The Definitive Guide to Finding an Airbnb with Fast WiFi
Hi all! I've spoken with several full-time nomads over the past month and compiled a list of their top tips and tricks for finding an Airbnb with great internet speeds. Let me know If I've missed anything and I can add it to the guide!
- Use Airbnb's WiFi filter
This may seem obvious, but still, all too often people forget to narrow their search down to listings that actually have WiFi before booking. They only discover their mistake once they arrive. Don't let this happen to you!
- Check the Amenities Section
A handful of hosts will list their download speed next to the WiFi icon in the amenities section. Most hosts don't post this information here because they are concerned that guests will leave them a poor review if they experience slower speeds than were advertised. Nonetheless, it's worth checking to see if your host was feeling generous!
- Search the Reviews
You can search for "WiFi" or "Internet" to filter down to the most relevant reviews. The thing to look out for here is that what one person considers "Fast" may still be too slow for your needs.
- Look for photos of speed tests
Some hosts will include a screenshot of a speed test as one of their listing photos. There's no way to guarantee that they actually did the test from the listing, but it's definitely in the host's best interest not to mislead their guests. They are very sensitive to receiving negative reviews on their listing.
- Geographically narrow your search
If you know you need 100 Mbps download and upload speeds, it's best not to waste time shopping for Airbnbs in a remote location like Tahiti! You can use the Roamer chrome extension (www.tryroamer.com) to see which Airbnb listings are in neighborhoods with fast internet. (Full disclosure: I built this extension to help my travel planning 🤗)
- Try Before You Buy
Consider renting an Airbnb for only a few days to begin your trip. If you like the place, you can discuss staying longer with the host. Or you can use the site as a home base while you explore other apartments and Airbnbs in the area.
- Message the Host
When all else fails, it's still best to send a message to the host and ask them to run a speed test. This is better than simply asking them "How's the internet?" because this tends to lead to vague replies like "None of the guests have complained!"
They won't be able to send a speed test screenshot to you (Airbnb blocks photos and links in messages), but you could ask them to type out the info or upload the speed test result as a listing photo.
In a recent test I conducted, roughly half of hosts were able to provide speed test metrics within 24 hours when asked about their listing's internet speeds. I suggest sending a message similar to the one shown below:
Hi!
I'm considering working remotely from your listing. Could you please run an internet speed test from the listing and send me the following metrics?
Mbps Download, Mbps Upload, MS Latency
Thank you!
What have I missed? What other tactics have you tried?
This is a cool guide. I love having a good wifi connection while traveling because it's the only way to update my Instagram stories regularly. I always buy a sim card with lots of data, but some countries don't have that option, or the internet is too expensive. That's when fast wifi in an Airbnb helps.
For some reason, I used to think that Mhz is the internet speed, and I always looked for it. That was stupid of me because the internet speed is Mbps. Still, I realized that after reading an article about mbps vs mhz. I'm embarrassed that I didn't know that, but now I do know it!
Cool, thanks for sharing.