Key takeaways
- While Bluetooth gate openers are appealing, a better, more holistic alternative is a smart gate intercom, such as ButterflyMX.
- Bluetooth credentials include keys, fobs, and Bluetooth gate opener apps residents use on their smartphones.
- Bluetooth gate openers might have range limitations, and some tenants may not have a smartphone to utilize.
You’ve probably used Bluetooth in your daily life. It powers everything from smartwatches to wireless headphones. But did you know it can also help your residents open doors and gates on your property? With a Bluetooth gate opening system installed at your gated entrance, residents can use this technology to gain access. This guide helps you decide if a Bluetooth gate opener is right for your building.
In this post, you’ll learn about the best Bluetooth gate openers on the market. Then, we’ll go over a better alternative to Bluetooth gate operators. Afterward, we’ll explain what a Bluetooth gate opener is and how it works. Finally, we detail the pros and cons of installing such a device.
This post covers:
- 3 best Bluetooth gate openers
- Better alternative to Bluetooth gate operators
- What is a Bluetooth gate opener?
- How does a Bluetooth gate opener work?
- Pros and cons of a Bluetooth gate opener
3 best Bluetooth gate openers
Bluetooth gate openers come in all shapes and sizes, so finding the right option for your needs is challenging. Fortunately, you’ll find the best Bluetooth gate controllers below.
The three best gate operators with Bluetooth are:
1. Reemotio 3
Reviews: 4.8/5 stars
Reemotio 3 is a leading Bluetooth gate controller for residential and commercial gates. Its highly versatile design and range of features make it the best option. Not to mention, Reemotio 3 features a simple installation that’s compatible with nearly all electric gate motors. Thus, you can control your automatic gate from anywhere with any device.
Features:
- Bluetooth and WiFi compatible.
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri.
- Virtual keys with QR codes.
- Mobile app for remote management.
- Integrates with Reemotio cameras and motion sensors.
- Push notifications to your phone or smartwatch.
- Customizable app.
Pros:
- Built-in WiFi, so no hub is required.
- Manage gate access, send guest keys, and more from the mobile app.
- Supports multiple gate entrances with Reemotio devices.
- Compatible with several models of gate operators and motors.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for commercial use.
- May not be compatible with your model of gate opener.
- No third-party integrations.
Cost: $119.00
2. Ghost Controls
Reviews: 4.8/5 stars
Ghost Controls is a leading designer and manufacturer of gate automation products and accessories in North America. Their single smart gate upgrade bundle features a smartboard and interface module that enables WiFi and Bluetooth access for your gate. Of course, you may also use your gate remote alongside a smartphone for multiple entry methods.
Features:
- Supports WiFi and Bluetooth.
- No external bridge or hub is required.
- Compatible with solar-powered gates.
- Mobile app.
- Lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Provides a live gate status.
- Multi-point diagnostic check for easy troubleshooting.
- Party and vacation modes make accessing your gate simple for guests.
- Open and close scheduling.
Cons:
- Most expensive option on this list.
- Must install a Ghost Control motherboard.
- May require professional installation.
Cost: $249.00
Read the full Ghost Controls review »
3. Eagle EG370
Reviews: 4.8/5 stars
Founded in 1998, Eagle Gate Operators is driven by innovation and continuously improving technological advances in gate and garage solutions. The Eagle EG370 is a Bluetooth gate opener that is capable of controlling up to two gates at the same time. More importantly, you’ll have peace of mind when the power is out since the Eagle EG370 will still operate.
Features:
- Control up to two different gates.
- Supports up to 15 guests with key sharing.
- Works in the event of a power outage.
- Cloud-based dashboard is accessible through the mobile app or desktop.
- Schedule when the gate opens and closes.
Pros:
- Remote management from the mobile app or online dashboard.
- Capable of controlling two gates without additional hardware.
- Works when the power is out.
Cons:
- No WiFi.
- Only supports 15 different users.
- May require professional installation.
- May not be compatible with third-party brands.
Cost: $189.99
Watch how to open gates with ButterflyMX:
Better alternative to Bluetooth gate operators
A better alternative to a Bluetooth gate opener is a video intercom. More specifically, ButterflyMX is the perfect gate opener solution for your gated property.
While Bluetooth offers the convenience of using a phone to open a gate, even the best Bluetooth gate opener has severe limitations. So, the best solution is to implement a modern access control device, such as the ButterflyMX gate intercom.
ButterflyMX was established in 2014 and has since been installed in more than 10,000 buildings across a variety of industries. The ButterflyMX video intercom is our flagship product, enabling tenants and staff to access the property using their smartphones.
Not to mention, the video intercom is ideal for multifamily and gated communities where visitors and delivery drivers are prevalent. A built-in directory makes it easy for these users to request access from the tenant they’re visiting, while a camera allows for easy two-way communication. Above all, the camera lets tenants verify the identity of the visitor while also taking date- and time-stamped photos of entries.
Of course, ButterflyMX encompasses more than just gate access. Our platform includes property-wide access, such as keypads, card readers, vehicle readers, elevator controls, and smart lock integrations. As a result, you can better protect your property with a comprehensive access control solution that goes beyond the front gate.
What is a Bluetooth gate opener?
A Bluetooth gate opener is a system installed on a gate that allows users to open it wirelessly with a credential powered by Bluetooth technology. These credentials come in the form of key cards, fobs, and smartphone apps.
You can find Bluetooth gate openers on all kinds of properties, from residential to commercial. In fact, wherever there’s a gate, there’s a Bluetooth-enabled motor that can open it — whether you’re talking parking lots, gated communities, or office buildings.
Simply put, a Bluetooth gate opener is one solution to allow residents to open gates with their cell phones.
Bluetooth gate opening systems consist of:
- Credential. If the resident has a Bluetooth card or fob, they hold that up to the credential reader. Otherwise, they use Bluetooth on their smartphones to send a signal to the credential reader.
- Credential reader. Bluetooth credential readers are always active and ready to receive signals. When a reader receives a signal from a credential, it forwards that data to the gate opener’s control panel.
- Control panel. The control panel is the “brains” of the gate opener system. It compares the credential data it receives with an internal database of credential data. Then, if there’s a match, the control panel signals the gate to open.
- Gate opener. The gate opener is a motor that physically moves the gate out of the way to let residents in. After a resident enters, the motor activates again to close the gate.
How does a Bluetooth gate opener work?
A Bluetooth gate opener works by receiving wireless signals from a Bluetooth-enabled credential (usually a smartphone) and unlocking the gate if that credential is authorized.
Like other wireless networks, Bluetooth depends on high-frequency radio waves to allow for communication between two devices.
While Bluetooth is commonly known, a recent development in the field has big implications for gate opener systems: Bluetooth Low Energy, or BLE. BLE devices use less power than traditional Bluetooth devices and have larger ranges. However, they’re also more expensive.
Additionally, after the remote gate opener and the credential communicate, there’s the matter of the motorized gate opener itself.
There are two main types of motorized gates: swinging and sliding gates.
True to its name, a swinging gate swings outwards or inwards to let somebody in. However, they usually swing inwards so they don’t hit the person or vehicle that just requested entry. In contrast, a sliding gate slides left or right in order to let the resident in.
Pros & cons of a Bluetooth gate opener
Pros
- Opening gates with a smartphone. These days, every resident has a smartphone in their pocket. As a result, opening the gate is as easy as one swipe in a mobile app.
- Easy vehicle access. Does your gate opener control a gate for vehicle access? If so, your tenants can say goodbye to the tedious process of holding a credential close up to a sensor.
Cons
- Limited range. Under ideal conditions, Bluetooth devices can connect up to hundreds of feet away — but in real-world conditions, it’s more likely a range of up to 30 feet. Conversely, there are other networks, like WiFi, that allow users to unlock the gate even if they aren’t in the same town.
- Credential hassles. Handing out physical credentials instead of depending on residents’ smartphones means you must purchase and keep track of these credentials.
- Possibility of WiFi interference. WiFi and Bluetooth use the same frequencies to communicate. While this isn’t usually a problem, you may encounter interference issues if too many WiFi and Bluetooth devices are in the same area.
- Resident access without a smartphone. If your residents use an app on their smartphone to connect to the Bluetooth gate opener, they’ll need another entry method if their phone dies or they don’t have it on them.
- Often designed for single-family homes. Many Bluetooth-powered gate opener systems are designed for single-family homes rather than multi-tenant properties.
