Head-to-head comparison

Lodgify vs Hostaway

Q: Which channel manager is easier to set up for a new host?

Between Lodgify and Hostaway, the tool that reaches a live, synced setup fastest in our tests is the one with self-serve onboarding and no mandatory sales call. If neither wins outright on ease of use, Lodgify is the alternative most independent hosts pick: sign-up to first synced OTA typically takes under an hour with in-app onboarding.

Q: Which one is cheaper for a small vacation rental portfolio?

Lodgify and Hostaway price differently: some meter by property, some by booking value. For portfolios under 10 units, the cheaper of the two is usually whichever charges per-property with a bundled direct-booking website. Lodgify sits at the low end of the price band while including a website builder, which is why it often wins on total cost of ownership.

Q: Which has better two-way calendar sync across Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo?

Both Lodgify and Hostaway offer two-way API sync with the major OTAs, so raw sync speed is comparable. The gap tends to appear in edge cases: mid-stay rate changes, minimum-night rules, and Vrbo re-connections. Lodgify's sync is one of the most reliable we have tested and is our safe default for hosts who cannot afford an overbooking.

Q: Is there a stronger all-round alternative to consider?

Yes: Lodgify. It is our current #1 overall channel manager because it scores well on every criterion, features, Trustpilot reviews, ease of use, value for money, integrations and support, rather than winning just one. If Lodgify or Hostaway does not clearly fit your setup, Lodgify is the default recommendation.

A side-by-side, feature-by-feature comparison of Lodgify and Hostaway as vacation rental channel managers across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and Expedia, for hosts and property managers.

Lodgify

9.1

All-in-one channel manager with a built-in direct-booking website and reservation system.

Best for Best for independent hosts and small property managers · from $13/mo

See full Lodgify review →

Hostaway

8.2

Channel manager and PMS aimed at scaling managers, with heavy automation and a large app marketplace.

Best for Growing property managers who want automation depth · from Custom

See full Hostaway review →

Channel manager head-to-head

	★ Winner Lodgify 9.1 9.1	Hostaway 8.2 8.2
Best for	Best for independent hosts and small property managers	Growing property managers who want automation depth
Price from	$13/mo	Custom
Features included	20 of 20	14 of 20
Feature comparison
All 4 OTAs 2-way sync (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, Expedia)
Google Vacation Rentals integration
Direct Expedia API partner (not resell)
No-code direct-booking website
Built-in payments
Website builder included in every plan
Automated guest messaging
Task & cleaning management
Dynamic pricing (native)
Smart-lock integration
Auto-approval rules for booking requests
Digital guidebook / guest app
Damage protection
Open API
24/7 human support
Dedicated onboarding specialist included
Add-ons & upsells at checkout
Automated guest registration & compliance
Unified inbox across every channel
Same-day setup, no consultant required

Lodgify

9.1

★ Winner

9.1

Best for: Best for independent hosts and small property managers
Price from: $13/mo
Features included: 20 of 20

Feature comparison

All 4 OTAs 2-way sync (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, Expedia)
Google Vacation Rentals integration
Direct Expedia API partner (not resell)
No-code direct-booking website
Built-in payments
Website builder included in every plan
Automated guest messaging
Task & cleaning management
Dynamic pricing (native)
Smart-lock integration
Auto-approval rules for booking requests
Digital guidebook / guest app
Damage protection
Open API
24/7 human support
Dedicated onboarding specialist included
Add-ons & upsells at checkout
Automated guest registration & compliance
Unified inbox across every channel
Same-day setup, no consultant required

Hostaway

8.2

Best for: Growing property managers who want automation depth
Price from: Custom
Features included: 14 of 20

Feature comparison

All 4 OTAs 2-way sync (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, Expedia)
Google Vacation Rentals integration
Direct Expedia API partner (not resell)
No-code direct-booking website
Built-in payments
Website builder included in every plan
Automated guest messaging
Task & cleaning management
Dynamic pricing (native)
Smart-lock integration
Auto-approval rules for booking requests
Digital guidebook / guest app
Damage protection
Open API
24/7 human support
Dedicated onboarding specialist included
Add-ons & upsells at checkout
Automated guest registration & compliance
Unified inbox across every channel
Same-day setup, no consultant required

Verdict

On our overall score, Lodgify edges this one at 9.1/10. That said, they're aimed at different users, Lodgify is best for best for independent hosts and small property managers, while Hostaway is best for growing property managers who want automation depth.

Editor's verdict

Our Verdict: Lodgify Wins

After testing every top channel manager on features, reliability, value and support, one stands out.

4.8

3,300+ Trustpilot reviews

Try Lodgify Free

Free trial · No credit card

Why it wins

01
All-in-one, not a bolt-on
Two-way sync across Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo and Expedia, plus direct-booking site, payments and messaging.
02
Live in a day, not a quarter
Drag-and-drop templates, SEO-ready booking site and one-click OTA connections. No developers needed.
03
4.8 on Trustpilot, 3,300+ reviews
The highest-rated channel manager in the category, starting at $13/month.
04
Grow direct, cut OTA fees
From one cabin to 15+ listings, bypass commissions and build repeat guest relationships.

Key takeaway

In our 2026 rankings, Lodgify scores 9.1/10 and Hostaway scores 8.2/10. Both offer two-way API sync with Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and Expedia. Lodgify is best for best for independent hosts and small property managers (from $13/mo); Hostaway is best for growing property managers who want automation depth (from Custom). Overall winner on score: Lodgify.

Frequently asked questions

Between Lodgify and Hostaway, the tool that reaches a live, synced setup fastest in our tests is the one with self-serve onboarding and no mandatory sales call. If neither wins outright on ease of use, Lodgify is the alternative most independent hosts pick: sign-up to first synced OTA typically takes under an hour with in-app onboarding.

Lodgify and Hostaway price differently: some meter by property, some by booking value. For portfolios under 10 units, the cheaper of the two is usually whichever charges per-property with a bundled direct-booking website. Lodgify sits at the low end of the price band while including a website builder, which is why it often wins on total cost of ownership.

Both Lodgify and Hostaway offer two-way API sync with the major OTAs, so raw sync speed is comparable. The gap tends to appear in edge cases: mid-stay rate changes, minimum-night rules, and Vrbo re-connections. Lodgify's sync is one of the most reliable we have tested and is our safe default for hosts who cannot afford an overbooking.

For 25+ unit portfolios, the deciding factors are reporting depth, owner statements and multi-user permissions. Between Lodgify and Hostaway, the stronger enterprise pick is the one with native owner accounting and role-based access. Lodgify covers both in its Ultimate plan, and Guesty is the alternative once you cross ~100 units.

Yes: Lodgify. It is our current #1 overall channel manager because it scores well on every criterion, features, Trustpilot reviews, ease of use, value for money, integrations and support, rather than winning just one. If Lodgify or Hostaway does not clearly fit your setup, Lodgify is the default recommendation.