Best Video Intercom System in Canada | Buyer’s Guide

 

 

A video intercom system for apartments is the best option if you’re looking for an access control solution at your front door or gate in Canada. The best video intercom systems are designed to simplify access for tenants, guests, delivery drivers, and employees by utilizing smartphone credentials.

This buyer’s guide will detail everything you need about Canada’s best video intercom system. You’ll also discover what properties benefit the most from video intercoms, how to choose the right system, and how much they cost.

This buyer’s guide covers:

• What is the best video intercom system in Canada?
• Which types of properties benefit from video intercoms?
• How do you choose a video intercom system in Canada?
• How much does a video intercom in Canada cost?
• Video intercom system Canada FAQs

 

 

What is the best video intercom system in Canada?

ButterflyMX’s flagship product has been the video intercom since 2014. It has been installed in over 15,000 buildings and garnered over 40,000 five-star reviews.

The ButterflyMX video intercom system lets tenants use their smartphones to enter the property, granting guests remote access. Using the ButterflyMX mobile app, tenants can swipe to open within the mobile app for convenient access. Moreover, tenants can see and speak to visitors at the entryway before letting them inside, creating a safer and more secure property.

 

Features of the ButterflyMX video intercom include:

• Easy installation. The ButterflyMX video intercom simplifies installation with only a few wired connections. It doesn’t require in-unit hardware or extensive wiring, lowering the installation cost and making it easy to retrofit. And for areas where an internet access point is unattainable, built-in WiFi makes it easy to get up and running.
• Mobile app. Residents and tenants can use the ButterflyMX mobile app to enter the property. Meanwhile, you and your staff can manage credentials, review the audit log, and more remotely. Additionally, you can manage your video intercom from a web-based dashboard, so you don’t always have to be on the property to manage your property.
• IP65 rating. Regardless of where your property is located in Canada, you can feel confident knowing your video intercom will withstand the climate. With an IP65 rating, the video intercom prevents water or dust from entering the casing. It can also withstand extreme Canadian temperatures as low as -40°C and as high as 60°C.
• 156° wide-angle camera. A wide-angle camera built into your video intercom captures the full extent of your property’s main entryway. That way, your tenants can see who requests access through video calls before letting them inside. Plus, the system can take date—and time-stamped photos of the entry event for greater security.
• Access methods. With built-in RFID technology, you and your residents can use the credentials you prefer: mobile app, PIN code, or key card and fob.
• Delivery PINs. Provide major couriers with a unique PIN code to prevent missed or delayed package deliveries. Thus, delivery drivers can easily access the property and deliver packages without a hassle.

 

ButterflyMX access control products

The video intercom system from ButterflyMX is only one of many access control products. ButterflyMX offers a property-wide access control solution. You can manage access throughout your entire property from a single platform, from the front door and amenity spaces to garages and individual units.

The ButterflyMX access control platform includes the following:

• Video intercoms
• Keypads and fob readers
• Vehicle readers and windshield tags
• Package rooms
• Elevator controls
• Front desk stations
• Self-guided touring
• Smart lock integrations

 

See what trusted installers think of ButterflyMX:

 

Which types of properties benefit from video intercoms?

Video intercom systems in Canada are best suited for properties looking to secure their main entryway, which often accepts guests or delivery couriers.

More specifically, video intercoms are great for:

• Apartments and condos
• Gated communities
• Commercial offices
• Student housing
• Salon suites

 

Apartments and condos

The apartment video intercom replaces a buzzer system commonly used at apartments, condos, and other multifamily properties. Unlike audio-only systems, residents feel more safe seeing who requests access at the front door.

Furthermore, a built-in directory simplifies guest access, enabling them to find the resident they’re visiting quickly. With a cloud-based video intercom, it doesn’t matter how many units your property has because the system accommodates properties of all sizes.

 

Gated communities

Installing a video intercom for your gated community reduces wait times and potential tailgating. Rather than stopping at the gate to scan their key card or input a code, residents can tap on their phones as they approach.

With such a convenient credential option, fewer cars will be waiting to enter the community. Moreover, guests’ vehicles will have fewer opportunities to slip in behind residents as they tailgate them into the property.

 

Commercial offices

Install a video intercom system to secure your commercial office space. Your tenants can easily grant access to their customers, visitors, or vendors without having to walk to the lobby.

Furthermore, a video intercom system doubles as a visitor management system, eliminating the need for a front desk attendant. Tenants can grant access to their visitors, and the system logs the entry, offering a digital log you can review in case of a security breach.

 

Student housing

Students are bound to have many visitors and packages delivered to your property. Therefore, you should have an effective access solution at the main entryway. Guests can request access to the property from the directory, while major couriers can enter their unique PIN code to deliver packages successfully.

For modern student housing, opt for a forward-thinking access solution like video intercoms. In turn, students use their smartphones as credentials, appealing to a younger audience and aligning perfectly with the needs of student living.

 

Salon suites

Enhance customer and tenant experience at your salon suite with a video intercom system. Hairstylists can effortlessly grant access to customers upon arrival, eliminating the need for calls or guesswork. This not only streamlines customer interactions but also enhances overall suite security.

 

How do you choose a video intercom system in Canada?

While several video intercom systems exist in Canada, they’re not all one-size-fits-all solutions. Above all, you need a system that can accommodate the needs of your property and those who live or work there.

When choosing a video intercom system in Canada, look for the following traits:

• Wireless. Lower installation costs and time with wireless video intercoms. These systems require minimal wired connections and don’t use in-unit hardware. Wireless video intercom systems in Canada are ideal for properties where a power supply and internet access point, such as a gated community, may not be nearby.
• Weatherproofing. Ensure your video intercom system in Canada can withstand various weather conditions and temperatures. That way, your system will last longer and operate when you need it the most, regardless of whether you’re in Ontario or British Columbia.
• Access methods. Optimize your experience by choosing an intercom system that supports multiple credentials. This ensures you and your tenants enjoy the convenience of accessing the property with the credentials that suit your preferences.
• Remote management. You can manage access to your property remotely using a mobile app or online dashboard. You and your staff shouldn’t always have to be on-site to edit permissions, review audit logs, and more.
• Integrations. Integrate your video intercom system with other property management software and security hardware. Such integrations ensure a streamlined and effective approach to property management.
• User-friendliness. A user-friendly video intercom system simplifies property access for everyone. This avoids potential complications that may alienate your tenants or their visitors, promoting a positive experience for all.

 

How much does a video intercom in Canada cost?

Video intercom systems in Canada cost between $1,000 and $7,000. However, costs will vary depending on the manufacturer, region, features, and type of system.

The cost of your video intercom system does not include the costs associated with installation, maintenance, and subscriptions. To learn more about pricing, contact the manufacturer for a quote.

 

Video intercom system Canada FAQs

• Do intercoms still exist?
• What is the difference between intercom and video door phone?
• What is a video intercom system?

 

Do intercoms still exist?

Yes, intercoms still exist. The best modern intercoms are cloud-based video intercoms that can be managed from a mobile device like ButterflyMX.

 

What is the difference between intercom and video door phone?

A video door phone must be used onsite, while a video intercom can be managed remotely.

 

What is a video intercom system?

A video intercom system is a building management system that includes a camera, a communication method, and a door-locking mechanism.