To maximize Airbnb occupancy and rental income, hosts are adopting analytics and dynamic pricing tools. AirDNA and Wheelhouse are two top options. This guide will compare the two platforms in-depth so you can determine the ideal solution.
We’ll analyze features, use cases, integrations, pricing, and top competitors. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
An Introduction to Airbnb Analytics
First, what are the key benefits quality analytics provide?
Optimal dynamic pricing
Tools crunch market data to recommend optimized pricing aligned with demand patterns. This maximizes both occupancy and revenue.
Listing insights
Metrics on views, bookings, and reviews help improve visibility, conversion, and guest satisfaction.
Demand analysis
Granular intelligence on inquiries, sales velocity, and cancellations allows calibrating supply to local demand.
Revenue forecasting
Predictive modeling and scenario planning estimate potential future earnings to inform strategy.
Market research
Robust market and competitor intelligence enables identifying ideal areas and properties to invest in.
For serious hosts, analytics are crucial to fully capitalize on Airbnb’s earning potential. Now let’s look at how AirDNA and Wheelhouse compare.
AirDNA vs Wheelhouse Feature Comparison
| Feature | AirDNA | Wheelhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Data | Daily rates, seasonal trends, custom date ranges | Daily rates, seasonal trends |
| Occupancy Data | Overall & daily occupancy rates | Overall occupancy rates |
| Demand Data | Lead volume, bookings, cancellations | Bookings, demand forecasts |
| Market Data | Entire market/neighborhood insights | Very limited market data |
| Competitor Data | Pricing, occupancy, and strategy tracking | Limited competitor tracking |
| Forecasting | Customizable predictive models | Preset forecasting |
| Dynamic Pricing | AI-powered price tips | Fully automated price adjustments |
| Calendar Automation | Manual pricing required | Auto-blocking, auto-pricing |
| Support | Email support | Chat and email support |
| Ideal For | Maximizing market intelligence | Hands-off pricing automation |
Key takeaways:
- AirDNA provides significantly more market and competitor data
- Wheelhouse offers smoother listing integration and calendar automation
- AirDNA has more advanced forecasting capabilities
- Wheelhouse specialized in automated pricing optimization
- AirDNA requires manual pricing work
Let’s analyze both platforms more closely.
AirDNA Overview
AirDNA provides comprehensive analytics on entire markets, neighborhoods, competitors, and more.
Key Features:
- Expansive market and neighborhood benchmarking
- Competitor intelligence tracking
- Customizable forecasting models
- Listing quality and investment grading
- Powerful reporting builder
Ideal For:
- Data-driven hosts who want maximum customization
- Real estate investors analyzing multiple markets
- Experienced hosts looking to scale up
Pros:
- Unmatched breadth of market, neighborhood, and competitor data
- Custom dynamic pricing recommendations
- Direct analyst support included
- Advanced grading and forecasting capabilities
Cons:
- Manual listing integrations and pricing changes required
- Potential data sampling limitations
- Steep learning curve to maximize value
Wheelhouse Overview
Wheelhouse provides automated dynamic pricing optimized using demand forecasting data.
Key Features:
- Direct API connections for automated sync
- AI-based pricing algorithms
- Automated calendar blocking
- Simplified performance dashboard
- 24/7 chat and email support
Ideal For:
- Hands-off hosts looking for automated pricing
- Those who value ease of use and simplicity
- Hosts needing streamlined calendar management
Pros:
- Fully automated data-driven pricing
- Intuitive plug-and-play platform
- Generous free starter plan
- Fast and simple setup
Cons:
- Very limited market and competitor data
- Less flexible forecasting capabilities
- Requires relinquishing pricing control
Key Differences and User Fit
Target User
AirDNA – Data-driven hosts, multi-market investors, high-volume managers
Wheelhouse – Hands-off hosts focused on automation and simplicity
Depth of Data
AirDNA – Maximum market, neighborhood, and competitor intelligence
Wheelhouse – Listings-centric data, less focus on overall markets
Analysis Tools
AirDNA – Advanced benchmarking, forecasting, scoring, reporting
Wheelhouse – Specialized in optimized pricing algorithms
Ease of Use
Wheelhouse – Smoother listing connections, full automation, intuitive interface
AirDNA – More deliverables with steeper learning curve
Pricing Approach
AirDNA – Manual adjustments required using recommended prices
Wheelhouse – Fully automated pricing changes
Ideal For
AirDNA – Hosts who want to leverage in-depth data insights
Wheelhouse – Hands-off hosts who want automated, optimized pricing
Comparing Wheelhouse to Top Alternatives
Wheelhouse competes against other top automated pricing solutions:
Beyond Pricing
- Leading alternative with robust automated pricing models. Plans from $179-$599/mo.
PriceLabs
- Specialized AI-based automated dynamic pricing. Starting at $199/mo.
Everbooked
- Unified dashboard for vacation rentals with dynamic pricing. Starts at $99/mo.
BookingPal
- Channel manager with AI-powered automated pricing. Starting at $100/mo.
Lodgify
- Rental platform with demand-based automated pricing. Plans from $55-$219/mo.
AirDNA vs Wheelhouse Pricing Details
| Plan | AirDNA | Wheelhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Pro Plan<br/>$99/mo | Starter<br/>Free |
| Intermediate | Plus Plan<br/>$199/mo | Pro<br/>$49/mo |
| Advanced | Business Plan<br/>$499/mo | Premium<br/>$99/mo |
AirDNA offers annual subscription discounts. Wheelhouse has custom quotes for large portfolios.
Key considerations:
- Wheelhouse has a free starter plan
- AirDNA caps listings at lower tiers
- Wheelhouse pricing rises gradually with portfolio size
- AirDNA has higher limits for power users
Get free trials to compare listing allowances head-to-head.
Key Evaluation Criteria
When choosing an Airbnb analytics and pricing solution, consider:
What is your budget? Wheelhouse offers a free starter plan. AirDNA pricing has higher limits.
How much data do you need? AirDNA provides significantly more market insights.
What’s your ideal pricing process? AirDNA requires manual adjustments. Wheelhouse is automated.
How large is your portfolio? AirDNA likely better suites larger portfolios.
How hands-on do you want to be? Wheelhouse minimizes host effort. AirDNA needs more involvement.
What integrations do you need? Wheelhouse enables smoother listing connections.
What’s your experience level? AirDNA has more advanced features, but steeper learning curve.
AirDNA vs Wheelhouse – FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions:
Does Wheelhouse automatically update pricing?
Yes, Wheelhouse uses direct API connections to automatically push updated pricing based on their algorithm.
How much does the Wheelhouse free plan include?
The Starter plan covers one active listing with basic pricing automation and performance tracking.
Does AirDNA offer automated pricing?
No, AirDNA provides pricing recommendations but requires hosts to manually adjust rates.
Can I export AirDNA data?
Yes, AirDNA allows exporting raw data files. There are also native connections to platforms like Google Sheets, Salesforce, QuickBooks, and more.
Does Wheelhouse provide market and competitor data?
Wheelhouse has limited market occupancy and rate insights. AirDNA provides significantly more granular market intelligence.
How does Wheelhouse customer support compare?
Wheelhouse offers 24/7 chat and email support. AirDNA provides email support with analyst access.
Still have questions? Reach out to the AirDNA and Wheelhouse teams directly for tailored guidance. Both offer free demos.
Conclusion
AirDNA delivers unmatched data breadth for savvy hosts managing large portfolios. Wheelhouse simplifies automated pricing for hands-off hosts through their free starter plan.
Compare your specific needs, experience level, and goals to determine the ideal analytics and pricing platform for supercharging your Airbnb rental business.
