want to see all cabins or all tiny homes without a destination in mind, enter a broad location like your country or region, then use the "Property type" filter. For example, search "United States" with flexible dates, then filter to "Cabin." This shows cabins across the country, though the results will be large and less useful than searching a specific region.
Alternatively, use the "Explore" collections if Airbnb has published one matching your interest. These collections are smaller and more curated, so they are easier to browse. Check back periodically, as new collections appear regularly.
Differences between the old and new system
| Old System (Before 2023) | New System (2023 Onward) |
|---|---|
| Home page showed category tiles like "Beachfront" and "Cabins" | Home page shows search bar and curated "Explore" collections |
| You could click a category to see all listings of that type worldwide | You must enter a location first, then filter by property type |
| Categories were static and always available | Collections are seasonal and rotate regularly |
| Browsing by type alone was the primary discovery method | Location-based search is the primary discovery method |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still filter by cabin, tiny home, or other property types?
Yes. Search a location and dates, then click "Filters" and select "Property type." You will see all available property types including Cabin, Tiny home, House, Apartment, and many others. The filtering still works—you just have to search a location first.
Where did the category tiles go?
Airbnb removed them from the home page in 2023. The company replaced them with the "Explore" section, which shows curated collections instead. These collections change seasonally and are not the same as the old browseable categories.
Is there a way to see all listings of one type without picking a location?
Not directly. You can enter a very broad location like your country, then filter by property type, but results will be too large to browse easily. The "Explore" collections are a better option if one matches your interest, since they are smaller and curated.
Did Airbnb remove categories from the app too?
Yes, both the mobile app and desktop website removed category tiles. The mobile app and website both now use location-first search and show "Explore" collections instead of browseable categories.