Home swapping has grown from a niche idea into a practical travel option. Here is an honest look at the main platforms — pricing, swap type, app availability, and which suits different travellers.
Why it matters
Community size, pricing model, degree of curation, and how swaps are arranged all vary between platforms. Understanding those differences makes it easier to choose what fits your situation.
Platform overview
HomeExchange is the largest and longest-running home exchange platform. Members pay an annual fee for access to a wide global database. The points system means you do not need a simultaneous swap — host someone and earn points to spend elsewhere. If maximum choice across destinations is the priority, HomeExchange has the most options.
Kindred takes a selective approach. Listings and members go through a review process before joining the network. This creates a smaller but more curated community. It may suit people who want more confidence in the quality of homes and members they encounter, and who are happy to go through an application process.
People Like Us is built around the idea of shared values and social connection rather than just property access. The community identity is central. It may appeal to people who want to feel part of a like-minded group and for whom the social aspect of home exchange matters as much as the accommodation.
Swapsease is a newer platform built for speed and simplicity. You list your home, swipe through listings filtered by destination and dates, and a chat opens only when both sides are interested. There is no application process and no annual fee to get started. It is designed to make the early steps of home swapping as friction-free as possible.
| Platform | Pricing model | Swap type | App availability | Ideal user | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeExchange | Annual membership fee | Points system + simultaneous direct swaps | Web + mobile app | Frequent travellers wanting the widest global selection | Moderate — more features and configuration to manage |
| Kindred | Membership-based (apply to join) | Direct home swaps within a curated network | App + web | Travellers wanting curated, quality-vetted listings | Moderate — application and vetting process before joining |
| People Like Us | Membership fee | Community-based direct swaps | Web-focused | Community-oriented travellers who value shared values | Moderate — community-first approach with its own onboarding |
| Swapsease | Free to start; paid tier removes swipe limit | Direct swaps via mutual matching | iOS app | Anyone wanting a quick, simple mobile-first start | Simple — list, swipe, match, chat, swap |
What makes Swapsease different
Most home exchange platforms were designed for the web era. Swapsease is built for mobile — faster to set up, easier to browse, and free to start.
Rather than searching and filtering manually, you swipe through homes that match your destination and dates. A chat opens only when both parties are interested — so every conversation starts with genuine mutual intent.
There is no application process, no annual fee to get started, and no complex setup. Create a profile, list your home, and start exploring in minutes. You control your availability and can update it at any time.
Swapsease is free to get started. Free users get up to 5 swipes per day. Swapsease Unlimited removes that limit. The goal is to let anyone try home swapping without committing to a membership fee first.
Everything happens in the iOS app — listing, discovery, matching, chat, and ratings. It is designed for people who manage their travel plans from their phone and want home exchange to be part of that flow.
Choosing a platform
HomeExchange has by far the largest community and the widest geographic coverage. If maximum choice across destinations is the priority, it is the strongest option on that dimension.
Kindred may appeal if you prefer a selective network where homes and members are reviewed before joining. The smaller community trades breadth for a focus on quality.
People Like Us is built around social connection and shared values. If you want to feel part of a like-minded group and the community aspect matters as much as the accommodation, it is designed with that in mind.
Swapsease is designed for people who want to get started quickly on a phone. No annual fee, no application — just list your home, start swiping, and chat when there is mutual interest.
Download Swapsease on iOS to list your home and start discovering potential swaps at no cost.
Download on the App StoreCurrently available on iOS. Android is on the roadmap.
It depends on what you value. HomeExchange has the largest global community. Kindred focuses on curated, quality listings. People Like Us is built around shared values and community connection. Swapsease is a newer mobile-first option with swipe-based discovery and a free starter plan. Most serious home swappers try one or two platforms before settling on a preference.
Most established platforms charge an annual membership fee once you are actively swapping. Swapsease is free to get started — you can list your home and swipe with a daily limit at no cost. A paid tier removes the swipe limit. Check each platform directly for current pricing.
A direct swap means two parties agree to stay in each other's home, usually around the same dates. A points-based system (used by HomeExchange) lets you earn points by hosting and spend them to stay elsewhere — useful if both parties cannot travel at the same time. Swapsease uses direct matching: both users show interest, a chat opens, and you arrange details together.
HomeExchange is much larger and has been running for decades, with a wide global database and a points system for flexible timing. Swapsease is newer, mobile-first, and takes a simpler approach — swipe to discover, match when interest is mutual, and chat to arrange the swap. HomeExchange likely has more listings in more destinations right now.
Kindred is known for a curated, quality-focused approach with a selective community. Swapsease is more open — anyone can list and start discovering for free with no application process. The right choice depends on whether you want curation and selectivity or speed and simplicity.
Swapsease is an iOS home swap app. You list your home, swipe to discover others by destination and dates, match when interest is mutual, and use in-app chat to arrange the swap. It is free to get started and designed for people who want a quick, mobile-first way to start home swapping.
Swapsease is available on the iOS App Store globally, including in Europe. European users can list homes and browse listings across countries.
Swapsease is currently available on iOS. Android support is on the roadmap.
