Building entry systems
Apartment intercom system comparison
Compare hardware costs, yearly subscription fees, and resident entry methods for UniFi Access, LiftMaster, ButterflyMX, DoorKing and Aiphone systems across the Lowcountry.
Cost structure
Two-part pricing for building access
Most apartment intercom system choices involve an upfront hardware purchase followed by ongoing costs per unit, per door, or per connection. Side-by-side comparisons clarify the total cost of ownership.
- 1
Upfront hardware costs
Hardware costs cover the intercom panel, hubs, and any in-unit stations needed for visitors to call residents.
- 2
Yearly software fees
Subscription plans cover mobile app access and cloud management, though some brands list no recurring fees for basic operation.
- 3
Essential quote details
Quotes should specify cabling, power supplies, and whether residents answer via mobile app or physical tenant stations.
Published hardware and software totals
Totals reflect hardware plus published yearly fees from November 11, 2026. Figures exclude installation labor, cabling, taxes, and unpublished vendor charges.
Units
Years
Doors
UniFi prices come from store.ui.com, ButterflyMX prices from butterflymx.com/cost, and DoorKing connection plans from DoorKing's January 2026 schedule. DoorKing 1834-080, LiftMaster, and Aiphone GT-1C7 prices reflect dealer listings. All data checked November 11, 2026. store.ui.com, butterflymx.com, doorking.com, myq.com, aiphone.com.
Comparing hardware and software brands
Each manufacturer serves different building sizes and budgets. Evaluate these brands based on their published features and known operational limits.
Select a brand
Intercom feature and cost grid
Direct comparisons of hardware, fees, and visitor entry methods help identify the right fit for your building.
Upfront hardware
$479 for G3 Intercom; $199 for hub; $199 for optional viewer.
CAPXLV2 listed at $3,352.99; CAPXS listed at $791.99 through dealers.
Surface panels from $3,995 to $6,495 depending on size and mounting.
1834-080 model listed at $1,896.99 through dealers for gates and barriers.
In-unit video stations listed at $425.99; door station prices not published.
Yearly fees
No per-unit fees listed; wallet passes carry a yearly fee after 10.
Subscription price not published; Basic and Premium tiers available.
$30 to $42 per unit yearly for software and support.
VoIP with data at $428.45 yearly; cellular from $49.95 monthly; no fee for third-party VoIP.
No subscription fees needed to keep products online.
Resident entry method
Mobile app, physical viewer, or SIP phone; supports phone calls.
myQ Community app for unlocking, guest passes, and video monitoring.
Mobile app with video and audio; provides QR code passes and delivery PINs.
Calls to phone numbers in a 600-entry directory for two-way voice communication.
Physical tenant stations with video; mobile app access available on IXG series models.
Video and cameras
Built-in camera and floodlight; managed by the same console as building cameras.
1080p camera with 135-degree view and night vision on CAPXLV2.
Wide-angle camera with one-way video until the resident enables their camera.
Add-on camera kits available for most 1800 series telephone entry models.
Video available on specific door stations and tenant stations.
System selection by building type
Specific environments from gates to offices favor different hardware and connection types.
Choose building
Replacing an old phone line call box
Replacing copper telephone lines with network-based access removes the phone line, allowing the old line to be cancelled after handover.
DoorKing January 2026 schedule. doorking.com.
Common intercom questions
- Is there a LiftMaster call box alternative?
UniFi Access and ButterflyMX offer video calling and mobile app entry as alternatives to LiftMaster systems. Call (844) 422-7000 for a walkthrough of these options.
- How much is the ButterflyMX cost per unit per year?
ButterflyMX software costs between $30 and $42 per unit each year. Fees cover mobile app features, support, and regular software updates for the building.
- Does UniFi Access charge a monthly fee?
UniFi Access lists no per-unit or per-door monthly fees. Wallet passes are free for the first 10 users for one year, then require a per-user yearly fee.
- How much is the DoorKing monthly fee?
DoorKing VoIP only costs $33.95 monthly, while VoIP with data costs $38.95 monthly. Cellular plans range from $49.95 to $97.95 monthly depending on usage. Property owners using their own VoIP provider pay no DoorKing fee.
- Can a resident answer on a regular phone call?
UniFi Access and DoorKing support answering via standard phone calls. LiftMaster and ButterflyMX focus on mobile app interactions for visitor calls and door releases.
- What does the calculator leave out?
Calculator totals exclude installation labor, cabling, mounts, power supplies, connection hardware, tax, shipping, dealer discounts, and unpublished fees. DoorKing, LiftMaster, and Aiphone hardware figures use dealer listings because direct manufacturer pricing is not published.
Start your intercom comparison
Call (844) 422-7000 or book a walkthrough to evaluate these systems for your Charleston or Savannah area building.