Key takeaways:
- Verkada’s current lineup includes TD33, TD53, TD63, and audio-only TS12, with hardware MSRP from $1,199 to $2,199 plus a required Command license.
- The $2,199 TD63 is the only current model with a built-in keypad and tenant directory, making it the key option for self-service visitor entry.
- Verkada Intercom offers centralized cloud management and a 10-year warranty, but core functions require internet access and buyers should consider its security history during due diligence.
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.
This Verkada intercom review covers the questions buyers need answered before choosing an entry system: which model fits the entrance, what the system costs beyond hardware, and whether the network and wider Verkada ecosystem fit the property.
Verkada Intercom is a cloud-managed line for visitor calls, door access, and entry monitoring. The intercom system may suit commercial properties, schools, multifamily communities, gated sites, and organizations already using Verkada Command. Below, we cover current models, pricing, installation, customer feedback, security history, and alternatives.
This guide will answer:
- What is Verkada Intercom?
- Verkada Intercom models compared
- How much does Verkada Intercom cost?
- Key features and access methods
- Installation, connectivity, and network requirements
- Integrations and centralized management
- Verkada Intercom pros and cons
- What do Verkada customers say?
- Verkada security history and buyer due diligence
- Verkada Intercom vs. ButterflyMX
- Verkada Intercom alternatives
- Frequently asked questions
- Is Verkada Intercom right for your property?
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What is Verkada Intercom?
Verkada Intercom is a family of Power over Ethernet (PoE) intercoms managed through Verkada Command. PoE carries power and network data over one Ethernet cable. The current hardware lineup includes three video models—TD33, TD53, and TD63—and the audio-only TS12.
The video models combine two-way calling, a 5MP camera, a door reader, and access-controller functions in one entrance device. That may reduce the number of separate components a property must coordinate.
How does Verkada Intercom work?
When a visitor calls, staff can answer through a Verkada Desk Station, the Verkada Pass app, a Command web browser, or supported phone systems. Verkada documents SIP, PSTN, and Microsoft Teams receiver options; SIP is a standard for internet-based calling.
Authorized users can speak with the visitor and unlock the connected entrance. In Command, administrators can set schedules, create call flows and backup recipients, review activity, and manage entrances across sites.
Verkada Intercom models compared
Verkada’s four current models are built for different entry conditions. TD33 fits narrow frames, TD53 is the standard wall-mounted video option, TD63 adds keypad and directory functions, and TS12 favors loud audio and physical protection over video.
These figures come from Verkada’s intercom specifications and ordering guide. IP ratings describe dust and water protection, while IK ratings describe impact resistance. Higher numbers indicate greater protection within each system.
Older materials may list TD52. It was discontinued on February 1, 2025, though existing units still receive software support, so buyers should treat it as a legacy model, not a current purchasing option.
Which model fits each entry environment?
- TD33: Best for narrow entrances where a compact mullion unit is needed.
- TD53: A standard video choice for staffed entrances. It has 90dB output but no keypad or directory.
- TD63: The only current model with a 12-button keypad, PIN entry, multi-factor authentication, and tenant or department directory dialing.
- TS12: An audio-only option for demanding locations, with 95dB output and the family’s strongest impact and weather ratings.
TD33 lists 512GB of onboard storage, while TD53 and TD63 list 32GB. All three video models list 30 days of continuous retention. Buyers with strict retention requirements should discuss how that documented capacity applies to each planned entrance.
Verkada Intercom technical specifications
How much does Verkada Intercom cost?
Verkada Intercom hardware costs $1,199 to $2,199 at current MSRP, and each unit requires a separate Command cloud license. Mounts, retrofit equipment, relays, receivers, network equipment, and labor can increase the project cost.
The official ordering guide also lists Desk Station licenses from $249 to $2,499 by term. The prices above exclude taxes, discounts, installation labor, and total project costs.
Some reviews still show lower launch prices for the video models. Those figures are historical; current official MSRP is $1,699 for TD33, $1,999 for TD53, and $2,199 for TD63.
What should buyers include in total cost?
- One intercom and one Command license for every entrance
- PoE switches, injectors, or network upgrades where needed
- The correct mount for each door, wall, gate, or call-station location
- A converter for compatible two-wire retrofits
- Door hardware, relays, and any Desk Station hardware and licensing
- Professional design, installation, taxes, and ongoing network costs
TD63 costs $500 more than TD33, but it is the only current model with built-in directory dialing and PIN entry. That premium may matter more at an unstaffed multifamily entrance than at a staffed commercial entrance.
Key features and access methods
Verkada Intercom combines visitor calling, access credentials, event records, and cloud administration. Features vary by model, so buyers should separate family-wide functions from video-only and TD63-only capabilities.
- Flexible call answering: Calls can reach a mobile app, browser, Desk Station, or supported telephone system.
- Credential options: Cards or fobs, NFC or Bluetooth mobile credentials, QR codes, staff-approved unlocks, and TD63 PINs are supported.
- Visitor access: Visit Keys can set authorized doors, credentials, and time windows. QR codes and web unlock links can support planned guest access.
- Video and call records: Video models can associate calls with video, transcripts, person snapshots, and a searchable event timeline.
- AI-assisted communication: Video models support voice-directed directory routing and live two-way translation.
- Security context: Video intercoms can surface person-of-interest alerts and pair with nearby Verkada cameras for broader coverage.
The Verkada Intercom overview details these calling, visitor, camera, and management tools. ButterflyMX also supports mobile access, visitor access, and wallet-based credentials on compatible devices, so buyers can compare the visitor workflow that fits their property.
Specialized campus and gate use cases
Emergency calling is not a family-wide feature. Verkada specifies emergency and third-party blue-light call-station uses for certain TD53 and TS12 configurations, which may be relevant for schools and campuses replacing older call boxes.
For vehicle entrances, video intercoms can work with Verkada bullet cameras for license plate recognition (LPR). LPR reads a vehicle plate for use in an entry workflow. Gated properties may also compare ButterflyMX, which supports vehicle access control and security cameras within its broader platform.
Installation, connectivity, and network requirements
Verkada Intercom uses PoE for power and data and requires active internet access for core cloud functions. A landline is not required for normal use, but the product has no general offline operating mode.
TD33 mounts on a narrow mullion, TD53 and TD63 use a double-gang junction box, and TS12 uses conduit surface mounting. The optional PoE-over-2-Wire Converter can help with certain retrofits where replacing old cabling is difficult.
Optional SIP redundancy applies to emergency-mode calls, not normal offline operation. That distinction matters at properties with unreliable connectivity because visitor calls, remote access, and cloud-managed activity depend on the network.
Questions to answer before installation
- Does every entrance have a suitable PoE network connection?
- Can the internet connection reliably support cloud calling and video traffic?
- Which mounting format fits each door frame, wall, gate, or call station?
- Will the property reuse legacy wiring or install Ethernet?
- What lock, door, relay, and egress hardware must connect to the intercom?
- Will calls go to mobile users, browsers, phone systems, or Desk Stations?
- Does the network need more capacity or segmentation for camera traffic?
- What deployment schedule has the installer or integrator committed to?
Some G2 reviewers of Verkada’s broader platform mention high bandwidth use. Third-party summaries also cite installation waits exceeding a month in some cases. These are customer-reported experiences, not guaranteed outcomes, but they support detailed network and scheduling discussions before purchase.
Integrations and centralized management
Verkada Intercom is most closely tied to the Verkada Command ecosystem. Teams can manage intercoms alongside Verkada cameras and access control, build call flows, review events, create role-based reports, and administer multiple sites from the cloud.
Verkada supports SIP and VoIP connections and Microsoft Teams telephony for call routing. Administrators can also configure SIP settings in bulk with CSV files, which can help larger deployments.
Third-party reporting cites Schlage Control wireless deadbolts and identity provisioning through Active Directory, Okta, and SCIM. Buyers should review the exact workflow required for their deployment.
ButterflyMX covers video intercoms, access control, security cameras, elevator controls, package rooms, vehicle access, and smart lock integrations. The best fit depends on the systems and property workflows a buyer wants to bring together.
Verkada Intercom pros and cons
Verkada Intercom offers consolidated entry hardware and centralized administration. Its main tradeoffs are mandatory licensing, internet dependence, and self-service features that are limited to one model.
Pros
- Several entrance functions in one device: Video models combine calling, a 5MP camera, a credential reader, and an access controller.
- Strong ecosystem fit: Command connects intercom management with Verkada camera and access-control products.
- Centralized multi-site administration: Call routing, reporting, alerts, schedules, and bulk configuration can help teams managing many entrances.
- 10-year hardware warranty: Every current intercom model carries the same warranty.
- Models for different environments: The lineup covers narrow frames, standard video entrances, keypad-based self-service, and rugged audio-only locations.
- 30-day hardware trial: Verkada advertises a free 30-day trial for eligible buyers to assess fit before purchase.
Cons
- Mandatory recurring licensing: Hardware MSRP is not the full ownership cost because every intercom needs a Command license.
- Self-service requires TD63: Buyers needing a keypad and tenant directory must choose the highest-priced current video model.
- Core functions depend on internet: There is no general offline mode beyond limited emergency-mode SIP redundancy.
- Capabilities vary by model: TS12 has no video, only TD63 has a keypad, and emergency uses apply only to specified configurations.
- Security history needs diligence: The 2021 incident and 2024 Federal Trade Commission settlement are material considerations for organizations handling sensitive video and access data.
What do Verkada customers say?
Verkada has a 4.7 out of 5 rating across 140 reviews on G2, though that score covers Verkada’s broader platform rather than Intercom alone. Reviewers commonly praise ease of use, video quality, scalability, support, and integration across security functions.
Recurring concerns include upfront hardware cost, licensing fees, network bandwidth use, and deployment timing. Cross-platform summaries also mention persistent sales follow-up after an inquiry or declined purchase.
These themes are useful procurement prompts, not intercom-specific performance tests. Ask for references from properties with a similar entrance count, network design, call flow, and property type.
Verkada security history and buyer due diligence
A 2021 security incident exposed about 150,000 camera feeds through unauthorized administrative access. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission announced a settlement that included a $2.95 million penalty related to CAN-SPAM and data-security allegations.
The settlement also requires Verkada to maintain an information-security program and undergo continuing third-party security assessments. That ongoing oversight is relevant context, but the underlying incident remains a serious vendor-review consideration.
Security and IT teams should ask about administrator controls, role design, authentication, access logs, vulnerability management, assessments, data retention, and incident response. Schools, government sites, and healthcare facilities may need those answers documented during vendor review.
Verkada Intercom vs. ButterflyMX
Verkada Intercom and ButterflyMX both address visitor entry and broader access workflows, but they organize their products differently. Verkada centers the intercom in its Command physical-security ecosystem, while ButterflyMX offers intercom and access products within a property access and security platform.
Neither platform is a universal choice. Existing Verkada customers may value Command integration, while teams evaluating resident, visitor, vehicle, elevator, package, and connected-lock workflows may find ButterflyMX relevant to their shortlist.
Verkada Intercom alternatives
Alternatives include ButterflyMX, Swiftlane, 2N, Alpha Communications, and Brivo or Openpath. The right comparison set depends on whether the project centers on multifamily self-service, a conventional IP intercom, or cloud access control.
- ButterflyMX: Consider it for a broader property access platform covering resident, visitor, vehicle, elevator, package, camera, and smart-lock workflows.
- Swiftlane Intercom: Consider it for a multifamily-focused comparison involving mobile access and resident self-service.
- 2N IP Intercoms: Include 2N when comparing established IP intercom options for commercial or multifamily entrances.
- Alpha Communications: Include Alpha Communications in a wider review of established building-entry intercom vendors.
- Brivo or Openpath: Consider these cloud access-control platforms when access management is the main need alongside, or instead of, dedicated intercom hardware.
Compare each option using the same entrance map, visitor workflow, credentials, door and gate coverage, internet dependence, integrations, subscriptions, installation conditions, security governance, and ownership cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Verkada Intercom cost?
Verkada Intercom hardware costs $1,199 to $2,199 at current MSRP. A required Command license adds $399 for one year, $1,199 for three years, $1,999 for five years, or $3,999 for ten years per intercom, plus any accessories.
Which Verkada Intercom model is best for apartments?
TD63 is the current Verkada model for apartments that need built-in self-service entry. It is the only current model with a keypad, PIN access, and tenant directory dialing.
What is the difference between TD33, TD53, TD63, and TS12?
TD33 is a compact mullion-mount video model, TD53 is a standard wall-mount video model, TD63 adds a keypad and directory, and TS12 is a rugged audio-only model. Storage, speaker output, mounting, and environmental ratings also differ.
Does Verkada Intercom require internet or a landline?
Verkada Intercom requires internet access for core cloud functions but does not require a landline for normal operation. Optional SIP redundancy is limited to emergency-mode calls and is not a general offline mode.
How is Verkada Intercom installed?
Verkada Intercom uses PoE to carry power and network data over Ethernet. TD33 uses a mullion mount, TD53 and TD63 use a double-gang box, and TS12 uses conduit surface mounting; a two-wire converter is available for certain retrofits.
Can Verkada Intercom calls be answered remotely?
Yes. Calls can be answered through the Verkada Pass app, Command in a browser, a Desk Station, or supported SIP, PSTN, and Microsoft Teams phone systems.
Does every Verkada Intercom have video and a keypad?
No. TD33, TD53, and TD63 have video, while TS12 is audio-only. TD63 is the only current model with a built-in keypad and tenant directory.
What happened in the Verkada security breach and FTC settlement?
A 2021 incident exposed approximately 150,000 camera feeds through unauthorized administrative access. A 2024 FTC settlement included a $2.95 million penalty and continuing third-party security assessments.
What are the main alternatives to Verkada Intercom?
Alternatives include ButterflyMX, Swiftlane, 2N IP Intercoms, Alpha Communications, and Brivo or Openpath. Compare them by property type, visitor workflow, access-control needs, infrastructure, subscriptions, and wider platform scope.
Is Verkada Intercom right for your property?
Verkada Intercom may fit organizations that want cloud-managed entry hardware connected closely to Verkada cameras and access control. The lineup offers options for narrow entrances, standard video calling, keypad-based self-service, and rugged audio-only locations.
The core tradeoff is that model choice, licensing, and network readiness go together. Properties that need a directory must choose TD63, every intercom needs a Command license, and core operation depends on internet access. Buyers should also include Verkada’s security history and ongoing assessment requirements in due diligence.
Compare a final Verkada proposal with alternatives using the same entrance map, visitor workflow, credential needs, infrastructure plan, and ownership period. If you want to evaluate video intercoms alongside mobile, visitor, vehicle, elevator, package, camera, and smart-lock access workflows, add ButterflyMX to your shortlist and request a demo.
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