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Head-to-head · Apartment Management Systems

Buildium vs AppFolio Property Manager

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Buildium #5 in Apartment Management Systems 4.8/10 14-day trial ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Buildium
AppFolio Property Manager #6 in Apartment Management Systems 3.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit AppFolio

Buildium leads on 0 checks, AppFolio Property Manager on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBuildium · 4.8/10

Buildium scores higher on our rubric for apartment management systems: 4.8 against 3.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.

Buildium is the better fit for property managers seeking broad tools and a trial. AppFolio Property Manager is the better fit for multifamily teams managing leasing through operations.

  • Buildium fits best

    Property managers seeking broad tools and a trial

  • AppFolio Property Manager fits best

    Multifamily teams managing leasing through operations

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Side by side

Feature Buildium 4.8/10 Visit ↗ AppFolio Property Manager 3.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 4.8 3.8
Ranking #5 in Apartment Management Systems #6 in Apartment Management Systems
Best for Property managers seeking broad tools and a trial Multifamily teams managing leasing through operations
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Phone, Tickets, Docs Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Docs
Integrations 50+ integrations 6 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Buildium 1/5 · AppFolio Property Manager 1/5
Resident portal Not published Not published
Online rent payments Not published Not published
Maintenance tracking Not published Not published
Accounting tools ✓ ✓
Mobile app Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Combines accounting, rent collection, leasing, screening, and maintenance workflows
  • Resident portal supports payments, documents, communications, and maintenance requests
  • Mobile apps, Marketplace integrations, and an Open API support varied portfolios
  • Combines accounting, leasing, payments, maintenance, and resident portals
  • Core, Plus, and Max plans add housing, accounting, and leasing capabilities
  • Mobile apps, AppFolio Stack integrations, and API access support connected workflows
Cons
  • No free plan; access begins with paid plans after the trial
  • Transaction, setup, screening, inspection, and eSignature fees may apply
  • Open API and the full AI and automation suite are limited to Premium
  • Pricing is quote-based across all plans
  • Core has a stated minimum of 50 units
  • API read/write access and Leasing CRM are limited to Max
Our verdict

Buildium is cloud-based property management software for landlords, property managers, condominiums, homeowner associations, and real estate professionals. It supports residential, multifamily, commercial, student housing, community…

Read the review →

AppFolio Property Manager brings accounting, marketing, leasing, resident communication, payments, maintenance, inspections, and reporting into a cloud-based system for residential, commercial, and community association portfolios. Its…

Read the review →
  1. BuildiumApartment Management Systems 4.814-day trial
  2. AppFolio Property ManagerApartment Management Systems 3.8Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Buildium — where it wins

    • Combines accounting, rent collection, leasing, screening, and maintenance workflows
    • Resident portal supports payments, documents, communications, and maintenance requests
    • Mobile apps, Marketplace integrations, and an Open API support varied portfolios

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; access begins with paid plans after the trial
    • Transaction, setup, screening, inspection, and eSignature fees may apply
    • Open API and the full AI and automation suite are limited to Premium

  • AppFolio Property Manager — where it wins

    • Combines accounting, leasing, payments, maintenance, and resident portals
    • Core, Plus, and Max plans add housing, accounting, and leasing capabilities
    • Mobile apps, AppFolio Stack integrations, and API access support connected workflows

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing is quote-based across all plans
    • Core has a stated minimum of 50 units
    • API read/write access and Leasing CRM are limited to Max
  • Buildium4.8/10 · 14-day trial

    A broad property-management suite spanning accounting, leasing, maintenance, and resident services.

    Visit BuildiumFull verdict →
  • AppFolio Property Manager3.8/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad property management suite for teams coordinating leasing, finances, residents, and operations.

    Visit AppFolioFull verdict →

More comparisons

All apartment management systems comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026