Rhombus Access Control Review: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

 

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.

 

Rhombus Access Control is a cloud-based commercial door access control system for organizations that want to connect door entry with video and broader security management.

If you’re comparing systems for offices, schools, government facilities, warehouses, or multi-site commercial properties, the biggest questions are simple: What hardware do you need, how much does it cost, and is it the right fit for your property?

This Rhombus Access Control review covers how the system works, which models are available, what features stand out, what installation involves, and where buyers may want to compare access control system alternatives.

This guide will answer:

• Rhombus Access Control review: What buyers should know
• What is Rhombus Access Control?
• How does Rhombus Access Control work?
• Which Rhombus Access Control models are available?
• What features stand out in Rhombus Access Control?
• How much does Rhombus Access Control cost?
• What are the installation and connectivity requirements?
• What are the pros and cons of Rhombus Access Control?
• Who is Rhombus Access Control best for?
• Rhombus Access Control alternatives
• Rhombus Access Control vs. ButterflyMX
• FAQ about Rhombus Access Control

 

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Rhombus Access Control review: What buyers should know

Rhombus Access Control is a cloud-based access control system for commercial properties that connects with Rhombus’s broader physical security platform and is best suited to enterprise-style deployments.

At a glance, you’re buying a controller, readers, credentials, and cloud management. The DC20 controls the doors, the DR20 or DR40 handles entry at the door, and admins manage users, schedules, and events through the Rhombus cloud console.

The biggest buying question is fit. Rhombus is built for commercial security workflows, not a resident-first multifamily experience. That matters if your property needs visitor, delivery, package, gate, elevator, or other resident-facing access workflows.

 

What is Rhombus Access Control?

Rhombus Access Control is a cloud-managed access control system for commercial properties that brings doors, cameras, sensors, and alarms into one platform.

It’s part of the broader Rhombus Cloud Physical Security Platform. For buyers, that means access control doesn’t sit in a separate system from the rest of the property’s security tools.

Common use cases include employee building access, visitor verification with live video, centralized multi-site access management, emergency lockdown planning, and after-hours security monitoring.

Rhombus Access Control is mainly aimed at:

• Enterprises
• School districts
• Government and municipal facilities
• Multi-site commercial organizations
• Commercial offices
• Warehouses and industrial sites
• Multi-site retail properties

 

About Rhombus

Rhombus is a cloud-managed physical security company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Sacramento, California.

The company offers security cameras, sensors, alarm monitoring, and access control from one platform. That’s a big reason organizations compare Rhombus when they want doors, video, and alerts managed together.

 

How does Rhombus Access Control work?

Rhombus Access Control works through a controller-and-reader setup. The DC20 controller manages up to four doors, Rhombus readers connect to that controller, credentials are managed in the cloud, and admins oversee doors, users, and events from one console.

The DC20 is required for Rhombus readers. The DR20 is the simpler reader option for touchless entry, while the DR40 adds a built-in camera and two-way audio for visitor verification at the door.

Users can enter with the Rhombus Key App, cards, fobs, facial recognition, remote unlock, and supported keypad or Wiegand-related setups through the controller. Access events can also connect to camera footage, which gives security teams more context when reviewing entries, failed attempts, or incidents.

Configured door schedules can keep running during outages through edge processing. Internet access is still required for cloud management, remote access, and live video.

 

What hardware is required?

A typical Rhombus Access Control setup needs a DC20 controller, a reader for each controlled door, and credentials for users.

• DC20 controller: One controller supports up to four doors.
• DR20 or DR40 reader: Each controlled door uses a reader, with the DR40 adding video and two-way audio.
• Credentials: Properties can use Secure Cards, Secure Fobs, mobile credentials, or other supported access methods.

This setup matters because the DR20 and DR40 are not standalone products. They depend on the DC20 controller to work.

 

What credentials and access methods does it support?

Rhombus Access Control supports several ways to enter, which gives commercial properties more flexibility for employees, staff, and approved visitors.

• Mobile app access through the Rhombus Key App
• Wave-to-unlock gesture entry
• Key cards and fobs
• Facial recognition for credential-free entry
• Remote unlock from the console or mobile app
• Wiegand and keypad reader support through the DC20

If you’re comparing mobile-first access experiences, that makes Rhombus more modern than older card-only systems. If you also need broader visitor and property access workflows, ButterflyMX is another platform to compare because it supports mobile access and visitor access across more property types.

 

Which Rhombus Access Control models are available?

Rhombus Access Control centers on one controller plus reader and credential options. The key difference is simple: the DC20 controls doors, while the DR20 and DR40 handle entry in different ways.

Model	Type	Best use	Notable capabilities	Key limitation
DC20 Door Controller	Controller	Managing up to four connected doors	Four door relays, two auxiliary relays, Ethernet 10/100 RJ45, 100–240VAC power, outage support for configured schedules	Required for Rhombus readers; each unit supports up to four doors
DR20 Door Reader	Reader	Touchless entry where video isn’t needed at the door	IP65 rating, 13.56MHz HF support, mullion mount, mobile and card-based entry	No built-in camera or two-way audio
DR40 Video Intercom	Reader with video and audio	Doors where staff need video verification and two-way audio	5MP camera, 155.2° diagonal field of view, two-way audio, PoE or 11–28VDC, BLE enabled	Higher-cost option than the DR20 and still depends on the DC20
Rhombus Secure Card	Credential	Card-based entry for approved users	13.56MHz MIFARE DESFire EV1 credential with 128-bit AES encryption; sold in boxes of 100	Credential only; not door hardware
Rhombus Secure Fob	Credential	Fob-based entry for approved users	Encrypted HF credential; sold in boxes of 50	Credential only; not door hardware

 

DC20 Door Controller

The DC20 Door Controller is the core of the Rhombus setup. It supports up to four doors and is required for Rhombus readers to function.

It uses Ethernet 10/100 RJ45 and 100–240VAC power, with a 90W maximum. It can keep enforcing configured schedules during outages, which helps properties maintain basic door rules even if cloud features are temporarily unavailable.

 

DR20 Door Reader

The DR20 Door Reader is the lower-cost option for touchless entry. It’s a reader-only device, so it doesn’t include a camera or two-way audio.

The DR20 is IP65 rated, supports 13.56MHz HF credentials, and is designed for mullion mounting. It may make more sense for doors where credential entry matters more than live visitor interaction.

 

DR40 Video Intercom

The DR40 Video Intercom is the higher-feature reader option because it adds a built-in 5MP camera and two-way audio.

Its 155.2° diagonal field of view and audio support let staff see and speak with people at the door before granting access. It supports PoE or 11–28VDC power and is BLE enabled.

 

Secure Card and Secure Fob

Rhombus Secure Cards and Secure Fobs give users physical credential options alongside mobile access.

The Secure Card uses MIFARE DESFire EV1 and 128-bit AES encryption and is sold in boxes of 100. The Secure Fob is sold in boxes of 50 and gives buyers another credential format to offer users.

 

What features stand out in Rhombus Access Control?

The standout Rhombus Access Control features are the unified cloud console, mobile credentials, video-linked access events, AI-driven security tools, and multi-site administration.

Feature	What Rhombus offers	Why it matters
Unified cloud console	Admins can manage doors, cameras, sensors, and alarms from one dashboard.	Security teams can review access activity and related security data without switching between separate systems.
Mobile credentials	The Rhombus Key App supports mobile entry, wave-to-unlock, remote unlock, and access event notifications.	Mobile entry can reduce reliance on cards and fobs for users who prefer phone-based access.
Video intercom	The DR40 combines a reader, camera, and two-way audio at the door.	Staff can see visitors and speak with them before granting entry.
Video-linked access events	Badge and access events can connect with synchronized camera footage.	This gives security teams more context when reviewing access attempts.
AI analytics	Rhombus includes tailgating detection, anomaly detection, and facial recognition.	These tools can help teams spot unusual access patterns and reduce manual review work.
Access schedules and lockdown plans	Admins can set time-based access rules and custom emergency lockdown plans.	Properties can match access rights to staff schedules, building hours, and emergency plans.
Integrations and API	Rhombus offers 50+ native integrations and an open API, including identity and workflow options.	Integration support matters for organizations that need access control to work with existing systems.
Hardware support	Rhombus supports ASSA ABLOY Aperio wireless locks and Wavelynx Ethos keypads through the DC20.	Selected third-party hardware support may help teams extend access control beyond standard readers.
Security and compliance	The platform includes SOC 2 Type II, NDAA/TAA compliant hardware, no default passwords, and encryption in transit and at rest.	These factors may matter to schools, government buyers, and regulated organizations.
10-year hardware warranty	Controllers, readers, and intercoms include a 10-year warranty.	A longer warranty can reduce concern about major hardware replacement planning.

Rhombus’s video-linked access approach is one of its clearest strengths. If you’re comparing systems through a video-first lens, ButterflyMX is also relevant because it offers video intercoms and security cameras as part of a broader property access and security platform.

 

Video, mobile, and visitor workflows

Rhombus supports video, mobile, and visitor workflows mainly through the DR40, the Rhombus Key App, remote unlock, and staff-issued credentials.

The DR40 lets staff see and speak with visitors at the door. Staff can then grant access remotely or issue time-limited credentials when that workflow fits the property.

That approach is different from a resident-facing visitor experience. ButterflyMX is another option to compare for properties that need mobile access and visitor access built around residents, guests, and everyday property entry.

 

Security, compliance, and access logs

Rhombus Access Control includes security and oversight features that are useful for commercial buildings and multi-site teams.

• Tailgating detection
• Anomaly detection for unusual access patterns
• Facial recognition for credential-free entry
• SOC 2 Type II audited platform
• NDAA/TAA compliant hardware
• No default passwords
• Encryption in transit and at rest
• Access logs with timestamp, user, and door details
• Access logs connected to camera footage

For security teams, the value is context. Instead of seeing only that a door opened, they can also review who used it, when it happened, and what video was tied to the event.

 

How much does Rhombus Access Control cost?

Rhombus Access Control pricing is partly public. Rhombus lists MSRP hardware pricing for several devices and a per-door annual access control license, but total deployment cost still requires a custom quote.

Item	Price	What it covers	Notes
DC20 Door Controller	$1,399	Cloud-managed controller for up to four doors	Required for Rhombus readers
DR20 Door Reader	$299	Touchless door reader	Reader-only option without built-in camera or two-way audio
DR40 Video Intercom	$1,099	Reader with built-in camera and two-way audio	Another Rhombus page lists a lower starting figure, so buyers may see DR40 pricing presented as a range
Rhombus Secure Card	$399 per box of 100	Encrypted card credentials	Added cost beyond hardware and licensing
Rhombus Secure Fob	$499 per box of 50	Encrypted fob credentials	Alternative physical credential format
Professional access control license	$199 per door per year	Annual access control licensing	Enterprise tier costs more, but pricing isn’t published
Accessories	$25 each	Wall plates and DR40 angle wall mount	Accessory needs depend on the installation
Installation	Not publicly listed	Professional or partner installation	Total cost depends on wiring, door count, hardware mix, and site conditions

The easiest way to think about Rhombus pricing is in layers: controller hardware, reader or intercom hardware, credentials, accessories, annual licensing, and installation.

A four-door setup with one DC20 and four readers will cost far less than a larger multi-site deployment with multiple controllers, a mix of DR20 and DR40 devices, and many physical credentials.

 

What pricing leaves unanswered

Rhombus gives buyers useful starting numbers, but you’ll still need a quote to understand total ownership cost.

• Total multi-door deployment pricing is not published as a standard package.
• Enterprise license pricing is not published.
• Installation costs are not publicly listed.
• Total project cost depends on door count, reader mix, credentials, accessories, and wiring needs.

That isn’t unusual for commercial access control. Still, it means buyers should compare quotes carefully and ask what’s included in hardware, licensing, installation, support, and future expansion.

 

What are the installation and connectivity requirements?

Rhombus Access Control is typically professionally installed and uses a wired controller-and-reader setup with Ethernet connectivity and internet-dependent cloud features.

The DC20 wires to existing door hardware such as strikes, mag locks, request-to-exit devices, and door position indicators. Readers connect near the door, and Rhombus deployment guidance calls for shielded and properly grounded wiring.

Connectivity and power requirements include:

• Ethernet 10/100Mbps RJ45 for the DC20 and readers
• Internet access for cloud management, remote access, and live video
• 100–240VAC power for the DC20
• 8–28VDC power for the DR20
• PoE or 11–28VDC power for the DR40
• Bluetooth for initial registration workflows

Rhombus does not rely on a landline. It’s an IP/Ethernet-based system, which is common for modern commercial access control.

 

Capacity and scaling considerations

Each DC20 controller supports up to four doors, so larger buildings need multiple controllers.

At the account level, Rhombus supports unlimited doors and users. The practical planning issue is hardware layout: buyers need to account for controllers, readers, credentials, power connections, and network drops across the property.

 

What are the pros and cons of Rhombus Access Control?

Rhombus Access Control is a strong option for organizations that want unified physical security and cloud-based multi-site management, but it comes with tradeoffs around architecture, recurring costs, and property fit.

Pros	Why it matters
Unified security platform	Doors, cameras, sensors, and alarms can be managed from one cloud console, which helps teams connect access events with broader building activity.
Strong video-linked access visibility	The DR40 and event-to-footage connection help teams review who accessed a door and what happened around that event.
Multiple credential options	Rhombus supports mobile access, cards, fobs, facial recognition, remote unlock, and keypad-related workflows through the controller.
Built for multi-site administration	Unlimited doors and users at the account level make the platform better suited to growing commercial portfolios.
Long hardware warranty	A 10-year warranty on major access control hardware can reduce long-term replacement concerns.

Cons	Why it matters
Total deployment pricing is not fully transparent	Buyers can see hardware and licensing figures, but they still need a quote to understand full project cost across doors and locations.
Readers depend on the DC20 controller	The DR20 and DR40 do not operate as standalone products, so deployments must be built around the controller architecture.
Each DC20 supports only four doors	Larger properties may need several controllers, which adds cost, wiring, and planning complexity.
Full functionality depends on internet access	Remote management, live video, and cloud features require internet, even though configured schedules can continue locally during outages.
Not positioned around multifamily-specific workflows	Rhombus is aimed at commercial, school, government, and enterprise environments, so buyers focused on resident-facing access should compare workflow fit closely.

 

Who is Rhombus Access Control best for?

Rhombus Access Control is best for commercial organizations that want access control connected to video, sensors, alarms, and centralized cloud management.

It may be a good fit for enterprises, schools, government facilities, commercial offices, warehouses, and multi-site portfolios that want a stronger link between door events and security footage.

It may be less natural for buyers whose main priority is a resident-facing access experience across visitors, deliveries, package areas, gates, elevators, and mobile credentials. In those cases, ButterflyMX is another platform worth comparing because it includes access control, video intercoms, mobile access, visitor access, package rooms, vehicle access control, elevator controls, security cameras, smart lock integrations, and wallet-based credentials.

 

Rhombus Access Control alternatives

Rhombus Access Control alternatives include other cloud-based access control platforms that buyers may compare for commercial, multifamily, or mixed-use needs.

 

Openpath / Avigilon Alta Access

Openpath, now part of Motorola Solutions’ Avigilon Alta Access offering, is a commonly compared cloud-based commercial access control competitor.

Buyers may compare it with Rhombus when they want modern cloud access control for offices, commercial portfolios, or enterprise-style deployments.

 

Rhombus Access Control vs. ButterflyMX

Rhombus Access Control and ButterflyMX take different approaches to property access. Rhombus is an enterprise-oriented cloud access and security platform, while ButterflyMX is a property access and security platform used across multifamily, commercial, gated communities, student housing, and other properties.

The right choice depends on what you need to manage. If your priority is door access tied to cameras, sensors, alarms, and enterprise security workflows, Rhombus may belong on your shortlist. If you need broader property access tools that cover visitors, packages, gates, elevators, mobile access, and wallet-based credentials, ButterflyMX is also worth comparing.

Feature	Rhombus Access Control	ButterflyMX	Why it matters
Video intercom	Rhombus offers video intercom capability through the DR40, a door reader with a built-in camera and two-way audio.	ButterflyMX offers video intercoms for property entrances. Residents can receive visitor calls through the ButterflyMX mobile app, see and speak with visitors, and grant access remotely.	Video communication shapes the visitor experience and helps users decide whether to grant access.
Access control	Rhombus Access Control is a cloud-managed door access system built around the DC20 controller and DR20 or DR40 readers.	ButterflyMX offers access control for doors and other controlled entry points, with permissions managed through the same broader platform used for its video intercom and other access products.	Buyers need to know how access permissions are managed across entrances and how the system fits into a broader property plan.
Mobile access	Rhombus supports mobile credentials through the Rhombus Key App, including wave-to-unlock and remote unlock.	ButterflyMX supports smartphone-based access, letting authorized users use the ButterflyMX mobile app to access supported doors, gates, and other controlled entrances.	Mobile access can reduce reliance on physical credentials and make daily entry more convenient for approved users.
Visitor access	Rhombus supports visitor entry through staff-issued credentials and remote unlock, with video verification available through the DR40.	ButterflyMX supports visitor calls through the mobile app, remote access granting, and temporary visitor access so properties do not need to issue every visitor a permanent credential.	Visitor workflows can determine whether a system feels better suited to staff-managed commercial entry or resident-facing property access.
Security cameras	Rhombus connects access control to its wider camera platform and can link door events to video footage.	ButterflyMX offers security cameras as part of its property access and security platform.	Visual context can help property teams understand what happened around an access event.
Smart lock integrations	Rhombus supports selected third-party hardware such as ASSA ABLOY Aperio wireless locks through the DC20.	ButterflyMX supports smart lock integrations that can extend property access beyond common-area entrances.	Smart lock support can help properties extend access control to more door types and access points.
Vehicle access control	The supplied Rhombus product information focuses on commercial door access control rather than vehicle entry workflows.	ButterflyMX offers vehicle access control for gates and garages as part of the broader platform used for pedestrian and building access.	Vehicle access may matter for gated communities, mixed-use sites, and properties with parking entrances or garages.
Elevator controls	The supplied Rhombus product information centers on door access, readers, controllers, and related security workflows.	ButterflyMX offers elevator controls that can connect with the property’s broader access system.	Elevator access can matter in multifamily, student housing, and high-rise properties.
Package rooms	Rhombus emphasizes commercial door security, video-connected access events, and centralized security management.	ButterflyMX offers package room access workflows designed to help properties manage package deliveries and resident pickup.	Package access can be important for residential and mixed-use properties with frequent deliveries.
Wallet-based credentials	Rhombus supports mobile app credentials, cards, fobs, facial recognition, and remote unlock.	ButterflyMX supports wallet-based access credentials on compatible mobile devices, giving supported users another way to enter without a traditional physical credential.	Credential format affects convenience, adoption, and how modern the access experience feels to users.

 

Which buyers should compare Rhombus and ButterflyMX most closely?

Buyers should compare Rhombus and ButterflyMX most closely when they’re evaluating more than basic door access.

This comparison matters most for properties that need video intercoms, access control, mobile access, visitor access, security cameras, smart lock integrations, vehicle access control, elevator controls, package rooms, or wallet-based credentials.

Rhombus may be the stronger fit for organizations that want access control tied closely to an enterprise security platform. ButterflyMX may be a stronger comparison point for properties that want access control inside a broader property access system covering residents, visitors, vehicles, packages, and other entry points.

 

FAQ about Rhombus Access Control

What is Rhombus Access Control?

Rhombus Access Control is a cloud-managed commercial access control system that combines controllers, readers, credentials, and cloud administration within Rhombus’s broader security platform.

It’s designed for commercial properties, schools, government facilities, enterprises, and multi-site organizations that want door access connected with video and other security tools.

 

How does Rhombus Access Control work?

Rhombus Access Control works by connecting door readers to the DC20 controller, which manages access rules for up to four doors.

Admins manage users, credentials, schedules, and access events in the cloud. Access events can also connect to camera footage for added context.

 

How much does Rhombus Access Control cost?

Rhombus Access Control hardware pricing includes the DC20 controller at $1,399, the DR20 reader at $299, and the DR40 video intercom at $1,099, with annual licensing starting at $199 per door per year for the Professional tier.

Secure Cards cost $399 per box of 100, Secure Fobs cost $499 per box of 50, and some accessories cost $25. Total deployment pricing still depends on hardware mix, installation needs, door count, and the final quote.

 

Does Rhombus Access Control have a mobile app?

Yes, Rhombus Access Control supports mobile credentials through the Rhombus Key App.

The app supports mobile entry, wave-to-unlock, remote unlock, and access event notifications.

 

Does Rhombus Access Control include a video intercom?

Yes, Rhombus offers video intercom capability through the DR40.

The DR40 includes a built-in 5MP camera and two-way audio. The DR20 is a reader-only option and does not include those video and audio features.

 

Does Rhombus Access Control require internet?

Yes, Rhombus Access Control requires internet access for cloud management, remote access, and live video.

Configured door schedules can continue locally during outages through edge processing, but full cloud-based functionality still depends on connectivity.

 

What hardware is required for Rhombus Access Control?

Rhombus Access Control requires a DC20 controller, one DR20 or DR40 reader per door, and user credentials such as mobile access, cards, or fobs.

The DC20 wires to existing door hardware and supports up to four doors per controller.

 

What are the main limitations of Rhombus Access Control?

The main limitations are quote-based total deployment pricing, required DC20 controller architecture, a four-door limit per controller, and a product focus that is more commercial than multifamily-specific.

Buyers should also plan for annual per-door licensing and internet-dependent cloud features.

 

What are some alternatives to Rhombus Access Control?

Common alternatives to Rhombus Access Control include Openpath / Avigilon Alta Access and ButterflyMX.

Buyers comparing broader property access workflows may also compare ButterflyMX, especially when video intercoms, visitor access, mobile access, package rooms, gates, elevators, smart lock integrations, and wallet-based credentials are part of the decision.

 

Final thoughts

Rhombus Access Control may be a strong fit for commercial organizations that want cloud-based access control connected to video, sensors, alarms, and centralized security management.

The biggest tradeoff is architecture and fit. Buyers need to plan around the required DC20 controller, the four-door-per-controller limit, annual per-door licensing, wired installation needs, and quote-based total deployment cost.

If your property also needs resident-facing visitor access, package rooms, vehicle access control, elevator controls, smart lock integrations, mobile access, and wallet-based credentials, it makes sense to compare Rhombus with a broader property access platform like ButterflyMX.

To see how ButterflyMX can support access control, video intercoms, mobile access, visitor access, and other property access workflows, request pricing from ButterflyMX.

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