Imagine this: You’re expecting an important delivery… but you’re not home. A friend comes to visit… but they can’t get in. Security is a concern… but your building still relies on outdated buzzers. What if you could control building access from anywhere? What if you could SEE who’s at the door before letting them in? What if managing visitors, deliveries, and security was as easy as tapping your phone?
In this video, we’ll break down everything you need to know about modern apartment intercom systems—how they work, the best options available, and which one is right for your building.
What is an apartment intercom system?
So, what exactly is an apartment intercom system?
At its core, it’s a communication and access control system that connects residents with visitors before granting entry. But today’s intercoms go far beyond just pressing a button and speaking through a crackly speaker.
Older systems relied on audio-only communication, often wired into the building’s infrastructure. But modern intercoms have evolved. They now include video cameras, mobile app access, and cloud-based controls. Some even support facial recognition, Bluetooth entry, and QR code scanning—turning your phone into a digital key. That means residents can see who’s at the door, unlock doors remotely, and even track visitor logs—all from their smartphone or a touchscreen panel inside their unit.
However, not all intercom systems are the same. Let’s take a look at the different types available today.
Types of apartment intercom systems
Alright, Some intercom systems are simple and affordable, while others offer cutting-edge security and convenience. Let’s go over the main types available today.
Audio-Only Intercoms
- These are the most basic intercom systems.
- Visitors press a button, and residents can hear their voices through a speaker.
- No video, no remote access—just a simple way to communicate.
- They’re cost-effective but lack the security of modern solutions.
Video Intercom Systems
- A step up from audio-only, video intercoms let residents see and speak with visitors before opening the door.
- These systems usually have a camera at the entrance and a monitor inside the apartment.
- This added layer of security makes a huge difference in preventing unauthorized access.
Smartphone-Based Intercom Systems
- Why be tied to a wall-mounted unit?
- Smartphone-based intercoms allow residents to answer visitors from anywhere—whether they’re at work, on vacation, or just on the couch.
- With mobile integration, residents can see, speak, and unlock the door from their phones.
Keypad & PIN-Based Intercoms
- Instead of calling a resident, some intercom systems allow visitors or delivery drivers to enter a PIN code to gain access.
- These are especially useful for buildings with frequent deliveries or service personnel.
- The best systems allow property managers and residents to create temporary PIN codes that expire after one use.
Cloud-Based Intercom Systems
- For large apartment buildings and property managers, cloud-based intercoms offer remote access control, visitor logs, and system management from anywhere.
- These systems don’t just let residents open doors—they allow property managers to monitor who’s entering the building and when.
Multi-Technology Intercom Systems
- Some of the most advanced intercoms combine multiple entry methods.
- They support facial recognition, Bluetooth entry, NFC, RFID, QR code scanning, and mobile app access—giving residents multiple ways to enter securely.
- That means residents can unlock doors with their face, phone, PIN code, or even a keycard, all in one system. This level of flexibility makes them ideal for modern apartment buildings.
Now that we know the different types of intercoms, let’s look at some of the best apartment intercom systems available today.
Best apartment intercom systems in 2025
1. DNAKE – High-End Video Intercoms with Smart Access
DNAKE is a pioneer in smart intercom technology, known for its innovative approach to building security and communication systems. With a strong emphasis on cutting-edge R&D, DNAKE has positioned itself as a leader in SIP-based video intercom systems, integrating facial recognition, mobile access, and cloud-based management into its products.
Unlike traditional intercom manufacturers, DNAKE focuses on intelligent solutions that merge security with convenience, making them a preferred choice for luxury apartment complexes, commercial buildings, and smart city developments.
To better illustrate this, let’s look at their S617 – one of the most advanced intercoms available. At the heart of the S617 is an 8-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. This high-definition display ensures clear visuals and provides an intuitive interface for users to interact with the system seamlessly.
Equipped with a 2-megapixel HD camera, the S617 offers a 120° wide-angle view, capturing a broad area to ensure comprehensive monitoring. The camera has (WDR) technology, which balances lighting conditions by brightening dark areas and dimming overexposed sections, resulting in clear and detailed images even in challenging lighting environments. For low-light situations, the device features automatic LED white light illumination, enhancing visibility during nighttime or in poorly lit areas.
Unlike traditional intercom manufacturers, DNAKE focuses on intelligent solutions that merge security with convenience, making them a preferred choice for luxury apartment complexes, commercial buildings, and smart city developments.
To better illustrate this, let’s look at their S617 – one of the most advanced intercoms available. At the heart of the S617 is an 8-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. This high-definition display ensures clear visuals and provides an intuitive interface for users to interact with the system seamlessly.
Equipped with a 2-megapixel HD camera, the S617 offers a 120° wide-angle view, capturing a broad area to ensure comprehensive monitoring. The camera has (WDR) technology, which balances lighting conditions by brightening dark areas and dimming overexposed sections, resulting in clear and detailed images even in challenging lighting environments. For low-light situations, the device features automatic LED white light illumination, enhancing visibility during nighttime or in poorly lit areas.
The S617 supports multiple authentication methods to cater to diverse security needs:
- Facial Recognition: This is a top-of-the-line feature that makes entry easy and secure, using advanced recognition algorithms.
- IC/ID Cards & PIN Codes: Classic methods that still offer dependable access control, and are perfect for locations with staff who prefer traditional access.
- Bluetooth Options: My personal favorite is the several Bluetooth unlocking methods, including shake-to-unlock, nearby unlock, and Smart Watch unlock.
- Temporary QR Codes & Landline Access: Residents can create temporary QR codes for visitors or even use a landline. It’s these small options that make the S617 highly adaptable to different user needs.
We know how important the communication aspect is for intercoms. The S617 is equipped with a built-in microphone and a speaker, utilizing the G.711 audio codec with echo cancellation to ensure crisp and clear two-way audio interactions between visitors and residents or security personnel.
And just to add some extra bit of information on this device, it includes a tamper alarm to detect unauthorized attempts to interfere with the device, enhancing the overall security of the system. It also supports video calls with indoor monitors and mobile applications, allowing residents to communicate with visitors remotely and grant access as needed.
2. Aiphone – Reliable and Durable Intercom Systems
Aiphone is a trusted name in the intercom industry, known for producing long-lasting, high-quality intercom systems. They offer both wired and wireless video intercoms, making them ideal for buildings upgrading from older systems. But for us, one device that we reviewed showcased some great features. The IXG-DM7-HIDA.
Central to the IXG-DM7-HIDA is its 7-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display, with a resolution of 800 x 400 pixels. This intuitive interface simplifies navigation, allowing visitors to easily locate and contact tenants. The display is equipped with a motion sensor that activates upon detecting a visitor’s approach, ensuring readiness for interaction. Additionally, the station includes T-coil support, assisting individuals with hearing aids by providing clearer audio communication. It also supports two-way communication without interruption.
The entrance station features a 1.23-megapixel fixed video camera that delivers 720p HD video quality, ensuring clear and reliable visuals for tenant verification. But a standout feature of the IXG-DM7-HIDA is its built-in HID card reader, which supports both high-frequency and low-frequency cards offering flexible access solutions tailored to specific security requirements. You also have the possibility of on-board recording a microSD™ card slot, allowing for local storage of video and audio recordings. This feature is essential for maintaining access logs and reviewing past interactions.
3. Ubiquiti – Smart Intercoms with Cloud Connectivity
Ubiquiti’s UniFi Access system brings cloud-based technology to apartment intercoms. Their intercoms integrate seamlessly with smart home and security systems for a fully connected experience. For buildings that already use Ubiquiti’s networking and security products, this is a perfect addition. If we actually look at their intercom, the UA-Intercom, it has a 7-inch capacitive multi-touch touchscreen display, featuring a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. This high-resolution screen ensures clear visuals and provides an intuitive interface for users to navigate directories, enter PIN codes, or interact with the system. With a typical luminance of 1000 nits, the display remains visible even in bright outdoor conditions.
The intercom is equipped with an 8-megapixel camera that captures high-definition video at a resolution of 3264 x 2448 pixels and provides a wide field of view. Looking at the access control, it can accommodate diverse security requirements:
- The built-in NFC reader supports technologies such as MIFARE Classic and MIFARE DESFire, allowing users to unlock doors with compatible NFC cards or devices.
- You can also use the UniFi Identity Mobile App as a digital key.
- The touchscreen interface allows users to enter personalized PIN codes for secure access without relying on physical cards or devices.
- And you can even unlock the door through facial recognition.
As far as communication goes, with its built-in microphone and speaker, it provides a clear sound for both the resident and the visitor.
Keep in mind that the UA-Intercom is designed for seamless integration within the UniFi ecosystem, the UA-Intercom connects to the UniFi Access Hub series via a RJ45 port, utilizing Power over Ethernet (PoE) for both power and data transmission. This simplifies installation by reducing the need for separate power sources. Additionally, the device offers Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity for setup and configuration purposes.
4. Verkada – AI-Powered Intercoms with Security Integration
Verkada’s intercom systems combine video intercom functionality with advanced security features. Their systems offer remote access control, video surveillance integration, and cloud storage. If we look at the TD63 from Verkada, the look is really different from the others! Instead of the touchscreen, it features a 12-button keypad, allowing for secure PIN code entry. This keypad facilitates customized access experiences for employees and visitors, supporting multi-factor authentication when combined with other credential methods. The tactile response of the buttons ensures reliable input, even in high-traffic areas.
As for the camera, it is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera, the TD63 delivers high-definition video with a resolution of 2688 x 1944 pixels. The camera offers a wide 130° horizontal field of view, ensuring comprehensive coverage of entry points. Advanced imaging technologies, such as (WDR) and infrared (IR) LEDs with a 15-meter range, enable clear visuals in diverse lighting conditions, including low-light environments.
Now on the access control side, it has a built-in card reader that is compatible with technologies like MIFARE DESFire and HID Prox. Users can also utilize mobile devices for entry through Bluetooth or NFC. And of course, with this interface, you guessed it, the integrated keypad allows for personalized PIN code access, providing an additional or alternative method for user authentication. As for the audio the TD63 is equipped with four omnidirectional MEMS microphones and a powerful 4W speaker. So yes, two-way communication audio.
Finally, this video intercom offers comprehensive recording and analytics capabilities, functioning as a security camera to enhance visibility and security at entryways. It includes 512GB of onboard storage for video retention and integrates seamlessly with Verkada’s cloud-based management platform, allowing for remote monitoring, access management, and system configuration.
5. 2N – Premium Intercoms with Flexible Entry Options
2N offers some of the most advanced intercom systems on the market, with multiple ways to unlock doors. Their main product is the IP Style. It has a 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. Additionally, the screen features a unique self-disinfecting coating that eliminates over 99% of viruses and bacteria, promoting hygiene in high-traffic areas. The intercom is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera capable of capturing video at resolutions up to 2560 x 1920 pixels. One neat feature of this camera is that the system can automatically detect faces within the camera’s field of view and zoom in to provide a clearer image of visitors, enhancing security and user interaction.
As for the access control, we tested their WaveKey technology, and it was the fastest authentication when we tried to unlock it with the Bluetooth technology. It also has an integrated reader that supports both high-frequency and low-frequency cards. The touchscreen interface includes an on-screen numeric keypad, allowing users to enter personalized PIN codes for secure access.
For temporary or visitor access, the system can generate QR codes that can be scanned at the intercom for entry. The 2N IP Style is equipped with two built-in microphones and dual 4W speakers. The system supports full-duplex audio with echo cancellation, allowing simultaneous two-way conversations without interruptions. Lastly, the intercom’s display can be tailored to match the building’s aesthetics or branding, offering two different modes suitable for office or residential settings
Now, let’s look at why installing an apartment intercom system is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity.
Benefits of apartment intercom systems
Apartment intercom systems aren’t just about letting people in. They’re about security, convenience, and smarter building management. Whether you’re a resident, a property manager, or a building owner, the right intercom system can make daily life easier and safer. Keys can be lost. Codes can be shared. However,But an advanced intercom system ensures that only the right people get in. With features like video verification, mobile authentication, and remote access control, residents no longer have to guess who’s at the door. Instead of relying on outdated key systems, modern buildings use Bluetooth, facial recognition, or temporary access codes for a seamless and secure experience.
And it’s not just about security. These systems make life easier. No more running downstairs to let someone in. No more waiting around for a package. Property managers can issue temporary access codes for guests and service providers, track visitor logs in real-timereal time, and even manage multiple buildings remotely. With deliveries increasing every day, buildings without a secure intercom system often face problems like stolen packages and missed drop-offs. A modern system allows couriers to enter a package room or smart locker without needing a resident to be home—eliminating theft and frustration.
For property managers, intercom systems streamline operations and reduce maintenance costs. Instead of constantly replacing lost keys or changing locks, everything is managed digitally. Access can be granted—or revoked—with a few clicks. And for building owners, this isn’t just about convenience—it’s about value. Properties with modern intercom and security systems attract tech-savvy tenants, reduce turnover, and even justify higher rental prices. Whether it’s about security, efficiency, or simply making everyday life easier, intercom systems have become an essential part of modern apartment living.
Conclusion: Choosing the right apartment intercom system
With so many intercom systems available, how do you choose the right one for your building? It all comes down to your needs. A small apartment complex might only need a basic video intercom, while a high-rise with hundreds of residents would benefit from a cloud-based system with remote access control. Think about the features that matter most: Do you want facial recognition? Mobile app access? PIN codes for deliveries?
Property managers should also consider how the system integrates with existing security infrastructure, and whether it supports remote access and multi-building management. At the end of the day, the best apartment intercom system isn’t just about security—it’s about making everyday life easier, safer, and more convenient. Technology has changed the way we live, and apartment intercoms are no exception. From smartphone-based access to advanced AI security, today’s systems offer more than ever before. If you’re looking to upgrade your building, choosing the right intercom system is one of the smartest investments you can make.
So—what features matter most to you? Let us know in the comments!
