6 Best Hostaway Competitors for Airbnb Managers

Nov 20, 2024, written by Dennis Shirshikov
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Running a successful Airbnb business means handling a lot of moving parts, like guest communication and bookings and beyond. And, while Hostaway is a trusted property management software, it might not check every box for every Airbnb manager. Maybe you're looking for more robust automation, better reporting, or a tool that's more tailored to your portfolio size. That's where these Hostaway competitors come in. 

Depending on your priorities, you might find that one of these platforms fits your business needs even better. Let's take a look at each:

  • SummerOS: Best overall
  • Guesty: Best for large-scale management
  • Lodgify: Best for building your own website
  • Hostfully: Best for guest relations
  • OwnerRez: Best for customizable booking management
  • Lodgix: Best cost-effective solution

How we selected the best Hostaway competitors

Airbnb managers need the best Airbnb management software to handle the daily demands of running short-term rentals, from organizing bookings to keeping guests happy. But not every platform approaches these challenges in the same way. Some shine in specific areas like automation or reporting, while others offer features that Hostaway might not provide.

This was how we narrowed down our selection:

  • Ease of use: Managing short-term rentals is already complex, so the platforms we chose needed to simplify processes.
  • Scalability: Whether you're managing a handful of properties or a large portfolio, the best tools grow with you.
  • Core features: From channel management to automation, we looked at how each platform stacks up in handling the tasks of Airbnb managers.
  • Customization: Every business is different, so we prioritized platforms that allow for tailored solutions.
  • Value: We compared pricing structures to find options that deliver strong value.

With this criteria, we found these powerful Hostaway alternatives that stand out for their ability to help Airbnb managers streamline their operations and improve their bottom line. 

1. SummerOS: Best overall

SummerOS changes the game for those managing their short-term rental portfolios. Designed specifically with property managers in mind, this all-in-one platform simplifies everything from onboarding new properties to performance tracking, taking the hassle out of your daily operations.

But, what makes SummerOS unique is its ability to centralize all your data and tools, so you can focus on the growth of your business instead of dealing with multiple systems.

For example, one of SummerOS's standout features is its ability to unite data from tools like Hostaway and other Airbnb management platforms your team may already rely on. This integration doesn't just save time, but it also creates a complete picture of your portfolio's performance, with real-time insights into key metrics like occupancy rates, revenue, and guest trends.

Other features include automated alerts that keep you ahead of potential issues, whether it's maintenance needs or market changes, so you're always prepared to make data-driven decisions. SummerOS offers built-in tools for lead generation, advanced underwriting, and customizable reports, which make it easier to identify new opportunities and show value to property owners.

SummerOS can help you take a proactive approach to operations and revenue growth. Airbnb managers looking for a platform that truly does it all should check out SummerOS: the clear choice when it comes to vacation rental management software.

2. Guesty: Best for large-scale managers

Managing a large portfolio of short-term rentals can be complex, but Guesty simplifies it with comprehensive property management software. Created to handle the multifaceted needs of property managers, Guesty offers a suite of features that streamline operations to make you more efficient.

Guesty's platform includes an advanced channel manager that seamlessly integrates with major booking channels such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. This integration ensures that your listings are synchronized across platforms, reducing the risk of double bookings and maximizing exposure.

The unified inbox consolidates all guest communications into one single interface, so you don't miss a single message. Additionally, Guesty provides automation tools to handle daily tasks like communication and pricing adjustments, a multi-calendar for reservation management, and a mobile management app for access on-the-go.

With advanced features and flexible pricing, Guesty is a great tool for property managers who want to efficiently oversee large-scale operations.

3. Lodgify: Best for building your own website

For vacation rental hosts who want full control over their online presence, Lodgify is a good solution. While it has management tools, what we love above Lodgify is its powerful website builder, designed specifically for vacation rentals (i.e., it has features like payment processing), so you can create a professional, mobile-friendly site with no coding.

But, again, Lodgify isn't just a website builder–it's an all-in-one management tool. You'll find everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly, from multi-channel distribution to automate bookings across platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to built-in accounting tools that streamline your finances.

Add to that real-time analytics, task management, and a unified inbox for guest communications, and you've got a great platform that keeps your business organized.

4. Hostfully: Best for guest relations

Hostfully is the best for building great relationships with your guests. Its digital guidebooks are a favorite, offering a simple, mobile-friendly way to provide your guests with all the details they need–think check-in instructions, house rules, and local recommendations. Guests don't need to install anything; they simply click a link and have everything ready to read.

But Hostfully does so much more: behind the scenes, it's built to streamline your day-to-day operations, so you have more time to focus on hospitality. Like other management software, Hostfully has a unified inbox to keep all guest messages from different platforms in one place. 

Routine tasks like reminders and payment requests can be automated, while tools like the channel manager and central calendar ensure your listings stay consistent across platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. It has everything you need to keep things running smoothly.

As you grow, advanced options like automated messaging through AI and customizable features become available, making it a platform that can keep up with your business. 

5. OwnerRez: Best for customizable booking management

If flexibility is what you need in a booking management system, OwnerRez delivers. This platform is built for property managers who want a tool they can truly customize to fit their business needs. 

While it has robust features to keep your operations running smoothly like channel management, messaging, accounting, and payment processing, what really sets OwnerRez apart is its extensive integrations.

It connects seamlessly with dozens of tools, including dynamic pricing platforms, smart locks, guest communication systems, housekeeping apps, and accounting software, plus major booking channels like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. This level of customizability makes it easy to bring all your systems together in one place.

6. Lodgix: Best cost-effective solution

An affordable way to manage your vacation rentals without sacrificing functionality is Lodgix. This software covers all the essentials, from online booking and guest management to analytics, helping you stay organized and efficient without overspending.

Lodgix offers features like seamless online booking, which lets guests reserve directly through your website, and guest management tools to keep all their details and preferences in one place. It also integrates with major booking platforms to keep your calendars and rates perfectly synced.

For financial management, Lodgix includes invoicing and reporting tools, though you might still want extra accounting software for more data.

What is better than Hostaway?

While Hostaway is a popular choice for managing short-term rentals, it's not the only solution out there. Depending on what you're looking for, whether it's more robust customization, better pricing flexibility, or a platform tailored to specific challenges, there are plenty of great Hostaway alternatives in the market.

That said, SummerOS stands out as the ultimate choice for property managers ready to take their business to the next level. With its ability to integrate and enhance your existing tools, SummerOS turns short-term rental management into a proactive process. From tracking performance with real-time data to automating key tasks across your portfolio, it provides the structure and insights needed to grow.

If you're looking for more than just a software upgrade and you need something that transforms how you manage your rentals, SummerOS delivers the tools and information to keep you ahead in this competitive industry.

This article was written by
Dennis Shirshikov

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