Key Takeaways

  • Superhost status on Airbnb signals consistent excellence in guest experience and hosting performance.
  • Airbnb evaluates Superhost eligibility every quarter based on strict performance metrics like ratings, response rates, and cancellations.
  • Starter Operators can qualify in as little as three months by meeting all Superhost criteria across their listings.

Superhost is more than just a badge—it’s a trust marker that sets top-performing hosts apart in the Airbnb ecosystem. For property managers focused on growing their short-term rental business, it’s a clear benchmark of quality that can drive more bookings and better reviews.

In this blog, we're breaking down everything there is to know about this coveted status, including what the badge is, how to earn it, and why it's so important for serious Airbnb hosts.

What is an Airbnb Superhost?

An Airbnb Superhost is a highly rated, experienced host who meets Airbnb’s quality standards for responsiveness, reliability, and guest satisfaction.

Airbnb awards Superhost status quarterly to hosts who consistently deliver standout guest experiences. To qualify, hosts must maintain a 4.8 or higher overall rating, respond to at least 90% of guest inquiries within 24 hours, and keep cancellations below 1%—excluding exceptions like emergencies. Hosts also need to complete at least 10 bookings or three stays totaling 100 nights over the past 12 months. According to Airbnb’s official Superhost criteria, new hosts can reach this status in just three months if they meet all requirements during that time.

Only listing account owners are eligible for Superhost, not co-hosts or experience providers. Once earned, the Superhost badge appears on your profile and listings, helping build trust with potential guests and increasing visibility in search results.

What Are the Superhost Criteria?

Airbnb doesn’t hand out Superhost status based on good intentions or one great review. The standards are specific, performance-based, and reviewed every quarter. You need consistency, not just charm. If you're asking "What is a Superhost on Airbnb?"—you’ll find the answer in the fine print.

Number of stays and guest activity

You won’t qualify without showing up regularly. Airbnb looks for either:

  • 10 finished bookings in the past 12 months
  • Or 3 reservations that add up to 100 nights

Both options prove you're active, experienced, and capable of handling guest expectations across different stay lengths.

Minimum rating requirements

One five-star review won’t carry you. Airbnb expects an average rating of 4.8 or higher across all guest reviews from the past year. Every stay counts. A single underperforming listing can drag your average down, so it's worth addressing any weak spots quickly.

Cancellation rules

Superhosts rarely cancel. Airbnb allows fewer than 1% guest cancellations over the past year. Documented emergencies are the only exceptions. If you cancel one reservation out of 100, you’re safe. Cancel two? You’ve missed the mark.

Response rate expectations

Quick replies matter. Airbnb requires a 90% or higher response rate to new messages within 24 hours. The clock starts ticking the moment a guest reaches out. With multiple listings, automating responses isn’t just smart—it’s the only way to keep up.

Review thresholds

Each reservation only counts if the guest leaves a review. No feedback? No credit. Encourage guests to share their experience in their post-stay messages. Reviews shape your reputation and directly impact your Superhost eligibility.

Learn more about how to become a Superhost and stay ahead of the next quarterly review.

You’re in great company

Sign up

Some of the largest short-term rental operators (with 250+ properties) rely on Uplisting's software to scale their businesses.

Why Do Guests Care About Superhosts?

Travelers on Airbnb aren’t just booking a place—they’re betting on a host.

Superhost status gives them an easy way to spot someone who consistently shows up, delivers clean stays, and doesn’t disappear when things go sideways. The badge signals a smooth experience, especially for people booking in unfamiliar cities or trying Airbnb for the first time.

Trust and quality assurance

Guests see Superhost status as a promise. Not just about clean linens or stocked kitchens—but about communication that doesn’t leave them wondering. When someone asks, “What is a Superhost on Airbnb?” they’re really asking if the host can be trusted to care. A badge makes the answer obvious.

Most Superhosts have dozens or even hundreds of reviews that back up their reputation. That kind of social proof removes guesswork and builds confidence. When prices look similar, a traveler will almost always pick the host who’s earned consistent praise from other guests.

Visibility in search results

Airbnb pushes Superhost listings higher in search results. That’s not just good for hosts—it shapes guest behavior. People tend to click the first few listings they see, especially when they’re short on time or unfamiliar with the location.

When a listing shows up near the top and carries a Superhost badge, guests assume it’s popular for a reason. The placement and the badge work together to create a strong first impression—one that nudges guests toward booking without second-guessing.

Guest expectations and experience

Guests walk in expecting Superhosts to be sharp, responsive, and reliable. Quick replies, clear instructions, and backup plans for basic hiccups—those are the things that set Superhosts apart. The badge doesn’t just represent past performance; it sets expectations for every future stay.

That expectation often works in your favor. Guests assume they’ll have a great experience, which makes them more likely to notice the good and forgive the small stuff. When hosts consistently meet that standard, reviews follow—along with repeat bookings and fewer headaches.

Illustration of three people collaborating in a modern office setting. Text bubble prompts

Perks and Benefits for Superhosts

Superhost status isn’t just a nice label for guests to find you— for serious hosts it opens real doors.

For short-term rental operators managing a few listings while juggling daily work, the benefits make a difference where it counts: Visibility, support, and access.

Boosted exposure and placement

Airbnb gives Superhost listings priority in search results. More visibility means more clicks, and more clicks often lead to more bookings. The platform favors hosts who prove they can deliver consistently—and Superhost status is proof.

Guests spot the badge right away. When listings look similar, the badge often tips the scale. It builds instant trust and helps your property stand out before guests even read the description.

Airbnb also features Superhost listings in marketing emails and curated collections. That kind of exposure doesn’t cost a cent and reaches travelers already looking to book. Instead of spending time trying to generate leads, you get booked while focusing on running your properties.

Faster, prioritized support

When issues come up, waiting in a support queue isn’t just frustrating—it can cost revenue. Superhosts get faster responses from Airbnb’s customer support team, which can save hours during peak seasons or guest turnovers.

Whether there’s a problem with a reservation, a guest complaint, or a question about listing visibility, Superhosts skip the line. That kind of access cuts stress and helps you stay on schedule.

Quick answers also prevent smaller issues from turning into bigger ones. A delayed payout, a double-booking, or a broken listing link can get fixed faster—sometimes before a guest even notices.

Invitations and early access

Superhosts often receive early access to new Airbnb features and tools. Instead of waiting for updates to roll out across the platform, you get to test them first. That kind of head start can improve how you run listings or adjust strategy ahead of the curve.

Airbnb also sends travel coupons to Superhosts once a year, which can be used for personal stays or scouting new locations. And for operators interested in connecting with others, Airbnb sometimes invites Superhosts to webinars, virtual meetups, or pilot programs.

Some hosts even join the Superhost Ambassador Program. Ambassadors mentor newcomers and share what’s worked for their listings. The program is separate from Superhost status and doesn’t affect your eligibility, but it can add credibility and expand your network.

So when someone asks, “What is a Superhost on Airbnb?”—it’s more than a badge. It’s a way to get noticed, get help faster, and stay ahead, without adding more to your plate.

Create 5-star guest experiences

Give your guests unforgettable experiences

With Uplisting, you can send the right messages at the right time on all booking sites. Read and respond to guest messages in a single, unified inbox — whether you’re at the office or on the go.

Can You Lose Superhost Status?

Absolutely. Airbnb doesn’t hand out Superhost status once and forget about it. Performance gets reviewed every quarter, and if your numbers drop below the threshold, the badge disappears. There’s no warning or grace period—just an automatic update based on how you've hosted over the past 12 months.

Hosts usually lose their status for three reasons: average ratings fall below 4.8, response rates drop under 90%, or cancellations exceed 1%. One unexpected cancellation can cause problems, especially for hosts managing fewer bookings per year. Airbnb looks at your last 365 days, so even short-term dips in performance count.

How to avoid losing Superhost status

You don’t need to overhaul your entire workflow to keep the badge—just stay consistent and tighten up where needed. A few smart adjustments make a big difference:

  • Automate replies: Late responses hurt your response rate fast. Use tools like Uplisting to send messages immediately, even when you're not at your desk.
  • Block uncertain dates: If you’re unsure about availability—maybe due to repairs, delayed checkouts, or staff coverage—block those nights instead of risking a cancellation.
  • Watch your reviews: One negative review can drag down your average, especially with fewer stays. Respond to feedback, fix issues quickly, and follow up with guests when needed.
  • Anticipate guest needs: Most complaints come from unmet expectations. Clear instructions, fast replies, and a clean, well-stocked space go further than expensive upgrades.

Fortunately, if you've found yourself stripped of your Superhost status, rest assured that it isn't permanent. Airbnb checks performance every three months, so you can earn the badge back by meeting all the criteria again.

Start Your Journey to Superhost with Uplisting

Superhost status on Airbnb is more than a badge—it’s a sign of operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and consistent performance. From meeting strict criteria like high ratings and low cancellation rates to enjoying real benefits like increased visibility and faster support, Superhost recognition can directly impact your bottom line.

For short-term rental property managers, Superhost is a goal worth pursuing—but maintaining it requires efficient systems, fast communication, and a rock-solid guest experience. Automation, task management, and centralized messaging means that a PMS like Uplisting is no longer optional—rather it's an essential tool for scaling and staying competitive in today’s market.

If you're ready to exceed guest expectations and build a reputation that drives more bookings, sign up for Uplisting to streamline your vacation rental management. We’ll help you automate the essentials, stay on top of your operations, and keep your Superhost status within reach.

FAQs

Is it better to book with a Superhost on Airbnb?

Usually, yes. Guests often feel more confident booking with Superhosts because they consistently meet high standards. Strong communication, clean spaces, and reliable check-ins are all part of the experience. While any host can offer a great stay, Superhosts prove they do it consistently—and that makes a real difference for travelers who want fewer surprises.

Does Superhost status make a difference?

It does for both guests and hosts. The badge shows up in search results and signals that the host is dependable. Guests often filter for properties with the badge, especially when comparing listings with similar prices or locations. More visibility often means better booking rates, especially in areas with lots of competition.

Can you trust Airbnb Superhosts?

Yes, because Airbnb tracks host performance closely. Superhosts don’t just earn the badge once—they have to keep meeting the same high standards every quarter. Guest reviews play a big role in keeping hosts accountable. If a Superhost starts missing the mark, it shows up in the feedback and affects their status. So when someone asks, “What is a Superhost on Airbnb?”—the short answer is someone guests can confidently rely on.

Try our all-in-one property management tool

Start a free 14-day trial

We’ve built an all-in-one property, channel management and automation tool to help property managers scale seamlessly.

<-------custom-script---------> <-------Apped-UTM-Value-sign-up-button --------->