Key takeaways
- Smart video building intercom systems are internet-connected building entry devices that allow residents to remotely grant access to their buildings via smartphone.
- Doorbells are used for single-family homes or individual apartments, whereas intercoms are designed for multifamily or commercial properties.
- The top smart video intercom devices on the market are ButterflyMX, Openpath, and myQ.
- A smart video intercom lasts approximately 20 years with proper care and upkeep.
- Intercom use cases include gate and door entry, package delivery, and self-guided tours.
- Benefits of intercoms include remote access, easy monitoring, and multiple credential methods.
Intercoms improve building security by allowing tenants to speak to visitors before letting them in. However, property technology is a rapidly changing industry, and the once smart video intercom systems for apartments are now outdated and clunky and need an upgrade.
However, a smart video intercom can make residents’ lives more convenient, allowing your residents to easily grant access to visitors like family, friends, or delivery people. Below, we’ll introduce you to the intercom system upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
In this post, discover:
More than 40K, 5-star reviews!
Video Intercoms
Open doors, gates & garages from anywhere.
Access Control
Fob, key cards, PINs, and mobile apps.
Security Cameras
Visibility throughout your entire property.
Vehicle Access
Hands-free access for gates & garages.
Package Room
Receive, store, and manage deliveries.
Smart Locks
Connect to all major brands and models.
Elevator Controls
Unlock key-fobbed elevators for anyone.
Front Desk Station
See all your doors and cameras in one place.
Top five smart apartment intercom systems
Smart intercoms with video cameras are growing in popularity, meaning there are many options to choose from. However, there are only a few that are worth considering.
While there may be several smart systems with video on the market, these are the top five that lead:
1. ButterflyMX
The ButterflyMX video intercom system aims to simplify access control, and it accomplishes that with its vision of making access simple.
With the ButterflyMX smart video intercom, you can:
- Provide virtual keys to service providers like dog walkers and house cleaners.
- Open doors and gates with a smartphone instead of your keys.
- Enjoy hands-free access to open doors when your hands are full.
- See who is at your door through a live two-way video call.
- Review time-stamped photos of everyone who accesses the property.
- Give unique PIN codes to visitors and guests for easy access.
- Access the web-based dashboard remotely.
- Use smartphones as credentials to cut down on hardware and installation costs.
Top features include:
- A wide-angle camera view.
- In-device WiFi.
- RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) in the device.
- Bluetooth and NFC (near-field communication) equipped.
- Integration with third-party products and works alongside all ButterflyMX products, including the access control system, elevator controls, package room, and more.
Watch how the ButterflyMX smart video intercom works:
2. AlphaTouch
The AlphaTouch 7” Touchscreen Video Entry Panel is an IP door entry system for all sizes of commercial and multifamily properties. Moreover, AlphaTouch’s smart video intercom is perfect for any number of monitors, doors, or cameras your property may encompass.
By using the video entry panel, guests can make video calls to tenants to request access. Then, using the AlphaTouch mobile app, tenants can speak with guests before letting them inside. Most notably, AlphaTouch integrates with other hardware, such as existing analog systems. That way, you don’t have to worry about ripping out your old hardware. Rather, you can keep it and integrate it with the AlphaTouch platform.
Features of the AlphaTouch video intercom include:
- IP65 rating for various weather conditions.
- Single PoE connection.
- Flush and surface mounting.
- Hands-free voice operation.
- Event logs with photos.
- Ambient LED lighting based on the environment.
- Built-in proximity tag readers.
3. myQ
myQ Community is Liftmaster’s intercom system for apartment buildings with features to suit property managers and residents alike. They specialize in low, mid, and high-rise community buildings.
Features to expect from myQ include:
- Access control for residents, deliveries, package rooms, and more.
- Mobile credentials minimize key fob and key card use.
- Property management system integrations.
- 24/7 log of smart video intercom interactions from guests and residents.
4. Aiphone IXG Series
With more than 50 years of experience in North America, Aiphone’s IXG Series has proven to be a competitor in the video intercom market. Aiphone’s IP Multi-Tenant Video Intercom is cloud-based and features a responsive touchscreen for easily navigating the built-in directory or inputting a PIN code.
Using the mobile app, tenants can grant themselves or guests access. However, The IXG Series only supports one-way video calling, preventing guests from seeing who they’re speaking with. Nonetheless, Aiphone’s IXG Series supports up to 99,999 devices and apps, such as elevator controls, physical stations, and gateways.
Aiphone intercom features:
- Built-in HID reader for access control integration.
- IP65 and IKO8 rated.
- Mobile app for remote tenant access.
- Integration with Aiphone hardware.
- History log featuring video of calls.
5. 2N IP Verso
The 2N IP Verso intercom system is minimalistic and sleek for a variety of property types. Available in multiple models, the 2N IP Verso enables users to access the property in multiple ways, such as WaveKey, Bluetooth, mobile access, PIN, or even a fingerprint.
Most notably, the 2N IP Verso video intercom is customizable, allowing you to choose what types of features you want in a video intercom. 2N offers a wide range of modules to include with your system, such as a fingerprint reader, touchscreen, camera, and more.
2N intercom features:
- IP54 and IK08 rated
- Integrates with third-party software and hardware
- Supports multiple credential types
- Built-in camera with night vision
- Customizable modules providing additional features
What is a smart intercom system?
Smart building intercom systems are internet-connected building entry devices that allow residents to grant access to their buildings remotely via smartphone. Most smart systems also have a built-in camera to enable video calling between tenants and visitors. They not only increase security at the property, but they also enhance convenience for tenants and visitors.
A smart video intercom empowers residents to open doors and gates from their smartphones. As a result, they don’t have to deal with annoying keys and fobs. Property managers also enjoy granting visitors remote access to self-guided tours, maintenance workers, and service providers.
Use cases for smart intercoms
Understanding how a smart apartment intercom system can benefit your property starts with knowing when and how to use it.
The top use cases for smart intercoms include:
- Gate and front door entry. Smart video intercoms are great solutions to gated and front door entry access. They make it easy for visitors to access parking garages, front entryways, and more with their smartphone or PIN.
- Package delivery. It’s frustrating when you or a resident misses a delivery because of hard-to-access areas. With a smart device intercom, delivery personnel can now two-way calls for access.
- Self-guided tours. Prospective tenants are increasingly opting for self-guided tours. This also frees up time for many property managers, and intercom systems for apartments make it even more convenient.
What is the difference between a doorbell and an intercom?
The difference between a doorbell and an intercom is that doorbells are designed for single-family homes or individual units, whereas intercoms are suited for apartment buildings and offices.
Unlike intercoms, doorbells notify the tenant when a guest is outside of their home or apartment. The tenant must also physically answer the door to let the guest inside.
On the other hand, intercoms have a directory for multiple tenants. That way, visitors can notify tenants of their presence from outside the property. Then, the tenant can grant them access remotely from the comfort of their unit.
Intercoms and doorbells differ in other ways too:
What are the benefits of a smart intercom?
A smart intercom is a security, access control, and visitor management tool. With one installed at the building’s entrance, property owners and managers can worry less about monitoring their property. However, the benefits of intercoms in apartments extend to tenants and property managers.
Benefits of smart intercoms for tenants
- Unlock doors and gates from anywhere. Residents can grant access to their trusted visitors, even when they’re not at home.
- Never miss a delivery. Since delivery carriers always have a way to gain access with a smart video intercom, residents will never miss another delivery. Best of all: Residents don’t have to be home to let in the delivery driver.
- Multiple entry methods. With a smart video intercom, residents can unlock the door or gate for themselves using one of many methods, such as swiping on their smartphone app, using a voice command, or entering a PIN code.
Benefits of smart intercoms for property managers
- Easily monitor visitors and guests. Managers can review entry logs of everyone who accessed the building via the intercom.
- Remote system management. Since smart video intercoms operate with cloud-based software, staff can add or remove tenants and adjust access permissions as needed.
- No need to be on-site. Property staff can manage the system and grant access from anywhere, which means they can oversee every building in their portfolio without having to physically be on-site.
What to consider before buying a smart intercom
Choosing the right smart video intercom system for your building boils down to what you need vs. what is on the market. Pricing and availability are top priorities, but there are a few more things to consider when shopping for an intercom or access control system.
Features to look for in a smart video intercom system include:
- Built-in camera for video calling capabilities.
- Integration ability with your property management software.
- Easy-to-use interface and online portal.
- Smartphone and touchless access capabilities.
- Retrofitting installment requirements.
Additionally, consider the company selling and installing the product. Certified, insured, and knowledgeable installers can make or break your experience with any given product.
How much does a smart video intercom system cost?
Smart video intercom prices can range anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000. Of course, the cost of your smart apartment intercom will not include installation or ongoing fees, such as maintenance or subscriptions.
With that said, the factors that will influence the cost of your intercom system include:
- Region
- Intercom features
- Number of units
- Dealer
How long do smart video intercom systems last?
Smart video intercom systems can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Unlike other intercom systems, smart intercoms use the cloud to receive updates and new features long after they’ve been installed. Not to mention, minimal wiring ensures intercoms require little to no hardware maintenance. As a result, smart intercom systems last longer than traditional options.
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