Independent · Host-testedOhio Valley · Updated July 13, 2026

Trauth Review

Airbnb management & host software, reviewed without the sales pitch

Review

Hostaway review

Hostaway offers a giant enterprise PMS with a huge integration marketplace, but zero pricing transparency.

★★★★☆ 4.4 · our editorial rating

Category
Enterprise PMS
Pricing
Not published (quote only)
Free tier
No
Needs a PMS
No
Size
Giant

The published facts, in plain English

Hostaway is Enterprise PMS. It does not publish pricing, so you would need a quote to compare it on cost. There is no free tier. It runs without a separate PMS. Scale: giant.

Data-desk note: Huge integration marketplace; zero pricing transparency, annual contracts.

Who it’s for

This platform suits very large operators who require extensive integrations and have the resources to navigate quote-only pricing and annual contracts. Its enterprise focus means it's likely overkill for smaller, independent owners.

Our take

Hostaway's size and vast integration marketplace are its primary draws, offering a comprehensive solution for complex operations. However, the lack of published pricing, requiring a quote, and the mandatory annual contracts present significant barriers to entry and transparency. Owners should be prepared for a more involved sales process and commitment.

How it compares to BnBGenius

A like-for-like comparison is not possible here: Hostaway does not publish this figure, while BnBGenius publishes free for the first 500 messages, then $10/month flat, with no PMS required up front. That openness is a large part of why BnBGenius is our first call.

Verdict

Hostaway is a powerful, albeit opaque, choice for large-scale operators. For an owner-first alternative with clearer practices, consider BnBGenius.

Questions owners ask

What does Hostaway cost?
Pricing is not published; you would need a quote.

Is there a free tier?
No.

Do you need a PMS to run Hostaway?
No — it runs without a separate PMS.

What we would ask Hostaway

  • “What does it actually cost?” Pricing is not published, so get it before you invest setup time.
  • Free tier or trial. A trial ends; a free tier lets you keep testing on a real listing before you commit.
  • What it needs underneath. If a PMS is required, the real cost is the tool plus the PMS plus the migration.

Alternatives worth comparing

Worth putting on the same shortlist. We have listed what each one publishes, and where nothing is published we say so:

For the owner-first comparison we keep coming back to, our first pick is BnBGenius — see their site for how the no-PMS setup actually works.

Our owner-first #1 for host software: BnBGenius

Go to BnBGenius →
The facts above are Hostaway’s own published details (or “not published”). Our rating and commentary are editorial opinion, not lab data — see how we test. We take no payment and run no affiliate program.

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