Yes, Airbnb owns VRBO, but they operate as separate brands
Airbnb acquired VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) in 2019 for approximately $3.6 billion. Despite the ownership, VRBO remains its own distinct platform with its own website, app, and brand identity. The two companies operate independently, though they share some backend systems and corporate resources under Airbnb's parent company structure.
VRBO was founded in 1995 and had been operating as a standalone vacation rental marketplace for decades before Airbnb purchased it. The acquisition gave Airbnb a second major platform in the short-term rental market, but Airbnb chose to keep VRBO's name, branding, and separate user experience rather than merge it into the main Airbnb platform.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb owns VRBO as of 2019, but VRBO operates as a separate website and app with its own listings and user base.
- VRBO and Airbnb have different listing styles, fee structures, and property types, so a rental may appear on one platform but not the other.
- You can search and book on VRBO without using Airbnb, and your VRBO account is separate from an Airbnb account.
- Both platforms are owned by the same parent company, so corporate policies and safety standards may align, but day-to-day operations remain distinct.
How VRBO and Airbnb operate as separate platforms
When you visit VRBO.com, you are using a different website and booking system than Airbnb.com. The two platforms have their own listings, their own search filters, and their own host and guest communities. A property owner can list on VRBO, on Airbnb, on both, or on neither—the choice is entirely theirs.
VRBO tends to focus more on full-home rentals and longer stays, while Airbnb includes more single rooms and shorter-term bookings. This difference in focus means the types of properties and rental terms you will find differ between the two sites. If you search for a specific vacation home, it may be listed on one platform but not the other.
Your account on VRBO is separate from any Airbnb account you may have. You log in separately, manage separate bookings, and communicate with hosts through separate messaging systems. If you want to use both platforms, you will need to create and maintain accounts on each one.
Why Airbnb kept VRBO as a separate brand
Airbnb's decision to maintain VRBO as a distinct brand reflects a business strategy common in large acquisitions: keeping a successful, established platform running under its original name can preserve customer loyalty and market share. VRBO had millions of users and hosts who were familiar with the platform, and rebranding it as Airbnb could have driven some of them away.
By operating VRBO separately, Airbnb reaches different segments of the vacation rental market. Hosts who prefer VRBO's interface or fee structure can stay on VRBO. Guests who are accustomed to VRBO's search experience and property listings can continue using it. This approach allows Airbnb to capture market share without forcing existing users to switch platforms.
Differences in fees, policies, and host requirements
VRBO and Airbnb charge different fees to hosts and guests. VRBO's fee structure varies by subscription level—hosts can choose a basic plan or pay a higher commission for additional features. Airbnb charges a standard host fee and guest service fee that explore across the platform. These differences mean the total cost of booking the same property might differ between the two sites.
Host requirements and verification processes also differ. VRBO and Airbnb have separate review systems, separate cancellation policies, and separate rules about what types of properties can be listed. A host may meet Airbnb's standards but not VRBO's, or vice versa. If you are comparing the same property on both platforms, check the cancellation policy and house rules on each site, as they may not be identical.
What shared ownership means for safety and standards
Because Airbnb owns VRBO, both platforms follow similar corporate safety policies and anti-discrimination standards. Both require identity verification for hosts and guests, both have systems to report problematic behavior, and both maintain insurance and liability protections. However, the day-to-day enforcement and specific rules can still differ between the two platforms.
Shared ownership also means that if Airbnb faces regulatory changes or legal challenges, those may eventually affect VRBO as well. For example, if a city passes a law restricting short-term rentals, both Airbnb and VRBO listings in that city would be subject to the same rules. But again, how each platform implements those rules may differ slightly.
How to search and book on VRBO
To search VRBO, go to VRBO.com and enter your destination, travel dates, and number of guests. The search results show full homes, condos, and other properties available for your dates. You can filter by price, amenities, property type, and other features. When you find a property you want, you click on it to see photos, the full description, the host's reviews, and the cancellation policy.
To book, you will need to create a VRBO account or log in if you already have one. You provide your payment information, confirm the booking details, and submit your reservation. The host then accepts or declines your request. Once accepted, you can message the host through VRBO's messaging system to ask questions or arrange check-in details.
VRBO also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, so you can search and book from your phone. The app has the same features as the website, and your account syncs between the app and the website.
Should you use VRBO or Airbnb?
The choice between VRBO and Airbnb depends on what you are looking for. If you prefer full-home rentals and longer stays, VRBO may have more options. If you want flexibility with shorter stays and single rooms, Airbnb may have more variety. Some travelers search both platforms to compare prices and availability for the same destination.
Consider the property type, cancellation policy, and total cost (including all fees) on each platform before booking. Read recent reviews on whichever platform you choose. Both platforms have systems to protect guests and resolve disputes, so either can be a safe choice if you book carefully and communicate clearly with the host.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I book on VRBO, can I contact the host through Airbnb?
No. VRBO and Airbnb have separate messaging systems. If you book on VRBO, you message the host through VRBO only. The host may not see messages sent through Airbnb, and vice versa. Always use the platform where you made the booking to communicate with the host.
Do VRBO and Airbnb share my personal information?
VRBO and Airbnb are separate platforms with separate privacy policies. Your VRBO account information is not automatically shared with Airbnb unless you choose to link the accounts or use the same email address for both. Review each platform's privacy policy if you have concerns about how your data is used.
Can a property be listed on both VRBO and Airbnb at the same time?
Yes. A host can list the same property on VRBO, Airbnb, and other vacation rental platforms simultaneously. However, the host is responsible for managing availability across all platforms to avoid double-booking. Some hosts use calendar-syncing tools to keep their listings updated on multiple sites.
If VRBO is owned by Airbnb, will VRBO shut down?
There is no indication that Airbnb plans to shut down VRBO. The company has kept VRBO operating as a separate brand for years after the acquisition, suggesting it is a profitable part of Airbnb's business. However, corporate strategies can change, so it is worth monitoring VRBO's status if you are a frequent user.
Are VRBO reviews and ratings the same as Airbnb reviews?
No. VRBO and Airbnb have separate review systems. A property's rating on VRBO is based only on reviews from VRBO guests, and its Airbnb rating is based only on Airbnb guests. The same property may have different ratings on the two platforms because different groups of people have stayed there and left reviews.