Redfin vs Zillow: Which Site Really Gives You the Best Home Search?

When you're looking for a home, Redfin, a real estate platform that combines online listings with in-house agents who work directly for the company and Zillow, a massive online marketplace that aggregates listings from multiple sources and often shows estimated home values are the two names you hear most. But they’re not the same thing. Redfin acts more like a traditional real estate agency—you get an agent who works for them, not a third party. Zillow is more like a search engine for homes, pulling data from MLS feeds, brokers, and even user-submitted info. That difference changes everything: how accurate the prices are, who you talk to, and how much you might save.

One big reason people pick Zillow is because it shows Zestimate, an automated home value estimate generated by Zillow’s algorithm based on public records and nearby sales. But here’s the catch: Zestimates can be off by tens of thousands of dollars, especially in neighborhoods with few recent sales or unusual properties. Redfin doesn’t rely on automated estimates as heavily. Instead, it shows you actual recent sale prices and lets its agents explain why a home is priced the way it is. If you’re trying to make a smart offer, that context matters. Zillow also pushes ads and promoted listings front and center, making it harder to tell what’s a paid listing versus a real listing. Redfin keeps things cleaner—you see listings sorted by price, beds, and location, with fewer distractions.

Then there’s the agent factor. With Zillow, you might end up talking to a random agent from a different brokerage who just wants your contact info. With Redfin, you’re paired with one of their own agents who gets paid a salary, not a commission per sale. That means they’re less likely to push you into a home just to close a deal. They’re more likely to help you compare options, negotiate, and even walk you through inspection reports. If you’re new to buying, that support makes a huge difference. And if you’re selling? Redfin charges lower fees than most brokerages, sometimes saving you thousands. Zillow’s iBuying program—where they buy homes outright—used to be a big deal, but after losing hundreds of millions, they’ve scaled it way back. So now, Zillow’s main role is still just listing homes, not buying them.

Neither site is perfect. Zillow has more listings overall because it pulls from everywhere. Redfin has fewer listings, but they’re usually more accurate and up to date. Zillow’s mobile app is flashy and full of tools. Redfin’s app is simpler, but it works better when you’re actually touring homes—it shows you walking times to nearby schools, transit, and parks. If you care about what’s around the house, not just the house itself, Redfin gives you better context.

So which one should you use? If you want speed and volume, start with Zillow. But if you want accuracy, transparency, and an agent who actually works for you—not just for a commission—stick with Redfin. Most smart buyers use both: Zillow to cast a wide net, Redfin to dig deeper. And don’t forget to cross-check any price or detail you see online with a local agent. No algorithm can replace a person who knows the neighborhood.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve used these platforms to buy, sell, or rent homes—and what actually worked (and what didn’t).