# Host Tools vs Away Messaging

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Host Tools at none against Away Messaging's 1. Host Tools also leads on ratings volume (206 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.6). Away Messaging's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Away Messaging sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year. Host Tools asks for nothing beyond the download.

Away Messaging holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Host Tools has 206 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Host Tools ships an update fortnightly, Away Messaging every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Host Tools | Away Messaging |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (206 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/host-tools/id1576749305/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/away-messaging/id6796350445/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **206** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 53.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Paid |
| Size | 56 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [See What Sticks Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/895525264) | [Paul Montenero](https://appshunter.io/developer/6796350447) |

## What reviewers say

### Host Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/host-tools/id1576749305)

Automate your short-term rental business with this comprehensive tool. Streamline messaging, manage cleaners, sync calendars across platforms, and automate reviews to enhance guest experience and efficiency.

**Highlights:** Automated messaging, Calendar syncing, Cleaner management, Automated reviews, Dynamic pricing, Unified inbox

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Away Messaging

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/away-messaging/id6796350445)

Prepare and schedule personalized text message responses in advance. Create reusable templates for various situations and receive reminders to send them out. This app helps you manage your communications efficiently, especially when you're unavailable.

**Highlights:** Create unlimited message templates, Organize templates by situation, Select contacts from address book, Schedule message sending reminders, Privacy-focused design, No account or subscription required

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Away Messaging Pro Annual | $4.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Host Tools free?

Host Tools is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Away Messaging free?

Away Messaging is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Host Tools or Away Messaging?

Away Messaging is rated higher. Host Tools averages 4.8 out of 5 from 206 ratings, while Away Messaging averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Host Tools or Away Messaging have ads?

Neither Host Tools nor Away Messaging shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Host Tools or Away Messaging?

Host Tools ships an update fortnightly, and Away Messaging every 4 weeks. Most recently, Host Tools was updated on October 24, 2026 and Away Messaging on October 25, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*