Comparison

DoorLoop vs. Buildium: Which Software is Best for Landlords?

By Kylee Parry November 12, 2024

If you’re in the market for a property management software, you know that there are a lot of options out there. But you don’t just want any option, you want a platform that will make your life easier and more organized. Finding the right one for your business, though, can be a challenge.

So, out of all the options out there, we’ll focus on how DoorLoop and Buildium stack up for right now. In this article, we’ll go over the unique features of both platforms so that you can get a better idea of what to expect.

While we’re at it, we’ll talk about TenantCloud and how it’s changing the game for property managers for over a decade. Let’s go!

A Brief Overview

DoorLoop and Buildium are two top contenders with similar features aimed at simplifying rental management. From rent collection, to financial reporting, to maintenance, to tenant tools, they both offer helpful features.
DoorLoop provides a streamlined interface designed for smaller landlords, while Buildium delivers more complex options suited to larger portfolios.
The cost of DoorLoop and Buildium depend on number of units and features, so your mileage may vary as far as monthly costs. There are no free plans with either option, but free guided trials and demos are available.
TenantCloud stands out for its intuitive interface and ability to grow within the platform, making it the perfect mid-point for landlords looking for the perfect combination.

DoorLoop Breakdown

DoorLoop is an all-in-one software curated to owners and landlords who want to streamline their property management business. DoorLoop offers a variety of features, including accounting, tenant screening, online payments, and more.

DoorLoop Pricing and Plans

DoorLoop offers three subscription plans with increased features the higher the plan. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Starter Plan - $59/month

Online rent collection
Tenant portal
Maintenance requests
Basic accounting
Applications
Tenant screenings
Lease management
eSignatures

Pro Plan - $119/month

Includes everything in Starter plus:

Tenant communication
Additional financial reporting

Premium Plan - $169/month

Features everything in Starter and Pro plus:

VIP support
Free ACH payments (incoming)
Zapier integration
Free eSignatures
Unlimited users

Summary
One of the unique selling points of DoorLoop is its versatility in managing a wide range of property types. This makes DoorLoop an ideal choice for those looking for an all-encompassing property management solution. However, its pricing is on the higher end compared to other solutions.

Buildium Breakdown

Buildium is a long-standing platform designed for property management. With their user-friendly tools, its designed to simplify property management for larger businesses. It offers a variety of features including the following:

Accounting: Track basic finances like income, expenses, and more
Maintenance Requests: Tenants can create and track maintenance requests
Listings: Advertise listings online
eSignatures: Automatically fill and sign lease agreements
Tenant Screenings: Run screenings on potential tenants
Online Payments: Collect rent, send payment reminders, automate, etc.
Tenant Communication: Communicate with tenants, vendors, etc.
Insights: Generate analytic reports on your rental market and data

Buildium Pricing and Plans

Essential Plan - $58/month

Robust accounting
Tasks
Online payments
Maintenance requests
Violations
Online portals
Free listing website
Basic tenant screening
Reports
Customer service via ticket support

Available leads for purchase

Additional Fees Include:
eSignatures for $5 each
Outgoing EFT transaction rates at $1.99/per
$99 fee for each bank account added

Growth Plan - $183/month

Includes everything in Essential, plus:

Property inspections
Enhanced tenant screenings
Unlimited eSignatures
Reporting
5 free bank accounts ($99 after)
Analytics
Live phone support
Priority support option
Onboarding (additional fees apply)

Additional Fees Include:

Outgoing EFT transactions $0.60/per

Premium Plan - $375/month

Features everything in Essential and Growth, plus:

$500 worth of free leads (based on eligibility)
15 free bank accounts ($99 after)
Open API
Priority support
Dedicated Growth Consultant for leads

Additional Fees Include:

Outgoing EFT transactions $0.50/per

Summary

One of the unique selling points of Buildium is its robust property management features. Buildium is a great choice for a complete solution in organizing and streamlining properties.

DoorLoop vs. Buildium: A Comparison

Now let’s compare the features of each platform. It’s clear both platforms have strengths when it comes to managing properties, yet they take slightlly different approaches.

User Interface and Ease of Use

DoorLoop emphasizes ease of use, which can be especially attractive to smaller landlords who need straightforward navigation and minimal setup. Buildium, on the other hand, caters more to professional property managers and larger portfolios, with a more feature-rich interface to accommodate.

Core Features

Both DoorLoop and Buildium cover the essentials: rent collection, tenant screening, lease management, and maintenance tracking. However, DoorLoop’s inclusion of QuickBooks sync, integrated tenant communication, and free ACH payments on the higher-tier plans offers a more complete experience for landlords aiming to streamline financials and communication.

Buildium sets itself apart with more in-depth property management analytics, property inspection features, and specialized options for priority support and dedicated growth consultants on the Premium plan.

Pricing Structure

DoorLoop starts at $59/month, progressing to $169/month for the Premium Plan, which includes features like Zapier integration and unlimited users, which can be ideal for collaborative property management.

Buildium’s pricing starts lower at $58/month, but certain features (like eSignatures and added bank accounts) incur additional fees.

For those seeking comprehensive support, Buildium’s Premium plan at $375/month includes open API access and a dedicated growth consultant, which can be beneficial for scaling operations.

Customer Support

By comparison, DoorLoop excels in customer support with its 24/7 live support and various support channels, which can be crucial for landlords needing immediate assistance. Buildium does offer live phone support only on higher-tier plans, with Premium users benefit from priority support and onboarding services.

TenantCloud: An Alternative Worth Considering

While DoorLoop and Buildium each bring robust solutions to property management, TenantCloud stands out as a flexible alternative that bridges the gap for landlords of growing portfolio sizes. With its intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface and scalable feature set, TenantCloud is designed to grow alongside your business, providing essential features without over-complicating the experience.

Final Verdict

For smaller landlords or those who prioritize ease of use and affordability, DoorLoop offers a streamlined experience with strong customer support and essential management tools. Buildium shines for those managing larger portfolios or looking for advanced reporting, detailed tenant screening, and premium support options.

Meanwhile, TenantCloud provides an alternative, blending usability and scalability, making it a versatile option for landlords looking for a long-term solution. Choosing the best platform depends on your business needs, budget, and preference for support and scalability.