Key takeaways
- Linear offers a variety of access control systems and telephone entry systems for the multifamily, commercial, healthcare, and municipal industries.
- Linear systems may lack advanced capabilities like smartphone-based access, video calling, and cloud-based management.
- While some users appreciate Linear’s gate control functionality, many seem to criticize its user interface, programming difficulties, and technical support.
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.
Over the last several years, video intercom systems for apartments have replaced traditional apartment buzzers as the entry system of choice for multifamily buildings. If you’re interested in upgrading your intercom system, you have a big decision to make.
If you’re considering a Linear intercom for your apartment building, read our review of the Linear EP-736 before purchasing anything. We’ll provide an overview of the Linear EP-736 and see how it holds up against competitors.
This review will cover:
- About Linear
- Features and pricing
- Pros and cons
- Linear reviews
- Comparison of the Linear EP-736 and ButterflyMX
- Linear vs. ButterflyMX
- Final thoughts
About Linear
Linear is an access control brand owned by Nortek Security & Control, LLC. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Nortek Security & Control has been developing security, home automation, and personal safety systems for over 50 years. The Linear brand offers a variety of access control systems and telephone entry systems for the multifamily, commercial, healthcare, and municipal industries.
Features and pricing
Here are the most popular Linear intercom models:
Linear EP-736
The Linear EP-736 Entry Pro intercom is a fairly simple telephone entry system that allows residents to communicate with visitors and grant them property access. The system can control up to 36 doors, or it can be expanded to up to 64 doors.
The Linear EP-736 has the largest screen display of all the intercoms in Linear’s E3 Entry series. Its color touchscreen display further sets it apart from Linear’s other intercom systems.
Features
- Display: 7” color touchscreen with arrow buttons and a numeric keypad
- Mounting options: Can be recessed or surface-mounted
- VoIP adapting: Supports most third-party VoIP adapters
- Optional RFID reader and motion sensors: If you choose to add the RFID reader, it is mounted inside
- Supports: up to 64 doors and 128 readers with expansion capabilities.
- Clear two-way voice communication: ensures secure visitor management.
- Stainless steel faceplate: with water-resistant durability for outdoor installations.
Ideal for: large residential or commercial properties.
Pricing: Pricing ranges from $1,299 to $4,536, depending on configuration and features.
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
AE-100 Telephone Entry System
The AE-100 Telephone Entry System is a cost-effective, single-door access control solution designed for small-scale properties such as apartments and offices. It features a two-line LCD display, a stainless steel keypad, and supports up to 125 directory listings, making it a reliable choice for basic access needs.
Features:
- Supports: up to 125 directory listings or entry codes.
- Full duplex hands-free communication: enables seamless two-way audio.
- Durable: stainless steel front panel with an illuminated keypad.
- Intuitive display: Two-line, 16-character LCD display for user-friendly navigation.
- Multiple mounting options: surface, recessed, and pedestal.
Ideal for: small-scale applications like apartments, gated communities, or offices with limited users.
Pricing: Pricing starts at approximately $875, making it an affordable solution for properties with basic requirements.
EP-436 EntryPro Telephone Entry System
The EP-436 EntryPro Telephone Entry System is a compact access control solution featuring a 4.3-inch color display and support for up to 64 doors and 128 readers. Its durable, water-resistant design and scalable capabilities make it ideal for gated communities and multi-unit facilities.
Features:
- Compact: 4.3-inch color display with automatic brightness adjustment.
- Supports: up to 64 doors and 128 readers for scalable access control.
- Durable: Backlit stainless steel keypad with water-resistant faceplate for durability.
- ADA-compliant: TTY port enhances accessibility for hearing-impaired users.
- Compatible: with long-range readers and VoIP adapters.
Ideal for: Designed for gated communities and multi-unit facilities.
Pricing: Pricing starts around $4,000, reflecting its advanced capabilities and scalability.
Comparing Linear intercoms:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable display lets you add your own text and images
- Control up to 36 doors, or purchase a license key to control up to 64 doors
- Building managers or owners can add their building’s logo to the system
- Cost-effective for smaller or older properties
- Offers dependable door release and audio communication
Cons:
- None of the models currently have a camera
- Lacks video calling capabilities
- Lacks mobile app for smartphone-based access
- The touchscreen is small, making it difficult to search for residents in the directory
- The display may seem cluttered to some users without a clean, sleek design
- Lacks guest access features like Visitor Passes
- Requires landline connections, which many properties are phasing out
Linear reviews
What customers are saying about Linear intercoms:
Customer reviews of Linear intercom systems are mixed, with some positive feedback but some criticism regarding usability, technology, and support.
Positive reviews
- Some customers on Amazon praised Linear’s intercoms for reliable gate control functionality and overall product performance.
- Gate control systems by Linear were particularly appreciated for their durability and consistent operation.
Negative reviews
- User interface concerns: Users on Reddit appear to have expressed dissatisfaction with Linear intercoms’ outdated and unintuitive user interface.
- Technical issues: Linear’s browser-based access control solution, eMerge, received some criticism for being potentially hackable and insecure. Other customers appear to have critiqued the intercoms for being expensive with limited value.
- Low ratings: The AE-100 intercom has received some low ratings, with users citing significant issues with manual programming.
Comparison of Linear EP-736 with ButterflyMX
Both the Linear EP-736 and ButterflyMX smart video intercom provide property access solutions, but they differ significantly in design, features, and functionality.
Here are a few key differences:
Screen size and design
- Linear EP-736: Features a 7-inch touchscreen with arrow buttons and a numeric keypad, which can clutter the display.
- ButterflyMX: Offers a sleek, modern design with options for both 7-inch and 11.6-inch touchscreens, eliminating unnecessary buttons for a cleaner look.
Video calling capabilities
- Linear EP-736: Appears to lack video calling and camera capabilities, limiting visual verification.
- ButterflyMX: Includes two-way video calling and an HD camera so residents can see who’s at the door before granting access.
Property access options
- Linear EP-736: May require in-unit hardware and lacks a dedicated mobile app, restricting smartphone-based access.
- ButterflyMX: Features a user-friendly mobile app (iOS & Android) for receiving voice and video calls, opening doors remotely, and sending Visitor Passes to visitors for seamless access.
Door release logs
- Linear EP-736: Limited or no cloud-based access logs.
- ButterflyMX: Our cloud-based video intercom system lets your property staff view an audit trail of every property access event. Residents can also view a log of all their door release events for added security.
Linear vs. ButterflyMX
The Linear intercom EP-736 is a solution if you want an audio-based intercom system. However, Linear may fall short of offering a comprehensive system for both you and your residents. If you want a Video Intercom with smartphone-based property access, choose a competitor like ButterflyMX instead.
Final thoughts
Final verdict: Is Linear EP-736 right for you?
The Linear EP-736 intercom offers a reliable solution for properties that prioritize affordability and basic features. However, its reliance on outdated technology makes it less suitable for modern buildings that require advanced functionality and future-proof systems.
For a flexible, easy-to-install, and feature-rich alternative, ButterflyMX’s smart Video Intercom delivers everything you need to enhance security and convenience for you and your residents.
The clear advantage
ButterflyMX outshines the Linear EP-736 with a modern design, two-way video calling, and advanced features like mobile access and cloud-based door release logs, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for everyone at your property.
How we review:
- Research: We gather information from product specifications, manufacturer details, and credible third-party sources to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Customer insights: We analyze real user reviews and feedback to understand the experiences of property managers, residents, and industry professionals.
- Comparative approach: Each product is compared against alternatives to highlight its strengths, weaknesses, and value for various use cases.
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