Akuvox Intercom Review | Features, Cost, & Alternatives

 

Disclaimer: ButterflyMX provides these blog posts to help our customers and potential customers make the right business decisions. Our blog posts are based on the information available to us at the time of writing.

 

Akuvox is a broad smart video intercom for multifamily apartments and access control product line that includes door phones, indoor monitors, retrofit intercoms, access terminals, and the SmartPlus app.

If you’re comparing entry systems for a multifamily building, office, commercial site, villa, or older property, Akuvox may stand out because it offers many hardware options under one brand.

This Akuvox review covers how the system works, which models matter most, what features buyers should pay attention to, how pricing is presented, and where the biggest tradeoffs show up. It also looks at alternatives, including ButterflyMX, to help you decide what belongs on your shortlist.

This guide will answer:

• What is Akuvox?
• How does Akuvox work?
• Who is Akuvox designed for?
• Which Akuvox models matter most?
• What features does Akuvox offer?
• What are Akuvox installation and connectivity requirements?
• How much does Akuvox cost?
• Akuvox pros and cons
• What do buyers seem to like and dislike about Akuvox?
• Akuvox alternatives to consider
• Akuvox vs. ButterflyMX
• Is Akuvox worth considering?
• Frequently asked questions

 

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What is Akuvox?

Akuvox is a China-based manufacturer of smart intercoms, access control devices, indoor monitors, and related IP hardware managed through the SmartPlus mobile app and web portal.

The company is headquartered in Xiamen and focuses on SIP and Android-based intercom, access control, and IP phone products. Akuvox says its products are used in more than 80 countries and regions.

For buyers, the key point is simple: Akuvox isn’t one product. It’s a larger hardware ecosystem, which gives you more choice but also makes model selection more important.

 

What is the Akuvox Smart Intercom & Access Control Product Line?

The Akuvox Smart Intercom & Access Control Product Line is an umbrella family of smart door phones, indoor monitors, 2-wire retrofit intercoms, access control terminals, and Android or SIP phones.

SmartPlus connects much of the experience. Residents can use the app for visitor calls and remote unlocking, while property teams can use the web portal to manage access and review activity.

 

How does Akuvox work?

Akuvox works by combining entry hardware with the SmartPlus app and web portal so residents and staff can answer calls, unlock doors, issue credentials, and review access activity remotely.

At the entrance, an Akuvox door phone handles visitor audio and video. Residents can answer through an indoor monitor, the SmartPlus mobile app, or in some cases a standard phone call. Property teams can use the SmartPlus portal to manage supported sites and review access logs.

If you’re comparing remote entry workflows, ButterflyMX may also be worth a look because it offers video intercoms, mobile access, visitor access, and access control as part of a broader property access and security platform. That’s most relevant when you’re comparing more than just the front door.

 

How residents and visitors use Akuvox

Residents and visitors use Akuvox through visitor calls, live video, two-way communication, and remote door release.

• Visitors call a resident from the door phone.
• Residents can preview live video before answering.
• Residents can speak with the visitor through two-way audio or video.
• Residents can unlock the door remotely from the app or by phone call in supported setups.
• Time-limited QR code virtual keys can be shared with guests or deliveries.

That makes Akuvox a clear step up from a basic buzzer, especially for properties that want residents to manage entry from anywhere.

 

How property teams manage Akuvox

Property teams manage Akuvox through the SmartPlus web portal, which supports centralized access management, access-log review, remote monitoring, call forwarding, and firmware updates.

That matters because an intercom isn’t just for residents. Staff also need to add and remove users, review door activity, and keep devices up to date.

 

Who is Akuvox designed for?

Akuvox is designed for residential and commercial properties that want smart intercom hardware, access control options, mobile entry features, or a retrofit path for older wiring.

The lineup may fit property managers, installers, system integrators, single-family homeowners, office building owners, and commercial operators.

Akuvox can work across several property types:

• Single-family homes and villas
• Multifamily apartment buildings
• Office buildings
• Commercial and retail sites
• Older buildings that may benefit from 2-wire retrofit options

Common use cases include video visitor screening, remote door unlocking, multi-tenant entry management, retrofit intercom upgrades, and access control at building or floor entries.

 

Which Akuvox models matter most?

Akuvox has a large lineup, so buyers should focus on the models that match their property type, wiring, access needs, and budget.

Not every Akuvox feature applies to every model. A flagship touchscreen door phone, a compact SIP door phone, a 2-wire retrofit device, and a facial recognition access terminal may all sit under the Akuvox brand, but they solve different problems.

Model	Best for	Device type	Standout features	Main tradeoff
Akuvox X916	High-end apartment and office buildings	Flagship Android door phone	13-inch touchscreen, triple and starlight camera setup, facial recognition, IP65 and IK08 ratings, PoE+, and LTE variant availability	More advanced than many smaller properties may need
Akuvox S539	Properties that want a premium touchscreen entry device	Android touchscreen door phone	10-inch touchscreen and S-series design	Smaller screen than X916 and not positioned with the same flagship camera setup
Akuvox R20A	Smaller or more budget-conscious installations	Compact SIP video door phone	Single-button design and video intercom functionality	No touchscreen and fewer premium features than X and S series models
Akuvox R20A-2 / C313W-2	Retrofit projects using existing 2-wire cabling	2-wire door phone and indoor monitor pair	Designed to reuse legacy 2-wire cabling with NS-2 or NC-2 adaptors	Requires Akuvox-specific retrofit adaptors
Akuvox A05	Door or entry access control	Facial recognition IP access control terminal	Face-based access control for supported entry points	Access-control-first device rather than an intercom calling device

 

Akuvox X916

The Akuvox X916 is a flagship Android door phone built for high-end apartment and office buildings.

It includes a 13-inch touchscreen, triple and starlight camera positioning, facial recognition, PoE+ support, IP65 and IK08 ratings, and an LTE variant. This is more of a premium entry panel than a basic intercom.

 

Akuvox S539

The Akuvox S539 is a 10-inch Android touchscreen door phone in the S-series lineup.

It gives buyers another touchscreen option below the largest flagship model. If you’re comparing it with the X916, screen size and camera needs are likely two of the biggest decision points.

 

Akuvox R20A

The Akuvox R20A is a compact SIP video door phone for smaller or more budget-focused installations.

It doesn’t use a touchscreen and has a simpler single-button design. That may make it a better fit for straightforward entry points where a large display isn’t necessary.

 

Akuvox R20A-2 and 2-wire retrofit options

The Akuvox R20A-2 and related 2-wire products are designed for buildings that want to reuse existing 2-wire cabling instead of running new Ethernet or PoE cabling.

This can be a big deal in older buildings. Reusing legacy wiring may reduce disruption compared with a full rewiring project, though the setup depends on Akuvox-specific NS-2 or NC-2 adaptors.

 

Akuvox A05

The Akuvox A05 is an IP access control terminal focused on facial recognition entry.

Unlike a door phone, the A05 is meant for access control rather than visitor intercom calls. When comparing the lineup, buyers should separate access-control devices from video intercom devices.

 

What features does Akuvox offer?

Akuvox offers mobile visitor calling, remote unlocking, cloud management, multiple credential options, access logs, facial recognition on select models, and specialized access control hardware.

The biggest advantage is breadth. Akuvox can support many entry scenarios, but you need to confirm which features apply to the exact model and setup you’re considering.

Feature	What Akuvox offers	Model scope	Why it matters
SmartPlus mobile app	Residents can preview visitors, video call, unlock remotely, issue QR codes or PINs, and view door-release logs.	SmartPlus-supported deployments	Residents can manage visitor access from a smartphone.
Web portal	Property teams can manage access, review logs, and push firmware updates remotely.	SmartPlus-supported deployments	Staff can manage access tasks without being at the entrance.
Multiple credentials	Supported methods include app, Bluetooth, NFC, RFID or UHF card, QR code, PIN, and facial recognition.	Varies by model	Different user groups can enter in different ways.
Facial recognition	Select door phones and access terminals support face-based entry.	Select models, including A05 and certain door phones	Can reduce reliance on cards, PINs, or phones for supported users.
2-wire retrofit	Retrofit models can reuse existing 2-wire cabling with Akuvox adaptors.	2-wire models such as R20A-2, R20K-2, and E12S-2	Older buildings may modernize without full cabling replacement.
Access logs	Date- and time-stamped door-release logs can be viewed in the app and portal.	SmartPlus-supported deployments	Logs help teams review entry activity.
Elevator and multi-door control	Devices such as the EC33 elevator controller and A09x 4-door controllers extend access control beyond one entrance.	Specific controller hardware	Useful when access needs extend to elevators or multiple doors.

 

Mobile access and visitor experience

Akuvox SmartPlus lets residents receive push notifications, view visitors, speak with them, unlock remotely, issue virtual keys or PINs, and review door-release logs with timestamped photos.

That’s central to the Akuvox experience. Instead of only buzzing someone in from a fixed station, residents can handle entry from a smartphone when the property supports it.

 

Credentials and access methods

Akuvox supports a wide mix of access methods, though the exact options vary by model.

• SmartPlus mobile app
• Bluetooth
• NFC
• RFID or UHF card
• QR code
• PIN code
• Facial recognition on select models
• Standard phone-call fallback

If residents, staff, and vendors enter in different ways, credential flexibility matters. Buyers who want a smartphone-first approach may also compare Akuvox with ButterflyMX, which supports mobile access and wallet-based credentials on compatible devices.

 

Security and access control capabilities

Akuvox goes beyond a basic door buzzer by offering facial recognition on select models, outdoor-rated hardware on select units, and access control devices for elevators and multiple doors.

For example, the X916 is positioned with IP65 and IK08 protection, while access control products such as the EC33 and A09x controllers support broader access scenarios. Akuvox also describes encrypted cloud data transmission through SmartPlus.

 

Integrations and connected systems

Akuvox positions its intercoms and access terminals as able to work with third-party security and home automation systems, but some integrations are clearer than others.

For example, the X916 supports ONVIF for certain video surveillance workflows and Wiegand for connection to compatible access control devices or panels. Smart lock and access control integration is also discussed in third-party coverage of Akuvox use cases.

The buyer takeaway is to check integrations model by model. A broad ecosystem claim isn’t the same as a specific supported integration on the hardware you plan to install.

 

What are Akuvox installation and connectivity requirements?

Akuvox is usually installed as a PoE Ethernet system, but some models support 2-wire retrofit cabling or LTE connectivity.

Professional installation is common because door phones, indoor monitors, PoE switches or injectors, access controllers, wiring, mounting accessories, and network access may all be part of the project.

 

Wiring and power

Most Akuvox deployments use Ethernet cabling with PoE or PoE+ power. That means one cable can handle both power and network connectivity.

For older buildings, Akuvox’s 2-wire intercom line offers another path. Models such as R20A-2, R20K-2, and E12S-2 can use legacy 2-wire cabling with the proper Akuvox adaptors.

Some models also have LTE variants, such as the X916S LTE or R20K-L. Internet connectivity still matters for SmartPlus cloud features.

Wiring and infrastructure are often early shortlist filters. If you’re comparing Akuvox with platforms like ButterflyMX for video intercom and access control, look closely at how each option fits your building’s wiring, entrances, and access goals.

 

Optional hardware and constraints

Akuvox projects may include optional or add-on hardware depending on the chosen model and property layout.

• PoE switch or injector
• Indoor monitor or SmartPlus app setup
• Surface, flush, or in-wall mounting boxes
• Rain covers for outdoor units
• NS-2 or NC-2 adaptors for certain 2-wire installs
• Card readers or UHF readers

Buyers should also ask whether a multi-residential or commercial SmartPlus deployment includes monthly software fees, since some publicly visible reseller information points to added monthly fees in those settings.

 

How much does Akuvox cost?

Akuvox doesn’t publish standard manufacturer pricing on its main product site, so buyers usually need a quote or reseller pricing to understand costs.

Public pricing is limited. One authorized reseller lists an Akuvox Video Intercom Kit 1 at about $920 for hardware only. That kit includes an E12W door phone, a C313W indoor monitor, a PoE switch, and four SmartPlus accounts.

That reseller price is best used as directional context, not as a universal Akuvox system price. Larger multifamily, office, or commercial deployments may involve different hardware, installation work, accessories, and monthly SmartPlus fees.

Cost category	What is publicly listed	How pricing is usually presented	Buyer takeaway
Manufacturer pricing	No standard model-by-model prices on Akuvox’s main product site	Quote-based	You’ll likely need to contact sales, a partner, or a reseller.
Reseller starter kit	About $920 for a residential hardware-only kit from an authorized reseller	Third-party seller listing	Useful as a reference point, but not a full system quote.
Monthly SmartPlus fees	Some multi-residential or office deployments may have a monthly fee, but no standard public amount is listed	Deployment-dependent	Ask about recurring costs early in the buying process.
Accessories	Items such as mounting boxes, PoE equipment, retrofit adaptors, and readers may add cost	Depends on property and model	Base hardware may not reflect the total installed project cost.

 

What pricing information is publicly available?

The clearest public price point is the reseller starter kit at about $920 hardware-only.

Because Akuvox sells a broad product family, one kit price doesn’t tell you what a larger apartment building, office, or multi-door access control deployment will cost. Buyers should expect quote-based pricing for more complex projects.

 

What costs should buyers ask about?

Buyers should ask for a full cost breakdown before comparing Akuvox with other systems.

• Which door phone or access control models are included?
• Are indoor monitors included or optional?
• Are SmartPlus monthly fees required for the property type?
• What accessories are needed for mounting, weather protection, or card access?
• Does the project require NS-2 or NC-2 retrofit adaptors?
• What installation, wiring, and network work is included?

 

Akuvox pros and cons

Akuvox stands out for breadth and flexibility, but buyers should be ready for model complexity and less transparent pricing.

Pros	Why it matters
Broad hardware ecosystem across intercom, indoor monitor, retrofit, and access control categories	Buyers can evaluate several entry and access needs within one vendor family.
2-wire retrofit options for older buildings	Properties with legacy cabling may be able to upgrade without a full Ethernet rewiring project.
Multiple access methods	App, Bluetooth, NFC, cards, QR codes, PINs, and facial recognition can support different user preferences and property workflows.
SmartPlus mobile and cloud management	Residents can answer and unlock remotely, while staff can manage access and review logs through a portal.

Cons	Why it matters
Manufacturer pricing is not transparent	Buyers may need quotes or reseller outreach before they can compare costs across vendors.
Some recurring software costs are not publicly detailed	Multi-tenant and commercial buyers may need extra conversations to forecast ongoing expenses.
The lineup is large and sometimes overlapping	Buyers need to sort through model differences carefully to avoid choosing hardware that lacks a needed capability.
App sentiment appears more mixed than hardware sentiment	If mobile experience is a top priority, buyers should evaluate SmartPlus closely during demos.

 

What do buyers seem to like and dislike about Akuvox?

Available buyer and reviewer feedback suggests that Akuvox hardware is often viewed more positively than the companion app experience.

Positive themes include a simple app interface, real-time video preview, remote communication with visitors, and easy installation for some hardware kits. Those points line up with Akuvox’s core appeal: giving residents a more modern way to answer and unlock doors.

Negative themes include occasional hardware issues, such as a unit not powering on, and some complaints about app reliability or performance. Because SmartPlus is central to the daily experience, buyers should test the app workflow as carefully as they evaluate the door phone hardware.

 

Akuvox alternatives to consider

Buyers comparing Akuvox often also look at other intercom and access platforms with different strengths in hardware, cloud access, or property focus.

• 2N: A comparable IP-based intercom option for residential and commercial properties.
• DoorKing: An established access control and intercom option often considered for multifamily, gated, and commercial properties.
• Verkada: A video intercom option for multifamily and commercial access.
• ButterflyMX: A property access and security platform that combines video intercoms, access control, mobile access, visitor access, vehicle access control, elevator controls, security cameras, package rooms, smart lock integrations, and wallet-based credentials.

ButterflyMX is especially relevant if your comparison goes beyond intercom hardware and includes vehicle access, package rooms, smart lock integrations, elevator controls, or security cameras.

 

Akuvox vs. ButterflyMX

Akuvox and ButterflyMX both help manage property access, but they approach the job differently.

Akuvox offers a wide intercom and access control hardware ecosystem with many model choices. ButterflyMX is a property access and security platform that brings multiple access and security products into one system.

Feature	Akuvox	ButterflyMX	Why it matters
Video intercom	Akuvox offers smart door phones with two-way video and audio calling, mobile answering through SmartPlus, and models ranging from compact units to flagship touchscreen devices.	ButterflyMX offers video intercoms for property entrances. Residents can receive visitor calls through the ButterflyMX mobile app, see and speak with visitors, and grant access remotely.	Buyers should compare not just whether video calling exists, but how the intercom fits the property’s broader access plan.
Access control	Akuvox includes access control terminals and controllers alongside its intercom lineup, including facial-recognition devices and elevator or multi-door control extensions.	ButterflyMX offers access control for doors and other controlled entry points, with permissions managed through the same broader platform used for its video intercom and other access products.	Properties with more than one controlled entrance should compare how each platform supports building-wide access management.
Mobile access	Akuvox uses SmartPlus for remote answering, unlocking, virtual key sharing, PIN issuance, and access-log visibility.	ButterflyMX supports smartphone-based access through its mobile app for supported doors, gates, and other controlled entrances. Wallet-based credentials give compatible users another mobile access option.	Mobile workflows affect resident convenience, credential planning, and daily access operations.
Visitor access	Akuvox supports visitor video preview, two-way calling, remote unlock, and QR-code guest access in supported workflows.	ButterflyMX lets residents receive visitor calls, communicate with visitors, grant access remotely, and use temporary visitor access without giving every guest a permanent credential.	Visitor access is often one of the most important daily workflows for multifamily and commercial buildings.
Elevator controls	Akuvox offers dedicated elevator control hardware such as the EC33 as part of its access ecosystem.	ButterflyMX offers elevator controls that can connect elevator access with the property’s broader access system.	Elevator access can matter for properties that want access control to extend beyond the front entrance.
Smart lock integrations	Akuvox is positioned as working with third-party security and automation systems, and third-party coverage references smart lock and access integrations.	ButterflyMX supports smart lock integrations that can extend property access beyond common-area entrances.	Smart lock compatibility can affect unit-level access planning and how unified the access experience feels.
Security cameras	Akuvox includes video intercom hardware and model-specific integrations such as ONVIF on select devices like the X916.	ButterflyMX offers security cameras as part of its property access and security platform.	Properties considering access-event visibility may want to compare how video fits into each overall system.
Package rooms	Akuvox information focuses mainly on intercom, access control, credentials, and remote entry management.	ButterflyMX offers package room access workflows designed to help properties manage package deliveries and resident pickup.	For multifamily properties, package handling may be part of the same access planning conversation as visitor entry.

The right fit depends on your property’s scope. Akuvox may appeal to buyers who want a large range of intercom and access control hardware, while ButterflyMX may appeal to teams comparing a broader property access and security platform across more workflows.

 

Is Akuvox worth considering?

Akuvox is worth considering if you want broad device choice, mobile and cloud-enabled entry management, or a 2-wire retrofit path for an older building.

Its biggest strengths are hardware variety, SmartPlus mobile workflows, several credential types, and access control extensions. That makes it a serious shortlist option for residential, multifamily, office, and commercial properties.

The main tradeoffs are pricing visibility, model complexity, possible recurring SmartPlus fees for some deployments, and the need to match features to specific devices. Before choosing Akuvox, compare the exact model, total cost, installation needs, app experience, and broader property access goals.

 

Frequently asked questions

What is Akuvox?

Akuvox is a manufacturer of smart intercom, access control, indoor monitor, and related IP hardware products.

The reviewed Akuvox offering is best understood as a product family connected by SmartPlus, not one single device.

 

How does Akuvox work?

Akuvox works by combining entrance hardware with the SmartPlus mobile app and web portal.

Door phones handle visitor calls, residents can answer and unlock remotely, and property teams can manage access permissions and logs through the portal.

 

Does Akuvox have a mobile app?

Yes, Akuvox uses the SmartPlus mobile app for supported intercom and access workflows.

SmartPlus can support visitor video preview, two-way calling, remote unlocking, virtual keys or PINs, and access-log visibility.

 

Does Akuvox support video intercom?

Yes, Akuvox door phones support video intercom workflows with two-way video and audio calling.

Select high-end models, such as the X916, add more advanced camera and touchscreen features.

 

What access methods does Akuvox support?

Akuvox supports several access methods, including the SmartPlus app, Bluetooth, NFC, RFID or UHF cards, QR codes, PINs, facial recognition, and phone-call fallback.

Exact credential options vary by model, so buyers should confirm the supported methods for the specific device they are considering.

 

Can Akuvox work in older buildings without new cabling?

Yes, Akuvox offers 2-wire retrofit options for certain older buildings.

Models such as R20A-2, R20K-2, and E12S-2 are designed to reuse existing 2-wire cabling with Akuvox NS-2 or NC-2 adaptors.

 

Does Akuvox require internet or a landline?

Akuvox needs internet connectivity for SmartPlus cloud features.

Some models offer LTE variants, and SmartPlus also supports phone-call fallback for residents who don’t use a smartphone.

 

How much does Akuvox cost?

Akuvox doesn’t publish standard manufacturer pricing on its main product site.

An authorized reseller lists a basic residential video intercom kit at about $920 hardware-only, but larger projects usually require a quote and may include accessories, installation costs, and possible monthly SmartPlus fees.

 

What are the main limitations of Akuvox?

The main Akuvox limitations are quote-based pricing, limited public detail on some recurring fees, and a large model lineup that can be hard to compare.

Buyers should also evaluate the SmartPlus app experience because available feedback appears more mixed for the app than for the wired hardware.

 

What are some alternatives to Akuvox?

Common Akuvox alternatives include 2N, DoorKing, and ButterflyMX.

ButterflyMX is especially relevant for buyers comparing video intercom and access control with a broader property access and security platform.

 

Akuvox may be a good fit if your property needs a wide range of intercom and access control hardware, mobile visitor entry, cloud-based management, or a 2-wire retrofit option for an older building.

The biggest buying question is fit. Akuvox has many models, and features such as facial recognition, ONVIF support, Wiegand support, LTE, and 2-wire retrofit don’t apply equally across the full lineup. Pricing also needs close review because manufacturer pricing is quote-based and some deployments may include recurring SmartPlus fees.

If you’re comparing options, look beyond the front door. If your property also needs mobile access, visitor access, vehicle access control, elevator controls, package rooms, smart lock integrations, or security cameras, ButterflyMX is worth adding to your shortlist.

To compare your access needs with ButterflyMX, request pricing from the ButterflyMX team.

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