Choosing the right property management software can make or break your real estate business. Two of the biggest names in the industry—Buildium and AppFolio—offer powerful tools for landlords, property managers, and real estate investors. But which one is best for your needs?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down features, pricing, ease of use, customer support, and more to help you decide.
1. What Are Buildium and AppFolio?
Buildium
Buildium is a cloud-based property management platform designed for small to mid-sized property managers, HOAs, and real estate investors. It focuses on simplicity, automation, and affordability, making it a great choice for growing portfolios.
AppFolio
AppFolio is a scalable, all-in-one property management solution aimed at larger property management companies and multifamily housing operators. It offers advanced automation, AI-driven insights, and robust reporting, but at a higher price point.
2. Buildium vs. AppFolio: Key Features Compared
A. Tenant & Lease Management
| Feature | Buildium | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Online Leasing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tenant Screening | ✅ (TransUnion integration) | ✅ (Built-in screening) |
| Rent Collection | ✅ (ACH, credit cards) | ✅ (ACH, cards, Apple Pay) |
| Lease Tracking | ✅ Manual reminders | ✅ AI-powered automation |
Winner? AppFolio for automation, but Buildium is more budget-friendly.
B. Accounting & Financial Tools
| Feature | Buildium | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Invoicing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Bank Reconciliation | ✅ Manual | ✅ AI-powered |
| Financial Reporting | ✅ Basic reports | ✅ Advanced analytics |
| 1099 E-Filing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Winner? AppFolio for deep financial insights, but Buildium is simpler for small businesses.
C. Maintenance & Work Orders
| Feature | Buildium | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Requests | ✅ Tenant portal | ✅ AI-driven prioritization |
| Vendor Management | ✅ Basic tracking | ✅ Automated dispatch |
| Preventative Maintenance | ✅ Manual scheduling | ✅ AI-based reminders |
Winner? AppFolio for automation, but Buildium is easier for small teams.
D. Pricing & Plans
| Software | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Buildium | $52/month (up to 20 units) | Small landlords & growing portfolios |
| AppFolio | $280/month (minimum fee) | Large property management firms |
Winner? Buildium for affordability, AppFolio for scalability.
3. Ease of Use: Which One is More User-Friendly?
Buildium
✔ Simple, intuitive dashboard
✔ Easy onboarding for beginners
✔ Good for landlords with minimal tech experience
AppFolio
✔ More features = steeper learning curve
✔ Better for tech-savvy users or large teams
✔ Mobile app is highly rated
Verdict: Buildium wins for simplicity, while AppFolio is better for advanced users.
4. Customer Support & Training
| Support Feature | Buildium | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Support | ✅ Yes (limited hours) | ✅ 24/7 support |
| Live Chat | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Knowledge Base | ✅ Extensive | ✅ AI-powered help center |
| Onboarding | ✅ Free training | ✅ Paid implementation |
Winner? AppFolio for 24/7 support, but Buildium offers solid self-help resources.
5. Integrations & Scalability
Buildium Integrations
- QuickBooks
- Stripe for payments
- RentTrack for credit reporting
AppFolio Integrations
- Yardi, MRI (enterprise-level)
- SmartRent for IoT devices
- Built-in AI leasing assistant
Winner? AppFolio for large-scale operations, Buildium for essential integrations.
6. Mobile App Experience
| Feature | Buildium | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant App | ✅ Basic functions | ✅ Full-featured |
| Manager App | ✅ Limited | ✅ Advanced controls |
| Offline Mode | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Winner? AppFolio’s mobile app is superior, especially for on-the-go managers.
7. Which One Should You Choose?
Pick Buildium If You…
✔ Manage under 200 units
✔ Want an affordable, easy-to-use system
✔ Need basic accounting & leasing tools
Pick AppFolio If You…
✔ Manage 200+ units or large portfolios
✔ Need AI automation & advanced reporting
✔ Can afford higher pricing for premium features
Final Verdict: Buildium vs. AppFolio
| Category | Buildium | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small landlords & startups | Large property management firms |
| Pricing | More affordable | Higher cost, but scalable |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Steeper learning curve |
| Automation | Basic features | AI-driven efficiency |
👉 Bottom Line:
- Budget-conscious or small-scale? → Buildium
- Enterprise-level with complex needs? → AppFolio
