Landlory
AppFolio vs Hostaway
In short.
Pick AppFolio if you run property management companies;
pick Hostaway if you run Airbnb & short-term rentals.
AppFolio starts with custom pricing,
Hostaway custom.
AI-forward platform for mid-to-large residential portfolios.
- Best forProperty management companies
- Starts atCustom
- Free optionNo
- Mobile appYes
Short-term-rental PMS for growing professional STR portfolios.
- Best forAirbnb & short-term rentals
- Starts atCustom
- Free optionNo
- Mobile appYes
Feature comparison
AppFolio |
Hostaway |
|
|---|---|---|
| Online rent collection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tenant screening | ✓ | ✕ |
| Listing syndication | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online applications | ✓ | ✕ |
| Lease management | ✓ | ✕ |
| Maintenance requests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accounting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expense tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Owner portal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tenant portal | ✓ | ✕ |
| Document storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reporting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bank integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✕ |
| AI features | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
Pricing
AppFolio
| CoreQuote-based · 50-unit minimum | $None |
|---|---|
| PlusQuote-based | $None |
| MaxQuote-based | $None |
Starting prices — vendors may add per-unit or transaction fees.
Hostaway
| Customquote-based · get a free quote | $None |
|---|
Starting prices — vendors may add per-unit or transaction fees.
Pros & cons
AppFolio
Pros
- True all-in-one (leasing, accounting, maintenance, inspections)
- Leading AI features (Realm-X); strong at scale
Cons
- 50-unit minimum locks out small landlords
- Slow support, limited customization, high cost at small scale
Hostaway
Pros
- Strong channel management, automation and integrations
- Scalable for growing STR managers
Cons
- Pricing is opaque and quote-based
- Annual commitment; costly at low listing counts
FAQ
What is the difference between AppFolio and Hostaway?
AppFolio is best for property management companies, while Hostaway is best for Airbnb & short-term rentals.
Is AppFolio or Hostaway cheaper?
Hostaway is the cheaper option — it has custom pricing.
Which is better for property management companies?
For property management companies, Hostaway rates slightly higher (4.7★ on Capterra).