Skip to main content

StayLister vs SpareRoom

Looking for a room, or a place to advertise one? Here is a fair comparison of StayLister and SpareRoom. Both can be worth using.

Where SpareRoom is strong

  • A long-running website that specialises in rooms and house shares.
  • Very well known in the UK.
  • Room-wanted ads, so landlords can find people looking.
  • Apps for iPhone and Android.

What StayLister does differently

  • Free, with no commission: Searching, messaging and posting ads cost nothing. No fees and no commission.
  • Every ad is checked: Before an ad goes live, our system screens it for scam warning signs, copied photos and rent far below the area. A person checks every new advertiser's first ad, unless they have passed our ID check.
  • Three checks on every advertiser: Each ad shows whether the advertiser confirmed their mobile number, confirmed their email and passed an ID check. Green means done, grey means not yet.
  • Your number stays private: Phone numbers aren't shown on ads. You message on StayLister, and only signed-in members can ask for an advertiser's number.
  • Search in your own words: Type what you want, like "double room near DCU under €900", and we set the filters for you.
  • Commute times and transport: See bus, Luas, DART and train stops on the map, and check how long the trip is to your college or work.
  • New rooms by email: Save a search and we email you new matches.
  • In 8 languages: Use StayLister in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Polish, Italian, French, Chinese or Ukrainian.
  • Phone apps coming soon: StayLister apps for iPhone and Android are on the way. Until then, you can add the website to your home screen.

Prices

StayLister is free: no fees and no commission. Other sites' prices change, so check SpareRoom's own website for what it costs today.

An honest note

StayLister is newer and smaller, so it has fewer ads than SpareRoom. Many people search both, and advertisers often post on more than one site. Posting on StayLister is free, so it costs nothing to try.

Wherever you look

  • Never pay a deposit or rent before you've viewed the place.
  • Be wary of prices far below the local average.

Note

SpareRoom is a trademark of its owner. StayLister is not connected with SpareRoom. Written in October 2026.

Common questions

How much does StayLister cost?

Nothing. Searching, messaging and posting ads are free, with no fees and no commission.

Can I advertise on StayLister and SpareRoom at the same time?

Yes, many advertisers do. Posting on StayLister is free, and you can mark your ad as let with one click when the room is gone.

Is StayLister safer than SpareRoom?

No website can promise there are no scams. What we can tell you is what we check: every ad is screened before it goes live, and each ad shows whether the advertiser confirmed their phone, email and ID.