Comparison
Metro2 vs M2 Reporter: Full Comparison
M2 Reporter wins on price — at $150/year for renewal, nothing else comes close for raw cost. But the tradeoff is significant: no cloud access, no API, no automation, and a dated desktop-only experience. Metro2's Starter plan at $19/month ($228/year) costs only $78 more annually while adding cloud access, a modern interface, drag-and-drop mapping, and automatic updates — making it the better value for most businesses.
Metro2
Modern, cloud-based Metro 2 reporting
Transparent pricing
No long-term contracts
Modern REST API
Free trial available
M2 Reporter
M2 Reporter is the most budget-friendly Metro 2 software on the market, built by M2 Systems LLC — a ...
Pricing:$375–$625/year (first year)
Target:Very small data furnishers on a tight budget who use Windows and do not need API access or automation
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Metro2 | M2 Reporter |
|---|---|---|
Metro 2 Format Generation Generate compliant Metro 2 format files for credit bureau submission | ||
All Three Bureaus Submit to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion | Plus Innovis and MicroBilt (5 total) | |
Real-time Validation Instant validation of data before submission | CRRG-aligned validation engine | Basic FCRA compliance checks |
API Access REST API for programmatic integration | Full REST API from $29/mo | |
Bulk Upload Upload multiple accounts via CSV or Excel | Drag-and-drop field mapping | CSV, Excel, database connections |
Error Correction Built-in tools to fix rejected records | Live editor with bulk updates | |
Audit Trail Complete history of all submissions and changes | ||
Modern UI Clean, intuitive user interface | ||
No Long-term Contract Month-to-month billing without commitment | Cancel anytime | Annual renewal, no multi-year commitment |
Transparent Pricing Clear pricing without hidden fees | Published on website | Published on website |
Automated Bureau Delivery Automated SFTP delivery to credit bureaus on a schedule | Included from SMB plan ($29/mo) | Manual upload required |
Dedicated Support Direct access to support team | Unlimited phone/email, Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM Pacific |
M2 Reporter Pros
- Lowest-cost Metro 2 software — just $150/year to renew at the Basic tier
- Transparent, simple pricing with 4 clearly defined editions
- Over 25 years of experience (founded 1998)
- Supports 5 bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, Innovis, and MicroBilt
- Unlimited phone and email support included at every tier — no tiered support
- Free software updates aligned with CDIA guideline changes
- Assisted setup and onboarding claimed to complete in under 24 hours
- Actively maintained blog covering regulatory changes (CFPB updates, medical debt rules, etc.)
M2 Reporter Cons
- Desktop-only — Windows required, no cloud, no Mac, no mobile access
- No API — zero automation or integration capability
- No automated scheduling or bureau delivery — manual SFTP upload required every cycle
- Dated user interface and system requirements (still references Windows XP, Pentium II, 640x480 resolution)
- Mac/Linux users need Boot Camp or virtual machine — unsupported and untested
- Help documentation hosted on a separate Weebly site rather than integrated
- Multi-company support only available in Plus edition ($525+/yr first year)
When to Choose M2 Reporter
- 1Very small data furnishers with tight budgets who need the lowest possible cost
- 2Windows-only shops that do not need API, cloud access, or automation
- 3First-time furnishers who want unlimited support included at no extra cost
Why Choose Metro2 Over M2 Reporter
- Cloud-based — access from any device, no Windows requirement
- Full REST API for automation (M2 Reporter has no API at all)
- Automated SFTP delivery eliminates manual monthly uploads
- Modern UI with drag-and-drop field mapping vs. dated desktop interface
- Only $78/year more than M2R Basic renewal for dramatically more capability
- Automatic updates — no manual downloads or installations
Other Comparisons
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