Best Video Intercom Systems for Multifamily & Commercial Buildings in 2026

*Discover Why Swiftlane is the Smart Choice for Multifamily Security*

Swiftlane video intercom system — *Discover Why Swiftlane is the Smart Choice for Multifamily Security*

Building entrances get the most scrutiny, and the most daily traffic. In ASIS International’s 2023 Access Control Research Report, Question 16 shows that video surveillance is the most widely deployed access control measure at primary entrances, used inside 85% and outside 84% of facilities (p. 48). This reflects a broad expectation in access control programs that entrances support visual verification of visitors.

Video intercoms build on this expectation by extending visual verification into an access decision. While cameras provide visibility at the door, intercom systems allow security teams or staff to see, communicate with, and grant or deny entry in real time, making them a core part of how access decisions are executed at building entrances.

That’s why choosing the right video intercom matters. Below, we share the best video intercom systems for multifamily and commercial buildings in 2026, with quick picks up front and a clear way to compare options.

This guide draws on recent industry research, vendor documentation, and current access control best practices. We reviewed industry surveys such as ASIS International’s 2023 Access Control Research Report to understand common entrance security measures, and vendor resources to assess how modern intercom systems are positioned and implemented. The guide is intended for property managers, owners, and security teams evaluating intercom systems in 2026.

Key takeaways

Best picks at a glance: Swiftlane (cloud-managed, multifamily & commercial), Aiphone IX/IXG (structured IP deployments), 2N IP Verso 2.0 (modular, IT-led environments), DoorBird (smaller multifamily and retrofit use cases).
The best video intercom depends on your building type, entry points, and daily operations.
Modern systems prioritize video verification, remote access, and centralized management.
Cloud-connected platforms offer greater flexibility and scalability for growing properties.
Asking the right vendor questions is just as important as comparing features

4 Video Intercom Systems to Consider in 2026

Apartment and commercial video intercom systems are designed for multi-tenant buildings like apartments and offices. These intercoms can include:

1. Swiftlane Video Intercom

Best for: Multifamily and commercial buildings that want video intercom and access control managed through a single, cloud-based platform with centralized, multi-property remote administration.

Swiftlane offers cloud-based video intercom and access management designed for multifamily and commercial multi-tenant buildings. It combines video verification with mobile credentials and cloud-managed permissions, which can reduce the need for separate intercom and access control systems.

Highlights:

Mobile credentials: Supports app unlock, face recognition, PIN, fob, and Voice commands.
Centralized management: Web dashboard for all doors ,users and properties.
PMS/access control integration: Syncs with major platforms; open APIs.

Tradeoffs:

Reliable network + power. May be more than you need for very small, low-traffic buildings that don’t need centralized admin.

2. Aiphone IX / IXG Series (IP Video Intercom)

Example of Aiphone IX / IXG Series Intercom

Best for: Buildings that want a structured IP intercom approach (often used in commercial and larger installations) with mobile answering as an option.

Aiphone’s IX/IXG lineup supports IP video intercom calls and includes options like mobile answering/remote door release via the IXG app, plus entry options like QR/PIN features (depending on configuration).

Make sure you’re clear on what’s included in the base system vs. what requires additional components or configurations, especially if your goal is remote management across multiple doors.

Highlights:

Supports IP intercom workflows and can be deployed alongside access control systems; credential options depend on configuration and accessories.
Modular architecture that scales well for large or multi-site installations.
Mobile answering available via the IXG app, supporting staff and resident flexibility.

Tradeoffs:

Cloud and remote management may require additional components and integrator setup.
Credential types (PIN, QR, card/fob, etc.) vary by deployment and are not universally built in.
Can be overbuilt for small properties with limited entry points or low visitor traffic.

3. 2N IP Verso 2.0

Best for: Properties that want modular, IP-based door intercom hardware with multiple credential options and flexible deployments.

2N emphasizes a modular intercom approach and supports multiple access methods like PIN codes or RFID credentials, and mobile/ QR-based access options on certain configurations. This is often a good fit when you have a clear plan for how intercom hardware will integrate into a broader access or visitor workflow.

Highlights:

Highly modular: PIN, RFID, QR, NFC, mobile credentials.
Open platform: Integrates with third-party access systems.
Weather/vandal resistant: IP and IK ratings available.
Custom admin: Tailor permissions and directories to your needs.

Tradeoffs:

More technical planning (module selection, configuration, and long-term admin tend to require stronger IT/integrator involvement).
Ongoing management complexity can be higher if your team wants “simple plug-and-play.”

4. DoorBird IP Video Intercom

Best for: Smaller multifamily buildings that want an IP video door station with app-based answering and unlocking, and flexible hardware options.

DoorBird positions its products as app-managed IP video intercoms. The DoorBird app allows users to see or hear visitors and unlock doors remotely. Depending on the model, units can support add-ons such as RFID readers or keypads.

DoorBird can be a solid hardware-focused option, but properties should confirm how well a specific model supports multi-entrance setups, directory management, and access logs, especially as visitor volume increases.

Highlights:

App-based unlocking: Video and audio calls delivered directly to smartphones
RFID and keypad options: Credential support varies by model
Weather-resistant hardware: Outdoor-rated units available
Retrofit-friendly: Often used where existing wiring or door stations are being replaced

Tradeoffs:

Centralized, multi-entrance administration varies by model and deployment
Scaling beyond smaller properties may require careful validation of directory management, permissions, and audit/log capabilities

What’s Changed in Video Intercom Systems

If you evaluated video intercom systems a few years ago, today’s options may look familiar on the surface but behave very differently in practice.

Several shifts have reshaped how video intercoms are designed and used:

Remote-first access management: More systems now assume that property teams will manage access off-site not from a front desk or security room.
Increased delivery volume: Video intercoms are increasingly employed to control package and service access, rather than merely guest entry.
Scalability expectations: Buyers expect systems to manage additional doors, users, or properties without requiring reinstallation or significant adjustment.
Software-based feature updates: Rather than replacing hardware, systems are increasingly designed to expand capabilities through software. In Mercury’s 2025 access control trends research (surveying 450+ physical security professionals), they note that “app-ready controllers may enable organizations to adopt future AI capabilities via software updates rather than hardware replacement.

These changes mean that choosing a video intercom system in 2026 requires a different evaluation lens than it did in earlier years.

How Entry Points Shape the Right Video Intercom Choice

Rather than asking, “Which video intercom is best overall?”, a more useful question is: Which system fits how my property actually functions?

Vehicle Gates and Garage Entrances

In vehicle-focused environments: gated communities, parking garages, and controlled perimeter entry, video intercoms are often used to verify drivers and manage traffic flow without on-site staff.

For example, a gated residential community may rely on a gate intercom to let residents grant access remotely during peak hours, improving both security and convenience while reducing bottlenecks.

Key considerations for gates:

Camera placement and angle (license plate / driver visibility)
Night visibility and glare management
Integration with gate operators/controllers
Reliability in outdoor conditions (weather, temperature, vandal resistance)

Pedestrian Gates & Side Entrances

At apartment entrances and office lobbies, video intercoms are the front line of pedestrian access, where residents, tenants, staff, and visitors request entry throughout the day.

Because these entry points are often used outside normal office hours, mobile call answering and remote unlocking are no longer “nice-to-have” capabilities, they’re baseline expectations.

These systems help occupants see who’s requesting entry before granting access, which is especially important for visitors, service providers, and day-to-day building operations.

2026 expectation: Buyers increasingly look for support for mobile credentials and mobile-first answering workflows, since fewer properties rely on a staffed front desk.

Managing Multiple Entry Points & Mixed Access Rules

Many properties aren’t defined by a single “front door.” Side entrances, service doors, package rooms, amenity access, and mixed-use layouts create multiple access points— often with different rules for residents, staff, vendors, and deliveries.

In these environments, the operational gap isn’t camera quality—it’s permission consistency and administrative control across doors.

Video intercom systems that support unified access management help reduce drift over time: fewer mismatched permissions, fewer “one-off” exceptions, and less manual effort when policies change.

What matters most here:

Centralized user and role management across all doors
Consistent access policies across entry types
Door-level permissions without creating admin sprawl
Clean workflows for staff, vendors, and recurring visitors
Access point user auditing and logs

Comparing Video Intercom Systems Features: What Actually Matters in 2026

Beyond core features like camera resolution and app availability, buyers in 2026 will tend to prioritize broader operational questions:

How easy is it to manage users and directories over time?
Can the system scale as the property adds doors or units?
How well does it integrate with existing access control systems or management platforms?
What happens when network connectivity or power is interrupted?

A practical comparison should evaluate systems based on fit, not just specs.

Criteria	What to Look For	Red Flags
Integration (PMS/Access Control)	Direct integration with PMS/ACS platforms, APIs	No integrations, manual double entry
Credential Types	Supports PIN, mobile app, RFID, QR, face	Only audio or limited options
Durability (IK10/IP65)	IK10 (vandal-proof), IP65+ (weatherproof)	Indoor-only, No IK10 rating of at least 9
Mobile App Quality	4.5+ rating, iOS & Android, regular updates	Low ratings, crashes, missing features
Visitor Management	Video verification, access logs, guest codes	No video, no logs, poor tracking
Centralized Admin	Web dashboard for all doors/users	Each door separate, no remote admin
Backup/Failover	Battery/cellular backup, offline credential unlock	Stops working if Wi-Fi/power down
Support/Onboarding	Live onboarding, responsive support from a human	DIY setup, hard to get help

Choosing the Right Video Intercom System

A structured evaluation process helps avoid costly mistakes and overbuying. Here’s a list on how to choose the right video intercom system:

1. Define Must-haves vs. Nice-to-haves

Start by identifying what your building truly needs to operate smoothly. Video verification, remote access, or centralized management may be essential, while other features may be optional depending on use case.

2. Confirm Infrastructure Constraints

Existing wiring, network reliability, and power availability directly affect which systems are viable. Accounting for these constraints early helps prevent installation delays and unexpected costs.

3. Shortlist Two or Three Options

Comparing too many systems at once often leads to decision fatigue. Narrowing the list to two or three strong candidates allows for more meaningful evaluation.

Download a Free Checklist here: https://swiftlane.com/download-center/intercom-purchase-considerations/

4. Evaluate Vendors Using Consistent Questions

Asking the same questions across vendor demos makes it easier to compare reliability, management effort, and long-term support.

Key Considerations for Evaluation

Feature Depth vs Operational Fit

Modern video intercom platforms often include a wide range of capabilities. The key consideration is not how many features a system offers, but how well those features support your building’s day-to-day workflows. A simple system that aligns closely with how access is managed can be more effective than a more complex platform that adds administrative overhead.

In many deployments, system effectiveness depends as much on installer configuration and ongoing support as on the platform itself.

Installation Flexibility vs. Infrastructure Readiness

Some systems are designed to be easier to install or retrofit, but they still depend on reliable power or network connectivity. Buildings with older wiring or limited network capacity may need to weigh installation convenience against long-term performance and stability.

Cloud-Based Management vs Local Control

Cloud-connected systems enable remote access, centralized management, and easier updates. However, they also require dependable internet connectivity. For some properties, hybrid or locally managed setups may better match operational or infrastructure realities.

Short-term Needs vs. Long-term Scalability

A video intercom that fits today’s building size and entry points may not support future growth. Evaluating how easily a system can scale like adding doors, users, or additional properties helps ensure the investment remains viable over time.

Where Swiftlane Fits in a Modern Video Intercom Evaluation

Many property teams evaluating video intercom systems in 2026 are looking to replace legacy setups with platforms that support video verification, remote access, and centralized management. Swiftlane is a cloud-based video intercom designed for apartment and commercial multi-tenant buildings. It is often considered when teams want to simplify access management across multiple entry points while reducing reliance on older on-site infrastructure.

Swiftlane is one example of how cloud-connected video intercom systems can support centralized access management across multiple entry points.

Property managers highlight the operational impact in Swiftlane customer reviews, especially around fast user onboarding, remote access control, and centralized administration without on-site visits.

Request a demo or quote to evaluate whether it fits your building’s access needs.

If you’re evaluating video intercoms for a condo or HOA setting, reviewing a property-specific deployment example can help clarify requirements before vendor demos. Check our PDF for more information.

Let’s Wrap Up

There isn’t one universal “best” video intercom system for 2026. What matters most is whether a system fits how your building actually operates. From the number of entry points you manage to how access is handled day to day. While features will always factor in the decision, the most reliable way to choose is to shortlist a few systems that align with your use case, confirm they work within your infrastructure, and compare them side by side using consistent vendor questions.

FAQs

What features matter most in a video intercom system in 2026?

Buyers in 2026 are more likely to choose features that support daily access management over standalone capabilities. Video verification, mobile access, and centralized management tools are popular because they make it easier to manage visitors, deliveries, and staff access from one or more entry points. The ease of use and smoothness with which these features interact are frequently more important than the actual features themselves.

Are video intercoms worth the upgrade from audio-only systems?

For buildings with frequent visitors, deliveries, or multiple entry points, video intercoms are frequently worth the upgrade. Visual verification adds context that audio-only systems cannot supply, allowing users to make more educated access decisions. In low-traffic environments audio-only systems may still be adequate, but many properties find that video intercoms provide greater long-term flexibility.

How do video intercoms handle security and privacy?

Video intercom security and privacy depend largely on the provider and how the system is managed. Buyers typically look for vendors that follow established security best practice, use encrypted communications, and maintain third-party security certifications such as SOC 2. Reviewing how video data is stored, who can access it, and how permissions are managed is an important part of the evaluation process.