If you’re thinking of renting out your property for short stays, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed with so many platforms available. But there are two giants that stand out from the rest: Airbnb and Booking.com.
Both have millions of users and global visibility, but work differently. Which one suits you best as an independent host? We help you decide. 👇
Property types: where does your accommodation best fit?
Your choice will depend largely on the type of property you have and its location.
- Booking.com tends to attract more travelers looking for budget accommodations, especially in larger cities.
- Airbnb, on the other hand, is very well suited to unique, charming or mid-high end properties. Ideal if you are renting a stylish apartment or a house with personality.
Conclusion: If you manage a simple accommodation and you are looking for volume, Booking can work. But if you want to stand out with a special property, Airbnb is your best bet.
Types of hosts: volume vs. ratio
A key difference is in the relationship with guests.
- Airbnb allows you to communicate with travelers before confirming a reservation. This helps you to better filter and generate long-lasting relationships.
- Booking.com is more automatic: the customer books directly without prior interaction.
Airbnb also allows you to offer discounts to frequent guests. Booking, on the other hand, focuses more on volume than personalization.
Easy to get started: Airbnb wins for simplicity
Setting up an Airbnb listing is fast: in less than 24 hours you can have your first guest.
- You just need to create your account, upload your accommodation, define your booking policy and payment methods.
- Booking.com requires more steps: cancellation policy, rates according to categories, bank account or Stripe… and wait for approval.
If you are new to this and want to get started, Airbnb is much more straightforward.
Commissions: who keeps less of your income?
| Platform | Host’s commission | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | 3% – 5% | Depends on your cancellation policy |
| Booking.com | 15% – 20% | High commission, no flexibility |
Airbnb gives you more margin per booking. In Booking, you will have to adjust your prices to compensate for the commission.
Security and protection for hosts
A major advantage of Airbnb is its AirCover for hosts, which includes:
- Protection against accidental damage by guests.
- Liability coverage.
- 24/7 assistance service.
Booking.com does not offer any specific guarantee to the host.
Public perception and positioning
Although both platforms offer all types of accommodations, the perception is different:
- Booking.com = hotels, cheap stays, last minute.
- Airbnb = unique experiences, apartments, entire houses.
Airbnb has positioned itself as the most personal option, ideal for those looking for something different.
So… which one suits you best?
| Criteria | Best option |
|---|---|
| Simplicity to start | Airbnb |
| More immediate visibility | Booking.com |
| Lower commissions | Airbnb |
| Protection as host | Airbnb |
| Professionalized management | Booking.com |
Tip: If you are just starting out, try Airbnb first. When you scale up, add Booking.com with the help of a channel manager.
Find out how ListingOK can help you connect both channels and optimize your revenue from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I advertise my property on both platforms at the same time?
Yes, but it is essential to use a channel manager to avoid duplicate bookings. More info here.
Which of the two platforms has more cancellations?
Airbnb allows more flexibility, so there may be more cancellations if you don’t choose your policy wisely.
Which platform generates the most revenue?
It depends on your property type, location and pricing strategy. Airbnb can be more profitable because of lower commission and recurring guests.
Which is better if I have little time to manage?
Airbnb, for its ease of use. Although with tools like ListingOK’s you can automate both without stress.
Conclusion: choose with strategy, not intuition.
Airbnb and Booking.com have distinct advantages. Evaluate your property type, availability, and experience. And if you want to scale without hassle, we’re here to help.
Contact us and we will help you choose the best strategy for your reservations.
📅 Next update
This article will be reviewed and updated in October 2025 to reflect changes in commissions, policies and platform developments.
