Guesty vs. Lodgify: Which Property Management Software Is Best for Short-Term Rentals?
🡐 Back to Resources | Last Updated: June, 2025 | Written by Nick Sheveland
A Clear Comparison for Airbnb Hosts and Vacation Rental Owners
Managing a short-term rental today means juggling platforms, messages, pricing, and bookings, and doing it all without burning out. That’s where software platforms like Guesty and Lodgify come in.
These tools are designed to automate, simplify, and scale your rental business. But they aren’t built the same, and choosing the wrong one can cost you time and money.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key features, pros, cons, and pricing of Guesty vs Lodgify, so you can pick the one that actually fits your needs.
Guesty: Built for Power Users Managing Multiple Listings
Guesty is an all-in-one property management system (PMS) that helps you manage everything from guest communication to financial reporting across Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, and more.
✅ Guesty Strengths:
Unified Dashboard: Sync and control multiple listings from different platforms in one place.
Automated Workflows: Schedule guest messages, assign tasks, and automate cleaning calendars.
Third-Party Integrations: Includes payment tools, accounting software, smart locks, and more.
Great for Scale: Ideal if you manage 3+ listings or have a property team.
⚠️ Guesty Weaknesses:
Higher Cost: Typically charges a commission (3–5% of bookings), which adds up fast.
Steep Learning Curve: Power comes with complexity; setup may take time!
💡 Related FAQ:
How much does Guesty cost for hosts?
Pricing depends on portfolio size and services used, but most hosts can expect to pay 3–5% of revenue.
Lodgify: Ideal for Direct Bookings and Simpler Setups
Lodgify empowers independent hosts to grow revenue by offering direct booking tools, plus channel syncing with Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO.
✅ Lodgify Strengths:
Direct Booking Website: Build your own site to collect bookings, and skip OTA fees.
Easy to Use: User-friendly design makes it beginner-friendly.
Affordable Plans: Flat monthly pricing is cheaper than Guesty's commission model.
⚠️ Lodgify Weaknesses:
Fewer Integrations: Lacks the expansive app ecosystem Guesty offers.
Limited Automation: Some automated features exist, but fewer than Guesty.
💡 Related FAQ:
What are two key features Lodgify provides?
Lodgify offers a direct booking website builder and a multi-channel calendar sync tool for Airbnb, VRBO, and more.
Guesty vs Lodgify: Feature Comparison Table
Bonus Optimization Tip: Don’t Forget Pricing Software
While Guesty and Lodgify help manage your bookings, you’ll still need a separate tool to optimize pricing. We recently updated our in-depth guide on AirDNA vs PriceLabs: the two top dynamic pricing platforms for short-term rentals.
If you want to maximize your revenue and avoid underpricing (or overpricing!), it’s worth reading next.
Our Verdict: It Depends on Your Business
Let Clear Stay Properties Handle It For You
At Clear Stay, we don’t just set up your listings; we optimize the full stack. From Guesty and Lodgify to pricing engines like AirDNA and PriceLabs, we handle the backend so you can focus on returns, not software.
Whether you're a first-time host or a short-term rental investor, our team tailors everything, from pricing, guest communication, booking flow, to maximize your revenue while minimizing stress.
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With a track record of converting struggling long-term rentals into thriving short-term businesses, we've mastered the art of identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in the rental market. We don't just manage properties; we transform them into profitable ventures.
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Our comprehensive services range from property identification, market analysis, and legal compliance to guest management and maintenance. We provide professional photoshoots, craft compelling property descriptions, and use advanced pricing strategies to attract guests and optimize returns.
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Our strategic approach ensures maximum occupancy and competitive pricing, leading to an excellent return on investment (ROI). We've successfully helped homeowners like Fred and Ursula achieve over 50% occupancy in the first month of listing, significantly higher than the average Airbnb occupancy rate of 48% (source: AirDNA).
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We believe in the power of clear communication. Our clients are continually updated with performance reports and market trends, ensuring they're well-informed about their property's progress and potential.
Ready to Unlock Passive Rental Income?
→ Fill out the form below and let’s talk about how we can grow your rental business.