Intercoms for Business: What To Look For in 2025

Article Updated on 18th April, 2025

In 2025, we’re moving further towards a data-centric world. This shift necessitates an advanced and layered security system for your organization on all fronts, including your workplace. If you’re exploring intercoms for business or commercial buildings, here’s a neat checklist to help you sift through key considerations and arrive at a good fit for your requirements. 

Table of Contents

• What are Intercoms for Business?
• Benefits of a Business Intercom
• Types of Business Intercoms in 2025
• Features to Look For in a Business Intercom System
• Best Intercoms for Business in 2025
• Summary
• Frequently Asked Questions

What are Intercoms for Business? 

A commercial intercom system, also known as an intercom system for business, is a two-way communication device tailored to meet the needs of office and industrial spaces. When there is a constant inflow and outflow of employees, guests, and visitors, you need a device that can monitor and manage access events to secure your building against unauthorized access. 

A typical intercom system consists of a base station (usually located at entrances or lobbies to read access credentials), one or more substations (advanced systems, such as mobile applications, have replaced individual hardware units), and an overall management portal (which can be web-based or cloud-based). 

A basic intercom enables you to communicate over one-way or two-way audio and video. Purchasing an advanced intercom gives you the advantage of new-age capabilities like facial recognition-based access, loitering detection, vandal resistance, and more. 

Let’s navigate the benefits of commercial intercoms for your property before we move on to a comprehensive checklist and 2025 reviews of top intercom products in the market. 

Benefits of a Business Intercom

Remote Unlock and Access Management

With new-age intercoms, you can answer visitor calls and grant entry right from your smartphone, fully eliminating the role of a security guard who verifies identity at the entrance. In some systems, you can even manage access settings and set up limited access profiles from the same mobile application.

Keyless Entry

You don’t need to manage a metal key, a fob, or a key card anymore. Intercoms for business in 2025 encourage keyless and touchless entry mechanisms like mobile-based access, voice-unlock, or facial recognition. 

Improved Security and Accountability

With bespoke features like time-restricted access, video verification, logs of all access events, and real-time monitoring, you can holistically secure your property and always know who entered your property and when.

Scalability & Easy Expansion

We’re long past the era of extensive building wiring and bulky hardware. Today’s intercoms have sleek bodies with easy installation and scalability options. A Power-Over-Ethernet (POE) cable or Ethernet cable is the most preferred connectivity mechanism that provides both power and Internet connectivity from a single source. 

Cloud-Based Storage & Management

Not all intercom systems have this option, but the ones that do, like the Swiftlane Video Intercom, make it fairly easier for property managers to manage everyday operations and retrieve past access events and video footage for verification and documentation. 

PMS (Property Management Software) Integration

Great intercom systems promote integration with smart locks, security cameras, and automation platforms, creating a fully connected security network. This interoperability streamlines access control and boosts overall operational efficiency.

Types of Business Intercoms in 2025 

To choose the right intercom system for your business, it’s critical to understand the options in detail, including their connectivity mechanism, feature set, and capabilities in context to the use-case of the intercom.

We’ve explained this typology with their suitability below:

Wired vs. Wireless Business Intercom Systems

Wired intercom systems are typically composed of hardwired receivers and transmitters, often located at the front desk or point of security. They offer reliability and cost-efficiency, although their installation can be complex and may have a limited range. 

On the other hand, wireless intercom systems connect wirelessly with users’ smartphones or other devices, offering convenience and flexibility. However, they may be more expensive and vulnerable to interference than wired systems.

In general, smaller businesses favor wired intercom systems due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity of installation. However, larger businesses or those with more complex communication needs may prefer the flexibility and convenience offered by wireless intercom systems.

Audio vs. Video Business Intercom Systems

Audio intercom systems only transmit voice, allowing basic communication between tenants and visitors. Compared to video intercom systems, audio intercom systems are usually more affordable and easier to install. However, they may not offer the same level of security and confirmation of visitor identity.

In contrast, video intercom systems include a speaker and a camera, enabling tenants to see and hear visitors before granting access. This added layer of security is particularly beneficial in commercial properties with numerous visitors.

Although video intercom systems tend to be more expensive than audio-only systems, their enhanced security and convenience make them a popular choice for many businesses.

Single Receiver vs Multi-User and Multi-Receiver

Single-receiver intercom systems facilitate communication with only one individual at a time, making them more suitable for smaller businesses with limited communication needs. They are also simpler to install and maintain than multi-user/multi-receiver intercom systems.

Multi-user/multi-receiver intercom systems allow communication with multiple people through an employee directory, offering greater flexibility for larger businesses. These systems enable office personnel to communicate directly with visitors and authorize or reject their access, rather than relying on front desk. 

Overall, multi-tenant commercial intercom systems are an optimal choice for managing frequent deliveries and visitors in modern office buildings.

Doorbell Only vs Remote Door Unlock Capability

Doorbell-only intercom systems offer basic communication with visitors but do not allow remote door unlocking. Although these systems may be more affordable, they may not provide the same security and convenience as a door intercom system with remote door unlock capability.

Intercom systems with remote door unlock capability allow tenants to communicate with visitors and unlock doors remotely. This added layer of security allows tenants to confirm the identity of visitors before granting access, preventing unauthorized entry. Although these systems may be more expensive than doorbell-only systems, the increased security and convenience make them popular for many businesses.

Features to Look For in a Business Intercom System

In this section, we’ve handpicked some of the most value-for-money intercom capabilities for businesses. It’s important to note that advanced technology costs more but provides substantial benefits in the long run. Make sure your intercom system has a well-rounded feature set according to your use case and requirements, and budget accordingly. 

Remote Access and Control

Remote access and control for a business intercom system offer flexibility, scalability, and the ability to manage access control systems and communicate remotely with visitors. This feature enables swift access control and alarm management, allowing building staff to administer access permissions and the intercom directory remotely.

Mobile App Integration

Mobile app integration can facilitate user engagement and retention, provide quality product feedback, and facilitate user interaction within mobile apps. Moreover, it can expedite and broaden customer service, automate repetitive queries using chatbots, and optimize team productivity through AI-powered tools.

Integrating a business intercom system with a mobile app can also provide users with the convenience of receiving calls from entrance panels on their smartphones, enabling video chat with visitors and opening doors remotely from a mobile app.

Vandal Protected Hardware

Utilizing vandal-proof hardware for a business intercom system can economize on expensive repairs, guarantee reliable two-way communication, and improve overall building security. 

When selecting vandal-protected hardware, businesses should evaluate the type of environment the intercom system will be utilized in, the degree of protection required, the cost of the hardware, and the simplicity of installation and upkeep.

Ease of Retrofit 

Retrofitting a new intercom system into an existing building can be a cost-effective solution while also providing a convenient and secure communication solution. 

By considering the business’s specific needs and requirements, property owners can select the most suitable intercom system that is easy to retrofit to existing building doors and wiring paths.

Multiple Access Methods

Offering a variety of access methods for users, such as mobile app, PIN entry, and face recognition, is a significant advantage. By providing multiple access methods, businesses can cater to a wide range of user preferences who can easily adapt to their preferred method of entry. This  ensures a more comprehensive and convenient security solution for everyone.

Single/ Multi Use Delivery Codes

Delivery codes are essential for managing visitor access to a commercial building. Single-use codes can be utilized for one-time access, while multi-use codes can be programmed for specific days and times.

Implementing delivery codes, both single-use and multi-use, can result in time efficiency for property managers and a more positive visitor experience.

Compatibility with Other Security Systems

Integrating an intercom system with other security systems, such as CCTV, access control, and alarm systems, offers an all-in-one solution that enhances security, streamlines communication, and facilitates better management of security systems.

Best Intercoms for Business in 2025

We’ve compiled a list of some top-performing intercoms for business which have well-rounded customer feedback and should be in your list of potential purchase in 2025. 

Some of the most popular intercom system brands for businesses include Swiftlane, Aiphone, 2N Intercom Systems, DoorBird Intercom Systems, and Latch Intercom Systems.

Each of these brands offers unique features and advantages designed to meet the specific needs of commercial properties. In the following sections, we’ll explore the features and benefits of each of these top intercom system brands.

Swiftlane

Swiftlane offers an all-in-one cloud-based access control and video intercom system that combines face recognition, PIN, card, and mobile-based access. It provides secure resident access, visitor and guest temporary passes, and package management solutions.

With features like two-way audio and video, call forwarding, and standoff door release, Swiftlane intercom systems ensure a secure and efficient access management solution for businesses.

Aiphone

Aiphone is a well-known intercom system brand that caters to multi-tenant operators in retail, commercial, residential, government, and education sectors. 

The company provide hands-free or handset communication, camera position and zoom, time-based call forwarding, emergency calls by individual station groups, time announcements by group, paging capability, and the ability to transfer calls.

Aiphone’s versatile and reliable intercom systems are designed to meet the diverse communication needs of businesses.

2N Intercom Systems

2N Intercom Systems are tailored for businesses and provide a range of features, including touchscreen keypads, address books, fingerprint readers, and patent-pending installation systems. 

Their commercial video intercom systems can provide your business with superior quality and increased security.

DoorBird Intercom Systems

DoorBird Intercom Systems, a German manufacturer of IP Door Intercoms, is renowned for its top-of-the-line products. The company offers modern and convenient communication with features like various entry panel options, access history, simple installation, high-quality design, smartphone controls and more. 

DoorBird intercoms also offer 180° wide-eye hemispheric lens, intrusion protection, home automation, Wi-Fi, and 3G alerts.

DoorBird’s commitment to quality and sleek design makes them a popular choice for businesses.

Latch Intercom Systems

Latch Intercom Systems offer access solutions for residential and commercial buildings featuring modern design and a water-resistant body. 

Their easy-to-use interface with tactile buttons, audio capability, and the ability to receive calls from any US phone number make Latch a convenient and secure option for businesses.

The price of Latch intercom is $3999 on the website. However, the pricing may vary depending on the number of units purchased and the contract duration. There are also several optional subscriptions for its mobile app, delivery system, and more. 

Summary

Selecting the right commercial intercom system for your business is a critical decision that can greatly impact company-wide security, communication, and access control. 

By understanding the different types of intercom systems, key features to look for, and the top brands in the market, you can make an informed decision that best suits your business needs.

Investing time and effort in choosing the right intercom system and following proper installation and maintenance tips will ensure you have a reliable solution for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a business intercom?

A business intercom is an easy-to-use communication system that allows visitors to interact with employees in the building. The intercom system is often equipped with a directory for multiple businesses. It is a great way to ensure that visitors can quickly and easily find the right person to speak to, and it can also be used to broadcast announcements or messages to the entire building.

What is the average cost of a business intercom system?

The average cost of an intercom system, including installation, ranges between $3,000 and $5,000. Installation costs vary depending on the system being installed. With proper installation, intercom systems can last up to 20 years.

What are the main benefits of a commercial intercom system?

A commercial intercom system provides increased security, communication, and access control, making it an excellent asset for visitors and the organization. Intercoms can control access to a building, allowing only authorized personnel to enter. They can also communicate with visitors, providing directions or other information and alerting personnel about their presence.

What factors should I consider when choosing an intercom system for my business?

When choosing an intercom system for your business, consider the type of system you need (wired or wireless), whether audio or video capabilities are necessary, and if the system needs to integrate with other security management software. It is essential to consider the size of the area you need to cover, the number of users, and your available budget. You should also assess the features you need, such as two-way communication, door access control, and voice recognition and choose a system accordingly.