Quick Overview
- 1#1: HOA Express - All-in-one platform designed specifically for self-managed HOAs to handle dues collection, violations, communications, and board management.
- 2#2: SwiftHOA - User-friendly software for self-managed HOAs offering owner portals, automated billing, work orders, and architectural reviews.
- 3#3: PayHOA - Streamlined dues collection and basic management tool tailored for self-managed HOAs with easy payment processing and reminders.
- 4#4: HOA Start - Affordable, simple software for small self-managed HOAs managing assessments, violations, meetings, and resident communications.
- 5#5: Condo Control Central - Cloud-based solution for self-managed HOAs and condos with resident portals, accounting, and maintenance request tracking.
- 6#6: Buildium - Scalable property management software with HOA features including resident portals, accounting, and violation tracking for self-management.
- 7#7: DoorLoop - Modern all-in-one platform for HOAs with self-service portals, automated payments, leasing, and maintenance tools.
- 8#8: AppFolio - Powerful HOA management software featuring online payments, inspections, and owner portals suitable for self-managed communities.
- 9#9: Smartwebs - Comprehensive web-based HOA software for dues, governance, amenities, and violations with strong self-management capabilities.
- 10#10: HOAworks - Robust online community management system for self-managed HOAs handling communications, payments, and board elections.
We ranked these tools based on tailored features for self-management, user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring each solution delivers meaningful support for streamlined workflow and community success.
Comparison Table
For homeowners associations aiming to streamline operations, a comparison of leading self-managed HOA software tools clarifies key features, costs, and usability. This guide spotlights platforms like HOA Express, SwiftHOA, PayHOA, HOA Start, Condo Control Central, and more, helping readers identify the best fit for their community's specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HOA Express All-in-one platform designed specifically for self-managed HOAs to handle dues collection, violations, communications, and board management. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | SwiftHOA User-friendly software for self-managed HOAs offering owner portals, automated billing, work orders, and architectural reviews. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | PayHOA Streamlined dues collection and basic management tool tailored for self-managed HOAs with easy payment processing and reminders. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | HOA Start Affordable, simple software for small self-managed HOAs managing assessments, violations, meetings, and resident communications. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Condo Control Central Cloud-based solution for self-managed HOAs and condos with resident portals, accounting, and maintenance request tracking. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | Buildium Scalable property management software with HOA features including resident portals, accounting, and violation tracking for self-management. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | DoorLoop Modern all-in-one platform for HOAs with self-service portals, automated payments, leasing, and maintenance tools. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | AppFolio Powerful HOA management software featuring online payments, inspections, and owner portals suitable for self-managed communities. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Smartwebs Comprehensive web-based HOA software for dues, governance, amenities, and violations with strong self-management capabilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | HOAworks Robust online community management system for self-managed HOAs handling communications, payments, and board elections. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
All-in-one platform designed specifically for self-managed HOAs to handle dues collection, violations, communications, and board management.
User-friendly software for self-managed HOAs offering owner portals, automated billing, work orders, and architectural reviews.
Streamlined dues collection and basic management tool tailored for self-managed HOAs with easy payment processing and reminders.
Affordable, simple software for small self-managed HOAs managing assessments, violations, meetings, and resident communications.
Cloud-based solution for self-managed HOAs and condos with resident portals, accounting, and maintenance request tracking.
Scalable property management software with HOA features including resident portals, accounting, and violation tracking for self-management.
Modern all-in-one platform for HOAs with self-service portals, automated payments, leasing, and maintenance tools.
Powerful HOA management software featuring online payments, inspections, and owner portals suitable for self-managed communities.
Comprehensive web-based HOA software for dues, governance, amenities, and violations with strong self-management capabilities.
Robust online community management system for self-managed HOAs handling communications, payments, and board elections.
HOA Express
specializedAll-in-one platform designed specifically for self-managed HOAs to handle dues collection, violations, communications, and board management.
Integrated violation tracking and automated workflow with resident self-service portals for submissions and status updates
HOA Express is a cloud-based software platform designed exclusively for self-managed homeowners associations (HOAs), enabling boards to handle all administrative tasks without third-party managers. It offers tools for member management, violation tracking, architectural request approvals, online payment processing, and resident communication via portals. The intuitive interface and mobile-responsive design make it accessible for volunteer board members with varying tech skills.
Pros
- Exceptionally affordable pricing scalable by community size
- User-friendly interface with minimal learning curve
- Comprehensive self-service portals for residents and board members
Cons
- Limited integrations with external accounting software
- Reporting tools lack some advanced customization options
- Customer support is primarily email and ticket-based
Best For
Small to medium-sized self-managed HOAs looking for a cost-effective, all-in-one solution to streamline operations without professional management.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month for up to 50 lots (billed annually $288/year), scaling to $199/month for 1,001+ lots; no setup fees or contracts.
SwiftHOA
specializedUser-friendly software for self-managed HOAs offering owner portals, automated billing, work orders, and architectural reviews.
Drag-and-drop HOA website builder that integrates seamlessly with management tools for real-time updates and resident portals
SwiftHOA is a cloud-based software platform tailored for self-managed homeowners associations (HOAs), offering tools for invoicing, online payments, violation tracking, architectural requests, and resident communications. It simplifies HOA administration by centralizing tasks like financial reporting, amenity reservations, and community messaging in one intuitive dashboard. The platform also includes a drag-and-drop website builder to create professional HOA sites without coding expertise.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one tools covering billing, violations, and communications
- Affordable per-unit pricing with no long-term contracts
- Strong mobile accessibility and integrated payment processing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Steeper learning curve for complex custom workflows
- Occasional delays in customer support during peak seasons
Best For
Small to mid-sized self-managed HOAs seeking cost-effective, feature-rich software without needing professional management services.
Pricing
Per-unit pricing starting at $1.19 per lot/home/month (Essentials plan); tiers up to $2.49 for premium features; no setup fees or contracts.
PayHOA
specializedStreamlined dues collection and basic management tool tailored for self-managed HOAs with easy payment processing and reminders.
Seamless, low-fee payment processing with automated late notices and recurring billing
PayHOA is a cloud-based software tailored for self-managed HOAs, focusing on simplifying billing, online payments, and basic administrative workflows. It enables automated invoice generation, secure payment collection via ACH, credit card, or checks, and tools for tracking violations and managing architectural requests. The platform includes resident and board portals for document sharing, announcements, and communication, reducing the need for manual processes in smaller communities.
Pros
- Affordable per-unit pricing with no long-term contracts
- Intuitive resident portal for self-service payments and docs
- Quick setup and strong focus on payment automation
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools
- Basic features compared to full-service HOA platforms
Best For
Small to mid-sized self-managed HOAs prioritizing simple, cost-effective billing and payment collection over comprehensive management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $1.50 per unit/month (min. $50/month), plus payment processing fees; no setup or hidden costs.
HOA Start
specializedAffordable, simple software for small self-managed HOAs managing assessments, violations, meetings, and resident communications.
Automated violation tracking and workflow system that simplifies enforcement with photo uploads, status updates, and resident notifications.
HOA Start is a cloud-based software platform tailored for self-managed homeowners associations, providing essential tools for dues collection, violation management, architectural requests, and resident communications. It features dedicated portals for boards and residents, along with document storage, calendars, and automated reminders to streamline HOA operations. Designed for simplicity, it helps small to mid-sized HOAs avoid the costs of professional management companies while maintaining compliance and transparency.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation for non-tech-savvy boards
- Affordable pricing scaled to community size
- Effective automation for violations and payment reminders
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics capabilities
- Few third-party integrations (e.g., no native accounting software sync)
- Customer support primarily email-based with variable response times
Best For
Small to medium self-managed HOAs (under 250 homes) seeking straightforward tools without steep learning curves or high costs.
Pricing
Tiered pricing starts at $49/month for up to 50 homes, scaling to $1.25 per home/month for larger communities, with annual discounts available.
Condo Control Central
specializedCloud-based solution for self-managed HOAs and condos with resident portals, accounting, and maintenance request tracking.
Owner self-service portal that allows residents to view statements, pay dues, and submit requests independently
Condo Control Central is a cloud-based platform tailored for self-managed condominium corporations and HOAs, offering an all-in-one solution for administrative tasks. Key functionalities include an owner self-service portal for payments, document access, and violation notices, alongside integrated accounting, architectural request management, and communication tools. It empowers boards to handle operations independently without needing external property managers, with mobile accessibility for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Affordable per-unit pricing model with no setup fees or contracts
- Comprehensive self-service owner portal reduces admin workload
- Integrated financial tools including ACH payments and basic accounting
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Customer support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Small to mid-sized self-managed HOAs and condos prioritizing cost savings and essential management tools over advanced customization.
Pricing
Starts at $0.99 per unit per month (billed annually), scaling with features; minimum 50 units.
Buildium
enterpriseScalable property management software with HOA features including resident portals, accounting, and violation tracking for self-management.
Integrated violation tracking and enforcement workflow with automated notices and board approval processes
Buildium is a comprehensive property management platform tailored for self-managed HOAs, condominiums, and rental properties, offering tools for dues collection, accounting, violation tracking, and maintenance management. It features a resident portal for online payments, communications, and document access, enabling boards to streamline operations without third-party managers. The software also includes robust reporting, budgeting, and work order functionalities to support efficient HOA governance.
Pros
- Powerful accounting and automated dues collection with late fee tracking
- Intuitive resident portal for self-service payments and communications
- Comprehensive reporting and violation management tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for smaller HOAs, making it less ideal for tiny communities
- Some advanced features have a learning curve
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized self-managed HOAs needing an all-in-one solution for financials, resident engagement, and compliance tracking.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $58/month (billed annually) for up to 20 units; scales to Growth ($183/month for 50 units) and Premium ($375/month for 100 units), plus per-unit fees.
DoorLoop
enterpriseModern all-in-one platform for HOAs with self-service portals, automated payments, leasing, and maintenance tools.
Unified dashboard that combines HOA governance, maintenance, and accounting in a single intuitive interface
DoorLoop is an all-in-one property management platform that extends robust capabilities to self-managed HOAs, including automated dues collection, violation tracking, architectural request management, and resident portals. It integrates accounting, maintenance requests, and communication tools to streamline HOA operations without needing a professional manager. While primarily designed for rental properties, its HOA module provides scalable features for community governance and financial management.
Pros
- Automated billing and online payments with late fee enforcement
- Comprehensive resident and board portals for transparency
- Integrated accounting and reporting tailored for HOA finances
Cons
- HOA features feel secondary to rental property focus
- Pricing scales per unit/door, costly for small HOAs
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy board members
Best For
Small to mid-sized self-managed HOAs that may also manage rental units and need scalable automation.
Pricing
Starts at $59 per property/month (Basic), $99 (Pro), $149+ (Premium); HOA pricing often customized based on units/doors with a free trial.
AppFolio
enterprisePowerful HOA management software featuring online payments, inspections, and owner portals suitable for self-managed communities.
Automated accounting with bank integration and real-time financial reporting
AppFolio is a comprehensive cloud-based property management platform with specialized HOA modules designed for self-managed communities. It streamlines operations like online payments, violation tracking, architectural reviews, maintenance requests, and resident communications through intuitive portals and a mobile app. The software excels in automated accounting and reporting, making it suitable for HOAs handling finances and compliance without professional managers.
Pros
- Powerful integrated accounting and automated invoicing
- User-friendly resident and board portals with mobile access
- Strong violation management and document storage
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small HOAs under 200 units
- Moderate learning curve for non-tech-savvy boards
- Some advanced features geared more toward professional managers
Best For
Larger self-managed HOAs (100+ units) needing robust financial and operational automation.
Pricing
Starts at ~$1.40 per unit/month (200-unit minimum ~$280/month), custom quotes for HOAs.
Smartwebs
specializedComprehensive web-based HOA software for dues, governance, amenities, and violations with strong self-management capabilities.
Advanced HOA website builder with branded, mobile-responsive portals for residents and boards
Smartwebs is a specialized software platform tailored for self-managed Homeowners Associations (HOAs), offering tools to streamline community management tasks. It includes customizable HOA websites, violation tracking, architectural review committee (ARC) management, resident billing and payments, document storage, and communication portals. Designed for HOA boards without professional managers, it centralizes operations to enhance efficiency and resident engagement.
Pros
- Robust HOA website builder with resident portals
- Comprehensive violation and ARC management tools
- Integrated billing and online payment processing
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing scales quickly for larger communities
- Limited third-party integrations
Best For
Small to mid-sized self-managed HOAs seeking an all-in-one platform for websites, compliance, and billing.
Pricing
Starts at $75/month for up to 100 homes, with tiered plans scaling to $300+/month based on community size; includes setup fees.
HOAworks
specializedRobust online community management system for self-managed HOAs handling communications, payments, and board elections.
Robust violation tracking and automated workflow system for compliance management
HOAworks is a cloud-based software platform tailored for self-managed homeowners associations, offering tools for dues collection, member communications, violation tracking, architectural reviews, and document management. It features a resident portal for online payments, request submissions, and community updates, alongside board tools for governance and reporting. Ideal for smaller HOAs seeking an all-in-one solution without needing external management.
Pros
- Comprehensive HOA-specific features like violation workflows and ARC requests
- Affordable pricing scaled to community size
- Reliable member portal for self-service access
Cons
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive
- Limited integrations with accounting or other third-party tools
- Basic reporting capabilities without advanced customization
Best For
Small to mid-sized self-managed HOAs needing straightforward tools for daily operations without complex setups.
Pricing
Tiered annual pricing starting at ~$300/year for up to 50 units, scaling to ~$1.50-$2 per unit/month for larger communities.
Conclusion
After careful review, the best self-managed HOA software is clear: HOA Express leads with a comprehensive all-in-one platform that handles dues, violations, communications, and board tasks seamlessly. While SwiftHOA impresses with its user-friendly design and robust owner portal, and PayHOA streamlines dues collection with easy payments, both remain strong alternatives for specific needs. Each tool offers value, but HOA Express stands as the top choice for versatile, efficient management.
Don’t miss out on the top-ranked HOA Express—start optimizing your self-managed community today with its intuitive, all-inclusive features.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison