More reach. More reservations. Zero double bookings.
Lodgify vs Smoobu: Best Choice for Independent Hosts
Lodgify offers independent hosts a modern, intuitive setup that works immediately, supported by free onboarding and an AI-powered inbox that streamlines daily tasks. Smoobu requires self-onboarding, uses iCal for Vrbo instead of a full API, and doesn’t connect to Google Vacation Rentals. Its fragmented approach and additional property fees can make hosting less smooth for small-scale operators.
Trusted by thousands of hosts
Hosts managing everything from one beach house to entire portfolios rely on Lodgify to keep operations running smoothly.
3,400+ reviews
1200+ reviews
3,400+ reviews
Main Lodgify advantages over smoobu
Plan
Lodgify
Smoobu
Lodgify Ambassador
AI-powered inbox
Full Vrbo sync
Guest mobile app
Google Vacation Rentals
Free onboarding
Usage simplicity
Benefits
Lodgify
Smoobu
Lodgify Ambassador
Lodgify
5 or fewer
20%
commisison
List of benefits
Smoobu
More than 5
25%
commisison
List of benefits
Lodgify Ambassador
More than 10
30%
commisison
List of benefits
AI-powered inbox
Lodgify offers an AI-powered inbox that streamlines guest communication and cuts down on manual tasks.
Smoobu does not provide AI writing support.
Full Vrbo sync
Lodgify connects to Vrbo via API to sync messages, guest data, rates, and availability.
Smoobu connects to Vrbo only through iCal, so hosts don’t receive messages or guest details in their account.
Google Vacation Rentals
Lodgify connects directly to Google Vacation Rentals, giving hosts a complete and reliable flow for direct bookings through their own website.
Smoobu doesn’t support GVR, which limits its direct-booking capabilities.
Guest mobile app
Lodgify provides a full guest app with check-in details and stay guidance.
Smoobu offers shareable guest guides, but no dedicated guest-facing app to deliver a smooth check-in experience.
Free onboarding
Lodgify includes personalized onboarding with every plan.
Smoobu provides only self-onboarding, leaving hosts to set everything up on their own.
Usage simplicity
Lodgify offers a clean, intuitive interface designed for independent hosts.
Smoobu’s more fragmented setup adds extra steps to day-to-day management.
Lodgify is a trusted partner of
The Lodgify Impact
+143% increase in direct bookings
+40 hours saved monthly
+60 min saved per reservation
+413% revenue growth
Lodgify and Smoobu Compared
What is the cost?
Lodgify starts at $16 per month with simple, affordable tiers designed for independent hosts. Smoobu’s entry plan costs nearly twice as much and adds booking fees unless you upgrade. Advanced property-management features require higher-tier plans, and costs rise quickly as you add properties.
Lodgify
Clear, accessible pricing for independent hosts
Smoobu
Higher starting price and added costs per property.
How easy is it to start?
Lodgify gives every host free 1:1 onboarding with an expert. Your account, website, and booking channels are set up quickly, with no setup fees at any stage. Smoobu does not include guided onboarding—hosts follow a self-onboarding process, which means more manual setup and less personalized support in the early steps.
Lodgify
Free 1:1 onboarding with an expert for every plan.
Smoobu
Higher starting price and added costs per property.
Every feature makes a diference
Lodgify keeps hosting simple with a built-in website builder, free personalized onboarding, native mobile apps, and a unified inbox that brings email, SMS, and AI assistance together. Smoobu adds extra costs, lacks a mobile app, and doesn’t fully unify guest communication, making daily tasks more challenging for independent hosts.
Channel manager
AI-powered inbox
Guest mobile app
Onboarding
Channel manager
Lodgify gives every host a reliable API connection to major booking sites, syncing calendars, rates, messages, and guest data in real time. Setup is quick, and you can manage all channels from one place. Smoobu connects to Vrbo only via iCal, limiting sync to basic availability updates, and it doesn’t support Google Vacation Rentals—all of which creates more manual steps and less accuracy across channels.
API sync for top booking sites
Real-time updates
Google Vacation Rentals support
Uplisting
Vrbo connected via iCal
More manual setup
No Google Vacation Rentals support
AI-powered inbox
Lodgify keeps all guest messages in one organized view and speeds up replies with built-in AI. Hosts can answer common questions and confirm details faster through a clean, intuitive interface that’s easy from day one. Smoobu doesn’t offer AI assistance, and its more fragmented inbox means daily communication requires more manual work from the host.
Simple Interface
Emails + SMS
AI assistance
Uplisting
No Vrbo messages
No built-in AI assistance
Guest mobile app
Lodgify’s guest app gives travelers everything they need for a smooth stay—from check-in details to house information and guidebooks. Smoobu offers shareable guest guides but no dedicated guest-facing app, leaving guests to rely on links and messages rather than a unified check-in experience.
Guest app
Smooth check-in
Uplisting
No free domain
Onboarding
Lodgify provides free, personalized onboarding for every customer. An expert walks you through setting up your account, connecting your listings, and activating your booking tools. Smoobu offers only self-onboarding, leaving hosts to handle setup manually without guided support at the start.
Fast setup
Available for all portfolio sizes
Free personalized onboarding
Uplisting
Longer setup time
No guided onboarding
Lodgify is trusted by hosts in 180+ countries
We recently completed our onboarding with Lodgify and the experience was smooth, ...
We recently completed our onboarding with Lodgify and the experience was smooth, supportive, and genuinely helpful. The team guided us step by step as we set up our direct booking website and connected our channels. Every question was answered clearly and quickly, and we felt well taken care of throughout the process. We’re excited to grow our vacation rental business with Lodgify and appreciate the solid start they’ve given us.
Jocelyn Genoso
I’ve been using Lodgify to manage several listings across Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking, and it has made my hosting life so much easier.
The channel manager keeps all calendars perfectly synchronized, and the website builder helped me quickly launch my own direct booking site.
JACKIE D FOREST RETREAT
Industry Leaders Since 2012
Lodgify has been a market leader in the vacation rental industry for over 14 years, earning the trust of hundreds of thousands of independent hosts worldwide.