Counter vs. Portfolio HMS: 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.

Megasys shines .

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Counter Compare to Portfolio HMS?

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 Portfolio HMS?

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

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

Counter vs Megasys: 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 Megasys
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 Megasys
Boutique #31 16 reviews
Luxury #44 4 reviews
Branded / Chain #43 4 reviews
Extended Stay #32 5 reviews

By Region

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

The Decision

Choosing a property management system (PMS) is crucial for your hotel’s daily operations, guest satisfaction, and revenue. Both Counter by Counter and Portfolio HMS by Megasys aim to streamline hotel management, but they diverge significantly in terms of user base, features, and market presence. Counter is a newer system designed specifically for hostels, with a strong focus on ease of use, automation, and integration, while Megasys offers a broader hotel management package with extensive capabilities but lacks recent review data. Which one aligns better with your hotel’s needs?

Counter’s more established presence, with 54 recent reviews and a high overall rating, makes it a more reliable choice for hoteliers seeking proven user satisfaction. Megasys, with no recent reviews or ratings, provides little current feedback, raising questions about ongoing support and feature relevance. Are you prioritizing a system with proven performance and active customer feedback?

Is Counter or Megasys Better for Hotels?

Counter and Megasys serve different hotel segments, though Counter’s focus on hostels makes it more specialized. Counter simplifies operations with an intuitive interface, automation, and mobile management, which is ideal if your team values ease of use and quick onboarding. Megasys offers a comprehensive hotel management suite, including reservation, front desk, and guest communication tools, but without recent reviews, clarity on its usability is limited.

Counter’s recent reviews praise its straightforward setup, fast customer support, and automation features that reduce manual tasks. In contrast, Megasys’ lack of recent feedback makes it difficult to assess its current performance, support quality, or feature updates. Your decision hinges on whether your property benefits more from Counter’s specialized hostel focus or Megasys’ broader management capabilities.

Are you seeking a dedicated hostel PMS with proven support, or a comprehensive hotel management system that may require more setup and training?

Counter vs Megasys: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your property is primarily a hostel, budget boutique, or small hotel needing an easy-to-use, cloud-based PMS, Counter is the clear choice. Its 54 recent reviews, 4.73/5 overall rating, and 91% likelihood to recommend underscore its current relevance and customer satisfaction.

If your hotel requires a more complex management solution with extensive reporting, personalized guest service, and deeper integration, Megasys might seem appealing, but the absence of recent reviews diminishes confidence. For hoteliers prioritizing simplicity, affordability, and active support, Counter clearly outperforms Megasys at this time.

In summary, choose Counter for hostels and smaller properties that value ease of use, automation, and support. Consider Megasys only if you need a broad management system and can evaluate its current capabilities independently.

Is Counter or Megasys Easier to Use?

Counter scores a 4.6/5 for ease of use, with many reviews highlighting its simple, intuitive interface, and quick staff onboarding process. Users report that the platform is friendly for staff and easy to learn, with a clean mobile and desktop experience that supports remote management.

In contrast, Megasys has no recent ratings or reviews available, making it impossible to assess its user-friendliness. The historical complexity of comprehensive hotel management software suggests it may require more extensive training and onboarding, which could slow staff adoption.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or Megasys?

Counter boasts 19 unique features including channel management, payment processing, booking engine, calendar view, guest CRM, multi-currency and multi-lingual support, and automated night audit. These features are tailored toward simplifying hostel operations and enhancing automation, with a focus on online booking and revenue tracking.

Megasys offers no specific features listed in the available data, making it difficult to compare directly. Given Counter’s extensive feature set, especially tailored for hostels, it clearly provides more immediate operational tools for your team.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or Megasys?

Counter’s support team receives an impressive 4.96/5 rating, with reviewers praising their quick responsiveness, professionalism, and helpfulness—particularly mentioning staff like Evelyn and Max. Customers say support is “always reachable” and “responds within minutes,” which is vital for daily hotel operations.

There are no recent reviews or support ratings for Megasys, leaving a gap in confidence regarding their customer service. Without recent feedback, it's safer to assume that Counter’s top-rated support is a significant advantage.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or Megasys?

Counter integrates with 7 verified partners, including prominent platforms like SiteMinder, Cloudbeds, Stripe, and Goki, facilitating channel management, payment, and access control. These integrations enable smooth workflows and income consolidation for your property.

Megasys does not currently list any verified integrations, limiting its ability to connect with third-party tools and platforms. For operational flexibility and streamlining, Counter’s integrations are a clear advantage.

Edge: Counter.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or Megasys?

Counter’s recent reviews reflect a high satisfaction level, with a 4.73/5 overall rating based on 54 reviews and a 91% recommendation rate. Users, mostly hostels, praise its ease of use, support, and automation.

Megasys lacks recent reviews and ratings, making it impossible to gauge current user sentiment. Given the data, Counter is the preferred choice for hoteliers seeking proven user satisfaction.

Edge: Counter.

How Much Do Counter and Megasys Cost?

Counter does not specify a pricing model or fee structure, but its free and easy-to-use nature suggests affordability for small properties. Megasys also does not list specific prices, but as a broader hotel management system, it may involve higher costs or complex pricing models.

Without concrete pricing details, your best approach is to contact vendors directly for quotes, especially if budget considerations are critical.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

  • Hotels that operate hostels, budget accommodations, or boutique properties seeking simplicity.
  • Teams that prioritize quick setup, straightforward operations, and automation.
  • Properties that want a cloud-based system accessible from mobile devices.
  • Hotels with limited IT support or staff who need an intuitive platform.

Not ideal if:

  • Your property requires extensive customization beyond hostel management.
  • You need advanced revenue management or in-depth analytics.
  • Your hotel operates across multiple regions with complex rate plans.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Megasys?

  • Larger hotels or resorts seeking comprehensive management tools.
  • Teams that value detailed reporting, guest personalization, and multi-property oversight.
  • Hotels with existing infrastructure that can integrate with a broad management platform.
  • Properties aiming for extensive guest communication and tailored service.

Not ideal if:

  • Your hotel is a small hostel or boutique with basic management needs.
  • You prefer a system with recent active customer feedback.
  • You need a straightforward, easy-to-learn platform for daily operations.

The Bottom Line for Hotels: Counter vs Megasys

Counter excels as a dedicated, user-friendly PMS designed for hostels and small hotels, with a robust feature set and proven support, supported by recent reviews and high ratings. Megasys offers a broader management system but lacks recent feedback, making it uncertain whether it currently meets modern hotel needs.

Choose Counter if you prioritize ease of use, automation, active support, and proven performance in the hostel segment. Opt for Megasys only if your hotel requires extensive management capabilities and you can verify its current feature set and support levels through direct engagement.

In conclusion, Counter stands out as the more reliable and tested solution for your hotel, especially if operational simplicity and support are top priorities.

How Much Do Counter and Portfolio HMS 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 Megasys

Which Features Does Counter Have That Portfolio HMS Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

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

Feature Counter Counter Megasys
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 Megasys: 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
Megasys
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 Portfolio HMS

Can Counter replace Portfolio HMS?

It depends on your requirements. Counter and Portfolio HMS share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Counter offers 7 verified integration partners, while Portfolio HMS 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 Portfolio HMS offer a free plan?

Counter: No. Portfolio HMS: 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 Portfolio HMS?

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 Megasys 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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