Best TVs for Airbnbs & Short-Term Rentals [2025]

Whether they’re binge-watching before bed, entertaining kids in the morning, or winding down after a long day of travel, Airbnb guests often rely on a TV the same way they would at home.

Most hosts consider a TV to be an Airbnb essential, but choosing the right one can feel super overwhelming — there’s so many models out there, and it’s difficult to decipher the differences between them all.

This guide breaks down how to pick the best TV for an Airbnb based on your property, guest profile, and budget. 

We’ll dig into:

• Smart TVs vs. standard models
• The best streaming devices
• Our top recommendations for the best airbnb TVs for 2025

Should your Airbnb even have a TV?

Unless you’re intentionally creating a tech-free escape or spa-like retreat, the average guest expects their Airbnb to have at least one TV.

A TV goes over particularly well among:

• Family-friendly properties (cartoons in the AM)
• Business travelers who want to unwind
• Extended stays where there’s time for binge-watching

Of course, if your property is an off-grid cabin or you’re marketing your space as a digital detox, skip the TV screen. But otherwise, we recommend including at least one TV in the living room — and possibly more in bedrooms depending on your property size and typical guests.

What TV is best for Airbnb rentals?

There are so many TV brands out there, it can feel overwhelming to sift through your options. Instead of spending hours comparing technical specs of every brand on the market, limit your Airbnb TV options to ones that meet a few key standards.

The best Airbnb TV is:

• A flat screen that blends into the room without taking over
• Wall mountable to save space and reduce the risk of damage
• At least 45" or larger (depending on room size)
• Durable
• A smart TV with guest mode

If you’re furnishing a higher-end property, it may be worth going bigger (55" to 75") or choosing a model that doubles as décor (more on that below).

Smart TVs vs. standard TVs

Let’s be real — very few people are watching live network TV anymore. Most guests expect to log into a streaming platform and unwind just like they do at home.

Smart TVs have apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ built right in — no need to attach a separate streaming device. Everything runs from a single interface, and some smart TVs even have a guest mode to protect user data and avoid the awkwardness of guests using your personal account.

Standard TVs, on the other hand, rely on external streaming devices (think Roku Stick, Fire TV, Apple TV) to access streaming shows and movies. They work just fine, especially if you’re on a budget or already own one — just keep in mind that guests will probably hope for (or expect) a streaming device to go with it. 

Our advice? Opt for a smart TV if you’re buying a new one. If you already have a standard TV, add on a streaming device for a few dollars to maximize the guest experience.

What is the best streaming device for Airbnb?

If you’re using a standard TV, here are some streaming devices to consider:

1. Roku Streaming Stick 4K

• Affordable and reliable
• Roku Guest Mode makes it perfect for STRs
• Easy interface, fast load times

2. Amazon Fire Stick 4K

• Alexa-enabled voice controls
• Guest-friendly but less intuitive than Roku

3. Apple TV 4K

• High-quality interface
• Best for Apple ecosystem users (but pricey)

4. Chromecast with Google TV

• Easy to cast from phones
• Some guests may find it less familiar

What to consider when choosing a TV for your Airbnb or vacation rental

Choosing the best smart TV for Airbnb comes down to what makes sense for your space and how your guests are most likely to use it.

If you’re in the market a TV for your vacation rental, ask yourself these questions:

What’s your budget?

If you’ve got $300 to spend, don’t waste time eyeing a luxury television. But if you’re furnishing a premium rental, your electronics should reflect that. Match your TV choice to the quality of the rest of the space.

The bottom line: Set a budget and stick with it. 

Who stays at your Airbnb?

Think about your typical guests. 

Are they families traveling with kids who’ll appreciate a TV? Remote workers or solo travelers looking for a little Netflix at night? Or do you cater more to couples on romantic getaways who’d appreciate a fireplace or a hot tub over a TV?

Your average guest should shape both the number of TVs you install and where they go. For example, family-friendly listings might benefit from multiple TVs, while a minimalist studio could get by with one thoughtfully mounted smart TV.

Also consider average length of stay. Guests sticking around for a week or more are far more likely to settle in and use the TV regularly. 

Do you have internet?

If your property is in a remote space or purposely doesn’t offer internet to encourage guests to unplug, this will impact the kind of TV you can offer. You won’t be able to add a smart TV or a streaming device without an internet connection.

What kind of guest experience do you want to cultivate?

Urban loft? Go all in on high-tech — voice controls, smart TVs with streaming apps. Remote A-frame in the woods? A TV-free living room might better match your vibe. 

A coastal bungalow might benefit from a TV that blends into the décor, while a city apartment could get by with a compact but powerful setup. 

The key is aligning the TV to match your property's character, not overwhelm it.

The 3 best TVs for Airbnbs

If you’re not sure where to start, these three TVs are popular with hosts and hit different price points without sacrificing quality.

Best budget TV:

Samsung’s 65" Crystal UHD U8000F 4K Smart TV is proof that affordability doesn’t mean compromising quality. The U8000F has sharp resolution, a clean design, and Samsung’s latest smart platform.

Details:

• Excellent value for large screen
• Multiple HDMI ports
• Easy for guests to use
• Ideal for budget-friendly or mid-tier listings

Best mid-tier TV:

Samsung’s 65" Class QLED QEF1 4K Samsung Vision AI Smart TV offers an excellent balance of price and features. This TV boasts vivid 4K quality, Samsung’s user-friendly smart interface, and solid durability.

Details:

• Voice control enabled
• Adaptive Picture and Sound
• Sleek, modern design
• Great fit for urban apartments or modern homes

Best luxury TV:

Samsung’s The Frame (75”) is mega-popular for good reason. When turned off, The Frame displays curated art so it blends into your space like a real picture frame. When turned on, it delivers stunning 4K QLED visuals with Samsung’s Tizen smart platform.

Details:

• Gorgeous matte display
• Samsung TV guest mode enabled
• No chunky black box on your wall
• Best for upscale rentals, design-forward spaces

Where to buy a TV for your Airbnb

If you want the best prices on top-tier Samsung TVs, Minoan is your best bet.

Minoan is every STR host’s best friend. It’s a centralized purchasing platform, offering everything you need to furnish and restock your vacation rental — with savings up to 60% off.

Best of all: There’s no membership fee, and sign-up takes just a minute. Sign up at no cost to get started!