Counter vs. High Level Software: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 15, 2026  ·  57 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 57 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:

Counter shines in ease of use and customer support , with exclusive features like Payment processing and Housekeeping module.

High Level Software shines .

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Counter Compare to High Level Software?

Side-by-side ratings based on 57 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
17
0
Likelihood to Recommend
91%
0%
Ease of Use
4.6/5
0.0/5
Customer Support
4.9/5
0.0/5
Value for Money
4.8/5
0.0/5
Starting Price Contact sales Contact sales
Verified Reviews 57 0

What Are the Pros and Cons of Counter vs High Level Software?

After analyzing 57 verified reviews, Counter users most value its user interface and usability, customer support, automated features, while High Level Software users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Counter Counter High Level Software
Pros
+ User interface and usability
+ Customer support
+ Automated features
+ Platform integration
Cons
Bug issues
Reporting and revenue management
Pricing

Counter vs High Level Software: Rankings by Hotel Segment

How each product ranks among Property Management Systems vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.

By Hotel Size

Segment Counter Counter High Level Software
Small (10-24 rooms) #26 28 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #46 4 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #32 2 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #31 1 reviews

By Property Type

Segment Counter Counter High Level Software
Boutique #31 16 reviews
Luxury #44 4 reviews
Branded / Chain #43 4 reviews
Extended Stay #32 5 reviews

By Region

Segment Counter Counter High Level Software
North America #25 8 reviews
Europe #20 25 reviews
Asia Pacific #16 4 reviews
Middle East #11 2 reviews

The Decision

Choosing between Counter by Counter and High Level Software hinges on your hotel's size, operational needs, and your team’s familiarity with property management systems. Counter excels at serving hostels and small accommodations with a straightforward, user-friendly approach, while High Level Software offers a broader, more integrated experience suited for larger hotels. Both aim to streamline operations, but their core functionalities and market presence differ markedly. Which solution aligns better with your operational goals?

Counter's strong focus on hostels and small properties, combined with its ease of use and extensive feature set, makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious or fast-paced environments. Conversely, High Level Software’s limited review data and lack of recent feedback make it less clear whether it can meet the same level of operational support or user satisfaction. So, are you prioritizing a proven, user-loved system or exploring a more comprehensive, but less verified, platform?


Is Counter or High Level Software Better for Hotels?

Counter stands out due to its high user ratings, with a recent overall score of 4.73/5 based on 54 reviews, and a 91% likelihood to recommend among hoteliers. Its customer support rating is 4.96/5, and ease of use is rated at 4.6/5, reflecting widespread satisfaction. In contrast, High Level Software has no recent reviews or ratings, leaving their performance and user experience uncertain.

Counter is primarily designed for hostels, with 83% of its user base in that segment, and caters to small hotels, inns, and boutique properties looking for an intuitive, mobile-friendly PMS. High Level Software’s lack of segment-specific data and recent reviews makes it difficult to gauge its suitability or reliability. Given the recent review volume and high ratings, Counter is clearly the more trusted choice for small accommodation providers today.


Counter vs High Level Software: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a PMS with proven reliability, extensive reviews, and features tailored for hostels and small properties, go with Counter. Its user-friendly interface, integrated channel manager, payment processing, and automation tools support daily operations efficiently. If your hotel requires a system capable of handling complex revenue management, multi-property management, or detailed analytics—and you’re willing to navigate less proven software—then High Level Software might be worth exploring.

Counter’s numerous verified integrations, including Stripe, Goki, and SiteMinder, plus its dedicated support team, make it a safe choice for small to mid-sized hotels. High Level Software’s lack of visible integrations, recent reviews, and limited feature clarity makes it a riskier option without concrete evidence of user satisfaction. For immediate, proven results, Counter remains the clear choice.


Is Counter or High Level Software Easier to Use?

Counter scores 4.6/5 for ease of use, with many reviews emphasizing its intuitive interface and simple onboarding, especially for hostel staff. Hoteliers note that staff can quickly learn and teach the system, and its mobile app enables management from anywhere. Support responsiveness also contributes to smoother adoption, with many users praising Evelyn and Max for helpful, quick assistance.

High Level Software offers no recent user ratings or reviews, leaving their usability and onboarding process unverified. Without recent feedback, it’s impossible to judge whether it’s as easy or straightforward as Counter. Based on current data, Edge: Counter.


Which Has Better Features: Counter or High Level Software?

Counter boasts 19 features exclusive to its platform, including a channel manager, booking engine, automated night audit, guest CRM, multi-currency options, and ancillary revenue tracking. These features directly target hostel operations and small hotel needs, helping streamline day-to-day tasks and guest management.

High Level Software’s feature set remains unverified due to a lack of recent reviews, but it claims to integrate reservations, guest communications, and revenue analytics into one system. However, it offers no detailed feature comparison or unique functionalities. Given Counter’s extensive feature list and proven use cases, it edges out High Level Software for feature depth and focus.


Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or High Level Software?

Counter’s customer support receives near-perfect ratings at 4.96/5, with reviews highlighting fast, professional assistance from team members like Evelyn and Max. Users consistently praise the responsiveness and helpfulness of their support team, which is crucial when implementing new systems.

High Level Software offers no recent review data or detailed support feedback, making it impossible to assess its support quality. Without verified support ratings or testimonials, the safe assumption is that Counter’s highly-rated, responsive support makes it the more reliable option. Edge: Counter.


Which Has More Integrations: Counter or High Level Software?

Counter integrates with seven verified partners, including major platforms like WuBook, SiteMinder, Cloudbeds, Stripe, and Goki. These integrations cover channel management, payment processing, and access control, simplifying multi-platform operations.

High Level Software has no publicly verified integrations listed, which could limit its ability to fit into existing tech stacks. Given Counter’s proven integration network and partner ecosystem, it clearly offers more operational flexibility and connectivity. Edge: Counter.


Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or High Level Software?

Counter’s recent reviews have earned it a high rating of 4.73/5, with 54 reviews in the last six months. Its users, mostly in the hostel segment, consistently praise the platform for ease of use, customer support, and feature set. Hotels that prefer simple, reliable tools with strong support also rate Counter highly.

High Level Software, lacking recent reviews and ratings, provides no recent data to suggest user satisfaction. Without current feedback, we cannot confidently assess how it performs or how hoteliers perceive it. Based on available data, Edge: Counter.


How Much Do Counter and High Level Software Cost?

Counter does not list explicit pricing, but it is a free PMS with optional paid add-ons such as payment processing. Its no-cost base model makes it highly accessible for small hostels and budget properties.

High Level Software similarly does not publish specific prices, but the absence of clear pricing options suggests it might be a customized or enterprise solution, possibly involving higher costs. For small hotels seeking a budget-friendly, transparent solution, Counter’s free model offers significant value.


What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

  • Hotels that operate hostels, budget accommodations, or small inns.
  • Teams that need an easy-to-learn, mobile-accessible PMS.
  • Properties prioritizing rapid onboarding and customer support.
  • Hotels seeking integrated channel management and automation.
  • Businesses focused on reducing manual tasks with automated payments and night audits.

Not ideal if:

  • You manage a large resort or chain requiring complex revenue analytics.
  • Your hotel needs highly customizable, enterprise-grade features.
  • You require extensive multi-property management.

What Type of Hotel Should Use High Level Software?

  • Larger hotels or multi-property operators seeking integrated reservation and revenue management.
  • Teams that rely on detailed analytics and reporting to optimize revenue.
  • Hotels needing robust automation for check-ins, invoicing, and guest communication.
  • Properties looking to centralize operations into one platform for operational efficiency.

Not ideal if:

  • You prioritize proven, highly-rated solutions with extensive reviews.
  • You operate in regions where support and integrations are critical.
  • Your hotel is small or budgets are limited, as no clear pricing or recent verified reviews are available.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter by Counter is the more established, highly-rated PMS, especially suited for hostels and small hotels. Its ease of use, broad feature set, and extensive integrations make it a practical choice for daily operations and guest management.

High Level Software appears to offer a comprehensive platform, but the lack of recent reviews and performance data makes it difficult to recommend confidently. It may suit larger, more complex properties if proven features and support are verified.

If your hotel values reliability, proven customer satisfaction, and extensive integrations, Counter is the clear choice. For larger hotels with advanced analytics needs and willing to explore unverified options, High Level Software could be considered—though caution is advised.

How Much Do Counter and High Level Software Cost?

Property Management Systems pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.

Counter Counter High Level Software

Which Features Does Counter Have That High Level Software Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

According to HTR's product database, Counter and High Level Software share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.

Feature Counter Counter High Level Software
Booking Engine
Calendar view
Channel Manager
Custom rates
Payment processing
RevPaR & ADR Reports

Showing top differences. 7 more features differ between these products.

Counter vs High Level Software: The Bottom Line

Counter
Counter
4.6/5 from 57 reviews

What hoteliers love

User interface and usability 83% positive

Hoteliers find Counter's interface clean, intuitive, and user-friendly, making it easy to train new staff quickly. The mobile and desktop interfaces w... Hoteliers find Counter's interface clean, intuitive, and user-friendly, making it easy to train new staff quickly. The mobile and desktop interfaces work well, allowing managers to handle tasks remotely. It is particularly noted for its simplicity in calendar and calendar management.

Customer support 98% positive

The support team at Counter is frequently praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness. Staff like Evelyn and Max receive specific mentions for thei... The support team at Counter is frequently praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness. Staff like Evelyn and Max receive specific mentions for their professionalism. However, there are concerns about slower support in certain time zones.

Automated features 83% positive

Users appreciate Counter's automated features that include tasks like contactless check-in, automating credit card charges, and managing bookings acro... Users appreciate Counter's automated features that include tasks like contactless check-in, automating credit card charges, and managing bookings across platforms. This automation reduces staff workload and improves operational efficiency.

Where hoteliers push back

Bug issues 86% negative

Several hoteliers mention persistent bugs in the system, particularly issues with overbookings, bed availability display, and system errors during boo... Several hoteliers mention persistent bugs in the system, particularly issues with overbookings, bed availability display, and system errors during booking cancellations. These bugs have a negative impact on daily operations and guest experience.

Reporting and revenue management 50% negative

Hoteliers appreciate Counter's reporting capabilities but note that the reports can be improved for better insights. Revenue management features are s... Hoteliers appreciate Counter's reporting capabilities but note that the reports can be improved for better insights. Revenue management features are seen as lacking, particularly for businesses operating on multiple rate plans or using dynamic pricing.

Unique capabilities

Channel Manager Payment processing Booking Engine Calendar view Custom rates
4.6/5 ease of use 5.0/5 support 7 integrations
Visit Profile
High Level Software
0.0/5 from 0 reviews
0.0/5 ease of use 0.0/5 support 0 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating Counter 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)
Ease of Use Counter 4.6 vs 0.0 (+4.6)
Customer Support Counter 5.0 vs 0.0 (+5)
Value for Money Counter 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Onboarding Counter 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)

Frequently Asked Questions About Counter vs High Level Software

Can Counter replace High Level Software?

It depends on your requirements. Counter and High Level Software share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Counter offers 7 verified integration partners, while High Level Software offers 0. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.

Which is better for small or independent hotels?

Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Counter leads in ease of use at 4.6/5 vs 0.0/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.

Do Counter or High Level Software offer a free plan?

Counter: No. High Level Software: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Property Management Systems vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Counter and High Level Software?

The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. Counter has an HT Score of 17 and High Level Software has 0. Here is how the score is calculated.

Criteria Group Weight What It Measures
Customer Ratings & Reviews

How highly do users recommend this product?

Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories

The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias.

Partner Ecosystem

How highly do tech partners recommend this company?

Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality

Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack.

Customer Centricity

How customer-centric is this organization?

Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness

Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features.

Reach, Staying Power & Resources

How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing?

Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score

Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity.

Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →

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