Smart speakers: which one fits a rental welcome pack
A speaker guests can use in seconds is better than a clever one they cannot.
Keep it simple
A basic Bluetooth speaker needs no account. Voice assistants need setup and raise privacy questions for guests.
If you add one
Reset it between stays, disable purchases, and explain in the welcome message what it can hear.
Our picks
We have not tested these products ourselves. The picks below come from published reviews and roundups, and some are written by sellers, so we treat them with care. Models and prices change, and many are sold mainly in North America: check the current version, price and compatibility where you live before you buy.
JBL Go 5: tiny and waterproof
Rated highly in one test for its size, with modest output, so it suits a bedroom or a balcony table, not a party.
Tribit Stormbox Micro 3: compact with good bass
Dust and water resistant, with up to 24 hours of battery in the review.
JBL Xtreme 5: for a terrace or larger room
Loud, rugged and waterproof, but large and pricey.
A plain Bluetooth speaker needs no account and no app. Put a short note in the welcome message explaining how to pair it.