Alternatives
AppFolio Alternatives (2026): Options Below the 50-Unit Minimum
AppFolio is built for property management companies, and it prices like it: quotes only, a minimum monthly spend, and a 50-unit minimum on its Core plan. If you are below that size, or simply do not want enterprise pricing, these are the alternatives worth a look.
The short version
Under 50 units: DoorLoop. Small PM company that needs trust accounting cheaply: Rentec Direct. Established PM company that wants AppFolio-style depth: Buildium Growth or Premium.
Why people look elsewhere
- Size minimum: AppFolio's Core plan carries a 50-unit minimum and a minimum spend.
- Opaque pricing: AppFolio no longer publishes per-unit prices; you get a quote.
- More than you need: below roughly 200 units, much of AppFolio's automation goes unused.
The alternatives at a glance
| Platform | Starting price | Unit minimum | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorLoop | $69/mo (yearly) | None | Small to mid portfolios wanting full accounting |
| Buildium | $62/mo; Growth $192/mo | None | Growing PM companies |
| Rentec Direct | $50/mo (PM edition) | None | Budget trust accounting |
| Hemlane | $28/mo + per unit | None | Owners who want repair coordination help |
Pricing from each company's website in October 2026; confirm before you sign up.
DoorLoop
No unit minimum, published pricing, and accounting that covers owner statements. Pro adds multi-entity accounting and QuickBooks sync. For most operators under 50 units it covers what AppFolio would, at a known price. See DoorLoop pricing.
Buildium
The closest like-for-like option for an established management company, with trust accounting, owner portals and phone support from the Growth plan. Compare it in DoorLoop vs Buildium vs AppFolio.
Rentec Direct
The PM edition includes trust accounting and an owner portal from about $50 a month, scaling with units. Less polished, much cheaper. See Rentec Direct vs Buildium.
Hemlane
A different model: software plus optional repair coordination and 24/7 emergency support, priced per unit. Useful if your bottleneck is maintenance calls rather than accounting.
No unit minimum, published pricing
DoorLoop gives you full accounting and owner statements without a 50-unit minimum.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details. We have no affiliate relationship with AppFolio, Buildium or Hemlane.
Frequently asked questions
Does AppFolio have a minimum number of units?
Yes. AppFolio’s Core plan notes a 50-unit minimum and a minimum spend; pricing is quote-only.
What is a good AppFolio alternative for small landlords?
DoorLoop: no unit minimum, published pricing from $69 a month billed yearly, and full accounting.
What is the cheapest AppFolio alternative with trust accounting?
Rentec Direct’s PM edition, from about $50 a month and scaling with unit count.