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
Feature | Hostaway (via integrations) | PriceLabs | ListingOK |
---|---|---|---|
Type | PMS w/ pricing connector | Dynamic pricing engine | Revenue management as a service |
Pricing Logic | External | Advanced (DIY) | Strategic + automated |
Rule Customization | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ (done by expert) |
OTA and PMS Integration | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ + CM/PMS included if needed |
Event Sensitivity | ❌ | Manual | ✅ (automatic + human) |
Performance Reporting | Basic | ❌ | ✅ Custom reports |
Dedicated Human Support | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (EN/ES) |
Ideal Portfolio Size | <10 listings | 10–40 listings | 15–500+ 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?
Scenario | Best Option |
---|---|
1–10 listings, early-stage | Hostaway + PriceLabs |
10–40 listings, tech-savvy team | PriceLabs |
15–500+ listings, growth focused | ListingOK |
Owner reporting, multi-market ops | ListingOK |
Internal Links (Recommended)
- Dynamic Pricing Software for Vacation Rentals
- Revenue Management Full Service
- Pricing Plans – ListingOK
- Airbnb Visibility Analyzer
External Resources
- Hostaway – How to Set Up Dynamic Pricing
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- STR Revenue Optimization Guide – Transparent (✅ dofollow link to relevant authority)
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.