Redfin vs Zillow: Which Real Estate Platform Should You Choose?

Feverpitched / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ve likely come across websites for buying and selling homes, like Zillow or Redfin — two of the most renowned real estate listing platforms available today.

Both Zillow and Redfin allow you to search for houses according to specific criteria, like sales price and location. You can access a database of listings from the comfort of your home instead of visiting a real estate agent to find properties in your area.

Zillow and Redfin are most likely to rank at the top when you’re searching online for homes. These handy real estate tools have unique perks and downsides, though. Before starting your search or deciding on Zillow vs. Redfin, you should know how they work.

What Is Redfin?

Redfin is a brokerage platform that operates in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. It pulls its listing service from Multiple Listing Services, or the MLS, and updates its site every five minutes. Redfin is generally cheaper than a traditional real estate firm. 

The key services include the following: 

• Home search and listings: Uses real-time MLS data, interactive maps and filters.
• Redfin agents: In-house agents focus on customer service and not on commissions.
• Redfin estimate: Data-driven home value estimate.
• Concierge service: Helps sellers prep home for top dollar. 

Benefits of Using Redfin for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, there are accurate real-time listings, an interactive map search, in-house real estate agents and advanced search filters. 

For sellers, there is a lower listing fee, MLS exposure, access to full-service agents at a lower cost and free professional photography. 

What Is Zillow?

Zillow is the most popular online real estate marketplace among real estate aggregators. In 2022, the site received more than 60 million monthly visitors, according to Statista.

Along with searching for homes, you can find real estate agents, home inspectors and other real estate professionals. Zillow also offers resources to help you find a mortgage broker and compare mortgage rates.

Here are Zillow’s key services: 

• Extensive listings: Zillow lists homes for sale and for rent, foreclosures, and “Make Me Move” listings.
• Interactive map: You can search homes based on zip codes, neighborhoods or school zones. 
• For Sale By Owner: With an FSBO, you can sell your home on your own without an agent.
• Zestimates: With Zillow’s algorithm, you can get property valuations. 
• Virtual walkthroughs: You can take a virtual walkthrough of a home. 

Benefits of Using Zillow for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, you have access to millions of listings, an interactive map with customer features, virtual tours and photos, as well as property valuation through Zestimates. 

For sellers, there is a large audience that can be a target for a massive number of listings. You can see in real time what buyers are interested in your property. Also, you can sell your home on your own without an agent. 

Cost and Fees

Here’s a comparison chart of costs and fees at Redfin and Zillow. 

Additional Features: Redfin vs. Zillow

Having a hard time deciding between Zillow and Redfin? Each platform has additional features that may push you to choose one over the other. Here’s a comparison chart so you can decide: 

User Experience and Interface

How do Redfin and Zillow compare in terms of their websites and mobile app design? How easy is each site to navigate? 

Comparison of Mobile App Designs

Out of 1.3 million reviews, Zillow has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Play. In the Apple App Store, Zillow’s app ranks 4.8 out of 5 stars, too. 

For both Google Play and the Apple App Store, Redfin is ranked 4.7 out of 5 stars. On Google Play, Redfin has over five million downloads. 

Ease of Navigation

Zillow offers a modern layout that features a user-friendly search bar. There is also an interactive map that allows users to look at the properties visually. 

Redfin offers a similar sleek design, but gives real-time updates on its maps. If a property is listed or delisted, the update appears automatically. 

Filters and Sorting Options

What filters are available on Redfin and Zillow to search properties? 

Searching Properties on Redfin

The details from MLS and other sites are used to compare listings in your preferred area and find the most accurate pricing estimates. Buyers can use filters like:

• Zip code
• Square footage
• Price
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Home type
• Features like air conditioning, view, fireplace and pool

Searching Properties on Zillow

Like Redfin, Zillow offers several filters to search by, including:

• Location: city, neighborhood, ZIP code or address
• Square footage
• Price range
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Home type
• HOA fees
• Features like air conditioning, view, pool and parking

Reviews and Reputation

On Comparably, Redfin is ranked 61 in Business and Consumer Services Brands. Some of the reviews on the site state, “I appreciate the high level of transparency, and information availability,” and “The employees are great.” Redfin is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and is rated F. BBB states that Redfin has not responded to 23 complaints. 

Among its competitors, Redfin is ranked two. In terms of customer satisfaction indicators, it scores 64 out of 100. 

Users like Redfin for its accurate estimates on properties and the platform that’s easy to use. However, there is dissatisfaction regarding contacting customer service. 

According to Comparably, Zillow is ranked 30 in the category “Top Brands for Millennials” and 161 in “Global Best Brands.” Some of the reviews mention the following: “Free resources for anyone to use,” and “Variety of options.” Zillow is not accredited by the BBB and is rated F. Zillow has not responded to 11 complaints. Of its competitors, it is ranked one. In terms of customer service satisfaction scores, it scores 59 out of 100.

Users like Zillow for its extensive listings and the feature that allows homeowners to sell their property on their own. 

Which Is Better for Homebuyers and Sellers?

If you’re trying to decide between Redfin and Zillow, it’s good to see the pros and cons of both platforms. 

Redfin Pros

• Accurate valuations: Redfin has more accurate property valuations than Zillow. 
• In-house agents: Since Redfin has its own in-house agents, it ensures consistency of service. 

Redfin Cons

• Limited agent availability: Redfin may have one agent handle multiple clients. Agent access may be limited sometimes. 
• Not FSBO-friendly: Redfin isn’t currently FSBO-friendly. 

Zillow Pros

• Extensive listings: Buyers have a wide choice of listings with Zillow. According to 2023 statistics, Zillow has 160 million listings. 
• FSBO-friendly: Homeowners can directly sell their homes on Zillow. You don’t need an agent, and this allows for flexibility. 
• Agent flexibility: Individuals can choose their own agent on Zillow. 

Zillow Cons

• Inaccurate estimates: Zillow estimates tend to be more inaccurate than Redfin. This may lead to faulty decision-making. 
• Features may not be free: Not all features are free on Zillow. You have to pay more to be able to take advantage of the entire platform. 

Which Platform Is Better Suited for First-Time Buyers or Sellers?

Ultimately, Redfin and Zillow are both trustworthy companies providing excellent solutions to buyers and sellers alike. 

For buyers, Redfin has real-time listings and a potential commission rebate at closing. And a mobile app is available with robust search tools and tour scheduling. 

Zillow offers first-time buyers a wide range of listings. Having a broad selection allows first-time buyers to explore several different options. For homeowners who want to sell their home, they can do so without involving an agent. 

Conclusion

Online real estate platforms like Zillow and Redfin are a growing trend. These companies continuously improve their technology so that you can find what you’re looking for more efficiently. The main differences lie in their listing sources and whether you must work with specific agents — in the case of Redfin — or have more flexibility in which agent, if any, you work with — in the case of Zillow.

If you’re looking for detailed home values and agent services, Redfin may be better suited for you. For a broad search and the ability to sell your home without an agent, Zillow is the better choice. 

There’s no undisputed champion in this competition. Both Redfin and Zillow have unique features that can help with your home-buying endeavors. Make sure to visit both sites and explore their options before you choose one over the other.

Virginia Anderson, Daniela Rivera-Herrera and Amber Barkley contributed to the reporting for this article.

Share This Article: