Counter vs. RNS: 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.

Rental Network Software shines .

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Counter Compare to RNS?

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 RNS?

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

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

Counter vs Rental Network 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 Rental Network 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 Rental Network Software
Boutique #31 16 reviews
Luxury #44 4 reviews
Branded / Chain #43 4 reviews
Extended Stay #32 5 reviews

By Region

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

Counter vs RNS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates primarily as a hostel or budget property with a focus on guest management, Counter is the logical pick. It offers a user-friendly interface, dedicated channel management, and features like online support, POS integration, and group booking tools that are ideal for small to mid-sized hostels. Conversely, if your hotel is more established with a focus on dynamic pricing, revenue management, and data-driven strategies, RNS’s analytics and predictive tools could be more appealing.

Counter is especially suited for properties in regions like Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific, where its extensive integrations and regional support are highly valued. RNS’s lack of regional presence and verified integrations suggest it’s less suitable for properties that need immediate, proven connectivity. So, does your team need robust guest operations or advanced revenue tools?

Is Counter or RNS Easier to Use?

Counter scores a 4.6/5 for ease of use, with many reviews praising its intuitive interface and mobile capability. Hoteliers highlight its simple navigation and quick onboarding, with staff noting they could train new team members rapidly. Support responsiveness is also highly rated, with a 4.96/5 score, and reviews frequently mention helpful staff like Evelyn and Max.

Since RNS provides no recent reviews or user feedback, its usability remains unverified. Without concrete data, it’s uncertain whether RNS’s system is as accessible or straightforward. Based on current insights, Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or RNS?

Counter boasts 19 unique features, including a channel manager, booking engine, online support, automated night audit, guest CRM, and multi-currency options—many tailored for hostel operations. RNS offers advanced revenue management capabilities but lacks a comparable feature set or dedicated operational tools.

Counter’s comprehensive feature list addresses operational needs from booking to accounting. Its integrated POS, group booking, and multi-lingual support set it apart, especially for small properties. Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or RNS?

Counter’s support is rated 4.96/5, with multiple reviews citing quick, knowledgeable assistance. Users praise staff like Evelyn and Max, emphasizing their professionalism and responsiveness. This support quality is especially relevant during onboarding and system issues.

RNS provides no recent support reviews or ratings, leaving its customer service quality unknown. Without verified feedback, it’s impossible to assess whether RNS can deliver the same level of support that hoteliers trust with Counter. Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or RNS?

Counter offers 7 verified integrations, including channel managers like SiteMinder and global payment providers like Stripe. These connections help streamline operations across multiple platforms and revenue streams.

RNS’s lack of verified integrations indicates limited connectivity options, which could hinder property operations reliant on third-party systems. For properties seeking a flexible, connected system, Counter’s partner network offers a clear advantage. Edge: Counter.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or RNS?

Counter’s 54 recent reviews and 4.73-star rating reflect strong hotelier satisfaction, especially among hostel operators. Its ease of use, support quality, and feature set resonate well with small and mid-sized properties.

Since RNS has no recent reviews or ratings, its reputation remains unestablished. As a result, hotel operators seeking proven performance should favor Counter until RNS’s effectiveness is validated. Edge: Counter.

How Much Do Counter and RNS Cost?

Counter does not list explicit pricing but offers a freemium model with no implementation fees, making it accessible for small hostels and budget hotels. The absence of a trial or detailed price structure suggests it targets properties seeking straightforward, predictable costs.

RNS’s pricing details are also unavailable, with no clear indication of whether it offers free tiers or subscription plans. Given the lack of transparent pricing, Counter’s value proposition and free access make it a more attractive choice for budget-conscious hotels.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

  • Hotels that operate primarily as hostels, budget accommodations, or small inns.
  • Teams seeking an easy-to-learn, mobile-friendly PMS to streamline guest check-ins and check-outs.
  • Properties that rely on group bookings and need integrated channel management.
  • Hotels that want built-in revenue and operational reporting.
  • Hotels looking for a system with quick onboarding and strong support.

Not ideal if your hotel needs advanced revenue analytics, dynamic pricing, or regionalized global connectivity.

What Type of Hotel Should Use RNS?

  • Larger hotels or chains focusing heavily on revenue management and data analytics.
  • Properties that want to optimize pricing across multiple channels with predictive insights.
  • Hotel groups seeking a platform that integrates into existing systems with advanced revenue tools.
  • Hotels with dedicated revenue managers or teams that can leverage analytics for profit maximization.
  • Hotels operating in markets where RNS’s regional presence and integrations are less critical.

Not ideal if your property prioritizes guest management, operational simplicity, or regional support.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter by Counter stands out as the more reliable, well-supported PMS for small to mid-sized properties, especially hostels. Its extensive feature set, ease of use, and recent positive reviews demonstrate its value for operational efficiency.

RNS by Rental Network Software, while promising in revenue management, remains untested in recent hotel operator feedback, making it a less certain choice. If your focus is on day-to-day operations and guest services, Counter is the clear leader.

Choose Counter if you need a proven, easy-to-use system with strong support and integrations. Opt for RNS only if your hotel’s strategic goal is aggressive revenue management and you can verify its capabilities in your specific market.

How Much Do Counter and RNS 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 Rental Network Software

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

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

Feature Counter Counter Rental Network 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 Rental Network 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
Rental Network 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 RNS

Can Counter replace RNS?

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

Counter: No. RNS: 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 RNS?

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 Rental Network 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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