Current RMS vs Ultimate RMS: An Honest Comparison

If you're evaluating rental management software, you've probably come across Current RMS. It's been around since 2014 and is well-known in the AV and event rental space. But a lot has changed since then — including an acquisition, a rebrand, and rising costs that have many users looking for alternatives.

This is an honest comparison. We built Ultimate RMS, so we obviously believe in our product — but we'll give you the facts and let you decide.

The Quick Version

Pricing: The Biggest Difference

This is where the comparison gets stark. Current RMS uses per-user pricing at $99/month per user. Ultimate RMS uses flat-rate pricing with generous team limits.

Here's what that looks like at different team sizes:

For a 10-person team, that's a saving of over $10,000 per year. That's money you could spend on actual equipment instead of software fees.

Features: Head-to-Head

Both platforms cover the core rental management features. Here's where they differ:

Where Current RMS Has an Edge

• Maturity — 12 years of development means deeper functionality in some areas, particularly AV-specific workflows
• Integrations — More third-party integrations (Xero, QuickBooks, various accounting packages)
• Industry-specific features — Built specifically for AV and events, with workflows tailored to those industries

Where Ultimate RMS Has an Edge

• Modern interface — Built in 2026, not bolted onto over 12 years. Clean, fast, and intuitive.
• Pricing — No per-user fees. Dramatically cheaper for teams of 3+.
• Mobile experience — Fully responsive web app vs. Current RMS's limited separate mobile app.
• Active development — Independent company shipping updates regularly, vs. a product inside a corporate portfolio.
• AI features — AI-powered insights for inventory optimisation and demand forecasting.
• Free tier — Start for free with no credit card. Current RMS has no free option.

User Experience

Current RMS was built in 2014 and has been added to over the years. Users describe this in reviews:

"System needs an overhaul — bolted onto so much"

"Constant workarounds needed"

Ultimate RMS was designed from scratch with modern UI principles. There's no legacy interface to work around. The goal was to make every task achievable in the fewest clicks possible.

The Kerridge Factor

Current RMS was acquired by Kerridge Commercial Systems in 2018. Since then:

• The product has been rebranded to "OnRent Events"
• Users report that development has slowed
• Support quality has been a recurring complaint in recent reviews
• Pricing has increased

Ultimate RMS is independently owned and operated. Our roadmap is driven by user feedback, not corporate priorities.

Who Should Stay with Current RMS?

We'll be honest — Current RMS might still be the right choice if:

• You're a solo user (the per-user cost is less of an issue)
• You rely heavily on specific integrations that Current RMS supports
• You've built custom workflows around Current RMS that would be time-consuming to recreate
• You need Xero or QuickBooks integration right now

Who Should Consider Switching?

Ultimate RMS is likely a better fit if:

• Your team is 3+ people and per-user costs are becoming painful
• You find the Current RMS interface dated and frustrating
• You want a modern, mobile-friendly experience
• You want to start with a free tier before committing
• You value active development and responsive support from an independent team

Try It Yourself

The best way to compare is to try both. Ultimate RMS offers a free tier with no credit card required. Import your inventory, create a few bookings, and see how it feels.

Want a more detailed feature-by-feature breakdown? Check our full comparison page or use the ROI calculator to see exactly how much you could save.