For many multi-tenant properties, managing security and convenience for residents is a balancing act. The right access control system could be the difference between happy residents and a rising vacancy rate. If you’re in the market for a new video intercom system, you might have encountered the Paxton intercom.
This post gives you an overview of Paxton and its access control offerings. Then, we review the pros and cons of installing a Paxton intercom in your building and offer alternatives.
This post covers:
- About Paxton
- Overview of Paxton access systems
- Features of Paxton intercoms
- Paxton intercom pricing
- Pros and cons
- The best Paxton intercom alternative
About Paxton
Paxton is an access control and security company founded in the United Kingdom 1985. Initially, it focused on selling keypads but later branched into related access products, like cameras and intercoms.
Eventually, Paxton expanded into international markets, opening a United States headquarters in South Carolina.
In 2022, Paxton’s founder, Tony Ratcliffe, retired as Paxton’s chairman, and his son assumed the role.
Overview of Paxton access systems
Paxton offers many products that help you maintain the security of your property.
Paxton products include:
- Intercoms
- Camera intercom systems and video surveillance systems
- Controllers
- Smart locks
- Access control readers
How does Paxton access control work?
Paxton access control solutions generally work either as standalone, offline systems or online, networked systems. Whether you buy an intercom or a card reader, you can choose whether it operates as a standalone solution without an internet connection or as a networked device within a complete access system.
For example, you can purchase intercoms that come with a phone handset or a touchscreen Paxton IP video intercom with a microphone and speaker.
Paxton also offers different software platforms that allow you to manage your access devices and change permissions.
These platforms include:
- Paxton10: A networked option with an online user interface, meaning you don’t need software installed on a server PC.
- Net2: Net2 software is also a networked option that allows property admins to manage the system from a central PC. Choose between Net2 Lite and Pro versions.
- Paxton BLU: Paxton BLU is specifically designed for cloud-based computing.
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
Features of Paxton intercoms
- Mobile app allows users to unlock the door with a computer or smartphone (when using certain Paxton software)
- Video feed allows residents to see visitors
- Extra hardware additions include vandal resistance and rain guards
- Built-in keypad and RFID reader
- Integrations with Paxton’s other security offerings, including cameras and keypads
- Standard model has tactile buttons with a single-line display
- Touchscreen model available at a higher price
- PoE connection
- Pairs with in-unit monitors and handsets
Paxton intercom pricing
A Paxton intercom costs $1,035 for the standard model. And the Paxton intercom touchscreen model costs $2,616.
If you want more features and add-ons, like a rain guard or a touchscreen, those will cost extra.
In addition to upfront hardware costs, many of Paxton’s entry software platforms may charge a recurring fee. Net2 Lite is free, but other software platforms like Net2 Pro and BLU charge an extra monthly fee.
You’ll also have to budget for installation costs, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars if you install in-unit monitors throughout the building.
For more information, contact Paxton by checking their website.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Mobile app. Paxton’s mobile app that works with the video intercom increases convenience for residents by allowing them to use their smartphones as credentials. Staff members can also manage the Paxton system using a separate app. Remember that the Paxton app can only be used if you opt for the Paxton10 software.
- Multiple credentials. Residents in Paxton buildings can choose between fobs, keypads, and app-based access.
- Video capabilities. Like many modern intercom systems, the Paxton video intercom allows residents to see their guests in real time through a camera at the front entrance.
Cons
- Inconsistency. Some people who use the Paxton Key app report delays of up to a few minutes when they trigger the door release — and for some users, the app doesn’t work at all.
- No delivery carrier access solution. Delivery drivers need an easy way to gain property access and complete deliveries. But Paxton intercom systems have no specific solution — such as delivery PIN codes and passes — to grant a delivery courier access.
- No vehicle access solution. While Paxton might have intercoms, keypads, and other hardware, it fails to address the access needs of vehicles specifically. The best access systems natively integrate with vehicle sticker readers that grant seamless vehicle access.
- Multiple operating systems can be confusing. According to Paxton’s website, you can choose between Net2, Paxton10, or Paxton BLU — each comes with its own features. A feature that’s included in one operating system might cost more if you’ve already chosen the other, bogging any Paxton intercom setup down in unnecessary complications.
- Lacking integrations. Although Paxton intercoms integrate with various technologies, they may not integrate with the hardware and software that’s most important to you. For example, Paxton may not integrate with leading multifamily property management software or smart locks.
The best Paxton intercom alternative
The ButterflyMX video intercom is a step above Paxton intercoms because it offers a smartphone-based experience with user-friendly cloud-based software.
Paxton’s intercom may help control access for visitors at your front entrance, but it may do little more beyond that. Moreover, Paxton offers so many software tiers and variations of the same hardware that you might get lost in the details.
Instead, you can make access simple by choosing the ButterflyMX video intercom.
Paxton vs. ButterflyMX
If you’re purchasing an intercom for your apartment or commercial building, you’ll want to choose ButterflyMX, the industry-leading video intercom provider. While a Paxton video intercom may improve the access experience for certain visitors, it may fail to simplify access for everyone, especially recurring visitors and delivery carriers.
Compared to the Paxton intercom, ButterflyMX offers:
- A streamlined hardware selection process.
- World-class cloud-based software so property staff can manage the entire access system from anywhere.
- Delivery Pass to enable seamless access for delivery carriers.
- Installation savings because residents can use their phones to grant access instead of expensive in-unit hardware.
- Highly rated smartphone app that allows residents to unlock doors and gates with the swipe-to-open feature.
- Long-range, internet-powered opening — Paxton’s app depends on Bluetooth, which means that you have to be in close range.
| Feature | Paxton | ButterflyMX |
|---|---|---|
| PIN code access | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery PINs & passes for delivery access | No | Yes |
| Virtual keys for visitor access | No | Yes |
| 24/7 support | No | Yes |
| Two-way video calling | No | Yes |
| Voice command entry | No | Yes |
| Elevator controls | No | Yes |
| Smart lock integrations | No | Yes |
Takeaways
- Paxton intercoms use the right technology, but it may be challenging to choose which products and software platforms to use.
- Some Paxton intercoms may require in-unit hardware, which is expensive and difficult to install.
- Drawbacks of Paxton intercoms include inconsistent app functionality and a failure to address the needs of vehicles and delivery couriers.
- The best Paxton intercom alternative is ButterflyMX, which offers a more streamlined, intuitive experience for staff and residents.
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.
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