Door intercom systems are the barriers keeping businesses and buildings safe. With the proliferation of HD video surveillance, combined with high fidelity, two-way audio communication, intercoms have become an essential part of security systems.
Virtual guards, gate security, and access control systems all integrate with door intercoms to give businesses an edge when it comes to protecting their facilities from intruders. But with rapidly changing technology, it’s easy to get buried under a mountain of information. In this article, we’ll discuss the best 5 features to look for when buying a door intercom system.
In this Article
- Types of Door Intercom Systems in 2025
- The Top 5 Features of Door Intercom Systems
- How to Choose the Best Intercom System
Types of Door Intercom Systems in 2025
If you like options, there’s never been a better time to shop for door intercom systems. The security industry is booming, and you’ve got a front seat to the party. Before discussing the top features of intercom systems, here’s what you need to know about the intercoms available for businesses and organizations.
Wireless Intercom Systems
Wireless intercoms, also known as internet-based intercom systems, help businesses avoid rewiring their building. By avoiding costly wired installations, businesses can get their intercom systems up and running quickly, saving them time and expenses. Additionally, wireless intercoms make it possible to grant access, verify guests, and monitor entrances from anywhere – all you need is an internet connection.
Wired Intercom Systems
Wired intercom systems are a superb choice for the security-conscious business. With a wired system, users get reliable and battle-tested systems. Wired intercoms stay connected even during internet outages, so you’ll never need to worry about a gap in security. The downsides of wired intercom systems include their price and scalability. It probably goes without saying that installing a wired system takes longer than setting up a wireless intercom. As you can imagine, expanding a wired intercom system over multiple buildings takes time and planning.
Video Intercom Systems
A commercial video intercom system combines the two-way, high-fidelity audio of an intercom with the high definition of a surveillance camera. Video intercom systems are the best way to sync entry access control and video. With HD video, mobile app control, and AI-powered security, you’re always connected.
Warehouse & Industrial Intercom System
Factories, industrial plants, and warehouses need durable communication solutions that cut through the noise and debris. Industrial intercom systems, sometimes referred to as warehouse intercom systems, come with noise-canceling technology. They are specifically built to withstand debris and weather.
If you’re still wondering which type of door intercom is right for you, give SafeTouch a call. We’re here to help!
The Top 5 Features of Door Intercom Systems
No matter which type of intercom you choose, it’s important to investigate its features. Below are the top 5 features you should consider when shopping for a commercial intercom system.
1. Range
Intercom systems come in two main types: wired and wireless/internet-based/IP intercoms. The operational range of each varies, with wireless systems operating at greater distances.
Wired intercom systems require an electrician to install wiring from the master station – at the building’s entrance – to the substation. Since they don’t rely on an internet connection, hardwired intercoms are more reliable than internet-based. However, hardwired intercom systems have a more limited range. Therefore, wired systems work well in small and medium-size businesses that operate at one location.
Internet-based intercom systems (also known as wireless intercom systems) use the internet to send and receive information, wirelessly – no electrician needed. Wireless systems are ideal for organizations with large campuses, multiple locations, or in buildings where wired installation is too difficult. The primary drawback of an internet-based intercom is that when an internet outage occurs, your system will be too.
2. Mobile App
From access control to banking to washing machines, nowadays almost everything can be controlled remotely using a smartphone. Intercom systems often come with mobile apps. These apps let users monitor their doors and gates, interact with visitors, and grant access remotely. Users no longer have to use a substation within the building to perform these actions. All they need is their smartphone and the mobile app.
Considerations for Intercom Mobile Apps: Mobile apps are the most important aspect for monitoring door entry while on-the-go. Make sure you get a feel for the mobile app before purchasing an intercom system. Consider whether the interface is user-friendly and if it’s easy to grant access remotely.
Another important question relates to the software itself: does the manufacturer have a team dedicated to making updates and enhancements? If not, their mobile app is probably not a priority, which means you might not get support if a problem occurs.
3. Video
Video is another important feature to consider when shopping for intercom systems. Video intercom systems combine surveillance cameras with two-way audio and remote access control. Gone are the days of guessing who’s at your door. With video intercoms, users can easily verify guests before they step foot inside.
Considerations for Video Intercoms: Video intercoms feature different camera resolutions, alarms, and fields of view. For organizations looking to future-proof their security, a 4K resolution intercom might be ideal. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then look for an intercom system with HD video.
Additionally, many cameras come with features like motion detection. Motion detection is important if you want automated notifications about any activity outside your entrance.
4. Durability
One of the frequently overlooked aspects of a door intercom system is its durability. A well-maintained intercom system can last from 10 to 15 years. However, weather and frequent usage can slowly cause an intercom system to stop functioning.
Weather
Weather plays a major role in the lifespan of an intercom system. No matter whether you’re in a desert suburb with 112-degree temperatures, a city with 85% humidity year-round, or a town where it snows for 6 months, extreme climates can destroy your security hardware. Since intercom systems are partially outdoors, they’re prone to weather damage. Master stations, buzzers, video cameras, and wiring can all be damaged by weather.
Usage and Maintenance
Another factor that reduces intercom life is usage. In a commercial enterprise, hundreds of people might interact with a call box each day, and such continual use will wear down its components. Creating a regular maintenance schedule helps sustain the life of intercom systems by fixing minor issues before they become major.
Vandalism
A final consideration when it comes to the durability of intercom systems is vandalism. If you’re concerned about crime in the surrounding area, look for tamper-proof master stations and video cameras.
5. Integrations
For a moment, think about all the systems involved in your business. There are visitor management systems, access control, HR systems, payroll software, messaging apps and email, and on and on. Consider how much time it takes to learn, log in, organize, and perform tasks in each program. It’s a lot!
Save Time and Reduce Operating Expenses
Integrations keep businesses organized, saving them time and operating expenses. One way integrations help is by connecting isolated infrastructure like intercom systems, with visitor management, security cameras, and access control systems.
How does this save time? Instead of clicking between separate software dashboards, IT and security personnel can use one dashboard to oversee their entire security program. But as much as we all like saving time and adding operational efficiency, intercom integrations do even more for businesses – they strengthen security.
Stronger Security
Integrations improve security through automation and notifications. For example, in an emergency, security teams receive instant notifications. When an alert is received, security personnel can quickly act by triggering automated lockdown plans or corresponding with the perpetrator using two-way intercoms. Security integrations help security personnel save time by directing attention to one platform instead of jumping between multiple interfaces.
How to Choose the Best Intercom Security System
Your business is unique. Make sure your door intercom system is too. With over 30 years of industry experience, SafeTouch can help you customize, purchase, and install a door intercom system that’s right for you. Whether you operate a manufacturing plant or a commercial real estate building, our certified professionals will get you started. Give us a call at 888.895.SAFE (7233) to speak with a SafeTouch expert today!