Key takeaways
- Discover how the GBF Smart Video Intercom System balances affordability with essential access control features.
- Learn why GBF may be a fit for small condos, duplexes, and apartments, but less suited for larger communities.
- See how resident convenience stacks up, from smartphone video calls to remote door unlock.
- Compare GBF with ButterflyMX Video Intercom System to understand which solution is built to grow with your property.
Reliable access control is essential for any property, whether it’s a small condo building or a large multifamily community. Video intercom systems have become a cornerstone of modern property security, giving residents the ability to visually confirm guests, communicate remotely, and unlock doors with ease. For property managers and owners, these systems also help streamline operations and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
In this review, you’ll take a close look at the GBF Smart Video Intercom System (also known as the GBF Smart Video Door Station). You’ll explore its features, strengths, and limitations to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your property. While you’ll discover how it compares to more scalable options like the ButterflyMX Video Intercom System, the primary focus here is on understanding what the GBF System offers — and where it fits in the broader landscape of access control solutions.
This review is written for property managers, developers, and owners who are considering different intercom options to enhance convenience and security at their properties.
This review covers:
- GBF Smart Video Intercom System overview
- Key features of the GBF Smart Video Intercom System
- GBF Smart Video Intercom System pros, cons, and alternatives
- Comparison to ButterflyMX Video Intercom System
- Who should consider the GBF Smart Video Intercom System
- Choosing your smart intercom system
GBF Smart Video Intercom System overview
The GBF Smart Video Intercom System, also referred to as the GBF Smart Video Door Station, is an IP-based entry solution built primarily for smaller residential buildings. Designed to support up to six individual units, it’s well-suited for condos, duplexes, or small apartment communities that need a straightforward and affordable way to manage access.
One of its main selling points is affordability. The system offers core video intercom functions without the higher price tag of larger enterprise-level solutions. It connects via Power over Ethernet (PoE), which can simplify installation by combining power and data in a single cable. Residents benefit from smartphone compatibility through the GBF app, which enables them to see and speak with visitors, as well as unlock the door remotely.
This combination of cost-effectiveness, PoE connectivity, and mobile app functionality makes the GBF System an accessible entry point into modern intercom technology for smaller properties that don’t require complex management tools or large-scale scalability.
Key features of the GBF Smart Video Intercom System
The GBF Smart Video Intercom System offers a practical set of features designed to meet the needs of smaller residential properties. While it doesn’t come with the expansive integrations or advanced management tools of larger platforms, it delivers the core functions that residents and property owners expect: secure entry, remote access, and reliable video communication. Below, we’ll break down its main features to give you a clearer picture of how the system performs in everyday use.
Features of the GBF Smart Video Intercom System include:
1. Design and installation
The GBF Smart Video Intercom System is built as a durable, outdoor-rated door station equipped with a camera and call buttons for up to six units. Its compact design is functional and intended to withstand the elements. Installation is powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet), which simplifies setup by running both power and data through a single cable.
However, because it relies on a wired connection, it’s generally better suited for smaller properties where installation is less complex.
2. Resident experience
For residents, the GBF system offers a straightforward user experience. The companion smartphone app allows tenants to receive calls when visitors arrive, see them through the camera, and unlock the door remotely. This feature is particularly convenient for accepting deliveries or letting in guests without being physically present.
While effective, the system is designed for smaller communities, so residents won’t find the broader ecosystem of integrations or smart building features offered by higher-end platforms.
3. Property management functions
On the management side, the GBF Smart Video Door Station includes practical but limited features. Property staff or owners can enable call forwarding, provide temporary visitor access, and remotely release doors when needed.
While these capabilities are adequate for condos or smaller rental buildings, the system doesn’t offer advanced centralized dashboards, audit trails, or integrations with property management software — features that larger communities often rely on to streamline operations.
4. Security and reliability
The system’s IP-based design ensures a stable connection and supports real-time video monitoring. Residents can visually verify visitors before granting access, adding a layer of security compared to audio-only systems.
While the GBF system does provide some entry logging, its record-keeping and security reporting tools are relatively basic. Still, for small-scale properties, it delivers enough reliability and peace of mind to cover essential access control needs.
GBF Smart Video Intercom System pros, cons, and alternatives
Like most intercom systems, the GBF Smart Video Door Station has clear strengths and trade-offs depending on the type of property where it’s installed.
Pros
- Affordable. The GBF system is priced to be accessible, making it a budget-friendly option for small buildings that don’t require enterprise-level tools.
- Simple installation. With PoE support, the unit can be installed with fewer cables, combining power and data into a single line.
- Smartphone features. Through the companion app, residents can see visitors, answer calls, and remotely unlock doors, adding convenience without additional hardware.
Cons
- Capped at six units. The system is limited to smaller buildings, so it’s not a fit for mid-size or large multifamily properties.
- Limited management tools. Features such as detailed audit trails, integrations, and centralized dashboards are not available.
- Not scalable. While the system works well for condos or duplexes, it cannot expand to meet the needs of larger or growing communities.
Alternatives to GBF Smart Video Intercom include:
- ButterflyMX
- Verkada
- Viking
- MyDoorView
- Amazon Key
- Alphatouch
- Little Bird
- Linear
- Comelit
- Doorking 1837
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
Comparison to ButterflyMX Video Intercom System
When comparing the GBF Smart Video Intercom System to ButterflyMX’s Video Intercom System, the differences largely come down to scale and management capabilities. GBF is tailored to serve small properties — buildings with just a handful of units that need an affordable and straightforward solution. In contrast, ButterflyMX is designed to scale seamlessly, serving thousands of units across multifamily, commercial, and mixed-use properties.
From a resident’s perspective, both systems allow for video calls with visitors and remote door unlocking through a smartphone. However, ButterflyMX goes further by offering features such as delivery PINs, video audit trails, and integrations with other property technologies. For property managers, GBF’s tools are “good enough” for small communities but lack the centralized dashboards and cloud-based controls that ButterflyMX provides. As a result, GBF is best suited for smaller sites with limited budgets, while ButterflyMX offers the advanced capabilities needed to manage professional operations at scale.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between GBF and ButterflyMX:
Who should consider the GBF Smart Video Intercom System
The GBF Smart Video Intercom System is a strong fit if you manage or own a small residential property, such as a condo, duplex, or apartment building with up to six units. If you’re looking for an affordable way to give residents video calling and remote door unlock capabilities, this system delivers those essentials without requiring a large investment or complicated setup.
However, if you oversee a larger multifamily community, a mixed-use development, or a commercial site, you may quickly find the GBF system too limited. Without centralized dashboards, integrations, or the ability to scale, it may not keep up with the demands of bigger operations. In those cases, you’ll likely want to consider a more advanced platform, such as ButterflyMX, that can grow with your property.
Choosing your smart video intercom system
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add video intercom functionality to a small property, the GBF Smart Video Intercom System delivers the essentials. It gives you the ability to see visitors, answer calls on a smartphone, and remotely unlock doors — all at a price point that works for smaller condos, duplexes, or apartment buildings.
However, if your property is larger or you’re planning for future growth, GBF may not be the right fit. Without scalability, advanced management dashboards, or integrations with other building systems, it can fall short of what professional property managers need. In those cases, you may find that a platform like the ButterflyMX Video Intercom System is a better option. ButterflyMX offers cloud-based management, resident-friendly features such as Delivery PINs and Visitor Passes, and the ability to scale from one building to an entire portfolio.
In short, GBF is a practical choice if you want something straightforward and affordable today. But if you’re thinking long-term and want a system that grows with you, ButterflyMX is the stronger investment.
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