Key Takeaways
- The best gated entry system is ButterflyMX.
- The three most common electronic gate entry systems are a gate access control system, a telephone entry system, and a gate intercom.
- Choose a gated access control system that offers security, ease of use, and functionality.
- The three best gated entry systems are ButterflyMX, LiftMaster, and IntercomsOnline.
If you own or manage a gated property, you know that residents, visitors, and staff have high expectations regarding property access. From gate access control to telephone entry systems, there are many ways to streamline access at your property.
But how do you know which gate entry system will best suit your needs?
This post lists the four best gate entry systems in today’s market. Then, we walk you through what a gate entry system is, how it works, and explain common types of gate entry management systems. Next, we explore how to choose the cellular gate entry system that’s the best fit for you.
This post covers:
- The 4 best gate entry systems
- What is a gate entry system?
- How do gate entry systems work?
- The most common gate entry systems
- How to choose a gate entry system
- Gate entry system FAQs
The 4 best gate entry systems
If you’re in the market for a community gate system, you know there are a variety of options available.
Here’s a round-up of the best access control systems for gates:
1. ButterflyMX
With more than 20,000 five-star reviews, ButterflyMX is the best video gate entry system — and ensures a safe, convenient property experience for your residents.
What’s more, ButterflyMX is a robust access control system that offers greater security and more features, including a completely keyless experience for entry.
ButterflyMX is the best choice for successful gated property access because:
- Gate video intercom system. ButterflyMX is at the forefront of IP video intercom technology. What’s more, ButterflyMX’s smartphone gate entry system is a convenient smartphone gate opener that allows residents to use their smartphones to open gates and grant access with the tap of a finger.
- Virtual keys. On top of smartphone-based video communication, ButterflyMX makes visitor access simple with virtual keys. Virtual keys can be configured for single or recurring use, ensuring visitor access while maintaining security.
- Remote management and monitoring. From a web-based dashboard, property staff can view an audit trail of gate releases and virtual key uses. ButterflyMX also integrates seamlessly with property management software.
- Vehicle gate access control systems. Vehicle readers and windshield tags allow seamless, hands-free access for vehicles in gated communities. So, it’s one of the best HOA gate access systems for HOAs and condos.
2. LiftMaster
LiftMaster is one of the best neighborhood gate systems for offering reliable, long-lasting performance. What’s more, LiftMaster gate operators feature a built-in telephone entry system for added security.
LiftMaster offers a variety of products like:
- Community security gate systems. Security gate systems with safety features like sensors and loop detectors prevent accidents and ensure proper gate operation.
- Commercial gate operators. From barrier gate operators to automated swinging and sliding gates, LiftMaster offers a variety of security gates for communities.
- Solar solutions for gates. Solar-powered gates help reduce energy consumption for residential communities.
- Heavy-duty commercial gate openers. Heavy gate operators with durable hardware and speed control are great for moving day-to-day traffic. So, they’re ideal for industrial buildings and warehouses.
3. Intercoms Online
From outdoor intercoms to wireless gate openers, Intercoms Online offers a wide variety of intercom systems for gates.
Intercoms Online has a variety of offerings like:
- Commercial gate systems. From truck-scale intercoms to callboxes, Intercoms Online is a one-stop shop for intercoms of all types.
- Secure communication. Intercoms Online offers PA systems that provide a secure and direct way to communicate between different areas or entry points, enhancing overall security.
- Integration with security systems. With intercoms that can be integrated with other gated security systems like CCTV cameras and alarm systems, Intercoms Online stands out as a great option for community security gates.
4. DoorKing
Many property managers depend on DoorKing to improve access, security, and safety at their buildings.
DoorKing’s features include:
- Multiple product lines. Choose between DoorKing telephone entry systems, gates, video entry systems, and more.
- Cloud-based administration. A cloud-based system has many advantages compared to a previous-generation system. You can manage cloud-based systems from any device, and you increase your system’s reliability and convenience.
- Traffic control capabilities. Unique among access control providers, DoorKing also sells traffic signals and light sensors to manage access on large properties.
What is a gate entry system?
A gate entry system is a device that manages access to your gated community, commercial building, or industrial complex.
In the past, property staff needed to be there to operate a gate — you needed somebody in a tollbooth to verify people’s identities and ensure the gate opened.
Luckily, that isn’t the case anymore. Thanks to advances in technology, automated gate entry systems can free your staff up for other duties while maintaining security.
What is the best access control system?
For properties of all sizes, the best gate entry system solution is ButterflyMX. With more than 20,000 five-star reviews, ButterflyMX is the best gate intercom system — and ensures a safe, convenient property experience for your residents.
The ButterflyMX access control system is an eye-catching unit that empowers drivers and visitors to enter their gated community with ease.
This next generation of gated entry access control systems also features:
- Increased curb appeal with its contoured and durable design, which comes in 8-inch or 12-inch choices.
- A bright LED screen that’s easy to find and use.
- Aluminum casing that is vandal-resistant can withstand temperatures ranging from -40° to +140°F.
- A highly-rated smartphone app to make access simple and convenient.
- A wide-angle camera with a 156º field-of-view.
- No building wiring required.
- Connectivity with the highly-rated ButterflyMX mobile app.
Of course, we don’t just offer gate access — we can extend unified access throughout your entire property with our ecosystem of readers, keypads, elevator controls, and more. And you can manage every device using our powerful management dashboard, which you can access on any device.
In addition, you can use ButterflyMX on your property, whether you’re installing a new access system or integrating it into an existing one. We integrate with dozens of other access products, allowing you to unite separate locks or keypads with separate management platforms into one convenient place.
How do gate entry systems work?
Gate entry systems work by activating a gate motor to allow a resident in after a resident has produced the correct credentials and verified their identity.
Residents might open gates using:
- Fobs
- Vehicle stickers
- Keypad PINs
- Smartphone apps
The type of credential you use depends on the needs of your property. For example, if your property has a gated entrance for cars, you might install a vehicle gate entry system to make access easier for drivers.
In addition to credentials and readers, we can also consider the gate motor itself. There are two main types of gates: sliding and swinging gates.
To learn which one is right for your property, contact an installer who can survey your property and provide you with more information.
The most common gate entry systems
When considering which gate entry solution to choose, you have a few options. Which one you choose depends on whether you need to provide access to tenants, visitors, or both.
The most common residential gate systems are:
Gate access control system
A commercial gate access control system is a security solution that allows registered residents to access a gated property. Gate entry system software keeps track of resident credentials, an audit trail of entry events, and more.
They aren’t intended to enable visitor access — they lack a way for visitors to contact tenants and notify them of their arrival at the property. These systems offer different ways to authenticate users through their access control panel.
What is the most commonly used gate access system?
The right access control gate system depends on your property’s needs and infrastructure. For example, residential gate entry systems tend to use RFID tags because RFID tags allow for convenient wireless communication.
In contrast, many commercial properties that focus on restricting access to only approved personnel use fingerprint readers or cell phone systems. And you’ll find vehicle detection systems at gated communities and parking entrances.
Telephone entry system
A telephone entry system is a device that allows residents to communicate with visitors and grant them property access from a telephone. When installed at a gated entrance, a telephone entry system lets visitors call residents by pressing a button or dialing a code. Visitors can find a specific tenant’s code by searching through the system’s directory.
How does a telephone entry system work?
Telephone entry systems for gates work by using telephone lines or cellular service to alert residents of a visitor with a phone call. When a visitor arrives at your gated entrance, they use hardware installed at the entryway of the property to alert a resident.
- First, the visitor must select the correct resident from the system’s directory.
- Then, they call that resident. When the resident’s phone rings, they answer it like they would a traditional phone call.
- Finally, the tenant opens the gate for their guest by pressing ‘9’ on their phone. Pressing ‘9’ sends an unlocking signal to motors in the electric gate system, which opens the gate for the guest.
Find out how to open a gate with a cell phone:
Gate intercom
A gate intercom is a property access solution that allows residents to communicate with visitors and open the gate for them remotely. It’s the best way to control access to gated communities, HOAs, and other gated properties.
Gate intercoms require:
- Hardware called substations in each apartment unit. Alternatively, some gate intercoms use tenants’ smartphones as substations, which eliminates the need to install hardware in every unit.
- A base station at the gate entrance. Visitors use the base station to call residents.
Past generations of gate intercoms had to physically run wire between a base station and each of its substations. But today, many gate intercoms are wireless and operate over the internet.
What’s more, one of the latest innovations in property access is the IP gate intercom. IP intercom systems use the internet instead of physical wiring to let visitors communicate with guests and remotely control property access. IP intercoms with cameras are becoming more common, further improving functionality and security.
How to choose a gate entry system
An entry gate system is a must-have amenity for gated communities, apartments, and other gated properties. But which system is right for you? Before you make your final decision, don’t forget to consider these important factors.
The top factors to consider when purchasing a security gate entry system are:
Security
Access control security at property entrances is undoubtedly one of your residents’ biggest concerns. Ensuring security for your residents will establish you as a property owner or manager who goes above and beyond.
What’s more, a gate intercom with a camera allows you to see exactly who you’re letting into the property.
Ease of use
Ease of access is another major issue. You might have a secure gate entry system, but if it’s hard to use or breaks down often, your residents will be fed up no matter the benefits.
To improve the access experience, the best entry systems are going wireless. Wireless gate entry systems benefit residents and property owners. Some companies offer wireless intercoms that let residents use their smartphones to open the gate.
That means residents miles from their apartments can use their smartphones to let in their guests. And if you don’t have to install wiring, gate entry system installers save themselves the headache — and the expense — of tearing down walls and doing other maintenance tasks.
Functionality
Also important to your residents are the features your system offers. In addition to simplifying access, an entry system’s features can help you better manage your property.
Some gated entry systems offer features like mobile apps that allow for remote unlocking and video calling, all from a resident’s smartphone. The best gate entry systems also make it easier to manage visitors with features like virtual keys and delivery PINs.
Gate entry system FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about residential gate access control systems:
- How many types of gate control are there?
- How do gates work in gated communities?
- Why is gate entry important?
How many types of gate control are there?
The three most common types of gate control are gate intercoms, telephone entry systems, and gate access control systems.
How do gates work in gated communities?
Gates work in gated communities by ensuring that only authorized residents, visitors, service providers, and staff are able to enter the premises.
Why is gate entry important?
Gate entry is important because it boosts security by reducing the risks associated with unauthorized vehicles entering a property.
