Simpli Management vs AppFolio: An In-Depth Comparison

Overview

Choosing the right property management software is crucial for efficiency and growth. In this comparison, we analyze Simpli Management and AppFolio—two leading solutions in the market—to determine which platform best meets your needs.

Simpli Management is designed with simplicity and transparent per-unit pricing in mind. It provides core functionality with advanced financial analytics and an intuitive user interface that helps small to mid-sized landlords streamline their operations.

In contrast, AppFolio is a robust, all-in-one property management system known for its extensive feature set, automation capabilities, and integrations. Its tiered pricing model, designed for larger portfolios, offers additional tools for marketing, leasing, and comprehensive reporting—but may be more complex for smaller operations.

Note: AppFolio’s product has additional features not listed in this article. Please contact AppFolio for more information on their property management software.

Pricing Comparison

Simpli Management keeps pricing straightforward and affordable:

• $2/unit per month for vacant units
• $5/unit per month for occupied units
• No hidden fees or minimum charges

This simple per-unit model allows for predictable budgeting and cost management as your portfolio grows.

AppFolio, on the other hand, employs a tiered pricing structure:

• Core Plan: $1.49 per unit per month with a minimum unit requirement of 50 and a minimum monthly spend (typically around $298)
• Plus Plan: Upgraded features at approximately $3.20 per unit per month
• Max Plan: Advanced leasing and customization tools at about $5.00 per unit per month

While AppFolio offers a comprehensive suite of features, its pricing is generally better suited for larger portfolios where the cost is offset by additional functionality and integrations.

Feature Comparison

While both platforms cover the essentials—online rent collection, maintenance, and tenant applications—Simpli Management distinguishes itself with integrated portfolio analysis and loan tracking, features not available in AppFolio’s core offering.

Accounting

A robust accounting system is the backbone of any property management solution. Accurate financial tracking, timely reporting, and integrated analytics are essential for making informed decisions.

Simpli Management:

• Comprehensive accounting tools for daily financial management
• Real-time income and expense tracking for up-to-date performance insights
• Expense allocation for precise budgeting
• Advanced reporting and analytics to identify trends and opportunities
• User-friendly interface that minimizes the learning curve

AppFolio:

• Accounting suite with customizable dashboards
• Automatic bank reconciliation and detailed financial statements
• Customizable owner reporting and cash flow analysis
• Integration with third-party financial tools

Both systems provide powerful accounting features, but Simpli Management focuses on delivering real-time insights in an easy-to-use format.

Maintenance

Efficient maintenance management is crucial to preserving property value and ensuring tenant satisfaction. The right system should streamline the process from request submission to vendor payment tracking.

Simpli Management:

• Real-time tracking of work orders and vendor payments for swift resolutions
• A dedicated tenant maintenance request portal that simplifies submissions
• Automated expense tracking for maintenance costs integrated with financial reports
• Supports submissions from tenants, managers, and owners for comprehensive oversight

AppFolio:

• Online maintenance request submission with status updates
• Maintenance support using a combination of AI and human agents
• Integrated communication tools to facilitate vendor coordination

Both platforms aim to reduce downtime and enhance tenant satisfaction, but Simpli Management’s automation and integrated expense tracking provide an edge in operational efficiency.

Tenant Portal

A smooth tenant portal is vital for fostering positive tenant relationships. It should offer convenient access to rent payments, lease documents, and maintenance requests across devices.

Simpli Management:

• Online rent payments supporting checks, ACH, credit, and debit cards
• Integrated digital lease signing and renewal capabilities
• Real-time maintenance request submission with instant notifications
• Option for renters insurance upload to ensure compliance
• Auto payment setup to reduce late payments and streamline cash flow

AppFolio:

• Tenant portal with online payment and document access
• Integrated tenant screening and leasing tools for move-in process
• Communication channels including email and text notifications

While both platforms offer a solid tenant experience, Simpli Management’s focus on ease of use helps minimize friction during the payment and maintenance request process.

Owner Portal

An effective owner portal provides real-time insights into property performance and simplifies financial reporting. Owners need access to up-to-date data and visual dashboards for informed decision-making.

Simpli Management:

• Detailed portfolio performance tracking with real-time metrics
• Customizable financial reports tailored to owner needs
• Real-time transaction history and in-depth financial analysis
• Visual dashboards and maps illustrating portfolio growth
• Automated alerts for key performance indicators and vacancy rates

AppFolio:

• Owner dashboards with reporting features
• Customizable cash flow and balance sheet analysis
• Document sharing and communication tools

Simpli Management’s owner portal emphasizes clarity and real-time data, making it easier for owners to monitor their investments without wading through unnecessary complexity.

Pros & Cons

Simpli Management:

• Transparent, per-unit pricing with no hidden fees
• Advanced financial and portfolio analytics in an intuitive interface
• Streamlined core features designed for small to mid-sized portfolios
• Quick onboarding and minimal training requirements
• Tenant screening functionality is still under development
• Mobile app is evolving to fully match desktop capabilities

AppFolio:

• Extensive feature set with robust automation and integrations
• Advanced leasing, marketing, and reporting tools for larger portfolios
• Comprehensive support resources and training for complex operations
• Tiered pricing with minimum unit requirements can be cost-prohibitive for smaller portfolios
• Steeper learning curve due to the breadth of features

Final Thoughts

For growing landlords and property managers who value transparency, cost-effectiveness, and streamlined functionality, Simpli Management is a superior choice. Its predictable per-unit pricing and advanced financial analytics help simplify daily operations while providing actionable insights.

Conversely, AppFolio offers a feature-rich, all-in-one solution ideal for larger portfolios that require extensive automation, marketing, and reporting tools. However, its tiered pricing model and additional complexity may not be as well suited for smaller operations.