Lodgify guide
Lodgify vs Smoobu for direct bookings
Two builder-first platforms, compared purely on what they let a website do.
Similar products, different instincts
Both are aimed at owners and small collections, both include a website builder, and both take no channel commission on direct bookings. The differences that matter for a website are subtler than the feature lists suggest.
Lodgify is the more website-forward of the two, with a stronger builder and a published REST API11. Smoobu is the more portable: its booking system embeds into any existing site by link or HTML9, with no plugin dependency and no argument about whether custom builds are supported.
Where each one wins
Lodgify wins on the native site. If you are not going to commission a custom build, its builder will get you further than Smoobu's.
Smoobu wins the moment you are going custom. The embed is trivially portable, and its cross-border strength in Germany, Austria and Switzerland makes it the better fit for multilingual portfolios.
- Lodgify: better native builder, REST API, 1.9% booking fee on Starter11
- Smoobu: more portable engine, stronger DACH presence, no per-booking fee9
- Both: no channel commission, both sync live across the OTAs
The fee difference worth knowing
Lodgify's Starter plan carries a 1.9% booking fee on direct bookings; Professional and Ultimate remove it11. Smoobu charges its subscription and nothing per booking9.
On low volume this is immaterial. On a collection pushing real direct volume it is worth modelling, alongside the plan cost difference.
Which we would choose
For a UK single-property or small collection going custom: either, with a slight preference for Smoobu on portability.
For a cross-border European collection: Smoobu, comfortably. For an operator who wants the best possible site without a custom build: Lodgify.
Questions people actually ask
Straight answers.
Is Lodgify or Smoobu better for a custom website?
Smoobu, marginally — its booking system embeds into any site by link or HTML9 with no dependencies.
Lodgify also supports it, via the embedded engine or its REST API11.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on volume. Lodgify's Starter tier is cheap but carries a 1.9% booking fee; Professional removes it11. Smoobu charges subscription only9.
Model it against your actual direct booking volume rather than comparing headline plan prices.
Should I switch between them?
Rarely worth it on website grounds. Both support custom front ends perfectly well.
Switch for operational reasons if you must, not to improve the layer in front.
Back to the main page
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