By Ryan Drew | Superhost and Vacation Rental Expert | Last Updated February 6, 2025
The short-term rental market continues to grow, and property managers need the right tools to stay organized, efficient, and profitable. Hostaway and iGMS are two of the most popular property management software platforms designed to help hosts manage multiple properties across different booking channels. In this article, we’ll explore the features, pricing, and support offered by both platforms to help you decide which one is the best fit for your business.
What is Hostaway?
Hostaway is an all-in-one property management software that simplifies the process of managing vacation rental properties across multiple platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. The software integrates a wide range of tools, such as unified inboxes, multi-calendar management, guest portals, task management for cleaning and maintenance, and more. These features make Hostaway an excellent choice for large property managers and hosts looking to scale their operations.
Key Features of Hostaway:
- Unified inbox for guest communication across different platforms.
- Multi-calendar to manage bookings and availability.
- Task management tools to assign cleaning and maintenance jobs.
- Advanced integrations with over 100 third-party apps, including dynamic pricing and guest communication tools.
- Custom booking websites to help you brand and manage reservations directly.
- Robust financial and reporting tools to manage revenue and expenses.
What is iGMS?
iGMS is a user-friendly property management software aimed at simplifying short-term rental management for hosts. It offers features like automated messaging, a unified inbox for communications, and a multi-calendar for booking management. iGMS also allows property managers to automate guest communication, handle payments, and manage teams effectively.
Key Features of iGMS:
- Unified inbox to manage messages from multiple platforms.
- Automated messaging for booking confirmations, pre-arrival instructions, and reviews.
- Multi-calendar to oversee bookings and availability across multiple properties.
- Dynamic pricing tools to optimize pricing based on demand and market trends.
- Team management tools to assign tasks for cleaning and maintenance.
- Payment processing integration to handle guest payments and commissions.
Hostaway vs iGMS: Feature Comparison
Below is a comparison chart that highlights the main features of Hostaway and iGMS:
| Feature | Hostaway | iGMS |
|---|---|---|
| Unified Inbox | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Task Management | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Messaging | Yes | Yes |
| Dynamic Pricing | Yes | Yes |
| Team Management | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations with 3rd Party Apps | Over 100 integrations | Limited, but includes key integrations |
| Custom Booking Website | Yes | No |
| Pricing Tools | Advanced pricing tools and analytics | Basic pricing tools, more limited |
| Financial Reporting | Advanced financial tools | Basic financial tools |
Hostaway Pricing
Hostaway’s pricing is custom, depending on the number of properties you manage and the specific features you require. Prices typically start at around $100 per month for a basic plan. Additional features like advanced integrations, dynamic pricing tools, and custom websites can raise the price significantly.
Hostaway Pricing Highlights:
- Custom pricing based on the number of properties and services.
- Advanced features available as add-ons.
- Suitable for property managers with multiple properties and complex needs.
iGMS Pricing
iGMS offers tiered pricing, with plans based on the number of bookings you manage per month. Their pricing starts at $1 per booked night, which makes it an affordable option for smaller hosts or those just getting started. Higher-tier plans are available for hosts who need advanced features like team management and dynamic pricing.
iGMS Pricing Highlights:
- $1 per booked night for basic plans.
- Tiered pricing based on the number of bookings.
- Affordable and flexible, ideal for small to mid-sized property managers.
Hostaway vs iGMS: Which One is Right for You?
Choose Hostaway if:
- You have multiple properties and need an all-in-one solution.
- You want advanced features like custom booking websites, detailed financial reporting, and a wide range of integrations.
- You’re a property manager looking to scale and need a platform that can handle complex operations.
- You’re willing to invest in a more premium platform with robust support.
Choose iGMS if:
- You’re a smaller host or just starting out in the short-term rental market.
- You need an affordable solution with essential features like automated messaging, team management, and dynamic pricing.
- You prefer a more flexible, pay-per-booking pricing model.
- You’re looking for a user-friendly interface with all the core tools to run your business effectively.
Customer Support: Hostaway vs iGMS
Hostaway:
Hostaway offers excellent customer support, including US-based phone support and email assistance. They also provide various resources such as blogs, webinars, and case studies to help you get the most out of the platform.
iGMS:
iGMS provides customer support through email and an extensive knowledge base. They are also active on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, where you can find helpful guides and tips.
Final Thoughts
Both Hostaway and iGMS offer a solid set of features to help property managers succeed in the short-term rental business. Hostaway is ideal for property managers with large portfolios or those who want to scale quickly. With its advanced integrations, custom websites, and detailed reporting, Hostaway is a robust solution for complex operations. On the other hand, iGMS is perfect for smaller hosts who need an affordable, user-friendly solution with essential tools to manage their properties. The platform’s flexibility, automated messaging, and team management features make it an excellent choice for hosts looking for an intuitive, streamlined solution.
Ultimately, your decision should depend on the size of your business, your specific needs, and your budget. Whether you choose Hostaway or iGMS, both platforms will help you simplify property management, increase profitability, and improve the guest experience.
