LodgeX PMS vs Buildium — Which Is Right for You?
An honest, side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best property management software for your needs.
Quick Verdict
Choose LodgeX if you want modern, affordable software for under 100 units. Choose Buildium if you need an established platform with every feature under the sun and don't mind paying $62+/mo for it.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| LodgeX PMS | Buildium | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free ($0/mo) | $62/mo (Essential) |
| Price for 10 units | Free | $62/mo |
| Price for 25 units | $29/mo | $62/mo |
| Price for 50 units | $69/mo | $174/mo (Growth) |
| Price for 100 units | $69/mo | $174/mo+ |
| Free tier | Yes (5 units) | No |
| Minimum units | None | None |
| Online rent collection | Included | Included |
| ACH fee | Included in plan | $2.35/transaction + $99 setup |
| Tenant portal | Included | Included |
| Owner portal | Included | Included |
| Maintenance tracking | Included | Included |
| Tenant screening | Pro plan ($29/mo) | Add-on |
| Accounting & reports | Included | Included |
| Lease management | Included | Included |
| Document storage | Pro plan | Included |
| Mobile app | Responsive web app | iOS & Android |
| API access | Business plan ($69/mo) | Premium plan ($375/mo) |
| Customer support | Email, chat, phone (by plan) | Email, phone |
| Setup fee | None | $99 bank account setup |
About Buildium
Buildium has been a staple of the property management software industry since 2004. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools covering everything from rent collection and maintenance tracking to full accounting, 1099 e-filing, and even property management websites. For managers who need a platform that handles every aspect of their business, Buildium delivers.
Where Buildium really shines is in its depth of features. The platform includes resident screening, an owner portal, property listing syndication, a resident center for tenants, and robust reporting tools. It also integrates well with popular accounting software and has a strong track record of reliability.
The trade-off is cost. Buildium's Essential plan starts at $62/mo, and the Growth plan jumps to $174/mo. On top of subscription costs, there are per-transaction fees for ACH payments ($2.35 each) and a one-time $99 bank account setup fee. For small landlords with just a handful of units, these costs add up quickly.
About LodgeX PMS
LodgeX PMS is a modern property management platform built specifically for small-to-mid-size landlords. Where legacy platforms like Buildium were designed in the mid-2000s and have accumulated years of feature complexity, LodgeX takes a focused approach: deliver the features landlords actually use every day, at a price that makes sense.
The platform includes online rent collection, tenant and owner portals, maintenance request tracking, lease management, financial reporting, and a real-time ledger system. Everything is built on modern technology — fast, responsive, and designed for how property managers actually work in 2026.
Most importantly, LodgeX offers a genuinely free tier for up to 5 units. No time limits, no credit card required. This makes it ideal for new landlords who are just getting started and don't want to commit to a $62/mo subscription before they even collect their first month's rent.
Key Differences
Pricing Philosophy
Buildium charges a flat monthly fee starting at $62 regardless of portfolio size, plus per-transaction fees on every ACH payment. LodgeX starts free for up to 5 units, with paid plans at $29/mo and $69/mo that include ACH payments at no extra transaction cost. For a landlord with 10 units, that's a difference of $744/year before you even count ACH fees.
Transaction Fees
Buildium charges $2.35 per incoming ACH payment. If you manage 25 units and collect rent monthly, that's roughly $705/year in transaction fees alone — on top of your subscription. LodgeX includes ACH payments in all plans with no per-transaction fees.
Modern vs Legacy Technology
Buildium has been around since 2004. While they've updated the interface over the years, the underlying architecture shows its age. LodgeX is built on modern web technology (Next.js, React) from the ground up, resulting in faster load times, a more intuitive interface, and easier ongoing development of new features.
Feature Depth vs Simplicity
Buildium offers more features overall — including native mobile apps, property management websites, and deeper integrations. LodgeX focuses on the features that matter most to landlords with under 100 units, keeping the interface clean and the learning curve short. If you need every possible feature, Buildium has more. If you want to get up and running quickly, LodgeX wins.
Who Should Choose Buildium
Buildium is the better choice if you manage a larger portfolio (50+ units) and need advanced features like 1099 e-filing, property management websites, and deep accounting integrations. It's also worth considering if you value a long track record — Buildium has been serving property managers for over 20 years and has a mature, battle-tested platform.
If you're a property management company (not an individual landlord) with a team of employees, Buildium's comprehensive feature set and established workflows may justify the higher cost. The platform handles complex scenarios that simpler tools don't address.
Who Should Choose LodgeX
LodgeX is the better choice if you're a small-to-mid-size landlord managing between 1 and 100 units. If you've been managing properties with spreadsheets, Venmo, and sticky notes, LodgeX gives you professional tools without the professional price tag.
It's especially compelling if you're just getting started. The free tier lets you try real property management software with no risk and no cost. As your portfolio grows, you can upgrade to Pro or Business at prices that won't eat into your margins. And you'll never pay per-transaction fees on rent collection — your tenants' rent is your revenue, not ours.
What You'd Pay: LodgeX vs Buildium
Annual cost comparison at different portfolio sizes.
| Portfolio Size | LodgeX (Annual) | Buildium (Annual) | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 units | $0 | $744 | $744/yr |
| 10 units | $0 | $744+ | $744+/yr |
| 25 units | $348 | $744+ | $396+/yr |
| 50 units | $828 | $2,088 | $1,260/yr |
| 100 units | $828 | $2,088+ | $1,260+/yr |
Buildium prices exclude per-transaction ACH fees ($2.35 each). Actual savings may be higher.