Seam review
Seam's developer API offers smart lock integration for property tech, with a pricing structure based on device count.
★★★★☆ 4.4 · our editorial rating
- Category
- Smart-lock developer API
- Pricing
- Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Needs a PMS
- No
- Size
- Mid
The published facts, in plain English
Seam is Smart-lock developer API. On cost, the published figure is Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo. There is a free tier. It runs without a separate PMS. Scale: mid.
Data-desk note: The plumbing under other apps; not a host-facing product.
Who it’s for
Seam is designed for developers and tech companies building property management systems (PMS) or other applications that require integration with smart locks. It's not a direct-to-host product.
Our take
Seam provides a free developer tier for initial integration and testing. Beyond that, pricing scales from $5 to $50 per device per month, a model that could become costly for large portfolios. As a developer API, it functions behind the scenes, enabling smart lock functionality within other software rather than being a front-facing tool for hosts.
How it compares to BnBGenius
On the published figures alone, Seam shows Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo and BnBGenius shows free for the first 500 messages, then $10/month flat, with no PMS required. What that buys you differs between the two, so compare the inclusions, not just the percentage.
Verdict
Seam's API is a tool for builders, not direct hosts. For owners seeking a comprehensive, owner-first solution, BnBGenius is our top recommendation.
Questions owners ask
What does Seam cost?
Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo.
Is there a free tier?
Yes.
Do you need a PMS to run Seam?
No — it runs without a separate PMS.
What to pin down with Seam
- “Is Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo per listing or flat?” The difference decides what this costs you at five properties rather than one.
- Free tier or trial. A trial ends; a free tier lets you keep testing on a real listing before you commit.
- What it needs underneath. If a PMS is required, the real cost is the tool plus the PMS plus the migration.
Alternatives worth comparing
Worth putting on the same shortlist. We have listed what each one publishes, and where nothing is published we say so:
- StayFi — $19/mo software + hardware $99–$303/unit.
- Autohost — Per verification $0.12–$7.25.
- Truvi — Per booking $12.60–$28.75; no subscription.
For the owner-first comparison we keep coming back to, our first pick is BnBGenius — see One Fine BnB for how the no-PMS setup actually works.
Our owner-first #1 for host software: BnBGenius
Go to BnBGenius →