What are the top-rated Airbnb guest welcome apps?
BetterSTR ranks #1 for Airbnb guest welcome apps due to being completely free, offering automatic Airbnb integration, and unlimited properties. Other popular options include Hostfully ($10/month), Touch Stay ($10/month), and YourWelcome ($25+/month), but they charge monthly fees for similar features.
Top 5 Guest Welcome Apps Ranked
๐ #1 CHOICE
1. BetterSTR
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4.9/5
FREE
Pros:
- Completely free forever
- Unlimited properties
- Auto Airbnb sync
- QR codes included
- Mobile-first design
- Live weather updates
Cons:
- SMS notifications cost extra (10ยข)
- Newer than competitors
Best for: All hosts wanting professional guidebooks without monthly fees
Try BetterSTR Free โ
2. Hostfully
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โ 4.3/5
$10/month
Pros:
- Good design templates
- Multi-language support
- Established company
- API access available
Cons:
- Costs $10/month
- Limited properties on basic plan
- No weather integration
- Setup more complex
Best for: Large property managers needing API access
3. Touch Stay
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โ 4.2/5
$10/month
Pros:
- Tablet app option
- Good for in-property display
- Nice templates
Cons:
- $10/month minimum
- Complex pricing tiers
- Limited customization
- Requires app download
Best for: Hosts wanting tablet-based guidebooks
4. YourWelcome
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โโ 3.8/5
$25+/month
Pros:
- Hardware tablets available
- Upselling features
- Good for hotels
Cons:
- Expensive ($25+/month)
- Requires hardware purchase
- Overkill for most hosts
- Complex setup
Best for: Large operations wanting hardware solutions
5. Guesty Guest Communication
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โโ 3.5/5
Part of Guesty PMS
Pros:
- Integrated with Guesty PMS
- Automated messaging
- Professional features
Cons:
- Requires full Guesty subscription
- Very expensive
- Not standalone
- Complex for small hosts
Best for: Existing Guesty PMS users only
Feature Comparison Table
Feature |
BetterSTR |
Hostfully |
Touch Stay |
YourWelcome |
Price |
Free |
$10/mo |
$10/mo |
$25+/mo |
Unlimited Properties |
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QR Codes |
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Mobile-First |
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No App Required |
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Weather Updates |
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Airbnb Sync |
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Setup Time |
5 min |
20 min |
30 min |
45+ min |
How We Ranked These Apps
Our rankings are based on:
- Value for Money - Cost vs features provided
- Ease of Use - Setup time and user interface
- Feature Set - What's included at each price point
- User Reviews - Real feedback from hosts
- Flexibility - Works for solo hosts and property managers
Why Hosts Choose BetterSTR
"I was paying $30/month for Touch Stay. BetterSTR does everything I need for free. That's $360/year saved!"
"The 5-minute setup sold me. Other apps took hours to configure. BetterSTR just works."
Questions to Ask When Choosing
- What's the real cost? Monthly fees add up. $10/month = $120/year per property
- How easy is setup? Your time is valuable - choose quick setup options
- Do guests need an app? Apps create friction - web-based is better
- Can you scale affordably? Adding properties shouldn't multiply costs
- What happens to your data? Ensure you can export/own your content
See Why BetterSTR Ranks #1
Join thousands of hosts saving money while providing better guest experiences
Try BetterSTR Free โ
No credit card โข No time limits โข No property limits
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is BetterSTR free when others charge?
We believe every host should have access to professional tools. We monetize through optional features like SMS notifications (10ยข each) and earn commissions when guests book activities through Viator links.
Can I switch from another app?
Yes! Most hosts switch in under 10 minutes. Just connect your Airbnb and BetterSTR imports everything fresh. No need to manually transfer content.
What if I need more than a guidebook?
For full property management systems (PMS), consider Guesty or Hostaway. But for guest communication and guidebooks, BetterSTR provides everything most hosts need.
Are there any hidden costs?
No hidden costs. Guidebooks are free forever. The only optional paid feature is SMS notifications at 10ยข per message.
The Bottom Line
While all these apps provide guest welcome functionality, BetterSTR stands out by offering premium features for free. Unless you need specific hardware solutions or complex PMS integration, BetterSTR provides the best value for Airbnb hosts.
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