Many travelers wonder if they need to choose between HomeExchange and Airbnb. The truth is: you can use both, but if your goal is to save money and enjoy authentic stays, HomeExchange clearly stands out. Let’s look at how they compare.

HomeExchange Airbnb
Fixed annual membership of US$235 for unlimited exchanges, no matter the location or length of stay. Pay per night, often expensive in popular destinations.
Community-based system built on trust and GuestPoints. Transactional: host-guest relationship based on payment.
Full homes with kitchens, essential amenities and multiple bedrooms. Wide variety of rentals, but often smaller or more costly for families.
Flexibility: reciprocal, non-reciprocal, or GuestPoints exchanges. Flexible booking, but prices fluctuate depending on demand.
Guarantees and dedicated member support for peace of mind. Support available, but hidden fees can be stressful.
Travel with HomeExchange

Why HomeExchange is the smarter choice

With no nightly costs, every trip on HomeExchange brings more value. Families enjoy extra space, solo travelers feel secure with built-in guarantees, and digital nomads appreciate the flexibility of long stays.

When Airbnb might still be useful

Airbnb can still make sense for a one-night stay or in destinations where HomeExchange listings are limited. But for most trips, Airbnb quickly becomes more expensive.

Combining both but saving with HomeExchange

Some members choose Airbnb for a short stopover but rely on HomeExchange for the main part of their trip. This way, they keep their travels affordable while enjoying authentic experiences.

How HomeExchange can be used alongside Airbnb

Host welcoming guests in his home

You don’t have to pick sides, but if you want real savings and comfort, HomeExchange is the better choice. Airbnb can complement it for special cases, but HomeExchange remains the platform where most of your travels will feel both affordable and enriching.

Travel with HomeExchange

What our members say about choosing HomeExchange

So glad to have been introduced to this platform. It is a lovely community and I have travelled so much more since using it, having great experiences and creating amazing memories. The community feel is so much nicer than an Airbnb and removing the cost of accomodation makes travel so much more feasible.

Leed — Click to see their review

Love HomeExchange! Within 1 day of posting our homes we have had exchange requests. I love the the ease of the site. More importantly I love the deposit coverage and release of deposit option. Having been on VRBO and Airbnb it is nice to know that HomeExchange has our back. It gives me the confidence to open my home up to other exchangers.

Linda — Click to see their review

Only super experiences! Much more personal than Airbnb. Hosts often put some welcome food and drink in the kitchen upon arrival, which is really great when you arrive tired after a long journey. And guests often bring a little gift from their home country too. And everybody is taking care of things. You can ask to water plants as host.

Franz — Click to see their review

We love our HomeExchange experiences. They bring us to places that we would not have gone to otherwise.
It’s a completely trust based experience and I like the community experience that is so very different to Airbnb

Vanessa — Click to see their review

Sign up for free