Landlory
AppFolio vs Zillow Rental Manager
In short.
Pick AppFolio if you run property management companies;
pick Zillow Rental Manager if you run DIY & small landlords.
AppFolio starts with custom pricing,
Zillow Rental Manager free.
AI-forward platform for mid-to-large residential portfolios.
- Best forProperty management companies
- Starts atCustom
- Free optionNo
- Mobile appYes
Free listings and light rental tools backed by Zillow's traffic.
- Best forDIY & small landlords
- Starts atFree
- Free optionFree plan
- Mobile appLimited
Feature comparison
AppFolio |
Zillow Rental Manager |
|
|---|---|---|
| Online rent collection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tenant screening | ✓ | ✓ |
| Listing syndication | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online applications | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lease management | ✓ | Partial |
| Maintenance requests | ✓ | ✕ |
| Accounting | ✓ | ✕ |
| Expense tracking | ✓ | ✕ |
| Owner portal | ✓ | ✕ |
| Tenant portal | ✓ | ✕ |
| Document storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reporting | ✓ | ✕ |
| Bank integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✕ |
| AI features | ✓ | ✕ |
| Mobile app | ✓ | Partial |
Pricing
AppFolio
| CoreQuote-based · 50-unit minimum | $None |
|---|---|
| PlusQuote-based | $None |
| MaxQuote-based | $None |
Starting prices — vendors may add per-unit or transaction fees.
Zillow Rental Manager
| Freefree listings + basic tools | Free |
|---|---|
| Premium listing90-day boost · varies by market | $39.99unverified |
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
Zillow Rental Manager
Pros
- Massive listing reach and traffic
- Free and simple for 1–few units
Cons
- Shallow — no accounting, owner portal or maintenance
- Listing fees introduced in some markets; not a true PM system
FAQ
What is the difference between AppFolio and Zillow Rental Manager?
AppFolio is best for property management companies, while Zillow Rental Manager is best for DIY & small landlords.
Is AppFolio or Zillow Rental Manager cheaper?
Zillow Rental Manager 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)).