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.
4.8 average rating based on 4k reviews
Main Lodgify advantages over Smoobu
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.
The Lodgify Impact
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.
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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.
Every feature truly makes a difference
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.
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.
Smoobu
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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.
Smoobu
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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.
Smoobu
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.
Smoobu
Lodgify is trusted by hosts in 180+ countries
Smoobu and Lodgify are worlds apart - from the product offering to the support and onboarding.
We only have one vacation rental and thought Lodgify might be too complex but the opposite is the case: Smoobu is way more complex as it's cheaply programmed, forcing you to learn "their logic". Lodgify is simple and intuitive.
92%
Trust rate from independent hosts
Lodgify has been named the best vacation rental app for 4 years straight.
4.9/5
Star rating on our app
Lodgify has been named the best vacation rental app for 4 years straight.
4.8/5
rating on Trustpilot
Hosts consistently praise Lodgify for its ease of use, powerful automations, and clean design.
89%
of all reviewers gave 5 stars
Lodgify is recognized as a leading solution for independent hosts worldwide.
4.8/5
rating on Trustpilot
Hosts consistently praise Lodgify for its ease of use, powerful automations, and clean design.
89%
of all reviewers gave 5 stars
Lodgify is recognized as a leading solution for independent hosts worldwide.
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.
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