Key takeaways
- Good gate intercom systems are wireless, have a camera, feature PIN codes, store data in the cloud, and feature a mobile app.
- Your gate intercom access control has a lot of responsibilities for both residents and visitors. However, ease of use and maximizing security are perhaps the biggest responsibilities.
Access management for your gated property has the ultimate goal of being fast and efficient without compromising on security. Gate intercom systems are perhaps the best solution for controlling access at gates across your residential property, business, or house. But there are many types of gate intercoms to choose from, such as the gate intercom keypad.
Our guide explores the top gate intercom keypads. Next, we examine what a gate intercom keypad is and how it works. Finally, we go over what to look for when buying one.
This post covers:
- Best gate intercom keypads
- What is a gate intercom keypad?
- How do gate intercom keypads work?
- What to look for when buying a gate intercom keypad
Best gate intercom keypads
ButterflyMX Video Intercom
ButterflyMX is an industry leader in property access technology, trusted by thousands of multifamily and commercial properties nationwide. Known for its innovation and user-friendly designs, ButterflyMX’s mission is to simplify access control while enhancing security and convenience. ButterflyMX’s commitment to cutting-edge technology has made it a top choice for property managers, residents, and building owners.
If you need to control access beyond your front gate — perhaps at an auxiliary residential entrance — the ButterflyMX Access Control System is the best fit.
Features include:
- Intuitive keypad. Residents and guests unlock gates using unique PIN codes.
- Smartphone integration. Residents can open gates with their smartphones via the ButterflyMX mobile app.
- Cloud-based management. Access logs with time-stamped photos are securely stored in the cloud, enabling property managers to monitor activity remotely.
- Guest access with QR codes. Residents can send virtual keys to visitors, drastically reducing wait times at gates.
- Seamless integration. Works with other ButterflyMX products, creating a comprehensive property-wide access solution.
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
Aiphone GT Series
Aiphone has over 70 years of experience in designing and manufacturing intercom systems. A trusted global leader, the company is known for creating high-performance, durable systems that blend security with convenience. Aiphone’s products are widely recognized for their quality, reliability, and ability to cater to diverse residential and commercial property needs.
The Aiphone GT Series Intercom with Keypad is a durable and reliable access system that can benefit gated properties that value security and ease of use.
Features include:
- Video intercom. Offers clear audio and video communication between visitors and residents.
- Numeric keypad. Residents and authorized personnel can unlock gates using unique PIN codes.
- Wired connectivity. Ensures stable and interference-free operation, ideal for long-term reliability.
- Weather-resistant design. Built to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted performance.
- Simple operation. User-friendly interface for both residents and property managers.
LiftMaster CAPXLV
LiftMaster is a trusted name in access control and gate operators, with over 50 years of industry experience. Known for its reliable, innovative products, LiftMaster focuses on creating solutions that integrate seamlessly with smart building technologies. Their commitment to security, efficiency, and user convenience makes LiftMaster a go-to choice for large-scale property access management.
The LiftMaster CAPXLV Gate Intercom Keypad is an advanced system designed to handle the access control needs of large residential communities and commercial properties.
Features include:
- High-definition video intercom. Provides residents and property managers with a clear view of visitors.
- Integrated keypad. Allows residents and staff to use secure PIN codes for gate access.
- Cloud-based software. Enables property managers to remotely monitor and control access with real-time updates.
- Mobile app compatibility. Residents can manage access using their smartphones, ensuring seamless entry.
- Scalable design. Supports multiple access points, making it ideal for larger properties
What is a gate intercom keypad?
A gate intercom keypad is any type of intercom system for gates that also includes a keypad. This dual-purpose gate entry system provides a way for residents to open the gate for themselves with a PIN code and for visitors to request access by calling a resident.
Numerous PINs can be programmed into any front gate intercom system, so each resident has their own code. With some systems and models, residents can also give repeat guests their own PINs, which means users don’t have to be home when visitors arrive.
Components of a gate intercom system
A gate intercom keypad access control system includes:
- Base station. This is the main device installed by the gate. It consists of a microphone and speaker to enable calls between visitors and tenants, as well as a keypad to enter codes. In some cases, the base station of the gate intercom includes a camera. The base station is what anybody approaching the gate encounters. These components can connect to the internet.
- Substations. These are the multiple devices located within units throughout the property. Residents use substations to communicate with visitors and unlock the gate remotely. Substations are usually physical devices placed in each unit, although some gate intercom keypad systems use tenants’ smartphones as substations instead. Residents can monitor who is at the gate from their unit, thanks to the substation. Two-way communication is also enabled through this component.
How do gate intercom keypads work?
Gate intercom keypads work by enabling property access in two ways: entering a PIN code or establishing an intercom call between visitors using the base station and residents using substations.
If a visitor needs access, they can use the gate intercom keypad to call a resident directly. Many systems include a directory that lists each tenant and their corresponding code. A visitor finds the correct code, enters it on the keypad, and then talks to a tenant. Tenants then press a button on their substation to open the gate and allow their visitor access.
Alternatively, the gate keypad works by allowing users to punch in their specific PIN codes. This sends an electronic signal to the gate release, which opens the gate.
Gate intercom keypads give people options as opposed to a strict keypad or intercom entry system. The keypad entry method, in particular, gives residents a lot of freedom in how they receive guests or deliveries. When delivery carriers (such as Amazon delivery drivers) and visitors have a designated PIN code, residents enjoy the luxury of not reworking their daily schedules to manage gate access for couriers and visitors. This makes everything from pet care to package deliveries a breeze.
What to look for when buying a gate intercom keypad
Look for a gate intercom keypad with these four features:
1. Camera
The ability to see who’s at the gate offers an ideal advantage over an audio-only intercom. Considering visitors and guests may be in a car, gate intercom systems with cameras allow residents to see who else is in the vehicle. Visitors can also see the resident, cutting down on any miscommunication issues.
Video cameras also serve as a highly effective deterrent to crime and are effective when resolving potential security investigations at your property.
2. Mobile app
A gate intercom keypad with a mobile app empowers residents to open the gate and manage property access with their smartphones. The majority of Americans own a mobile phone. Residents will love not having to carry around keys since they can use their phones instead. This does away with unnecessary complications that come with a physical key or gate opener, such as having to replace them if they get lost. Plus, sending access PIN codes to delivery drivers and visitors requires only a few taps on their phones.
Being able to open a gate with a cell phone also cuts down on wait times to enter the property. Long wait times at gates can be problematic, and if residents are trying to access the gate with their cars, this can lead to a minor traffic jam. If a line of cars stretches off your property and onto the street, this is a potential safety issue that smartphone-based access can solve.
3. Cloud-based
A cloud-based gate intercom keypad system will benefit you and your staff by empowering you to manage the system remotely.
Cloud-based intercoms also boost your building’s security. Everyone who enters through your gate is logged with a time- and date-stamped photo, which is stored in the cloud. Being able to see a picture and the time of entry for every visitor is invaluable data that you never know when you’ll need.
With a cloud-based system, maintenance is a breeze. Software updates can be automatically downloaded from the internet, ensuring that your system is always up to speed.
4. Wireless
From installation to maintenance, long-range wireless gate intercoms are superior to wired intercoms. Wireless gate intercoms are much easier (not to mention cheaper) to install and maintain.
They also sync up more naturally to mobile apps. So, you won’t need to spend money on installation for physical hardware in every unit.
