Top 5 Airbnb Like Apps to Build a Vacation Rental Platform

Airbnb, a popular vacation rental platform has become a leader in the industry by perfectly blending a unique business model with an exceptional customer experience. This success has led to the rise of the development of Airbnb clone app.

Are you one looking to build an Airbnb like app? There are many Airbnb alternatives available in the market. 

If you wish to check out apps similar to Airbnb, you are just at the right place. 

This blog sheds light on 5 compelling alternatives to Airbnb. Each offers unique opportunities for entrepreneurs to create a thriving vacation rental business.

Let’s dive in and explore!

Why there is a Need for Airbnb Like Apps?

Since its launch in 2007, Airbnb has dominated the short-term rental market with a strong global presence. 

According to Statista, Airbnb’s total revenue worldwide reached $9.92 billion in 2023, an increase from $8.4 billion in 2022.

Despite Airbnb’s impressive market share, there is still significant opportunity for alternatives. However, the global vacation rental market is projected to reach $125.60 billion by 2029, meaning Airbnb holds just over 11% of the market. This leaves tens of billions of dollars available for other players to capture.

With such a substantial portion of the market still up for grabs, exploring alternatives to Airbnb is a promising avenue for hosts and business owners.

Top 5 Airbnb Like Apps

Here are 5 noteworthy alternatives to Airbnb that you can draw inspiration from to create your own vacation rental app:

1. Agoda

Agoda, a major competitor to Airbnb, is particularly prominent in the Asian market, though it operates globally. Launched in 2005, Agoda gained popularity for:

• Competitive discount rates
• Attractive coupons
• Flexible cancellation policies

With 9 million listings that include homes, hotels, hostels, and more, Agoda offers a diverse range of accommodations. Like any other Airbnb alternative, Agoda is not only focused on whole-unit rentals but also emphasizes making accommodations affordable. 

Another unique advantage of Agoda compared to Airbnb is:

• Guests can enjoy a 12% discount when traveling alone
• Hosts benefit from listing their properties for free on the platform

Agoda’s website and app support 38 languages and offer customer care in 16. In addition to its vacation rental services, Agoda expanded its services in 2019 by launching a flight aggregator. This enables users to compare hundreds of flight options, providing a comprehensive travel booking experience.

For those interested in entering the vacation rental market, developing an Agoda clone app could be a strategic move. It allows you to leverage Agoda’s successful business model and features while serving a wide array of travelers and hosts.

2. Homestay 

Homestay is a popular rental platform known for its authentic hosting experience, making itself the perfect alternative to Airbnb. It offers guests the opportunity to: 

• Stay in a host’s residence
• Immerse themselves in local culture
• Enjoy a more personal and genuine travel experience

One of the standout features of Homestay is that it includes complimentary breakfast with all listings, offering guests a taste of local cuisine without the hassle of meal planning.

With nearly 50,000 accommodations across 140 countries, Homestay focuses on providing stays in homes owned by local hosts.

However, Homestay’s main drawback compared to Airbnb is its smaller number of properties. There are significantly fewer listings on Homestay than on Airbnb. Despite this, Homestay is actively working on improving its platform and is expected to expand its services in the future.

By building a Homestay clone app, entrepreneurs can tap into the growing demand for authentic travel experiences and effectively compete with larger players like Homestay and Airbnb.

Recommended Read: Airbnb Clone App: Understand The Business and Revenue Model

3. HomeToGo

HomeToGo is a leading aggregator vacation rental platform known for its extensive selection of properties and strong presence in Europe. 

Launched in 2014, it has quickly become a popular platform for rental bookings in 25 countries, featuring over 17 million properties. The app supports 8 languages, catering to audiences worldwide.

HomeToGo stands out as a comprehensive metasearch engine for vacation rentals, allowing travelers to compare listings from multiple rental sites in one place. This streamlined approach saves time by eliminating the need to search through various platforms separately. Once a traveler selects a rental, they complete the booking directly through the provider’s website.

As a comprehensive metasearch engine for vacation rentals, building a HomeToGo clone app with similar functionalities as the original HomeToGo is a robust competitor to Airbnb. 

4. Flatmates 

Flatmates is a popular platform in Australia and India that specializes in connecting individuals looking for shared housing. It helps users find compatible roommates and rental properties, making it a go-to choice for those looking for affordable, communal living arrangements. 

Flatmates accommodate a wide range of housing needs, from single rooms in shared apartments to entire properties for multiple tenants.

Key features of Flatmates include:

• Listings for rooms, flats, and shared houses
• Profiles of potential flatmates
• Messaging systems for communication
• Compatibility matching based on user preferences

For entrepreneurs interested in the shared housing market, developing a Flatmates clone app could be a strategic move. By leveraging Flatmates’ successful model, you can create a platform that caters to diverse housing needs while fostering local community connections.

5. PadSplit

PadSplit has created a unique niche in the housing market by offering private room rentals within existing homes. This innovative approach addresses the growing demand for affordable and flexible living arrangements, especially in urban areas.

Launched in 2014, PadSplit has gained traction by connecting homeowners with renters seeking private rooms in shared houses. 

Unlike traditional roommate arrangements, PadSplit handles: 

• Property management
• Roommate matching
• Rent collection

While PadSplit primarily focuses on the US market, there is potential for expansion into other regions with similar housing challenges. 

By developing the PadSplit clone app, entrepreneurs can tap into the growing demand for shared living solutions while providing a valuable service to both homeowners and renters. 

To learn about more Airbnb like apps, click here to read: Top 10 Airbnb Alternative Vacation Rental Script

Let’s Build an Airbnb Like App!

And that’s a wrap!

These are the top 5 Airbnb alternative apps that can inspire you to build your own short-term rental platform. Each of these models has a unique niche and business approach. 

The demand for the development of Airbnb clone app is undeniable in today’s growing sharing economy. By carefully analyzing these successful platforms and identifying your unique selling point, you can build a thriving rental platform that competes effectively in the market.