AppFolio Property Manager vs Buildium
| AppFolio Property Manager | Buildium | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★½ 4.5 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 |
| Starting Price | $1.49/unit/mo | $62/mo |
| Category | Property Management | Property Management |
| Free Plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free Trial | ✗ | ✓ 14 days |
| Best For | Property management companies with 50+ units, especially those managing mixed portfolio types | Professional property managers overseeing 20–5,000 units who need robust accounting and automation |
| Founded | 2006 | 2004 |
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
Buildium Pros
- Strong accounting and financial reporting
- AI tools via Lumina for communications and automation
- Good third-party marketplace integrations
Cons
- Pricing can grow significantly at scale
- Onboarding required (and potentially costly) for Growth and Premium
- Add-ons like eSignatures and screening cost extra on Essential