Top 6 Streaming Devices for Airbnb and Vacation Rental Properties

A streaming device allows you to watch videos from the internet on your TV. Airbnb hosts use streaming devices to conveniently provide their guests with a range of entertainment options. By investing in a streaming device, Airbnb hosts can help ensure that their guests have a positive and enjoyable experience during their stay.

That’s why it’s important to look for a good one: it can make a big difference in the guest experience by providing fast access to a wide range of content, with user-friendly features. On the other hand, a bad device can be frustrating for guests to use, with slow performance, limited content options, and unreliable connectivity.

The 6 best Airbnb streaming devices include:

• Amazon Fire TV Stick: Best Rated
• Roku Express: Best for Hosts on a Budget
• NVIDIA Shield TV: Most Durable
• Apple TV 4K: Best HD Device
• Google Chromecast with Google TV: Fastest Device
• Amazon Fire TV Cube: Most High-Tech

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How We Selected the Best Airbnb Streaming Device

To evaluate the best streaming devices for Airbnb and vacation rentals, we considered host recommendations, online reviews, price, durability, versatility, and extra features. Here’s a breakdown of each factor.

• Host Recommendations: We consulted with Airbnb hosts to get their insights and experiences with different streaming devices in their rentals.
• Online Reviews: We also scoured online reviews to get a sense of how well each device performs in real-world use.
• Price: We tried to identify options that offer good value for the money.
• Durability: Streaming devices in vacation rentals may be subject to more wear-and-tear than those in a typical home. We looked for devices that are built to last and can handle heavy use.
• Versatility: We searched for devices that offer access to a wide range of content and features.
• Extra Features: We took note of any extra features that could enhance the user experience, such as voice control or the ability to control other devices.

According to our criteria the best streaming device for Airbnb hosts is the Amazon Fire TV Stick because of its affordability and versatility. It’s extremely highly rated on Amazon, and users love its easy-to-use interface and wide selection of content.

The best airbnb streaming devices are:

1. Amazon Fire TV Stick: Best Rated

The Amazon Fire TV Stick was first released in 2014. This 3rd generation device is the latest, and was released in 2022. Get this for an extremely affordable price on Amazon.

We love its ease of use, wide selection of content (with access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video, plus live TV and free channels), and accessibility. With 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon for over 300,000 reviews, it seems many users agree with us.

Your guests will appreciate the amount of entertainment options the Fire Stick provides, especially since it pairs easily with Alexa, making it extremely convenient to control.

Unfortunately, the Fire Stick only fully works in 16 countries. Content is also region-locked, and while using a VPN can work, if your property isn’t located in the serviced countries then we highly suggest trying a different device.

2. Roku Express: Best Budget-Friendly Device

For a budget-friendly way to stream over 200 channels, try the Roku Express. You can get it on Amazon or on the Roku website.

The Roku Express, like most other streaming devices, supports access to the most popular streaming networks like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO. But unlike the Fire Stick, Roku isn’t affiliated with any network, and so does not prioritize any searches and instead shows the lowest priced entertainment. This, along with hundreds of free channels, makes Roku Express the most budget-friendly device.

Unsurprisingly, the Roku Express doesn’t have top-of-the-line features. It has low storage (4GB), which limits saved media content. However, this shouldn’t pose much of a problem in a vacation rental.

3. NVIDIA Shield TV: Most Durable Device

If you’re looking for a device that can withstand the wear and tear of an Airbnb, then the NVIDIA Shield TV is it. You can get it on Nvidia or on Amazon.

The NVIDIA is a powerful device that supports 4K and uses Dolby Atmos for high-resolution surround sound. It supports a majority of streaming services, like Netflix and Prime Video. It also has voice-assisted controls that can work with both Google and Alexa.

Hosts will love the NVIDIA’s durability and high build quality. Unlike other personal streaming devices, this is designed to withstand heavy use. It is also resistant to overheating, which can help extend its lifespan.

While the features of the NVIDIA are top-notch, we’re not sure if the price is worth it. Considering it’s around 7 times more expensive than our top option (Fire Stick), this device is definitely for the host with money to burn.

4. Apple TV 4K: Best HD Device

The Apple 4K TV is Apple’s high-definition solution to streaming. Get it on Amazon or get more information from the Apple site.

This device supports streaming from all major platforms, and integrates seamlessly with an Apple ecosystem. If your property runs on the HomeKit, then this device will fit right in. We also love its high storage capacity, though your guests may not find much use for it.

Get consistently high-quality streams with its 4K resolution and Dolby Vision (for smoother, crisper video). It also has Dolby Atmos for great, immersive sound, and an A12 Bionic chip for better video and audio quality. This is the choice for the host who wants the best high-quality streaming device.

Like the NVIDIA Shield TV, the one drawback of this device is that it’s more expensive than other options. It’s not as pricey as the NVIDIA, but at more than double the price of the Fire Stick and the Roku, this isn’t for the host on a budget either.

5. Google Chromecast with Google TV: Fastest Device

The Google Chromecast with Google TV is known for its fast performance and is a popular choice for those looking for a smooth streaming experience. Get it on Amazon or on the Google Store.

The Google Chromecast, like other streaming devices, is compatible with a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Disney+. It is also easy to use, making it accessible to guests of all ages and tech-savviness. The device can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet, which guests likely already have with them. This allows your guests to access a wide variety of content with ease.

However, while the Chromecast is great for streaming videos, it has limited functionality, and doesn't have built-in support for other features that guests may want, such as a web browser.

6. Amazon Fire TV Cube: Most High-Tech

Though the Amazon Fire TV Cube was released in 2018, the 3rd generation version is new: this was announced, and released, in late 2022. Get it on Amazon.

This high-tech device is twice as powerful as the Fire Stick. It’s compatible with WiFi 6E, making streams ultra-smooth and ultra-fast. With 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio, your guests will love the cinema-like experience they’ll get from this streaming device.

Unlike the Chromecast, this device can do a lot more: it’s Alexa-enabled, and has a built-in mic and speakers. Your guests can listen to music, browse the web, change channels, look at the weather, and more by activating voice commands. It also comes with the standard Alexa Voice Remote so it can be controlled from afar.

With all its features, it comes as no surprise that the Fire TV Cube is a more expensive streaming device than some other options available. And although the voice control feature is very useful, some people may feel uncomfortable with using their voice to activate commands. Unfortunately, most of the Fire Cube’s functionality only comes from voice activation.

Key Takeaway

A streaming device can be a valuable addition to a vacation rental, providing guests with a convenient way to access a wide range of entertainment options. During our evaluation, the Amazon Fire TV Stick came out on top. This device is easy to use, has a wide selection of content, and provides good value for the money. Overall, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is the best choice for Airbnb hosts looking to enhance the guest experience with a streaming device.