Smoobu vs Hostaway: Your Guide to the Best Channel Manager
We understand how challenging it can be to find a secure, effective, and affordable solution for managing vacation properties. With the wide variety of solutions available on the market, it's only natural to wonder which one is the best. Hostaway is one of the most recognized management software, but how does it compare to Smoobu, one of the most recognized and chosen by millions of hosts worldwide?
Although both may seem very similar solutions at first glance, the reality is that there are notable differences in terms of pricing, tools, and channel management benefits. In this article, we'll explore why Smoobu stands out compared to Hostaway, thanks to its intuitive booking engine, exceptional customer support, and flexible free trial. With increasing competition, these elements are crucial for those looking for the best value.
Which software offers the best Channel Manager?
Smoobu: Real-time connection without problems or fees
Smoobu was born out of a vacation rental host's need, as there was no specific solution on the market for small and medium-sized hosts and vacation agencies that was affordable for all budgets. It is therefore a solution designed by and for this type of host, who seeks to maximize their time and income without incurring significant costs. Smoobu's Channel Manager allows you to connect to more than 100 booking portals with real-time APIs (Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, HomeToGo, and hundreds more). It also automatically synchronizes calendars, prices, and availability, avoiding double bookings and fatal errors that can lead to future problems.
Additionally, it doesn't limit the number of connected properties or platforms, nor does it require upgrading to a higher plan to access all integrations, as this is possible with all available plans (Professional Flex, Prepaid, and Teams Pro+).
Hostaway: A less dynamic Channel Manager
Hostaway offers two-way calendar synchronization via API with major booking platforms, meaning calendars sync automatically. However, the Hostaway calendar is considered the primary source for Airbnb, so changes to availability and rates must be made through the Hostaway platform.
Listings, however, cannot be automatically synced with Hostaway. If you make changes to your listing, you'll also need to update them manually in your Hostaway account.
Manage your vacation rental without fear of double bookings.
Who offers the best vacation rental Website Builder?
Smoobu: A modern website builder at no extra cost
With Smoobu, even if you've never created a website before, you can have a professional site without the technical hassle. The built-in website builder is designed for simplicity, offering modern and secure sites with flexible design options, mobile-friendly navigation, and built-in SSL protection. This simplicity empowers you to capture direct bookings and reduce your dependence on external booking channels, saving you booking fees from large platforms.
This tool is integrated into all plans at no additional cost, allowing you to easily capture direct bookings and reducing your dependence on external booking channels, saving you booking fees from large platforms.
Hostaway: A more limited solution than Smoobu
Hostaway offers a simple website builder that allows you to manage reservations directly from the accommodation's website. This means that guests can book directly from your website, and their reservations will be automatically added to your Hostaway account. However, it's a limited solution in terms of design and customization, especially when compared to more comprehensive alternatives, such as Smoobu.
Another aspect to consider is that it doesn't offer the option to choose or configure your domain from the platform. To use a custom web address, users must manage the purchase and configuration of the domain through external services.
See how you can create your own website in a few minutes with Smoobu.
Who offers the best Booking Engine?
Smoobu: Direct bookings from multiple touchpoints
The Smoobu booking engine allows you to add an intuitive widget to any website—including one created with Smoobu or an external site—so you can get direct bookings without extra effort, without paying commissions, and make it easier for your guests to book without having to search for you on the platforms. They can book directly with you.
Additionally, Smoobu's booking engine is synchronized with all channels connected to the Channel Manager, ensuring a smooth, error-free experience without the fear of double bookings.
With Smoobu, revenue from direct bookings goes entirely to the host, as there are no transaction fees. Additionally, the booking engine features an automatic payment system that supports various payment methods, making payment management easier and ensuring a fast and hassle-free settlement. process
Hostaway: Not similar to Smoobu
Hostaway provides a multitude of solutions, although it's challenging to find one on its website that's equivalent to Smoobu's booking engine. Therefore, it's difficult to analyze whether a booking engine can be implemented on an external or previously created website, or even on other solutions.
See how easy it is to set up a booking engine.
Who offers the best Dynamic Pricing solution?
Smoobu: Dynamic Pricing with a free trial, and included in any plan
In 2025, Smoobu added a key feature to its vacation rental hosting ecosystem: our own integrated dynamic pricing solution. This new tool allows accommodation rates to be automatically adjusted based on variables such as demand, seasonality, occupancy, or local events, without relying on external services or incurring additional costs with integrations. Most importantly, it is based on the analysis of more than 20 million market data points, ensuring an accurate and always up-to-date pricing strategy, at any time of the year and in a multitude of locations around the world.
Thanks to this integration, owners can automatically optimize their revenue without needing to update prices or hire external platforms manually. Additionally, Smoobu's Dynamic Pricing comes with a 30-day free trial, during which you can test the real impact of this tool on your business's profitability. This trial period allows you to see the benefits of dynamic pricing without any financial commitment.
Unlike other solutions in the sector that charge extra fees or commissions for activating dynamic pricing, Smoobu includes it without hidden costs. It's a very convenient option for those looking to scale their tourism project while maintaining control over expenses.
Hostaway: You must pay for each advertised listing
Hostaway's dynamic pricing solution differs significantly from Smoobu's. In comparison, Hostaway doesn't offer a free trial, which makes it difficult to assess how effective the tool is and whether it's working for you. A key aspect, moreover, is that Hostaway doesn't charge a fee for using the solution; instead, it charges for each connected listing that utilizes it. It's difficult to determine the exact payment amount, as there's no pricing breakdown on their website.
Smoobu, for its part, leverages transparency and offers the solution for just €12.99 per month per connected property, a very competitive price within the market.
Dynamic pricing is crucial for enhancing your performance. See why here!
Who offers a better mobile management app?
Smoobu: Comprehensive management from anywhere
The Smoobu mobile app, available for both Android and iOS devices, enables hosts to manage all aspects of their vacation rental from anywhere. From their mobile devices, they can access their booking calendar, modify prices, automate messages, respond to guests, and view activity reports —all without needing a computer.
Its design is straightforward to use, adapting to both those already familiar with the technology and those new to vacation property management. The app is regularly updated, incorporating improvements based on user feedback, always to offer you the best version of Smoobu.
This commitment to mobile management makes Smoobu a valuable solution for hosts who need flexibility and want to monitor their accommodations from anywhere in the world, regardless of their location, and without incurring additional costs.
Hostaway: More complicated app than the desktop version
Although the Hostaway mobile app is very comprehensive, some users argue that it's more complicated to use than the desktop version and also has more limited functionality.
Download the Smoobu app now for Android or iOS.
Who offers better customer service and technical support?
Smoobu: True and accessible multilingual support for all users
At Smoobu, customer service is a central aspect of the user experience. The support team stands out for being friendly, efficient, and readily accessible, regardless of the chosen plan. All users, without exception, can access help through multiple channels, including live chat, email, phone, and video calls, in more than seven languages, such as Spanish. Below, we share all the available ways to contact Smoobu:
- Connect with us on our social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
- Via email at [email protected]
- By scheduling a phone or Zoom call at this link.
- Through a support ticket, if you are already a user at this link.
This support is available six days a week, and the team consists of experts well-versed in the needs of the vacation rental industry. Our more than 10 years of experience in the vacation technology sector allows us to have an inside look and insight, helping thousands of hosts improve their profitability and become more independent in their daily tasks.
In addition, Smoobu maintains constant communication on social media and provides various contact resources, including technical tickets, online training from the Help Center, webinars, and personalized sessions for any host who needs them.
Hostaway: Complex technical support that doesn't always solve problems
Several users have noted that Hostaway's technical support has slow response times, is not available every day, and often provides generic answers that don't address the user's specific needs. They also argue that when the issue requires more advanced technical intervention, it's difficult to access the specialized team directly, further delaying resolution.
Discover how Smoobu helps you grow as a host with expert guidance.
Which one offers a better free trial?
Smoobu: Access all features without obligation and a card
Smoobu lets you try out its platform for 14 days with full access to all its features, requiring no credit card details or commitment. Try it out and, if you're not convinced, stop using your account. It's as easy as it sounds! During this period, you can connect listings, create a website, configure the Guest Guide, activate dynamic pricing, and automate tasks —all without any commitment or restrictions. The Professional Plan trial enables you to learn the solution's ins and outs firsthand. If you need help, we'd be happy to provide a demo to answer any questions you may have.
This open, no-nonsense policy reflects a philosophy focused on user trust and service quality, free from forced or opaque sales tactics. Having hosted our own experiences, we understand that it's challenging to trust a product with which you're unfamiliar. Since our inception, our 14-day free trial has enabled hundreds of thousands of hosts to learn about and test Smoobu without hesitation.
Hostaway: Does not offer a free trial of its software
For its part, Hostaway doesn't offer a free trial of its vacation rental software. The only way to understand how it works is through a live demo with one of its agents. Therefore, it doesn't allow you to learn how the solution works independently without first paying for it. Only in particular cases, for hosts with more than 200 properties, is it possible to try it out upon payment, subject to cancellation.
As you can see, Smoobu is one of the few solutions on the market that offers a free trial of more than 7 days, with no costs or fine print, and complete flexibility.
Discover what you can do with your 14-day free Smoobu trial.
What are the opinions and reviews of Smoobu and Hostaway?
Smoobu: Outstanding online user reviews
Smoobu maintains an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on specialized review sites, including Capterra, G2, and Trustpilot, where users highlight its balance of functionality, affordable pricing, and excellent customer service. One of the most frequently mentioned advantages is how quickly you can get started using the platform: many hosts claim to have everything up and running in under an hour, which is unusual for more technical solutions.
Also appreciated are the clarity of its pricing model, the constant evolution of the software, and the fact that the team behind Smoobu seems genuinely attentive to its users' suggestions and needs.
Hostaway: Higher price than many solutions and limited support
Hostaway is characterized by a lack of transparency on its website, as we find no mention of plans or pricing. This is one of the most common criticisms from users, as is the slow resolution of issues. Compared to Smoobu, many point out that it takes more than two hours to configure the platform for use.
Which one offers the best value for money?
Smoobu: All the essential tools at a competitive price and without commissions
Smoobu offers a transparent and competitive pricing structure. The Prepaid Professional plan, available for €28 per month, includes all essential features for managing accommodations, from the Channel Manager and booking engine to the dynamic pricing tool, mobile app, website builder, and unlimited technical support.
For those seeking a more affordable option, the Professional Flex plan starts at €23.20 per month and includes a reduced 0.9% booking fee while maintaining access to key features. Additionally, when purchasing a 24-month plan, users can benefit from a 20% discount, resulting in significant long-term savings.
In an environment where many competitors apply additional fees or opaque structures, Smoobu positions itself as an honest and predictable solution, ideal for those who value stability in their investments.
Hostaway: You can't know until you connect with them.
Hostaway doesn't specify the price of its plan(s) on its website, making it also challenging to determine the number of plan types they offer. To do so, you'll need to contact them using a form on their website for a personalized evaluation.
Find the perfect plan for you today!
Comparison between Smoobu and Hostaway (2025)
| Function | Smoobu | Hostaway |
| Website Builder | Free, customizable, with SSL | Less intuitive |
| Channel Manager | Real-time, +100 platforms | Some manual changes are required |
| Booking Engine | Commission-free, secure transactions | Does not identify as such |
| Dynamic Pricing | Integrated and automated | Pay per ad, price unknown |
| Mobile app | Intuitive and complete | More limited than the desktop version |
| Customer support | Included in all plans | Limited, with slow response times |
| Free trial | 14 days, without a card on the Professional plan | Not available, demo only |
| Price | €23.20/month + €0.90 per reservation | Not indicated, depending on business needs |
| Transparency | Clear prices and no surprises | Prices and plan types are not specified |
| User reviews | Users praise transparency, ease, and agile support | Lack of transparency, less operational support |
Why choose Smoobu in 2025?
For those looking for a flexible and comprehensive vacation rental management tool, Smoobu is positioned as one of the most robust options on the market. It's offering combines ease of use with advanced features: real-time platform synchronization, automatic rate adjustments, free website creation, and a support team that speaks your language and is concerned about your specific needs.
Whether you manage a single vacation home or dozens, Smoobu adapts to different operating volumes, allowing you to maintain complete control from one place, anywhere. Thanks to its practical approach, with no hidden fees or complicated processes, Smoobu is a solution designed to grow with you, at the pace of your business, and on your terms.
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