What to do when your employer makes a counter offer
Take a breath before answering. Compare the counter offer with the reasons you started looking, not just the new salary figure.
Ask what will change, when it will change and whether that is credible. Then give the new employer or recruiter an honest update promptly so nobody is left guessing.
There is no shame in staying if it is genuinely the right choice. Make sure the choice solves the problem you were trying to address.