Kindred vs. HomeExchange: How Do They Compare?

Thinking about swapping homes for your next trip and wondering whether HomeExchange or Kindred is the better fit? Home exchanges open doors to destinations and connections that a hotel room simply can’t, and we’re proud to have pioneered this way of travel. We also know we’re not the only community doing it well, which is a good sign that home exchanging is a legitimate way to see the world. Below, we break down how HomeExchange and Kindred compare on origins, exchange types, fees, guarantees, and community size, so you can decide which one, or both, belongs in your travel plans.

HomeExchange vs. Kindred at a Glance

The Types of Exchanges Offered by HomeExchange and Kindred

HomeExchange

• Reciprocal Exchange: a classic swap where you and another member share your homes, either at the same time or on separate dates.
• GuestPoints Exchange: if a reciprocal swap doesn’t line up, you can offer GuestPoints instead, obtained by hosting and usable whenever you’re ready to travel.
• Private Room Exchange: hosts share a room in their main residence while staying present, can also be done by reciprocal or GuestPoints exchange. This option is highly popular among members seeking language exchanges and/or short-term stays.

Kindred

• Credit System: members get 1 credit per night hosted, 2 credits for a successful referral, and 5 credits automatically at sign-up. Each credit covers one night at another member’s home.
• Classic Exchange: members can also swap homes at the same time for an equal number of nights without touching the credit system at all.

Membership Fees at HomeExchange and Kindred

HomeExchange

HomeExchange's charge one annual membership fee of $235, which unlocks unlimited exchanges for the full year with no extra charge per stay. Signing up and browsing homes is free; the fee is only collected once a member is ready to finalize a first exchange.

Kindred

Kindred offers a system where stays cost a per-night service fee of roughly $5 to $45 (from about $8 a night on month-long stays), paid by the guest. Members who want to avoid that fee entirely can get a Kindred Passport for $600 a year or $165 a quarter, which covers unlimited stays with no service fees.

Guarantees and Extra Services at HomeExchange and Kindred

HomeExchange

Every finalized HomeExchange swap comes with the same guarantees: a $500 deposit system that applies to all members, home damage coverage up to $1,000,000 for both host and guest, guest compensation of up to $120 a night if a host cancellation can’t be resolved, and coverage against theft.
HomeExchange's support team is also available 24/7 to help find a replacement exchange in the rare case one is needed.

Kindred

Kindred layers two protections for hosts: its own Damage Protection Program reimburses up to $100,000 per stay for damage caused by a guest or a Kindred-coordinated cleaner, plus separate liability coverage underwritten by The Hartford for up to $1,000,000 per incident with no deductible. Kindred also coordinates professional cleanings between stays, and Passport members receive a complimentary set of linens and towels; other members can buy hosting essentials through Kindred’s marketplace.

The Communities Behind HomeExchange and Kindred

HomeExchange

The HomeExchange's community has grown to over 300,000 members and 550,000 homes across more than 155 countries; to join us, sign up for free and have your home and identity verified.

Kindred

Kindred’s network has nearly 300,000 homes across 150+ cities in North America and Europe, with roughly 150,000 new members joining in 2025. Kindred is a application-based: every home and member must be reviewed and accepted, identities are verified.

The Origins of HomeExchange and Kindred

HomeExchange

The roots of HomeExchange date back to the 1950s in the United States, when a printed catalog aimed at teachers first connected families willing to swap homes for the summer. HomeExchange online community was born in 1992, well ahead of any competitor, and the concept reached a mainstream audience in 2006 when the film The Holiday introduced home exchanges to millions of viewers. Decades of experience since then have made us the world’s largest home exchange network.

Kindred

Kindred is a newer entrant, founded in 2021 by two co-founders who launched with an invite-only beta aimed at design-minded hosts. The platform has grown since then, expanding from North America into Europe, and in February 2026 it announced $125 million in fresh funding, a sign that home swapping is moving further into the mainstream.

So, how do HomeExchange and Kindred really compare? They’re both legitimate, well-run home exchange communities, but they suit different travelers: HomeExchange is the bigger, budget-friendly choice for anyone who wants unlimited exchanges for one flat yearly fee, while Kindred offers a smaller, curated, application-based network built around a pay-as-you-go credit system. Joining both is free, so there’s nothing stopping you from trying each and seeing which community feels like home.