Airbnb vs Booking vs Vrbo vs Expedia. Which One is More Profitable for Your Property?

Property Comparison: Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, and Expedia — Which is More Profitable for Your Property?

Being a "one-stop shop" in the short-term rental world is no longer enough. Simply listing your home on Airbnb means leaving 40% of your potential income on the table. However, each platform's algorithm, commission structure, and target tourist profile are different.

At Homeyday, we conducted a SWOT analysis of major platforms using the data we acquired while managing homes in our portfolio. Here are the facts from an investor’s perspective.

📊 Comparative Analysis Table of Platforms

The table below is prepared based on 4 main metrics that are critical for property owners:

1. Airbnb: "Brand Loyalty and Security"

Airbnb is now more of a lifestyle brand than just a platform. It is the first stop for those seeking a "home-like feeling," especially in regions like Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya.

• Advantage: It is the most secure platform against the risk of damage to your belongings thanks to AirCover insurance. Since you can rate guests, the risk of "bad surprises" is low.

• Disadvantage: Competition is intense. Operational excellence is required to maintain "Superhost" status.

2. Booking.com: "Volume and Cash Flow Monster"

It is the largest accommodation site in the world. If your goal is to ensure "no empty days, continuous bookings," Booking.com is essential.

• Advantage: It has incredible traffic volume. Maximizes the occupancy rate.

• Disadvantage: The guest profile is less filtered. Since it operates on a "Instant Booking" logic, your chance of choosing guests is low. Additionally, commission rates are higher for hosts.

3. Vrbo (Expedia Group): "Quality and Long Stays"

Previously known as "HomeAway," Vrbo is the more "mature" cousin of Airbnb. It is a system where only the entire home is rented out.

• Advantage: The guest demographic generally consists of large families and higher-income groups. Average stay durations (7+ days) are longer than Airbnb, reducing operational costs (cleaning/check-in and out).

• Disadvantage: Brand awareness is not as high in the Turkish market as Airbnb, but it is critical for foreign tourists.

4. Expedia: "The Power of Package Sales"

Expedia also hosts giants like Hotels.com.

• Advantage: You reach tourists purchasing flight + accommodation packages. These guests form the least likely demographic to cancel because they have also bought flight tickets.

💡 Strategic Advice: "Why Should You Be Forced to Choose?"

The biggest mistake property owners make is falling into the misconception of "I have to choose between Airbnb or Booking."

A professional management strategy requires an "Omni-Channel" approach.

• Your home should be listed on Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, and Expedia at the same time.

• This way, you will gain volume from Booking, long-term stays from Vrbo, and highly secure guests from Airbnb.

⚠️ Major Risk: "Double Booking"

If you try to manage these platforms manually (e.g., manually closing the Airbnb calendar when a reservation comes from Booking), making a mistake is inevitable. Accepting guests from two different sites on the same date can lead to your account being suspended and significant fines.

✅ Solution: Homeyday Channel Management Technology

At Homeyday, we integrate your property into all these platforms from a single panel.

• The moment a reservation comes from Booking, your Airbnb and Vrbo calendars close automatically.

• Your prices are updated simultaneously across all platforms according to the occupancy rate.

• You have a single "Super Host" profile.

Why settle for 50% when you can increase your income by 100%?

Get professional support to open your property to the global market.

👉 Conduct a Free ROI Analysis with Homeyday