Article Updated: 12th September, 2024
In today’s realm of ever-evolving security, you need to exert greater time and effort in finding the right intercom for your building. The current Aiphone review is created to make your intercom selection process easier by presenting an in-depth overview of the Aiphone intercom offerings and help you evaluate Aiphone models according to your specific property’s requirements.
This article has been curated after more than eleven hours of research into industry trends, product specifications, comparative pricing, post-purchase customer feedback, and more from verified and trustworthy sources.
Read this Aiphone review to know if Aiphone Intercoms are the right fit for your commercial or residential property needs.
Table of contents
- Overview of Aiphone
- Aiphone Product Reviews
- Mobile Applications By Aiphone
- Installation And Setup
- Aiphone Customer Reviews
- Alternatives To Aiphone Intercom Systems
Read more
Video Intercom System – A Complete Guide
The Best Apartment Intercom Systems (2024)
The Evolution and Types of Apartment Entry Systems
Overview of Aiphone
Based in Japan, Aiphone is a security intercom systems provider that prides itself on its high-quality service, customizable offerings, and regular feature updates. The company has won the Deming Prize twice for its quality management, among other awards in the security communications industry.
Aiphone mainly offers two classes of products: Video intercoms and emergency solutions. The video intercoms segment has products distributed in various series, such as IX, IXG, JO, and GT, depending on dimensions such as use cases, scalability, modes of answering visitor calls, and others.
Instead of an entirely new Aiphone ecosystem, you can integrate separate Aiphone accessories, such as gate and elevator controllers or virtual receptionists, into existing access control systems to improve video surveillance and functionality. Aiphone is also preferred for its intuitiveness, as it immediately relays calls to owners in cases of access failure, such as attempted use of an employee’s deactivated credentials. Scalability has also been an endorsed advantage of using Aiphone systems, as detailed below.
Aiphone sells intercoms through a network of distributors throughout North America, so pricing may vary from one dealer to another. The prices included in respective sections have been sourced from Amazon and the websites of Aiphone distributors and are subject to change depending on your location and the availability of your preferred model.
Read on for a detailed Aiphone review to help you explore and select the most appropriate product.
Aiphone Product Reviews
Aiphone IX Series Review
The Aiphone IX Series helps two parties communicate directly without a mediating authority. You can choose it for various use cases – commercial workspaces, schools, parking garages, etc. One IX intercom installation can help support up to 5000 door and master stations. You can pair the IX series intercoms with the IX MV7, a range of IP video answering stations that can help you answer calls from a station inside your house or office.
As part of the IX series ecosystem, you can also select an audio-based calling device (IX RS range) and desktop software (IX SOFT) to communicate with visitors and control doors.
The IX RS range also allows you to answer calls via audio. These surface-mounted IP answering devices have the option of both a handset and hands-free communication to talk to visitors and release doors. The IX RS range is compatible with all IX | IXG series devices.
The IX SOFT software can also communicate with guests and control access through interconnected stations across a network and can be installed on a Windows operating system, and video conversations can be recorded on the desktop. You can check the functionality of each station using a Line Supervision menu and interact directly with a particular station through an intuitive, interactive map. The software requires a single, transferable lifetime license per PC (the price not revealed on the website), where you also get a 30-day free trial for either 32 or 64-bit. If you need help with set-up, find the support tools for the Aiphone IX series here.
Learn more about the IX Series intercom through this video.
Features
- Capacity: 5000+ door stations and 5000+ master stations
- Software: The IX-MV master station is the system’s hub that connects with video door stations using VoIP protocols.
- Hardware: The master station connects directly to your network using CAT-5e/6 cable and can communicate with any other IX Series station using its IP address.
- Access Control and Emergencies: Master stations serve as a point of command for controlling physical access and making emergency announcements.
- Compatibility: The IX Series can work with legacy systems such as key cards and modern IP cameras, video management systems, NVRs, and Android and iOS mobile devices.
- Receptionist Mode: The system has a Receptionist Mode to assist visitors in the lobby when the front desk staff is not around.
- Interactive Map: The interface allows administrators to easily select video stations by clicking or dragging on an interactive map.
- Fault Detection: The IX-Soft features system-wide line supervision and device checks to ensure that all stations are online and that every button, station speaker, camera, and microphone is working correctly.
- CCTV Integration: The IX Series offers plug-and-play integration with popular third-party CCTV cameras.
- Protection: The IX series is IP65-rated for protection from water and dust and IK08-rated for protection from vandalism.
Pros
- No server required
- Scalable from a single to 5000+ door stations
- Master stations with two-way video capabilities
Cons
- Lacks modern functionality
- Aiphone has discontinued IX Mobile from Jan 1, 2021, so mobile functionality is no longer available
Pricing
Aiphone Master Station (baseline model): $1636
Aiphone IP Video Door Station (surface mount): $1098
The software also has a one-time per PC license fee that Aiphone doesn’t reveal on its website.
Aiphone IXG Series Review
The IXG series is suitable for commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties. This series is usually preferred when multiple people live or work in the same shared property and require access control to the main door to allow guests or visitors. The intercom consists of a camera, speaker, microphone, and a built-in card reader, and it has a customizable image that can be displayed on its screen (name of business/ instructions/ or anything else you may like). You can view residents on different floors on the touchscreen panel and choose who you want to call.
Similar to the IX series, there are multiple options to answer door calls – physical stations, software stations, and the IXGW-TGW mobile application. The IXG series intercom has huge station capacity (9999 devices and apps). You can integrate it with the Aiphone IXG app over Wi-Fi, 3G/4G, or other connections. The IXG-DM7 intercoms are often used as entrance stations in the IXG series. It has a built-in card reader and a video display activated when a visitor approaches the intercom at the door. You can also choose the same answering systems as the IX series and find the support manual here.
Features
- Capacity: 9,999 devices and apps, including physical stations, gateways, and lift control adaptors
- Hardware: PoE stations. The entrance has a touchscreen, a digital keypad for station calling or searching the directory, and a QR code for access.
- Access Control and Emergencies: Master stations serve as a point of command for controlling physical access and making emergency announcements.
- Remote Functionality: Cloud-based app with remote updates possible
- Compatibility: IX series
- CCTV Integration: The IXG Series offers plug-and-play integration with popular third-party CCTV cameras.
- Protection: The IX series is IP65-rated for protection from water and dust and IK08-rated for protection from vandalism.
Pros
- Extensive storage and device capacity
- No server required
- Temporary access passes are available
- Call routing and transfer options
Cons
- One-way video intercom restricts visitor engagement at the door
- Hardwired in-unit stations are time-consuming and expensive to deploy, particularly with buildings that host many tenants
Pricing
Please note that the prices may vary depending on the model you select. The following are the base prices for some IXG models.
IXG-DM7-HID Video Entrance Station with HID Reader: $2400
IXG-MK IP Video Guard Station: $1081 to $1780
IXG-2C7 IP Video Tenant Station: $420 to $700
IXGW-GW Mobile App Gateway Adapter: $700 to $1200
IXGW-LC Aiphone IXG Series Elevator/Lift Control Adapter: ~$300 to $500
Aiphone JO Series Review
If you desire remote control of your security system right at their fingertips, this system is best for you. The JO Series endorses the Aiphone mobile app – the Intercom App Type B as the on-the-go solution for home and small business owners. It seeks to provide a compact and sleek mobile application solution along with bulkier indoor master stations with a 7” touchscreen.
With the Intercom App Type B, you can view guests at the door, communicate with them, and allow them access with the push of a button from anywhere, anytime. The JO series can be easily scaled according to evolving requirements.
Features
- Capacity: Up to two doors, two monitors, and eight mobile devices
- Hardware: The master station is installed on two wires to answer calls and unlock the door. The on-site monitor can communicate with visitors even if the internet is down or slow.
- Doorbell-like functioning: The door station sends a chime, like a doorbell, with an image to the interior master station, which can relay automatically to configured iOS and Android mobile devices.
- Recording and Storage: The Aiphone JO Series master station stores up to 10 recordings in built-in memory, which can be expanded using a Micro SD card. You can watch all visitor recordings within the app even if you miss a call.
- Motion sensor panel: You can activate the intercom by waving a hand before the touchscreen panel.
Pros
- Facility to store and review visitor calls from the master station or mobile application
- Compact and reliable mobile answering option with Intercom App Type B
Cons
- Restricted scalability with only two doors, monitors, and eight mobile device connections
- Limited visitor engagement at the door without two-way video
Pricing
Kindly note that the prices may vary depending on the model you select.
Master station with mobile app functionality: $704
Single video door station: $389
There’s no associated storage or software cost.
Aiphone GT Series Review
The GT series is a good option if you reside in a multi-family building. With the help of a 7” video screen, tenants and security guards can identify guests or visitors from within tenant stations placed in the building or from a concierge or guard station in ultra-modern constructions. Alternatively, you can also use a mobile application.
The GT series can be integrated with the Aiphone AC series, which is also compatible with all Aiphone intercoms. The AC series steps up the access control game by easily retrofitting existing/ old systems due to a simple over-the-door controller that can be resized to match any size and specification while delivering the highest quality visitor screening and control.
Features
- Capacity: 5 entrance stations, 2 video guard stations, and 48 tenant stations
- Hardware: Door stations have a digital directory or individual call buttons for different apartments. They also have built-in PTZ cameras (a pan-tilt-zoom camera is a robotic camera capable of panning horizontally, tilting vertically, and zooming) that can be monitored from a guard station.
- Security: The guard station can receive and forward calls to tenants, offering additional security and privacy.
- Programming: On-site, software-based programming. You can make directory revisions on-site via NFC (Near Field Communication is a set of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distance of 4 cm or less to initiate a connection)
- Scalability: Ability to connect multiple sites over the same network for centralized security
Pros
- You can easily program tenant directory changes remotely.
- The guard station can function on behalf of the resident to allow visitors in
- The system can be scaled from a single unit to multiple buildings
Cons
- It needs two wires each for audio and video running throughout the building and a dedicated power supply for installation.
Pricing
As per this Aiphone review, the cost of a GT video entry system kit ranges from $1011 for a single-family 7” video intercom system set (GT-1V7) to ~$5,622 for a 16-apartment multi-tenant system set (GT-1C7). For purchases, the Aiphone website has a distributor locator that can help you find a distributor near you. You can also request a quote by calling the toll-free number on the website or emailing customer service at cs@aiphone.com.
Mobile Applications By Aiphone
Different Aiphone Intercom series use different mobile applications to provide remote access control to the user:
- IXGW-TGW for IXG series
- Intercom App Type B for JO series
- AC series for GT series
IXGW-TGW for IXG series
The IXGW-TGW is an Ethernet-powered mobile application for the IXG series IP video intercom. It combines a mobile app with a unique device called a cellular gateway adaptor (IXG Cloud Gateway Adaptor). It regulates and controls the flow of information between systems to route visitor calls to respective residents or business owners.
The IXG Cloud Gateway Adaptor comes with a SIM card. It acts as a mediator between your video intercom system and your phone network by forwarding calls from the intercom system to your phone number or mobile application over the Internet. The SIM card assists this process by providing a mobile data connection that allows the adaptor to make phone calls and send data.
The IXG mobile application has a 3.2 rating on the Google Play Store, based on 153 votes, and is available for iOS and Android devices.
Intercom App Type B for JO series
The JO Series hosts its mobile application – the Intercom App Type B, which allows for similar remote functionalities. The application can help you answer door calls right from your bedroom, see and talk to people at the door through a JO series intercom, and release doors through an easy-to-use interface.
The application can also help you view recordings of visitors you could not attend to. It requires a cellular or Wi-Fi connection to function on a mobile phone. Up to 8 mobile applications can be installed per system from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, showcasing a 3.8 rating based on 1318 votes.
AC series for GT series
The AC series is an all-compatible access control solution that can integrate with old, new, analog, or IP intercom technologies from Aiphone. Its products enable smooth visitor screening, communication, and access control through compact over-the-door controllers customized to individual size specifications.
The intuitive software of the AC series runs maintenance updates and deploys troubleshooting mechanisms remotely, eliminating the need for dealers or installers to solve issues onsite. The AC series meets common compliance standards for multiple building codes and regulations and suits various sectors, such as healthcare, business, and schools.
The AC Nio management software, a product of the AC series, helps you customize everyday operations by programming notifications, times for entry, and other settings. You can use two licenses for different products and for various durations, which you can check here. A mobile application offering called AC-Key is also available in the AC range. Along with basic features of remote access control, the application can assign specific users to specific parts of a compound/ building and issue temporary Visitor Passes by text or email.
Installation And Setup
After gleaning several Aiphone reviews, it has been revealed that Installing Aiphone systems is a cumbersome process. The door and master stations need four wired connections, two for audio and video and two for power, to fit into the building’s architecture. While software installation takes less time and is relatively simple, the hardware can trouble installers.
You can install several answering units yourself but may face difficulty installing entire security systems, as they require professional help in wiring. With evolved technology, access control software, as mentioned in the mobile application section above, can now do a great degree of troubleshooting.
Although Aiphone does not mention installation costs, they are not included in the hardware/ software price. You may be charged for installation, repair, or service, so it’s best to get clarity on installation costs when you talk to a sales representative.
Click here to learn more about programming, application procedures, technical specifications, and common issues you may encounter while installing. You may also view videos on YouTube for a visual demonstration.
The author found this wiring picture of the GT 1–C unit showing the four-wire system of the Aiphone on Reddit.
Aiphone Customer Reviews
Positives
- The JO series was praised for its relatively cost-effective system and remote capabilities.
- The Intercom App Type B for the JO series received a favorable response owing to its no-time limits or restrictions on usage (although receiving calls at odd hours can be problematic). It could be used with up to 8 mobile devices.
- Despite the high price of specific models, customers found the product’s “bulletproof” quality admirable and worth their money.
- Overall, users appreciated voice and video quality, and one Aiphone review deemed the product “reliable” and “worth a try.”
Negatives
- The Intercom App Type B sometimes causes technical issues by not allowing users to unlock the door when visitors request access.
- As per one Aiphone review, the technical support team tends to be unsupportive and casual regarding specific queries, deterring prompt support.
- Some customers also found the instant screenshot feature while ringing the intercom doorbell invasive and a privacy risk.
- Some users found self-installation difficult due to the complex manuals. Additionally, the door release buttons were prone to breaking due to extreme usage at places like schools.
- One Aiphone review stated that Aiphone hasn’t been able to “keep up” with evolving technology.
Alternatives To Aiphone Intercom Systems
It’s always recommended to explore the market competition before committing to a product. Looking at multiple options provides a holistic picture of what you may be missing out on or what may be better suited to your specific needs.
Swiftlane, a leading intercom manufacturer, offers users better functionality and smoother access control. With great scalability and end-to-end solutions, it might be precisely what you are looking for if you search for a robust video intercom system. Find a comprehensive comparison table below to understand the critical differences between the Aiphone IX series and Swiftlane Video Intercom.
Side-By-Side Feature Comparison With Swiftlane
Key Takeaways From Aiphone Review
- Diverse Product Range: As per this Aiphone review, the company offers a broad range of intercom systems, including the IX, IXG, JO, and GT series, each designed to cater to different needs—commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties. They also provide emergency solutions and scalable systems.
- High Capacity and Scalability: The IX Series supports up to 5000 door and master stations, while the IXG Series can handle up to 9999 devices, including physical stations and mobile applications. This makes Aiphone systems suitable for large-scale installations.
- Mobile Application Support: Different Aiphone intercom series use specific mobile applications for remote access. The IXGW-TGW for the IXG series, Intercom App Type B for the JO series, and AC-Key for the GT series provide varying mobile connectivity and control levels, enhancing user convenience.
- Installation Complexity and Costs: Installing Aiphone systems can require multiple wired audio, video, and power connections. Professional help is often needed for complete system installations. Additionally, installation and maintenance costs are not included in the hardware or software prices.
- Customer Feedback: Multiple Aiphone reviews reveal that Aiphone products are praised for their durability and reliability, some users have reported issues with technical support and app functionality. The JO Series is noted for its cost-effectiveness and remote capabilities, but some customers have found the installation challenging.
If you’re looking for alternatives, try Swiftlane. Swiftlane’s video intercom offering encapsulates all state-of-the-art features with maximum convenience and no compromise on security.
Customers are switching from traditional systems to Swiftlane and experiencing better installation support, touchless access control, and more. Visit Swiftlane to explore the many other features that Swiftlane is pioneering in the multifamily security sphere.
We would love to hear from you!
Tell us about your building and requirements here, and we’ll send you a customized quote soon.
Start Improving Your Building Security
Contact a Swiftlane specialist about learn more about alternatives to Aiphone intercom, and find the best access and intercom solution for your building.
