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Hostfully vs. Hostaway: How Do They Compare?
Last Updated: November 2025
When it comes to vacation rental management software, choosing the right platform can feel like picking a favorite flavor of ice cream. There are so many options, and they all have something special to offer.That’s why today, we’re putting two heavy hitters, Hostfully and Hostaway, head-to-head to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your needs. Whether you’re new to the vacation rental game or looking to switch things up, this comparison will give you all the details you need, minus the boring tech jargon. Plus, we'll cover a third option you might not have considered before.
Who is it for?
Hostfully
Hostfully is set up to work best for those who are operating at least 20 properties. Their higher pricing structure makes more sense for those who are operating a portfolio of properties rather than just one or two.
Hostaway
Hostaway is also known for primarily serving those operating multiple properties. Their pricing structure and complex user interface don't make a lot of sense for hosts only running one home.
Alternative: Lodgify
Lodgify is here to serve every type of host. Whether you're running one short-term rental or 30+, the three-tier pricing packages and easy-to-use dashboard make hosting simple.
How much does it cost?
Hostfully
Hostfully offers an annual plan for those with 1-4 listings at $99/month. For those with more than that, there are Pro and Enterprise plans available. However, you'll need to book a demo with Hostfully to receive pricing information.
Hostaway
Hostaway does not advertise its pricing structure. Instead, potential users must book a demo with them to secure any type of personalized quote.
Alternative: Lodgify
Lodgify offers crystal-clear pricing with three plans. Browsing hosts can choose from an annual $16/month starter plan, a $40/month professional plan, or a $59/month ultimate plan. You'll pay what you see, with no hidden fees.
What are the main differences between Hostfully and Hostaway?
Onboarding
Hostfully
Some users feel that Hostfully can feel more formal than its competitors. Unfortunately, their onboarding support team is limited to specific hours. Plus, users can expect to pay a significant one-time implementation fee. That said, some users have reported that this fee can be waived with the purchase of an annual subscription over a monthly one.
Hostaway
Hostaway's onboarding costs vary depending on seasonal promotions, but it's been known to charge a $500 onboarding fee. Some users have reported it taking 3-5 weeks to fully complete the process and get started on the platform.
Alternative: Lodgify
Whether you're on the Starter plan or the Ultimate plan, onboarding is always free and you'll receive the same amount of personalized attention from the Lodgidy support team. The free onboarding session is provided to all users to help you set up your account, link your listings, and answer any lingering questions.
Website builder
Hostfully
Hostfully allows users to create their own direct booking site and utilize their booking widget. However, the options for customization are quite small. The lack of customization can impact the overall consistency of your brand. Plus, your direct booking site has to be integrated within Hostfully. If you want a more customizable website, it can be so complex that you'll need to hire a professional for assistance.
Hostaway
Hostaway offers a very basic website builder. It can get the job done, but there isn't a lot of room for customization.
Alternative: Lodgify
Lodgify offers an industry-leading vacation rental website builder, designed for both customization and SEO optimization. Lodgify will also easily integrate with your existing site if you're already managing a website on a platform like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix. All you need to do is add the Lodgify booking widget and you're good to go to have guests make reservations directly.
Channel manager
Hostfully
Hostfully offers a centralized calendar for hosts to manage bookings across popular platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. However, there are limitations depending on which plan you choose. If you're using the most basic plan, you may need to pay additional fees for API connections. This means that not all of your listing channels might be available.
Hostaway
Hostaway provides a two-way API calendar synchronization with leading booking platforms. However, the Hostaway calendar serves as the primary source of truth for Airbnb, meaning any changes to availability and rates should be managed directly through the Hostaway platform.
Alternative: Lodgify
Lodgify's channel manager offers a powerful two-way API connection with top platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Expedia. This promises the real-time synchronization of your calendars, bookings, rates, property details, and more. It also supports connections to local or alternative distribution channels through iCal integration.
Setting your rental rates
Hostfully
Hostfully requires hosts to manually select the currency for every listing. You can set your rental rates in the currency of your choice.
Hostaway
Hostaway lets you set your nightly rates across multiple channels like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. You can input your rates, but keep in mind that it doesn’t automatically convert for currency differences. For example, if you set a rate of 100 USD, that same "100" will be sent to each channel. This means it might show as $100 on Airbnb but £100 on Booking.com.
Alternative: Lodgify
Lodgify’s payment system is extremely flexible. It handles many different kinds of currencies and rates to keep things easy for its users. It’s packed with pricing options that fit all kinds of needs. Some of these features include pricing for:
- Per night
- Per week
- Per month
- Per weekday
- Per person
- Seasonal
Customer support
Hostfully
Hostfully offers a 24/7 support team that is accessible by chat. Alternatively, hosts who need help can send their support team an email at support@hostfully.com.
Hostaway
Hosts can reach the Hostaway support team either by submitting a request on their contact form or calling the 24-hour support line for their location.
Alternative: Lodgify
Lodgify offers 24/7 customer support to get hosts the help they need as soon as possible. The team can be reached through chat, email, or a phone call. Lodgify goes above and beyond to provide personalized guidance to every host.
Mobile app
Hostfully
Users can find the Hostfully app on both iOS and Android. This app allows hosts to manage their vacation rentals on the go. Hostfully's mobile app is rated 2.5 stars on Google Play and 3.8 stars on the App Store.
Average rating: 3.1
Hostaway
The Hostaway app has a slight edge on Hostfully with both iOS and Android. This app offers a centralized inbox, reservation calendar, and task manager. The Hostaway mobile app is rated 4.0 stars on Google Play and 4.1 stars on the App Store.
Average rating: 4.05
Alternative: Lodgify
Lodgify still comes out on top with its mobile app boasting a 4.6-star rating on Google Play and a 4.1-star rating on the App Store. For those using Lodgify's Ultimate plan, you'll also have access to the Lodgify PM app, which allows you to coordinate with your cleaning team, check-in agents, and any rental managers. Additionally, guests can download the Lodgify Guest app, which lets them unlock resources like guidebooks, Wi-Fi passwords, check-in information, and more.
Average rating: 4.35
Can I try them before I buy?
Hostfully
No. There is no free trial option for Hostfully. Alternatively, they do offer a free 30-minute demo.
Hostaway
No, Hostaway does not offer a free trial. Many users have reported that setting up a Hostaway account can take up to eight hours. Instead, users have the option to pay for a trial or request a demo call or demo account. However, it’s important to note that Hostaway’s demo accounts are quite limited and do not allow users to fully explore all the features as a free trial would.
Alternative: Lodgify
Yes! Lodgify users can enjoy access to a seven-day free trial. Furthermore, you can book a personalized demo call with one of Lodgify's knowledgeable product experts. These experts will provide an in-depth overview of the features and a tailored plan recommendation.
Hostaway vs. Hostfully ratings
When choosing a tool to support your business, it's essential to have complete confidence in its service. According to Trustpilot, Lodgify is once again the clear winner.
- Hostfully rating: 204 reviews | 4.7 stars
- Hostaway: 1,242 reviews | 4.7 stars
- Lodgify rating: 2,814 reviews | 4.8 stars
Hostfully vs. Hostaway vs. Lodgify: Which should I choose?
As you can see, Lodgify continues to stand out amongst the competition. With the highest rating on Trustpilot and a complete suite of tools to meet the needs of modern hosts, Lodgify consistently delivers what you need at reasonable prices. From advanced automation tools to a reliable booking system, Lodgify offers exceptional value and functionality.Start a free seven-day trial with Lodgify to explore its features firsthand.