Smoobu vs Cloudbeds: Which Vacation Rental Software Is Right for You in 2025?
In the Smoobu vs Cloudbeds debate, many property managers and short-term rental owners are asking: Which is better for vacation rental management?
This in-depth comparison of leading vacation rental software platforms examines key features, including channel management capabilities, booking engine performance, calendar management, guest communication, dynamic pricing, and customer support.
Whether you're a host managing a vacation rental website or a business comparing Cloudbeds vs. Smoobu, this guide highlights which one offers simplicity, automation tools, and better value for money.
1. Who Offers the Best Channel Manager?
Smoobu: Effortless Real-Time Channel Management
Smoobu’s Channel Manager integrates with key booking platforms, including Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, and others. With real-time availability updates, it helps prevent double bookings while supporting pricing rules, calendar blocking, and OTA synchronization.
Smoobu's intuitive dashboard and integrated Reservation System allow centralized booking management across all listings. Paired with iCal and XML connection options, it’s a robust solution for multi-channel distribution and inventory management.
Cloudbeds: Complex and Less Customizable
While Cloudbeds does indeed offer a dedicated Channel Manager feature, it is not available across all of their plans. Thus, some may find this to be too much of an inconvenience. Furthermore, Cloudbeds markets itself primarily towards hotels and hoteliers, rather than any other type of host, which is something else essential to keep in mind.
See why Smoobu’s Channel Manager is so highly regarded.
2. Which Tool Has a Better Website Builder?
Smoobu: Beautiful, Commission-Free Vacation Rental Websites
Smoobu’s easy-to-use Website Builder is designed to make your site look professional without any knowledge of coding or web design. It includes responsive templates, multilingual and currency support, SEO tools, and no commission fees.
With real-time calendar and booking engine synchronization, direct bookings are reliable and straightforward. Customize every page to reflect your brand, boosting web traffic and brand recognition. Smoobu offers advanced features typical of top Website Builders, turning your site into an additional source of revenue and not just something nice to have.
Cloudbeds: Limited Customization
Cloudbeds’ websites offer basic templates. Full and personal customization must be coordinated with an agent, either during a kick-off call or later, which prevents the user from making and seeing changes on the fly with a more hands-on website builder. Likewise, the back-and-forth nature and lack of hands-on editing can lead to issues for users.
Learn about how easy it is to create your own Smoobu website!
3. How Does the Mobile App Compare?
Smoobu: Manage Your Vacation Rental on the Go
Smoobu’s iOS and Android apps offer a high level of control over your Smoobu account with the added flexibility of doing so on the go. Manage reservations, send messages to guests, and update pricing using your mobile device.
Features include push notifications, real-time sync, and full access to your calendar and Channel Manager, helping to prevent double bookings.
Cloudbeds: Limited Functionality on Mobile
Cloudbeds’ mobile apps can be slow and split into modules. Some users report issues with automated room assignments, usability, and text quality.
Go mobile with Smoobu on iOS or Android.
4. Who Wins on Customer Support?
Smoobu: Fast, Helpful, and Included
Smoobu offers responsive Customer Service via email, help desk, live chat, and onboarding assistance. Support includes assistance with the Channel Manager, Guest App setup, and smart integrations, such as smart locks and ID/passport scanners. According to user reviews and Software Advice, support response times are fast and personalized.
Cloudbeds: Tiered and Delayed Support
Cloudbeds also offers a help center, much like Smoobu, but its communication with the support team differs in a key way. Rather than multiple ways to contact the right team, website visitors must submit an online ticket, which could lead to delayed responses.
Receive unrivalled support from Smoobu.
5. Is There a Free Trial?
Smoobu: 14‑Day Full-Access Trial—No Credit Card Needed
Smoobu offers a 14-day free trial that includes full use of its Channel Manager, website builder, booking engine, Vacation Rental Management tools, and real-time analytics.
No billing info is required. It’s ideal for independent research and evaluating tools like Guest Communication, feedback collection, and Regional Tax Reporting.
Cloudbeds: Demo Access Only
Cloudbeds typically provides demo access rather than a live free trial. You may need to request access or enter payment information before you can begin to try the software out for yourself. This means that users cannot get the same hands-on experience they would with Smoobu.
Start your no-obligation trial with Smoobu.
6. Which Offers Better Overall Value?
Smoobu: Transparent Pricing, All Features Included
Smoobu offers a flat pricing model with all core features included—no hidden costs for features such as the Customer Database, Housekeeping Mobile App, or security check workflows.
You get a complete vacation rental management software package without having to bolt on essentials like Automated Space Optimization or Mobile Device Notes & Tasks.
See why Smoobu delivers real Value for Money.
Cloudbeds: Add-On Heavy
Cloudbeds offers a series of tiered plans, each with additional costs for various features, including booking engine integration, analytics dashboard, performance dashboard, and more.
Potential users or those interested in signing up must also request a quote directly from Cloudbeds, making it difficult to determine which price plan is best suited to their needs before contacting them.
Explore Smoobu’s pricing plans.
Smoobu vs. Cloudbeds Comparison Table
| Feature | Smoobu | Cloudbeds |
| Channel Management | Real-time sync, iCal/XML, OTA SYNC, 100+ platforms | Manual updates, limited sync, paid integrations |
| Booking Engine | Mobile-optimized, secure payments, no commission | Complex setup, limited features without upgrade |
| Website Builder | SEO-friendly, drag-and-drop, no referral fee | Basic templates, add-ons needed for full features |
| Mobile App | Full-featured, push notifications, and reservation tools | Fragmented, limited functionality |
| Customer Support | Live chat, onboarding, no upsells | Tiered, delayed response times |
| Free Trial | 14-day full access, no credit card | Demo only, billing info required |
| Value for Money | Unified tools, flat pricing, high ROI | Add-on costs, plan restrictions |
Conclusion: Smoobu is the Clear Winner in 2025
When comparing Smoobu and Cloudbeds, the differences are apparent. Smoobu combines Channel Management, Booking Management, Vacation Rental Website creation, and guest tools in one easy-to-use platform, without the layers of complexity or hidden fees. It’s trusted by hosts worldwide for its automation, transparency, and consistent user experience.
Leave a comment Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published.