# Google Earth vs Airbnb

The clearest difference is rating: Airbnb at 4.8 against Google Earth's 4.0. Airbnb also leads on ratings volume (703K vs 47K) and update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). Google Earth's advantage is review sentiment (45% vs 14%) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Airbnb holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Airbnb has 703K ratings behind it against 47K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 45% of Google Earth's written reviews are positive against 14% of Airbnb's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Google Earth ships an update fortnightly, Airbnb weekly. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Earth | Airbnb |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (47K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-earth/id293622097/reviews) | **[4.8 (703K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airbnb/id401626263/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 47K | **703K** |
| Positive reviews | **44.6% of reviews** | 14.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #18 | **#2** |
| Size | 158 MB | 342 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Airbnb, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/401626266) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Earth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-earth/id293622097)

**Currently charting:** #18 Top Free · Travel (US App Store)

Explore the world with high-resolution satellite imagery and 3D terrain. Dive into streets with Street View and create collaborative, data-driven maps from anywhere.

**Highlights:** High-resolution satellite imagery, 3D terrain and building exploration, Street View 360° perspectives, Create and collaborate on maps, Data-driven mapping

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🌎 Ability to explore the world
- 👍 Useful for geography and education
- 🌍 Detailed satellite and street view imagery
- 🎨 3D mode for immersive experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🕰️ Outdated imagery and maps
- 🔍 Difficulty finding specific locations
- 🚧 Blurred or missing details in some areas
- 🛑 Restricted access to certain regions

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes on mobile devices
- Inconsistent performance and quality across platforms
- Issues with loading and displaying street view

**Requested features**

- Update satellite and street view imagery more frequently
- Improve search and navigation functionality
- Add more 3D coverage for cities and landmarks
- Introduce a night mode or time-of-day feature
- Allow users to report outdated or missing information


### Airbnb

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airbnb/id401626263)

**Currently charting:** #2 Top Free · Travel, #79 Top Free (US App Store)

Discover and book unique accommodations, local experiences, and professional services worldwide. Find the perfect stay for any trip, explore authentic activities hosted by locals, and enhance your visit with convenient on-demand services.

**Highlights:** 8+ million vacation rentals, Thousands of local experiences, On-demand professional services, Personalized trip recommendations, Offline trip details, In-app messaging with hosts

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great customer service
- 💡 Expanded app features
- 👍 Variety of accommodation options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable calendar and messaging
- 🔒 Lack of host verification and accountability
- 💰 Deceptive pricing and hidden fees
- 🤖 Poor outsourced customer support

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and lags
- Incorrect calendar and date information
- Inability to update payment methods

**Requested features**

- Ability to leave negative reviews for hosts
- Better search filters for location and distance
- More host verification and security measures


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Earth free?

Google Earth is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Airbnb free?

Airbnb is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Google Earth or Airbnb?

Airbnb is rated higher. Google Earth averages 4.0 out of 5 from 47K ratings, while Airbnb averages 4.8 from 703K ratings.

### Do Google Earth or Airbnb have ads?

Neither Google Earth nor Airbnb shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Google Earth or Airbnb?

Google Earth ships an update fortnightly, and Airbnb weekly. Most recently, Google Earth was updated on September 25, 2026 and Airbnb on September 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Google Earth or Airbnb?

Google Earth currently peaks at #18 in the App Store charts, and Airbnb at #2. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*