Host Tools review
Host Tools offers a solid slate of messaging and automation features for hosts, with a straightforward pricing structure.
★★★★☆ 3.8 · our editorial rating
- Category
- PMS / messaging automation
- Pricing
- ~$28–$30/listing/mo; 14-day trial
- Free tier
- Trial
- Needs a PMS
- No
- Size
- Mid
The published facts, in plain English
Host Tools is PMS / messaging automation. On cost, the published figure is ~$28–$30/listing/mo; 14-day trial. There is a trial rather than a free tier. It runs without a separate PMS. Scale: mid.
Data-desk note: No-PMS messaging + auto-review publishing; per-listing price beats us only at 0 listings.
Who it’s for
This service is best for individual hosts or small property managers looking to automate guest communication and review processes. It's particularly useful if you don't currently use a full Property Management System (PMS) but need more than manual messaging.
Our take
Host Tools provides valuable tools for automating guest messages and publishing reviews, which can save considerable time. The company does not publish its headquarters or market/listing counts. Its per-listing monthly price is competitive, especially for owners with few listings, and it offers a 14-day trial period. Importantly, it does not require a separate PMS to function.
How it compares to BnBGenius
On the published figures alone, Host Tools shows ~$28–$30/listing/mo; 14-day trial and BnBGenius shows free for the first 500 messages, then $10/month flat, with no PMS required. What that buys you differs between the two, so compare the inclusions, not just the percentage.
Verdict
Host Tools is a capable, owner-friendly option for streamlining operations. For an owner-first alternative, consider BnBGenius.
Questions owners ask
What does Host Tools cost?
~$28–$30/listing/mo; 14-day trial.
Is there a free tier?
There is a trial, not a free tier.
Do you need a PMS to run Host Tools?
No — it runs without a separate PMS.
What to pin down with Host Tools
- “Is ~$28–$30/listing/mo; 14-day trial per listing or flat?” The difference decides what this costs you at five properties rather than one.
- Free tier or trial. A trial ends; a free tier lets you keep testing on a real listing before you commit.
- What it needs underneath. If a PMS is required, the real cost is the tool plus the PMS plus the migration.
Alternatives worth comparing
Worth putting on the same shortlist. We have listed what each one publishes, and where nothing is published we say so:
- StayFi — $19/mo software + hardware $99–$303/unit.
- Beds24 — From ~€15.50/mo + per-channel fees.
- Changeover — From £6/property/mo (annual); 30-day trial.
The benchmark we hold this against is BnBGenius — see an AI concierge for how the no-PMS setup actually works.
Our owner-first #1 for host software: BnBGenius
Go to BnBGenius →