If you’re in the market for a building entry system, you’ve probably encountered a lot of different options. From apartment video intercoms to door buzzers to telephone entry systems, there are tons of systems to choose from. But one system stands apart from the rest: the wireless video intercom.
First, we’ll go over what wireless video intercom systems are and how they work. Next, we’ll outline the four benefits of a wireless video intercom. Lastly, we’ll recommend one of the best video intercom systems on the market.
Navigate this post:
- Is there a wireless intercom?
- What is a wireless video intercom system?
- Why you should get a wireless video intercom
- Best wireless video intercom system
Is there a wireless intercom?
Yes, wireless intercoms are an access control feature in all of the latest systems. These intercoms eliminate the need for complex wiring. However, the best wireless intercom also features video, in addition to voice communication.
What is a wireless video intercom system?
A wireless video intercom is a door entry system that has a built-in camera for video calling and doesn’t require physical wiring between the system’s hardware. The system wirelessly transmits audio and video footage when a resident and a visitor are communicating. It also provides a way for residents to open the door or gate for their guests. Also, it often relies on an internet connection.
Video intercom systems offer either:
- One-way video calling: During a video call, a resident can see visitors on their device’s screen, but visitors can’t see the resident from the outdoor station.
- Two-way video calling: Residents and visitors can see each other during a video call.
Components of a wireless video intercom system
Every video intercom system requires a base station at the property’s entrance. This hardware contains the resident directory, which visitors use to find a tenant. The base station also has a speaker, microphone, and camera.
Wireless intercom systems also need substations, which are the devices residents use to answer calls from visitors. And finally, wireless video intercoms have a door release mechanism, which empowers residents to unlock the door or gate remotely.
There are two types of wireless video intercoms:
- Systems with in-unit hardware: A video intercom with in-unit hardware requires you to install substations in every unit throughout the building. These substation devices contain a microphone, speaker, and sometimes a camera. The devices communicate wirelessly with the intercom base station.
- Smartphone-based systems: Instead of requiring in-unit hardware, these video intercoms operate with residents’ smartphones. Residents download a mobile app, which they use to answer video calls and open the door remotely.
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
Cost of wireless video intercom systems
A wireless video intercom costs between $1,000 and $7,000. However, that price doesn’t include the cost of installation or ongoing service fees.
Since installers set their own prices, installation costs vary. But the good news is that wireless intercoms are cheaper to install than wired systems. With a wireless system, you won’t have to purchase long lengths of expensive wiring and knock down walls to install it all. All you’ll really have to worry about is establishing an internet connection.
Many video intercom systems also have ongoing software fees. These fees cover the important features you’ll enjoy, like video calling and remote management. Most intercom brands charge a small fee per unit on an annual or monthly basis to provide video calling, remote management, and different applications.
What is the difference between doorbell and intercom?
A doorbell differs from an intercom in that it is an alert system that doesn’t allow for two-way audio communication between a resident and a visitor. Most intercom systems with in-unit hardware do have a buzzer of sorts that alerts a resident to their control panel. Many residential buildings will have an intercom system for the whole building and individual doorbells at the door to each unit.
A wireless video intercom simplifies both systems with the added benefit of a camera and other features.
Why you should buy a wireless video intercom
Now that you know what wireless video intercom technology is and how it works, you’re probably wondering if it’s right for your building. Wireless intercoms with cameras stand out among every other entry solution.
Here are the top four reasons why wireless video intercoms are the best building entry system:
- Increased property security
- Attract and retain residents
- Never miss a visitor or delivery
- Affordable installation
1. Increased property security
Nobody wants to live in an unsafe building. So, you need a device that will improve security.
Having a wireless video intercom with door release at your front entrance lets you keep the door or gate locked without hampering access for residents, guests, and delivery carriers. The intercom system prevents access for anyone who shouldn’t be there while providing an easy way for visitors to request access.
Additionally, the video component adds an extra layer of security. Video calling allows residents (and property staff) to visually confirm who’s requesting access. That way, they can monitor who they’re letting in before opening the door.
Pro tip: Choose a wireless video intercom that takes a photo of every door and gate release event. The property staff can monitor this audit trail at their convenience to maximize security. Cameras of any kind can also help deter criminal activity; they don’t have to be security cameras.
2. Attract and retain residents
A wireless video intercom benefits your bottom line as a developer, owner, or property manager.
Tenants expect a reliable door entry system anywhere they live. By adding a video intercom system, you’re not just meeting residents’ expectations — you’re exceeding them.
A video intercom doubles as an apartment amenity because it:
- Ensures successful package deliveries.
- Empowers residents to open the door from anywhere.
- Lets residents create virtual keys for guest access.
- Eliminates the need for physical keys.
By adding this convenience- and safety-focused amenity, you’ll better attract and retain residents, maximizing your NOI (net operating income).
3. Never miss a visitor or delivery
Everyone can relate to the frustration of missing a package delivery or an unplanned guest. The good news: A wireless video intercom ensures that staff and multiple tenants can always grant access to couriers and visitors from anywhere.
With a video intercom system, you’ll say goodbye to package theft and those pesky “Sorry we missed you” notes. Delivery carriers can use the intercom to get inside the building and safely leave packages as opposed to dropping them off at the front of a gate or doorway.
A wireless video intercom also ensures access support for dog walkers, service providers, and even friends dropping by to say hi.
For example, even if a resident isn’t home, they can answer video calls from visitors and unlock doors right from their smartphone. This eliminates the need for residents to be continuously monitoring their intercom.
4. Affordable installation
You know your apartment needs an effective door entry solution, but you might be concerned about the cost of installing a new system. Not to worry: Wireless video intercoms don’t require expensive wiring, so they’re cheaper to install than a wired system.
If you purchase a wired intercom, you’ll also have to pay for all the wiring to connect the device. On top of that, installers charge more to install wired systems, since they have to break down walls and pavement to lay all the wiring. In contrast, wireless intercoms have the advantage of only requiring you to install the hardware at doors and gates.
Pro tip: Choose a video intercom system without in-unit hardware. That way, you’ll avoid the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining hardware. Since residents use their own smartphones with the intercom, it won’t cost you a thing.
Best wireless video intercom system
You’ve done your research, and now you’re ready to invest in a wireless video intercom. But which one should you purchase? The ButterflyMX wireless video intercom stands out as the best system on the market and is loaded with features. With over 20,000 five-star reviews, it’s one of the most trusted video intercom providers.
The ButterflyMX video intercom system:
- Doesn’t require wiring or in-unit hardware.
- Is quick and affordable to install.
- Features a powerful mobile app that engages the door release with the tap of a finger. This eliminates the need for key fobs and key cards and replaces them with smartphones.
- Features remote visitor calls and remote entry for guests.
- Allows clear voice and video communication with visitors.
- Can be accessed by multiple tenants in a unit.
- Features an external camera that can monitor date-and-time-stamped door entry events.
- Saves time for building staff, who can manage access remotely using the ButterflyMX OS.
- Integrates with future-proof technology such as smart locks and property management software.
- Features cloud-based software that can connect to the internet and automatically update its system software.
Takeaways
- Wireless video intercoms are a form of access control for multifamily or commercial properties.
- A good video intercom will increase security, attract residents, allow for remote access, and be affordable.
- One of the best video intercom systems is the ButterflyMX video intercom. It features remote unlocking, cloud-based software, and date-and-time-stamped entry events.
