Curated for hosts managing 1-5 properties

Essential Tools for Short-Term Rental Success

Discover the best property management systems, automation tools, and resources to streamline your Airbnb hosting operations. Handpicked solutions for independent hosts and small property managers.

Whether you're managing vacation rentals on Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com, find everything you need to automate guest communication, optimize pricing, maintain 5-star cleanliness, and grow your short-term rental business.

Hand-curated resources
Free & paid options
Regularly updated
STR Sage

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Complete Directory of STR Tools

Browse our comprehensive collection of tools and resources for short-term rental hosts. Each tool has been carefully evaluated for hosts managing 1-5 properties.

Property Management

Hospitable

The best all-in-one property management system for hosts managing 1-5 properties. Automates guest messaging, calendar syncing, and team coordination across Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.

  • AI-powered messaging and automated workflows
  • Unified inbox across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com
  • Direct integrations for smart locks and thermostats
  • Robust direct booking engine
  • Automated review responses
  • Revenue and occupancy analytics
Pricing:From $29/month
Best for:Individual hosts with 1-20 properties who prioritize guest communication
Property Management

Hostaway

Scalable property management platform with 300+ integrations, perfect for hosts planning to grow beyond 5 properties. Powerful automation and advanced channel management.

  • 300+ integrations with STR tools
  • AI-driven automation for messaging and pricing
  • Advanced channel manager
  • Central calendar and unified inbox
  • 24/7 phone support
  • All features included without add-on fees
Pricing:From $8-27/listing/month
Best for:Hosts with 2-10+ properties looking for scalability
Pricing & Revenue

PriceLabs

Industry-leading dynamic pricing tool that automatically adjusts rates based on demand, seasonality, local events, and competitor pricing. Analyzes 4 years of local booking data to maximize revenue.

  • AI-powered dynamic pricing analyzing 4 years of data
  • Customizable pricing rules and profiles
  • Local event tracking
  • Minimum stay optimization
  • Occupancy-based automatic adjustments
  • Portfolio-wide analytics dashboard
Pricing:From $19.99/month
Best for:Hosts wanting to maximize revenue without manual price adjustments
Pricing & Revenue

Wheelhouse

Dynamic pricing built by PhD data scientists. Analyzes 10 billion data points daily with personalized pricing strategies. Users report 40% profitability increases.

  • 10 billion data points analyzed daily
  • Personalized pricing strategies
  • Transparent pricing recommendations
  • Conservative to aggressive options
  • Real-time market demand analysis
  • Simple, intuitive interface
Pricing:From $19.99/month or 1% of revenue
Best for:Hosts new to dynamic pricing who want transparency
Pricing & Revenue

Beyond Pricing

Pioneer of STR dynamic pricing since 2013. Powers 340,000+ listings with real-time consumer demand data. Features unique Health Score for profitability tracking.

  • Real-time consumer demand data
  • Health Score profitability tracker
  • User-friendly dashboard
  • Minimal training required
  • 340,000+ listings powered
  • 10+ years of market expertise
Pricing:1-1.5% of booking revenue
Best for:Hosts who prefer percentage-based pricing
Automation & Smart Home

Schlage Encode

Best smart lock for Airbnb with direct integration. Automatically generates unique access codes for each guest. Built-in WiFi, fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, and 100 passcode capacity.

  • Direct Airbnb integration
  • Automatic guest code generation
  • 100 passcode capacity
  • Built-in WiFi (no hub needed)
  • Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
  • 4-6 month battery life
Pricing:From $229 one-time
Best for:Airbnb hosts wanting seamless keyless entry
Automation & Smart Home

Yale Assure Lock

Modern keyless smart lock with direct Airbnb integration. Generates temporary entry codes matching reservation length. Sleek touchscreen design.

  • Direct Airbnb integration
  • Auto-expiring guest codes
  • Modern touchscreen design
  • Key-free operation
  • Multiple finish options
  • 4-6 month battery life
Pricing:From $190 one-time
Best for:Hosts wanting sleek, modern smart lock design
Automation & Smart Home

August WiFi Smart Lock

Compact smart lock with built-in WiFi. Tiny 72mm diameter installs over existing deadbolt. Free PMS integrations available.

  • Built-in WiFi (no hub needed)
  • Compact 72mm diameter
  • Installs over existing deadbolt
  • Free PMS integrations
  • Auto-lock and unlock features
  • Activity log tracking
Pricing:From $199 one-time
Best for:Hosts wanting compact, retrofit solution
Automation & Smart Home

RemoteLock

Universal smart lock platform compatible with August, Yale, Schlage, and Igloohome. Works with major PMS platforms. Enterprise-focused access control.

  • Compatible with multiple lock brands
  • Integrates with major PMS platforms
  • Enterprise access control
  • Unified dashboard for all locks
  • Automated code generation
  • Activity tracking and reporting
Pricing:From $6-9/lock/month
Best for:Hosts with multiple properties and existing smart locks
Guest Experience

iGMS

AI-powered guest messaging platform with ChatGPT integration. Automated messaging using your own templates for personalized responses. Free for up to 4 properties.

  • AI-powered messaging with ChatGPT
  • Personalized auto-responses
  • Template-based automation
  • Multi-platform unified inbox
  • Free for 4 properties
  • Automated booking workflows
Pricing:Free for up to 4 properties
Best for:Small hosts wanting AI-powered communication
Cleaning & Maintenance

Breezeway

Comprehensive task management for cleaning, maintenance, and inspections. Photo verification, GPS tracking, and quality control. Saves 10 hours/week in scheduling.

  • Automated task scheduling
  • Photo verification of work
  • GPS tracking for cleaners
  • Issue tracking and resolution
  • PMS integration for auto-scheduling
  • Quality control checklists
Pricing:From $5/property/month
Best for:Hosts working with cleaning and maintenance teams
Cleaning & Maintenance

Turno

Cleaning marketplace with 25,000+ cleaners plus scheduling software. Helps organize cleaning schedules, manage inventory, and find vetted cleaners. Free version available.

  • 25,000+ vetted cleaner marketplace
  • Automated scheduling
  • Inventory management
  • Team communication tools
  • Photo verification
  • Free basic version
Pricing:Free basic, Pro from $8/property/month
Best for:Hosts needing to find reliable cleaners
Cleaning & Maintenance

Properly

Vacation rental housekeeping management with real-time quality assurance and inspections. Simple, affordable solution for small portfolios.

  • Real-time quality assurance
  • Inspection workflows
  • Task management
  • Team coordination
  • Photo documentation
  • Simple pricing model
Pricing:$12/property/month
Best for:Small hosts managing 1-5 properties
Guest Experience

Touch Stay

Digital guidebook platform replacing printed manuals. Unlimited photos/videos, multi-language support. Eco-friendly and professional.

  • Unlimited photos and videos
  • Multi-language support
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • PMS integrations
  • Local recommendations
  • Eco-friendly digital format
Pricing:From $15/property/month
Best for:Hosts wanting professional digital guidebooks
Guest Experience

Hostfully

Customizable digital guidebook with Google Maps integration and recommendation builder. Supports 8 languages, videos, and rich text.

  • Google Maps integration
  • AI recommendation builder
  • 8 language support
  • Video and rich text
  • Customizable templates
  • Property management features
Pricing:From $19/property/month
Best for:Hosts with international guests
Guest Experience

Enso Connect

Enterprise-level guest experience platform that scales. Works for small operators and large portfolios. Digital guidebooks and guest communication.

  • Scalable enterprise platform
  • Digital guidebooks
  • Guest communication hub
  • Upselling features
  • White-label branding
  • Verification and screening
Pricing:Custom pricing
Best for:Growing hosts planning to scale
Marketing & Direct Booking

Lodgify

Direct booking website builder with zero commission. Channel manager, booking engine, and website builder in one platform. No technical skills required.

  • Drag-and-drop website builder
  • Zero commission booking engine
  • Channel manager included
  • Mobile-responsive templates
  • SEO optimization
  • Email support on all plans
Pricing:From $16/month (with 1.9% fee) or $40/month (no fees)
Best for:Hosts wanting commission-free direct bookings
Marketing & Direct Booking

Uplisting

100% commission-free direct booking platform. Subscription model lets you keep all revenue. Property management features included.

  • 100% commission-free bookings
  • Subscription pricing model
  • Channel management
  • Automated guest messaging
  • Direct booking website
  • Property management tools
Pricing:From $100/month for 1 property
Best for:Hosts focused on direct booking revenue
Marketing & Direct Booking

Smoobu

Award-winning channel manager with 100+ booking platform integrations. Includes customizable direct booking site with 0% commission. Real-time synchronization.

  • 100+ channel integrations
  • Real-time synchronization
  • 0% commission direct booking site
  • Automated messaging
  • Unified inbox
  • Financial reporting
Pricing:From €25/month
Best for:Hosts listing on multiple platforms
Marketing & Direct Booking

OwnerRez

Comprehensive vacation rental software with channel management, direct booking tools, automation, and QuickBooks integration. Robust reporting dashboard.

  • QuickBooks integration
  • Comprehensive financial reporting
  • Channel management
  • Direct booking website
  • Automated workflows
  • Owner statements
Pricing:From $49/month + $2.50/booking
Best for:Hosts who need detailed financial tracking
Marketing & Direct Booking

Rentals United

Cloud-based channel manager connecting to 60+ OTAs including Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. Specializes in distribution pipeline management.

  • 60+ OTA connections
  • International platform focus
  • Booking distribution automation
  • Multi-property management
  • Airbnb preferred partner
  • API access
Pricing:Custom pricing based on portfolio
Best for:Property managers with international listings
Guest Experience

YourPorter

AI-powered guest messaging platform that automates responses to common questions, sends booking confirmations, and handles check-in instructions.

  • AI-powered auto-responses
  • Smart template learning
  • Booking confirmations
  • Check-in automation
  • Multi-language support
  • Time-saving automation
Pricing:From $25/month
Best for:Hosts wanting to reduce messaging workload

Showing 22 of 22 tools · Updated 2026-01-13

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Frequently Asked Questions

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