Sonder | Airbnb | |
---|---|---|
Number of listings | 5,000+ | 6 million+ |
Types of rentals | Entire units | Shared rooms, private rooms, entire units |
Typical guests | Business professionals, digital nomads, solo travelers, groups | Business professionals, digital nomads, solo travelers, groups, amilies |
Fees | Nightly fee, taxes | Nightly fee, taxes, cleaning fee, service fee |
Instant booking | Available | Available |
Reviews | Not currently available | Submit a 1-5-star rating and written review within 14 days after the stay |
Cancellation policy | Full refund if canceled within 3 days of booking if the Flex Rate is selected at checkout. No refunds if the Flex Rate is not selected at checkout. | Full refund if canceled within 48 hours of booking if the Refundable Rate was selected at checkout (varies). Partial refund after the 48-hour window for select listings. AirCover coverage plan offers full refunds if a similar or better Airbnb is unavailable during an emergency with the original booking. |
Sonder vs. Airbnb rental types

Sonder vs. Airbnb user interface
Both vacation rental websites have convenient apps you can download on your mobile device. While searching for a place to stay, both rental sites offer these filter options:- Location
- Price range
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of beds
- Number of bathrooms
- Air conditioning
- Gym or fitness center
- Laundry services
- Parking
Sonder vs. Airbnb selection
Given that Airbnb has various rental types in almost every country in the world, guests in need of a stay right away may have better luck on Airbnb. The rental site also specializes in exotic vacation destinations for travelers eager to get off the beaten path. If security and a seamless check-in experience are your priority, Sonder has you covered. Since its listings are only available in major cities, Sonder vacation rentals can be a great option for those visiting tourist destinations.Sonder vs. Airbnb prices and fees

Sonder vs. Airbnb reviews
Airbnb offers both guests and hosts up to 14 days to leave a review. A review is not mandatory for either party, and only hosts are able to respond to reviews left on their listings. Since guests have up to two weeks to share feedback, you may not have access to the most recent experiences of previous renters.Unlike Airbnb, Sonder does not have a rating or review system on its website. Since the platform chooses to operate like a hotel, each listing shares what guests can expect when they book the unit. Third-party reviews, however, are readily available on mainstream travel sites such as TripAdvisor and Booking.com, similar to hotel stays.Sonder vs. Airbnb customer service
The Sonder app grants guests access to 24/7 customer support, and in-person attendants are available if virtual communication is unable to resolve the issue. Customer service at Sonder is able to provide guests with fresh towels, coffee refills and no-contact check-ins and checkouts.The customer service experience at Airbnb depends on the listing and the host’s level of involvement. Airbnb provides 24/7 virtual chat services to all guests under its AirCover coverage plan, however, in-person representatives are unavailable. Hosts may be available to help resolve issues, although this depends on the listing and is not consistent within the platform.Sonder vs. Airbnb safety
Sonder emphasizes security and health safety within each of its buildings, and guests can select listings with a doorman for an additional layer of comfort. Contactless check-in helps keep guests safe while traveling and units are cleaned after each booking.Airbnb allows guests to share their itinerary with family and friends, which is especially helpful for solo travelers who prefer to stay in remote areas. It is the host’s responsibility to clean and maintain their listings, the hygiene standard can vary across bookings. Contactless check-ins are available but are not standard.Another option for long-term stays: Second home ownership


Sonder vs. Airbnb FAQ
01: Is Sonder owned by Airbnb?
No, Sonder is not owned by Airbnb. Although Sonder and Airbnb are competitors, Sonder lists units on Airbnb on occasion.
02: Are fees higher on Sonder or Airbnb?
Fees are higher and can fluctuate on Airbnb. Hosts are responsible for setting the cleaning fee, and Airbnb charges a service fee for each listing. Sonder, however, sets a fixed price per listing and only adds taxes to the bill.
03: Which is safer: Airbnb or Sonder?
Both rental platforms offer safety features. Airbnb does not have in-person representatives to assist guests, while Sonder does. For this reason Sonder also has a consistent security practices across bookings, while Airbnb’s security features vary with each listing.
04: What is the best alternative to Airbnb?
There are many Airbnb alternatives to consider, and this answer as to what’s the best depends on what you are looking for in a vacation rental.