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Guesty vs Smoobu: 2025 Mega Showdown

Maximize bookings and boost revenue with Guesty

Guesty and Smoobu both offer short-term property management solutions. But the sophistication and depth of Guesty's features make it a superior tool for professional hosts. As a transformative growth engine with advanced tools, Guesty is the clear choice.

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Are you a Smoobu customer looking to upgrade to Guesty?

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The Guesty Effect

Unlocking the competitive edge with Guesty

Data speaks volumes. Our recent analysis of 724 U.S. property managers who switched to Guesty between 2022 and 2024 revealed impressive results. The findings highlight measurable improvements in average daily rate (ADR) and occupancy levels, leading to increased revenue.

Average property growth
Switching to Guesty can also help you grow your portfolio. On average, our users grew their properties by 24.6% .

Sample of 724 US-based customers with less than 20 listings, onboarded to Guesty in 2022-2024, excluding high end luxury properties. The sample of users are hosts/PMCs who migrated from Lodgify, Hostaway, Hostfully, iGMS, Tokeet, Airbnb-only, into Guesty Pro.

Connect to hundreds of distribution channels

Guesty vs Smoobu

Smoobu provides a lightweight solution suitable for very small operations, while Guesty delivers comprehensive tools for growth-focused businesses of all sizes. Let's break down how they compare in functionality, pricing, user experience, and more.

The main differences between these solutions

  • Guesty

    Guesty serves hosts and property managers with 1 to hundreds of listings, delivering enterprise-grade tools for scalability and revenue growth.

  • Smoobu

    Smoobu prioritizes basic functionality for hosts with smaller-scale operations, typically managing up to 20 properties.

A comprehensive feature comparison

Guesty vs Smoobu

At first glance, Guesty and Smoobu both offer essential tools for managing short-term rentals. However, a closer analysis quickly reveals significant differences in functionality, services, and depth.
Channel manager 60 channels plus API integration to hundreds more 5 channels
Direct bookings
Real-time sync
Multi-calendar
Unified inbox
Automated messages
Guest app
Mobile app
Open API
Rental agreement with e-signature
Multi-unit management
Group reservations
Coupons and promotions
Task automation
Guest screening tools
Advanced analytics
24/7 guest communication services
Automated reviews to Airbnb guests
Locks manager
Brand management
CRM
Automated reviews
Liability insurance
Funding solution
Rate plans
Owners portal
Damage protection
Workflows
Trust accounting
User roles and permissions Basic capabilities
Dynamic pricing Basic capabilities
WhatsApp & SMS messaging SMS only
Reporting tools Basic capabilities
AI-powered messaging Native solution tailored for hospitality
Marketplace integrations 200+ 27
Payment processor Native solution and third-party payment processing integrations Only third-party solutions

Although Guesty and Smoobu share some similar basic feature sets, Guesty distinguishes itself through a more comprehensive and advanced platform. Smoobu works fine for very small operations with up to 20 properties, but quickly becomes limiting for businesses seeking to scale. Guesty users benefit from deeper functionality, more robust capabilities, and tools designed for growth.

Guesty at a glance

With an industry-leading R&D team of 250, as well as a team of experts on the ground, Guesty releases new features almost daily, with ~70% of enhancements based directly on customer feedback.

500K Listings managed
200+ Features and direct integrations
16 Offices worldwide

“Our revenue has been increasing dramatically since using Guesty. Each year we have increased it by five or even ten times year after year.”

Milan Sanchez HappyHost, Chile

Reviewed by independent sources

Essential features that set Guesty and Smoobu apart

Here’s how Guesty and Smoobu compare on must-have property management features

AI-powered messaging

Guesty's AI learns from your communication style to generate personalized, contextually appropriate responses that maintain brand voice while dramatically reducing response times.

Smoobu offers only basic messaging capabilities with no AI assistance, requiring manual responses to all guest communications.

Locks manager

Guesty provides a centralized platform for managing all smart locks, automatically generating access codes and delivering real-time visibility into lock activity across entire property portfolios.

Smoobu has no integrated lock management system, forcing managers to rely on external tools and manual code generation for each property.

Task automation

Guesty delivers sophisticated automation that creates and assigns tasks based on booking events, check-ins, and maintenance needs. Complex workflows can be triggered across multiple properties, eliminating the need for manual coordination.

Smoobu provides only basic checklist functionality, requiring manual task creation and assignment for each property.

Automated reviews

Guesty intelligently triggers review requests at optimal moments post-stay and helps manage responses across multiple platforms, actively building your online reputation.

Smoobu lacks any automated review functionality, requiring manual solicitation and management of guest feedback.

CRM

Guesty's CRM tracks comprehensive guest histories, preferences, and interaction patterns, enabling targeted marketing and strategic relationship building across your portfolio.

Smoobu provides basic contact storage only, with no capability for tracking guest history or enabling personalized guest experiences.

PMS essentials

How Guesty and Smoobu differ

Property management isn't just about listing your rentals—it's about building a scalable, professional operation. Here's why Guesty's enterprise-grade platform outperforms Smoobu's basic offering.

  • Built for professionals

    Guesty provides professional hosts and property managers with all-in-one tools to streamline operations, boost bookings and revenue, and enhance guest experiences. Guesty Lite supports growth for smaller portfolios while Guesty Pro offers advanced solutions for larger operations.
    Smoobu caters to small operations, offering basic functionality but lacking the sophisticated tools needed for business growth. Their limited feature set makes them unsuitable for professional property managers.

  • Innovation

    Guesty’s R&D team of over 250 consistently releases new features, 70% based on customer feedback. With over $410M raised, Guesty offers a versatile, end-to-end solution with extensive native tools creating an unmatched user experience.
    As a smaller European company, Smoobu’s innovation capacity is constrained. Recently acquired by HomeToGo, their focus remains on basic functionality for small vacation rental operators, lacking the sophistication needed by growing businesses.

  • Advanced analytics

    Guesty offers deep analytical insights through customizable dashboards, tracking key metrics like RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy rates. Our advanced reporting tools help property managers make data-driven decisions to optimize revenue and growth.

    Smoobu provides only basic booking statistics and simple occupancy reports, lacking the sophisticated analytics needed for strategic business planning and revenue optimization.

Comprehensive guide

How to choose a property management software for your vacation rental business

  • 1. Define your business needs

    • Clarify what your operation requires:

      Do you list properties on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia, or Booking.com? Are you looking to drive direct bookings with tools like a website builder, integrated payment processing, or dynamic pricing optimization?

    • Assess your scale:

      Are you managing a single property, multiple rentals, or a larger business? While Guesty accommodates property managers of any size, from single units to portfolios of thousands, Lodgify’s platform typically serves smaller vacation rental operations more effectively.

  • 2. Core features to look for

    • Channel Manager

      Ensure the software can connect seamlessly with booking platforms like Google Vacation Rentals and other OTAs. The more connectable platforms, the wider your reach.

    • Direct Booking Capabilities

      Direct booking tools, customizable templates, and SEO optimization features are essential for reducing OTA dependency and driving direct revenue. Look for advanced capabilities that boost direct bookings, such as robust CRM systems and marketing tools that help secure repeat guests.

    • Unified Inbox & Guest Communication

      Outstanding reviews depend on prompt guest communication. Select a PMS offering a comprehensive messaging platform that incorporates various communication channels, including SMS, email, and WhatsApp integration for seamless guest interaction.

    • Task Management

      Look for features that automate daily workflows. Essential capabilities should include automated check-in processes, housekeeping management, maintenance scheduling, and smart team task distribution.

    • Payment Processing

      Choose a PMS with a hospitality-focused native payment system for optimal direct booking management. Ensure integration support with established payment processors like Stripe for flexible transaction handling.

    • Dynamic Pricing

      Dynamic pricing engines use AI and real-time market data to optimize your rates, balancing occupancy levels with maximum revenue potential.

    • Multi-unit support:

      Manage multiple units effortlessly with unified calendar controls. Update settings across all properties at once while maintaining the ability to customize individual units as needed.

  • 3. Usability and customization

    • Ease of use

      Choose software with a straightforward interface to ensure your team can quickly adapt.

    • Customizable templates and widgets

      Customization features let you create a uniquely branded experience, particularly for your direct booking channel.

    • Mobile app compatibility

      Management on the go is crucial, so ensure the software supports both iOS and Android devices.

    • Smart features:

      Seek platforms that offer advanced communication tools, such as built-in WhatsApp and SMS capabilities, along with e-signature functionality to simplify contract management.

  • 4. Integration and automation

    • API Access

      Make sure the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing systems and third-party tools to boost functionality. Larger property management businesses, in particular, gain value from Open API access for developing custom solutions.

    • Automate routine tasks

      Automation of guest communications, booking management, and payment processing saves valuable time.

  • 5. Advanced features

    • Streamlined operations

      Consider comprehensive solutions like Guesty or Lodgify that provide complete management functionality. Guesty delivers an all-in-one platform that eliminates the need for supplementary tools.

    • SEO and marketing

      Look for features to boost visibility on platforms like Google Vacation Rentals and grow direct bookings.

    • Customer support

      Dependable 24/7 support across various communication channels helps you efficiently resolve any issues.

  • 6. Consider additional factors

    • Scalability

      Choose software that adapts as your business grows, with options for higher-tier plans and enterprise features.

    • Pricing

      Balance costs against the features offered to find the best value for your specific needs.

    • Onboarding Support

      A streamlined onboarding process and comprehensive training resources help your team adopt the software with ease.

Real users, real reviews

What users say about Guesty

The Big Question: Which rental property software will you choose?

of short-term rental managers name market saturation as their top concern. In today’s highly competitive market, having the right property management software can mean the difference between making it or going under. Will you choose the PMS that keeps you ahead of the curve, or the one that is constantly trying to catch up?

For the most innovative features, software health, and customer support, get Guesty

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The information provided herein is internal and for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, the competitive landscape is subject to change and may not always reflect the most current data or market conditions. Users are encouraged to verify all data independently before making any decisions based on the content presented herein.