Best Smart TVs for Short Term Rental Hosts
While the debate rages over having a traditional cable/streaming package vs. not having one continues (your desired guest demographic should dictate which way you should go), what isn’t negotiable is providing a smart TV in your short term rental. Guests expect to be able to turn on Netflix in the evening, they want to be able to log in to their account, and if they’re greeted with standard cable, you can almost guarantee they’ll be annoyed.
Considerations for a Smart TV in a Short Term Rental
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right Smart TV for your short term rental.
Compatibility with streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are the most popular streaming services, and guests will likely expect to be able to use them.
Built-in WiFi: This will allow guests to connect to the internet without needing to bring their own device.
User-friendly interface: Guests should be able to easily navigate the TV's menu and apps.
Size: Depending on the size of the room, you may want to choose a larger or smaller TV. Frame TVs are all the design rage. If you’re wondering what the heck that is, it’s essentially a normal television when it’s turned on. But when it’s turned off, instead of being a big black box on the wall, it turns into art. It comes with a frame (hence the name) so it looks like a real piece of art on the wall. It’s also flush to the wall, unlike a typical television.
Price: Remember this a rental property, while you might have a multi-thousand dollar tv in your personal home splurging on a multi-thousand dollar tv might not be why your guests are coming to your property.
Inexpensive remote control: It inevitably will get lost and you will need to replace it. This is the one we use — and we always have backups on hand.
Best Smart TVs for Short Term Rentals
Some popular smart TVs that meet these criteria and are tried and true in the short term rental space include:
#1 Samsung TU8000 series
This TV has a sleek design and offers a wide variety of streaming options.
#2 LG UQ9000 series
This TV has a user-friendly interface and built-in WiFi, making it easy for guests to connect to the internet.
#3 TCL 5-Series
This TV comes in sizes 43” through 85” and offers a great balance of features and value, with built-in WiFi, Roku, multiple HDMI inputs, and compatibility with popular streaming services.
#4 Vizio MQX Series
This TV has a great picture quality, smart TV platform and also compatible with Apple Airplay & Homekit