CoStar vs Crexi: Which Is Better in 2026?
CoStar/LoopNet is the data-rich institutional standard; Crexi is the free-to-start, modern challenger — many brokers simply use both.
| CoStar | Crexi | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Pricing model | — | Freemium |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Best for | Commercial Real Estate Brokers, Investors, Appraisers | Commercial Real Estate Brokers, Investors, Property Owners |
| Company size | Small, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Solo, Small, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Primary category | Data & Analytics | Listing Services |
Our Verdict
CoStar and Crexi compete most directly in listings and marketplaces, but they are different-sized bets. CoStar is the incumbent: the largest US commercial property database with 6 million+ properties, verified lease and sales comps, forecasting, tenant prospecting, and marketplace reach through LoopNet and Apartments.com, maintained by a 1,000+ person research team and used by 150,000+ professionals. Crexi is the challenger: a fast-growing marketplace with 500,000+ active listings and $4T+ in property value, combining listings, deal management, and Crexi Intelligence analytics in a modern interface, with a genuinely free tier for basic listing and search.
CoStar wins on data depth and institutional reach. Its comps, analytics, and research are the industry benchmark, and LoopNet remains the most-visited CRE marketplace. The price is premium pricing, annual contracts, and complexity that can overwhelm users who just need property search. Crexi wins on accessibility and usability: free basic access, a modern mobile experience, and no annual lock-in at the entry level. Its listing inventory is smaller in some markets, its data depth is still maturing, and institutional players still default to CoStar.
Bottom line: institutional brokers, investors, appraisers, and lenders who need verified comps and analytics should pay for CoStar. Independent brokers and smaller shops marketing listings should start with Crexi's free tier and upgrade as needed. Many brokers list on both to maximize exposure.
CoStar
Crexi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crexi a real alternative to CoStar and LoopNet?
For listing and marketing properties, yes. Crexi has 500,000+ active listings and has become a top LoopNet alternative with a modern interface and free basic access. For research-grade comps, ownership data, and analytics, CoStar's database remains substantially deeper.
What does each platform cost?
Crexi offers a free tier for basic listings and search, with Pro and Enterprise subscriptions quoted by sales. CoStar is subscription-based with premium, quote-based pricing and annual contracts, which its own critics note can be cost-prohibitive for smaller firms and individual brokers.
Should I list my property on both?
If budget allows, exposure argues for it. LoopNet brings the largest audience while Crexi is free to start and growing fast. Solo brokers on a budget can begin with Crexi's free listings and add paid syndication where a specific market demands it.