Kindred review

Kindred is the cheapest way on this list to stay in a real home, as long as you can share yours. It is a members-only home swapping community: you earn 1 credit for each night you host and spend 1 credit per night to stay in another member's home. New members start with 5 credits, so you can book up to 5 nights before hosting anyone. There is no membership fee; you only pay a cleaning and service fee when you take a trip, and Kindred arranges a cleaning before and after each stay. The company says it has 400,000+ homes and members in 190+ cities, that 90% of homes are primary residences, and that hosts get up to $100,000 in damage protection. The downsides are commitment and access: you must apply with your home and be accepted, credits cannot be bought, and new applications are open in North America and Europe. Renters are welcome, which sets it apart from many swap sites.

Who it is for

homeowners and renters who can host their own place

Price

No membership fee; you pay a cleaning and service fee per trip.

There is no membership fee. You only pay for the cleaning and service fee when you take a trip.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 1 night of hosting earns 1 credit, and 1 credit books 1 night
• New members start with 5 credits
• 400,000+ homes and members in 190+ cities
• Cleaning before and after each trip
• Up to $100,000 in damage protection for hosts

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No membership fee, only a cleaning and service fee per trip
• Strength: New members can book up to 5 nights before hosting
• Strength: Renters are welcome, not only owners
• Weakness: You must apply and host your own home to keep traveling
• Weakness: Credits cannot be bought
• Weakness: Coverage is limited to North America and Europe for new applications

Key facts

• Membership fee: None
• Starting credits: 5
• Homes and members: 400,000+
• Cities: 190+
• Host damage protection: Up to $100,000

Where it ranks

Kindred is No. 6 in our Best Airbnb Alternatives verdict.