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Smoobu vs freeonlinebooking

31 December 2025 - Author: Cait Buttery

How does freeonlinebooking compare to Smoobu?

freeonlinebooking gives you all of the functionality that you'd expect from a modern reservation / PMS system - but with more flexibility, more control, and none of the price tags attached to essential features. We focus on transparent pricing, real human support, and tools that help you grow your direct bookings without extra commission or fees. It's everything accommodation owners need in one place, without the limitations that can come with other systems.

No additional booking fees
30 day free trial - no credit card required
Easy to learn, easy to use
Round the clock support from knowledgeable UK and NZ teams
Unlimited user accounts

Book a demo with us and find out why freeonlinebooking has won so many awards!


Check-in screen

Smoobu support vs freeonlinebooking

When something needs answering or fixing, speaking to a real person can make all the difference. With freeonlinebooking, support isn't handled by AI chatbots or automated responses. You deal directly with our friendly and knowledgeable teams, based locally in the UK and New Zealand, who understand hospitality and know the system inside out - with round-the-clock support available whenever you need it. Urgent issues are prioritised and dealt with quickly, giving you clear answers, fast resolutions, and help that's genuinely relevant to how your business operates.


Smoobu pricing vs freeonlinebooking

freeonlinebooking offers very competitive pricing and is generally cheaper than many if not most PMS systems on the market. For starters, our commission-free online booking service is completely free; you only pay if you choose to use our Premium service which includes our full property management system and built-in channel management. Our Premium service fees are based on the size and type of your property and includes everything, unless of course you choose to use TXT messaging or Xero for managing your finances.


No commission or fees on bookings

Unlike many other PMS / reservation systems, freeonlinebooking does not charge any add on commissions or fees on bookings. You simply pay a set monthly fee, so no surprises!


No long term contracts

We offer no-risk monthly service contracts, so you are not tied-in to a long contract and can choose to stay with us as long as you want and can leave at any time.


Our totally FREE online booking system

For accommodation businesses that simply want to take commission-free direct bookings, freeonlinebooking's free service is packed with practical, everyday tools that small accommodation providers actually need to achieve this. You get a full online booking system for your website, multi-currency and multi-language options, a simple property diary, customisable design, and secure PCI-DSS/GDPR-compliant processing - all with setup guidance and email support. It's a genuinely usable, professional platform from day one, without contracts, without expiry, and without surprise costs.


Financial management with you in mind

You'll not only have a comprehensive suite of accounting tools and reports at your fingertips, but also the option to connect directly to your Xero financial accounting account to minimise admin time. Invoices, payments, and reconciliations stay accurate and up to date, reducing manual work and saving valuable time. It's a simple, reliable integration that supports properties of all sizes, helping your business run smoothly.


What else can you expect from freeonlinebooking?

Participate in free pilot schemes for newly developed features and integrations
Monthly newsletters
Regular development updates on upcoming features
Invitations to live webinars
Access to a range of on-demand webinar recordings
Hot Tips to help you stand out and grow
3 months free service when you successfully refer a friend, with the chance to boost your bonus
Plenty of chances to win free service with competitions and featured Hot Tips


Easy setup & training

freeonlinebooking is quick to set up and easy to learn, with step-by-step guidance and training videos to support you at every stage. The system is designed to be intuitive from day one, so you can get up and running fast and manage bookings with confidence - no technical expertise required.


Modern, customisable online booking engine

freeonlinebooking offers a modern, fully customisable online booking Engine designed to convert lookers into bookers. With plenty of colour schemes to match your website and branding and three unique booking page styles, it makes booking simple for guests and helps reduce drop-offs - increasing both direct bookings and completed reservations.


Multiple payment gateway options

freeonlinebooking gives you the flexibility to choose from multiple payment gateways, so you can select and try the option that works best for your business. It's easy to switch, simple to manage, and designed to support secure payments without locking you into a single provider.


So, if you're wanting to compare further how freeonlinebooking compares to Smoobu, please click on one of the options below:


Explore our Premium features >


Explore Premium pricing >


Book a demo >


FREE Demo

If you would Like a FREE no-obligation demo of our Premium all-in-one property management system PMS with integrated channel manager and commission free online booking system with one of our friendly sales team, Then please book a demo with us. In just 30 minutes we can show you via an online Zoom demo how our services work and how they can turbo charge your accommodation business.





  • Suitable for ALL property types
  • Easy to use, quick to learn
  • Flexible to meet your business needs
  • Advanced functionality
  • Innovative features
  • Totalty FREE option
  • Great round the clock support

Who are freeonlinebooking?

We are freeonlinebooking - the reservation system experts.

Our multi award winning cloud-based reservation system is designed to be really easy to use and is packed with all of the features you need to run a successful accommodation business. The system is suitable for all property types, including B&Bs, motels, hotels, backpackers and holiday parks.

Choose from our totally FREE online booking system or upgrade to our Premium all-in-one property management system with channel manager and online booking system.

Join thousands of properties across the World that have already joined our online booking revolution!

Welcome to free online booking

Book direct experts

We are book direct champions

Here at freeonlinebooking, we have always been champions of zero commission and direct bookings and we fully embrace the #BookDirect movement.

The benefits of direct bookings for your accommodation business are significant. Not only are you avoiding the high commissions charged by the Online Travel Agents (OTAs), you also have much more control of your business and will enjoy a much more direct relationship with your customers.

Our mission is to help your accommodation business maximise profits by adopting a book direct strategy.


Why switch to freeonlinebooking?


  • All our services are really easy to use
  • This means that it is easy for you to learn and easy to train your staff.
  • Our innovative rate and commission management features
  • We make it very easy to manage your rates and commission to maximise your profitability. In most cases our system pays for itself in just a matter of weeks.
  • Our fabulous round the clock support
  • As we are global, we can offer round the clock support from our friendly team, with 24/7 support for all urgent issues.
  • No commission or additional fees on bookings
  • We do not charge any additional fees or commission on bookings made through websites such as Booking.com.
  • Wide range of flexible functionality
  • Our services are a step up from the basic booking diaries that limit what you can do and constrain your business. Our system includes many features available on bigger more expensive systems.
  • We can help you get setup quickly and without fuss
  • Our team can quickly and efficiently help you move from your current reservation system vendor. We can even automatically import data from your old system if required.
  • We help you maximise bookings through your website
  • As we do not earn any additional fees or commission on bookings through websites such as booking.com, we will encourage you to maximise bookings through your own website rather than the big expensive websites.
  • All our services are very affordable
  • We offer excellent value for money. You may find cheaper, however you will probably find that you may not be able to get the system functionality and support you need.
  • We have been servicing the accommodation and tourism sectors since 2001
  • In short, we have lots of experience in this industry and we know our onions. That's why we are the reservation system experts.
  • No risk
  • We offer a FREE 30 day trial and FREE setup & training if you decide to use our services.

What our customers say about us


direct booking experts
Tried and tested.  We've tried several other platforms, but this is the best for our needs as a busy holiday park.  Staff are always helpful and also listen to recommendations for new features.  Recommend for anyone looking for a booking platform.
Hendre Coed Isaf Holiday Park, Bournemouth
A great tool to drive direct bookings, any problems dealt with quickly. Reasonably priced and easy to use system.
Kelston Guest House, Weymouth

Freeonlinebooking, the platform to choose. Always been amazing for us, and easy to use. 
Four Rooms, Blackpool
Best user-friendly booking calendar for our guests - compact and concise. Driving direct bookings to the next level.
Beach Pacific Apartments
direct booking experts

bed and breakfast
I was a novice, and still am, to this BnB hosting and freeonlinebooking were extremely helpful.  Videos online for set up were great and easy to follow.  Staff were quick to answer and help with my sometimes stupid questions.  I have recommended them to lots of other BnB hosts.  Thanks.
Broadwater Farm Accomodation
We have worked in a number of places from Holiday Parks, a BnB, a motel and a resort. We have used 3 other databases which were much more expensive.  Nothing compares to the ease of use, great support and value for money as Freeonlinebooking.  Highly Recommended.
Awatuna Sunset Lodge

I have been using freeonlinebooking for about 8 years and I find their systems to be accurate. I especially appreciate the prompt, friendly assistance that is delivered when I need it. I have already recommended them to other hosts and will continue to do so.
Kauri Apartment and Catlins Lake Sanctuary
We have been users for over 11 years and nothing is ever to much for the team when need them. They are a great team
Ace High Motor Inn, Napier
holiday park

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