DOOR (formerly Latch) Intercom Review: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

 

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.

 

The Latch Intercom, now sold as the DOOR Intercom, is an audio-first entrance system for multifamily properties, student housing, and other managed entrances. It handles visitor calling, but its $3,999 base price does not include video or door-release hardware.

This Latch Intercom review covers the current price, required add-ons, video workflow, installation needs, app feedback, integrations, and alternatives. The key question is what a complete entrance setup will require at your property.

This guide will answer:

• What is the Latch Intercom?
• Latch Intercom features and access options
• How much does the Latch Intercom cost?
• Installation, power, and network requirements
• What do customers say about the Latch and DOOR app experience?
• Latch Intercom review: pros and cons
• Who is the Latch Intercom best suited for?
• Latch Intercom alternatives
• Latch Intercom vs. ButterflyMX
• Frequently asked questions
• How to evaluate the Latch Intercom

 

Watch how ButterflyMX works:

 

What is the Latch Intercom?

The Latch Intercom, currently sold as the DOOR Intercom, is an audio-first entrance intercom with a 7-inch non-touch display and four tactile directory buttons. It can call the DOOR App or any U.S. phone number, including a landline, while separate devices handle video and door release.

Latch rebranded as DOOR in August 2025, though the legal company remains Latch, Inc. That explains why buyers still see both names on product pages, support documents, app listings, and older reviews.

 

How the Latch Intercom works

Visitors use four physical buttons to move through the directory and place a call. Properties can send that call to the DOOR App, any U.S. phone number, or a compatible Fanvil i10d in-unit receiver.

The Intercom can handle the call, but it cannot release the entrance on its own. DOOR’s Intercom support documentation says it must pair with an R2 reader for door release. A separate Camera provides one-way video: the resident or staff member can see the visitor, but the visitor cannot see the person answering.

 

What each DOOR device does

The Intercom, Camera, and R2 have distinct roles. Keeping them separate helps buyers estimate costs and compare DOOR with an all-in-one entry system.

Device	Primary function	Key capabilities	Dependency or limitation
Intercom	Visitor calling	Four-button directory, app and phone-number calling, audio communication	Cannot release a door by itself and has no built-in camera
DOOR Camera	Visual screening	Adds one-way video to an Intercom call	Separate $499 accessory; visitors cannot see the person answering
R2 Smart Reader	Door release and credentials	DOOR App, Android NFC, Apple Watch, keycards, and Doorcode	Separate $899 reader required for Intercom-controlled door release
DOOR Link	Secondary-door access	QR-based access at supported openings	No audio or video calling

 

Latch Intercom features and access options

The Latch Intercom’s strongest features are flexible call routing, several connection options, durable outdoor hardware, and access credentials through the separate R2 reader.

• Phone and app calling: The Intercom can call the DOOR App or any U.S. phone number, including a landline. Residents do not need a smartphone to answer a visitor.
• Multiple connections: It supports Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Category 1 cellular backup through a built-in SIM.
• Outdoor hardware: The Intercom specifications list IP65 protection, Gorilla Glass 3, ADA compliance, and an operating range of -30°C to 60°C.
• Directory controls: Visitors use tactile buttons instead of a touchscreen, and staff can pin entries such as a leasing office near the top of the directory.
• Cloud management: Property teams can manage supported devices and directory settings through DOOR OS and its management apps.
• R2 credentials: The R2 reader supports the DOOR App, Android NFC, Apple Watch, keycards, and Doorcode.

Because unlocking and resident credentials depend on R2, buyers should compare both credential choices and the number of components each entrance needs. ButterflyMX takes a different approach by supporting video intercoms, access control, mobile access, and wallet-based credentials within a broader property access platform.

 

Video, audio, and visitor calling

The base Latch Intercom is audio-first, and a separate $499 Camera adds one-way video. The resident or staff member can see the visitor, but the visitor receives audio rather than a two-way video conversation.

The unit has dual microphones with echo cancellation and noise reduction, plus audio output up to 90dB. Its 7-inch display is rated at 1,000 nits with a 176-degree viewing angle, but it serves as a directory display rather than a visitor-facing video screen.

That workflow differs from a video intercom that lets residents see and speak with visitors in one call. ButterflyMX supports video intercoms, so buyers should decide whether an audio-first setup with optional one-way video fits their visitor-screening process.

 

Property-management integrations

DOOR OS integrates with Yardi, RealPage, Entrata, and AppFolio. These named property-management system integrations may help teams connect access data and workflows to software they already use.

Before buying, ask which records sync, how often updates occur, whether the integration costs extra, and what staff must still manage manually. DOOR does not publicly list current pricing for these software services.

 

How much does the Latch Intercom cost?

The Latch Intercom costs $3,999, but a door-release setup starts at about $4,898 because it also needs the $899 R2 reader. That total excludes software, installation, video, and other accessories.

Hardware	Role	Required or optional	Public price	Buyer consideration
Intercom	Visitor directory and calling	Base device	$3,999	Does not include a camera or direct door-release hardware
R2 Smart Reader	Door release and credentials	Required to release a door through the Intercom workflow	$899	Brings the practical hardware starting point to about $4,898
DOOR Camera	One-way video	Optional	$499	Adds a visitor view but not two-way video
R2 plus Retrofit Kit	Reader and retrofit hardware bundle	Configuration dependent	$1,499.99	May apply when adapting an existing opening
DOOR Link	QR access for secondary doors	Optional	$99.99	Does not provide audio or video calling
Keycards, pack of 20	Physical R2 credentials	Optional	$120	Adds a physical credential option
Door Interconnect	DOOR ecosystem accessory	Configuration dependent	$699	Confirm its role and quantity for the planned design

The accessory prices come from the current DOOR hardware shop. DOOR does not publicly list current subscription, software, or installation prices, so a public hardware total is not the same as total cost of ownership.

Some older articles list a $2,799.30 hardware price and monthly Latch-era software fees. 

 

What to request in a DOOR quote

A useful DOOR quote separates one-time hardware and installation costs from recurring software charges. Ask for line items covering:

• Every Intercom, R2 reader, Camera, and retrofit component.
• Software and subscription charges by door, unit, user, or property.
• Property-management integration charges, if any.
• Installation labor, cabling, power supplies, and network-switch upgrades.
• Delivery or package-management services in the proposed configuration.
• Credential costs and replacement policies.

Ask the vendor to identify what is required for day-one operation and what is optional. That distinction makes it easier to compare systems that package video, calling, and door release differently.

 

Installation, power, and network requirements

The Latch Intercom needs professional installation with either 24VDC two-wire power or PoE++ using 802.3bt at 50W or more. Standard PoE and PoE+ equipment may not provide enough power, so retrofit properties should inspect their switches before setting a budget.

PoE++ sends more power over an Ethernet cable than ordinary PoE. For an installer, the practical question is simple: can the planned switch port deliver at least 50W, or will the property need a new switch or a 24VDC power supply?

Requirement	Specification	Practical implication
Display	7 inches, 1,000 nits, 176-degree viewing angle	Designed to remain visible at shared entrances
Environmental rating	IP65; -30°C to 60°C operating range	Suitable for exposed entrances within the documented range
Power draw	20W typical; 50W maximum	The power source must handle peak demand
Ethernet power	PoE++ 802.3bt at 50W or more	Ordinary PoE or PoE+ switches may need replacement
Alternative power	24VDC two-wire	An option when compatible PoE++ is unavailable
Network speed	At least 2 Mbps upstream and downstream	Test site connectivity at the entrance
Wi-Fi	2.4 GHz or 5 GHz with WPA or WPA2	Hidden SSIDs and captive-portal networks are not supported
Backup connection	Category 1 cellular through a built-in SIM	Provides a failover path if the primary connection drops

These requirements come from DOOR’s 2025 technical datasheet and Intercom support documentation. The documents also caution against hidden wireless networks and hotel-style captive portals that require a browser sign-in.

 

Retrofit questions to ask before buying

Retrofit buyers should inspect power, switching, cabling, network coverage, mounting conditions, and R2 pairing before ordering hardware. Use these questions during a site survey:

• Does each entrance have 24VDC power, or can its switch provide PoE++ 802.3bt at 50W or more?
• Can the cable path support the planned power and network design?
• Does the entrance have at least 2 Mbps upload and download speed?
• Does the Wi-Fi use WPA or WPA2 without a hidden SSID or captive portal?
• Which R2 reader will release each entrance, and has that pairing been coordinated with DOOR support?
• Will the Camera need its own power and mounting location?
• Do any switches, power supplies, enclosures, or pedestals need replacement?

These answers can materially change installed cost. A $3,999 Intercom connected to an incompatible PoE+ switch may require more infrastructure work than its headline price suggests.

 

What do customers say about the Latch and DOOR app experience?

Latch and DOOR app ratings are strong overall, but detailed feedback also includes reports of Bluetooth failures, slow or failed unlocking, crashes, and unexpected logouts. This feedback covers the broader Latch and DOOR access ecosystem, not only the Intercom.

The Apple App Store listing shows a 4.7 out of 5 rating from about 155,000 ratings. The Google Play listing shows 4.3 out of 5 from about 16,600 reviews. Those large samples suggest many users are satisfied, while written reviews still surface recurring access problems.

Common concerns include Bluetooth connection problems, slow unlock attempts, multiple attempts at elevators or doors, crashes, and Android performance issues. An independent account of the wider Latch smart-lock experience also describes delayed unlocking and app frustration, though it is not a hands-on Intercom test.

The fairest next step is an on-site pilot. Test iOS and Android devices at doors, elevators, garages, and other areas where residents will use mobile access.

 

Latch Intercom review: pros and cons

The Latch Intercom offers flexible calling, several network options, durable hardware, broad R2 credential choices, and named property-management integrations. Buyers should also plan for separate video and unlocking devices, higher PoE requirements, quote-based recurring pricing, and mixed app feedback.

Pros	Why they matter
Calls can reach the DOOR App or any U.S. phone number	Residents can answer on a smartphone or landline rather than relying on one device type.
Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular backup	Properties have several connection paths and a built-in failover option.
IP65, Gorilla Glass 3, and ADA-compliant hardware	The entrance unit is designed for exposed, shared environments and accessible use.
Several credential choices through R2	Residents can use app access, Android NFC, Apple Watch, keycards, or Doorcode when an R2 reader is installed.
Yardi, RealPage, Entrata, and AppFolio integrations	Named integrations can improve fit for properties already using those platforms.

Cons	Why they matter
Video requires a $499 Camera and remains one-way	The base Intercom has no built-in visual screening, and visitors cannot see the person answering.
Door release requires a separate $899 R2 reader	A functional entry setup costs more and uses more hardware than the $3,999 Intercom alone.
PoE requires 802.3bt at 50W or more	Properties with ordinary PoE or PoE+ switches may need an upgrade or a 24VDC power design.
Current software and installation pricing is not public	Buyers need an itemized quote to compare total ownership costs.
Detailed app feedback reports connection and unlock problems	A site-specific pilot is useful even though aggregate ratings are high.
Corporate disclosures warrant procurement review	Long-term contracts should include normal vendor-continuity and financial due diligence.

For that last point, Latch’s SEC filing discloses a prior accounting restatement, an SEC investigation, ongoing litigation, Nasdaq delisting, and unrestricted cash declining from $75.4 million at the end of 2024 to $34.6 million at the end of 2025. These disclosures do not determine product quality, but they matter when evaluating a multi-year technology contract and support relationship.

 

Who is the Latch Intercom best suited for?

The Latch Intercom may suit multifamily, student-housing, and managed-entry properties that value phone-number calling, modular access hardware, cellular backup, and integrations with Yardi, RealPage, Entrata, or AppFolio.

It may be a stronger fit for a property that:

• Wants residents to answer through an app or a U.S. phone number.
• Prefers tactile directory controls over a touchscreen workflow.
• Can install R2 readers wherever Intercom-controlled door release is needed.
• Can provide 24VDC power or compatible PoE++ infrastructure.
• Accepts one-way video or does not need video at every entrance.
• Uses one of the named property-management platforms.
• Plans to use other DOOR products, such as smart locks or DOOR Link.

Properties planning a wider access program should compare future needs as well as the primary entrance. The DOOR ecosystem includes Intercom calling, R2-controlled shared-space access, smart locks, secondary-door links, and delivery workflows. ButterflyMX supports video intercoms, access control, vehicle access, elevator controls, security cameras, package rooms, mobile access, visitor access, and smart lock integrations.

 

When buyers should compare other options

Buyers should compare other systems if built-in or two-way video, a simpler door-release design, ordinary PoE compatibility, or fully public recurring prices are priorities.

A comparison is also useful for a large community that needs firm directory, resident, or credential limits. Ask DOOR to document how the proposed setup will scale to the property’s current and future population.

 

Latch Intercom alternatives

Relevant Latch Intercom alternatives include ButterflyMX, Swiftlane, Aiphone, 2N, and Avigilon Alta. Each belongs on a shortlist for a different reason, not as a universal replacement.

• ButterflyMX: Consider it when the property wants video intercoms alongside mobile access, visitor access, access control, vehicle access, elevator controls, package rooms, cameras, or smart lock integrations in a broader platform.
• Swiftlane Video Intercom: Consider it when comparing DOOR’s audio-first design with a system positioned around built-in two-way video and facial recognition.
• Aiphone: Consider its video and audio intercoms when evaluating established traditional intercom hardware.
• 2N: Consider 2N IP intercoms for commercial environments where SIP and IP-oriented designs are important.
• Avigilon Alta: Consider it when comparing DOOR’s modular architecture with an all-in-one video and access-control approach. 

Compare each option using the same property plan, opening count, credential mix, video workflow, integrations, and installation scope. Otherwise, one vendor’s base hardware price may be compared unfairly with another vendor’s more complete setup.

 

Latch Intercom vs. ButterflyMX

Latch Intercom and ButterflyMX both address property entry, but they organize visitor and access workflows differently. DOOR uses separate Intercom, Camera, and R2 components, while ButterflyMX offers video intercoms and access control within a wider property access and security platform.

Feature	Latch Intercom	ButterflyMX	Why it matters
Video intercom	The base unit is audio-first. A separate $499 Camera adds one-way video.	Residents can see and speak with visitors through the ButterflyMX mobile app before granting remote access.	Properties should choose a visual calling workflow that fits how residents and staff screen visitors.
Door release and credentials	A paired R2 reader releases the door and supports the DOOR App, Android NFC, Apple Watch, keycards, and Doorcode.	ButterflyMX supports access control, smartphone access, and wallet-based credentials on compatible mobile devices.	Component design and credential mix affect hardware planning and resident entry.
Visitor workflow	Visitors navigate a four-button directory, and calls can go to the DOOR App or a U.S. phone number.	Visitors call residents through the video intercom. Residents can see and speak with them in the app and grant access remotely.	The directory and call experience affects both visitors and residents.
Access beyond the front entrance	R2 credentials can apply to shared doors, elevators, garages, and amenities in the DOOR ecosystem.	ButterflyMX supports access control, vehicle access, elevator controls, and mobile entry for supported doors, gates, and other controlled entrances.	A property-wide comparison should include garages, gates, elevators, amenities, and secondary doors.
Broader platform	DOOR offers the Intercom, R2 reader, smart locks, DOOR Link, and delivery-management capabilities.	ButterflyMX brings video intercoms, access control, cameras, package rooms, smart lock integrations, visitor access, and related products into one platform.	Platform scope can affect how many systems property teams need to evaluate and manage.

Don’t choose either option from a feature table alone. Compare itemized proposals, installed hardware, recurring charges, resident workflows, integrations, and on-site performance.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Latch Intercom cost?

The Latch Intercom costs $3,999. Door release requires a separate $899 R2 reader, bringing the practical hardware starting point to about $4,898 before software, installation, video, and other accessories.

 

Does the Latch Intercom include video?

No. The base Latch Intercom has no camera; a separate $499 Camera adds one-way video so the resident or staff member can see the visitor.

 

Can the Latch Intercom unlock a door by itself?

No. The Latch Intercom must pair with a DOOR R2 reader to release a door.

 

Does the Latch Intercom require a landline?

No. The Intercom uses a network connection, but it can route visitor calls to any U.S. phone number, including a landline.

 

What power and network connection does the Latch Intercom need?

The Latch Intercom needs either 24VDC two-wire power or PoE++ 802.3bt at 50W or more. It supports Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, and cellular backup, and it requires at least 2 Mbps upstream and downstream.

 

What credentials does the Latch Intercom support?

Credentials are handled by the separate R2 reader, which supports the DOOR App, Android NFC, Apple Watch, keycards, and Doorcode.

 

Is DOOR the same company as Latch?

Yes. Latch rebranded as DOOR in August 2025, while the legal entity remains Latch, Inc.

 

Which property-management systems integrate with DOOR?

DOOR OS integrates with Yardi, RealPage, Entrata, and AppFolio.

 

How reliable is the Latch and DOOR app?

The app has aggregate ratings of 4.7 out of 5 on the Apple App Store and 4.3 out of 5 on Google Play. Detailed reviews also report Bluetooth problems, delayed or failed unlocking, multiple attempts, and crashes, so buyers should test the app at their property.

 

How to evaluate the Latch Intercom

The Latch Intercom may fit properties that want app and phone-number calling, durable entrance hardware, cellular backup, modular credentials, and named property-management integrations. Its central tradeoff is that the base device does not provide video or door release on its own.

Before deciding, use this checklist:

• Request itemized pricing for hardware, installation, software, integrations, and recurring services.
• Confirm how many Intercoms, R2 readers, Cameras, and retrofit components the property needs.
• Check whether each entrance supports 24VDC or PoE++ at 50W or more.
• Test bandwidth, Wi-Fi restrictions, cellular backup, and cable routes.
• Document required resident and visitor credentials.
• Confirm property-management integration workflows and related fees.
• Ask DOOR to document directory and credential capacity for the proposed configuration.
• Run an on-site pilot with iOS and Android devices at doors, elevators, and garages.

Compare the final DOOR proposal with alternatives using the same scope, not headline prices alone. If your property prefers video visitor calls and wants to assess a wider access and security platform, include ButterflyMX on the shortlist.

Contact ButterflyMX to explore video intercom, mobile access, visitor access, access control, and other property-wide access options.

Get your free quote!

Fill in the form below, and we'll email you right back.

Want a free quote?

Fill in the form below, and we'll email you right back.