For hosts who rent out their vacation properties through the Airbnb platform, Airbnb fees are a crucial factor—especially when using a channel manager. Airbnb offers two service fee models: the Split Fee and the Host-Only Fee.
Important to know: Anyone using an Airbnb channel manager must choose the Host-Only model. Airbnb requires this as a condition for connecting to the Airbnb platform via the API.
In this article, we explain the differences between the models, highlight their advantages and disadvantages, discuss why there are two models for hosts, and illustrate how Airbnb calculates the fees.
We also explain why, as a provider of vacation rental software, we explicitly recommend the Host-Only model — not only from a technical standpoint, as it is the only option when using a vacation rental channel manager, but also in terms of booking success and guest satisfaction.
Most property hosts today rely on the Host-Only model. For successful rentals on Airbnb, it is the best choice. But how do the commissions vary? What percentage does Airbnb actually charge under each model? And what does this mean for the nightly price of your property?
Attached is our guide to the fees you incur as a host when using the Airbnb platform.
What is the Split Fee model?
The Split Fee model is Airbnb’s classic fee structure, familiar to many hosts who market their property directly through Airbnb.
This is how the fee is calculated:
- The host pays a service fee of approximately 3%.
- The guest pays an additional service fee of approximately 14% on top of the total price, which is clearly displayed at checkout.
- This means: The total cost consists of the accommodation price plus two separate service fees (guest + host).
This fee split is handled automatically by Airbnb. One might think the Split Fee model is particularly attractive for private hosts, as their commissions (host service fees) to Airbnb remain relatively low. But is that really the case?
What is the Host-Only Fee model?
The Host-Only Fee model is mandatory for all hosts using an API connection or channel manager. Airbnb introduced this model in 2020 to make the pricing structure more transparent for guests.
This is how the respective Airbnb commission is calculated:
- The host pays the full service fee of approximately 14–16% (Airbnb charges different fees depending on the location of the property).
- The guest does not see any additional service fee – the displayed price is the final price.
- This model is automatically activated for all software-connected hosts.
This makes pricing simpler and more transparent for guests — but also more demanding for the host, since they have to bear the full Airbnb fee?
One booking – two types of Airbnb fees
| Feature | Host-Only Fee | Split Fee |
| Who pays the Airbnb fee? | Only the host | Host and guest |
| Fee for host | approx. 14–16% | approx. 3% |
| Fee for guest | 0 % | approx. 14% (depending on booking value) |
| Total fee (Airbnb) | 14–16 % | 17–18 % (3 % + 14 %) |
| Available for… | Channel manager/API connection or direct listing on Airbnb | Only for direct listing on Airbnb |
| Price display for guest | Everything included in the accommodation price | Price + service fee at checkout |
Advantages and disadvantages for your property
These are the advantages and disadvantages of both models for your vacation rental:
Split Fee service charges
Advantages:
- Lower fee for hosts (only approx. 3%)
Disadvantages:
- Guests see additional costs at checkout – potentially off-putting
- Not usable when using a channel manager
- Less price transparency on Airbnb
Host-Only Fee service charges
Advantages:
- Clear and transparent final prices for guests
- Fewer questions and less confusion about additional costs
- Better conversion rates thanks to an improved user experience
- Same total cost for the host – no financial disadvantage
Disadvantages:
- Host bears the majority of the Airbnb fee (14–16%)
- Base prices may appear higher in comparison – even though they are the same net amount
Example calculation: Two paths, one result
Goal: Host wants to receive €100 net per booking
A) Split Fee calculation
| Position | Amount |
| Listing price | 103,09 € |
| Airbnb host fee (3%) – included in the price | 3,09 € |
| Airbnb guest fee (14%) – added at checkout | 14,43 € |
| Total price for the guest | 117,52 € |
| Payout to host | 100 € |
B) Host-Only Fee calculation
| Position | Amount |
| Listing price | 117,65 € |
| Airbnb host fee (15%) – included in the price | 17,65 € |
| Total price for the guest | 117,65 € |
| Payout to host | 100 € |
In both models, the host receives exactly €100 net per booking – the only difference lies in the guest’s user experience.
Why we at DiBooq recommend only one of the two options for your property
As a channel manager, we see every day what leads to more bookings, fewer questions, and better feedback. The Host-Only Fee model proves convincing for several reasons:
1. The service fee with the greatest transparency
The guest sees the true final price of your vacation rental – no surprises at checkout. No additional costs or extra fees. This builds trust and increases the booking conversion rate.
2. Fewer complaints and questions
With the visible service fee in the Split Fee model, there are often questions or negative reactions. In the Host-Only model, this point of friction is completely eliminated.
3. Better conversion rates due to no additional fee
Our analyses show: Listings with clearly communicated final prices lead to more bookings – especially on mobile devices.
4. Mandatory when using a channel manager
If you use our software or another channel manager for your vacation rental, the Host-Only model automatically applies. Airbnb requires this as a technical prerequisite for API connections.
5. No financial disadvantage for the host (or their guests)
You earn exactly the same amount with your vacation rental as you would with the Split Fee model – you just need to calculate the correct gross price. And for the guest, nothing changes except that they don’t feel like they’re paying an extra service fee.
What do I need to do as a host if I want to change the Airbnb fee model?
If you switch from the Split Fee model (host pays 3% Airbnb service fee and guest pays 14% Airbnb service fee) to the Host-Only Fee model (only the host pays a 15% Airbnb service fee), you simply need to adjust the price of your listing.
The simple rule of thumb: Add around 14% to your previous price so that you continue to receive the same net amount per booking. For the guest, hardly anything changes — they pay the same total amount as before. And you still receive your desired €100 (or any other target amount) as a payout.
Important to know: Even if the price in your listing increases, it doesn’t mean your property becomes more expensive — the final price for the guest remains almost the same. You’re simply adjusting the structure, not your earnings or the perceived price.
The question arises: Why does Airbnb do it this way?
With the Host-Only model for software-connected accounts, Airbnb aims to create a unified pricing structure for guests to prevent price discrepancies between Airbnb and other platforms (e.g., Booking.com). It also helps improve price comparability.
Conclusion: Same price, psychologically superior
The Host-Only Fee model is technically necessary when using a channel manager, offers greater clarity for the guest, and presents no disadvantage to you as a host. You earn the same amount but present a significantly more attractive offer – with no hidden fees, no misunderstandings, and no booking cancellations.
We recommend the Host-Only service fee for you as a host.
This fee model is the most commonly used of the two options Airbnb offers you. With this model, Airbnb retains the entire commission from the host, and it is not split between host and guest as in the Split Fee model — which can lead to a negative booking experience for your vacation rental on Airbnb.
While you, as a host, pay higher fees, you can offset them as described above — without increasing the final price of your apartment or vacation home. Your earnings remain the same.
Any questions?
If you’re unsure which Airbnb host fee model you’re currently using or how to adjust your prices, we’re happy to help.
Write to us or book a free consultation directly.
Your DiBooq Team
