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 Maybe you need to upgrade your outdated system, or maybe your current system is causing more problems than it solves.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.
Company
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:
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