Finding the perfect home doesn’t always mean buying one. In fact, 45.6 million U.S. households are renting, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council, and many are happy to do so. With high home prices, rising interest rates and the added responsibility of upkeep, renting is the most practical option for many.
In some cases, renting is simply more affordable month to month than owning. The average monthly mortgage payment for a median-priced home in 2025 was $2,329, according to Rocket Mortgage. Meanwhile, the average national rent came in lower at $1,96 per month, according to Realtor.com. If you're not ready to make a large down payment or you're still deciding where to put down roots, renting can offer the financial breathing room and freedom you need.
Whether you’re downsizing, just starting out, or planning a much-needed vacation, finding a rental that fits your lifestyle and budget can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you.
We rounded up the 10 best websites and apps for finding a home rental and the five best platforms for vacation rentals. Each was evaluated for ease of use, app availability, search features and more, so you can find your next rental before someone else does.
Understand rental platforms, ownership and listing overlap
Many rental apps look different, but a large share of listings come from the same underlying sources. Property managers and landlords often list a unit once, then syndicate it across multiple platforms. That means you may see the same apartment on several sites with slightly different photos, pricing updates or availability.
Ownership also plays a role. For example, Zillow Group operates both Zillow and Trulia, which share listings and data. On the rental marketplace side, Redfin acquired RentPath (now rebranded as Rent). That network includes sites like Rent.com and Apartment Guide, along with Rentals.com and Lovely.
For renters, the takeaway is simple: You don't need to check every app. Using two or three platforms with different ownership networks can help you cover more ground without duplicating your search.
10 Best Home Rental Websites and Apps
Each of the top 10 rental websites and apps stands out for different reasons, whether it’s screening tenants, comparing costs, ease of use, the size of its listings inventory or its ability to attract qualified applicants.
1. Realtor.com
You may think Realtor.com is primarily for home buyers, but the site also features thousands of rental listings. It’s operated by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and offers a straightforward search experience with filters for pet-friendly units, in-unit laundry, pools and more.
Listings provide a quick snapshot of key details, including price, size and location, making it easy to compare options and narrow your choices. Creating an account allows you to save favorites and revisit listings when you’re ready to apply.
Realtor.com also supports landlords through Avail, a property management platform within its network. Avail is designed for DIY landlords and includes tools to list rentals, screen tenants, sign leases and collect rent, making the platform useful on both sides of the rental market.
2. Apartment Guide
Searching for an apartment sight unseen can be challenging, but Apartment Guide provides resources that can make it easier to review listings from a distance. Listings typically include detailed photos and, in many cases, virtual or 3D tours, along with key information about pricing, layout and amenities.
You can search by city, ZIP code or neighborhood and use filters to narrow results based on your preferences. Because Apartment Guide works directly with property managers, listings are often kept up to date, and the platform supports parts of the rental process, including inquiries and applications.
The app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, also lets you save favorite listings so you can compare options and revisit them later.
3. Zillow
The Zillow app for Apple and Android allows you to search hundreds of listings based on city, neighborhood or ZIP code. Zillow also allows you to search for options with on-site parking or in-unit laundry, and the app allows you to quickly search for up-to-the-minute rentals, ensuring you get a fair shot at a property before it is snatched up.
Searching for a rental is similar to searching for a home on Zillow. The website's home page has a large map of the state or local area so you can search for a rental near work, school or the neighborhood dog park.
As one of the largest rental platforms in the U.S., Zillow not only features its own listings but also pulls in data from hundreds of local MLS databases. Landlords pay a fee to keep listings active, which helps reduce the number of outdated or already-rented properties. That means renters are more likely to find fresh, up-to-date options.
4. Apartments.com
Apartments.com provides real-time availability on over 1.4 million listings, including apartments, houses, condos and townhomes. The rental listings focus on the amenities an apartment complex or home offers and the additional fees you can expect to pay.
The platform has a mobile app for Apple and Android, making it easy to search on the go. With over a million listings available, it's a robust resource, though some users have reported that certain listings may be outdated or no longer available.
You can see the closest access to public transportation and the distance to the nearest airport, nearby restaurants and college campuses. Both the app and website make it easy to filter your search, plus you can apply online, sign your lease, and even pay your rent from any device.
5. Rentometer
Rentometer is a site that helps potential renters check rent prices instantly by searching for a property by building type, size of rental and address. You can quickly evaluate current market rents with its QuickView rent estimate, which includes average and median rent prices in a specific area.
When you need rent comp data, download a detailed list in .CSV format right from the website. If you're cost-conscious, don't waste time searching for rentals in areas that are outside your budget. Rentometer can help you check rent prices instantly across the U.S. to find the best place for you and your budget.
Rentometer is not a free service. Pricing starts at $16 per month (billed annually at $96) for the Essential plan, which includes QuickView rent estimates and mobile app access.
6. RentCafe
When looking for a rental, you may look at price, location and amenities. Scammers understand what amenities you need and make up fake rental listings to grab your attention, and money. That’s why RentCafe only lists rentals directly from top property managers in the area, so you don’t need to worry about vetting the authenticity of each posting.
RentCafe shows you a unit’s real-time availability, which in a competitive market can be a lifesaver. The site serves as a management platform that you can use to renew your lease or communicate with your rental manager.
You can view and compare the features of your apartment picks side by side, check property ratings and reviews from verified residents, schedule a tour of a rental directly on the property’s calendar at a time that suits you, and apply online at your convenience.
7. Rent.com
Rent.com offers a straightforward rental search experience with tools designed to help you compare options and stay organized. You can schedule property tours directly through listings, use the rent calculator to estimate affordability and save favorite listings to revisit later.
While its inventory may be smaller than some larger platforms, Rent.com focuses on usability, with filters and search categories that make it easy to browse rentals by location, price and property type. The platform is also available as a mobile app, so you can manage your search and track listings on your phone.
8. Trulia Rentals
Trulia offers a wide range of filters, making it easier to find rentals that match your needs and budget. Listings break down costs and fees, helping you better understand the total monthly expense at a glance.
Whether you're searching for pet-friendly units, in-unit laundry or access to a specific school district, Trulia's filters can help narrow your options. The app, available on iOS and Android, lets you browse listings and receive updates in real time.
Trulia also stands out for its Neighborhoods feature, which provides insights into factors like safety, walkability and overall feel. The platform includes resident reviews and local photos, offering additional context beyond the listing itself.
9. Apartment List
Apartment List starts by asking you a series of questions about your preferred size of rental unit, your budget, location and essential amenities, such as in-unit laundry and parking availability. Once you've answered these questions, Apartment List matches you with listings based on your needs and income.
If you use the app, which is available for Android and IOS, you can create a list of favorites, and the app will reach out to the property manager on your behalf. However, you can't search the website and save listings without giving your name, email, phone number and other personal information. If you’re not comfortable with this step, you may want to try other rental sites instead.
10. Zumper
Zumper offers a streamlined, mobile-first rental experience. Depending on the listing, you can schedule tours, prequalify for an apartment, submit an application and, in some cases, pay rent through the platform after signing a lease.
Listings also include rent comparison tools, allowing you to see how a unit's price stacks up against similar properties in the area. To support the application process, Zumper partners with TransUnion to provide access to credit reports that can be shared with landlords.
5 Best Websites and Apps for Vacation Rentals
Just like finding a home, condo, or apartment to rent, searching for a vacation rental can also be challenging. Thankfully, there are several great apps and websites that can help you book the best place to stay, no matter your needs. We’ve highlighted the top five.
1. Airbnb
Airbnb is one of the most widely used vacation rental platforms, with more than 7 million listings across 220 countries and regions. You can book directly through the website or app (available on iOS and Android), with filters that make it easy to narrow your search by price, location, amenities, number of guests and more.
Listings include photos, detailed descriptions and verified guest reviews to help you compare options before booking. Features like flexible date searches and map-based browsing can also help you identify better values, especially if your travel plans are not fixed.
Tip: If you are comparing multiple properties, look closely at the total price, including cleaning fees and service charges, and review cancellation policies before booking, as these can vary significantly by host.
2. Vrbo
Vrbo focuses on entire-home vacation rentals, including houses, condos, villas and cabins. The platform offers more than 2 million properties worldwide and is often used by families or groups looking for private accommodations rather than shared spaces.
You can search by destination, travel dates and number of guests, then filter by amenities such as pools, beachfront access or pet-friendly options. Listings include photos, pricing details and guest reviews to help you compare properties before booking. The app is available for both iOS and Android.
Vrbo also offers payment protections and customer support if issues arise with a booking. As with any short-term rental platform, it is important to review cancellation policies and total costs, including cleaning and service fees, before confirming a reservation.
3. HomeToGo
HomeToGo’s website claims it has the world’s largest selection of vacation rentals. The platform features more than 15 million accommodations through partnerships with 60,000 suppliers. HomeToGo also operates localized websites and apps in 25 countries, making it easier for users to search in their own language and currency.
Statista and Newsweek also awarded HomeToGo a first-place award in the vacation rentals category for its excellent guest relations. You can rent a house, condo, farm, or even a castle on the HomeToGo website and find inspiration for that next great getaway.
4. Booking.com
Booking.com is best known for hotels, but it also offers a selection of vacation rentals, including apartments, homes and unique stays around the world. This makes it a useful option if you want to compare short-term rentals alongside traditional lodging in one place.
You can filter by price, location, amenities and property type, and many listings offer flexible cancellation policies. The platform also highlights total pricing upfront in many cases, which can make it easier to compare options across different types of accommodations.
Because Booking.com includes both hotels and rentals, it can be especially helpful if your plans are flexible or if you want to weigh the cost and convenience of a vacation rental against a hotel stay.
5. HipCamp
HipCamp is a different kind of rental service where you can reserve beautiful private RV spots and campsites rather than homes, cabins or apartments. And your rental comes with a guarantee — if your vacation gets rained out, HipCamp will reimburse you the cost of your trip.
Sign up and get availability alerts so you can be the first to hear about vacancies at sold-out locations. You can also filter your search for a campsite with Internet in case your vacation turns into a work holiday.
Just be aware that you have to join HipCamp to see photos and get additional information.
Confidently choose your next rental
Whether you are searching for your next apartment or planning a vacation, today's tools make it easier to compare options and move forward with confidence. From detailed filters and neighborhood insights to online applications and secure booking, you can go from search to move-in or check-in with fewer surprises.
The key is focusing on what matters most, whether that is price, flexibility or location. With a few well-chosen apps and websites, you can spend less time searching and more time getting settled.
