Quick Overview
- 1#1: HOA Express - Affordable, user-friendly software for small HOAs to manage violations, billing, architecture requests, and communications.
- 2#2: PayHOA - Simple online billing and payment platform designed specifically for small HOAs to automate dues collection and reminders.
- 3#3: Buildium - Comprehensive property management software with HOA features for accounting, resident portals, and maintenance tracking suitable for small associations.
- 4#4: DoorLoop - All-in-one property management tool offering HOA-specific modules for rent collection, work orders, and owner portals at competitive pricing.
- 5#5: Condo Control Central - Cloud-based platform for condos and small HOAs to handle billing, violations, amenities bookings, and board communications.
- 6#6: Smartwebs - HOA management software providing websites, billing, violations tracking, and architectural control for small to mid-sized communities.
- 7#7: AppFolio - Robust property management solution with HOA capabilities for online payments, inspections, and resident screening.
- 8#8: TOPS Software - Condo and HOA management system for financials, violations, calendars, and resident portals tailored to smaller properties.
- 9#9: Vantaca - Advanced community management software with analytics, billing, and compliance tools adaptable for small HOAs.
- 10#10: CINC Systems - Full-featured HOA software for accounting, CRM, and self-service portals, scalable but viable for smaller associations.
These platforms were rigorously evaluated based on feature versatility (e.g., accounting, architectural requests, resident portals), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they balance functionality with cost-effectiveness to meet the unique demands of small communities.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines essential software tools for small Homeowners Associations (HOAs), featuring HOA Express, PayHOA, Buildium, DoorLoop, Condo Control Central, and more. It outlines key features, usability, and practical applications to highlight each platform's offerings, from financial management to community communication. Readers will gain clear insights to identify the tool that aligns with their HOA's specific needs and goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HOA Express Affordable, user-friendly software for small HOAs to manage violations, billing, architecture requests, and communications. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | PayHOA Simple online billing and payment platform designed specifically for small HOAs to automate dues collection and reminders. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Buildium Comprehensive property management software with HOA features for accounting, resident portals, and maintenance tracking suitable for small associations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | DoorLoop All-in-one property management tool offering HOA-specific modules for rent collection, work orders, and owner portals at competitive pricing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Condo Control Central Cloud-based platform for condos and small HOAs to handle billing, violations, amenities bookings, and board communications. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | Smartwebs HOA management software providing websites, billing, violations tracking, and architectural control for small to mid-sized communities. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 7 | AppFolio Robust property management solution with HOA capabilities for online payments, inspections, and resident screening. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | TOPS Software Condo and HOA management system for financials, violations, calendars, and resident portals tailored to smaller properties. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Vantaca Advanced community management software with analytics, billing, and compliance tools adaptable for small HOAs. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | CINC Systems Full-featured HOA software for accounting, CRM, and self-service portals, scalable but viable for smaller associations. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
Affordable, user-friendly software for small HOAs to manage violations, billing, architecture requests, and communications.
Simple online billing and payment platform designed specifically for small HOAs to automate dues collection and reminders.
Comprehensive property management software with HOA features for accounting, resident portals, and maintenance tracking suitable for small associations.
All-in-one property management tool offering HOA-specific modules for rent collection, work orders, and owner portals at competitive pricing.
Cloud-based platform for condos and small HOAs to handle billing, violations, amenities bookings, and board communications.
HOA management software providing websites, billing, violations tracking, and architectural control for small to mid-sized communities.
Robust property management solution with HOA capabilities for online payments, inspections, and resident screening.
Condo and HOA management system for financials, violations, calendars, and resident portals tailored to smaller properties.
Advanced community management software with analytics, billing, and compliance tools adaptable for small HOAs.
Full-featured HOA software for accounting, CRM, and self-service portals, scalable but viable for smaller associations.
HOA Express
specializedAffordable, user-friendly software for small HOAs to manage violations, billing, architecture requests, and communications.
Integrated resident-facing websites and self-service portals that automatically sync with management tools for seamless member access.
HOA Express is a cloud-based management platform tailored for small homeowners associations (HOAs), offering an all-in-one solution for administrative tasks. It includes features like automated billing and online payments, violation tracking, architectural request management, resident portals, document storage, and community calendars. The software enables boards to communicate effectively with members via email blasts and newsletters while maintaining compliance and transparency.
Pros
- Extremely affordable pricing model with no long-term contracts
- Intuitive interface requiring minimal training for board volunteers
- Comprehensive feature set covering billing, violations, and communications in one platform
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer third-party integrations for specialized tools
- Customization options are basic, suiting straightforward HOA needs
Best For
Small HOAs with 10-250 homes seeking a simple, cost-effective way to handle day-to-day management without dedicated staff.
Pricing
Starts at $0.99 per home per month (minimum $49/month), with tiered plans up to $1.49 per home; no setup fees or contracts.
PayHOA
specializedSimple online billing and payment platform designed specifically for small HOAs to automate dues collection and reminders.
Automated recurring billing with intelligent late fee escalation and one-click collections
PayHOA is a streamlined billing and payment management platform tailored for homeowners associations (HOAs), automating recurring assessments, online payments, and collections. It provides a secure owner portal for self-service payments, automatic late fee calculations, and detailed financial reporting to simplify HOA finances. Designed specifically for small HOAs, it focuses on core financial operations without unnecessary complexity, making it an efficient tool for treasurers and boards managing dues collection.
Pros
- Affordable per-unit pricing ideal for small HOAs
- Intuitive owner portal for easy payments and account management
- Automated late fees, NSF handling, and collections reduce manual work
Cons
- Limited to financial management; lacks full HOA tools like violations or work orders
- Reporting is basic compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer third-party integrations than comprehensive platforms
Best For
Small HOAs (under 200 units) prioritizing simple, cost-effective billing and payment automation over full community management features.
Pricing
Starts at $1.50 per unit/month with a $50 minimum; no setup fees or long-term contracts.
Buildium
specializedComprehensive property management software with HOA features for accounting, resident portals, and maintenance tracking suitable for small associations.
Advanced violation management with automated workflows, photos, and enforcement tracking
Buildium is a robust property management software platform tailored for HOAs, condos, and residential communities, offering tools for dues collection, violation tracking, accounting, and resident communications. It streamlines operations for small HOAs with features like online portals for residents, maintenance request management, and amenity reservations. The software supports board governance with architectural review workflows and automated reminders, making it suitable for associations managing 20-100 units.
Pros
- Comprehensive HOA-specific tools like violation tracking and board packets
- Integrated accounting and online payment processing with QuickBooks sync
- User-friendly resident portal and mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with unit count, potentially expensive for very small HOAs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited customization options in reporting
Best For
Small HOAs with 20-100 units seeking an all-in-one platform for efficient dues management and resident engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $55/month for up to 20 units (Essential plan), with Growth ($165+) and Premium ($275+) plans; per-unit pricing applies beyond base tiers, plus optional add-ons.
DoorLoop
specializedAll-in-one property management tool offering HOA-specific modules for rent collection, work orders, and owner portals at competitive pricing.
Unified HOA dashboard integrating dues, violations, and architectural requests with full accounting automation
DoorLoop is an all-in-one property management platform tailored for landlords, property managers, and HOAs, offering tools for dues collection, violation tracking, maintenance requests, and accounting. It provides resident and board portals for seamless communication, automated invoicing, and financial reporting. For small HOAs, it scales efficiently with features like architectural review workflows and online voting.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform covering HOA essentials like dues and violations
- Strong automation for payments, reminders, and accounting
- Intuitive mobile app and user portals for residents and boards
Cons
- Pricing can feel steep for very small HOAs under 50 units
- Some advanced HOA customizations locked behind higher tiers
- Occasional learning curve for non-property management users
Best For
Small HOAs (20-100 units) needing scalable property management without juggling multiple tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Plus plan, up to 50 units), scales to $1-3 per unit/month for Pro/Premium tiers with advanced HOA features.
Condo Control Central
specializedCloud-based platform for condos and small HOAs to handle billing, violations, amenities bookings, and board communications.
Comprehensive violation management with photo uploads, automated notices, and resolution tracking
Condo Control Central is a cloud-based software platform tailored for small condominium corporations and HOAs, offering tools for managing violations, architectural requests, resident communications, and document sharing via an intuitive web portal and mobile app. It enables boards to handle day-to-day operations like announcements, calendars, online voting, and basic financial tracking efficiently. Designed primarily for smaller communities, it emphasizes simplicity and affordability over enterprise-scale features.
Pros
- Highly affordable per-unit pricing ideal for small HOAs
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile app support
- Excellent violation tracking and automated workflows
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Basic financial tools may require supplemental accounting software
Best For
Small HOAs and condo boards (under 200 units) seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly tool for core administrative tasks without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Starts at $1 per unit/month with a $59 minimum; scales affordably for small communities, typically $60-200/month.
Smartwebs
specializedHOA management software providing websites, billing, violations tracking, and architectural control for small to mid-sized communities.
Drag-and-drop HOA website builder with pre-built templates and mobile responsiveness
Smartwebs is a web-based platform tailored for homeowners associations, providing customizable community websites, member portals, online billing, and violation tracking tools. It facilitates resident communication through document libraries, calendars, discussion boards, and architectural request submissions. Designed for small HOAs, it emphasizes ease of setup and professional online presence without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop website builder for professional-looking HOA sites
- Integrated billing and payment processing with QuickBooks sync
- Strong communication tools including resident portals and automated notifications
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Pricing escalates quickly with add-ons and larger communities
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small HOAs with 50-250 homes seeking an affordable, website-focused management platform to boost resident engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Basic (up to 100 homes), $99/month for Standard, $199+/month for Premium; custom quotes for larger needs.
AppFolio
enterpriseRobust property management solution with HOA capabilities for online payments, inspections, and resident screening.
Integrated accounting suite with bank reconciliations and customizable financial reports
AppFolio is a comprehensive cloud-based property management platform with dedicated HOA modules for managing homeowner associations, including owner portals, violation tracking, architectural reviews, and automated billing. It offers robust accounting tools, online payment processing, and maintenance request handling to streamline HOA operations. Scalable for small to mid-sized communities, it emphasizes resident engagement and financial transparency through customizable dashboards and reporting.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including integrated accounting, violation management, and owner portals
- Strong mobile app for board members and residents
- Reliable online payments and automated reminders
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small HOAs under 50 units
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Some advanced features feel geared toward larger properties
Best For
Small HOAs with 50-200 units seeking scalable tools for accounting and resident communication without needing extensive custom development.
Pricing
Starts at $1.40 per unit per month (minimum 20 units), with no setup fees; scales with additional features like premium support.
TOPS Software
specializedCondo and HOA management system for financials, violations, calendars, and resident portals tailored to smaller properties.
Integrated violation tracking and workflow automation that streamlines compliance enforcement from notice to resolution
TOPS Software is a veteran on-premise property management solution tailored for HOAs and condominiums, offering robust tools for billing, accounts receivable/payable, violation tracking, and architectural control. It excels in financial management with features like prorated assessments, NSF handling, and detailed owner statements. Ideal for small communities, it provides customizable reporting and owner portals but requires Windows installation.
Pros
- Comprehensive HOA-specific modules like violations and architectural requests
- Strong financial tools with accurate billing and reporting
- Cost-effective one-time purchase model with reliable support
Cons
- Outdated desktop interface lacking modern cloud access
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- No mobile app or real-time online portals for all users
Best For
Small HOAs with 50-200 units seeking affordable, feature-rich on-premise software without needing cloud scalability.
Pricing
One-time licenses start at $495 for TOPS Express (up to 200 owners), scaling to $2,995+ for Pro versions, plus ~20% annual maintenance fees.
Vantaca
enterpriseAdvanced community management software with analytics, billing, and compliance tools adaptable for small HOAs.
Integrated accounting engine with automated violation tracking and collections workflow
Vantaca is a robust cloud-based platform tailored for HOA and community association management, providing end-to-end tools for accounting, violation enforcement, architectural requests, work orders, and resident portals. It automates billing, collections, and reporting to streamline operations for property managers and boards. While scalable for various sizes, its enterprise-grade features make it particularly effective for organized small HOAs with professional oversight.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite covering financials, violations, and communications
- Strong automation for billing and collections reducing manual work
- Customizable reporting and resident self-service portal
Cons
- Higher pricing can strain small HOA budgets
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Setup and onboarding may require professional assistance
Best For
Small HOAs (under 200 units) managed by property management companies needing scalable, feature-rich software.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $1.50-$3 per unit/month with minimum fees starting around $200-$500/month.
CINC Systems
enterpriseFull-featured HOA software for accounting, CRM, and self-service portals, scalable but viable for smaller associations.
Integrated AP/AR accounting with automated bank reconciliation and collections enforcement
CINC Systems is a cloud-based property management platform tailored for homeowner associations (HOAs), condominiums, and community associations, offering comprehensive tools for billing, accounting, violation tracking, architectural requests, and work orders. It includes a resident portal for self-service payments, communications, and document access, along with mobile apps for managers and residents. The software emphasizes financial accuracy, automation, and compliance, making it suitable for HOAs needing robust back-office capabilities.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including advanced accounting and automated billing
- Strong resident and manager portals with mobile access
- Dedicated support and training resources
Cons
- Higher cost structure less ideal for very small HOAs under 100 units
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing requires custom quotes with limited transparency
Best For
Small HOAs transitioning to growth or those prioritizing sophisticated financial management over simplicity.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $1.50-$3 per unit/month with minimums around $400-$600/month.
Conclusion
The reviewed HOA software provides small communities with tailored solutions to manage operations effectively. Top honors go to HOA Express, recognized for its affordability and user-friendly tools that handle violations, billing, and communications seamlessly. PayHOA and Buildium stand out as strong alternatives: PayHOA excels in automated billing, while Buildium offers comprehensive property management features, each suited to specific organizational needs.
Take the first step toward efficient HOA management—explore HOA Express to leverage its top-ranked capabilities and transform your community’s operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison