Table of Contents
- Introduction to Video Intercom Systems
- What are Video Intercoms?
- Video Intercom Types and Key Features
- Top 5 Video Intercom Systems
- Video Intercom Installation
- Learn More About Swiftlane’s Video Intercom
- Video Intercom Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction to Video Intercom Systems
Video intercom systems for homes, apartments, and businesses have revolutionized building security and access control. Unlike traditional audio-only intercom systems, video intercoms provide real-time visual communication so building tenants can see who is at the door. This added visibility enhances safety, convenience, and operational efficiency.
This article will explore video intercom systems, how they work, their benefits, the different types available, and key considerations for choosing and installing one.
The demand for video intercoms is rapidly growing as high deliveries and increased building foot traffic drive the need for better security and access control. With the rise of online shopping, package theft has become a significant concern, motivating property owners to invest in video intercom systems that allow users to confirm deliveries and securely grant access visually. Additionally, monitoring and managing visitor entry helps prevent unauthorized access, enhancing overall safety in residential and commercial buildings.
What are Video Intercoms?
A video intercom system is a communication device that allows two-way audiovisual interaction between individuals at an entry point and those inside a building. These systems consist of outdoor intercom units with cameras, microphones, speakers, and indoor units for each residential or office tenant or mobile app integrations that allow residents or property managers to see and communicate with visitors before granting entry. Some video intercom systems don’t use indoor units for each tenant – instead, the tenant receives intercom calls on their smartphone or tablet and can open the door from anywhere.
How Video Intercoms Differ from Audio-Only Systems
Traditional audio intercoms rely solely on sound, making verifying a visitor’s identity difficult. Video intercoms add a layer of security by allowing users to see the person at the door. Some advanced, Internet-enabled video intercom systems integrate with access control systems, facial recognition, and mobile applications for remote access management.
Use Cases for Video Intercoms
- Residential Buildings: Apartments and condominiums use video intercoms for resident safety and secure entry for guests and delivery personnel. Single-family homes can also use them as a convenient tool.
- Commercial Properties: Office buildings use video intercoms to control access for employees, vendors, and clients. Video intercoms let the company greet each visitor, even without door or lobby staff.
- Salon Suites: Salon Suite owners receive dozens of clients daily, and providing seamless, secure access is essential to their business. A video intercom system allows salon suite owners to grant access to clients quickly and efficiently while ensuring security and controlling who enters the premises.
- Gated Communities: Video intercoms help security personnel or residents verify visitors before granting entry, often at pedestrian or vehicle gates that provide access to the entire neighborhood or property.
- Parking Lots: Video intercoms integrate with garage doors and vehicle gates to control access to parking garages. Instead of a full-time parking attendant, residents or front door staff can answer calls and let vehicles in.
- Industrial Facilities: Factories and warehouses use video intercom to control access to restricted areas where dangerous equipment or valuable inventory might be kept, keeping the public safe.
Benefits of Video Intercoms
Whether they are installed at an apartment building, condo, co-op, or any type of commercial or industrial facility, video intercoms offer the same benefits:
- Enhanced Security: Prevents unauthorized access and enables verification before granting entry.
- Convenience: Most video intercoms are integrated with access control, which allows employees or tenants to remotely unlock the door or open the gate to let visitors in. This feature is sought after in many buildings with rising foot traffic from deliveries, pet and plant care help, nannies, and cleaners.
- Efficient Management: Internet-enabled smart intercoms allow property managers to manage all their building front doors from a central office, significantly reducing building staff and maintenance expenses.
- Improved Communication: Video eliminates misunderstandings that can occur with audio-only systems. In particular, it helps prevent would-be package thieves from pretending to be from a delivery company since the resident or tenant can see who is really at the door.
- Access Control Integration: Many video intercoms work with various sought-after keyless entry systems, such as PIN codes, RFID badges and keyfobs, and facial recognition.
- Increased Property Value: Modern security features make properties more attractive to buyers and tenants.
Video Intercom Types and Key Features
Today’s video intercoms can have dozens of key features, which we outline below. However, most systems fall into a few main categories for connecting visitors with building tenants.
Wired Video Intercoms: These are installed using physical wiring that connects the front door intercom with indoor tenant substations mounted in each residential unit or office. Wired intercoms offer reliable connections but require a complicated professional installation, most easily done with new construction or a total gut renovation. Due to all the wiring and hardware used, they can be quite expensive.
IP-Based (Wireless) Video Intercoms: Increasingly common, wireless video intercoms use the Internet instead of dedicated in-building wiring to connect the front door intercom with tenants. These Internet Protocol (IP) intercoms can be plugged into a modem (still considered “wireless”), connected over WiFi, or use cellular data networks like LTE or 5G. IP-based video intercom systems are sometimes called “smart intercoms” because they are Internet-enabled devices similar to smartphones.
Smartphone-Integrated Video Intercoms: With wireless IP intercoms, individual substations for each unit become optional. Instead, users can receive video calls and unlock doors via mobile apps on their smartphone or watch. That means they can remotely unlock doors from anywhere. It also means the building owner can save thousands of dollars by not installing individual tenant substations in each apartment or office.
10 Key Features of Video Intercoms
As you research and choose a video intercom for your building, you must decide which of these key features suits your building needs and aesthetics.
1. Touchscreens vs. Keypads: Modern video intercoms offer touchscreens for intuitive navigation and user-friendly interfaces. Traditional keypads provide tactile input and are often more durable in harsh environments.
2. One-Way vs. Two-Way Video: One-way video systems allow the occupant to see the visitor without being seen, enhancing privacy. Two-way video systems enable both parties to see and communicate with each other, improving interaction and security. Most two-way systems allow for one-way video as well.
3. Device Durability: Video intercoms designed for outdoor use come with weatherproofing and vandal-resistant features, ensuring longevity and consistent performance in extreme conditions. An IP rating of 65 or higher provides great water and dust resistance to nearly all outdoor conditions. An IK rating of 08 or higher provides substantial durability against vandalism or accidents.
4. Access Methods: Modern video intercoms support multiple building access methods, or keys, enhancing security and convenience. These include:
- Key Fob: Contactless and secure, ideal for frequent users like residents or employees, who are each issued an RFID fob or an ID badge. Key fobs can also be used to open other building doors such as access to restrooms and gyms, supply closets, or parking areas with gates.
- PIN Code: Residents can each be assigned a unique permanent PIN code. You can also issue guests or service personnel a temporary or time-limited PIN code.
- QR Code: Provides contactless and time-sensitive entry that is useful for visitors or deliveries. QR codes are sent to the visitor’s mobile device and then scanned at the intercom camera.
- Fingerprint Recognition: High-security biometric access, eliminating the need for keys or cards. However, it requires users to touch the intercom fingerprint scanner, which some consider to be unsanitary in multi-tenant buildings.
- Facial Recognition: Advanced and hands-free biometric security with high accuracy, minimizing unauthorized access. It is often preferred to fingerprint systems as being more sanitary.
- Smartphone Access: Remote unlocking and monitoring via mobile apps, ensuring convenience and control. Uses NFC technology (tap your phone to a reader to unlock the door) or an app installed on the phone.
- Traditional Keys: Many door and intercom systems will allow you to use ordinary metal keys as a backup.
5. High-Resolution Video: Provides clear video footage, often in HD quality, for accurate identification of visitors. We suggest you check with the manufacturer to see if the intercom camera works in low-light situations or if it has a built-in light.
6. Remote Access Control: Enables users to see and communicate with visitors and unlock doors remotely via smartphone apps.
7. Motion Detection and Alerts: Detects movement near entry points and sends real-time notifications for enhanced security or keeps a log of entries that can be reviewed for security reasons or investigations.
8. Cloud-Based Management Platform: Internet-enabled intercoms often offer cloud-based management, allowing property managers to oversee multiple intercoms across various locations through a centralized, user-friendly online platform. This feature saves time and reduces the need for frequent technical support at the device itself.
9. Cloud Storage and Playback: Stores video recordings securely in the cloud, allowing users or building management to review footage later for security reasons.
10. Systems Integration: Connects with other smart devices like security cameras, smart locks, and home voice assistants for a unified security solution.
Top 5 Video Intercom Systems
We explore five standout video intercom models below.
Best for Facial Recognition Access: Swiftlane Swiftreader
Manufacturer: Swiftlane
Swiftlane has the best-in-class facial recognition capabilities. Face ID allows building tenants to unlock the doors quickly and conveniently by looking at the intercom camera. Both the Swiftreader and the Swiftreader X can process a face in all lighting conditions in just two seconds, and the system can handle up to 10,000 unique users, scaling for even the largest buildings.
Features:
- 8-inch full-color touchscreen
- Optional 2-way or 1-way video calls
- Mobile device integration on the highly reviewed Swiftlane app
- Many forms of keyless entry: Key fobs, PINs, mobile devices, and facial recognition
- Works for doorways or vehicle gates
- IK07 anti-vandalism rating (IK10 for Swiftreader X)
- Cloud-based management platform
For those looking for greater weather protection and anti-vandalism features such as an IK10 rating for outdoor settings, particularly in urban areas, consider the Swiftlane Swiftreader X.
At the time of our writing, Swiftlane’s app that tenants use to receive intercom calls had a 4.8-star average review on the Apple app store and a 4.7-star average review on the Google Play store. For a firsthand account of Swiftlane’s performance, consider watching these customer reviews:
Best Wired Video Intercom: Aiphone JO Series
Manufacturer: Aiphone
Aiphone offers its JO Series for buildings looking to install a system in which each tenant substation is hardwired to the front door video intercom at a distance of up to 100m. Unlike many wired systems, Aiphone also sells an optional substation to integrate the system with their smartphone app so that building tenants can also provide mobile access on the go. The JO Series is sold in convenient starter box sets with a tenant substation and a front door master intercom, and represents one of the few video intercom products for multi-tenant buildings priced under $1,000.
Features:
- 7-inch touchscreen
- 1-way video via a wide-angle camera
- On-device storage using an SD memory card
- Smartphone compatibility with remote access via Aiphone IXG App
- 7-inch tenant answering station sold separately except for starter box sets
Starter box sets for the Aiphone JO system have a great review score on Amazon with 4.6 stars. While the Aiphone JO system is known as a great wired intercom, the brand is less well-regarded regarding its mobile phone app integration. The Aiphone IXG App, used to connect Aiphone intercoms to tenant smartphones, gets a 4.0-star rating on the Apple app store and a 3.5-star rating among users on the Google Play store. The JO Series mobile integration is also limited to 8 devices. Larger multi-tenant buildings seeking a video intercom with mobile device integration should look at a wireless intercom that handles more units.
Best for Individual Home: Eufy FamiLock S3 Max
Manufacturer: Eufy
The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max is an excellent choice for single-family residences. It is battery-operated and easy to install, even for do-it-yourselfers. This smart lock combines a 2K video doorbell with advanced palm vein recognition technology, enhancing security and convenience.
The FamiLock is relatively unique among video intercoms for its touchless hand-reading biometric access control. Users can unlock their door with a simple wave of the hand in front of the intercom camera, which recognizes every family member based on their palm print, all without touching the device.
Features:
- Access methods: Keypad PIN, mobile app, physical keys, or hand wave.
- Smart home enabled: Apple Home and Amazon Alexa compatible
- Power source: rechargeable battery
This product won the Consumer Electronics Show’s 2025 Innovation Award.
Best for Small Buildings: Comelit VIP Video Intercom
Manufacturer: Comelit
The Comelit IP Video Intercom is an entire ecosystem of modular intercom and tenant substation products ideal for smaller residential and commercial buildings. Operating over Ethernet (PoE), the devices ensure stable and secure communication. The system supports two-way video communication and offers cloud-based management, allowing for efficient control and monitoring. Its modular design provides flexibility, accommodating various installation requirements.
Features:
- High-definition video
- Available with either touchscreen or keypad models
- App control using the proprietary Comelit app
- Customizable configurations for the intercom and substation choices
Like some other wired intercom systems that offer great connectivity between the company’s intercoms and their proprietary tenant substations, the company is not as well known for its remote access control app. On the Apple app store, Comelit’s app gets a mere 2.5-star rating, while on the Google Play store it gets a 3.3-star rating. If mobile app integration is a key part of your building’s needs, you may want to look at other systems such as Swiftlane or Hikvision.
Best for Commercial Use: Hikvision IP Video Intercom
Manufacturer: Hikvision
Hikvision is a global leader in video surveillance products, offering a range of video intercom systems suitable for various applications. The company’s solutions are known for high-definition video, robust security features, and integration capabilities. Notable Product: Hikvision’s 2nd Generation IP Video Intercom System.
The company has a range of outdoor intercoms and indoor tenant substations in its DS-KD9203 lineup.
Features:
- Small video screen with HD video
- Mobile app integration
- IP65 weather protection (outdoor stations)
- Built-in facial recognition
- Capability for up to 10,000 users
This is among the best intercom systems for large offices where wall-mounted video units may be sought for individual offices or retail spaces within a building. Moreover, users regard Hikvision’s mobile app, Hik-Connect well. It has a 4.8-star user rating on the Google Play app store and a 4.7-star rating on the Apple app store.
Video Intercom Installation
Before installing a video intercom, you’ll want to ensure that your building’s existing infrastructure is sufficient for installation or what additional hardware you may need to work with your chosen device.
- Building Infrastructure: Determine if a wired or wireless system suits the building’s setup. Wireless video intercoms are the obvious choice for existing buildings while wired intercoms can be a reasonable option during new construction or gut renovations.
- Power Supply: Some systems require dedicated 120v power sources, while others operate using low voltage connections, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) that are easier to install.
- Network Connectivity: Ensure stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet for IP-based systems or buy a system that supports cellular connections.
- Mounting and Positioning: You must place the cameras at an optimal height for facial recognition. For building gates, an intercom needs a special mounting to be reached from the driver’s window.
- Professional Installation vs. DIY: While some video intercoms made for a single home are plug-and-play, multi-tenant systems usually require professional installation due to more complicated wiring and power sources.
Video Intercom Hardware Costs
You can find a wide array of battery-powered video intercoms for individual homes for under $500. Some bare-bones models are even priced under $200. Meanwhile, multi-tenant Video intercom systems typically range from $1,400 to $5,500, with many lower-end models offering all the essential features of more expensive models.
Systems cost more if you need to buy a substation unit for every apartment or office in the building. Many systems allow you to avoid this cost by allowing tenants to use their own devices to receive intercom calls, such as a tablet or smartphone they already own.
Video Intercom Installation Costs
You would generally need professional installation for multi-tenant intercoms that require a dedicated source of power and a connection to the door release mechanism. Installation typically starts at around $1,000 per unit, though this can increase with market rates or the need to integrate with other building systems. Discounts may be available when installing multiple units.
Video Intercom Ongoing Subscription Fees
Systems that operate on a subscription model use cloud-managed software, reducing upfront costs on dedicated wiring. These systems usually charge a fixed monthly fee per user—typically between just $3 and $5—making the total cost more economical than legacy wired systems. Systems that use a telephone line to connect may require a monthly fee over $100 a month as dedicated landlines become more expensive.
Learn More About Swiftlane’s Video Intercom
Swiftlane’s video intercoms offer a holistic set of features that work well with multitenant residential or commercial buildings. The sleek design helps create a good first impression for visitors, customers and clients alike.
Standout features include:
- Touchless access control with facial recognition for tenants
- HD video and audio capabilities
- Seamless mobile app integration
- IP65 and IK10 durability (Swiftreader X model)
- Integration with key fob/ID card readers, PIN pads, and mobile device entry
- Integrates with doors, elevators, and parking gates
- Scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes
- Strong 24/7 customer support and glowing testimonials
- Top-tier rated app in the Apple and Google app stores
Video Intercom Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can video intercoms work with existing access control systems?
Yes, many video intercoms integrate with RFID, keypads, and smart locks.
Do wireless video intercoms have connectivity issues?
High-quality wireless systems with strong network signals are generally reliable. For the most stable connection, plug the intercom directly into the building’s modem using an ethernet cable.
Are video intercoms suitable for older buildings?
Yes, wireless and IP-based models are ideal for retrofitting older buildings. They can easily connect to existing building Wi-Fi or local cellular data networks without installing new wiring.
How secure are video intercom systems?
Most modern systems have encryption and security features to prevent hacking.
What is the cost of installing a video intercom?
Prices vary from a few hundred dollars for systems designed for one office or homeowners to several thousand dollars for multi-tenant buildings, depending on the features and scale of the system.
What are the best video intercoms for apartments?
Because residential buildings have unique needs, we’ve put together a specific guide on the best intercoms for apartments.
What are the best video intercoms for offices?
Commercial intercom systems can be used simultaneously by multiple companies – the property management company and multiple tenant companies in the same building. We’ve put together a special guide for buying intercom systems for offices.
