Redfin vs Zillow: Which real estate website is king in 2025?

A National Association of Realtors report revealed that 97% of buyers used the internet to house-hunt in 2020. Modern real estate allows you to rent, buy, or sell your property online, saving you the time and money you would spend contacting agents individually. But which real estate website should you use? The platform you choose will greatly affect the results you achieve.

Redfin and Zillow are among the leading real estate websites in the world. According to data from Semrush, Zillow received 259 million visitors in October 2024, while Redfin received 70 million. Redfin is known for its advanced search filters that help users get accurate property matches. Users also love it for its real-time property listing updates. On the other hand, Zillow stands out for its comprehensive listing coverage, with more than 306,000 homes for sale in the US alone.

If you are torn between using Redfin or Zillow for your real estate needs, this article is for you. We’ll compare their ease of use, fees, customer service, data privacy, and other features. We will let you know which is best at the end of the article.

Let’s get started.

Redfin vs Zillow: Key differences at a glance

What is Redfin?

Redfin is an online real estate brokerage company founded in 2004 that helps users buy and sell homes through its network of licensed real estate agents. These agents are local market experts who use real data to provide customers with valuable insights regarding the buying and selling process. 

Technology allows Redfin’s real estate agents to charge relatively lower commissions and to reach more buyers. Its advanced features streamline the property search process and enhance the ability to buy, sell, and conduct valuations. The website is reliable, and a mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Another thing that sets Redfin apart is the platform’s user-friendly interface. When searching for an agent, you can simply enter your zip code or city into a search box and click on an agent’s photo to view their information. You can also search agents by name. This straightforward process allows you to inspect their contacts, transaction histories, and customer reviews. 

Redfin provides a Home-Selling Guide for those selling their properties and offers free selling classes to prepare them beforehand.

What is Zillow?

Zillow is a leading online real estate marketplace founded in 2006. The company provides a way for customers to view property listings and values online, but unlike Redfin, Zillow does not offer brokerage services. It is an open marketplace that connects buyers, sellers, renters, and real estate professionals. 

Today, Zillow is one of the largest property databases in the real estate market, with millions of properties listed on its platform. It is the most visited real estate platform in the US. Zillow also owns affiliates like Zillow Rentals, Zillow Home Loans, and Zillow Premier Agent, which offer a wide range of real estate-related services. 

For people looking to buy homes through Zillow, you can easily search by ZIP code, address, city, or neighborhood. You can narrow your search even further by setting a price range, selecting the home type, and stating the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want. Other personalization settings are available.

When it comes to selling homes through Zillow, listing the property on the platform should be the first step to finding a buyer. You can list the house through a professional representative or as the owner. Customers can then view your property automatically, including its value based on Zillow’s native valuation tool, which calculates prices based on public data.

Zillow provides a highly responsive mobile app compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Now that you’re familiar with Redfin and Zillow, let’s look at how they measure up to each other. We’ll start by explaining how to get started on the two platforms.

How to get started with Redfin & Zillow

Both platforms have simple sign-up processes. 

Signing up with Redfin

1. Create an account: Visit the Redfin website and sign up for a free account. You can customize your profile by setting your location preferences, budget, and property type.
2. Search for properties: The Redfin Search Tool pulls data directly from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), ensuring accurate and up-to-date listings. You can also refine your search with multiple filters like price, location, property type, and school district.
3. Connect with a Redfin agent: You can request assistance from an in-house Redfin agent to schedule tours or discuss your needs. You can also book a Redfin Direct Tour, which allows you to see properties without meeting an agent.
4. For sellers: Use Redfin’s Home Estimate to determine your home’s value. Schedule a consultation with a Redfin agent to discuss listing your property with their discounted commission rates.
5. Explore financing: Redfin offers mortgage services through Redfin Mortgage. You can check your eligibility right on the platform.

Signing up with Zillow

1. Create an account: Register for a free account on the Zillow official website or app. Set up search preferences such as location, price range, and desired home features.
2. Search for properties: Use Zillow’s extensive database to browse homes for sale or rent. Zillow’s Zestimate provides an estimated home value for additional insights.
3. Connect with professionals: Zillow helps you contact third-party real estate agents, lenders, and property managers. Before connecting, you can review agent profiles, ratings, and reviews.
4. For sellers: You can list your home using the Zillow For Sale by Owner (FSBO) option or by contacting a real estate professional.
5. Explore financing: Zillow offers mortgage calculators and pre-approval tools through Zillow Home Loans to help you understand your budget.

Is Redfin or Zillow more user-friendly?

Redfin's sleek design makes it easy to move from one category or page to another. The menu features drop-down sub-menus that help users identify their needs. It also has a table view that allows you to sort properties by price, size, and the number of bedrooms/bathrooms.

You can view photos without leaving the main screen, which helps you save time, especially when using a mobile phone. Another user interface feature that stands out is the "more filters" option —it helps sort and consolidate all the property factors you’re looking for in one place. 

Zillow’s user interface is professional yet minimalistic. Its focus on data-driven features makes it a great tool for finding property-related information. The site has advanced search filters that help narrow your search, including by physical address, number of rooms, and commute times. However, the navigation can be somewhat disjointed since users must click on each listing to view property details. 

Overall, Redfin’s user interface is more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing than Zillow’s.

Comparing the coverage: Zillow vs Redfin

Redfin provides selective coverage across the US and Canada, serving over 100 markets. It offers narrower but more in-depth coverage than Zillow, making it ideal for users in major metropolitan areas. The Redfin app doesn’t usually return many results if you go 50-100 miles outside major urban areas. 

On the other hand, Zillow operates in multiple states in the US and provinces in Canada. It provides broader coverage than Redfin, making it best suited for users in rural or underserved areas, though listing quality may vary. Zillow is less reliable in urban centers but excels in helping you find property in rural areas.

Does Redfin or Zillow offer more helpful features and tools?

Redfin's comprehensive search features make it stand out. You can use it to narrow your search based on criteria like property type, square footage, and parameters like parking spaces and the number of stories. Redfin also allows users to search for property within the confines of specific school districts, providing a more comprehensive home-buying experience than Zillow. 

Redfin Estimate and Hot Homes are other notable features that help users estimate the approximate value of properties and predict which ones will sell fast. Redfin Premier, a tool for those seeking or selling high-end properties, is also available. 

Some other important features of Redfin include:

• The ability to save, share, or hide individual listings
• Communication with agents
• The ability to track past tours and future open houses
• Learning real estate-related resources and guides

Like Redfin, Zillow provides several features to help users find properties. Its search capability is robust, and users can tag and share listings. You also have access to Zillow’s Zestimate, which serves a similar purpose to Redfin Estimate. Other notable features include an extensive database with millions of homes, mortgage tools, and a resource center where you can find various guides on buying, renting, or selling your property.

However, Zillow focuses more on property listings rather than providing a holistic experience for buyers. In this regard, Redfin’s features and tools are more helpful than Zillow's.

Comparing the available listing information of Zillow & Redfin

Redfin is linked directly to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database to provide users with detailed property data. You will find details such as the location of the home, its size, layout, condition, key features, information about recent renovation, available amenities, price, and financing options. 

The listings you find on the website are the latest in your location since they’re updated every 5 minutes. Customers use the Redfin Estimate tool to determine a home's probable price, with estimates falling within 1.96% of actual sales prices 50% of the time. They can also find neighborhood insights and information about local price trends on the platform. 

Zillow, on the other hand, aggregates listings from multiple sources. It gets data from the MLS and submissions from homeowners and agents. While it prides itself on having a larger database of properties, the accuracy of property estimates can be compromised since it relies on manual updates.

Zillow offers fewer property details than Redfin, so you may have to contact the owner for full information. We also advise caution when searching for listings in less remote areas, as they may be duplicates or outdated.

Our bottom line is that Zillow is a good choice if you are looking for comprehensive listings in almost all states. However, we recommend Redfin if you need an up-to-date and reliable listing in your locality.

Redfin vs Zillow: Which is more accurate in their home value estimates? 

Although online property value estimators are not as precise as professional appraisers, they can be very helpful in approximating a home’s rough price. Redfin and Zillow provide home value estimation tools that can be considered relatively accurate. However, Redfin Estimate and Zillow’s Zestimate often deliver different results when used to value similar properties.

Redfin regularly tracks changes in the real estate industry and provides data that reflects the current state of the market. The company has direct and complete access to MLSs and uses this data to calculate the current market values of recently sold properties.

This process means that Redfin Estimate aligns closely with market realities, making it one of the industry's most accurate property value estimators.

Zillow’s estimation model pulls data from multiple sources, including from user submissions. However, the main downside to its model is that the company rarely appraises its property values.

Responses to customer queries are also often limited since Zillow frequently fails to account for home attributes like upgrades and structural conditions. The company also lacks the manpower to physically appraise listed properties, so it relies on previous sales data and district appraisal records. 

Since Zestimate relies more on public data, it is likely to provide inaccurate values and is far less reliable than Redfin Estimate. 

Do Redfin & Zillow have real estate agents?

Zillow and Redfin are two diverse business models; therefore, they have different approaches to agent availability.

Zillow is a listing aggregator that serves as a link between real estate professionals and homeowners. It provides an agent directory for buyers and property sellers to find real estate agents. The agent directory comes with search buttons and filters, making it easy for users to quickly find the agents they are looking for. The platform also allows these agents to advertise their services.

On the other hand, Redfin is a brokerage firm that hires its own real estate agents who receive salaries and bonuses. The focus is on the client, so buyers and sellers are assured of experiencing seamless transactions on the platform. 

Which platform is better for buyers? 

When buying a home through Redfin, you get help from salaried real estate agents. Zillow, on the other hand, offers access to a wide listing pool. 

Redfin claims that its agents are some of the most experienced in the market. They close twice as many real estate deals as those not contracted to the company. According to Redfin, these agents possess extensive knowledge of the market. They also focus on existing customers rather than finding leads, meaning buyers receive dedicated support and advice throughout the purchase process. 

Another impressive feature when buying a property through Redfin is that it offers frequent updates on available homes. This process ensures that customers can access the most recent home listings anytime. The only downside is that Redfin has fewer home listings than Zillow. Therefore, the system is potentially prone to heightened buyer competition and increased property values.

The main upside of buying a home on Zillow is that the platform features more property listings than Redfin. Over 160 million property listings are in Zillow’s database, providing users with a vast selection of properties. Despite this advantage, Zillow's database updates are less frequent than Redfin's, making it vulnerable to customers encountering expired and under-contract home listings. 

Ultimately, the choice depends on your property-buying needs. Buyers who want access to a wide range of options should choose Zillow, while those who wish to work with knowledgeable agents should choose Redfin.

How do Redfin & Zillow stack up for property selling and FSBO? 

Redfin is primarily a brokerage site, so it charges discounted listing fees of 1%–1.5% of the property value. Traditional brokerages typically charge 2.5%–3% as listing fees on top of agent commissions that range between 2% and 3%. 

This pricing model lowers the total commission to approximately 4%, compared to the typical 5%–6% you're charged when selling through traditional brokerage companies. The company is also highly convenient because sellers can perform the entire sales process on the platform.

It is important to note that Redfin doesn't support adding FSBO listings directly; it publishes listings on Fizber.com and FSBO.com.

Zillow is a property listing aggregator with a different pricing model from Redfin. The platform does not charge a listing fee, so you can list your property for free—regardless of whether it is FSBO or an agent-backed property. However, Zillow requires a $29.99 one-time payment if you're listing a premium rental.

Another thing to note is that when selling through Zillow, you’ll also pay a 5%–6% agent commission fee. Zillow also does not support transactions like Redfin, although the platform exposes your property to millions of potential buyers.

Redfin vs Zillow: How do they handle your data? 

Zillow uses pixel tags, cookies, and similar technologies to collect data and enhance user experience. The app will typically record information such as your location, transaction details, communication history, and feedback.  

The company’s privacy policy commits to transparency and improving efficiency. It uses customer data to help you buy or sell better and update you about offers you might like. Zillow also uses location data to provide unassisted home tours.

Redfin collects and retains user information to help it resolve disputes, conduct audits, and comply with regulations. The company does not share this data with third-party sites. 

Overall, both Zillow and Redfin are committed to respecting users’ rights regarding the personal information they share on their platforms. Customers can access, delete, correct, and opt out of cookie policies. Clients can also stop sharing their personal information at any time. 

Does Redfin or Zillow offer better customer service?

Redfin and Zillow provide varied customer support avenues for customers to air out their issues. However, Redfin’s approach is generally better than Zillow's.

There are several customer support avenues on Redfin. One is calling their phone number, which connects you to the National Customer Service Team, seven days a week. 

Another avenue is to text or email the company’s Customer Service Team. You can also visit any of Redfin’s physical office locations available throughout the United States and Canada.

Zillow expects customers and other stakeholders to troubleshoot their problems through the website. The website has a Help Center where landlords, agents, lenders, renters, homebuyers, homeowners, and home sellers can get the necessary troubleshooting support.

Users whose issues aren't addressed through the Help Center must submit tickets through Zendesk. Sometimes, these concerns go unaddressed. In fact, there are multiple user complaints on review websites regarding Zillow’s unresponsive customer service. We have captured some of these issues in the user sentiments section below.

User sentiments about Zillow & Redfin

Users have different opinions about Zillow and Redfin on platforms like G2 and Trustpilot.

Zillow’s reviews & ratings

Zillow is poorly rated on Trustpilot—1.6 out of 5 based on 415 reviews. 76% of the reviews are 1-star ratings, mainly from realtors and homeowners. Most of these negative reviews are about the platform’s unresponsive customer service. Check out John’s review about his experience on the platform.

Sean is one of the few users happy with Zillow on Trustpilot. Here is his review.

Zillow has a positive rating on G2—4.1 out of 5 from 298 reviews. Only 16 are 1-star ratings, and 164 are 5-star ratings.

The majority of the reviewers on G2 are prospective homebuyers looking at properties. As expected, most positive reviews are from this demographic. For example, Zeel, a student intern, uses Zillow to find homes. 

The few negative reviews on G2 about Zillow are mainly from realtors who claim the platform is not realtor-friendly. There are also multiple complaints about Zillow's inaccurate information, poor customer service, and Zillow's premier agent service being a rip-off. Here is one of the negative reviews.

Redfin’s reviews & ratings

Redfin has not yet been rated on G2. It’s rated 3.4/5 on Trustpilot out of only 13 reviews.

Five of these reviews are positive, and eight are negative. The positive reviews are from home sellers and buyers. For example, in her review, Michele states how Redfin helped her mother sell her home after trying out a few traditional realtors that didn’t work out.

Among the negative reviewers is Nes, who is unhappy with Redfin for not responding to him to make an offer on a property he was interested in. He also mentions dealing with a rude realtor from the platform.

Do Zillow & Redfin provide real estate advice and education?

Zillow has a learning center on its website that users can use to understand more about real estate. These resources are in blog format. The company also has an online academy that offers courses to Zillow Premier Agents. Examples of areas that the learning content focuses on include helpful goal-setting, making a great first impression, and winning more customers online. 

Redfin also runs a blog where users can learn about buying, selling, renting, and home improvement. Free classes and webinars run by Redfin Agents, where customers learn more about the home buying and selling process, are also available. The company also provides real estate resources for agents through the Agent Resource Center.

However, despite their efforts to provide learning material and other self-development resources, both platforms lack dedicated online communities. Dedicated online communities often foster more interactive engagements and enable highly enriching user-driven discussions.

Which is the best real estate website in 2025, Redfin or Zillow?

Choosing between Redfin and Zillow depends on what kind of services you are looking for since both platforms excel in different areas. 

Here are some reasons why Redfin stands out:

• It has a user-friendly interface, sleek design, and intuitive navigation
• The company performs real-time property listing updates that improve accuracy and timeliness
• The app’s direct integration with MLS data ensures that property data is reliable and detailed
• The company hires in-house real estate agents who provide dedicated guidance and support

Here are the main advantages of using Zillow:

• The app provides a robust property database with millions of listings
• The database is extensive, covering both urban and rural areas
• The platform aggregates listings from multiple sources, including publicly available sources
• There are no charges attached to property listings apart from the usual commission fees

The major limitation of using Redfin is that it focuses on major metropolitan areas, providing narrower property coverage but more reliability. On the other hand, Zillow's accuracy might be limited due to its use of aggregated property data to estimate property value.

If we were to choose between Redfin and Zillow in 2025, we’d go for Redfin—it won most of our comparisons in this article.

Learn about real estate investing with Whop

Whop is a platform where you can find captivating communities. Whether you are a real estate investor, homebuyer, seller, agent, or new to real estate, Whop has a community for you. The platform is always adding new communities run by experts in their respective fields.

In these communities, you can learn a wide range of skills. For example, you can learn how to become financially independent with Airbnb or master real estate wholesaling and creative finance.

Whop has plenty of thriving real estate investment communities offering courses, coaching, and like-minded learners like yourself to share the journey with. 

Sellers can discover the right selling methods and the best time to sell their homes to fetch maximum return. Buyers can learn about property taxes and other critical factors when considering homeownership.

What’s more, as community members can leave reviews, you can easily spot which quality options offer the most value. 

Join a real estate whop community today to get real estate advice and education from experts.

FAQs

How do Zillow and Redfin's commission fees compare?

Redfin charges listing fees between 1% and 1.5% of the home value. Zillow does not charge listing fees, although there is a $29.99 one-time fee for premium rental listings.

Which service is the best for first-time homebuyers?

We recommend Redfin because it hires dedicated real estate agents who can guide you throughout the home-buying process.

Can I list my property on both Zillow and Redfin?

Yes, you can list your property on Zillow and Redfin to increase your chances of getting a buyer or renter. You should note that Zillow allows users to list properties for free, while Redfin doesn’t support uploading FSBO listings directly but publishes listings on Fizber.com and FSBO.com.

How accurate are Zillow and Redfin's estimates?

Redfin’s prices fall within 1.96% of actual sales prices 50% of the time, mainly because the company regularly tracks market prices and has direct access to MLS data. Zillow’s prices are less reliable because the company aggregates data from various sources and often fails to account for all home attributes. 

Why are Zillow's and Redfin's estimates different?

Redfin Estimate collects information from direct MLS data and tracks market pricing changes. On the other hand, Zillow's Zestimate relies on different data sources, including user submissions, to estimate property values.

How do I list my property for rent on Redfin?

Follow these steps to list your rentals on Redfin:

1. Create a free account on the Redfin website.
2. Click the ‘Rent’ icon on the website menu to access the various rental tools. 
3. Select ‘List My Home for Rent’ on the drop-down menu.
4. Fill in information about the property you are listing, including the address, number of rooms, rental price, and available amenities. 
5. Upload high-quality photos of the property and submit the listing.

How do I list my property for rent on Zillow?

Follow these steps to list your rentals on Zillow:

1. Login to Zillow and click on the ‘Manage Rentals’ tab. 
2. Click ‘List a rental’ on the drop-down menu and add the property details, including rent price, lease duration, security deposit, number of bedrooms, square footage, and availability date. Upload quality images of the property. 
3. Add contact information like email and phone number.
4. Indicate if the property is available for tour and publish the listing.