Landlory
AppFolio vs Stessa
In short.
Pick AppFolio if you run property management companies;
pick Stessa if you run DIY & small landlords.
AppFolio starts with custom pricing,
Stessa free.
AI-forward platform for mid-to-large residential portfolios.
- Best forProperty management companies
- Starts atCustom
- Free optionNo
- Mobile appYes
Free asset-management and accounting platform for rental investors.
- Best forDIY & small landlords
- Starts atFree
- Free optionFree plan
- Mobile appYes
Feature comparison
AppFolio |
Stessa |
|
|---|---|---|
| Online rent collection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tenant screening | ✓ | Partial |
| Listing syndication | ✓ | ✕ |
| Online applications | ✓ | ✕ |
| Lease management | ✓ | ✕ |
| Maintenance requests | ✓ | ✕ |
| Accounting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expense tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Owner portal | ✓ | ✕ |
| Tenant portal | ✓ | ✕ |
| Document storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reporting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bank integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✕ |
| AI features | ✓ | Partial |
| 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.
Stessa
| Essentialsunlimited properties, free forever | Free |
|---|---|
| Managepaid annually | $12/mo |
| Propaid annually | $28/mo |
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
Stessa
Pros
- Best-in-class free financial tracking and dashboards for investors
- Automated bookkeeping and tax-ready reports
- Affiliate with a 2-year earning window
Cons
- Not a full PM tool (limited leasing/maintenance/tenant portal)
- Rent collection less robust than dedicated PM apps
FAQ
What is the difference between AppFolio and Stessa?
AppFolio is best for property management companies, while Stessa is best for DIY & small landlords.
Is AppFolio or Stessa cheaper?
Stessa is the cheaper option — it offers a free plan.
Which is better for property management companies?
For property management companies, AppFolio rates slightly higher (4.5★ on Capterra (1,938)).