Quick Overview
- 1#1: AppFolio - Comprehensive cloud-based platform for managing community associations with accounting, maintenance requests, and resident portals.
- 2#2: Buildium - All-in-one property management software for HOAs featuring leasing, accounting, and violation tracking.
- 3#3: DoorLoop - Modern, affordable tool for community managers handling payments, communications, and inspections.
- 4#4: CINC Systems - Enterprise-grade software for large associations with advanced financials and compliance management.
- 5#5: Vantaca - Integrated HOA management system for dues collection, violations, and architectural reviews.
- 6#6: Smartwebs - Cloud platform providing resident self-service portals and board management tools for communities.
- 7#7: HOA Express - User-friendly online software for small HOAs to manage billing, documents, and communications.
- 8#8: PayHOA - Streamlined payment processing and basic management tool designed specifically for HOAs.
- 9#9: CondoControl - Web-based solution for condo and HOA boards handling work orders, voting, and amenities.
- 10#10: AssociationVoice - Community engagement platform with calendars, messaging, and amenity reservation features.
We ranked these tools by evaluating features (accounting, communication, compliance), user experience, technical reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver robust functionality at a competitive price point for various association sizes.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top Community Association Manager Software tools, including AppFolio, Buildium, DoorLoop, CINC Systems, Vantaca, and more, to guide associations in selecting the right solution. It outlines key features, usability, and functionality, helping readers identify strengths and differences across platforms.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AppFolio Comprehensive cloud-based platform for managing community associations with accounting, maintenance requests, and resident portals. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Buildium All-in-one property management software for HOAs featuring leasing, accounting, and violation tracking. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | DoorLoop Modern, affordable tool for community managers handling payments, communications, and inspections. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | CINC Systems Enterprise-grade software for large associations with advanced financials and compliance management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Vantaca Integrated HOA management system for dues collection, violations, and architectural reviews. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Smartwebs Cloud platform providing resident self-service portals and board management tools for communities. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | HOA Express User-friendly online software for small HOAs to manage billing, documents, and communications. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | PayHOA Streamlined payment processing and basic management tool designed specifically for HOAs. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | CondoControl Web-based solution for condo and HOA boards handling work orders, voting, and amenities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | AssociationVoice Community engagement platform with calendars, messaging, and amenity reservation features. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.7/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based platform for managing community associations with accounting, maintenance requests, and resident portals.
All-in-one property management software for HOAs featuring leasing, accounting, and violation tracking.
Modern, affordable tool for community managers handling payments, communications, and inspections.
Enterprise-grade software for large associations with advanced financials and compliance management.
Integrated HOA management system for dues collection, violations, and architectural reviews.
Cloud platform providing resident self-service portals and board management tools for communities.
User-friendly online software for small HOAs to manage billing, documents, and communications.
Streamlined payment processing and basic management tool designed specifically for HOAs.
Web-based solution for condo and HOA boards handling work orders, voting, and amenities.
Community engagement platform with calendars, messaging, and amenity reservation features.
AppFolio
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based platform for managing community associations with accounting, maintenance requests, and resident portals.
Integrated HOA-specific accounting that automates AR/AP, budgeting, and 1099 compliance in one dashboard
AppFolio is a comprehensive cloud-based property management platform tailored for community association managers, handling HOAs, condos, and cooperatives with integrated accounting, resident portals, and violation management. It automates rent collections, maintenance requests, architectural reviews, and owner communications through a user-friendly interface accessible on any device. The software provides robust reporting, online payments, and compliance tools to streamline operations for property managers.
Pros
- All-in-one platform with seamless integration of accounting, violations, and resident portals
- Mobile app for on-the-go management and excellent automation for payments and communications
- Top-tier customer support and regular updates based on user feedback
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small associations with fewer units
- Initial setup and learning curve for complex features
- Limited customization options compared to some niche competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large community associations seeking a scalable, feature-rich solution for end-to-end HOA and condo management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at about $1.40 per unit/month, with tiers scaling by portfolio size and add-ons for premium features like advanced reporting.
Buildium
enterpriseAll-in-one property management software for HOAs featuring leasing, accounting, and violation tracking.
Advanced violation and architectural control management with automated workflows and mobile inspections
Buildium is a robust cloud-based property management platform tailored for community associations, HOAs, condos, and rental properties, providing end-to-end tools for managing operations. It excels in automating dues collection, accounting, violation tracking, maintenance requests, and resident communications through a centralized dashboard. Community managers can leverage its resident portal for self-service payments and submissions, while advanced reporting ensures compliance and financial transparency.
Pros
- Comprehensive HOA-specific tools like violation management and architectural reviews
- Strong integrated accounting with automated reconciliations and financial reporting
- User-friendly resident portal for online payments and service requests
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with portfolio size, less ideal for very small associations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Medium to large community associations seeking an all-in-one solution for financial management, resident services, and compliance tracking.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $58/month for Essential (up to 20 units), scaling to $238+/month for Premium (100+ units), plus per-unit fees and add-ons.
DoorLoop
specializedModern, affordable tool for community managers handling payments, communications, and inspections.
Advanced violation tracking with automated notices, inspections, and compliance workflows
DoorLoop is an all-in-one property management platform tailored for community associations, HOAs, and condos, providing tools for dues collection, violation tracking, maintenance requests, and owner communications. It features automated accounting, resident portals, and board management capabilities to streamline operations for community managers. The software integrates payments, inspections, and reporting to enhance efficiency across multiple properties.
Pros
- Robust accounting and automated invoicing for HOA dues
- Intuitive resident and owner portals for self-service
- Comprehensive violation management with photo evidence and workflows
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for smaller associations
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited native integrations with some niche CAM tools
Best For
Mid-sized HOA and condo managers seeking an integrated platform for accounting, violations, and resident engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $59 per unit/month for Essential plan; Pro at $99/unit/month; custom enterprise pricing for larger portfolios.
CINC Systems
enterpriseEnterprise-grade software for large associations with advanced financials and compliance management.
Deeply integrated, association-specific accounting engine with automated AP/AR, budgeting, and compliance reporting.
CINC Systems is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed specifically for community association management, including HOAs, condos, and planned communities. It offers integrated tools for accounting, violation tracking, architectural requests, resident portals, online payments, work orders, and board management. The software focuses on streamlining financial operations and resident communications to enhance efficiency for managers and boards.
Pros
- Robust GAAP-compliant accounting with real-time financial reporting
- All-in-one platform reducing need for multiple tools
- Strong resident portal and mobile app for payments and communications
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller associations
Best For
Mid-to-large community associations needing advanced accounting and full-suite management capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes typically $1.50-$2.50 per unit/month, plus setup fees and optional add-ons.
Vantaca
specializedIntegrated HOA management system for dues collection, violations, and architectural reviews.
Association-specific accounting engine with automated AR/AP, budgeting, and reserve forecasting
Vantaca is a cloud-based, all-in-one management platform tailored for community associations, including HOAs, condos, and co-ops, offering tools for accounting, billing, violations tracking, architectural reviews, and resident communications. It streamlines operations with customizable owner portals, website builders, and automated workflows to enhance compliance and efficiency. Designed for scalability, it integrates with tools like QuickBooks and provides detailed reporting for financial transparency and board governance.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set with strong accounting and violations management
- Customizable resident portals and automated workflows
- Scalable for mid-to-large associations with reliable integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- Higher pricing may not suit small associations
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized to large community associations needing robust accounting, compliance, and resident engagement tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $2-5 per unit/month plus one-time setup fees starting at $5,000+.
Smartwebs
specializedCloud platform providing resident self-service portals and board management tools for communities.
Advanced community website builder with drag-and-drop customization and resident self-service portals
Smartwebs is a cloud-based platform tailored for community association management, serving HOAs, condos, and POAs with tools for resident communication, violation enforcement, architectural reviews, and financial management. It features customizable community websites, online payment processing, and a mobile app for on-the-go access. The software integrates billing, work orders, and reporting to streamline operations for managers handling multiple properties.
Pros
- Highly customizable community websites and resident portals enhance resident engagement
- Strong modules for violations, ACC requests, and integrated billing reduce manual work
- Reliable online payment processing with multiple gateways supports efficient collections
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small associations with per-unit fees and minimums
- Limited native integrations with popular accounting or CRM tools
- User interface feels dated in some areas, with a moderate learning curve for new users
Best For
Mid-sized HOAs and property management firms seeking a robust all-in-one solution with emphasis on online resident portals and websites.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on units/doors; typically $0.95-$1.50 per unit/month with annual contracts and minimum fees starting at $100-200/month.
HOA Express
specializedUser-friendly online software for small HOAs to manage billing, documents, and communications.
Automated violation management with photo uploads, workflows, and compliance tracking
HOA Express is a cloud-based software solution tailored for homeowners association (HOA) management, providing tools for violation tracking, architectural review requests, owner communications, and dues collection. It offers a resident portal for self-service access to documents, payments, and requests, streamlining administrative tasks for community managers and boards. The platform emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it suitable for smaller associations handling day-to-day operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- Robust violation tracking and automated workflows
- Affordable pricing scalable by association size
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting integrations
- No dedicated mobile app for managers
- Basic customization and reporting options
Best For
Small to mid-sized HOAs needing straightforward, cost-effective tools for violations, communications, and basic financials.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month for up to 100 homes, with tiered plans up to $199/month for larger associations (billed annually).
PayHOA
specializedStreamlined payment processing and basic management tool designed specifically for HOAs.
Ultra-low-cost integrated payment processing with free ACH autopay and no setup fees
PayHOA is a cloud-based software tailored for homeowners associations (HOAs) and community associations, focusing primarily on automated billing, online payments, and violation management. It provides a resident portal for self-service payments, document access, and account inquiries, along with integrations for QuickBooks and other accounting tools. The platform emphasizes low-cost payment processing and compliance features like late fee automation, making it suitable for streamlining financial operations in smaller communities.
Pros
- Low transaction fees (2.49% for credit cards, free ACH)
- Intuitive resident and manager portals with mobile access
- Automated invoicing, late fees, and violation tracking
Cons
- Lacks comprehensive tools for maintenance requests or full CRM
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to enterprise solutions
- Limited customization for larger or complex associations
Best For
Small to mid-sized HOAs seeking an affordable, payment-focused tool without needing advanced property management features.
Pricing
Starts at $0.99 per unit/month (minimum $49/month), plus payment processing fees (2.49% credit card, free ACH autopay).
CondoControl
specializedWeb-based solution for condo and HOA boards handling work orders, voting, and amenities.
Comprehensive violation tracking and automated ARC request workflows with photo uploads and status updates
CondoControl is a cloud-based property management software tailored for condominium corporations, homeowners associations (HOAs), and co-ops. It provides essential tools for violation tracking, architectural review committee (ARC) requests, online payments, resident portals, work orders, and basic accounting. The platform emphasizes user-friendly interfaces for managers, boards, and residents to streamline daily operations and compliance tasks.
Pros
- Affordable per-unit pricing model ideal for mid-sized communities
- Intuitive resident and owner self-service portals
- Robust violation management and ARC workflow tools
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer third-party integrations (e.g., no native QuickBooks sync)
- Basic accounting lacks depth for complex financial needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized condo associations and HOAs seeking cost-effective, straightforward management without advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $0.99 per unit/month (annual billing) for basic plans, scaling to $1.49/unit for premium features; minimum monthly fees of $99-$199 apply.
AssociationVoice
specializedCommunity engagement platform with calendars, messaging, and amenity reservation features.
Comprehensive resident self-service portal with real-time notifications and mobile app
AssociationVoice is a cloud-based platform designed for community association managers, offering tools for resident communications, violation tracking, architectural requests, and amenity reservations. It features a self-service resident portal for document access, online payments, and request submissions, alongside board management capabilities like agendas and voting. The software emphasizes ease of use for HOAs and condos to streamline daily operations and enhance resident engagement.
Pros
- User-friendly resident portal with mobile access
- Effective violation and architectural request management
- Strong built-in communication and calendar tools
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting integrations
- Reporting features lack depth for large associations
- Pricing can be steep for smaller communities
Best For
Small to mid-sized HOAs and condos seeking straightforward resident engagement and basic management tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $0.75-$1.50 per unit/month, with minimums for small associations often $400-$600/month.
Conclusion
The top community association management tools reviewed cater to diverse operational needs, with AppFolio leading as the comprehensive choice, offering integrated cloud-based solutions for accounting, maintenance, and resident management. Buildium impresses as a robust all-in-one option for property-focused associations, and DoorLoop stands out as an affordable, modern tool ideal for smaller to mid-sized communities, each a strong pick depending on specific requirements.
Take the next step in efficient community management—start using AppFolio to leverage its all-encompassing features and enhance operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison