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Smoobu or Lodgify : Comparison - Software features - Our choice
Explore our face-off between these two channel managers and select the one that’s right for your vacation rental.
Smoobu or Lodgify? Two all-in-one solutions that promise to transform your short-term rental management. But which one is right for you? Dive in with us for a detailed exploration of these two giants and discover their features, then decide which one will be your essential ally in propelling your rental business to the top! Between Smoobu and Lodgify, who will win your trust? Read on to find out!
Smoobu or Lodgify : Comparison chart
Channel manager
Channel manager – Vbro API connection, Abritel
Channel manager – Google Vacation Rentals login
Channel manager – Other channels available in ICAL
Reservations management
Changes to length of stay and price
100% automatic checkins – Connected lock integration
Adjustable rates – Addition of cleaning costs or increase in the price for an extra person
Additional billing services module on your website: Breakfast, Bottle of Champagne for example
Seasonal pricing rules for summer and winter, for example
Messages with travelers
Automated and programmed messages
Centralized messaging Airbnb, Booking
Centralized messaging with Whatsapp
Payment processing
Payments via Stripe, Paypal
Internal bond management
Payment policy : Down payment – Automated balance
Management software
Statistics and exportable data
Accounting reports
Property management reports
Task management module for service providers (cleaning, maintenance, etc.)
Applications
Smartphone application
Iphone application
Application for travelers
Application for Housing Task Management
Website
Booking engine
Different website models
Free domain name with annual plan
Customer support
Customer support in French 🇫🇷
Access to support by e-mail
and telephone
Smoobu or Lodgify - Our choice : Lodgify
Why is Lodgify the best choice for vacation rental rental software?
Lodgify is far more comprehensive in terms of features than Smoobu. In our opinion, some of them are essential for optimal management of your short-term rental. Here are a few examples to illustrate our choice.
CHANNEL MANAGER :
Synchronize your platforms via an API :
With the API connection, Lodgify makes it easy to manage your calendar, allowing you to open or close your availabilities in real time on all associated OTAS.
You can also manage your rates from a single interface. With Lodgify, this synchronization is possible on the three main platforms in France:
- Airbnb
- Booking
- Abritel/Vrbo
Smoobu also offers these connections.
Lodgify’s big plus, however, is its link to Google Vacation Rentals. The new feature deployed by Google.
It displays the price of your internet nights directly on the search engine. Opposite him, the rates charged on the platforms.
Google will allow you to acquire FREE live travelers WITHOUT commissions!
The channel manager Smoobu does not currently offer a connection to Google Vacation Rentals.
With competition on the rise, it’s essential to have a website that’s VISIBLE on Google. This new feature makes it possible.
Increasing your visibility while minimizing the commissions paid by online booking platforms is now the key to success in this business!
Website builder and reservation module :
Your website is the reflection of your holiday rental. It’s essential that your accommodations are attractively presented, with a smooth and efficient booking process.
Lodgify’s website creation is simple and customizable. You’ll be able to set up your booking site without needing advanced technical skills.
With an optimized website, you can generate up to 60% of direct bookings. So many bookings that are not commissioned by the platforms!
Of course, if you already have a showcase website , Lodgify will enable you to integrate a booking engine . This makes it possible to book, pay and synchronize with OTAS.
The templates offered by Lodgify bring a more professional touch than those of Smoobu. What’s more, your domain name will be offered with the annual plan.
So if you’re looking for an all-inclusive website channel manager, Lodgify is the one for you!
Lodgify Mobile Application:
Lodgify mobile applications:
With the Ultimate plan, Lodgify offers three applications!
The first, available as of the “Professional” plan, is the most feature-rich for seasonal renters, allowing them to
- Exchanges with your travelers, centralizing messages from the three OTAS (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo) and SMS and WhatsApp.
Calendar management: Lodgify offers functions such as opening/closing the calendar, adding/editing reservations, managing rates, sending payment links, and much more.
Guest app : Lodgify’s Ultimate offer includes a guest app, adding value to your rental. It provides all the information you need for a memorable stay.
And last but not least, for managing your maintenance staff. It enables you to communicate seamlessly with your teams in chat mode.
All its applications are available on both Android and iPhone.
Smoobu mobile application
A single application covering the majority of functionalities. However, chronic instability of the application often makes it unusable.
Above all, it’s not available on the iPhone. So Iphone owners will have to manage their rentals from behind the computer.
A problematic absence with constant notifications throughout the day.
Conclusion: If the idea is to manage your apartments at all times, or if you have other professional activities, this is a real obstacle to subscribing to Smoobu.
Lodgify will be a much better choice!
Centralized inbox ;
Both software packages offer this box with the 3 main platforms (Airbnb, Booking, Abritel).
Lodgify automates messages to your service providers, as well as exchanges from your reservations site, SMS and Whatsapp.
A plus at Lodgify: a clear, centralized dashboard with numerous filters to quickly find a customer.
Smoobu does not centralize SMS and Whatsapp exchanges. Communication is limited to customers.
Tariff management :
With Lodgify, you can set seasonal rates. Draw up a price list according to specific rules that you establish.
Lodgify’s little extras include a billing module for additional services you can offer your travellers:
- gift basket ;
- bottle of champagne ;
- electric bike rental ;
What’s more, Lodgify offers Gap fill functionality. So if you’ve set a minimum stay of 2 nights, and only one night is available between 2 stays, Lodgify will automatically adapt the calendar and open it up to allow the booking of just one night!
Smoobu doesn’t offer these possibilities.
As already indicated at Channel-Manager-Experts, the focus will be on software that enables maximum automation.
Rental management system and tasks :
Task assignment functionality gives vacation rental managers the ability to automatically assign cleaning and maintenance tasks. Analysis and accounting tools provide essential information on finances, website traffic and other key business performance indicators.
Lodgify’s dedicated task management module will do you a lot of favors when it comes to tracking and controlling tasks.
Smooth communication and alerts to notify you of a new task, but also to let you know when it’s finished.
Smoobu has no such basic manager.
Smoobu is not designed for apartment managers or Airbnb concierge services. If you’re either of these people, Smoobu is to be banished, directed towards Lodgify.
External software integration :
In this section, both tools allow you to integrate software to further automate your time-consuming tasks.
Automate your entrances with the Nuki connected lock. Adjust your prices with Pricelabs and monitor your property with the Minut app. All these tools are available on both solutions. A good point for channel managers!
Deposit processing :
Lodgify manages your deposits internally. Smoobu is not able to do this.
So you’ll need to connect it to another program. An additional tool and therefore an additional subscription…
Management and accounting report :
Smoobu only offers you a dashboard with the sales figures for your business. Your figures can be exported to Excel and Pdf.
Lodgify goes a long way with the Ultimate subscription. It offers you several management reports to give you a global view of your business and help you make the right decisions.
The accounting report will help you with your various tax returns, such as the tourist tax.
What’s more, thanks to this tool you can :
- Track your income and expenses ;
- Compile financial data ;
- Filter information to suit your needs ;
- Generate invoices for employees ;
- Track expenses ;
- Export data ;
Lodgify offers you a genuine accounting management tool.
Lodgify is much more than a channel manager, it’s a true vacation rental management software.
Price: Lodgify VS Smoobu :
Rate for 1 apartment :
Lodgify channel manager is available at €40 ex VAT per month for the professional plan.
We advise you to opt for the annual “Professional” plan at €32 excl. tax/month. It includes a 20% discount on the subscription fee, ideal for getting your vacation rental business off to a good start.
Smoobu’s all-in-one solution also offers several subscription plans. The price of a Smoobu channel manager will be €26.10 ex VAT/month for the professional plan.
Smoobu is less expensive than Lodgify. A few euros separate them, but Lodgify offers many additional features.
A difference quickly forgotten by those for whom seasonal rental is :
- their main business ;
- a highly profitable investment;
- a good way to quickly build up your assets;
- a fan of automation.
Last but not least, businesses and property managers will not only get more features from Lodgify, but also a much better price!
Ultimate Plan at €49/month for annual subscription at Lodgify.
Smoobu Teams Plan at €179.10/month!
As an Airbnb concierge, the choice is quickly made…
SMOOBU VS LODGIFY : OUR REVIEWS
Without a doubt, Lodgify is a better channel manager than Smoobu. Lodgify is the best alternative to Smoobu and will be more suited to your needs if you are :
- An owner of several apartments with cleaning staff;
- A seasonal rental professional
- An owner who wants to limit platform commissions and offer a real alternative with your website;
- An owner offering extras and additional services;
- A concierge service with 30 - 40 units
Smoobu is ideal for people managing one or two short-term rentals themselves, for example, to generate additional income.
Want to compare Lodgify with French all-in-one software Elloha? Click here to discover our test between the two tools!