AppFolio Property Manager vs Avail
| AppFolio Property Manager | Avail | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★½ 4.5 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 |
| Starting Price | $1.49/unit/mo | Free |
| Category | Property Management | Property Management |
| Free Plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free Trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Best For | Property management companies with 50+ units, especially those managing mixed portfolio types | DIY landlords with a small number of properties who want free basic tools, or willing to pay per-unit for premium features |
| Founded | 2006 | 2012 |
AppFolio Property Manager Pros
- Best-in-class for mid-to-large portfolios
- AI-powered workflow automation (Realm-X)
- Supports residential, commercial, affordable, and student housing
Cons
- High minimum spend — not viable for small landlords under 50 units
- Pricing is opaque; must contact sales for quotes
- No free trial
Avail Pros
- Completely free plan with all core features
- Backed by Realtor.com network for wide listing reach
- Clean, user-friendly interface
Cons
- Per-unit pricing on Unlimited Plus gets expensive for large portfolios
- No month-to-month option for Plus — per-unit pricing
- Tenants pay ACH fees on the free plan