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Access Control & Intercom Systems:

2025 Buyer's Guide

So, you’ve been tasked with identifying, purchasing, and implementing an access control solution in your apartment community. Maybe you need to upgrade your outdated system, or maybe your current system is causing more problems than it solves. With the number of apartment access control solutions available today, it can seem overwhelming to figure out which is right for you. 

 

Not to worry — this guide can help! We’ll recap why you need smart access control and intercom systems and provide a quick comparison of the types of solutions that are available.

 
 
 

Levels of Access Control

 
 

Entrances to the community, common areas, and individual units require different considerations. Look for a solution that can manage each level of access and their associated devices, such as access readers or keypads for public entrances and smart locks for unit doors.

 
 

Intercom

 
 

Smart access control solutions with built-in intercoms provide convenient access for not only residents, but staff and vendors as well. Many virtual intercom systems offer the same security features as traditional ones, such as visitor logging and photo/video capture, but with greater visibility, a better user experience, and lower installation costs.

 
 

Visibility

 
 

Find a software platform with an activity log or dashboard showing valuable information including device status, access history, and user permissions. Seeing and managing this data at multiple levels can help you make more informed decisions and keep your communities safe.

 
 

Security

 
 

There are many options for rigorously tested hardware and software that is compliant with all relevant security certifications, including things like weather resistance. 

 
 

Number of Devices

 
 

In multifamily communities, less is more when it comes to the number of access control devices at front doors/gates and amenity entrances. This is not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for resident ease of use and reduced install costs as well. 

 
 

Smart Access Control & Intercom Systems: 2025 Buyer’s Guide

Smart Access Control & Intercom Systems

2025 Buyer’s Guide

 

Company

Rently
Brivo
Swiftlane
SmartRent
Latch
DoorKing
ButterflyMX

Access control + intercom solution offers all functionality from a single device: 

- Access control panel with keypad
- Built-in reader
- Built-in intercom
- Built-in access controller 
- No hub required!

Number of hardware devices required for a complete solution

1

2

- Keypad Reader with Controller
- Intercom integration

1

4

- Alloy Access Reader
- Controller
- Intercom system
- Hub

3

- Keypad Reader
- Controller
- Intercom system

3

- Keypad Reader
- Controller
- Intercom system

3

- Keypad Reader
- Controller
- Intercom system

Access entry options

PIN codes, fob, app, portal

PIN codes, fob, app

PIN codes, fob, app, facial recognition

PIN codes, fob, app

PIN codes, fob, app

PIN codes, fob, app, RF cards

PIN codes, fob, app

Access history log

Remote management capability

Integrates with video surveillance solution

Limited to some 3rd party cameras

Connectivity options (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and Ethernet)

Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and landline only

Amenity reservations & customizable hours

Additional fee

Supports self-guided tours

Only integrates with Tour24

Requires separate self-guided touring vendor

Onboarding, integrations, and maintenance included* 

*No extra fees

Pricing and installation cost ranking 

Most cost effective $ to least cost effective $$$$

$

$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$$

$$$$

Disclaimer: Rently provides this information to help customers understand how all types of solutions work to assist in their decision making process. This post is based on the information available to us at the time of publication. For more detailed information, speak with a Rently representative. 

 
 

Apartment Access Control Systems

There are a lot of great solutions on the market today, each with their own unique considerations. A good access control system will have a secure, cloud-based system for remote management and scalability. To figure out which best suits your needs, let’s take a closer look.

 
 
 

Rently

Designed as an all-in-one solution, the Rently Access Panel with Intercom combines an access control panel, a credential reader/keypad, a virtual intercom system, and a contact sensor. This provides maximum convenience for not only residents and visitors, but staff as well. The Rently Access Panel with Intercom is also one of the most cost-effective options, requiring only one device and no in-unit hardware.

 
 
 

Brivo

Brivo’s solution is a combination of 2 devices, a keypad reader controller as well as a visitor management and/or 2N IP Verso Intercom Integration. While Brivo has a history of providing reliable access control solutions, installation and ease of use can be trickier than some of its competitors. With cloud-based control and many integrations, Brivo is a solid, scalable option. 

 
 
 

Swiftlane

Swiftlane lets users unlock doors using facial recognition, along with the usual options like codes, fobs, and an app. As a standalone device, it offers impressive control capabilities and integrates with video surveillance systems. However, depending on the model, it can end up being less cost-effective compared to other solutions when factoring in integrations and maintenance expenses.

 
 
 

SmartRent

SmartRent’s solution requires a separate access controller in addition to the intercom system, but it does support remote management and self-guided touring. Their Alloy Access platform allows generation and management of credentials, and offers third-party integrations at additional cost. SmartRent also falls short when it comes to amenity management, as it does not support reservations nor customizable schedules.

 
 
 

Latch

The Latch Intercom offers the standard access and connectivity options and sports a small, sleek design with buttons instead of a touchscreen, which can be a pro or con depending on the community. The main downside is that the intercom is voice-only, and even with an external camera connected, it only supports one-way video. Additionally, while it does support self-guided tours, it is limited to integrating with Tour24. 

 
 
 

DoorKing

DoorKing offers a variety of access control and intercom devices. Its most advanced model has a virtual intercom, but lacks features that support optimized operations, such as remote management capabilities and access tracking, and is limited to 40 residents. DoorKing also requires a separate vendor to enable self-guided touring and a separate device/fee for cellular connection.

 
 
 

ButterflyMX

Unlike its competitors, ButterflyMX does not support Bluetooth or cellular connection and is instead limited to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and landline. This is also a pricier solution with significant upfront costs, though it provides robust management capabilities and a user-friendly interface for residents. ButterflyMX offers a variety of entry panels, but requires a separate intercom system and controller to create a complete solution.

 
 
 

A New Benchmark for Smart Access Control

New residential access control solutions are transforming how we think about community access and apartment intercom systems. Whether you're a property manager looking to increase security or a resident looking for a more convenient way to access your home, smart access control is the first step to a safer, more efficient future of connected living. 

 

See how Rently is helping multifamily apartment owners/operators and property managers: view client success story.

 

Rently’s multifamily access control solution helps to build secure, convenient, and efficient communities designed for maximum renter satisfaction. With mobile access, streamlined visitor management, and activity logs, you'll create safer communities while boosting resident satisfaction and property values. 

 
 
 

Are you ready to modernize access control in your community?

 
 

 Let Rently help! Schedule a free consultation demo today or buy our Access Panel with Intercom online.

 
 

Feel free to check out other Rently blog posts on Access Control Systems:

Virtual Intercom Systems: How They Work

In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into the workings of virtual intercom systems and explore their benefits compared to traditional intercoms.

Read more ❯
 
Emergency Response Made Easy with Rently Access Panels

Time is critical during an emergency response. First responders need the ability to override electronic gates for rapid access.

 

Read more ❯
 
Elevator Access Control, A Critical Security Measure

Elevator access control plays an important part in preventing unauthorized access and increasing security across rental communities.

Read more ❯
 
Importance of Door Contact Sensors

Access control systems are critical for securing your property. Door contact sensors play a vital role in monitoring and reporting door status to the access control systems.

Read more ❯
 
Modern Access Control For Multifamily

These systems make it easy for on-site teams to monitor activity and manage everything remotely, providing flexibility and a safer community for all. 

Read more ❯
 
 
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