Channel manager : How to choose the right software : Criteria - Test - Reviews
Channel managers are constantly evolving, and it’s essential to know how to choose the best software on the market in 2025 ours. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together an in-depth comparison of the most effective solutions.
What is a channel manager? What's it for?
A channel manager is a tool designed for owners of tourist accommodations. This software allows you to manage multiple OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) and sell your properties online. A channel manager synchronizes your bookings, availability, and pricing across all platforms in real time, making it an efficient way to ensure global visibility. Non je veux pas le Pyla
It is the essential tool for anyone starting a seasonal rental business. By the end of this article, you’ll understand:
- How to choose the right one ?
- What criteria need to be taken into account to choose the right one ?
Having a strong online presence is crucial to the success of your rental business. Managing multiple channels can become overwhelming (with OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com), but the right tools make day-to-day management easier. Therefore, subscribing to the right software is a must. Here you read the best channel manager
Read our buying guide to discover why channel managers are essential for efficiently managing your vacation rentals. Don ‘t feel like reading? Listen to the podcast and find out in 3 minutes! ⏱️ 🎧
Tests and comparisons of the best channel managers - Our Top PICKS :
The best channel manager that includes a booking website.
Free 7-day trial with personalized support.
Our Lodgify review here
The best Premium channel manager for airbnb property management software.
Our Hostaway review hore
Superhote: best French channel manager
Enjoy a 30-day trial and €10 lifetime discount on your subscription
SMOOBU
A budget-friendly channel manager, ideal for occasional renters. Smoobu review here.
Comparison: Manual management vs. using a Channel Manager
| Aspect | Manual management | With Channel Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Daily management time | 2-3 hours | 15-30 minutes |
| Risk of overbookings | High | None |
| Visibility on OTAs | Limited (1-2 platforms) | Extended (5+ platforms) |
| Reactivity to market changes | Slow | Instantaneous |
| Revenue potential | Limited | Maximised |
| Performance analysis | Difficult and time-consuming | Automated and detailed |
| Rate management | Static | Dynamic and optimized |
| Risk of human error | High | Minimal |
MANAGE YOUR RESERVATIONS WITH EASE
- Synchronized calendar ;
- Easy access to reservation details ;
- Global view of all apartments ;
- Manage price and number of nights
- Manage tasks with your teams
Finally, you’ll find out detailed analyses and reviews of the main players in the French market: Channel manager Superhote, Amenitiz, Lodgify, Smoobu and Beds 24. With this information, you can choose the channel manager best suited to your needs.
What is a Channel Manager?
DEFINITION OF THE TOOL :
First of all, a channel manager is a SAAS-type software package, i.e. an “à la carte” tool with varying degrees of functionality. Some offer a basic package with available options. Others prefer just one.
It works on a monthly subscription basis. Sometimes, an annual offer with a discount is available. It is tacitly renewed, but can be interrupted by the user at any time.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A CHANNEL MANAGER ?
The channel manager synchronizes your prices, availability, minimum stay requirements, and, in some cases, the content of your ads (such as description of accommodation, photos…) across all the online travel agencies you are registered with. This tool enables you to be present on several distribution channels, making your property bookable across a wide audience.
The rise of OTAs has made vacation rentals accessible to individuals looking to enter this profitable market. To compete with hotels, property owners need to equip themselves with tools like channel managers to handle the complexities of vacation rental management.
- Managing listings across numerous platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Expedia, and others.
- Coordinating with guests who arrive at all hours
- Managing cleaning staff and other on-site personnel.
Channel managers are designed to centralize the management of these tasks, making your job much easier.
There are many products on the market. In this article, we’ll share our opinions on some of the best options.
Is a Channel Manager truly an essential tool for your vacation rental business?
YES! Without any hesitation, whether you run a holiday cottage or B&B owner.
Nowadays, to achieve the necessary occupancy rate, you need to be present both locally and on the Internet, using a multitude of distribution channels.
Subscribing to a channel manager is therefore essential if you want to work efficiently and automating a multitude of tasks.
WHY USE A CHANNEL MANAGER?
- Automate repetitive tasks that add little value.
- Save time, allowing you to focus on your sales strategy.
- Simplify administrative processes.
- Monitor the profitability of your investment.
- Provide necessary information to your guests.
What are the most important criteria for choosing the right Channel Manager?
As with any purchase of goods or services, you need to be aware of the criteria and features required to make the right choice.
We’ll describe them for you throughout this article.
5 ESSENTIAL FEATURES TO CHECK BEFORE MAKING YOUR CHOICE :
- Capacity and type of connections.
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
- Price ;
- Detailed activity reports and statistics ;
- Integration with other applications (such as PMS)
CAPACITY AND TYPE OF CONNECTIONS :
The main advantage of using a channel manager is calendar synchronization. In other words, this feature automatically updates your availability on the various distribution channels and your own website. Manually updating this information can be tedious and prone to errors.
The tool does it automatically. However, you must ensure that the connection is real-time and bidirectional. This is essential, and must be offered with the major Booking and Airbnb platforms.
For the others, the Ical connection must be available to ensure full calendar synchronization. Don’t subscribe if a platform you use is not supported.
INTUITIVE AND EASY-TO-USE INTERFACE :
Like all software, it takes time to fully grasp a channel manager’s capabilities before exploiting its full potential.
Ensure that the tool is intuitive and fast, as the goal of your purchase is to save time—not waste it with complex configuration or unnecessary options. Focus on your specific needs and avoid trying to implement all features without a clear objective.
Since many channel managers are often English-language based, make sure the interface is available in your preferred language.
RATES AND PRICING :
All channels are available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Costs vary according to :
- The number of properties managed ;
- Options selected ;
- Whether commissions are charged on sales.
Depending on the number of properties, some are cheaper than others. As the number of properties increases, so does the price. Ask yourself beforehand what you want to develop.
Some providers offer “optional” rates, which, when added up, often make the total cost higher than anticipated. Pay close attention to these details. We recommend choosing a provider with a single, transparent rate.
Additionally, we advise you to select a subscription with no commission on sales. During peak season, your sales will soar, and so will the cost of your channel manager!
ACTIVITY REPORTS AND DETAILED STATISTICS:
Statistics are essential for monitoring your business.
Make sure your channel provides you with this type of report, with extracted data that is accurate, complete and, above all, relevant.
INTEGRATION OF OTHER APPLICATIONS :
First of all, if you own a hotel, make sure it’s compatible with the software you use (PMS, booking engine).
For owners of tourist accommodations who intend to go even further in automation, you should also pay attention to this kind of available option.
For those looking to enhance automation further, some channel managers integrate with other applications for added features like:
- Self check in;
- Automatic price management ;
- Temperature control, heating, etc...
Other selection criteria :
- Support quality ;
- Mobile app availability;
- Management of security deposits
SUPPORT QUALITY
You’re bound to run into difficulties during implementation or throughout the entire period of use. That’s why you need fast, high-quality support.
Some offer email support, while others offer chat or telephone assistance for greater responsiveness.
If you’re not comfortable with the English language, make sure there’s support available in your language.
MOBILE APP AVAILABILITY
A mobile application is available for some of these products.
It’s a handy way to consult or even manage your business at any time, thanks to your smartphone
MANAGEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSITS
If you’d like to collect a security deposit to cover potential damages, many providers enable this through automated Stripe payment links.
Prices & rates : how much does a channel manager cost?
As mentioned, the cost varies depending on your needs. Payments are either :
- Monthly ;
- Annually, with a discount for the latter option.
Subscriptions start at around €10. It increases according to the options chosen and the number of apartments. We don’t recommend taking out the cheapest options, as these often lack essential features.
Instead, expect to pay between €50 and €60 to manage 1 to 3 vacation rentals. A relatively modest investment, given the time you’ll save, and one that will enable you to focus on your marketing strategy.
Channel Manager: What are the advantages of using it ?
LIST YOUR PROPERTY ONLINE ON SEVERAL DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS (ONLINE WEBSITE, OTA)
- List your property online on several distribution channels (online site, OTA);
- Avoid overbooking;
- Centralized price management;
- Simplified administrative procedures;
- Increased local presence;
- Centralized communication with travelers;
- Possible control of heating, noise, etc...
- Reporting and activity monitoring;
- Automatic management of maintenance staff.
More visibility = more bookings! Being present and visible on these sites, which spend colossal sums on marketing, will guarantee you visibility in your city.
AVOID OVERBOOKINGS :
Two-way connections and Ical instantly update your calendar, so you don’t overbook. No stress on that front.
CENTRALIZED PRICE MANAGEMENT:
Prices are updated from a single location. The most advanced systems will update all your vacation rentals at the same time.
SIMPLIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR VACATION RENTALS: CENTRALIZED PRICING:
Some systems can generate receipts or track tourist tax payments, which is useful for accounting purposes.
INCREASED LOCAL PRESENCE:
By adding a website linked to Google My Business for example, your property will be more visible locally.
CENTRALIZED COMMUNICATION WITH GUESTS:
Communication can be automated, ensuring that important messages (like door codes) are sent out on time.
POSSIBLE CONTROL OF HEATING, NOISE, ETC...:
For advanced users, some applications can control heating, noise, and other aspects to protect profitability.
REPORTING AND ACTIVITY MONITORING :
Detailed tracking helps you identify underperforming operations and optimise your business.
AUTOMATED MAINTENANCE STAFF MANAGEMENT:
As soon as a reservation is received, you can schedule the sending of emails or SMS messages.
All these advantages and more are available depending on your choice of software. Choose it according to the features you think are important.
Are there any disadvantages to using a channel manager?
No! At first glance, we don’t see any real disadvantages. In our view, it’s essential to subscribe to one.
The disadvantages lie more in the tools themselves, which can be more or less intuitive, expensive or efficient. So don’t hesitate to read the full review of the one or ones that interest you.
SUMMARY OF OUR TOP SELECTION :
If you’re a seasonal renter, we recommend Superhote, which is well suited to this type of rental.
Amenitiz, designed by hoteliers, is better suited to this type of rental.
Lodgify, one of the most famous, is also a very good tool for all types of seasonal rentals.
Don’t hesitate to explore our detailed reviews and offers for various solutions.
In the rest of the article, we’ll tell you about other names in the sector, such as Smoobu, Eviivo and others.
Smoobu, the low-cost channel manager:
A low-cost channel manager from Germany that can synchronize over 100 vacation rental sites. It offers good value for money but lacks statistical insights. Would you compare Smoobu and Lodgify ? Read here
The unforgettable Beds24:
We can’t do a channel review without mentioning Beds 24. It’s one of the most comprehensive, but also one of the hardest to get to grips with. Want to know more?
Eviivo :
It allows you to have both a channel integrated with a website with a booking engine.
Elloha:
An easy-to-use option, particularly suitable for guest house owners.
Read the Elloha review, the French all-in-one software.
Should you invest in a channel manager?
YES. As mentioned above, if you’re a tourist accommodation owner, having an online presence is now essential to remain visible and competitive. Having a global system to manage all your bookings on the different channels has therefore become essential. The channel manager is the answer to this problem, at a relatively low cost compared with the productivity gains and peace of mind it brings. Find your Top channel manager here
FAQ : Questions asked by our readers :
Yes ! Some software allows you to install a booking engine on Google, so your availability appears directly in search results, automating bookings and payments.
Yes, click here to see our channel manager comparison chart.
Some systems allow you to install a booking engine directly on Google, where your availability will appear in search results, automating both bookings and payments.
Yes, some channel managers can send payment links to collect a security deposit in case of damages. The deposit will not be charged at the time of card entry but can be processed if needed.
A bidirectional connection allows for two-way communication between the channel manager and OTAs. It ensures much faster calendar updates compared to Ical, as it is instantaneous and more efficient.
In our opinion, Lodgify and Superhote are the top choices for Airbnb. Lodgify offers a dedicated management module for Airbnb. Lodgify is the best channel manager Airbnb ! while Superhote is designed with a focus on simplicity and ergonomics. You’ll likely find similarities between the two. Read our Superhote review.
Find out more about which sites to choose:
- Read Cloudbeds review: the top choice for resort owners;
- Read Lodgify’s review, a well-balanced option for hotels..
For this category we prefer Lodgify. We also like Hostaway, for its versatility
Beds 24 is at the entry-level. We invite you to choose a more premium solution.