As a prudent buyer, you’ll probably read many intercom reviews before you make a vital security decision for your property. If you are currently exploring Latch, here’s an all-inclusive Latch intercom review to make your decision-making easier.
This review distills over 15 hours of research into concise, easy-to-read sections. Dive in to explore how the Latch intercom stacks up against other leading systems and find the perfect security solution for your residential or commercial property.
Here’s what we’ll cover.
Table of Contents
- Overview: The Company and the Product
- Features and Functionalities
- Intercom Pricing and Optional Costs
- Pros and Cons of Latch Intercom
- Latch Intercom Mobile Application
- Latch v/s Swiftlane
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Overview: The Company and the Product
Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Latch offers a range of access control solutions for primarily residential buildings. The company provides a holistic operating system (LatchOS) to run entire multifamily residential units. Latch intercom’s sleek hardware is integrated with a mobile application or desktop-based property management software for remote access control. However, customers can opt for separate products and not necessarily convert to the Latch ecosystem.
The company’s product line consists of many smartphone-controlled door locks designed to eliminate physical keys (although they provide slots for physical keys for people not accustomed to the technology). Other offerings include cameras, smart sensors, and a sole intercom offering.
The Latch intercom is a highly customizable device designed to suit varied needs. With ease of configuration and a bundle of features and capabilities, let’s explore what the Latch intercom system offers.
Features and Functionalities
Unlike other organizations centered around access control, Latch has just one intercom offering.
The company has created a heavily customizable product to cater to different audiences. However, it has become highly feature-selective and failed to capture varied hardware aesthetics.
With the Latch intercom installed in your building, you have complete control over granting or revoking visitor access and can do so using the Latch mobile application. You can even integrate the intercom with Latch Concierge Pro (formerly Latch Delivery Assistant) to facilitate smooth delivery management for multi-family buildings.
Tailor your desired configuration
You can customize Latch to meet your unique needs, be it directory or call options. Per your requirements, the intercom can call the reception, an official, or building residents. People who find navigating a touch-screen directory difficult can opt for a non-touch display and call a resident using buttons. Moreover, you can choose to display your name or photo in the directory.
Remotely unlock from anywhere
Modern lifestyles call for maximum convenience, which also applies to your security system. With the Latch intercom app, you can unlock doors right from your couch or pool, even when you’re on vacation and wish to let a delivery in.
Choose from many connectivity options
Every building and resident has different preferences and capabilities for connectivity. Latch intercom offers flexibility, allowing you to power up your system with PoE (Power over Ethernet), Wi-Fi, and cellular data.
Intuitive hardware
The Latch intercom system has many things to boast regarding hardware. With a 7-inch diagonal, the intercom has a simplistic design with four tactile buttons. The rest of the intercom is a touchscreen display with an intuitive UI. Latch intercom is not just weather-resistant (IP65 approved); it proves to be a product for the long haul through its anti-reflection (enabling clear vision of the screen) and anti-fingerprint (avoids finger smudges for improved) display.
In-built audio calling
Like any intercom, Latch facilitates audio calling via the Latch mobile application to enable communication in and out of a building. While you can call any US phone number, you cannot make video calls without purchasing an external camera.
You can refer to the Latch intercom manual for technical specifications.
Intercom Pricing and Optional Costs
The price of Latch intercom is $2,799.30 on the website. However, the pricing may vary depending on the number of units purchased and the contract duration.
Optional subscriptions:
- For using the property management software Mission Control and the Latch intercom app, there is an additional cost of $5 per door per month.
- Integrating the Latch intercom with the rest of the Latch property management system (PMS) for a building costs $1 per unit per month.
- The Latch Concierge Pro (delivery management system) costs $3 per unit per month.
Pros and Cons of Latch Intercom
As a potential user of Latch Intercom, you may discover some pros and cons based on existing customer experiences. Here’s what we found.
Pros
- The Latch intercom can be integrated with the LatchOS to help you manage building security through a centralized access management system.
- Your privacy is protected by choosing whether or not you wish to display your photo and allow video capability.
- The intercom’s simplistic design, interactive UI, and advanced display are suited for people of varying comfort levels with technology.
- Multiple connectivity options and entry methods (mobile application, PIN, key card/ fob).
Cons
- If you think you’ll get a Latch intercom with a camera, you won’t. There is no video capability without an additional purchase of a video camera.
- The system does not support a two-way video call despite the installation of a video camera. This means you can see visitors, but visitors cannot see you.
- You do not have size or Latch intercom installation options to choose from.
- There is no touchscreen display; every individual has to use manual buttons, slowing the resident navigation process.
- There is a mandatory two-year service agreement, which may not fit with everyone’s requirements.
- Latch intercom Installation varies based on the number of devices but usually takes 1-2 weeks.
- The intercom does not catch repetitive movement (loitering) through the camera, eliminating the possibility of sending you a security alert.
Here’s a quick summary of how the Latch intercom fares on modular features.
Latch Intercom Mobile Application
The Latch mobile application works on Android and iOS devices and offers remote access control to users. Here’s what the application does:
- You can send entry codes to expected guests.
- Use the Doorcode stored in your Latch intercom app to go keyless and cardless.
- Find who entered the premises using the access history stored on your mobile.
- For users of Latch smart locks, unlocking each door requires bringing the mobile closer to it. The application can also be integrated with Apple Watches for a hands-free option.
User Reviews of the Latch Mobile Application
- One user on Reddit mentioned that the mobile application used with the Apple Watch is an effective and convenient replacement for a traditional key.
Apple App Store
The App store majorly had negative and mixed reviews for the mobile application. Here is a distilled summary.
- The application is universally complained about for taking too long to unlock doors and frequently crashing, leading to longer wait times, lesser reliability, and user frustration.
- To open any door, you must open your Latch intercom app instead of the sensor automatically detecting your credentials.
Google Play Store
The Google Play Store reviews share the same sentiment—users are unhappy with the mobile application’s inconsistency and poor functioning. Visit the Play Store for a longer list of reviews.
- Users complained about not being allowed entry in the first go, claiming that the application is fidgety in sensing credentials and unlocks after several tries.
- The application’s user interface was criticized for not being age-friendly. Many residents were at retirement age and did not own the smartphones required for remote access control.
- There were also frequent complaints about how the application decided to restart and change passwords randomly. This has posed a deep security issue by not allowing residents in late at night or during distress.
Latch v/s Swiftlane
If you’ve made it to the end of this Latch intercom review, you must have a fair idea of what a Latch intercom system has in store for you.
For instance, the lack of an integrated video intercom requires users to purchase additional hardware to verify visitors visually, making the Latch solution more costly. The limited tenant directory display and lack of search functionality further diminish its usability in large residential complexes.
Swiftlane
As a contemporary security solutions provider, Swiftlane video intercom fares well in these aspects.
It has an inbuilt 2-way video-calling capability and a user-friendly directory for easy name searches, making it highly scalable and efficient.
Swiftlane’s video intercom offering provides reliability and adaptability for diverse building infrastructures. The comparison table below lists some highly rated features in the context of both Swiftlane and Latch intercoms.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
| Latch Intercom | Swiftlane Video Intercom | |
| Two-Way Video Intercom Calling | No, it requires a separate camera to be installed | Yes |
| Remote Unlock | Mobile app unlock | Mobile app, browser, or unlock the door remotely by pressing 9 when using a traditional telephone |
| Temporary Access | Yes, issue temporary PIN codes | Yes, issue temporary PIN codes |
| Touchscreen Display | No, it uses tactile buttons | Yes |
| Door Lock Compatibility | Door unlock, and release is only compatible with Latch locks | Compatible with any electrified door lock and designed to work with any existing infrastructure |
| Courier Access | Not available, delivery providers must call Latch Delivery Assistant for access | Swiftlane Door Controller integrates with any postal lock box through door controller hardware |
| Vandal Protection | Gorilla Glass Protection | IK10-rated for highest vandal protection, installed with custom security screws, reinforced with strong display protection. Complete vandal and theft protection insurance available |
| Hardware Durability | IP65 rated | IP65 rated |
| QR Codes for Visitor Access | Not compatible | Available |
| Wiring and Installation Compatibility | POE+ capable switch. Ensure your building is POE+ compatible and will not require additional purchases. | Simple and widely pre-existing POE injectors or POE switch |
For property owners and individuals seeking an intuitive, all-in-one access control solution, Swiftlane is the superior choice. Capterra awarded Swiftlane 4.6 stars out of 5 due to its easy-to-use interface and experience, robust security, and maximal convenience.
Reach out today to learn more about how Swiftlane can elevate the security and convenience of your property.
