Gate Intercom System: Your 2025 Buyer’s Guide

 

 

From gated communities to parking garages, any property entrance with a gate requires a system to manage access. We’re here to help you find the best gate intercom system for your gated property.

Offering security and convenience, gate intercom systems are a necessary investment. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? The right choice depends on your unique property and your priorities. Perhaps wireless installation is important, you’d like to manage the system remotely, or maybe having a camera is necessary. This guide outlines what to consider when choosing a gate intercom system.

This guide includes:

• 5 best gate video intercom systems
• What is a gate intercom system?
• Things to consider when choosing a gate intercom system

 

The 5 best video gate intercom systems

There are five leading intercom gate lock systems on the market right now:

1. ButterflyMX
2. Estate Swing
3. DoorKing
4. CellGate
5. Nimbio

 

1. ButterflyMX

As a property technology innovator, ButterflyMX introduced the first smart video intercom system in 2015. Since then, ButterflyMX has been installed in more than 15,000 buildings and more than one million units. The company also has the most customer reviews in the industry, with more than 40,000 five-star reviews.

In addition to opening doors and gates with your phone, the ButterflyMX gate intercom system lets you grant remote access to guests, integrate with your property management system, eliminate building wiring and in-unit hardware, and more. The intercom features a transformative touchscreen interface and a top-rated mobile app for an improved user experience.

 

Watch how the ButterflyMX video door entry system works for gated communities:

 

Features

• Two-way video calling
• 156° wide-angle camera
• Smartphone-based gate access with a top-rated mobile app
• Available in 8” and 12” LED screen sizes
• High-resolution LED display
• 5 GHz WiFi
• IP65-rated and vandal-resistant
• Multiple credential options: mobile app, PIN codes, key cards or fobs, virtual keys, delivery PINs
• Cloud-based data storage and admin management
• Audit trail with time- and date-stamped photos of every gate entry
• Integrations with gate openers, property management systems, keyless locks, and more

 

ButterflyMX pricing

To learn more about the cost of ButterflyMX’s video intercom system with gate release, contact our team for a quote. In addition to hardware costs, hosting and software costs include the mobile app, ongoing updates, new features, and live support via phone and email.

 

Pros

• Sleek and durable design makes for one of the best gate intercoms with camera experiences
• Without wiring or in-unit hardware, ButterflyMX is easy to install
• Supports multiple types of credentials, from the highly rated mobile app to key cards
• Smartphone-based access is more convenient for staff and tenants than using traditional gate openers
• 5GHz WiFi allows for easier installation in the event a hardwired internet connection is not available
• The cloud-based dashboard makes it easy to manage your gated property access from anywhere in the world
• With 24/7 live video and a cloud-based audit trail, your property enjoys an extra layer of security
• ButterflyMX works with integrated smart locks, elevator controls, and keypads throughout your gated property. So, your staff and tenants can use one app for everything.
• Weatherproof and vandal-resistant

 

Cons

• ButterflyMX doesn’t currently offer a solution for single-family homes
• Features and functionality may be too extensive for apartment buildings with fewer than 10 units

 

2. Estate Swing

Estate Swing is a leading front gate intercom system brand for driveway gates, gate openers, and accessories. As an intercom system designed specifically for gates, Estate Swing is a straightforward and affordable solution for small residential, farming, and commercial properties.

Read the full Estate Swing review »

 

Features

• Traditional telephone entry systems allow users to open the gate via landline or cell phone.
• Wireless installation options are available.
• Compatible with all gate openers, including those not made by Estate Swing.
• Camera is on standby until a call is being made so consumes lower energy than a live feed.
• Video monitor records all entry events and saves them to an included Micro SD card
• Up to 300ft visibility with a clear line of sight.
• Some models include LEDs for improved visibility at night.
• You can customize the indoor monitor unit with music and wallpaper images.

 

Estate Swing pricing

Estate Swing offers a range of gate products with varying features and pricing. Their gate call boxes start at $169 for wired devices without video and $349 for those with video. However, other devices, such as a base station and gate opener, are required to make these intercoms work, so the total hardware price is closer to $1000 before installation.

 

Pros

• Energy efficient with camera standby mode and solar panel options available.
• Because of their minimalist design, Estate Swing intercom devices are low-cost and may even be self-installed for some properties.
• It is designed with gated properties in mind and can be bundled with other gate devices, such as openers.

 

Cons

• Data is stored locally on a Micro SD card, which needs to be managed onsite and can run out of storage easily. SD cards can also be damaged or destroyed by inclement weather.
• While more energy efficient, the Estate Swing camera may only turn on during calls, so the video doesn’t provide 24/7 security surveillance at the gate.
• Estate Swing intercoms may not be compatible with other technology, such as smart locks, temperature controls, and property management software.
• Residents and staff may be unable to access the video footage from their cell phones since there is no mobile app.

 

3. DoorKing

DoorKing—also known as DKS—offers a wide range of traditional telephone entry systems for gated properties. DKS intercoms use regular phone lines to allow visitors to speak with tenants, who can open the door or gate remotely for their guests.

Read the full DoorKing review »

 

Features

• Traditional telephone entry systems
• Some models are PC programmable
• Some models feature built-in directories
• Keypad and call button interfaces
• Separately sold features, such as directories, light kits, and camera kits
• Some models offer elevator controls

 

DoorKing gate intercom pricing

Doorking offers over a dozen entry system models with varying features and pricing. Intercom pricing ranges from $1300 to $6450. Accessories are typically sold at an additional cost.

 

Pros

• DKS devices are durable with weather- and tamper-resistant materials
• The traditional design is familiar and easy to use for all ages

 

Cons

• May not have built-in camera/video intercom options.
• May not offer cloud-based access management.
• Cellular connection may require the purchase of a separate device.
• Not all models are PC programmable.
• May not have a mobile app.
• No touchscreen interface on the current models.

 

 

4. CellGate

Since 2006, CellGate has provided a range of products and services for access control and monitoring over cellular networks. Based in Texas, the CellGate brand specializes in AC and solar-powered devices that can work in remote locations.

Read the full CellGate review »

 

Features

• Compatible with Verizon and AT&T LTE networks across the United States.
• Solutions for single-family and multi-tenant residences may include live video.
• Property management features include a smartphone app and an online portal.
• Video telephone entry can be bundled with surveillance camera packages.
• All hardware works via cellular networks. However, many models can also be wired with Ethernet.

 

CellGate pricing:

Third-party installers list the price of a CellGate intercom system between $1,399 and $4,399, depending on the devices you choose. This price does not include the monthly service fees required by CellGate to maintain and operate the system.

 

Pros:

• Receive real-time photo notifications through the smartphone app so your staff and tenants can see who is at the gate.
• Integrated surveillance cameras are motion-activated to record all activity at your gates.
• Tenants and staff receive live video calls from visitors and can open the gate for them using the smartphone app.

 

Cons:

• While your staff and tenants can receive video calls to their smartphones through the app, all video is actually stored on an SD card inside the camera. At worst, SD cards can be damaged or destroyed in bad weather, and at best, you must remember to swap out the cards before data runs out.
• The smartphone app only allows visitors through the front gate and may not integrate with other areas of the property such as package rooms for deliveries.
• Battery backup may not be available for your CellGate device, making your gates unusable in the event of a power failure.
• Some CellGate devices may limit the number of contacts in the directory and therefore may not be suitable for larger properties.

 

5. Nimbio

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, access control company Nimbio has offered gate access control products in 2018.

Read the full Nimbio review »

 

Features

• Requires an existing intercom or call box.
• Master Keys and Shared Keys.
• Uses cellular network.
• Mobile app.
• Requires smartphones.
• Scheduled gate hold open.
• Activity history log.
• Compatible with existing access control credentials.
• Link multiple gates.

 

Nimbio pricing

As of a recent pricing update, Nimbio’s hardware costs $300. The cellular keyless entry system can be purchased online from the company’s website.

However, remember that you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription fee for software and usage.

 

Pros

• May eliminate the need for shared PIN codes.
• Unlock doors and gates with a smartphone.

 

Cons

• New company.
• Requires an existing entry system.
• No camera.
• No way for visitors to request access.
• No delivery solutions.
• No integrations.

 

What is a gate intercom system?

A gate intercom system is a property access solution that enables tenants to speak with visitors and open the security gate for them remotely.

Whether you own or operate an apartment building, a commercial property, or a gated community, gate access control will increase convenience while maintaining high levels of security.

A gate intercom has these parts:

• Base stations. Base stations are the central hub of the gate intercom system, which is installed at the entrance. Guests use the base station to call tenants and request property access.
• Substations. Tenants use these devices to answer calls and open the gate remotely. Substations can be hardware installed throughout the property or tenants’ own smartphones.
• Gate motors. Depending on the type of gate at your property, you might install either a sliding or a swinging gate motor. When a resident directs the gate to open, the base station sends an electrical signal to the gate motor to open and close it again.

In addition to the base station and substations, gate entry systems require a gate unlocking mechanism that can open the gate when a tenant presses a button.

 

How much does a gate intercom system cost?

Most gate intercom systems cost between $1,000 and $7,000 for the hardware plus the cost of installation. For some intercom systems, there may be ongoing service fees as well.

 

How do you program an intercom system for gates?

Every gate camera intercom system is different, but here are the steps to program most gate intercoms:

1. Once the intercom has been installed, ask your provider to activate it.
2. From your online dashboard, upload all of your tenants’ information. Check to see if your gate intercom integrates with your property management system (PMS). If so, connect your PMS to the intercom to quickly upload all your tenants.
3. If your gate intercom has a mobile app, send your tenants instructions on how to register their smartphones with the intercom system.

 

 

Things to consider when choosing a gate intercom system:

• Wired vs. wireless
• Gate intercom that works with cell phone
• Cloud-based gate intercom system
• Hardware and installation budget

 

Wired vs. wireless

Like other forms of technology — from telephones and printers to speakers and headphones — intercoms can be wired or wireless.

Old-school wired gate intercom systems require you to install copper wiring throughout your whole building. But newer wireless gate intercoms can make installation easier and add new features.

 

Gate intercoms that work with a cell phone

96% of Americans own a cell phone — which means it’s time to ditch gate intercoms that use in-unit hardware and replace them with a cellphone-friendly system.

What’s more, 81% of Americans own a smartphone. As smartphone ownership continues to grow, the best choice is an intercom with a smartphone gate opener. Choose an intercom that lets residents open the gate with a smartphone.

A residential intercom system for outdoor gates lets tenants:

• Open the gate from anywhere with their smartphone
• Remotely grant property access for service providers, like dog walkers, cleaners, and maintenance workers
• See who’s at the gate before granting property access
• Open the gate for delivery drivers and couriers (property managers can also give couriers unique delivery PINs for easy property access)
• Ditch annoying keys, fobs, and keycards for a completely keyless entry experience.

 

Cloud-based gate intercom system

If an intercom is cloud-based, you can manage the system remotely. Instead of going onsite or downloading software, you can manage the intercom system from anywhere using a mobile device or computer.

Cloud-based gate intercom systems are ideal for busy property managers who need to manage and update the system anytime, anywhere.

A gate intercom with remote management lets property managers:

• Update the resident directory from anywhere
• Manage resident access and permissions without going onsite
• Remotely issue single-use PINs and virtual keys to maintenance professionals, couriers, and other service providers who need temporary access
• View an audit trail of all gate entries

 

Hardware and installation budget

At the end of the day, your budget dictates which gate intercom you’ll purchase. Before buying a gate entry system, consider the cost of hardware and installation.

Gate intercom hardware pricing varies from brand to brand. On average, expect to spend between $1,000 and $7,000 on the outdoor gate intercom system’s hardware. You can also add other hardware like gate intercom keypads, card readers, and more to add curb appeal and provide a better user experience.

Installation costs are nearly impossible to estimate without a quote from a professional.

The cost of your gate intercom installation depends on several factors, such as:

• The size of your property
• The location of your gate
• The complexity of the installation
• The system’s wiring requirements

Pro tip: Save money by choosing a smartphone gate intercom without in-unit hardware. Gate intercoms with in-unit hardware cost more because you have to pay not only for the hardware but also for a professional to install it.