Home swapping has grown from a niche idea into a practical option for many travellers. Here is an honest look at the main platforms — what they offer, who they suit, and how they differ.
Different platforms, different approaches
Each home exchange platform makes different trade-offs between community size, experience style, price, and simplicity. Understanding those differences helps you choose what fits your situation.
Platform overview
HomeExchange is one of the oldest and largest home exchange platforms. Members pay an annual fee to access a wide global database of homes. It supports both simultaneous swaps — where both parties travel at the same time — and non-simultaneous swaps through a points system. If having the widest possible selection is important, HomeExchange is likely to have the most options.
Kindred is known for a curated, community-focused approach to home swapping. Rather than opening access to everyone immediately, it emphasises quality and trust within its network. It may appeal to people who want a more selective experience and are willing to go through a vetting process. For current details about Kindred's membership and availability, visit their website.
People Like Us is a community-based home exchange service with a social focus. It is designed for people who feel they share values and a travel mindset with other members. The community element is central to the experience. For the most current information on People Like Us, check their website directly.
Swapsease is a newer iOS app for home swapping with a mobile-first, swipe-based interface. You list your home, swipe to browse others, match when interest is mutual, and use in-app chat to work out the details. It is free to get started and is designed to make the early steps of home swapping as quick and simple as possible.
| Platform | Best for | Experience style | Why consider it |
|---|---|---|---|
| HomeExchange | Established home exchangers who want a large global network | Web-first, membership-based, simultaneous and non-simultaneous swaps | Largest community, long track record, points-based system for flexible swaps |
| Kindred | People who value a curated network with a focus on home quality | Membership-based, community and curation-focused | Selective community approach, emphasis on trust and home standards |
| People Like Us | People who want a community-oriented home exchange experience | Community-based, social and connection-focused | Strong community identity, designed for people who share values and travel styles |
| Swapsease | People who want a simple, free-to-start mobile app | iOS app, swipe-based discovery, mutual matching and in-app chat | Free to start, mobile-first, quick listing setup, swipe-based browsing |
Choosing a platform
HomeExchange has by far the largest community. If you want the widest geographic coverage and the most options, it is the strongest choice on that dimension.
Kindred may appeal if you prefer a more selective network where homes and members are reviewed before joining.
People Like Us is built around social connection. If you want to feel part of a community with shared values, it is designed with that in mind.
Swapsease is designed for people who want to get started quickly on a phone. Listing a home, swiping, matching, and chatting all happen in the app without a complex setup.
Download Swapsease on iOS to list your home and start exploring potential swaps for free.
Download on the App StoreCurrently available on iOS. Android is on the roadmap.
The best platform depends on what you value. HomeExchange has the largest community. Kindred focuses on curation. People Like Us emphasises community connection. Swapsease is a newer mobile-first option with swipe-based discovery. Trying more than one is reasonable if you want to compare.
It varies by platform. Some require an annual membership fee. Swapsease is free to get started, with a paid tier that removes the daily swipe cap. Check each platform directly for current pricing.
HomeExchange is much larger and has been running for decades. Swapsease is newer and takes a different approach, with a mobile-first swipe interface, mutual matching, and in-app chat. HomeExchange likely has more listings in more destinations right now.
Swapsease is an iOS home swap app. You list your home, swipe to discover others, match when interest is mutual, and use in-app chat to arrange the swap.
Swapsease is available in the App Store globally. European users can list homes and browse listings. The community is growing across different countries.
Swapsease is currently available on iOS. Android support is on the roadmap.
