Since RedAwning's 2024 acquisition, Awning advertises management starting at 10%. The honest comparison isn't 10% vs. 12.5% — it's about what's actually included at each price. Here's how HostStarter compares.
| Feature | Awning | HostStarter ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Management Fee | 10–18% | 12.5% |
| Contract Required | 12-month minimum | Month-to-month, cancel anytime |
| Service Level | Software-driven, limited local presence | Full-service: cleaning, maintenance, guest comms, pricing |
| Setup / Onboarding Fee | Common | $0 — included in 12.5% |
| Photography Included | Often extra charge | Yes, always included |
| Cleaning Coordination | Varies by market | Yes — fully managed |
| Maintenance Coordination | Limited | Yes — local vendor network |
| Dynamic Pricing | Yes | Yes — daily optimization |
| Listed On | Airbnb + VRBO | Airbnb + VRBO |
| BBB Complaints | Limited on-ground management; owners handle many issues themselves | Zero complaints |
Awning advertises 10% management, but at that tier you're still sourcing your own cleaners, coordinating your own maintenance, and handling guest issues yourself. Apples-to-apples full-service is Awning's 18% tier vs. HostStarter's 12.5% flat — a 44% premium for the same scope of work.
Awning's tiered plans run on annual commitments. If your property underperforms or your situation changes, you're locked in. HostStarter operates month-to-month with 30 days notice to cancel.
RedAwning is the largest vacation rental distribution platform in the US — Awning is the management arm of that distribution network. HostStarter is operator-first with local teams on the ground in every market we serve.
Many Awning clients report having to coordinate their own cleaners and vendors. HostStarter handles all of this under the flat 12.5% — no surprise bills or coordination headaches.
Three reasons owners switch from Awning to HostStarter — and don't look back.
At Awning's apples-to-apples 18% full-service tier, HostStarter saves owners roughly $220/month on a $4,000/month property — about $2,640/year. The 10% headline stops being relevant once you add back everything that isn't included.
Month-to-month means we prove our value every single month. You can cancel with 30 days notice, zero penalties, no drama. We win your business through performance.
One 12.5% fee covers everything: listing, photography, dynamic pricing, guest communication, cleaning coordination, maintenance, and a local team who treats your property like their own.
"D and his team were very kind, responsive & helpful. They checked in on our group daily and had all the needed essentials ready. All our questions were answered promptly. He and his property are 5 stars in our book!"
"Jonathan & David were great hosts during our stay. We were first-time group Airbnb users, and they were always responsive, understanding and willing to help when needed. I would highly recommend!"
"Very clean and comfortable house. The property was exactly as described and the host was quick to respond whenever we had questions. Would absolutely book again."
We make it easy. One call, we handle the transition. You start earning more from day one.
Book a Free Discovery CallAdvertised starting rates as published by each company in August 2026. Starting rates usually apply to the entry service tier, so check what is included before comparing.
| Company | Advertised fee | Service level | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| HostStarter | 12.5% + $99/mo | Full-service | Month-to-month, no setup fee |
| TIDY | From 3.9% | Software-assisted, not full-service | Month-to-month |
| MasterHost | From 8% (Chicago), 10% elsewhere | Tiered; entry tier excludes most operations | Month-to-month |
| Awning | From 10% | Full-service (claimed) | 90 days notice |
| RedAwning | From 10% | Full-service | Varies |
| Evolve | 10% / 15% / custom | Half-service; owner arranges cleaning | Varies, $250 onboarding |
| Surge | 15% | Full-service, local team | No annual contract |
| Grand Welcome | High teens | Full-service, standardised | Varies |
| AvantStay | Not published | Full-service, luxury tier | Negotiated |
| Vacasa | Approx. 25-35% | Full-service | Annual typical |
Full-service Airbnb management typically runs 15% to 25% of rental revenue. Advertised 8% to 10% tiers are usually half-service, leaving cleaning, restocking and maintenance to the owner. HostStarter charges 12.5% of revenue plus a $99 per month software fee, with no setup fee and no long-term contract.
Often no. A 10% fee that excludes housekeeping coordination, restocking and maintenance is not cheaper than a 15% fee that includes them, because you still pay for that work separately or do it yourself. Compare all-in cost per year, not the headline percentage.
With HostStarter the listing stays in your own account and payouts arrive directly from Airbnb, so your review history and search ranking stay with you if you leave. Some managers move the listing onto their account, which means the reviews you built stay with them.
HostStarter is month-to-month with no cancellation penalty and no setup or onboarding fee. Several national managers require annual agreements with early-termination fees, and at least one charges a separate onboarding fee, so read the exit clause before signing.
Full-service covers listing and pricing plus housekeeping, restocking, maintenance coordination and guest support. Half-service usually covers only the listing, pricing and messaging. The fee gap between the two is mostly explained by which one you are actually buying.
