We’ve come a long way from turning knobs and pushing buttons to tapping screens.
Modern intercoms have evolved beyond being just convenient tech amenities—they’re now essential for security, communication, and aesthetic enhancement in buildings.
You might consider upgrading your old intercom system for several reasons:
- Improved security
- Better communication with visitors
- Seamless package delivery
- Enhanced aesthetics
- Future-proofing
With the rise of PropTech, the market is brimming with brands offering intercom solutions. One such brand is LiftMaster.
In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at LiftMaster intercom systems, examine their pros and cons, explore their various models, and compare them with other market alternatives. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to make an informed decision before investing in a new intercom.
Also, read:
- Linear Intercom: Review, Pricing, and Comparison
- LiftMaster CAPXLV Video Intercom System Review
- ISONAS Access Control Review, Pricing, and Comparison
- Doorking Review (Complete Intercom Overview and Pricing)
Quick Overview of LiftMaster
LiftMaster is a brand under the Chamberlain Group. It is known chiefly for its high-quality garage door openers, commercial door operators, and gate entry systems.
LiftMaster offers cloud-based access control through its garage door openers. They come with infrared sensors to detect objects in the way and secure rolling code technology for added security. Their Smart Access Reader Single Gang (SRDRST) and 10-Key Keypad (SRDRKP) readers are compatible with myQ community software for controlling multiple entrances. LiftMaster is commended for its garage doors’ build quality, easier installations, and keyless entry capability.
Coming to intercoms, LiftMaster’s popular video intercom systems are CAPXLV and CAPXM, designed to provide property owners and managers with enhanced security and communication capabilities in their buildings.
The latest addition to the video intercom systems is CAPXS, designed for small multi-tenant buildings and single-family homes.
It is important to note that all LiftMaster intelligent access solutions require a monthly subscription to myQ Community. This app allows residents to visually identify guests at the entrance and approve access from their smartphones, providing an added layer of security and convenience.
LiftMaster Video Intercom Systems: Product Reviews
Unlike traditional intercoms, which require a telephone and speaker system, video intercoms are wireless and help manage building access. This enhances the overall resident experience in multi-tenant buildings.
LiftMaster’s video intercom systems are an excellent choice for multifamily residential properties and single-family homes and buildings. The models come in varied user capacities. Residents and property managers mostly praise them; however, some give mixed reviews on pricing and subscription.
A 5-star review in 2024 commends LiftMaster’s solid construction, intuitive interface, ease of upgrading, and versatility. Property managers also praise the system, which enables them to add and remove tenants easily using the web dashboard.
The price-conscious community seems reluctant to pay the monthly subscription costs LiftMaster and myQ require. These people live in smaller condo buildings and single-family homes. A few Amazon reviews liked the intercom features, but they are more likely to go for cheaper options.
How do LiftMaster Video Intercoms Work?
LiftMaster Video Intercom system works on security technology that allows two-way communications. You’ll find a permanent device mounted at a point of entry–it could be a doorway or a gate. The wall-mounted intercom has circuitry that allows visitors to connect with the residents. It also has a video camera that allows the end user to see a live video feed of the person on a smartphone app called myQ while seeking access to the building.
Let’s look into the different models of video intercom systems one by one in this LiftMaster review.
LiftMaster CAPXLV2 Review
CAPXLV2 has been made for entrances, with an HD touchscreen display that fits in a surface, flush, or pedestal mount. Its enclosure is cast metal.
Type: Video intercom for high-rise buildings and gated communities
Touchscreen: Yes. HD touchscreen
Connectivity: Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Key features:
- 10″ video intercom designed for high-rise buildings and gated communities
- Local user capacity is 50 to 50,000 units of multi-family buildings and garden-style communities.
- Field of view: 135 degrees
- Operator Warranty: 2 Years (intercom/operator)
- Wi-Fi or ethernet for easier installation and connection to Cloud
- You can use 3rd party cellular modems as well
- Wireless to eliminate digging trenches at the gate
- Requires myQ Community App subscription
Price: USD 2799 through dealers
Installation: Professional installation is recommended. Installers need to read the manual.
Customer review: Users have praised their solid console and flexible and easy interface. The intercom is also easier to manage and keep upgraded.
LiftMaster CAPXLV Review
The CAPXLV is another advanced video intercom system by LiftMaster.
Type: Video intercom that can control up to 4 gates and doors in a building.
Touchscreen: Yes
Connectivity: Multiple ways to connect to myQ Community – Wi-Fi, cellular, wired high-speed, and DSL
Key features:
- Integrated video camera with 135⁰ view.
- Cloud-based smart access system
- Control multiple entry points from a single dashboard with myQ® Community.
- myQ Community app
- Provides digital call quality with no long-distance charges.
- Local system memory allows entry even when the internet is down.
- Warranty: Operator Warranty: 2 Years; accessory warranty: 1 Year
- It requires a myQ community app subscription, which lets residents see who’s at the entrance before granting access.
Price: USD 2499 through dealers
Installation: Professional installation is recommended. Installers need to read the manual.
LiftMaster CAPXM Review
The CAPXM is one of LiftMaster’s most popular video intercom systems.
Type: Video intercom system for controlling up to 2 gates and doors in a building.
Touchscreen: Yes
Connectivity: Multiple ways to connect to myQ Community – Wi-Fi, cellular, wired high-speed, and DSL
Key features:
- Video monitoring capabilities to streamline the management of the building’s residents and community access points
- Convenience for building residents for package deliveries
- Keyless entry for building residents
- Safe access and guest management enable you and residents to see and talk to visitors through a live video feed.
- Cloud-based security system which is a robust, scalable, and easy to integrate with multiple access points, securing residents information
- Operator Warranty: 2 Years
- Requires myQ community app subscription
Price: $1,649 through dealers
Installation: Professional installation is recommended. Installers need to read the manual.
LiftMaster CAPXS Review
The CAPXS is the latest video intercom model LiftMaster offers for smaller buildings.
Type: Video intercom for smaller multi-tenant buildings and single-family homes with a gate
Touchscreen: Yes
Connectivity: Ethernet or WIFI
Key features:
- Field of view: 135 degrees
- Smaller in size and offering. Local user capacity is 500
- 5” 720P high definition, fade-resistant touchscreen display
- Allow your residents to see guests and visitors visually before granting them access to the myQ Community app; this will provide them with peace of mind.
- Consider adding a Sun Hood: CAPXSHOOD.
- Operator Warranty: The intercom warranty is two years
- Using the myQ community web portal, property owners have a simple, effective way to manage resident access to the building without changing out front door keys every time.
Price: USD 1299 (online price) and USD 619 (through some dealers)
Installation: Professional installation is recommended using an installation manual, as the device will require electrical wiring and an electronic door strike. No manual is available on the website.
Customer reviews: A property manager has given this model a 5-star rating for easier installation and programming.
How Does myQ Work With LiftMaster?
The myQ system is a comprehensive software solution that works seamlessly with LiftMaster’s intercom products.
However, it works only with Chamberlain products like LiftMaster. It consists of two main components:
- myQ community app: This is a smartphone application for residents that enables them to manage access to their building and personal unit.
For example, residents can seamlessly unlock any connected entrance throughout the property, including the Smart Lock, to their apartment using the myQ Community app or by entering a PIN code in the LiftMaster video intercom system.
- myQ community web portal: A web-based interface for property managers to oversee and control access across their properties. As a property manager, you can use it to remotely issue or revoke access credentials from the myQ Community web portal.
You don’t need to rekey, which simplifies key management during changeover. Also, enable in-unit self-tours with a temporary access code that unlocks an apartment’s front door.
Property managers can use live video streaming and recorded video clips of access events for clear traceability around property damage, vandalism, and other nuisances.
What Customers Think of myQ App
On Google Play Store, customers have given myQ app an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5; on the Apple Store, this rating is 4.8 out of 5.
Since the app has gone exclusive for Chamberlain Systems, many people have commented negatively about the brand, questioning its integrity. People with the app integrated with other entry systems are unwilling to install a Chamberlain’s intercom. So they have to bid farewell to myQ community app. As per this LiftMaster review, while some customers praise the convenience that comes with the app, some users have cited issues of poor compatibility with LiftMaster access control systems and with their garage openers.
There have been reports of screen freezes when residents leave their homes. The app sometimes gets unreliable and doesn’t open gates remotely. In another review, the app also requests location access, which most residents hesitate to abide by. High subscription costs are a common pain point for people with small-unit buildings, where individual home costs come out higher than estimated. Many resolved their issues by calling LiftMaster and myQ for customer support.
All reviews have been gleaned from over 500 customer responses from the App Store.
Pricing and Subscription
LiftMaster has not disclosed the pricing details on its website except for its latest CAPXS video intercom, which is listed at USD 1299. However, its dealers have listed the different models from USD 2799 to USD 1649 on their websites and online stores. To purchase LiftMaster, you must contact them directly by clicking the “Request more info” button on the product page.
Another cost associated with the LiftMaster video intercom system is the subscription fee for the myQ community app. The cost can vary depending on the number of access points you want. For example, for two access points with CAPXS, it is USD 27 per month, exclusive of other charges, while for the same access points with CAPXM and CAPXLV, it is listed as USD 61.
Benefits and Disadvantages
There are always pros and cons to any system. To help you make an informed decision, let’s examine the pros and cons in this LiftMaster review:
Pros
- LiftMaster video intercom offers a wide-angle, high-definition camera for clear video footage.
- It is user-centric because of its easy integration with the myQ Community app and web platform.
- LiftMaster video intercom is flexible in terms of connectivity options. They suit many different property requirements.
- Customizable access control settings for improved security and convenience.
- Their modern and durable design is built to withstand various external conditions.
- Overall, LiftMaster video intercom systems enhance resident satisfaction and peace of mind.
Cons
- Some users may find the initial setup and configuration process complex.
- Prices can vary due to dealer-based sales.
- Lack of third-party integrations.
- Subscription-based live video streaming and additional resident app licenses may increase costs.
- Cost-conscious people will go for the market’s cheaper options.
- Limited customization options because of the bulky design.
How to Install LiftMaster Video Intercom Systems?
This LiftMaster review and the company recommends that you get your intercoms installed by professionals. According to customer reviews on Amazon and dealer stores, installing the LiftMaster video intercom is more manageable with professional installers. They send you an installation manual and a quick start guide, which your installer should study before starting the process.
In your carton inventory, you’ll get:
- A power supply
- A gooseneck gasket
- A radio antenna
- 2 Keys
- Diode kits and resistors
Ensure that the installer reads all the pre-installation instructions mentioned in the manual, which include the following steps:
- Set up a myQ business account.
- Network service: Intercoms should be configured with proper network settings to operate
- Phone service: Once the intercom is added to the facility, you can sign up for video calls through the myQ app.
- Ensure that you have the latest firmware installed beforehand. This can take up to an hour.
The installer must follow the installation guide for step-by-step instructions below. As a rule of thumb, avoid installations during rains to prevent intercoms from water damage.
Removing Knockouts
Here’s how you can remove knockouts from a CAPXLV Smart Video Intercom.
- The installer can remove the knockouts based on the surface you want to mount the intercom.
- Use a center punch tool to remove the knockouts from the outside inward.
Mounting the LiftMaster Intercom
- The installer must attach the goose-neck gasket if mounting to a goose-neck.
- Secure the intercom to a flat surface or pedestal with appropriate hardware, ensuring proper wiring routing through the knockouts.
Installing Antennas
- The installer will then install the Security+ 2.0® radio and Wi-Fi® antenna on opposite sides of the intercom, ensuring a minimum distance of 8 inches between them.
- Connect the antennas to their respective ports on the Power/Internet Board.
Installing the Ground
- The installer will then install an earth-ground rod using a minimum of 12 gauge wire within 12 feet of the intercom.
- Connect the ground wire to the primary earth ground connection on the intercom and run it to the earth ground
Connecting the Power
- They must use only the power supply provided with the intercom.
- Connect the power supply wires to the PWR INPUT terminal block on the Power/Internet Board.
- Plug the power supply into a dedicated 120 Vac outlet, ensuring it is not connected to a switched or controlled outlet.
- Verify that the green LEDs on the door board and Power/Internet Board are lit, indicating the system is powered up.
Network Connection: Connect Internet
- Choose between a wired or internet connection.
- For a wired connection, connect the intercom to a local hub, switch, or router using an Ethernet cable.
- Select the network and enter the password for Wi-Fi using the intercom display in Admin Mode.
- Validate the setup by checking the network, inputs, outputs, etc., in Admin Mode.
After validating all connections and settings, the installer can exit Admin Mode. They must ensure all wiring is correctly routed, connections are secure, and the installed device is fully functional.
Exploring Alternatives to LiftMaster
In this LiftMaster review, there are many alternatives in the market. Some top competitors are Apple and Swiftlane. While Apple’s GT series suits multi-tenant buildings, the Swiftlane video intercom has a two-way video calling feature ideal for any multifamily, multi-unit building. Most likely, all similar intercom systems to LiftMaster will require costs around installation, hardware, and software. It is vital to truly understand each system’s unique features to see what system may be optimal for your needs.
Swiftlane’s hardware is Ik10-rated for vandal resistance, making it an optimal option for those seeking reliable, built-to-last systems for urban environments and settings. This feature is a must-have for many property owners or managers looking to upgrade their intercom system, as it ensures a future-proof system.
LiftMaster vs Swiftlane: A Quick Comparison of Video Intercoms
Swiftlane presents a compelling alternative to LiftMaster, offering features like built-in facial recognition, a modern design, and a straightforward installation process.
Here is a quick comparison of the two systems:
Watch a Swiftlane Video Intercom Customer Testimonial : Watch Now
Concluding Thoughts
Per this LiftMaster review, the company offers a solid cloud-based solution that suits various building capacities. Nevertheless, it has limitations, such as high myQ subscription costs that residents are hesitant to pay. Moreover, it needs some advanced features offered by alternatives like Swiftlane, such as two-way video calling and a more comprehensive touchless access system. Swiftlane presents a more feature-complete solution, especially in mobile integration, facial recognition, and user experience. So, evaluate your options based on your specific requirements and budget before purchasing any system.
Connect with an expert today to explore and determine the right solution for your property and budget. Fill out this form for a free and customized bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the easiest and most straightforward type of intercom installation?
A wireless intercom system is easier to install and has a more affordable price tag. However, you may experience some interference from time to time with no wires.
- Is myQ free with LiftMaster?
Yes. You can connect for free if you own a LiftMaster or Chamberlain product with Wi-Fi or are powered by the myQ logo. You just have to download the myQ app.
- Can LiftMaster work with iPhone?
Yes. Residents can approve keyless entries remotely with myQ app on their iPhones and iPads.
- What is the life expectancy of a LiftMaster?
With regular maintenance and care, your LiftMaster can last for years.
Start Improving your Building Security
Contact a Swiftlane specialist about learn more about alternatives to Latch intercom, and find the best access and intercom solution for your building.
