Quick Overview
- 1#1: Baselane - All-in-one banking, automated bookkeeping, and analytics platform designed specifically for short-term rental property owners.
- 2#2: Stessa - Free automated bookkeeping and financial reporting tool for tracking income, expenses, and performance across rental portfolios including short-term rentals.
- 3#3: QuickBooks Online - Cloud accounting software with STR integrations for managing bookings, invoicing, expenses, and tax reporting.
- 4#4: Xero - Online accounting platform with bank reconciliation and app integrations ideal for short-term rental financial management.
- 5#5: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting software for STR hosts to track time, expenses, and client payments.
- 6#6: Guesty - Enterprise-grade short-term rental platform with built-in financial tools for payments, reporting, and accounting automation.
- 7#7: Hostaway - STR management system providing detailed P&L statements, automated invoicing, and multi-property financial oversight.
- 8#8: Lodgify - Short-term rental software with integrated payment processing, dynamic pricing, and comprehensive financial reports.
- 9#9: OwnerRez - Powerful STR tool featuring automated accounting, trust accounting, and customizable financial reports.
- 10#10: Smoobu - Rental management platform with financial dashboards, automated billing, and multi-channel income tracking for short-term rentals.
Tools were ranked based on STR-specific features like seamless platform integration, automated bookkeeping, and actionable analytics, alongside user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value to meet the unique demands of short-term rental operations.
Comparison Table
Managing short term rental finances demands specialized tools, and this comparison table breaks down leading options like Baselane, Stessa, QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, and more. Readers will uncover key features, pricing structures, and usability insights to find the ideal software for their rental business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baselane All-in-one banking, automated bookkeeping, and analytics platform designed specifically for short-term rental property owners. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Stessa Free automated bookkeeping and financial reporting tool for tracking income, expenses, and performance across rental portfolios including short-term rentals. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | QuickBooks Online Cloud accounting software with STR integrations for managing bookings, invoicing, expenses, and tax reporting. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 4 | Xero Online accounting platform with bank reconciliation and app integrations ideal for short-term rental financial management. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and accounting software for STR hosts to track time, expenses, and client payments. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 5.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 6 | Guesty Enterprise-grade short-term rental platform with built-in financial tools for payments, reporting, and accounting automation. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Hostaway STR management system providing detailed P&L statements, automated invoicing, and multi-property financial oversight. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Lodgify Short-term rental software with integrated payment processing, dynamic pricing, and comprehensive financial reports. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | OwnerRez Powerful STR tool featuring automated accounting, trust accounting, and customizable financial reports. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Smoobu Rental management platform with financial dashboards, automated billing, and multi-channel income tracking for short-term rentals. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
All-in-one banking, automated bookkeeping, and analytics platform designed specifically for short-term rental property owners.
Free automated bookkeeping and financial reporting tool for tracking income, expenses, and performance across rental portfolios including short-term rentals.
Cloud accounting software with STR integrations for managing bookings, invoicing, expenses, and tax reporting.
Online accounting platform with bank reconciliation and app integrations ideal for short-term rental financial management.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting software for STR hosts to track time, expenses, and client payments.
Enterprise-grade short-term rental platform with built-in financial tools for payments, reporting, and accounting automation.
STR management system providing detailed P&L statements, automated invoicing, and multi-property financial oversight.
Short-term rental software with integrated payment processing, dynamic pricing, and comprehensive financial reports.
Powerful STR tool featuring automated accounting, trust accounting, and customizable financial reports.
Rental management platform with financial dashboards, automated billing, and multi-channel income tracking for short-term rentals.
Baselane
specializedAll-in-one banking, automated bookkeeping, and analytics platform designed specifically for short-term rental property owners.
Direct API integrations with AI rbnb, Vrbo, and other OTAs for hands-free income/expense import and STR-specific reporting
Baselane is an all-in-one financial platform tailored for rental property owners, providing automated bookkeeping, high-yield banking, and lending services. It stands out for short-term rental (STR) accounting by integrating seamlessly with AI rbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and others to automatically sync reservations, payouts, and expenses. The software generates real-time profit/loss reports, tax-ready schedules, and cash flow insights, simplifying compliance and profitability analysis for STR hosts.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major STR platforms like AI rbnb and Vrbo for automatic data syncing
- Free automated bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, and high-yield checking (4.19% APY)
- Comprehensive reporting including Schedule E tax forms and real-time profitability dashboards
Cons
- Primarily US-focused with limited international bank support
- Advanced lending features require application and credit approval
- Initial setup may involve manual categorization tweaks for optimal automation
Best For
Short-term rental hosts and property managers with multiple AI rbnb/Vrbo listings seeking automated, tax-compliant accounting integrated with banking.
Pricing
Core banking and bookkeeping are free; premium lending and advanced tools available via application (no subscription fees).
Stessa
specializedFree automated bookkeeping and financial reporting tool for tracking income, expenses, and performance across rental portfolios including short-term rentals.
Free, unlimited-property automated accounting with direct AI rbnb/Vrbo integrations and bank feeds
Stessa is a free property management and accounting platform tailored for rental investors, including short-term rentals (STRs), automating income/expense tracking, bank reconciliations, and performance reporting. It seamlessly integrates with AI rbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and bank accounts to sync bookings, payouts, and transactions automatically. Users benefit from customizable dashboards, profit/loss statements, and tax-ready reports for single or multi-property portfolios, making it a robust solution for STR financial management.
Pros
- Completely free for core accounting and unlimited properties
- Seamless auto-sync with STR platforms like AI rbnb and Vrbo
- Intuitive automated categorization and tax-ready reports
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex STR operations
- Pro features for teams/multi-user access require paid upgrade
- Primarily optimized for US tax compliance and users
Best For
Individual STR owners and small portfolio investors seeking free, automated bookkeeping with strong platform integrations.
Pricing
Free for unlimited properties and core features; Pro plan at $12/property/month (min $96/month) for team collaboration and advanced tools.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud accounting software with STR integrations for managing bookings, invoicing, expenses, and tax reporting.
Class and location tracking for seamless multi-property income/expense separation and reporting
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software that excels in general bookkeeping and can be customized for short-term rental (STR) businesses through classes and locations for multi-property tracking. It handles invoicing, expense categorization, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting essential for STR income and tax management. While lacking native STR tools like automated reservation imports or channel manager integrations, it connects with third-party apps to support rental operations.
Pros
- Robust financial reporting and P&L statements tailored for multi-property STR analysis
- Automated bank feeds and transaction categorization to simplify STR expense tracking
- Integrations with STR platforms like AI rbnb, Vrbo, and Guesty for data import
Cons
- No built-in STR-specific features like occupancy calendars or automated tax calculations for lodging taxes
- Requires higher-tier plans and setup for effective multi-property use, increasing complexity
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants managing rentals
Best For
Experienced STR hosts or property managers with multiple listings who need strong general accounting alongside custom STR adaptations.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start); Plus ($90/month) or Advanced ($200/month) recommended for STR with classes, locations, and inventory tracking.
Xero
enterpriseOnline accounting platform with bank reconciliation and app integrations ideal for short-term rental financial management.
Live bank feeds with smart rules for automatic categorization of STR transactions like guest payments and vendor expenses
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses, providing tools for invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. For short-term rental (STR) accounting, it serves as a general-purpose solution that can handle income and expense tracking but lacks native STR-specific features like automated booking imports or occupancy-based reporting. Users often pair it with third-party integrations via Zapier or apps like Hostfully to bridge gaps in STR workflows.
Pros
- Excellent bank feed automation and reconciliation for quick STR income/expense matching
- Robust reporting and multi-currency support ideal for international hosts
- Extensive integrations marketplace including some STR tools like AI rbnb via Zapier
Cons
- No built-in STR features such as automated channel syncs, cleaning fee tracking, or lodging tax calculations
- Requires manual setup or third-party apps for full STR functionality, adding complexity
- Advanced features like unlimited users and payroll incur higher costs
Best For
STR hosts with 5-20 properties who need reliable general accounting and are comfortable with integrations for STR-specific needs.
Pricing
Starts at $20 USD/month (Early plan) up to $78 USD/month (Ultimate plan), billed annually; additional costs for payroll and apps.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting software for STR hosts to track time, expenses, and client payments.
Project-based accounting to easily track income and expenses for individual rental properties as separate 'projects'
FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based accounting platform primarily designed for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, focusing on invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and basic financial reporting. For short-term rental (STR) hosts, it offers general accounting tools like customizable invoices for guest billing and expense categorization, but requires manual data entry for bookings and lacks native integrations with major STR platforms like AI rbnb or Vrbo. While it supports project tracking to organize per-property finances, it falls short on automated occupancy-based reporting or multi-channel synchronization essential for scaling STR operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for invoicing and expenses
- Mobile app for on-the-go tracking of rental-related costs
- Project tracking feature to separate finances by property
Cons
- No direct integrations with STR marketplaces or channel managers
- Limited reporting for key STR metrics like occupancy or RevPAR
- Not optimized for multi-property management or automated billing
Best For
Solo STR hosts or small operators with 1-2 properties who need simple invoicing and basic expense tracking without advanced automation.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited clients); annual discounts available.
Guesty
enterpriseEnterprise-grade short-term rental platform with built-in financial tools for payments, reporting, and accounting automation.
Financial Hub with automated multi-channel revenue reconciliation and tax-ready reports
Guesty is a full-service property management platform for short-term rentals that includes a dedicated accounting module for automating revenue tracking, expense management, and financial reporting. It integrates with major OTAs like AI rbnb and Booking.com, payment processors such as Stripe, and offers P&L statements, tax reports, and owner payouts. While not a standalone accounting tool, its features provide comprehensive financial oversight for multi-property portfolios.
Pros
- Seamless integration with OTAs and payment gateways for automated revenue syncing
- Real-time financial dashboards and customizable P&L reports
- Multi-property support with owner statement generation
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with property count, less ideal for solo hosts
- Accounting features require the full PMS suite, adding complexity
- Lacks depth in advanced bookkeeping compared to dedicated tools like QuickBooks
Best For
Mid-sized short-term rental managers handling multiple properties who want integrated PMS and accounting without separate software.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$49 per property/month for Essentials plan, up to Enterprise tiers; requires annual commitment.
Hostaway
specializedSTR management system providing detailed P&L statements, automated invoicing, and multi-property financial oversight.
Automated owner statements and multi-channel payout aggregation for effortless revenue tracking
Hostaway is an all-in-one property management system (PMS) for short-term rentals with integrated accounting tools designed to streamline financial operations for hosts and managers. It automates payout tracking from channels like AI rbnb and Vrbo, generates revenue reports, profit/loss statements, and owner payout summaries. The platform supports integrations with QuickBooks and Xero for advanced bookkeeping, making it suitable for multi-property portfolios.
Pros
- Automated reconciliation of multi-channel payouts
- Comprehensive financial reporting including P&L and tax summaries
- Seamless integrations with major accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Not a dedicated accounting platform, lacking advanced tax automation
- Pricing scales quickly with property count, less ideal for solo hosts
- Some accounting features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Short-term rental managers with multiple properties seeking an integrated PMS with solid accounting functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 3 properties (Solo plan), with Pro ($109+/month) and Enterprise (custom) tiers based on property volume and features.
Lodgify
specializedShort-term rental software with integrated payment processing, dynamic pricing, and comprehensive financial reports.
Automated OTA payout reconciliation that syncs bookings and revenues into real-time P&L reports
Lodgify is a vacation rental management platform with built-in accounting tools designed for short-term rental hosts, offering automated financial reporting, payout reconciliation from channels like AI rbnb and Vrbo, and tax-ready statements. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and Xero for deeper bookkeeping needs, while providing profit and loss overviews, occupancy analytics, and revenue tracking in a unified dashboard. Though not a dedicated accounting software, its features simplify financial management for property managers handling multiple listings.
Pros
- Automated payout reconciliation from major OTAs for accurate revenue tracking
- User-friendly financial dashboards and automated P&L/tax reports
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and Xero for advanced accounting
Cons
- Lacks advanced invoicing, expense tracking, or multi-entity support natively
- Reporting customization is limited compared to dedicated accounting tools
- Pricing scales per property, becoming expensive for large portfolios
Best For
Small to mid-sized short-term rental hosts seeking integrated accounting within a broader property management system.
Pricing
Starts at $17/month (Starter, 1 property + $4/additional); Professional ($32/mo + $4/property) and Advanced ($56/mo + $4/property) tiers unlock more accounting features; annual discounts available.
OwnerRez
specializedPowerful STR tool featuring automated accounting, trust accounting, and customizable financial reports.
Automated direct payouts to multiple owners with detailed profit-sharing breakdowns
OwnerRez is a comprehensive property management system (PMS) for short-term rentals that includes built-in accounting features like automated invoicing, expense tracking, and profit/loss reporting. It excels in handling STR-specific finances such as cleaning fees, commissions, and multi-channel revenue reconciliation from platforms like AI rbnb and Vrbo. While not a standalone accounting software, it provides owner statements, tax reports (e.g., 1099s), and direct payouts, making it suitable for hosts managing bookings alongside basic bookkeeping.
Pros
- Seamless integration with booking channels for accurate revenue tracking
- Automated owner statements and multi-owner payout distribution
- STR-specific reports including cleaning fees and occupancy analytics
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting tools like full general ledger or inventory management
- Reporting customization is limited compared to dedicated software
- Costs scale quickly with multiple properties
Best For
Small to mid-sized STR hosts or property managers who want integrated PMS and straightforward accounting without needing complex bookkeeping features.
Pricing
Free for 1 property; Lite plan $35/mo (up to 3 properties); Pro $79/mo (up to 10); additional $12-20 per property; custom enterprise pricing.
Smoobu
specializedRental management platform with financial dashboards, automated billing, and multi-channel income tracking for short-term rentals.
Automated P&L reports that directly pull OTA commissions and cleaning fees from synced bookings
Smoobu is a vacation rental management platform with built-in accounting tools designed for short-term rental hosts, automating invoicing, revenue tracking, and financial reporting. It generates profit and loss statements, handles commissions from OTAs, and supports multi-currency transactions while integrating with payment gateways like Stripe. Though not a standalone accounting software, its financial features streamline basic bookkeeping alongside operational tasks like channel management and guest communication.
Pros
- Automated invoicing synced with bookings
- Clear profit/loss reports with commission breakdowns
- Multi-property and multi-currency support
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting like double-entry or tax automation
- Limited expense tracking and categorization depth
- Reporting exports require manual tweaks for complex needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized short-term rental hosts seeking basic integrated accounting within a property management system.
Pricing
Free for 1 property; paid plans from €27/month (up to 3 properties) to €147/month (unlimited), billed annually.
Conclusion
After evaluating top short-term rental accounting tools, Baselane emerges as the top choice, combining all-in-one banking, automated bookkeeping, and analytics tailored to property owners' needs. Stessa impresses with its free, automated tracking of income and performance, a strong option for simplicity, while QuickBooks Online stands out with robust cloud-based features and STR integrations, ideal for those seeking comprehensive, familiar accounting. These tools collectively cover various priorities, ensuring every host finds a fit.
Take your short-term rental finances to the next level—start with Baselane to unlock its integrated, tailored solution and manage your portfolio with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
