When it comes to listing or finding properties online, Zillow is still the biggest name in real estate. With more than 265 million monthly visitors, it’s often the first stop for buyers, sellers, and agents searching for homes or market data.[1] But Zillow isn’t the only game in town — and in many cases, competitors to Zillow can be just as useful, if not better, depending on your needs.
Are you looking for Zillow alternatives? Zillow is a powerful resource, but like any platform, it has shortcomings: delayed updates, sometimes inaccurate pricing, and plenty of competition from other real estate websites. That’s why more buyers and sellers (as well as renters, investors, and agents) are checking out sites similar to Zillow, like Redfin, Realtor.com, Trulia, and even some niche platforms.
Below, we’ll walk through the top Zillow competitors in 2025 and what each one does best, so you can decide which site is the right fit for your home search or sale.
Comparison table: Best Zillow alternatives at a glance
While Zillow is the most recognized home search site in the U.S., it’s far from the only option. Each platform has a different audience focus, features, and pricing model.
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at Zillow’s top competitors in 2025:
| Name | Best for | Key features | Cost | Standout difference from Zillow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfin | Buyers and sellers | In-house agents, lower listing fees | Free | Full-service brokerage with built-in discount |
| Realtor.com | Homebuyers and sellers | Large MLS database, frequent updates | Free | More accurate listing data than Zillow |
| Homes.com | Buyers and agents | Mobile app, instant property data | Free | Snap a photo to see property details |
| Clever Real Estate | Buyers and sellers | Partner agents, cash back, commission savings | Free | Savings on commissions and cash back for buyers |
| Trulia | Buyers and renters | Neighborhood info, blogs, mortgage calculators | Free | Rich local insights alongside listings |
| HotPads | Renters and buyers | Map-based search, rental filters | Free | Stronger rental focus |
| Auction.com | Investors | Foreclosure and auction listings | Free to browse, auction fees apply | Online property auctions nationwide |
| CoreLogic Matrix | Real estate agents | MLS data, analytics tools | Varies (via agents) | Deep market and agent-level insights |
| NeighborhoodScout | Relocation buyers | Crime, school, and demographic data | Paid tiers | Neighborhood-level insights not found on Zillow |
| Roofstock | Investors | Single-family rental marketplace | Fees per property | Focuses on buying rental homes, often with tenants already in place |
| Zumper | Renters | Apartment and rental search platform | Free | Streamlined rental listings with online applications |
| Apartments.com | Renters | Verified listings, 3D tours, landlord/property manager uploads | Free | More accurate rental data and stronger landlord partnerships |
1. Realtor.com
Realtor.com is one of the biggest real estate listing sites and Zillow competitors. Although it pulls data from the MLS just like Zillow, it has a reputation for better accuracy and updating listings more quickly. The upside is reliable data, but like Zillow, there are no in-house listing or buying agents — just listings and reviews from local agents who have purchased advertising space on the site. You’ll still need to do research and choose your own agent.
2. Redfin
Redfin is both a home search site and a real estate company with its own buying and listing agents. Instead of asking friends for referrals, you can hire a Redfin agent to help you buy or sell a home directly through the platform. It’s best for buyers and sellers who want lower commission fees and an easy online process.
The main advantage is cheaper listing fees, but the downside is that Redfin isn’t available in every city.
3. Homes.com
Homes.com offers an app, Homesnap, that lets you snap a picture of any home and instantly see details about it. It’s best for buyers who want quick info while driving through neighborhoods.
The advantage is how fast and easy it is to use, but it can feel limited compared to larger listing sites. On a desktop browser, it functions more like a typical home search engine, but with occasionally more robust details. It’s also popular among real estate agents for obtaining data and advertising.
4. Clever
Clever connects buyers and sellers with top local real estate agents from big brokerages like Keller Williams and Re/Max. Unlike Redfin, Clever doesn’t have its own in-house agents, but instead negotiates lower commission rates with traditional Realtors.
It’s best for buyers and sellers who want a local expert but still want to save money. The advantage is you often get cash back or reduced fees, and there’s not much of a downside unless you prefer to handle the process without an agent.
5. Trulia
Trulia, owned by Zillow, focuses heavily on neighborhood details like crime rates, school info, and local amenities. It’s best for buyers and renters who want to get a feel for the community before moving.
The advantage is all the lifestyle data, but the drawback is that the listings themselves are the same ones you’ll find on Zillow.
6. HotPads
HotPads is geared toward rentals rather than home sales. It lets you filter by neighborhood and compare rental options easily, making it a good fit for renters who want a user-friendly map-based search.
The benefit is how simple it makes comparing rentals, but it’s not a go-to site for buying homes.
7. Auction.com
Auction.com specializes in distressed properties and foreclosure auctions. It’s a good option for investors who want to buy homes at a discount without having to attend live courthouse auctions.
The main draw is potential savings, but the downside is that these properties often need major repairs and may require cash offers.
8. CoreLogic Matrix
CoreLogic Matrix is a multiple listing service platform most often used by real estate agents. It’s best for people working with an agent who can pull detailed data and reports.
The upside is that you’ll see the same information agents use, but the drawback is that you usually can’t access it directly without an agent.
9. NeighborhoodScout
NeighborhoodScout focuses less on listings and more on data about the area, like school quality, crime rates, and demographics. It’s best for buyers relocating to a new city or anyone comparing neighborhoods.
The benefit is deep local insights, but the drawback is that some detailed reports require a paid subscription.
10. Roofstock
Roofstock is designed for real estate investors who want to buy single-family rentals. Many listings already have tenants in place, which means you can start earning rental income right after purchase.
It’s best for investors who want a turnkey property, but fees apply and it’s less relevant for everyday homebuyers.
11. Zumper
Zumper is a rental-focused platform where landlords post apartments and houses for rent. Renters can apply directly online, making the process more streamlined than many other sites.
It’s best for people searching for rentals rather than homes to buy, so it fills a different niche than Zillow.
12. Apartments.com
Apartments.com is one of the biggest rental-focused platforms in the U.S. Unlike Zillow, which mixes rentals with homes for sale, Apartments.com specializes in helping renters find apartments, condos, and rental homes. Listings are usually verified, often uploaded by landlords and property managers, which means fewer outdated or duplicate posts.
The site also includes extras like 3D tours, neighborhood insights, and strong filtering tools to make narrowing down choices easier. It’s best for renters who want accurate, up-to-date listings and a smoother application process.
Best Zillow alternative by use case
Not every Zillow competitor serves the same audience. The right choice depends on whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or investing. Here are the standouts by category:
| Best For | Website | Why It’s a Strong Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Getting help buying or selling a home | Clever Real Estate | Matches you with top agents nationwide and saves sellers thousands in commission. |
| Searching for a home | Redfin or Realtor.com | Both offer accurate MLS data with fast updates and strong mobile apps. |
| Renters | HotPads, Zumper or Apartments.com | Specialized in rental listings with map-based filters and alerts. |
| Investors | Auction.com or Roofstock | Access to foreclosures, auctions, and turnkey rental properties. |
| Agents | Homesnap or CoreLogic Matrix | MLS-powered tools with analytics and pro-only features. |
| Buyers who are relocating | NeighborhoodScout | In-depth neighborhood data on schools, safety, and demographics. |
Zillow vs. top competitors: Key differences
Zillow is the most recognized name in online real estate, but it isn’t always the best fit for every buyer, seller, or renter. Different platforms have different strengths — from faster listing updates to investor-friendly tools.
Here’s how Zillow stacks up against some of its biggest competitors, depending on what you need.
For Home Buyers: Zillow vs. Realtor.com and Trulia
If you’re house hunting, the most important factors are how quickly listings update and how easy it is to connect with an agent.
- Zillow: Pulls listings from the MLS and public records, but sometimes updates slower than Realtor.com. You can request a showing through Zillow, but the agent who responds is usually someone paying for leads, not one you choose yourself.
- Realtor.com: Also pulls directly from MLS data and is generally considered the fastest to update, which helps serious buyers avoid wasting time on homes that are already under contract.
- Trulia: Owned by Zillow, with the same core listings, but adds extras like crime maps, school ratings, and neighborhood reviews that help buyers get a better sense of the area.
For Home Sellers: Zillow vs. Redfin and Clever
Selling your home through Zillow mostly means extra exposure, but the hands-on support sellers expect isn’t necessarily available.
- Zillow: You can directly upload your listing as “For Sale By Owner” or with an agent, who uploads it to their MLS where Zillow then syndicates it. FSBO listings save commission but usually get less attention, and Zillow’s agent directory highlights agents who pay for placement. You’ll still have to vet and hire the right agent yourself.
- Redfin: A full-service brokerage with in-house agents. Sellers typically pay lower listing fees (about 1–1.5% vs. the standard 2.5–3%), making Redfin attractive for those who want both savings and professional support. Availability, however, depends on location.
- Clever: Pairs you with top local agents from well-known brokerages while cutting commission in half (around 1.5%). Unlike Zillow, Clever does the matching work for you, and unlike Redfin, you can still choose from multiple major brokerages instead of just one company’s agents
For Renters: Zillow vs. HotPads, Zumper, and Apartments.com
Renters need fresh, accurate listings and tools that make the search and application process easier.
- Zillow: Has a huge rental pool but often includes duplicate or outdated listings because it aggregates from many sources.
- HotPads: Specializes in rentals with a map-first design. It’s great for comparing availability by neighborhood and narrowing searches based on location-specific preferences.
- Zumper: Stands out for its renter tools, like instant alerts for new listings and built-in online applications. It’s especially useful in hot rental markets where timing is critical.
- Apartments.com: One of the largest dedicated rental sites. It works directly with property managers and landlords, which means listings are often more accurate and detailed than Zillow’s. The platform also includes 3D tours and verified listings, which can save renters time and stress.
For Investors: Zillow vs. Auction.com and Roofstock
Investors often need inventory and tools that go beyond traditional listings.
- Zillow: Lists pre-foreclosures and bank-owned homes, but the data is hit-or-miss, and it doesn’t provide much guidance for evaluating investment potential.
- Auction.com: Built specifically for investors seeking foreclosure and distressed properties. It’s a go-to for bargain hunters, though many auctions require cash purchases and limited due diligence.
- Roofstock: Targets single-family rental investors. Its unique draw is tenant-occupied properties, meaning you start collecting rent immediately after purchasing an investment property. It also provides performance data and neighborhood ratings, which Zillow doesn’t.
For Agents: Zillow vs. Homesnap and CoreLogic Tools
Agents need advanced tools for client management and market analysis.
- Zillow: Offers leads through its Premier Agent program, but it mainly positions agents as advertisers rather than giving them robust analytical tools. Additionally, a high percentage of leads are curious browsers versus warm, ready-to-buy leads.
- Homes.com: A consumer-facing app that doubles as an MLS tool, letting agents send live listings and market updates directly to clients. It’s collaborative, which helps buyers feel looped in.
- CoreLogic Matrix: A professional-grade MLS system that provides agents with the deepest market data, comps, and pricing insights. Unlike Zillow, which focuses on exposure, CoreLogic is about precision and analysis.
Why choose a Zillow alternative?
Zillow is the biggest name in real estate, but it’s not without flaws. Many buyers, renters, and sellers end up frustrated by:
- Delayed updates: Homes may still appear “active” even after they’re under contract.
- Pricing issues: The Zestimate can be far from the real market value.
- Too many calls: Requesting info often means multiple agents contacting you, since Zillow sells those leads.
Other platforms step in where Zillow falls short. Redfin and Realtor.com update more quickly, Homes.com offers agent-to-client collaboration, and Apartments.com is rental-focused with fewer duplicate listings. If you want faster updates, better data, or a smoother agent experience, choosing a Zillow competitor can save time and stress.
Which Zillow competitor should you use?
Zillow is a powerful platform, but it’s not always the best fit for everyone. The good news is there are strong competitors tailored to different needs:
- Redfin: In-house agents (in certain locales) and lower commission fees.
- Realtor.com: Reliable MLS-synced updates.
- Clever: Full-service local agents plus savings at closing.
- Apartments.com or Zumper: Rentals without the clutter.
- Auction.com or Roofstock: Investor-focused with unique listings.
No single site is perfect. The smartest strategy is to compare more than one platform so you don’t miss opportunities. And if you’re buying or selling soon, a Clever agent can give you top-tier service and even put cash back in your pocket at closing.