Beds24 vs Smoobu: Which API Should You Choose?

Are you running a short-term rental? If yes, then it must be very hectic to manage everything. You have to handle bookings, reply to guests, sync calendars, and manage your listings. That is where software with strong APIs can help you and make a big difference. Two tools that many hosts trust are Beds24 and Smoobu. But how do you choose the right one?

This blog gives you a complete Beds24 API vs Smoobu API comparison. We will explain everything in simple terms. From pricing to features and integrations, you will get the clarity you need. Let us find out which one fits your rental business better.

What is an API in Vacation Rentals?

An API is like a digital bridge. It lets different tools talk to each other. In vacation rentals, APIs help you connect your software to Airbnb, Booking.com, or even your website.

For example, if a guest books your place on Airbnb then the system updates everything. It blocks dates, sends a message, and even updates your Google calendar. This happens only if you use a good API. That is why hosts now look for tools with solid API access.

Beds24: A Deep Dive

Beds24 is a powerful vacation rental platform. It is known for its flexible tools and detailed settings. Many hosts and property managers choose Beds24 for full control.

Here is what makes Beds24 stand out:

• It has strong automation for bookings and guest messages
  
• Use custom pricing tools and rule-based settings
  
• Facility of detailed availability management
  
• You get direct integration with many OTAs
  
• It has smart calendar syncing
  

One big strength is the Beds24 integration with OTAs. You can link your listings to Airbnb, Expedia, Agoda, and more. This means fewer errors and less manual work. You also get full access to the Beds24 API. It is very flexible for developers.

However, some users find Beds24 a bit complex. The setup takes time. You may need help from a Beds24 API specialist if you want advanced features or custom flows.

Smoobu: Simpler but Smart

Smoobu is built for ease of use. It is great for solo hosts or small teams. Everything from setup to use is quick and clear.

Here are some key Smoobu features and pricing highlights:

• It has simple dashboard with a clean design
  
• You get easy connection to major OTAs
  
• It comes with free website builder for direct bookings
  
• You get built-in message templates
  
• You can get one-click guest review requests
  

Smoobu doesn’t try to do too much. But it does the basics very well. It connects with Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com with just a few clicks. The automated booking system for Airbnb is reliable and beginner-friendly.

Pricing is also reasonable. You pay based on the number of listings. No hidden fees. No complicated tiers. That is why many new hosts start with Smoobu.

Beds24 API vs Smoobu API: Key Differences

Now let us look at the main differences in a simple way.

Feature	Beds24 API	Smoobu API
OTA Connections	Wide range, very flexible	All major OTAs, simpler setup
Customisation	High, great for coders	Limited but user-friendly
Learning Curve	Steep	Easy
Automation	Deep automation possible	Basic but covers essentials
Target User	Large hosts, tech-savvy users	Solo hosts, small portfolios

Beds24 wins on flexibility. You can build custom setups if you know what you are doing. Smoobu wins on speed and ease. Even a non-tech person can use it right away.

Feature Comparison

Let us look closely at a few important features that matter to most hosts.

1. Automation Tools

Beds24 gives you deep automation features. You can create rule-based triggers, automate emails, change pricing based on availability, or even send scheduled messages based on booking status. This helps large property managers save time on repetitive tasks.
Smoobu offers useful but basic automation. You can automate guest messaging, calendar updates, and send review reminders. It works well for solo hosts or smaller teams.

2. Channel Management

Beds24 supports over 60 OTAs that also include some niche platforms. It allows separate settings for each channel. This  gives you better control. You can sync prices, availability, and booking rules across channels.
Smoobu supports major platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. It is simpler and faster to connect, but not ideal if you list on less common platforms.

3. Pricing Control

Beds24 offers dynamic pricing tools and can integrate with external pricing engines. You can also set your own pricing rules like minimum stays, weekend surcharges, or discounts for longer stays.
Smoobu gives you enough for standard pricing needs. You can set seasonal prices, custom rates, and adjust per channel, but it doesn’t have advanced automation.

4. Booking Engine and Website

Beds24 allows full integration into your website with API and widgets. You can create a branded direct booking experience and add upsells or payment integrations.
Smoobu includes a free booking website with every plan. It is simple, mobile-friendly, and good for hosts who want to avoid web development.

5. Reports and Insights

Beds24 gives you access to custom reports. You can analyze booking sources, revenue trends, and property performance.
Smoobu has a clean report section. It covers basic data like bookings, occupancy, and earnings that is enough for most small operations.

Which One Should You Choose?

Beds24 is a strong choice if you manage many listings and want full control. It fits those who need flexibility, deep customisation, and a wide range of integrations. You will get advanced features if you can handle the setup.

Smoobu may be better if you are a solo host or just starting out. It is quick to use, doesn’t overwhelm you, and still offers what most hosts need.

And if your rental needs grow, working with a Smoobu API expert can extend its capabilities even further.

Final Thoughts

Both Beds24 and Smoobu offer strong value to vacation rental hosts. The decision depends on your rental size, your technical comfort, and how much control you need. Beds24 is great for those who are managing multiple properties and needing powerful tools. Smoobu is perfect for hosts who want simplicity without losing key features.

No matter which tool you choose, the right setup makes all the difference. At Bolder Technologies, we help hosts get started, streamline API integrations, and build smarter rental systems that just work.