Appfolio vs Yardi – Software Comparison of Price and Features
Choosing the right property management software is crucial for efficiency, automation, and overall business growth. AppFolio and Yardi Breeze are two of the most popular platforms, each catering to different business sizes and needs. While both offer robust property management features, their pricing, integrations, and specialized tools vary significantly.
Learn the key differences between AppFolio Core, AppFolio Plus, AppFolio Max, Yardi Breeze, and Yardi Breeze Premier to help you determine which solution best fits your business.
Ideal Customer Fit
Both AppFolio and Yardi Breeze serve property management companies of various sizes, but they cater to slightly different customer needs.
- AppFolio Core is designed for small to medium-sized property management companies managing 200-500 units. It includes essential features like rent collection, lease management, and resident communication.
- AppFolio Plus targets medium to large companies managing 500-2000 units. It offers more advanced tools, such as accounting, marketing, and enhanced reporting.
- AppFolio Max is designed for enterprise-level property management companies with 1,000+ units, providing premium AI tools, advanced automation, and expanded integrations.
- Yardi Breeze is ideal for small to medium-sized property managers with 50-500 units, prioritizing ease of use with a straightforward interface.
- Yardi Breeze Premier is a better fit for medium to large companies (500-2000 units) needing more customization and advanced property management features.
Overall, AppFolio tends to appeal to companies that need scalability and automation, while Yardi Breeze focuses on usability and simplicity.
Pricing & Property Type Specialization
Pricing is a major factor when choosing a property management solution, and both platforms structure their costs differently.
| Software | Residential Pricing | Commercial Pricing | Other Property Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppFolio Core | $1.40 per unit ($280/month min, 50 units) | $1.50 per unit ($280/month min, 50 units) | Community orgs: $0.80/unit |
| AppFolio Plus | $3 per unit ($900/month min) | $3 per unit ($900/month min) | N/A |
| AppFolio Max | $5 per unit minimum ($7,500) | $5 per unit minimum ($7,500) | N/A |
| Yardi Breeze | $1 per unit ($100/month min) | $2 per unit ($200/month min) | N/A |
| Yardi Breeze Premier | $2 per unit ($400/month min)** ($1 if bundled) | Custom ($3 per unit est.) | Affordable housing: $3/unit, Self-storage: Custom, Military: Custom, Community orgs: $1/unit |
Key Takeaways:
- Yardi Breeze has a lower entry price, making it a budget-friendly choice for smaller property managers.
- AppFolio Core has a slightly higher starting cost but includes additional automation features.
- AppFolio Plus and Yardi Breeze Premier cater to larger portfolios and come with higher costs but more advanced tools.
- AppFolio Max is built for enterprise companies that need AI-powered automation and deeper integrations.
- Yardi Breeze Premier offers more flexibility with affordable housing, military housing, and self-storage options.
Feature Comparison
While both platforms offer essential property management tools, they differ in depth and customization. Here’s how they stack up:
Accounting & Financial Management
- Both platforms offer bank reconciliation, automated late fees, and owner/vendor e-checks.
- AppFolio Plus includes corporate accounting and more advanced reporting, while Yardi Breeze Premier offers customizable financial statements.
- Yardi Breeze Premier supports job costing (budgeting, contracts, and change orders), which AppFolio lacks.
Leasing & Marketing
- Both platforms allow online leasing, vacancy postings, and tenant screenings.
- AppFolio Plus and Max offer AI-driven leasing assistance and CRM features, while Yardi Breeze focuses on ease of communication with bi-directional email and text messaging.
- AppFolio includes 3D tours and interactive property maps, giving it an edge in visual marketing.
Tenant & Owner Communication
- Both offer tenant, owner, and vendor portals with email and text communication.
- AppFolio integrates better with marketing campaigns and CRM tools, whereas Yardi Breeze prioritizes streamlined workflows.
- Yardi Breeze has built-in surveys, while AppFolio has more document-sharing flexibility.
Maintenance Management
- Both platforms support work orders, vendor pay, and mobile inspections.
- AppFolio Max includes Smart Maintenance, an AI-powered tool that helps diagnose repair issues and dispatch vendors automatically.
- Yardi Breeze Premier includes maintenance request tracking and detailed progress notes, which AppFolio lacks.
Integrations & Customization
- AppFolio Max has the most integrations, supporting premium AI tools and deeper third-party connections.
- Yardi Breeze Premier allows more customization within reports and workflows, whereas AppFolio follows a more standardized approach.
Final Thoughts
Both AppFolio and Yardi Breeze are excellent property management solutions, but they serve different priorities:
- AppFolio Core and Plus are ideal for companies looking for automation, AI-driven features, and scalability. They excel in marketing, communication, and property visualization.
- AppFolio Max is designed for enterprise-level property management businesses that require advanced automation and deeper integration capabilities.
- Yardi Breeze is better suited for property managers who prioritize ease of use, affordability, and workflow customization. It offers strong financial tools and flexible pricing for different property types.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your company’s size, budget, and feature requirements. Whether you need streamlined automation (AppFolio) or simple, effective property management (Yardi Breeze), both platforms provide valuable solutions for modern property managers.