In today's world, the perfect vacation means providing top-notch entertainment options. After all, guests need to have something to occupy their downtime, like a great streaming device. The best streaming devices for Airbnb homes allow guests to watch content from the internet directly on the TV. Think of it like turning your regular TV into a smart one, so your guests can have access to apps like Netflix, Hulu, and more!
Here are our picks for the best streaming devices for Airbnb homes:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Best All Around
- Roku Express: Best for the Budget
- Apple TV 4K: Best for Techie Guests
- Google Chromecast with Google TV: Easiest to Use
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K: Best for Easy Setup
- NVIDIA Shield TV: Best for Diverse Entertainment
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How We Selected the Best Streaming Devices for Airbnbs
When choosing the best streaming devices for Airbnbs, we looked at performance, ease of use, and satisfied reviews from verified customers. Here's a more thorough breakdown of our criteria:
- User-friendly: The device should be easy for any guest to navigate.
- Content variety: We looked for devices that offer access to a wide range of streaming services and apps.
- Setup: Simple setup processes and minimal hardware requirements were prioritized.
- Size: We considered compact designs that are easy to move or replace.
- Price: Each device on our list offers great value for money and yet is of great quality.
- Popularity: One of our top considerations was devices that cater to common preferences and include popular streaming platforms.
This criteria made it clear that the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the best streaming device for Airbnb operators. It has a user-friendly interface, vast content options, and a very simple setup that makes it an ideal overall option for Airbnbs everywhere.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Best All Around
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a fantastic pick if you want to give your guests a smooth streaming experience. It handles all the big names like Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video, and the Alexa voice remote makes finding shows a breeze.
It runs on wifi, though it doesn't have ethernet support. This means that your guests can enjoy their shows in crisp 4K without stuttering or buffering. It also has support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio.
It won't break the bank either: you can easily get it on Amazon for $49.99, a reasonable price considering its functionality and performance.
While accessing apps like Netflix will require a separate subscription, the Fire Stick comes with over 300,000 free shows and movies from services like Fire TV Channels, Amazon Freevee, and more.
For hosts who want a reliable, feature-rich device that can cater to all kinds of guests, the Fire TV Stick 4K is a no-brainer. It has the perfect mix of quality and convenience, making it a standout choice for any Airbnb.
Roku Express: Best for Budget-Conscious Hosts
If you're looking for a budget-friendly streaming device that still has all the quality streaming services your guests may want, the Roku Express is your best bet.
It has solid entertainment options, like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, as well as hundreds of free shows on the Roku Channel, all for the low price of $29.99. Get it on Amazon here.
Its low price does come with a trade-off—namely, it doesn't support 4K streaming (its max resolution is 1080P HD). But, it does have voice control and can seamlessly sync with popular voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google.
There's not much to it. This device is a straightforward, no-frills option that budget-conscious hosts should take a look at. It delivers a solid performance that your guests will appreciate, all for a fraction of the price of other streaming devices.
Apple TV 4K: Best for Techie Guests
For guests who expect nothing but the best, the Apple TV 4K is the streaming device to beat. It's a powerhouse: offering 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Atmos sound, making it perfect for guests who want a cinematic experience.
With the Apple TV app, guests can access their iTunes library, stream Apple TV+, or even mirror their iPhone or iPad screens with AirPlay.
You can purchase the Apple TV 4K on Amazon from $139—the prices depend on the storage option you choose. The downside? Aside from being one of the pricier options on the market, some guests might find the interface a bit complex if they're not familiar with Apple's ecosystem.
If your Airbnb is on the more premium side, the Apple TV 4K will surely impress. Take it from us: it's a luxurious and techie option that delivers an exceptional experience.
Google Chromecast with Google TV: Best User-Friendly Option
Do you need a device that's easy to use? We love the Google Chromecast for that. This device integrates Google's powerful search and voice assistant capabilities, making it incredibly easy for guests to find and enjoy their favorite shows and movies.
Aside from a great voice assistant, this device has an intuitive interface that presents personalized content recommendations right on the home screen, which is a great feature for guests who might not be familiar with all of their options.
Available on Amazon for $49.99, the Google Chromecast with Google TV has streaming up to 4K, and supports Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, Google TV, YouTube, among other services.
Take note that it requires a Google account to fully utilize its features, which could inconvenience guests who don't have one or prefer not to log in. But, if you want to offer a seamless and straightforward streaming experience that gets the job done easily with user-friendly features, the Google Chromecast with Google TV is the way to go.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K: Best Plug-and-Play
Many streaming devices require some sort of set-up, but not the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. This tiny streaming device is the definition of "plug-and-play", and it's made to be ultra compact and portable, ready to be plugged into any TV (even in the most space-constrained setups).
Despite how small it is, the Streaming Stick 4K delivers powerful performance. It has a long WiFi range and supports 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision. But, what we love most about it is just how simple this device is to set up—perfect for Airbnbs with multiple TVs. Get it for $49.99 on Amazon.
Like the Roku Express, this device supports the most popular streaming services and has hundreds of free titles (including 350+ free live TV channels). It also has built-in voice assistant capabilities and is compatible with Siri, Alexa, and Google.
Something to consider, however, is just how small this device is. Measuring 3.4 by 0.6 by 0.4 inches, the stick itself is incredibly sleek. This also means that it can be easily lost, especially if your guests move the stick from room to room.
Still, if you have multiple TVs in your property, and you only want to invest in one device, then make it the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. This tiny option can easily be moved from one device to the next with its portable size and easily set-up features.
NVIDIA Shield TV: Best for Many Guests
Do you have a large Airbnb that hosts many guests? The NVIDIA Shield TV is the best for that. It's the perfect device for properties that host families or larger groups, especially if they have different entertainment preferences.
Priced at $199 on Amazon, the NVIDIA Shield TV is definitely not cheap, but we highly recommend it for its versatility and power. While it can be complex to set up—and its features may overwhelm less tech-savvy guests—those comfortable with technology will find that this device offers unparalleled entertainment.
It is so much more than just a streaming stick: it supports 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Atmos sound, and even PC gaming through NVIDIA's GeForce NOW, which turns your TV into a powerful PC gaming rig.
It even has voice control with a built-in Google Assistant, although you can connect it to other home systems like Alexa and Amazon Echo.
Needless to say, if you're looking to offer your guests premium entertainment that goes beyond streaming services, the NVIDIA Shield TV is an unbeatable choice that can handle anything your guests want to do.
Bottom Line
With streaming devices, it's all about finding the perfect balance between functionality, ease of use, and the satisfaction of your guests. While each of these devices are great, if you're looking for a reliable, all-around device that's sure to please anyone who walks through your door, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the one to beat.
This handy streaming device performs well, is affordable, and is extremely user-friendly, making it the ideal choice for most Airbnbs. Invest in one today, and create an even more enjoyable experience for your guests!
Choosing the right products for your Airbnb is just the first step in maximizing your rental’s potential.
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Whether you're an individual host or managing a full vacation rental portfolio, Summer helps you make smarter decisions and boost your revenue. Explore SummerOS and Forecast today!
