Guesty vs iGMS: 2025 Mega Showdown

Modern short-term rental management solutions

Guesty and iGMS both provide property management software, but Guesty's platform delivers superior capabilities for growth-minded hosts. With a development team 20 times larger than iGMS's, Guesty's flexible multi-unit management, 200+ marketplace integrations, and advanced revenue tools create measurable advantages in both ADR and occupancy rates.

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The Guesty advantage

Unlock your growth potential with Guesty

The numbers speak for themselves. Examining 724 U.S. property managers who transitioned to Guesty between 2022 and 2024 demonstrated significant gains in both average daily rate (ADR) and occupancy percentages. These managers experienced an average portfolio expansion of 24.6%.

Occupancy and ADR increase

Sample of 724 US-based customers with less than 20 listings, onboarded to Guesty in 2022-2024, excluding high end luxury properties. The sample of users are hosts/PMCs who migrated from Lodgify, Hostaway, Hostfully, iGMS, Tokeet, Airbnb-only, into Guesty Pro.

Guesty vs iGMS

While iGMS provides tools for individual hosts and small managers, Guesty delivers an enterprise-grade platform that adapts to businesses at any growth stage. Let's examine how these solutions compare across essential areas including interface design, automation, scalability, and operational effectiveness.

The main differences between these solutions

  • Guesty

    Guesty delivers enterprise-grade technology with comprehensive automation, advanced revenue management, and scalable solutions for property managers of all sizes.

  • iGMS

    iGMS provides basic functionality with limited channel integration, simplified interface, and messaging tools suited for small operators. Lacks revenue management, guest portal, accounting, and damage protection.

A comprehensive feature comparison

Guesty vs iGMS

While both platforms provide core functionality for short-term rental management, a detailed examination shows clear distinctions in capabilities and feature sophistication.

Channel manager 60 channels 4 channels
Reporting tools Customizable Not customizable
Real-time sync (This information is not publicly available)
Owners portal No dedicated owner portal 
Automated reviews  Airbnb only
Workflows Basic workflows
Direct booking
Multi-calendar
Unified inbox
Automated messages
User roles and permissions
Task automation
Advanced analytics
Locks manager
Mobile app
Rental agreement with e-signature
Guest screening tools
CRM
Trust accounting
Guest app
Multi-unit management
Open API
Group reservations
Coupons and promotions
24/7 guest communication services
Brand management
Liability insurance
Funding solution
Rate plans
Damage protection
Dynamic pricing
WhatsApp & SMS messaging
Advanced lead management Native solution and third-party payment processing
AI-powered messaging Native solution tailored for hospitality
Marketplace partners 200+ 19
Payment processor Native solution and third-party payment processing Third-party only

Guesty distinguishes itself through advanced features and deeper capabilities. iGMS's basic interface, lack of multi-unit management, and limited reporting create significant barriers for expanding businesses. Guesty users benefit from extensive channel partnerships, sophisticated automation, and tools designed for portfolio growth, while iGMS's restricted ecosystem of four channels limits scalability.

Guesty at a glance

Powered by an industry-leading R&D team of 250 professionals and on-the-ground experts, Guesty continuously evolves with new features released almost daily—approximately 70% inspired by direct customer feedback.

500K Listings managed
200+ Marketplace partners
16 Offices worldwide

Reviewed by independent sources

Core feature differences between Guesty and iGMS

How Guesty and iGMS compare on essential property management features

Multi-unit management and scaling 

Guesty's sophisticated multi-unit management capabilities enable property managers to efficiently handle complex portfolios. The platform provides comprehensive tools for managing buildings, units, and amenities at scale, with automated workflows that streamline operations across properties.

iGMS provides only basic parent/child structure to support individual rooms. Their platform lacks true multi-unit management capabilities, offering no complex property structuring or inventory management, which creates challenges for property managers with diverse or growing portfolios.

Revenue management 

Guesty's advanced revenue management system employs dynamic pricing algorithms and market intelligence to optimize rates and maximize revenue. The platform provides detailed competitive analysis, demand forecasting, and automated price adjustments based on multiple factors.

iGMS has no native revenue management functionality. While users can set minimum stay requirements and configure channel markups, the platform doesn't support rate strategies, rate plans, promotions, or availability restrictions, and lacks any dynamic pricing tool, requiring external solutions for proper revenue optimization.

User experience and interface

Guesty offers an intuitive, modern interface with customizable dashboards and streamlined workflows that minimize training requirements. The platform's design follows contemporary UX principles, enabling quick adoption and efficient daily operations.

iGMS provides a simpler dashboard with basic metrics. Their interface includes communication performance metrics but lacks advanced customization, focusing on essential functions for smaller operators.

Guest communication and experience

Guesty provides comprehensive guest management tools including automated messaging, digital guidebooks, upselling opportunities, and a branded guest portal for seamless check-in and service requests. The platform also offers GCS (Guest Communication Services) for enhanced guest interactions.

iGMS focuses on communication tracking with basic channel automations. Their system lacks WhatsApp and SMS integration, offers no guest portal, CRM, or lead management capabilities, and provides only limited inbox functionality without comprehensive cross-channel messaging solution.

Automation capabilities

Guesty's extensive automation tools handle routine tasks from messaging to maintenance requests, dramatically reducing manual workload. The platform's AI-powered features continuously learn from operations to suggest further efficiency improvements.

iGMS provides basic task automation with scheduling for cleaning and maintenance tasks, including checklists and notifications. While team members receive alerts via email or text, the system has limited workflow capabilities beyond basic task management.

PMS essentials

How Guesty and iGMS compare

Effective property management demands sophisticated functionality beyond simple reservation handling. Here's how Guesty's feature-rich platform outperforms iGMS's limited offerings.

  • Built for professionals

    Guesty empowers property managers with enterprise-grade solutions designed for both current needs and future growth. Whether starting with Guesty Lite for smaller portfolios or leveraging Guesty Pro’s advanced capabilities for larger operations, the platform scales seamlessly with your business.

    While iGMS’s system provides adequate property management for messaging-focused operators, its limited multi-unit capabilities and simplified interface create barriers for businesses seeking to professionalize their operations across multiple booking channels and complex property types.

  • Innovation momentum

    With a dedicated R&D team of over 250 professionals and $410M in funding, Guesty consistently delivers cutting-edge features and improvements—70% driven by user feedback. This commitment to innovation results in a comprehensive platform with sophisticated native tools and automation capabilities.

    In contrast, iGMS has maintained a smaller development footprint with just 9 team members and no external funding. Their limited resources have resulted in minimal AI implementation, basic workflow automation, and a development roadmap focused primarily on communication productivity rather than pioneering advanced technology solutions.

  • Data-driven decision making 

    Guesty provides comprehensive business intelligence through customizable dashboards and detailed performance metrics, including RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy analysis. The platform’s Reviews SmartAI automatically categorizes guest feedback into actionable insights about noise, cleanliness, and other key areas, while PMC earnings reports and pace analytics enable sophisticated strategic planning.

    iGMS’s reporting capabilities are significantly limited with only 4 report types: Payouts, Reservations, Monthly Revenue, and Tasks. While it provides basic metrics on the dashboard, it lacks advanced analytics, AI-powered review analysis, and the depth of business intelligence required for sophisticated revenue management and strategic decision-making.

Comprehensive guide

How to choose a property management software for your vacation rental business

  • 1. Define your business needs
    • Clarify what your operation requires

      Do you list properties on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia, or Booking.com? Are you looking to drive direct bookings with tools like a website builder, integrated payment processing, or dynamic pricing optimization?

    • Assess your scale

      Are you managing a single property, multiple rentals, or a larger business? While Guesty accommodates property managers of any size, from single units to portfolios of thousands, Smoobu typically serves smaller vacation rental operations more effectively.

  • 2. Core features to look for
    • Channel Manager

      Ensure the software can connect seamlessly with booking platforms like Google Vacation Rentals and other OTAs. The more connectable platforms, the wider your reach.

    • Direct booking capabilities

      Direct booking tools, customizable templates, and SEO optimization features are essential for reducing OTA dependency and driving direct revenue. Look for advanced capabilities that boost direct bookings, such as robust CRM systems and marketing tools that help secure repeat guests.

    • Unified inbox & guest communication

      Outstanding reviews depend on prompt guest communication. Select a PMS offering a comprehensive messaging platform that incorporates various communication channels, including SMS, email, and WhatsApp integration for seamless guest interaction.

    • Task management

      Look for features that automate daily workflows. Essential capabilities should include automated check-in processes, housekeeping management, maintenance scheduling, and smart team task distribution.

    • Payment processing

      Choose a PMS with a hospitality-focused native payment system for optimal direct booking management. Ensure integration support with established payment processors like Stripe for flexible transaction handling.

    • Dynamic pricing

      Dynamic pricing engines use AI and real-time market data to optimize your rates, balancing occupancy levels with maximum revenue potential.

    •  Multi-unit support

      Manage multiple units effortlessly with unified calendar controls. Update settings across all properties at once while maintaining the ability to customize individual units as needed.

  • 3. Usability and customization
    • Ease of use

      Choose software with a straightforward interface to ensure your team can quickly adapt.

    • Customizable templates and widgets

      Customization features let you create a uniquely branded experience, particularly for your direct booking channel.

    • Mobile app compatibility

      Management on the go is crucial, so ensure the software supports both iOS and Android devices.

    • Smart features

      Seek platforms that offer advanced communication tools, such as built-in WhatsApp and SMS capabilities, along with e-signature functionality to simplify contract management.

  • 4. Integration and automation
    • API access

      Make sure the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing systems and third-party tools to boost functionality. Larger property management businesses, in particular, gain value from Open API access for developing custom solutions.

    • Automate routine tasks

      Automation of guest communications, booking management, and payment processing saves valuable time.

  • 5. Advanced features
    • Streamlined operations

      Consider comprehensive solutions that provide complete management functionality. Guesty delivers an all-in-one platform that eliminates the need for supplementary tools.

    • SEO and marketing

      Look for features to boost visibility on platforms like Google Vacation Rentals and grow direct bookings.

    • Customer support

      Dependable 24/7 support across various communication channels helps you efficiently resolve any issues.

  • 6. Consider additional factors
    • Scalability

      Choose software that adapts as your business grows, with options for higher-tier plans and enterprise features.

    • Pricing

      Balance costs against the features offered to find the best value for your specific needs.

    • Onboarding support

      A streamlined onboarding process and comprehensive training resources help your team adopt the software with ease.

Real users, real reviews

What users say about Guesty

The Big Question: Which rental property software will you choose?

of short-term rental managers name market saturation as their top concern. In today’s highly competitive market, having the right property management software can mean the difference between making it or going under. Will you choose the PMS that keeps you ahead of the curve, or the one that is constantly trying to catch up?

For the most innovative features, software health, and customer support, get Guesty