Rating of the best intercoms and video intercoms of 2019

The best inexpensive intercom in our rating, Digital CCD-2094.1 is designed for installation in the entrances of apartment buildings, in office buildings and on industrial sites. It is possible to serve up to 200 subscribers (however, in this case, two switches are required). Cast metal panel has good anti-vandal features. The intercom is equipped with a built-in key reader and its own controller for processing signals from them. It is possible to turn off or connect the subscriber to the communication line using software.

The lock can be opened with a digital key. Each input or call of the subscriber is accompanied by a sound signal, the volume of the signal and the sensitivity of the microphone can be adjusted to your liking. The device works at any temperature.

As a rule, residents of apartment buildings have to expand the capabilities of the installed intercom system on an individual basis. Meanwhile, there are a sufficient number of solutions that are highly flexible and scalable, and also significantly outperform their single-family competitors in terms of overall security. One of the best relatively inexpensive video intercoms of this type is rightfully considered the Gate View System manufactured by Commax. All of it consists of a large number of components, and video monitors of the CAV line are responsible for organizing communication with the transfer of pictures in it.

The selection of the most suitable model will not be difficult. In the company’s catalog there are offers with different screen sizes, touch or button controls, completed with a handset or requiring exceptional speakerphone. In our opinion, the recommended model has the optimal configuration: an audio handset and a 5-inch display. In addition to communication with the access block, the device is able to provide control at the entrance to the apartment, and also allows the tenant, if necessary, to seek help from the concierge. Among the advantages of the intercom is the ability to connect wireless video handsets.

Model Commax CDV-35A with the ability to connect two calling tubes with two cameras belongs to the category of «color video intercoms». The LED backlight and TFT-matrix of the 3.5-inch screen provide a rich and clear picture.

CDV-35A makes it possible to see the visitor perfectly (the sound during the conversation is also quite clear). If you need to switch to another camera, you just need to press the image review button again.

The display works in the on state from 10 to 60 seconds. It is possible to adjust the contrast, color saturation and signal volume.

The ability to take photos of the stairwell or record videos, which the KCV-A374SD video intercom provides, allows the owner of the apartment to identify “out-of-hours” visitors or assess their potential threat to their safety “in hindsight”. To do this, just insert a memory card with a larger capacity into the slot of the device and turn on the absence mode on the intercom. The function is triggered by a call signal or a command from a motion detector, so suspicious activity in front of your door will also not go unnoticed. The model allows operation with two calling panels or cameras, is easily integrated into any intercom system and provides connection of an additional monitor and audio handset.

An important advantage of the KCV-A374SD is the ability to understand both video standards (PAL and NTSC), so compatibility with the vast majority of cameras is guaranteed. The main condition for obtaining a high-quality image is that they must have a resolution of 420 TVL and higher. Finally, a certain part of buyers will be attracted by the original design of the case and the ability of the device to turn into a nice photo frame.

A significant drawback of the model is a small range of motion sensor sensitivity settings, which can lead to false alarms.

A feature of this model is the mode of simultaneous viewing of images from four cameras at once, and each of them can be deployed to the entire 10-inch screen at any time. In addition, for a software motion detector, it is possible to indicate areas of increased attention, which enhances the «vigilance» of the intercom and at the same time reduces the number of false positives. Recording is also provided according to an individual schedule for each camera, and the SL‑10IP model can work with almost any analog CCTV module of the PAL or NTSC standard. The same applies to calling panels.

With control, everything is no less solid: manual, using an IR remote control and remote. To implement the latter option, the device is equipped with an Ethernet port and a Wi-Fi module. Of course, the manufacturer did not forget about mobile gadgets for which you need to download the appropriate application (Android or iOS). Much attention is paid by the developers of the remote access model and security.

In fact, the biggest problem with the SL-10IP is the user interface. To set up a video intercom and view recordings offline, you need to connect a mouse, even a wireless one, and working with it “on the air” is not very convenient.

Several «chips» make this model a good choice for building a relatively simple office security and internal communication system. Firstly, it is the possibility of parallel operation of several such devices. Moreover, both common viewing for all monitors from a pair of installed cameras is allowed, as well as independent connection according to the principle — each controls its own zone. The presence of a built-in addressable intercom makes it easy to forward the “call” to other monitors, broadcast, and organize video communication within the system. By the way, the tube with such functionality is more than appropriate.

Secondly, Falcon Eye FE-71TM has an advanced photo and video recording system. In addition to the banal response to a call or a motion detector, the model is able to record according to a schedule. For example, at the beginning of the working day, providing the manager with elementary control of labor discipline.

In addition, the device is able to save a picture in the registrar mode with a customizable frame rate. For example, when choosing the most economical level, the maximum supported amount of space on the memory card is enough for at least a week of continuous recording.

Another feature of the model is the autoresponder function. Alternatively, write down your contact details as a greeting.

The Falcon Eye FE-35WI wireless video intercom is one of the inexpensive, but technically advanced devices. A mobile monitor (3.5 inches) can be carried with you or installed in any part of the apartment if desired. The principle of operation of the device is similar to the operation of a radiotelephone: the base unit is installed, power is supplied and connected to the call panel behind the door. Turning on the recorder with video or photography on a signal from a motion detector allows you to save energy without missing anything important. The effective range of wireless contact is 150 meters, in 99% of cases this is enough. You can connect up to three video cameras to the video intercom.

It is already difficult to imagine a situation when an unexpected guest arrives without first asking if you are at home. Unless he knows the owner’s phone number. It is for such cases that an intercom with a cellular communication module is ideal. Installing a SIM card in Neo GSM gives this device the capabilities of a landline phone that performs automatic dialing to the specified numbers if no one responds “from the inside” to the call panel signal. Actually, the inhabitants of the apartment can also use its services for their own purposes or call an alarm service by pressing a single button on the screen. By the way, for connections at a shareware rate, a mobile phone can even be used as a kind of wireless remote control. When installing additional blocks, extended functionality becomes available. In particular, sending a command from the phone to open the gate.

With traditional functions, Neo GSM is also in perfect order. The model supports the connection of two outdoor panels, a pair of video cameras, can integrate with most common house systems, easily integrates with similar devices and allows you to save individual pictures or videos on various events on a memory card. A rather valuable feature of this intercom can be considered the ability to bind the volume of the call signal to the time of day.