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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

๐Ÿ† #1 CHOICE

1. BetterSTR

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 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

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.3/5
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

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.2/5
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

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜† 3.8/5
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

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜† 3.5/5
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 โœ… โŒ โŒ โŒ
QR Codes โœ… โœ… โœ… โœ…
Mobile-First โœ… โœ… โŒ โŒ
No App Required โœ… โœ… โŒ โŒ
Weather Updates โœ… โŒ โŒ โœ…
Airbnb Sync โœ… โœ… โœ… โœ…
Setup Time 5 min 20 min 30 min 45+ min

How We Ranked These Apps

Our rankings are based on:

  1. Value for Money - Cost vs features provided
  2. Ease of Use - Setup time and user interface
  3. Feature Set - What's included at each price point
  4. User Reviews - Real feedback from hosts
  5. 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!"

Maria S., Miami Host

"The 5-minute setup sold me. Other apps took hours to configure. BetterSTR just works."

James L., Multi-Property Owner

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 โ€ข No time limits โ€ข 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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