Agilysys PMS vs. Counter:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right Property Management System (PMS) for your hotel hinges on your property’s size, guest profile, and operational needs. Agilysys PMS offers a comprehensive, feature-rich platform designed for larger, multi-property, or luxury hotels, while Counter caters to hostels and smaller properties emphasizing simplicity and affordability. Both systems aim to streamline operations, but their scope, usability, and scalability differ markedly. Your team needs to consider which aligns best with your current and future growth plans.

Agilysys PMS boasts a broad feature set and extensive industry presence, yet it suffers from fewer recent reviews and a lower overall rating compared to Counter. Counter’s smaller user base and recent surge in positive reviews make it a more reliable choice for hostels and small hotels. How do these differences influence your decision?

Is Agilysys PMS or Counter Better for Hotels?

Both Agilysys PMS and Counter serve distinct segments effectively. Agilysys is tailored for larger hotels, resorts, and properties with complex operational requirements, offering over 36 exclusive features and integrations that support extensive service delivery. In contrast, Counter is built for hostels and small properties, focusing on ease of use, quick onboarding, and essential automation with just one unique feature: cloud-based flexibility.

Agilysys’s platform is deeply customizable and designed for scalability, but it comes with a steeper learning curve and higher cost, reflected in its $1,000 base price. Counter, being free, is accessible and straightforward, especially for properties with limited staff or minimal technical expertise. Do your hotel’s needs lean toward comprehensive, multi-module management or simple, fast operations?

Agilysys PMS vs Counter: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates multiple properties, caters to high-end guests, or requires a broad array of features like digital registration, automated messaging, and revenue management, Agilysys PMS is the logical choice. Its detailed modules and integrations support complex workflows, making it ideal for luxury resorts or hotels with extensive front- and back-office needs.

Conversely, if your team values simplicity, affordability, and rapid setup—especially if you run a hostel, B&B, or boutique hotel—Counter’s intuitive interface and automation features will serve you better. Its mobile-friendly design and ease of use facilitate quick staff training and remote management, critical for small-scale operations.

In summary, choose Agilysys if you need a comprehensive, scalable system for a large or luxury property. Opt for Counter if affordability, ease of use, and rapid deployment are your priorities.

Is Agilysys PMS or Counter Easier to Use?

Agilysys PMS’s interface has a usability rating of 4.36/5, with reviews highlighting its logical button setup but noting the initial learning curve due to the sheer number of features. Onboarding is rated 3.69/5, with some users describing the process as tedious given the system’s complexity. Support quality is moderate, with some review quotes indicating delays in responses and product upgrades.

Counter, on the other hand, scores 4.6/5 for ease of use, praised consistently for its intuitive, mobile-friendly design. Its onboarding process is rated 4.7/5, with users emphasizing quick staff training and simple navigation. Support is highly responsive, often praised for quick, helpful responses.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Agilysys PMS or Counter?

Agilysys PMS has 36 features exclusive to its platform, including guest messaging, digital registration, automated reminders, integrated ID scanners, and real-time reporting—features crucial for large properties aiming for personalized, efficient service. Its module for revenue management, shift planning, and automated space optimization showcase its depth, making it suitable for properties with complex operations.

Counter offers only one unique feature: cloud-based management, but it integrates POS systems, automates payments, and streamlines check-ins/outs. While fewer features overall, this simplicity helps small hotels and hostels operate efficiently without overwhelming staff.

Edge: Agilysys PMS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Agilysys PMS or Counter?

Counter’s support ratings are significantly higher at 4.96/5, with reviews highlighting prompt, professional responses from staff like Evelyn and Max. Many users appreciate the quick assistance and ongoing improvements, even amid system bugs.

Agilysys PMS’s support scores 3.92/5, with some reviews noting slower response times and delays in system updates. Customers mention that while the software is robust, support can be inconsistent, impacting operational continuity.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Agilysys PMS or Counter?

Agilysys PMS boasts 23 verified partners, including major integrations like SiteMinder, Revinate, and GOKI, facilitating extensive connectivity for large-scale operations. Its broad integration network supports property-wide automation and third-party services, reducing fragmentation.

Counter has 7 verified integrations, including Stripe, Goki, and Channel Manager platforms. It integrates well with essential tools for hostels, but fewer options limit scalability for larger properties with complex needs.

Edge: Agilysys PMS.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Agilysys PMS or Counter?

Counter enjoys a higher overall rating of 4.73/5 based on 54 reviews, with recent feedback emphasizing its ease of use, support, and value. Hotel reviews, especially from hostels and small properties, consistently praise the platform’s simplicity and responsiveness.

Agilysys PMS’s rating is 3.22/5 across 42 reviews, with recent feedback indicating frustration over support delays and system complexity. Its property segment ratings vary, with luxury and resort properties generally more favorable than independent hotels.

Edge: Counter.

How Much Do Agilysys PMS and Counter Cost?

Agilysys PMS charges a $1,000 base price, with no mention of ongoing subscription fees or implementation costs. Its pricing reflects its enterprise-level scope and feature set.

Counter’s core offering is free, with no subscription or implementation fees, making it highly accessible for small properties. Additional costs may arise from integrations or optional add-ons, but basic management remains budget-friendly.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Agilysys PMS?

• Hotels that operate multiple properties or resorts, needing extensive modules and integrations.
• Properties with complex service offerings like spas, restaurants, or event spaces.
• Large hotels or resorts aiming for detailed guest profiles, revenue management, and automation.
• Businesses that prioritize a unified, scalable system despite a longer onboarding process.
• Teams prepared to invest in a high-cost system with comprehensive support.

Not ideal if your hotel is small, budget-sensitive, or prefers a lightweight, quick-to-deploy system.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hostels, B&Bs, and small boutique hotels seeking an easy-to-use management tool.
• Properties with limited staff or minimal IT infrastructure.
• Hotels that prioritize guest automation, mobile management, and quick onboarding.
• Small properties that need to keep costs low without sacrificing essential features.
• Teams that value responsive customer support and ongoing system improvements.

Not ideal if you require extensive integrations, advanced revenue management, or scalable modules for large operations.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Agilysys PMS is a robust, feature-rich platform tailored for larger, more complex properties. Its extensive modules support luxury hotels and resorts aiming for personalized guest experiences, but it demands a significant investment of time and money.

Counter appeals to small hotels and hostels that need a straightforward, affordable system with excellent support and ease of use. Its limited but effective feature set simplifies daily operations without sacrificing essential automation.

In conclusion, if your property’s size, complexity, or luxury level demands a comprehensive system, Agilysys PMS is the clear choice. However, if your focus is on simplicity, quick deployment, and budget-friendliness, Counter’s recent reviews and high ratings make it the safer bet.

Note: The final decision should consider your property’s specific needs for scalability, feature depth, budget, and staff capabilities.