Door Buzzer System: Your Guide to Buying & Installing One

 

 

One of the most common building entry systems is the apartment buzzer system. You’ve probably seen building residents “buzzing in” their guests in movies, television, or even your day-to-day life. And if you develop, own, manage, or live in a multi-tenant property, you might even have a door buzzer system in your building.

In this guide, we explain the ins and outs of door buzzers to help you decide if you should buy one for your property. We also discuss the pros and cons of using them in apartments, offices, and other buildings. Finally, we explore alternatives, such as video intercoms that may be better suited for your property.

Navigate this guide:

• Alternatives to door buzzer systems
• What is a door buzzer system?
• The top door buzzer entry systems to buy
• How does a door buzzer entry system work?
• Types of door buzzer systems
• Pros & cons of door buzzer systems

 

 

Alternatives to door buzzer systems

A buzzer system for doors helps manage visitor access and improve building security, but there are much better door entry systems available.

One alternative to the traditional wired buzzer system is a wireless door buzzer entry system.

A wireless door buzzer intercom system is easier and more affordable to install because it doesn’t require you to purchase and run wiring between the entryway device and the in-unit hardware. However, you’ll still encounter many of the same downsides — such as missed visitors and deliveries since the wireless system still requires tenants to be in the building to buzz in guests.

So, the best alternative to a door buzzer system is a video intercom system with a mobile app.

Here’s why a video intercom system is better than a door buzzer system:

• You can open doors and gates with a smartphone from anywhere — which means you’ll never miss a visitor or delivery.
• The video intercom’s camera enables video calling, so you can see who’s requesting access before letting them in.
• You don’t have to run wiring or install in-unit hardware because tenants use their smartphones instead.
• Video intercoms integrate with the other proptech you’re using, such as smart locks, property management software, and access control systems.
• You can manage the system from anywhere using cloud-based software instead of going onsite to make changes manually.

 

Upgrade to a video intercom system

If your door buzzer system is outdated or broken, replace it with a video intercom. You’ll instantly improve building security, add convenience, and boost the resident experience. Video intercoms make property access simple by empowering staff and tenants to open doors and gates from anywhere.

With loads of additional features and enhanced functionality, a video intercom is the clear choice over a door buzzer system.

 

Learn more about the ButterflyMX video intercom:

 

What is a door buzzer system?

A door buzzer system is a kind of building entry system that allows visitors to request property access from tenants. Door buzzer entry systems control access at doors and gates in apartments, offices, commercial facilities, and other kinds of buildings.

Door buzzers get their name from the buzzing noise tenants hear when they have a visitor. Visitors can “buzz” tenants to let them know they’ve arrived. Additionally, tenants can remotely open the door or gate for their visitors by pressing a ‘door open’ button. Visitors may also hear a buzzing sound to let them know the door is unlocked.

Door buzzer systems consist of:

• Hardware at the entryway. This hardware includes a tenant directory, a microphone, a speaker, and either a keypad to dial tenants’ unique codes or a call button for each tenant.
• Hardware in each unit. Door buzzer systems also require hardware in every unit throughout the building. Tenants use their in-unit hardware to receive buzzing alerts from visitors and to open the door remotely. This hardware has a microphone, a speaker, a ‘door open’ button, and sometimes a ‘talk’ button that you press to speak with a visitor.
• Wiring. The hardware at the entrance and the hardware in each unit must be connected by wiring.
• Door release. You’ll need a door release mechanism as well as an electric strike or a maglock so that users can remotely open the door or gate.

 

What is the difference between a door buzzer and an intercom system?

The difference between a door buzzer entry system and an intercom system is the capabilities each solution provides to a property.

Overall, door buzzers are severely limited in the functionality they can provide because they require in-unit hardware. Conversely, modern intercom systems, also known as smart buzzer systems, pair with residents’ smartphones to allow them to manage access for visitors. Not to mention, these systems are packed with helpful features to increase security and convenience among tenants.

The features of a door buzzer entry system are severely limited compared to an intercom system:

Feature	Door buzzer system	Intercom System
Guest arrival notification	Yes	Yes
Two-way audio	Yes	Yes
Resident directory	Yes	Yes
Remote access	Yes – Limited to in-unit hardware	Yes – From anywhere with a smartphone
Video calls	No	Yes
Time- & date-stamped photo entries	No	Yes
Audit log	No	Yes
integrations	No	Yes
Delivery management	No	Yes

 

As you can see, intercom systems provide greater value to multi-tenant properties than any door buzzer entry system. The features listed above are only a fraction of what modern video intercom systems can provide.

 

How much does a door buzzer cost?

A door buzzer system costs anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000 for the hardware. The exact price depends on the system you choose and its features.

However, remember that these estimates don’t include the cost of installation and possible maintenance fees. The cost of door buzzer system installation varies widely because installers set their own pricing. Keep in mind that buzzer systems require in-unit hardware and lots of wiring — so costs add up quickly. You should always request a quote from a certified installer to make sure you’re getting a good price from a trusted professional.

 

How do you install a doorbell buzzer?

Door buzzer installation requires a sizeable budget and careful planning. Installing door buzzer systems can be tricky because they require in-unit hardware and lots of wiring. As a result, costs add up quickly. Additionally, the installation project can be long and challenging.

Here’s what to consider when installing a door buzzer system:

• Pick reliable hardware: You’ll need to install hardware at the main entrance and within every unit throughout the building. Always opt for a system that has durable hardware. Otherwise, if your hardware breaks or malfunctions, you might have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars repairing or replacing it.
• Don’t forget about wiring needs: Installing door buzzer systems generally requires you to run wiring from the main device at the building’s entrance throughout the building to every in-unit device. So, you’ll need to budget for both the price of wiring and the cost of installing it. Note that laying wiring may require opening walls and ripping up floors.
• Hire a great installer: Since your buzzer system probably requires a lot of wiring, you should hire a knowledgeable and trusted installer to handle the job. Keep in mind that the process could take several days, if not many weeks.

 

The top door buzzer entry systems to buy

The best door buzzer to purchase will depend on the demands of your unique property type. You will want to consider whether your property is commercial or residential. Additionally, the best door buzzer will depend on the volume of daily users that your property sees.

The best door buzzer entry systems to buy are:

• Visionis. This company offers an electromagnetic lock kit with a wireless receiver and remote. This system is ideal for a single entryway to a business. Users must click the doorbell buzzer in order for someone with the receiver to grant them entry.
• ZDL. Offering more than just a door buzzer, this company has a buzzer system that serves an eight-unit multifamily property. This product includes indoor monitors, a door camera, motion detection, and more. From their unit, residents can view visitors and remotely unlock doors.
• Maglocks. This company offers a single-door remote buzz-in kit. It claims to be intended for medium to high-traffic areas such as medical offices and salons. Users operate the system by clicking the door buzzer. Next, a staff member with the receiver releases the door lock, allowing them into the building.

 

How does a door buzzer entry system work?

A door buzzer entry system works when a guest approaches the hardware located at the entrance of the property. Using the directory, they’ll locate the button needed to notify the tenant of their arrival.

Upon pressing the button, a signal is sent from the main station to the in-unit hardware, notifying the tenant in the form of a buzzing sound. From the in-unit hardware, the tenant may speak with the visitor before granting them access.

After speaking with the guest, the tenant can then grant them access by pressing a button on the in-unit hardware. This sends a signal to the door release, unlocking the entryway for the visitor to enter.

 

Listen to a door buzzer system:

 

How do you buzz open a door?

The method of how you buzz open a door for a guest is determined by the type of in-unit hardware the system uses.

For those with a panel in their unit, press the button labeled with the word “door” or with the key icon. This will unlock the door for the visitor requesting access.

If a phone is used to speak with the guest, you can buzz open the door by pressing the number “9” on the keypad.

 

Types of door buzzer systems

A door buzzer is a common property access solution that’s used in buildings across industries.

Door buzzer systems are primarily installed in apartment buildings and commercial buildings:

1. Apartment door buzzers
2. Commercial door buzzers
3. Gate buzzer system

 

1. Apartment door buzzers

An apartment door buzzer is a building entry system designed for multifamily properties that enables staff and residents to manage visitor access and open the door or gate remotely.

Door buzzer systems for apartments provide a simple way for guests to contact a resident and let them know they’ve arrived. And residents use apartment buzzers to open the door for their guests. However, residents must use their in-unit hardware to remotely grant access — which means they must be in their apartment unit to use the system.

In addition, property staff can use the apartment door buzzer to grant access to prospects for self-guided tours. A building with front desk staff or onsite leasing agents can also open the door for service providers, vendors, and other visitors. However, one potential drawback for property staff is that many buzzer systems can’t be managed remotely. As a result, staff may have to go onsite to update the resident directory and adjust access permissions.

Although most apartment buzzer systems don’t have a camera, some do. Buzzer systems with a camera offer video calling capabilities. However, most only offer one-way video — which means residents can see visitors, but visitors can’t see residents.

 

 

2. Commercial door buzzers

Commercial door buzzer systems are found in office buildings and other commercial properties. They enable tenants inside the building to communicate with visitors at the building’s entrance and grant them access by pressing an ‘open door’ button.

Commercial doorbell buzzer systems aren’t ideal for office buildings — especially offices with an open floor plan — because they require in-unit hardware. If you wanted to give every employee in the building the ability to grant remote access, you’d need to install several devices throughout the building.

Many commercial buildings with an office door buzzer system only enable visitors to “buzz” a front desk or building staff. In these cases, a visitor can’t directly contact a specific employee.

 

3. Gate buzzer system

A gate buzzer system is used as a property access solution primarily for gated communities, but other gated properties may also benefit. Located at the property’s front gate, gate buzzer systems allow visitors to easily access a gated property without tenants having to leave their units. As a result, guests and delivery drivers have an easier time accessing the property without causing a line of vehicles at the gate.

Unfortunately, installing a gate buzzer system can be extremely costly. The process of running wires to the gate and each individual unit significantly increases the cost of installation. So, it’s best to choose a gate entry system that is wireless. That way, your gated property can benefit from a gate access solution without a lofty price tag.

 

Pros & cons of door buzzer systems

Door buzzer systems are popular building entry solutions, but are they the best option? Below, we outline the pros and cons of a door buzzer system.

Pros:

• Gives tenants the ability to grant access without going downstairs or leaving their apartment.
• Provides a way for visitors to notify tenants of their arrival and request property access.
• In some cases, buzzers save time for building or front desk staff because visitors can request access directly from a tenant.

 

Cons:

• Buzzer systems require extensive wiring, which is costly and difficult to install.
• You’ll need hardware in every unit throughout the building, which is expensive to purchase and install.
• Maintenance is difficult because the system requires wiring and in-unit hardware. All these components make the system more prone to maintenance issues.
• Door buzzers often lead to building buzzer bombing, which is when a visitor buzzes every person in the intercom hoping someone will let them in.
• Tenants must be in their unit to open the door or gate remotely, which can lead to missed visitors and deliveries.
• Door buzzers don’t come with a mobile app, so tenants can’t unlock the door with their smartphones.
• No video calling, so tenants can’t visually confirm who they’re letting into the building.
• Door buzzers lack modern features and functionality, such as virtual keys for visitors, delivery passes, and door release logs.
• Many door buzzer systems require staff to go onsite to update the tenant directory.
• Door buzzers are outdated and do little to improve the tenant experience or boost resident retention.