StayDock vs Smoobu: which suits a small host better?
18 September 2026 · 4 min read · Jacob Huber
Smoobu is probably the closest competitor to StayDock in spirit: affordable, aimed at individual hosts rather than enterprises, and straightforward to get started with. If you're comparing the two, the differences are in pricing shape and in how much software you have to learn.
The short version
Smoobu is a mature, well-priced product with a big existing user base. StayDock is newer, narrower, and priced flat per rental with no commission anywhere — and it's free until your channels are actually connected.
Pricing model
Smoobu charges a subscription that scales with the number of apartments, with discounts for annual billing, plus a free tier with limited features (as of September 2026 — check their site). StayDock charges €9 per rental per month, less as you add more, with no free-but-crippled tier: instead, everything is free until your first channel goes live.
| StayDock | Smoobu | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat per rental per month | Subscription scaling with apartments |
| Commission on bookings | 0% — ever | No commission on plans |
| Free option | Free until channels are live | Limited free tier |
| Focus | One calendar, one inbox, AI assistant | Channel manager plus website builder |
| Maturity | Early access | Established product |
Competitor details summarized from Smoobu's public pricing page as of September 2026. Please verify current pricing on their site.
Where Smoobu is genuinely stronger
- Years of production use, a large host community and proven channel connections.
- A built-in website builder and guest guide if you want those today.
- A free tier you can sit on indefinitely for very basic use.
Where StayDock is different
- Pricing that stays flat per rental — no tier jumps as you add features.
- An AI assistant you can just ask, instead of hunting through settings.
- Direct bookings with 0% commission, always.
- Built and answered personally by its founder while it's in early access.
Who should pick which
Choose Smoobu if you want a proven product with a website builder and you're happy with their plan structure. Choose StayDock if you want the simplest possible daily workflow, flat honest pricing, and you're comfortable joining something early.
Try StayDock while it's early.
Add your rentals in a couple of minutes and pay nothing until your channels are connected — then it's a flat €9 per rental per month, with 0% commission on every booking.