The Best Channel Managers for Short-Term Rentals in 2024

Quick Answer

We think that Smoobu, Your.Rentals, Guesty, Lodgify, and Hostaway, are the best channel managers for short-term rentals. However, there are also a handful of others that might fit your needs.

Introduction

As a short-term rental host or property manager, using a channel manager is essential for efficiently managing your listings across multiple booking sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and more. A good channel manager will automatically sync your calendars, rates, and property details across channels, saving you time and preventing double bookings.

With so many channel manager options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your business. To help you decide, we've analyzed the top channel managers based on key factors like features, pricing, ease of use, integrations, and customer support. Here is our guide to the best channel managers for short-term rentals in 2024:

1. Smoobu

Smoobu is our top overall pick for the best channel manager for short-term rentals. It offers an excellent balance of features, affordability, and ease of use, making it a great fit for hosts and property managers of all sizes.

Key features:

• Direct API integrations with 30+ booking sites, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor, and more
• Automated synchronization of calendars, rates, bookings, and property details across channels
• Unified multi-calendar to view and manage all reservations in one place
• Smart pricing tool to automatically adjust rates based on demand
• Free website builder to create your own direct booking site
• Mobile app for iOS and Android to manage your business on the go

Pricing: Smoobu offers a free 14-day trial. Paid plans start at €19/month for up to 2 properties. The price increases based on the number of properties, with discounts available for annual billing.

Ease of use: Smoobu has a clean, intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. The onboarding process is straightforward and has helpful guides. Connecting your booking site accounts and importing or creating new listings is simple.

Integrations: In addition to channel integrations, Smoobu offers a variety of third-party integrations for dynamic pricing, payment processing, guest communication, cleaning management, and more. Notable integrations include PriceLabs, Beyond Pricing, Stripe, Mailchimp, and Properly.

Customer support: Smoobu provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. They also offer an extensive knowledge base with guides and video tutorials. Users praise the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team.

2. Your.Rentals

Your.Rentals is an excellent budget-friendly channel manager that doesn't skimp on features. It's a great option for hosts with just a few properties who want a reliable, affordable solution.

Key features:

1. Direct integrations with Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and over 25 other channels
2. Automated synchronization of availability, rates, and reservations
3. Centralized multi-calendar and inbox for all properties and channels
4. Customizable booking website included for direct reservations
5. Automated guest messaging and reviews
6. Owner portal to share booking details and financial reports with property owners

Pricing: Your.Rentals has a unique "pay when you get paid" pricing model. Instead of monthly fees, they only charge 1% of the booking value when you receive a reservation. There are no setup fees, monthly minimums, or long-term contracts. This makes it a very affordable option, especially for hosts with lower booking volume.

Ease of use: Your.Rentals is designed to be user-friendly even for hosts who aren't tech-savvy. The interface is clean and intuitive, with guided walkthroughs. Connecting channels and importing listings is a straightforward process.

Integrations: Your.Rentals offers a few key integrations, including Stripe and PayPal for payment processing, Google Analytics for tracking website traffic, and Mailchimp for email marketing. However, the selection of third-party integrations is more limited compared to some other channel managers.

Customer support: Your.Rentals provide customer support via email and live chat. While not 24/7, the support hours are extensive, covering evenings and weekends. The company is known for providing prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable support.

3. Guesty

Guesty is a feature-rich, user-friendly channel manager that is trusted by many professional short-term rental operators. While pricier than some options, it offers robust tools for streamlining property management.

Key features:

1. Direct integrations with Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia, Agoda, TripAdvisor, and more
2. Multi-calendar with drag-and-drop functionality to easily move and adjust reservations
3. Unified inbox for guest communication across channels with saved replies and templates
4. Automated guest reviews and review responses
5. Task management system to coordinate cleanings, maintenance, and check-ins
6. Damage deposit collection and payout tools
7. Customizable direct booking website
8. Mobile apps for owners, guests, and staff

Pricing: Guesty's pricing is customized based on the size and needs of your business. You'll need to contact them for a quote but expect to pay a few hundred dollars per month for a starter package. While not the cheapest option, many users find the time-saving features and slick interface to be worth the price.

Ease of use: Guesty is designed to be user-friendly with a modern, intuitive interface. It has more features than some channel managers, so the initial setup and learning curve may take a bit longer. However, it offers helpful onboarding support to get users up and running smoothly.

Integrations: Guesty has an extensive marketplace of third-party integrations, including dynamic pricing tools, keyless entry systems, accounting software, payment processors, and more. Notable integrations include PriceLabs, Wheelhouse, Stripe, Quickbooks, and Keycafe.

Customer support: Guesty offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. Users consistently praise the support team for being responsive, knowledgeable, and going above and beyond to resolve issues promptly.

4. Lodgify

Lodgify is an all-in-one solution that combines a channel manager with a website builder and booking system. It's a good fit for hosts, co-hosts, and small property managers who want a complete, integrated platform.

Key features:

1. Direct integrations with Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia, and more
2. Vacation rental website builder with customizable templates and booking engine
3. Multi-calendar to manage availability and reservations across channels
4. Centralized dashboard and inbox for all reservations and guest messages
5. Automated payment collection and invoicing
6. Guest verification system for added security
7. Mobile app for property management on the go

Pricing: Lodgify offers a 7-day free trial. Paid plans start at $32/month for 1 property, with discounts for annual billing. The price increases based on the number of properties and features needed.

Ease of use: Lodgify is designed to be user-friendly, especially for hosts who are not very tech-savvy. The website builder uses a simple drag-and-drop interface. The property management dashboard is well-organized and easy to navigate.

Integrations: Lodgify offers several key integrations, including Stripe and PayPal for payment processing, PriceLabs and Beyond Pricing for dynamic pricing, and Mailchimp and Zapier for marketing automation. However, the selection of integrations is not as extensive as some other channel managers.

Customer support: Lodgify provides customer support via email and live chat. They also offer an extensive knowledge base with guides and video tutorials. While support is not 24/7, users report that the team is responsive and helpful during business hours.

5. Hostaway

Hostaway is a comprehensive channel manager that offers property managers a wide range of features. It's a good choice for larger portfolios needing a robust, scalable solution.

Key features:

1. Direct integrations with 100+ booking sites including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia, and more
2. Multi-calendar with advanced features like group booking and block editing
3. Automated guest messaging and review management
4. Task management system for cleaning, maintenance, and check-ins
5. Owner portal for performance reporting and statements
6. API access for custom integrations and development
7. Payment processing and accounting tools
8. Direct booking website and channel management

Pricing: Hostaway's pricing is based on the number of properties, starting at $175/month for up to 10 listings. Custom enterprise pricing is available for larger portfolios. While one of the pricier options, it offers a lot of bang for the buck in terms of features and integrations.

Ease of use: Hostaway has a lot of features, so it may have a slightly steeper learning curve than simpler channel managers. However, the interface is modern and well-designed for efficiency. They offer a guided onboarding process to help new users get set up and trained.

Integrations: Hostaway boasts an extensive library of 100+ third-party integrations. This includes popular tools for dynamic pricing, accounting, guest screening, keyless entry, cleaning management, and more. Notable integrations include PriceLabs, Wheelhouse, Quickbooks, Xero, NoiseAware, and Autohost.

Customer support: Hostaway offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email. They also provide an extensive knowledge base and video tutorials. Users praise the support team for being knowledgeable, friendly, and quick to resolve issues.

Other Channel Manager Options

While the five channel managers above are our top picks, there are several other strong contenders worth considering:

1. iGMS: A user-friendly, affordable channel manager with a good selection of features and integrations. Pricing starts at $20/month per property.
2. Rentals United: An enterprise-level channel manager that connects to 60+ booking sites. It offers a lot of automation features but may be overkill for small hosts. Pricing starts at €199/month for up to 19 properties.
3. Tokeet: A mid-range channel manager with a solid set of features and good customer support. Pricing starts at $30/month for up to 5 properties.
4. 365Villas: A simple, affordable channel manager for small hosts and vacation rental agencies. Pricing starts at €10/month for 3 properties.
5. BookingSync: An all-in-one platform that combines channel management with a booking engine and property management tools. Pricing starts at $35/month for 1 property.

Key Considerations in Choosing a Channel Manager

With so many channel manager options, how do you choose the right one for your short-term rental business? Here are the key factors to consider:

Supported Channels

Make sure the channel manager integrates with all the booking sites you use or plan to use. Most of the big players, like Airbnb and Vrbo, are covered, but the number of niche and regional channels varies. Consider both your current and potential future needs.

Pricing

Channel manager costs can vary widely. Make sure to consider setup fees, monthly fees, and per-booking commissions. Look for a pricing model that aligns with your budget and business size. Remember that paying a bit more for time-saving features could be worth it.

Ease of Use

You'll be interacting with your channel manager constantly, so it's important that it's user-friendly. Look for an intuitive interface, clear navigation, and helpful onboarding materials. Most providers offer free trials, so test drive a few options to compare.

Features

Consider which features are must-haves for your business. Common ones include a multi-calendar, unified inbox, automated messaging, direct booking website, and mobile app. Some channel managers offer more advanced features like payment processing, task management, and owner reporting.

Integrations

Check if the channel manager integrates with the other software tools you rely on, such as dynamic pricing, accounting, guest communication, and cleaning management. A good selection of third-party integrations can streamline your workflow.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support is crucial, especially if you're new to using a channel manager. Look for a provider that offers multiple support channels, quick response times, and extensive self-help resources. 24/7 support can be a lifesaver if you have a late-night emergency.

Scalability

Think about your long-term business goals. If you plan to expand your portfolio, make sure the channel manager can grow with you. Some have limits on the number of properties or charge substantially more as you scale up.

Benefits of Using a Channel Manager

If you're still on the fence about using a channel manager, consider these key benefits:

1. Save time by automating repetitive tasks like updating calendars and synchronizing reservations across booking sites. This frees you up to focus on higher-value activities like guest communication and property improvements.
2. Avoid double bookings by keeping your availability synchronized in real-time across all channels. This prevents the awkward situation of having to cancel on a guest due to an oversight.
3. Increase your visibility and bookings by easily distributing your listings across multiple booking sites. A channel manager simplifies expanding to new channels and tapping into different traveler audiences.
4. Optimize your pricing and occupancy by leveraging dynamic pricing tools and centralized calendar data. Many channel managers integrate with pricing engines that automatically adjust your rates based on market demand, seasonality, and other factors.
5. Streamline guest communication by managing all inquiries and reservation details in a unified inbox. Some channel managers offer automated messaging and templates to save you time crafting responses.
6. Enhance the guest experience by syncing key details like property descriptions, photos, and amenities across all channels. This ensures guests have accurate expectations and a consistent booking journey.
7. Gain insights into your business performance with centralized reporting and analytics. Channel managers often provide dashboards that show key metrics like occupancy, revenue, and booking sources to help you make data-driven decisions.
8. Simplify collaboration with team members and stakeholders by using a central platform. Many channel managers offer user permissions and owner portals to streamline communication and task management.

Conclusion

Choosing the right channel manager is critical for short-term rental hosts and property managers. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and business goals.

While adopting new technology can be daunting, most channel manager providers offer extensive onboarding support and resources to ensure a smooth transition. With the right tool and a bit of practice, you'll wonder how you ever managed your short-term rentals without one.

FAQs

What Is a Channel Manager?

A channel manager is a software tool that allows you to manage your short-term rental listings across multiple booking sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and more from a single platform. It automatically syncs your availability, rates, and property details across channels, saving you time and preventing double bookings.

How Do I Choose the Best Channel Manager for My Needs?

Consider factors like supported booking site integrations, pricing, features, ease of use, third-party software integrations, and customer support. Determine which features are must-haves for your business, such as a multi-calendar, unified inbox, automated messaging, and direct booking site. Look for a provider that offers the right balance of capabilities and cost for your portfolio size and growth plans.

Can a Channel Manager Help Me Get More Bookings and Revenue?

Yes, a channel manager can help you increase your bookings and revenue in several ways. You gain visibility and access to a wider pool of travelers by listing your properties on more booking sites. The automated synchronization of availability prevents double bookings that lead to canceled reservations and lost income. Many channel managers also include revenue management tools to optimize your pricing.