DoorBird Intercom Review, Pricing and Comparison

DoorBird Intercom is a high-end doorbell intercom system that easily connects with access devices like electronic doors and gate controls. Before purchasing, however, it’s important to have a complete overview, weigh the pros and cons, and explore other options to ensure it will best meet you and your tenant’s needs.

In this review, you’ll find an in-depth look at DoorBird Intercom, including:

• Comparison of DoorBird and Swiftlane Video Intercom, including a side-by-side feature comparison
• DoorBird overview
• Cost of DoorBird
• Advantages and disadvantages

DoorBird Intercom vs. Swiftlane Video Intercom – which is better for your building?

Access Control

DoorBird video doorbell is made to function just as an intercom system without built-in access control capabilities.

Swiftlane, however, is both a high-security intercom and access control system. Swiftlane uses mobile, face recognition, PIN code, and key card access with the ability to integrate with existing access control systems.

Visitor Management

DoorBird, similar to Ring video doorbell, sends an alert or chime when someone is at the door via the mobile app. The video doorbell system is entirely run and configured through the mobile App, to which only 8 mobile devices can be connected per door station.

Swiftlane can be remotely managed both via mobile app or web-based dashboard. Swiftlane’s multi-tenant intercom system is also able to connect an unlimited amount of mobile devices to a single door. The touchscreen directory is able to hold any number of tenants, including the ability to set up front desk calling or a virtual front desk. Cascade calling can also be set up to forward an intercom call to another person if the first does not answer.

Side-By-Side Feature Comparison

DoorBird Intercom Overview

Key Features

• Simple installation: built-in connectors for traditional door chime, Ethernet, electric door strike, and door opener button
• Remote unlock function through DoorBird mobile app
• Sends photo records of visitors to the cloud where they can be accessed through the DoorBird app
• 4D motion sensor and infrared Night-Vision
• Each video doorbell can connect with up to 8 iOS or Android phones or tablets

How DoorBird Works

DoorBird is unique in that it replaces a traditional doorbell with an IP-based system. Users simply have to remove their doorbell and connect the existing wires to DoorBird hardware to start using.

DoorBird Pricing

Depending on the products you choose, a single DoorBird Door Station will cost between $384 for a simple home IP doorbell and $2,502 for an IP video door station for multi tenant buildings. 

The indoor station costs $505. 

There are no charges for the automatic cloud storage of entry photo logs for the 50 most recent motion sensor events. An annual subscription of $53+ has 7-day HD storage, if required.

DoorBird Review

Advantages

• Works on eight devices simultaneously 
• Ultra sharp, 180-210 degree ultra wide angle HD image, straightened and without black fish eye edges
• Aesthetically designed, durable, and high-quality video doorbell
• Open API and extensive integration options including NVR, VMS, NAS, RFID, and a range of smart locks and smart home systems
• DoorBird products come in variety of sizes and form factors. New DoorBird models are aesthetically very appealing and come in up to 50 different shades.
• DoorBird provides products at flat hardware cost, with no subscription needed to use the base product. This provides customers with the ability to purchase it upfront without any recurring cost.
• Impressive weather-proofing

Disadvantages

• Door relays included in the intercom, such as DoorBird, pose a security risk*
• No built-in SIP or PBX connectivity, can only send push notifications to non-IP phones
• Camera lens should be at a minimum height of 57 inches, compared to the ADA compliance height of maximum 48 inches

*Door relays that are programmed into the intercom can be removed from their mount to connect the relays, which would trigger an unauthorized door unlock. Typically, more intercom devices avoid this by having a separate device on the secure side of the building that triggers door unlock.