10 Best Short-Term Rental Management Software Tools in 2025

The short-term rental (STR) industry continues to mature at breakneck speed. What started as a side hustle for many has rapidly professionalised, demanding sophisticated tools to manage everything from channel distribution and dynamic pricing to guest communication and housekeeping rotas. 

In 2025, relying on spreadsheets and manual calendar updates is no longer a viable path to profitability.

Whether you manage a single holiday cottage or a sprawling portfolio of serviced apartments, short-term rental management software or a ‘Property Management System’ (PMS) is now the backbone of any successful hosting business.

To help you cut through the noise, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the 10 best short-term rental management software platforms available in 2025. 

Here’s what we'll cover:

• What is short-term rental management software?
• Why is short-term rental software important for hosts?
• How to choose the best short-term rental software for your properties?
• Top 10 short-term rental software in 2025
• Key takeaways

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What is short-term rental management software?

Short-term rental management software is an all-in-one digital platform designed to automate and streamline the day-to-day operations of managing holiday lets, vacation rentals, and serviced apartments. 

In essence, a Property Management System (PMS) centralises tasks that would otherwise be handled manually across multiple platforms. This typically includes a channel manager to sync availability across platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com; a unified inbox for guest communication; tools for managing housekeeping and maintenance schedules; and sophisticated accounting features for reconciling bookings and generating owner statements.

The best platforms act as a mission control for your business, ensuring pricing is optimised, guests are responded to promptly, and your team is fully organised, all from a single dashboard.

Why is short-term rental software important for hosts?

The benefits of adopting comprehensive STR software extend far beyond mere convenience. They directly impact your bottom line, reputation and ability to scale.

1. Eliminating the risk of double bookings

A reliable channel manager is perhaps the most critical component. By automatically syncing your calendar and rates across all major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and your direct booking site in real-time, the software removes the almost guaranteed risk of overbooking that comes with manual management. This protects your reputation and prevents costly cancellations.

Check out our popular webinar on achieving independence from OTAs

2. Boosting revenue through dynamic pricing

Modern STR software integrates with, or includes, dynamic pricing tools. These programmes constantly analyse market demand, competitor rates, local events, and seasonal trends to automatically adjust your nightly prices. 

This approach helps you capture strong revenue during peak demand and stay competitive in the shoulder season, which leads to higher occupancy and a stronger Average Daily Rate (ADR).

Pro tip: discover how to use dynamic pricing (and other strategies) to maximise your STR revenue

3. Automating guest communications

Guest communication is time-consuming yet essential for positive reviews. Top-tier software includes automation features that handle 90% of routine interactions such as sending check-in instructions, Wi-Fi codes, pre-arrival surveys, and post-stay review requests. A unified inbox consolidates messages from all channels, ensuring you or your team never miss a vital query.

This is where the right software stack actually matters. Your PMS can take care of sending the messages, but a tool like Touch Stay makes the content itself clear, attractive, and easy for guests to use. 

House rules, directions, and local tips stay updated and available on their phone at any time, which cuts down the number of repeated questions you have to answer.

4. Streamlining operations and team management

For property managers with multiple units, organising cleaning and maintenance is a huge logistical challenge. STR software automates task assignment based on check-out times, tracks task completion via a mobile app, and alerts team members to unexpected issues, ensuring fast guest turnovers and happy housekeepers.

5. Achieving financial clarity

Managing financials for multiple properties and owners requires robust accounting. The software simplifies trust accounting, tracks expenses, handles payment processing, and automatically generates transparent and professional owner statements, allowing you to focus on growth rather than tedious bookkeeping.

How to choose the best short-term rental software for your properties

Selecting the perfect software is a strategic decision that requires careful evaluation of your specific business needs. The platform that works for a single host managing two flats in London might not be suitable for a management company overseeing a hundred villas in the Algarve.

Here are the critical factors to consider:

a) Pricing

Software pricing models vary significantly. Some charge a fixed monthly fee per unit, others take a percentage of your booking revenue, and some are based on a tiered subscription structure covering a set number of units. You need to calculate the total cost based on your current portfolio size and projected growth. 

b) Features

Prioritise the features that solve your biggest pain points. If direct bookings are a core focus, a platform with a high-quality integrated website builder is essential. If you manage properties for others, trust accounting and an owner portal are non-negotiable. 

c) Integrations

No single software does everything perfectly. A strong API and a thriving marketplace of integrations are crucial. Check if the PMS connects with your other essential tools, such as dynamic pricing providers (like PriceLabs or Beyond), smart locks (like August or Yale) and dedicated digital guidebook services (like Touch Stay). 

A platform with a poor integration record will create new, frustrating manual workarounds.

d) Support

When a booking channel goes down or a payment fails, 24/7 support is key. Look for platforms that offer dedicated onboarding support and accessible help centres. 

Read independent reviews on Capterra and G2 to gauge the quality and responsiveness of their customer service team, as this is often where the biggest frustrations lie.

e) Scalability

Choose a platform that can grow with you. If you plan to double your portfolio in the next two years, the software should be capable of handling that volume without requiring a costly and disruptive migration to a new system. 

Enterprise-level solutions often come with a higher initial cost but offer the infrastructure needed for large-scale management.

Top 10 short-term rental tools in 2025

Choosing a PMS can feel overwhelming, but focusing on established, highly-rated industry leaders is the best approach. The platforms below represent the industry standard for innovation, reliability, and functionality in 2025.

Note: pricing is approximate and dependent on specific features, unit count, and annual vs. monthly contracts.

1. Airbnb

Airbnb, as the world's leading OTA, offers powerful native tools for hosts managing just a few properties. While not a full, standalone PMS, its Host Platform provides essential features like calendar synchronisation, automated messaging templates and performance analytics.

• Key features: Native booking/payment processing, basic calendar management, resolution centre, smart pricing tool.
• Pricing: Free to use (standard host service fees apply).
• Pros: Strong integration with the largest STR market; free of charge.
• Cons: Limited automation; requires external PMS for true multi-channel management; basic accounting.

2. Hostaway

Hostaway is renowned for its powerful channel manager and comprehensive automation suite, making it a favourite for property managers looking to scale rapidly. It features a unified inbox and 24/7 support.

• Key features: Industry-leading channel manager, AI-driven automation (messaging, pricing), central calendar, unified inbox, 24/7 phone support.
• Pricing: Flexible pricing, averaging around £27 per listing per month, but starting as low as £8 for high-volume users. Custom quote necessary.
• Ratings: Highly rated on major platforms like G2 and Capterra (around 4.7/5).
• Pros: Exceptional reliability for synchronisation; strong automation saves significant time; dedicated support.
• Cons: Pricing can be opaque for smaller businesses; high learning curve due to feature depth.

3. Lodgify

Lodgify stands out for empowering hosts to build professional, commission-free direct booking websites easily. It is an all-in-one solution perfect for hosts eager to reduce reliance on OTAs and build their own brand.

• Key features: Integrated website builder and direct booking engine, channel manager, AI and automation tools, payment processing.
• Pricing: Subscription plans start low (around £14/month for one property) with an optional commission-based tier, or higher fixed-price tiers without booking fees.
• Ratings: Well-reviewed across the board (Capterra score of 4.4/5), and an official Airbnb Preferred+ Software Partner.
• Pros: Excellent for direct bookings; professional-looking website templates; user-friendly for beginners.
• Cons: Channel management depth can sometimes lag behind enterprise competitors; higher subscription tiers are needed to remove booking commissions.

4. Guesty

Guesty is arguably the best-known enterprise-grade solution, built specifically for professional management companies with large or complex portfolios. It is an all-encompassing system that supports complex workflows, including financial and owner management.

• Key features: Comprehensive channel manager, advanced automation (ReplyAI), GuestyPay, robust Owner Portal, Trust Accounting (add-on), API for unlimited integrations.
• Pricing: Strictly custom pricing for most users, though a low-cost "Starter" plan for smaller portfolios may be available.
• Ratings: Consistently high ratings (4.5/5 on G2) from property managers globally.
• Pros: Unmatched features for scaling; handles large, multi-unit complexes easily; powerful financial tools.
• Cons: High cost and complexity for small-to-midsize managers; requires significant onboarding time.

5. DoorLoop

While traditionally focused on residential and commercial property management, DoorLoop has expanded aggressively into the STR space. Its strength lies in its powerful, user-friendly accounting features, making it ideal for managers with mixed portfolios requiring tight financial controls.

• Key features: Comprehensive accounting (trust accounting, expense tracking), online payment collection, tenant/guest screening, maintenance request tracking, owner statements.
• Pricing: Starts at around £52 per month for the Starter plan (up to 20 units).
• Ratings: Excellent average rating of 4.8/5 across major review sites.
• Pros: Best-in-class accounting and financial reporting; very easy-to-use interface; strong, human-led support.
• Cons: STR-specific features (like dynamic pricing integration depth) are still developing compared to pure-play vacation rental systems.

6. LiveRez

LiveRez has been a foundational name in the vacation rental industry, particularly among mid-sized US-based managers. It is known for its strong direct booking features and trust accounting core.

• Key features: Integrated booking engine and websites, trust accounting, maintenance and operations platform, reservation grid (unified calendar).
• Pricing: Tiered per-unit pricing structure, typically including a setup fee and a monthly minimum.
• Ratings: Reputable track record in the industry (around 4.0/5 on Capterra).
• Pros: Tried-and-true platform with strong longevity; excellent for direct booking functionality.
• Cons: Requires a significant upfront investment; the platform’s future is subject to market consolidation, causing some user uncertainty.

7. RMS Cloud

RMS Cloud is a global leader, heavily focused on the wider hospitality sector, including hotels, parks, and serviced apartments. It is an enterprise-grade solution best suited for large, established management companies operating multiple types of property.

• Key features: Comprehensive property management and operations, guest experience portal, robust communication hub, advanced rate management, owner and trust accounting (add-on).
• Pricing: Quote-based via tiered plans (Ignite, Accelerate, Elevate), reflecting its focus on larger operations.
• Ratings: Highly regarded in the hospitality sector (around 4.3/5 on Capterra).
• Pros: Built for high-volume, multi-site management; excellent integration for non-accommodation services.
• Cons: Overkill for small hosts; the pricing structure is complex and requires custom negotiations.

8. OwnerRez

OwnerRez is highly valued by hosts for its strong, direct integration with channels like Airbnb and Vrbo, offering robust accounting and messaging without taking a percentage of revenue. It is particularly popular in the US market.

• Key features: Trust accounting, direct channel management (no % fees), integrated websites, dynamic messaging (email/SMS/channel) and CRM.
• Pricing: Affordable per-property monthly fee structure, 14-day free trial.
• Ratings: Exceptionally high user satisfaction (4.8/5 on G2 and Capterra).
• Pros: Outstanding value for money; powerful accounting functionality; transparent, per-property pricing.
• Cons: User interface is functional but less sleek than newer platforms; reliance on integrations for certain advanced features.

9. Hostfully

Hostfully stands out due to its focus on PMS technology. This combination places guest experience at the heart of their offering.

• Key features: PMS and Channel Manager, built-in Direct Booking site, comprehensive automation.
• Pricing: Tiered subscription plans starting at around £105 per month for four properties.
• Ratings: Highly rated (G2 4.7/5) and a preferred partner of major OTAs.
• Pros: Excellent focus on guest experience (guidebooks are integrated); reliable channel management; 24/7 customer support.
• Cons: Entry price is high for hosts with only one or two properties; features outside of the core PMS/guidebook may require third-party integration.

10. Escapia

Escapia is a key player within the Expedia Group (Vrbo/HomeAway) ecosystem, making it a go-to choice for established property managers who derive a significant portion of their business from Vrbo and its partners.

• Key features: Battle-tested Trust Accounting, expansive distribution (30+ fee-free direct connections), maintenance management, automated guest hospitality application, Owner Portal.
• Pricing: Custom pricing, often starting at a very low rate per month for 100-unit customers, targeting large portfolios.
• Ratings: Very high satisfaction for its core financial and distribution capabilities.
• Pros: Deeply integrated with the Vrbo/Expedia network; proven reliability in financial management; robust Owner Portal.
• Cons: Primarily designed for high-volume professional managers; its user interface can feel dated compared to newer, nimbler competitors.

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Key takeaways

The short-term rental management software landscape in 2025 is defined by powerful automation, deep financial reporting, and a shift towards empowering hosts to drive direct bookings.

• For massive portfolios, Guesty or Escapia offer the enterprise-level infrastructure and comprehensive accounting required. 
• Mid-sized managers focused on growth and customer service will find Hostaway and Hostfully to be excellent, scalable choices. 
• And if your primary goal is building your own brand and escaping OTA dependence, Lodgify and OwnerRez provide outstanding value and control.

Ultimately, the best PMS is the one that best integrates with your specific workflow. No matter which platform you choose, remember that the most successful short-term rental businesses combine robust back-office operations (managed by your chosen PMS) with an unparalleled guest experience. This seamless experience begins the moment a guest books and continues until they leave a 5-star review.

Don't let manual guest communications clog up your new, efficient system. Enhance the stay, reduce the questions, and save yourself hours of administrative time by providing a stunning, digital welcome book.

Want to improve your guest experience and stop answering the same questions over and over? Touch Stay works seamlessly alongside all the PMS options listed above.