Airbnb vs. Couchsurfing: Which is for You?

When it comes to finding accommodation when you travel, there are plenty of options to choose from thanks to the internet. Long gone are the days of being strictly confined to hotels or hostels, as sites like Airbnb and Couchsurfing have provided alternatives for travellers seeking a home away from home during their expedition abroad.

Founded in 2008, Airbnb connects homeowners and travellers across 34,000 cities and 190 countries worldwide, with their inventory boasts over one million listings. Couchsurfing on the other hand, which was founded in 2004, supports a global community of 10 million people in more than 200,000 cities worldwide. What sets them apart from Airbnb is that they do not have standard ‘listings’, as hosting is completely optional and voluntary.

Users of Airbnb can choose from three types of spaces: Shared rooms, private rooms and entire homes or apartments. Prices vary based on the type of accommodation a traveller chooses. For those travelling with more than three people, it is usually recommended that they get the whole unit as most private or shared rooms can only accommodate 1-2 people. Generally, when you get only the room, there will be others present in the accommodation. Yet, for travellers who seek complete privacy, booking the entire home or apartment is recommended.

If you opt for Couchsurfing, however, you will contact the hosts and inquire about their availability to host you during your travels. As there are no official listings on Couchsurfing, there is no payment or booking process when inquiring for a place. The type of accommodation hosts can provide range from sleeping on a mat on the floor in the living room to proper guest bedrooms with private bathrooms. Usually. lone travellers or couples use Couchsurfing due to the nature of the website’s flexibility. It is not recommended for parties of more than two and above.

In terms of safety, both companies encourage guests and hosts to be very cautious and have published a list of safety tips on their respective sites. Users are encouraged to contact their respective sites if they have any questions or concerns. Both AirBnb and Couchsurfing offer verified profile options; but it is important to keep in mind that Airbnb’s verification stamp is free, whereas Couchsurfing requires users to pay for the feature. Travellers and hosts are recommended to view their respective hosts’/guests’ personal reviews as well as home reviews to get a better understanding of them.

Becoming a part of the Courchsurfing community and staying with a host is free. On Airbnb, joining and creating a listing is free, however there are fees for both guests and hosts once a reservation has been made. Those hosting or listing their space pay a 3 percent service fee once a reservation is confirmed. Guests pay a 6-12 percent service fee upon completing the booking.

Here’s a breakdown for the advantages and disadvantages of Airbnb and Couchsurfing: