AppFolio
Mid-market property management companies (50-5,000+ units) that want a modern interface with strong automation and marketing tools
Rentec Direct
Professional property managers who need trust accounting, free tenant ACH payments, and reliable US-based customer support
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose AppFolio
Mid-market property management companies (50-5,000+ units) that want a modern interface with strong automation and marketing tools
AppFolio is the gold standard for mid-market property managers who want speed, a modern interface, and AI-powered automation. Its 50-unit minimum and annual contracts mean it is not suitable for small landlords, but for growing management companies it delivers exceptional capability per dollar.
Strengths
- Modern, intuitive interface with AI-powered leasing automation and marketing tools
- Scales from 50 units to 5,000+ with tiered Core, Plus, and Max plans
- Excellent tenant and owner portals with mobile-first experience
- Handles residential, commercial, student housing, and community associations
Limitations
- 50-unit minimum locks out smaller landlords entirely
- Hidden onboarding fees and required annual contract add to total cost
- Reporting and ledger customization trails legacy platforms like Yardi and Rent Manager
When to Choose Rentec Direct
Professional property managers who need trust accounting, free tenant ACH payments, and reliable US-based customer support
Rentec Direct is the dependable workhorse of property management software. It lacks the modern polish of newer entrants but compensates with maturity, free tenant ACH payments, and consistently top-rated customer support. A solid choice for managers who prioritize reliability over flashy UI.
Strengths
- Free ACH rent payments for tenants — no transaction fees, which saves landlords and tenants money
- Trust accounting for professional property managers on the Rentec PM plan
- Award-winning US-based customer support with phone, email, and live chat
- Privately owned and debt-free since 2007 — no investor-driven cost-cutting
Limitations
- UI/UX feels dated compared to newer competitors like DoorLoop and TenantCloud
- No free tier and the $45/mo starting price is higher than budget alternatives
- Per-unit pricing can get expensive at scale, though still competitive
