ButterflyMX Reviews: Complete Overview, Cost and Alternatives

ButterflyMX is a building video intercom and access control company in the US. In this post, we cover various product features, reviews, pricing, competitors of ButterflyMX. To help prospective Swiftlane customers, we also provide a comparison of Swiftlane vs Butterflymx.

Looking to research the best video intercom systems? Please read our detailed comparison blog.

What is ButterflyMX?

ButterflyMX is an access control and video intercom company located in the US. They provide products to allow entry into buildings for visitors and residents. Butterfly intercom panels include a touch screen interface that is typically installed on the entrance of an apartment or condo building.

ButterflyMX Features

ButterflyMX video intercom provides the following features:

• Video intercom calls for visitors
• Mobile app based door unlock
• Touch screen interface
• Different screen sizes
• Pin pad access
• Handle visitors and deliveries
• Building Access control

How much does ButterflyMX Cost?

ButterflyMX charges different hardware price based on the model and size of the unit. e.g. As of Jun 29, 2022, here are the prices for Butterfly Video Intercom Hardware:

• ButterflyMX 7 inch model costs $4,995 list price
• ButterflyMX 11.6 Inch intercom costs $6,995 list price

How much does ButterflyMX Subscription Cost?

ButterflyMX product requires an ongoing subscription fee to operate the product. The subscription fee is based on the number of units, for apartment and condo buildings. ButterflyMX subscription pricing varies, depending on the size of the building and any incentives. Some customers report that a Butterfly subscription costs $42 per year per unit. They require contacting the sales person through the website to get an exact quote.

Subscription cost list price (may vary): $42/year per apartment unit, ongoing fees

Swiftlane vs. ButterflyMX

Although there are some similarities between Swiftlane and ButterflyMX, below we compare pricing and break down the features of both in a side-by-side comparison table.

Intercom Hardware Pricing

Swiftlane: $1450-$2250

ButterflyMX: $3995-$6,995

Swiftlane costs about 30-60% less for ongoing costs. You can request exact Swiftlane pricing for your building.

Solution Comparison

ButterflyMX

• Two-Way Audio/Video Intercom Calling
• Convenient face unlock for residents (preferred by over 95% residents)
• Loitering Detection for intruders and transients
• Building Announcement to Residents through Email and Push Notifications
• Touch Screen Vandal Resistance Certification (IK Rating)
• Hardware Cost: $3,995 - $6,995
• Cellular Internet Based Deployment to Reduce Monthly Costs
• Deter security threats with intruder access photo logs
• Resident move-in and move-out workflows
• Free Property Management System integration
• Windows Operating System
• Resident Access Modes on the Intercom: Mobile app, PIN
• Resident can call back the reader for missed calls
• Route calls to multiple residents within a unit in parallel
• Integration with CCTV camera systems
• Support regular phone and landline calls
• Remote unlock and door release
• Managing access to deliveries
• Hands-free, Siri-enabled voice controls
• Allow one time access PINs
• Touchscreen directory
• Leasing office and front desk intercom

Swiftlane

• Two-Way Audio/Video Intercom Calling
• Convenient face unlock for residents (preferred by over 95% residents)
• Loitering Detection for intruders and transients
• Building Announcement to Residents through Email and Push Notifications
• Touch Screen Vandal Resistance Certification (IK Rating)
• Hardware Cost: $1,450 - $2,250
• Cellular Internet Based Deployment to Reduce Monthly Costs
• Deter security threats with intruder access photo logs
• Resident move-in and move-out workflows
• Free Property Management System integration
• Android IOT
• Resident Access via Mobile app, Face Unlock, PIN, Siri Voice Unlock
• Resident can call back the reader for missed calls
• Route calls to multiple residents within a unit in parallel
• Integration with CCTV camera systems
• Support regular phone and landline calls
• Remote unlock and door release
• Managing access to deliveries
• Hands-free, Siri-enabled voice controls
• Allow one time access PINs
• Touchscreen directory
• Leasing office and front desk intercom

PDF: Swiftlane Video Intercom

Learn how Swiftlane video intercom and face unlock works. Download a complete overview.

Download PDF

ButterflyMX Intercom Overview

Key Features

For property managers and building owners:

• Ability to see door release event history for at least 365 days
• Manage tenant and visitor permissions remotely
• Integration with property management software (PMS)

For tenants:

• Remote unlock via ButterflyMX app
• Visitors can be sent virtual keys in the form of a QR code
• Two-way video intercom calling to receive calls from anywhere

ButterflyMX Reviews

Advantages

• Residents can perform a visual verification of the visitor
• Use a mobile app to open doors
• Remotely unlock doors for visitors
• 10 years on the market
• Multiple integrations
• Many deployments within the major markets
• 6-digit access PIN available if keys or phone are left behind
• Elevator controls through mobile app 
• Alexa- or Siri-enabled voice controls
• QR code based virtual keys for visitors

Disadvantages

• Expensive Hardware: ButterflyMX is very expensive compared to other products in the market. Most modern intercoms start at $2000, whereas ButterflyMX list price starts at $3,995, plus requires several additional pieces like an active internet connection, a POE+ switch, UPS battery backup, and door lock power supply components (if not available).
• Ongoing costs: The system requires an ongoing subscription per unit. Compared to cheaper intercom alternatives, you should budget for higher ongoing cost as a landlord.
• Support: ButterflyMX sells to property managers directly and may outsource the installation to a third party installer. Once the system is installed, there is no service obligation on the installer to provide on-going on the ground support. This
• Vandalism risk: ButterflyMX lacks vandal resistance and impact resistance certifications. Any vandalism of the unit may require additional costs for replacement.
• Missing Modern Features: ButterflyMX does not provide newer features like touchless face recognition access on its intercom.
• Hardware size: Large panels are a space constraint and increase cost of labor and install in smaller spaces. Additionally, large panels are a limitation to install in all entrances needed. Finally, the larger panel can attract vandals and require expensive replacements and repair in the event of a vandal incident.
• QR codes: The Virtual Key QR code cannot be embedded in delivery instructions, which creates a gap in delivery management

ButterflyMX Competitors & Alternatives

Some of the competitors for ButterflyMX include Swiftlane, Doorking, Linear and many other video intercom and access control companies. See a complete list of building intercom companies here

Video intercom competitors

• Swiftlane video intercom
• 2N video intercom
• Siedle intercom

Audio telephone line intercom competitors

• Doorking
• Linear
• Viking Intercom

Last Updated: 06-29-2022