5 Best Video Intercom Systems with Door Release

 

 

A video intercom system with a door release is a valuable feature for any apartment or commercial property, but what’s the best option?

This blog post covers everything you need to know about choosing the best video intercom system with a door release. You’ll learn how these systems work, the available types, and how they benefit your property. More importantly, you’ll discover how to choose an intercom system and which is best.

This post covers:

• Best video intercoms with door release
• What is a video intercom system with door release?
• How does a video intercom system with a door release work?
• What is the price of a video door phone intercom system?
• What are the different types of video intercom systems?
• Benefits of a video intercom system with door release
• How do I choose an intercom system?

 

Best video intercoms with door release

Whether safeguarding your home, enhancing workplace security, or managing access to a multi-unit building, the right video intercom can make all the difference.

To help guide you through the best options on the market, we’ve curated a list of the top video intercoms with door release capabilities.

Here are our picks for the best video intercoms with door release systems:

1. ButterflyMX
2. Avigilon
3. Intercoms Online
4. Aiphone
5. LiftMaster

 

1. ButterflyMX

ButterflyMX launched in 2014 with its flagship product, the video intercom. Since then, it has evolved into a complete access control solution installed in over 40,000 buildings and used by over 1 million apartments.

 

Notable features:

• Top-rated mobile app with door release. ButterflyMX’s video intercom pairs with a top-rated mobile app that uses smartphones as substations rather than in-unit hardware. So, tenants can grant access to guests from anywhere, and property staff can edit permissions remotely.
• Integrations. Streamlining property tasks is important when there are so many at hand. Thanks to ButterflyMX’s many smart lock integrations, properties can connect their PMS and existing security hardware with their video intercom.
• Audit log. For maximum security, the ButterflyMX video intercom takes time- and date-stamped photos of every entry. Then, staff can review them later if a security breach or a safety issue arises.
• Multiple credentials. Staff and tenants can access the property using their smartphones or a six-digit PIN code. If at any point a user loses their phone or it dies, the PIN code acts as a simple alternative.
• Virtual keys. Tenants can set up virtual keys to provide access for guests or service workers. What’s more, virtual keys grant visitors temporary access that can be used at certain times of the day or for a single use. This feature is perfect for residential tenants who hire dog walkers or housekeepers who need access when they’re away.
• Delivery PINs. Add major couriers to your video intercom system to ensure your tenants never miss a delivery again. Delivery PINs also help drivers access the building and complete package drop-offs.
• IP65 rated. ButterflyMX video intercoms are IP65 rated, meaning they can withstand harsh climates in various elements and temperatures.

 

Drawbacks:

• Relies on the internet. ButterflyMX is a cloud-based system that relies on an internet connection. So, if the internet goes down or experiences disruptions, tenants may have difficulty using the intercom system. However, all ButterflyMX intercoms feature a battery backup, making these instances highly unlikely.
• Requires regular maintenance. Regular maintenance and software updates are necessary to keep the system running smoothly. However, this maintenance only needs to occur quarterly and software is automatically updated through the cloud.

 

 

2. Avigilon

Avigilon is a trusted provider of advanced access solutions, offering a range of benefits to properties seeking to enhance security and operational efficiency.

 

Notable features:

• Video verification. With video capabilities, users can visually confirm visitors’ identities, reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.
• Remote access. Avigilon allows authorized personnel to remotely release doors or gates, providing convenience and flexibility in managing access.
• Security integrations. Avigilon’s video intercom doorbell with door release system integrates with other security and surveillance solutions, streamlining overall security management.
• Visitor logging. The wireless video intercom with door release records visitor information and interactions, creating an audit trail for security and tracking purposes.
• Analytics. The visual intercom system integrates with Avigilon’s analytics solutions, enabling advanced features like facial recognition for added security.

 

Drawbacks:

• Limited compatibility. Avigilon’s compatibility with certain door types or existing hardware may be limited, potentially requiring additional modifications or investments.
• Scalability. While Avigilon’s system is scalable, expanding it to accommodate a growing organization’s needs may involve additional costs and complexity.

 

3. Intercoms Online

Intercoms Online’s video intercom with door release offers valuable benefits for enhancing security and convenience in residential and commercial settings.

 

Notable features:

• Convenience. Intercoms Online WiFi video intercom with door release enables two-way communications with visitors, ensuring smooth interactions without needing a resident to be there physically.
• Customizable. Intercoms Online’s solutions empower you to define access permissions, schedules, and restrictions, giving you control over who enters a building and when.
• Great for all types of properties. With a variety of intercom solutions suitable for small—and large-scale buildings, Intercoms Online accommodates various property sizes and needs.
• Contactless. Intercoms Online offers contactless access control that reduces physical contact with keys or door handles.

 

Drawbacks:

• Reliance on vendors. Intercoms Online has a variety of products that depend on the vendor for support, updates, and maintenance. Moreover, issues with the vendor’s service or discontinuation of support can affect the system’s reliability.
• Staff training. To operate the system effectively, staff need to be trained on its implementation and configuration.

 

4. Aiphone

Aiphone’s IP video intercom system with door release is a trusted choice for enhancing security and communications for buildings of all types.

 

Notable features:

• Two-way communication. The Aiphone video intercom with door release enables real-time audio and video communication between tenants and visitors, facilitating efficient remote interactions.
• Remote door release. Remotely release doors or gates to offer convenience and reduce the need for physical presence at entry points.
• Reliability. Aiphone is known for its reliable and durable products, ensuring the system functions effectively over time.
• Durability. Aiphone’s products are designed to withstand continuous use and various environmental conditions, ensuring longevity.

 

Drawbacks:

• Limited integrations. Aiphone has limited integrations with third-party platforms.
• Customer service. Some users have reported poor customer service and unreliable hardware.

 

5. LiftMaster

Known for its reliability and innovation, LiftMaster’s video intercom with door release system offers numerous benefits for residential and commercial properties.

 

Notable features:

• Integrations. LiftMaster integrates with other access control and security systems, creating a cohesive and comprehensive security infrastructure.
• High-definition video. Delivers clear and detailed video footage for improved monitoring.
• Operational efficiency. It streamlines visitor management processes, reducing the need for physical keys or on-site staff and saving time and resources.

 

Drawbacks:

• Limited dealers. Some LiftMaster products may only be purchased through local dealers in the US and Canada.
• Limited reviews. LiftMaster may not have as many buyer reviews as some competitors.

 

What is a video intercom system with door release?

A video intercom system with door release is a two-way video communications system that automatically opens a door and grants access to visitors who have been video-verified.

What’s more, a commercial video intercom system with door release automatically opens doors after a visitor is verified, preventing pile-ups at the door and enhancing security.

 

How does a video intercom system with a door release work?

A video intercom system with a door release triggers an electronic door lock to unlock after receiving a signal from an authorized substation.

For video intercom systems to receive and send signals, they require two things:

1. An internet connection
2. An electric door release

The internet connects the intercom to the substation, which can be a smartphone or an in-unit device.

So, when a resident wants to access the property or remotely open the door for a guest, they press a button on their phone or device. Then, the device sends a signal to the video intercom, which sends an electrical signal to the door release, unlocking the entryway.

 

Learn more about video intercoms and how to unlock doors and gates using ButterflyMX:

 

Is an intercom wired or wireless?

Systems can be either wired or wireless video intercom.

Moreover, wired intercoms use cables to connect the primary control panel to the substation, whereas wireless intercoms communicate using wireless technology—like WiFi or VoIP technology.

 

What is a wireless vs. wired video door intercom?

Wired intercom systems are usually connected to in-unit hardware and require on-site servers to store data. Therefore, they are costly to install and require significant maintenance.

In contrast, wireless intercom systems use smartphones as substations. As a result, they don’t require extensive wiring. Instead, they only need a few wired connections to operate: power, internet, and door release.

Above all, wireless intercom systems are easier to install, last longer, and can be managed remotely thanks to their cloud-based fuctionality.

 

What is the price of a video door phone intercom system?

A video door phone intercom system costs between $1,500 to $10,000.

Of course, many factors impact the cost of your video door phone intercom. These include the manufacturer, features, and technology. Moreover, it’s also important to mention the average cost does not include installation, maintenance, or subscription fees.

 

What are the different types of video intercom systems?

The two primary types of video intercom systems are wired and wireless. However, many variations of video intercoms fall into these categories.

So, consider these types of video intercom systems:

• IP intercom with camera. An IP intercom system with a camera is a device that uses the Internet Protocol to let tenants see who’s requesting access. Then, they can grant access remotely.
• PoE intercom system. Power over Ethernet (PoE) intercom systems are a type of IP intercom system. Unlike IP intercoms, which use two different cables for power and internet, PoE intercoms use a single cable.
• 2-way video intercom system. As a type of IP intercom, 2-way video intercom systems allow guests and tenants to video call each other. So, the tenant uses their smartphone or in-unit hardware for the video feed while the guest uses the intercom’s display at the entrance.
• Wireless intercom doorbell. A wireless intercom doorbell, located at the main entrance, uses WiFi or cellular signals to communicate with substations, often located inside the unit. Sometimes, these devices may have cameras so tenants can see who’s at the entryway.
• SIP intercom system. Using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), these devices use the Internet to communicate with substations and allow tenants to grant access to guests remotely. Additionally, these systems store data in the cloud rather than a bulky on-site server.
• VoIP intercom system. Lastly, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) intercom systems connect guests from the front door to a tenant in their unit, often through a hard-wired telephone line.

 

Benefits of a video intercom system with door release

Modern video intercom systems with door release are packed with features that benefit the property, staff, and tenants alike.

After installing a video intercom system, your property will benefit from:

• Increased security. Restricting access to the property for tenants and their authorized guests is a big security boost. Plus, having a camera in an entry intercom system allows for the system to take time- and date-stamped photos of every entry. That way, staff can review them in the event of a security breach.
• Peace of mind. Tenant peace of mind is essential with any property amenity. To this end, a video intercom system provides a video feed of guests requesting access. This way, tenants see who they’re letting inside rather than relying solely on the visitor’s voice.
• Remote management. Property staff and tenants can remotely manage access using their phones. In addition, staff can easily manage permissions and review entries using a mobile app or a web-based dashboard without being onsite.
• Scalability. Video intercom systems make scalability easy as they can adjust to your property’s changes. For example, you can add or remove tenants whenever you’d like without changing hardware.
• Convenience. A video intercom system with door release lets tenants easily let in their guests, service workers, or delivery drivers. So, all it takes is a simple tap on their phone to grant access remotely, no matter where they are.

 

How do I choose an intercom system?

The best way to choose an intercom system is to evaluate your property’s unique features before selecting a system that can accommodate them. This will ensure that you select the right system for your property.

 

Aspects to consider when choosing an intercom system:

• Your property. To select the right video intercom system for your property, consider its characteristics. For example, certain systems may not be appropriate for gated communities. Therefore, finding an intercom designed specifically for your property is essential.
• Tenant demographics. Some modern intercoms rely on smartphones, which may not suit all users. So, you must choose a system that accommodates all tenants to ensure it benefits everyone. For instance, older residents and tenants may not have a smartphone. So, select a system that also works with other types of phones or accepts other credentials, such as PIN codes.
• Installation. Your property’s infrastructure and the system’s installation requirements will impact your decision. Moreover, choosing a wireless system is always best to ensure lower costs and faster installation. However, it all comes down to the architecture of your property. Thus, it would be best if you spoke with an installer before committing to a certain intercom.
• Weatherproofing. Video intercoms must withstand severe temperatures and weather conditions. Otherwise, the system won’t last long enough to make your investment worthwhile. With this in mind, if your property is in an area with extreme weather, ensure the system you select can withstand such elements.
• Features. One of the biggest deciding factors of any video intercom system is its features. What capabilities are you looking for in a video intercom system? Take note of your desired features and use them as a guide when selecting a solution.
• Reputation. Finally, select a video intercom system from a reputable manufacturer and brand.

 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on our site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by ButterflyMX or any third-party service provider.