Airbnb vs Vrbo vs Booking.com: who keeps the most?
Enter one stay and see what you actually keep on each platform after the fall 2026 fee changes — plus how many direct bookings it takes to pay for your own booking site.
✅ Last updated Oct 1, 2026 (fee rules checked against the sources below) · By Joshua Gold · Free · No signup · Runs in your browser
Quick answer: on a $700 stay ($200 × 3 nights + $100 cleaning) with each fee charged on the full amount, you keep $616 on Vrbo at 12%, $595 on Booking.com at an example 15%, $591.50 on Airbnb at 15.5%, and $679.40 on a direct card booking (2.9% + 30¢) before website costs.
Who keeps what after the fall 2026 fee changes
For the first time in years, every major channel's fee changed at once. Airbnb moved most hosts to a 15.5% host-only fee on September 15, Vrbo moves to a flat 12% on October 29, and Booking.com's commission (Skift puts it at around 15%; your exact rate is in your Booking.com agreement) is charged on the total booking amount, including cleaning fees.
On a $700 stay ($200 × 3 nights + $100 cleaning), the defaults above give: Airbnb $591.50, Vrbo at 12% $616, Booking.com at 15% $595, and a direct booking paid by card $679.40 before website costs.
Is a direct-booking site worth it?
Direct bookings avoid the commission but need a website, a payment processor and your own marketing. The break-even line in the results tells you how many direct bookings a month cover your monthly software cost. Note that guests may still find you via the big platforms first — most hosts use direct booking for repeat guests and referrals rather than as a replacement.
Price differently on each channel?
Because fees differ, the same nightly price earns you different amounts on each platform. Many channel managers let you add a per-channel markup. Watch for rate-parity rules: Skift reports Vrbo's new terms include one.
Questions hosts ask
Which platform has the lowest host fees?
After October 29, 2026, Vrbo's reported flat 12% is lower than Airbnb's 15.5% host-only fee and Booking.com's typical ~15% commission. Direct bookings are cheapest per booking but carry website and marketing costs.
Does Booking.com charge commission on cleaning fees?
Yes. Booking.com says its commission applies to the total booking amount, including cleaning and other fees you charge. It doesn't charge commission on local taxes such as city tax, though VAT/GST may be included depending on local rules.
Should I charge more on Airbnb than on Vrbo?
Many hosts set a channel markup so their payout is the same everywhere. This calculator shows how far apart the payouts are; a channel manager can apply the difference automatically. Check each platform's rate-parity terms first.
What does a direct booking really cost?
Typically card processing (Stripe's standard US rate is 2.9% + 30¢), plus a website or booking engine subscription, spread across your direct bookings.