6 Best Accounting Software for Airbnb Hosts

Keeping your finances in order is crucially important when renting out a property on Airbnb, especially when tax season approaches. Short-term rentals come with additional fees (like cleaning fees, pet fees, and late check-out fees) and taxes (such as transient occupancy rate and sales tax), which makes financial management more challenging than with other real estate strategies. To make their job easier and more organized, Airbnb hosts need to choose the best accounting software for their specific needs.

In this article, we’ve reviewed multiple online accounting platforms to select the top ones for Airbnb hosts and their properties. We’ve looked at both free and paid options and focused on a wide range of features and characteristics to make sure that we include the best accounting software for any type of Airbnb host.

The best accounting software platforms for Airbnb hosts are:

• Xero: Best Overall Airbnb Accounting Software
• Intuit QuickBooks: Best For 10+ Properties
• Wave: Best Free Airbnb Host Accounting Software
• Instabooks: Best AI-Driven Airbnb Host Accounting Software
• FreshBooks: Best Cloud-Based Airbnb Host Accounting Software
• TopNotepad: Best DIY Airbnb Host Accounting Software

How We Selected Accounting Software for Airbnb Hosts

We conducted diligent research and review of dozens of accounting software solutions in order to choose the best platforms for the needs of Airbnb hosts. As a nationwide vacation rental management company, we leveraged our position to talk to Airbnb hosts and professional property managers and ask them about their recommendations for short-term rental property owners who’re just getting started. We also tested the most popular accounting software tools to see which one’s address the specific requirements of vacation rental owners. Last but not least, we looked at the online reviews of the top options on third-party websites for the total number of reviews and the average rating.

In our selection of the best bookkeeping software for Airbnb hosts, we considered the following factors:

• Features and functionalities: We searched for accounting platforms that offer many tools including income and expense tracking, tax support, budgeting, reporting, and profit estimating.
• Integrations: We looked at the third-party integrations that accounting tools provide, especially Airbnb and Vrbo.
• Ease of use: We considered bookkeeping platforms that are easy and intuitive to use and don’t require special training or previous accounting experience.
• Price: We looked for accounting software that is affordable for Airbnb hosts both with a single property and a large portfolio of rentals.
• Airbnb host recommendations: We selected accounting software that’s recommended by our network of Airbnb investors and Airbnb managers.
• Online reviews: We focused on accounting tools which have a lot of positive reviews and an excellent overall rating on third-party review websites to guarantee objectivity.
• Value for money: We chose the tools that offer the best range of features and functions at a reasonable price in order to deliver the best value for money to Airbnb hosts.

Xero: Best Overall Airbnb Host Accounting Software

Xero is the top Airbnb accounting software with the best integrations among competitors and alternatives.

Xero Features

Xero has the best accounting software features for Airbnb hosts:

• Sending invoices
• Creating and sending purchase orders online
• Paying bills
• Claiming expenses
• Connecting with banks and setting up bank feeds
• Accepting payments online and receiving payments twice faster than usual
• Keeping track of costs and profitability
• Keeping employee records online and paying runs
• Keeping account balances and financials up to date
• Managing contacts
• Getting copies and storing data and documents
• Storing files online
• Keeping track of finances with accounting reporting
• Automatically collecting sales tax and preparing sales tax returns
• Analyzing future cash flow
• Managing fixed assets

Xero provides Airbnb hosts with access via desktop or mobile app.

Xero Cost

Xero offers a 30-day free trial, after which Airbnb hosts can choose one of three subscription plans, ranging from $25/month to $54/month. However, the Starter plan, at $25/month, can cover the needs of most short-term rental property investors.

Xero Integrations

Xero integrates with multiple tools including:

• Airbnb via BNBTALLY
• Google Contacts
• Hubdoc
• HubSpot
• Mailchimp
• Microsoft Outlook
• Shopify
• Stripe
• Vrbo via BNBTALLY

Xero Pros and Cons

Before deciding whether to use Xero for their vacation rental business, investors need to be aware of the benefits and drawbacks.

The major advantages of Xero over other accounting software tools are:

• Integration with Airbnb and Vrbo
• All must-have accounting tools
• Long free trial

One disadvantage to keep in mind is:

• No information on allowed number of users

Xero Reviews

There are thousands of online reviews of Xero that highlight positive experiences.

You can find Xero reviews on:

• Trustpilot: Currently 4.2/5 stars based on 5,131 reviews
• Capterra: Currently 4.4/5 stars based on 2,611 reviews
• GetApp: Currently 4.4/5 stars based on 2,611 reviews
• Software Advice: Currently 4.36/5 stars based on 2,538 reviews
• TrustRadius: Currently 8.7/10 stars based on 592 reviews
• G2: Currently 4.4/5 stars based on 528 reviews

Happy business owners praise the automation of financial management made possible by the software, the easy implementation, the straightforward onboarding, and the endless integrations. Unhappy users complain about the expense function, technical glitches, and the subscription cost.

Although there are good accounting software platforms for Airbnb hosts, Xero provides the best integrations, including Airbnb and Vrbo.

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Intuit QuickBooks: Best For 10+ Properties

The combination of features, integrations, and pricing structure makes Intuit QuickBooks the best accounting software for Airbnb hosts with 10+ properties in the US market.

Intuit QuickBooks Features

The QuickBooks accounting platform provides vacation rental business owners with access to:

• Tracking income
• Tracking expenses
• Tracking GST and VAT
• Capturing and organizing receipts
• Viewing insights and reports
• Progressing invoicing
• Connecting banks
• Adding an accountant
• Managing bills and payments
• Tracking inventory
• Tracking profitability
• Managing budgets

QuickBooks can be used both from a desktop and a mobile device.

Intuit QuickBooks Cost

Airbnb hosts can try QuickBooks for free for 30 days, after which they can choose one of the three subscription plans, ranging from $17/month to $36/month. The Simple Start plan, charged at $17/month, is enough to cover the needs of most small-scale real estate investors. Those who’d like access to all features and adding up to five team members would need the Plus plan that costs $36/month.

Intuit QuickBooks Integrations

QuickBooks integrates with 750+ business apps including:

• Airbnb via BNBTALLY
• BILL
• Float
• Fundbox
• Mailchimp
• PayPal
• Square
• Stripe
• Vrbo via BNBTALLY

Intuit QuickBooks Pros and Cons

While the best accounting software platform for short-term rental property owners has a lot of advantages, there are some disadvantages as well.

The main benefits of using QuickBooks include:

• Access to all necessary accounting automation features
• Numerous integrations including Airbnb and Vrbo
• Long free trial
• Affordable pricing for small-scale Airbnb hosts

Some drawbacks to keep in mind include:

• Higher price for Airbnb hosts with big property management teams

Intuit QuickBooks Reviews

There are a few thousand online reviews of QuickBooks that show generally positive experiences.

You can find QuickBooks reviews on:

• Capterra: Currently 4.3/5 stars based on 6,131 reviews
• GetApp: Currently 4.3/5 stars based on 6,131 reviews
• Software Advice: Currently 4.33/5 stars based on 5,984 reviews
• G2: Currently 4.0/5 stars based on 3,064 reviews
• TrustRadius: Currently 7.9/10 stars based on 1,534 reviews

Satisfied QuickBooks users praise the user-friendly interface, the ease of access, the ability to track all financials in real time, and the great customer support. Dissatisfied customers complain about the learning curve, the limited number of team members, and the slow customer service.

QuickBooks provides access to all must-have features and integrations with more third-party tools than any other software platform including Airbnb and Vrbo. The pricing model is also affordable. This makes QuickBooks the best accounting software for the needs of Airbnb hosts.

Wave: Best Free Airbnb Host Accounting Software

Wave provides all the tools and features that hosts need to financially manage their Airbnb listings, for absolutely free.

Wave Features

The Wave accounting software solution offers the following capacities:

• Unlimited expense and income tracking
• Recurring billing for repeat customers
• Unlimited partners, accountants, and other collaborators
• Unlimited bank and credit card connections
• Payment tracking
• Helpful reports including Overdue Invoices & Bills and Profit & Loss
• Communication
• Payroll module to pay vendors and contractors that help with the management and maintenance of short-term rentals

To use Wave on a desktop, Airbnb hosts don’t need to install any software. They can also choose to download the mobile app.

Wave Cost

The Wave accounting software module is free to use.

Bank transfer and credit card payments are charged at 1% and 2.9% + $0.60/transaction, respectively, but Airbnb hosts do not need to receive payments through their accounting software as guests pay them directly via Airbnb.

Subscription to the Payroll module is also paid, at $20/month in self-service states and $40/month in tax-service states besides a fee of $6 per employee or contractor per month.

Wave Integrations

Wave does not integrate with any Airbnb business specific tools.

Other integrations include:

• Gmail
• Google Drive
• Google Forms
• HoneyBook
• HubSpot
• PayPal
• Stripe
• Zapier

Wave Pros and Cons

As a free accounting software for Airbnb hosts, Wave comes with some advantages and disadvantages.

The most important benefits of using Wave include:

• Access to all key Airbnb accounting features
• Desktop and mobile version
• Completely free long-term plan

The major drawbacks of the Wave platform are:

• No Airbnb-related integrations
• Fees for additional services like payments and payroll

Wave Reviews

There are thousands of online reviews of the Wave accounting software which show very positive experiences.

You can find Wave reviews on:

• Capterra: Currently 4.4/5 stars based on 1,417 reviews
• GetApp: Currently 4.4/5 stars based on 1,417 reviews
• Software Advice: Currently 4.43/5 stars based on 1,395 reviews
• G2: Currently 4.4/5 stars based on 282 reviews
• TrustRadius: Currently 7.1/10 stars based on 165 reviews

Happy Wave users highlight the easy-to-use platform, the comprehensive features and services, the ability to manage multiple businesses, and the free access. Unhappy users complain about missing functions (compared to alternative software solutions), the differences between the desktop and mobile versions, the learning curve, and the limited customer service.

Our review of Wave shows it covers all the basic requirements of an Airbnb accounting software, for free. While some advanced features might be missing, this is expected from a tool that investors can use paying nothing.

Instabooks: Best AI-Driven Airbnb Host Accounting Software

The voice-enabled entry and the AI-powered account classifier make Instabooks the best AI-driven accounting software solutions for Airbnb hosts. Instabooks promises to save small business owners $7,000 and 200 hours in bookkeeping and tax compliance costs, making it an ideal choice for busy short-term rental property owners.

Instabooks Features

Airbnb hosts can access the following features with this accounting software:

• Receipt scanner to scan, store, organize, and access receipts online
• Expense tracker to record and keep track of daily Airbnb rental expenses
• Real estate tax calculator to calculate, track, prepare, and lodge real estate taxes such as sales tax
• Financial reporting to match Airbnb revenue against expenses and understand profit or loss
• Tax tips to minimize the amount of taxes Airbnb hosts need to pay
• Invoicing including creating and sending templates or customized invoices
• Accepting payments online
• Voice enabled transaction entry
• AI-powered account classifier
• Access to local bookkeepers, accountants, insurance consultants, and business loan consultants

Airbnb hosts can choose whether to use Instabooks online via a desktop or via the mobile app.

Instabooks Cost

Instabooks offers a 30-day free trial, with three different subscription plan options afterwards. Small Airbnb hosts can choose the Launch plan for $20/month, while owners with multiple short-term rentals in their portfolio would need the Growth plan, for $40/month. To add up to two team members, they’d need the Success plan, at $60/month.

Instabooks Integrations

Instabooks does not have any integrations with other vacation rental software service providers.

Instabooks Pros and Cons

Like the other accounting software tools for Airbnb investors on the market, Instabooks has certain pros and cons.

The biggest advantages of Instabooks software include:

• AI-driven approach
• Comprehensive accounting system for Airbnb hosts
• Long free trial

Some drawbacks that short-term rental owners should consider before opting for Instabooks include:

• Pricey subscription fees for access to all features
• No integrations

Instabooks Reviews

There are no online reviews of Instabooks, which is unusual for most accounting software platforms. Airbnb hosts can ask fellow investors on real estate forums about their experiences with this tool or try it for 30 days.

While Instabooks lacks integrations with Airbnb automation tools and is a bit pricey, the AI-driven technology makes it one of the top choices for managing the finances of a short-term rental property.

FreshBooks: Best Cloud-Based Airbnb Host Accounting Software

FreshBooks is the top cloud-based accounting software for vacation rental investors as it provides all must-have features at affordable rates. It allows Airbnb hosts to save up to $7,000 per year in billable hours.

FreshBooks Features

The FreshBooks Airbnb accounting software gives hosts access to the following tools:

• Sending unlimited invoices
• Tracking unlimited expenses
• Tracking sales tax
• Customized email templates and signatures
• Online payments with ACH and credit card
• Automated bank import
• Tax-time reporting
• Bank reconciliation
• Reporting profitability and business health

Airbnb hosts can choose whether to use FreshBooks on a desktop or mobile device.

FreshBooks Cost

FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial. There are three subscription plans, ranging from $17/month to $55/month, based on access to tools. Beginner Airbnb hosts with a single short-term rental can use the Lite plan. With each plan, hosts can add team members for $10 per member per month.

FreshBooks Integrations

FreshBooks does not integrate with any Airbnb hosting tools, but it works with a few other applications:

• Fundbox
• Gusto Payroll
• HubSpot
• Zapier

FreshBooks Pros and Cons

Similar to other best accounting software for Airbnb hosting, FreshBooks has its own advantages and disadvantages.

FreshBooks Pros

The most important benefits include: 

• Access to all features needed to financially manage a vacation rental
• Long free trial

FreshBooks Cons

The most worth mentioning drawbacks of this tool are:

• Lack of integrations with Airbnb tools
• Expensive pricing of advanced plans
• Additional monthly fees for adding team members

FreshBooks Reviews

There are thousands of online reviews on FreshBooks which show a great average rating.

You can find FreshBooks reviews on:

• Google Play: Currently 4.4/5 stars based on 5,000+ reviews
• Capterra: Currently 4.5/5 stars based on 4,189 reviews
• GetApp: Currently 4.5/5 stars based on 4,189 reviews
• Software Advice: Currently 4.48/5 stars based on 4,155 reviews
• G2: Currently 4.5/5 stars based on 662 reviews
• TrustRadius: Currently 8.0/10 stars based on 193 reviews

Happy customers highlight the visually appealing interface, the easy-to-use platform, the ability to monitor all financials, and the integrations. Unhappy customers complain about the lack of emailing functionality and the poor reporting tool.

Our review of FreshBooks reveals one of the top accounting softwares for Airbnb hosts which stands out as the best cloud-based platform in this category.

TopNotepad: Best DIY Airbnb Host Accounting Software

The features available on TopNotepad make it one of the best accounting software options for Airbnb hosts. However, because adding more users requires a higher pricing plan, this tool is best for Airbnb hosts who work on their own.

TopNotepad Features

As one of the best accounting software tools for Airbnb hosts, TopNotepad comes with the following functionalities:

• Creating invoices
• Logging payments
• Logging expenses including cleaning, decor, utilities, property management fees, marketing, and maintenance
• Profit and loss statements
• Tax reports including deductible items
• Cash book for keeping track of daily cash flows
• Multiple users to get an Airbnb property management team on board

TopNotepad can be used both on desktop and via a mobile app.

TopNotepad Cost

TopNotepad offers a 7-day free trial. However, the company does not provide information on the pricing structure after the free trial. They explain it depends on the required tools and features, that annual subscriptions come with a 20% discount, and that Airbnb hosts will spend less on their subscription to TopNotepad than on movie tickets per month.

TopNotepad Integrations

TopNotepad doesn't provide integrations with Airbnb and Vrbo or with short-term rental property management tools like Evolve or Guesty.

The accounting software integrates with:

• PayPal
• Stripe 

TopNotepad Pros and Cons

Like all other best accounting software tools, TopNotepad has some benefits and drawbacks that Airbnb hosts need to consider.

The mosts significant advantages of TopNotepad include:

• All-in-one Airbnb host accounting software platform
• Free trial
• Customizable plans

The major disadvantages of TopNotepad are:

• Lack of information on the pricing structure
• Higher fees for access to more features and team members

TopNotepad Reviews

There are hundreds of online reviews of TopNotepad which result a great overall rating.

You can find TopNotepad reviews on:

• SaaSworthy: Currently 4.8/5 stars based on 113 reviews
• Capterra: Currently 4.6/5 stars based on 97 reviews
• GetApp: Currently 4.7/5 stars based on 97 reviews
• Software Advice: Currently 4.65/5 stars based on 96 reviews
• G2: Currently 4.8/5 stars based on 25 reviews

Satisfied TopNotepad customers praise the intuitive platform, the helpful reports, the safety of documents, and the affordable pricing. Dissatisfied customers report missing features in the VAT module, the lack of third-party tool integrations, the slow upload time, and the time needed to learn how to use the software.

Our TopNotepad review reveals an excellent Airbnb host accounting tool with all necessary functions. This is the best option for short-term rental owners who manage their properties on their own.

Takeaway

There are many free and paid options for vacation rental investors who’d like to automate the financial management of their properties. Our review shows that Intuit QuickBooks is the best accounting software for Airbnb hosts as it offers the best value for money. Wave is the top free alternative with all the most important features. Instabooks is a good option for investors looking for access to an AI-driven platform, while Xero is one of the few platforms that integrate with Airbnb and Vrbo.