Channel manager vs PMS vs booking engine: what's the difference?
Software for hosts uses three terms that overlap a lot. Here's what each one does, and which you actually need.
Channel manager
Keeps your availability the same on every booking site ("channel"): Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Vrbo and so on. A night booked on one is closed on the others. Some also send prices and stay rules.
PMS (property management system)
Runs the property itself: reservations, guest details, check-in, housekeeping, invoices and payments. Most PMSs include a channel manager or connect to one.
Booking engine
The booking form on your own website, so guests can book you directly without a platform commission. It needs to share availability with your channel manager.
iCal vs API connections
| Calendar link (iCal) | API connection | |
|---|---|---|
| What moves | Booked and closed dates | Dates, prices, stay rules, guest details, often messages |
| Speed | Hours (each site reads on its own schedule) | Seconds to minutes |
| Setup | Copy and paste links | Authorise the software in each site |
| Cost | Free on every major site; tools are cheap or free | Usually a monthly fee per listing |
Which do you need?
- 1 to 5 rooms or homes, 2 to 4 sites: an iCal channel manager is usually enough. Set prices on each site.
- Many units, many same-day bookings, or a front desk: a PMS with API connections is worth paying for.
Axorooms is an iCal channel manager for the first group: 31 sites, one calendar, walk-in bookings, double-booking alerts, free for up to 5 listings. More in do you need a channel manager?