When it comes to access control systems, finding an honest, in-depth review can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But here’s the good news: you’ve found it! After hours of research and analysis, we’ve compiled everything you need to know—from standout features and pricing insights to real, forum-verified user experiences. Whether you’re managing a residential property or a sprawling office complex, this review will help you decide if Paxton access control systems fit your security needs.
Table of Contents
- Paxton and Its Offerings
- How Does Paxton Access Control Work?
- Entry Panels (Intercoms) and Their Cost
- Mobile Applications and Management Software
- Customer Reviews: What Do User Forums Say?
- Alternatives to Paxton
- FAQs
Paxton and Its Offerings
Paxton is a technology company based in Brighton, England, that manufactures security systems for buildings across industries. Their product line is diversified into access control software, proximity readers, entry panels (intercoms), entry monitors, accessories, and more. These solutions help secure a property’s entry points, up to 1000 doors and security cameras.
This article will primarily focus on a review of Paxton’s intercoms and their overall access control system.
How Does Paxton Access Control Work?
Paxton access control involves Entry panels, entry monitors, and door controllers. The system can be scaled up to a hundred panels and thousands of monitors to secure large facilities. The entry panels can be integrated with Paxton’s Net2 or Paxton10 access control software for remote management.
Like any regular intercom system, it works in 3 simple steps.
- As a visitor, you can video-call a resident via the bell button on the intercom (entry panel).
- As a tenant, you can view who’s at the door through a touchscreen entry monitor installed within your residence or mobile applications installed on your phones.
- To open the door, tenants can simply use the Net2, Paxton10 software, or respective mobile applications to enable a door strike and let the visitors in.
Let’s dig deeper into the intercom offerings.
Entry Panels (Intercoms) and Their Cost
Paxton’s entry panels come in three variations: Standard, VR, and Touch. You can choose flush or surface-mount installation options, and the surface-mount option allows you to add a rain hood.
Apart from a few unique characteristics in each panel, all Paxton entry panels have the following features:
Common Feature Highlights of All Entry Panels
- Multiple access methods, such as PINs, codes, and proximity tokens (built-in RFID readers can read EM, Paxton, and MIFARE tokens).
- Pan/tilt camera functionality that helps capture a wider image for better vision.
- IPX5-rated for resistance against water damage, helping you waterproof your device.
- Compatible with the Paxton Entry mobile application.
- They are powered by a single PoE cable, eliminating the need for excessive wires.
- With SIP compatibility, you can answer the door from smartphones, tablets, or PCs.
- They feature a low-light camera to provide high-quality images in the later hours.
- Can integrate a secondary IP camera to cover areas requiring higher security.
- Quick and simple installation using existing infrastructure or Cat5/ standard RJ45 cables.
Standard Panel
Unique characteristics
- Available in anthracite grey to fit the aesthetic of modern buildings.
- Find the Paxton access control manual for the standard panel here.
Cost
- The Paxton Standard Entry Panel costs £676.00 ($849.87). The cost for flush, surface, and surface mounts with rain hoods remains unchanged.
VR Panel
Unique characteristics
- Available in highly durable marine-grade stainless steel look.
- It features the highest in the market – an IK10 rating for maximum resistance against impact and vandalism.
Cost
- The Paxton VR Entry Panel costs £1017.00 ($1278.57). The cost for flush, surface, and surface mounts with rain hoods remains unchanged.
Touch Panel
Unique characteristics
- The Touch panel boasts an advanced 7-inch color touchscreen display.
- This panel offers hearing aids for maximum audio quality in high-traffic areas.
- When paired with the Entry Premium monitor, you can make two-way video calls and even leave video voicemails for the residents if they’re not home.
Cost
- The Paxton Touch Entry Panel costs £2201.00 ($2767.10). The cost for flush, surface, and surface mounts with rain hoods remains unchanged.
Mobile Applications and Management Software
Paxton offers two management software programs, each with its respective mobile applications compatible with all entry panels. All software (except Net2 Pro) and mobile applications are free of cost and can be chosen based on users’ required capabilities. Here’s a flowchart to help you understand which mobile applications work with which software.
Net2 Access Control Software
Net2 is a PC-based access control software that comes in 2 variants. Both Lite and Pro versions can help you manage multiple sites flexibly. Net2 lite is free of charge, while Net2 Pro offers advanced features.
- Centralized Management: You can easily control up to 1,000 doors and 50,000 users, making it helpful for gated communities or large apartment complexes.
- Remote Door Access: The Net2 software helps you open doors from anywhere. Residents can feel secure knowing their homes are accessible only to authorized individuals.
- New-Age Features: Lockdown mode allows quarantine and restricted movement across buildings. Roll-call and live event reporting are useful for multi-unit complexes or emergencies but may be unnecessary for smaller residences.
- Employee Time Tracking: Features like proximity readers and HR integration make it ideal for businesses, though less relevant to residents.
- Unlimited Workstations & Turnstile Mode: Great for large sites but overkill for single-residence setups.
- Anti-Passback: Prevents unauthorized access through shared tokens, a solid addition for resident safety.
Paxton Connect Application
The Paxton Connect Application, available on the App Store and Google Play, works with both, Net2 and Paxton10 software. Using Net2, you can also set intruder alarms, anti-passback, and biometric logins for added privacy.
- Remote Management: Manage administration and access remotely from any location using a smartphone/tablet/browser, making it ideal for busy residents.
- Lockdown Mode & Roll Calls: Excellent for emergencies but more applicable to commercial or multi-unit residential settings.
- Real-Time Updates: Live location tracking can provide peace of mind but raises privacy concerns.
- Time-Zone Controls: This feature allows you to schedule access restrictions, which is ideal for properties with tenant-specific regulations.
Paxton Entry App
The Paxton Entry application charges £2.50 RRP per user per month. It is compatible with iOS and Android and helps you manage sites and users through an online portal, “myPaxton”. The application might be affordable to some, while the recurring fee might be a drawback to others.
Paxton10 Web-Based Software
Compared to the Net2 software, Paxton10 is a more advanced system with features like anti-passback for more widespread properties. It is entirely web-based and license-free, so you do not require any software setup to run Paxton10 on your devices.
- Great UI/ UX: Paxton10’s interface is easy to use. It allows you to customize your view, create widgets, and build a dashboard for managing security from anywhere.
- Custom Rules & Permissions: Manage access for specific users and control permissions for each tenant/resident.
- Smart Credentials: Use smartphones or smartwatches for keyless entry (short and long-range) using the Paxton Key application.
- Cloud Services: Spanning beyond physical networks, Paxton10 cloud services enable the management of locations across the globe without any complicated infrastructure.
Paxton Key Application
Paxton Key offers features similar to those of the applications above, except that it can also act as an on-the-go access credential. With the application on your smartphone or smartwatch, you can open doors by tapping on the reader and across distances, such as by opening parking bars.
Paxton BLU
Paxton does have a cloud-based access system – the Paxton BLU, which allows users to manage properties remotely via any mobile device or PC that can connect to the Internet. This system requires the purchase of an activation license and a monthly fee thereon.
Customer Reviews: What Do User Forums Say?
Upsides
- Some users mention that the Paxton intercom systems are reliable, easy to use, and maintain. They also appreciate the 5-year warranty and skilled support team.
- Some found the customer support team helpful in setting up software and resolving operational issues.
- Users appreciated the Paxton 10 software for being reasonably priced and browser-based. It allowed them to watch video footage and control the intercoms.
- As per Benchmark, the Paxton Entry Application was convenient and easy to navigate. The app’s seamless integration with various Paxton entry panels provides greater flexibility and security through audiovisual verification.
Drawbacks
- Other users claimed that Paxton 10 software was expensive and had a two-year warranty, after which it often malfunctioned.
- The software was also said to have fewer features and triggers than other access control systems. Moreover, customers felt the company had poor customer support in North America, as they could not find exact solutions to their issues with Paxton access control systems.
- Paxton’s door controllers are meant for single doors and are priced higher than other multi-door controllers, which become significantly cheap when installed at scale.
- One user also complained that they switched networks, and the transmission from the entry panel (intercom) to the indoor monitor was interrupted, leading to image delays or the absence of audiovisual content.
Alternatives to Paxton
Overall, customers have given mixed reviews of Paxton’s intercom and access control systems. Another consideration is that you can only purchase Paxton access control systems from distributors (third-party sellers), which can cause prices to fluctuate heavily.
You must also be wary of what software and mobile applications you select. With multiple options, you might just overlook some features and end up picking a costly solution that your property does not really require.
Lastly, it’s always best to check out other intercom solutions in the market to make sure you get the best deal at the best price. Here’s a feature comparison of Paxton access control with a leading intercom manufacturer – Swiftlane.
In today’s marketplace, Swiftlane emerges among the top choices. It has attractive and functional ahead-of-the-curve features, such as QR-code entry options, facial recognition technology, seamless delivery management, and an extremely convenient mobile application.
These features are must-haves for modern property owners and highlight Swiftlane’s bottom line of “creating safer communities.”
Moreover, Swiftlane’s direct-to-consumer approach ensures consistent pricing and support, eliminating the unpredictability associated with third-party distributors.
To learn more, sign up for a webinar or get a quote.
FAQs
How Do I Set Up Paxton Connect?
You can simply follow a 4-step process to set up Paxton Connect. The installer that sets up the system for you needs to register the site in the Net2/ Paxton10 software so it can be operated easily through the Paxton Connect mobile application. Simply install the application from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your credentials, and remotely manage your sites.
How Does Paxton Key Work?
For Paxton Key to work, you must enable Bluetooth on Paxton10 readers. The Paxton10 software interface issues users with their security credentials. Once you register them in the mobile application, you can start using your smart devices as digital keys and open a door anytime, anywhere.
Is The Net2 Software Free?
The Net2 software’s Lite version is free. The Pro version, which offers advanced features, costs £598.00 ($750.38).
