If you’re researching Hostaway dynamic pricing vs PriceLabs, you’re likely managing a short-term rental portfolio and looking for ways to optimize your revenue without spending hours updating prices manually.

But here’s the truth: while both Hostaway and PriceLabs offer automated pricing tools, they serve very different purposes—and have serious limitations when used alone.

In this article, we compare Hostaway, PriceLabs, and ListingOK, a full-service revenue management platform. You’ll learn:

  • What each platform really offers (and doesn’t)
  • Where they fit depending on your portfolio size
  • How to decide which solution aligns with your goals
  • Why automation alone may not be enough in 2025

Let’s get started.


What Is Hostaway Dynamic Pricing… Really?

Many STR managers assume Hostaway dynamic pricing is a built-in feature. But Hostaway is first and foremost a Property Management System (PMS).

What it actually offers:

  • Calendar and availability sync
  • Guest communication automation
  • Owner statements and reporting
  • Channel manager (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, etc.)
  • Integration with third-party dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs, Beyond, and Wheelhouse

So, Hostaway doesn’t really have its own pricing logic. It acts as a middle layer between your listings and your chosen pricing engine.

This is a crucial distinction. If you only use Hostaway’s internal pricing tools or rely on manual updates, you’re likely missing out on revenue.


PriceLabs: The DIY Powerhouse

PriceLabs is a powerful dynamic pricing tool known for its deep customization.

It lets you:

  • Adjust prices based on lead time, demand, day of the week
  • Set minimum/maximum rates
  • Define custom seasonality
  • Create portfolio-wide or per-listing rules
  • Use market dashboards to assess competition

But PriceLabs requires time and expertise.

You must:

  • Understand revenue management concepts (ADR, pacing, compression)
  • Maintain and update rules frequently
  • Interpret performance metrics and market indicators
  • Ensure OTA calendars are correctly synced

For STR pros with a background in pricing, PriceLabs is gold. But for operators scaling past 20+ listings, it becomes a full-time job.


ListingOK: Built for Managers Who Want Results—Not More Tools

ListingOK is neither a PMS nor a software tool—it’s a full-service revenue management solution.

It combines:

  • Market data
  • Dynamic pricing
  • Portfolio analysis
  • Proactive strategy
  • Human support

When you join ListingOK, you get:

  • A dedicated revenue manager
  • Daily price updates powered by the StayProfit algorithm
  • Adjustments based on real local demand (events, holidays, compression)
  • Monthly reports you can share with owners or investors
  • Clear explanations of every change (in English or Spanish)

“I used to spend 8 hours a week tweaking PriceLabs. Now I have someone doing it for me—and my revenue is up 19%.”
— Lucas, 42 properties in Málaga


Comparison Table: Hostaway vs PriceLabs vs ListingOK

FeatureHostaway (via integrations)PriceLabsListingOK
TypePMS w/ pricing connectorDynamic pricing engineRevenue management as a service
Pricing LogicExternalAdvanced (DIY)Strategic + automated
Rule Customization✅ (done by expert)
OTA and PMS Integration✅ + CM/PMS included if needed
Event SensitivityManual✅ (automatic + human)
Performance ReportingBasic✅ Custom reports
Dedicated Human Support✅ (EN/ES)
Ideal Portfolio Size<10 listings10–40 listings15–500+ listings

Real Example: When Tools Aren’t Enough

Sandra, a property manager in Porto, used:

  • Hostaway as her PMS
  • PriceLabs to automate pricing
  • Google Sheets to track owner payouts

Her challenges:

  • Missed local events (like São João)
  • Had to justify pricing decisions to 15+ owners
  • Spent hours cross-checking performance

After switching to ListingOK:

  • She gets a monthly report with RevPAR, pacing, ADR
  • Pricing is adjusted proactively before high-demand weekends
  • Her revenue manager answers owner questions directly

“Now I lead my team, not a dashboard. It’s the best business decision we’ve made.”


Hostaway Dynamic Pricing vs PriceLabs: What’s Really the Difference?

Let’s clarify with 7 key differences:

1. Pricing Control

  • Hostaway offers none directly
  • PriceLabs gives total control
  • ListingOK gives expert-led control—without the workload

2. Market Sensitivity

  • Hostaway doesn’t react to demand shifts
  • PriceLabs can, but only if configured
  • ListingOK reacts automatically + proactively

3. Human Guidance

  • Neither Hostaway nor PriceLabs include a human
  • ListingOK assigns a dedicated revenue manager

4. Reporting for Stakeholders

  • Hostaway has basic owner statements
  • PriceLabs offers no reporting
  • ListingOK delivers tailored performance reports every month

5. Learning Curve

  • Hostaway is easy but basic
  • PriceLabs requires deep configuration
  • ListingOK is managed for you—no training needed

6. Scalability

  • Hostaway gets messy past 20+ units
  • PriceLabs becomes high-maintenance after 30+
  • ListingOK scales from 15 to 500+ listings

7. Return on Time

  • Hostaway: Limited
  • PriceLabs: Moderate if used well
  • ListingOK: High—hours saved weekly + higher RevPAR

Who Should Use What?

ScenarioBest Option
1–10 listings, early-stageHostaway + PriceLabs
10–40 listings, tech-savvy teamPriceLabs
15–500+ listings, growth focusedListingOK
Owner reporting, multi-market opsListingOK


External Resources


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Hostaway dynamic pricing built-in?

No. Hostaway integrates with external pricing tools like PriceLabs or Beyond. It does not include native pricing logic.

Which is better for automation: Hostaway or PriceLabs?

PriceLabs offers more control and functionality. Hostaway simply connects to tools like PriceLabs.

What makes ListingOK different?

ListingOK combines automation, strategy, and human guidance. It’s not a tool—it’s a service that optimizes revenue while saving you time.

Can ListingOK work with Hostaway?

Yes. ListingOK can integrate with your existing PMS (like Hostaway), or provide its own PMS/Channel Manager stack.


Final Verdict

The real question isn’t Hostaway dynamic pricing vs PriceLabs—it’s:

Do you want a tool, or a team?

  • Hostaway: Great PMS, limited pricing power
  • PriceLabs: Excellent automation—if you configure it
  • ListingOK: Revenue strategy, execution, and support, all in one

🎯 Book your free revenue consultation with ListingOK and discover how much you could be earning.

👉 Schedule Now