Home › Articles › Buildium vs AppFolio
Both are paid, feature-rich platforms for professional landlords. But they serve different portfolio sizes and use cases. We break down exactly which one wins — and when.
Quick Verdict
Buildium
Best for mid-size portfolios (20–500 units) that need strong owner portals, accounting, and maintenance tracking.
Start Buildium Trial →AppFolio
Best for larger portfolios (50–2,000+ units) needing AI-powered automation, mobile-first UX, and enterprise-grade reporting.
Get AppFolio Demo →| Plan | Buildium | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $62/mo (Essential) | Custom · $298/mo min |
| Min unit count | None | 50 units (Core plan) |
| Free trial | ✓ 14 days | ✗ Demo only |
| Best for | 20–500 units | 200–2,000+ units |
| Feature | Buildium | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting suite | ✓ Full | ✓ Full |
| Owner portals | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent |
| AI automation | ✗ Limited | ✓ Advanced AI |
| Mobile app | Limited | ✓ Mobile-first |
| Tenant screening | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Maintenance mgmt | ✓ Strong | ✓ Strong |
Buildium is ideal if you manage 20–500 units, work with property owners who need detailed financial reports, and want a platform with a strong track record. The Essential plan starts at $62/mo — suitable for mid-size portfolios.
AppFolio is built for larger operations with custom pricing. The Core plan requires a minimum of 50 units and carries a $298/mo minimum spend — making it impractical for most independent landlords, but genuinely superior at scale for its AI automation, mobile experience, and enterprise reporting.
Neither Buildium nor AppFolio makes sense at that scale. Start with TurboTenant — it's free and covers everything you need.