Looking for a high-quality intercom for your front door? Let's explore the must-have models you shouldn't miss!
Comparison of 3 models we recommend
1. A 3-apartment intercom kit
Features and Reviews
The Smartwares DIC 21132 intercom is a high-end product, one of the best quality products on the market. It boasts numerous features and is a very complete intercom system. This product allows you to equip three apartments.
This two-way audio device, which allows you to communicate with your visitor, can be connected to your door to trigger the opening from inside your home using the touch control button.
Furthermore, the weatherproof outdoor unit is equipped with a light sensor that illuminates the nameplates at night. This allows your visitors to easily ring your name, even in the dark. One of the great advantages of this intercom is its very simple two-wire installation. Finally, the intercom comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty.
2. A modern intercom to use with your smartphone: Arlo Doorbell
Features and Reviews
The Arlo Doorbell intercom is a very interesting product; it is one of the most modern intercoms on the market. Indeed, the device allows you to answer your visitors from your smartphone, as if you were receiving a call.
The intercom system also allows you to record automated responses for potential visitors, enabling you to explain your absence or ask them to return later. You can also record conversations directly to your phone (using the Arlo app).
The device can also be put into "do not disturb" mode, preventing anyone from ringing your doorbell. You will, of course, be notified on your phone if someone rings your intercom. Finally, the intercom is weatherproof and compatible with cameras from the same brand, allowing you to see both audio and video when someone rings your doorbell.
3. The affordable intercom for the home, SCS Sentinel
Features and Reviews
A classic intercom system, its strength lies in its simplicity, making it accessible to both tech-savvy users and beginners. Furthermore, it's extremely affordable; by far the cheapest on the market, offering a very competitive price that's hard to find.
With its two-wire connection, this device is quite simple to install (with a two-wire surface-mounted installation), it is just as simple to use, you can communicate with individuals at the entrance of your home (two-way audio) and you are also of course able to open the door for them with the button on the apartment unit.
This product offers a good balance between affordability and simplicity, and it also comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty. Finally, the product has CE certification, giving you peace of mind knowing it's a verified device.
The intercom – an audio security device
An intercom is a device used to control access to a building or property. It serves two purposes. The first is to notify the owner of a visitor's arrival, much like a doorbell. The second is to allow the owner to speak with the visitor at the door.
Unlike a video intercom , this device does not allow for visual contact. That said, it remains a useful security solution. It allows you to identify your visitor by their voice .
The intercom consists of two parts. First, there is the outdoor unit. It is either surface-mounted near the door or recessed into the wall. It sometimes has a nameplate holder displaying the homeowner's name.
On some devices, the mounting plate is sufficiently reinforced to prevent vandalism. It is also equipped with a protective visor that shields it from the elements.
Secondly, there is the handset or monitor that is installed in the house. This is the device with which the homeowner can speak with their guest. Whether fixed or mobile, the handset is connected to the entry panel.
Both components of the intercom are equipped with a microphone and a speaker, allowing users to communicate.
There is a wide variety of intercoms on the market , and it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. This article aims to help you identify the best devices available. It will also serve as a buyer's guide, providing you with the information you need to make a satisfactory choice.
Possible transmission models with an intercom
A wide range of intercom systems are available on the market. There are wired, wireless, and connected models. Each has its own advantages.
The wireless intercom
This is an easy-to-install intercom model. No wiring is required to connect the transmitter (the outdoor unit) and the receiver (the handset). The connection is established via radio waves.
Generally, wireless intercoms operate on batteries . Otherwise, the unit must be plugged into a mains power outlet.
The device has a major flaw: its range is limited. The presence of obstacles tends to reduce it even further. This could even impair the quality of communication.
If you are interested in a wireless model, we recommend choosing a wifi video intercom !
The Wired Intercom
Wired intercoms do not use radio modulation. In fact, their two components are connected by cables . This makes communication much more stable. The number of wires varies from one device to another.
But whether it's a 2-wire or 4-wire intercom , its installation can be complex. Indeed, you may encounter various constraints unless the goal is to replace an existing product.
In addition, check out our comparison of the best wired video intercoms !
The Connected Intercom
This is the most modern and efficient version of the intercom. It's also known as a Wi-Fi intercom . It connects to a smartphone via the internet, providing remote control. Note that the smartphone can replace the handset inside the house, making the connected intercom mobile .
Why should you be interested in an intercom? What does it offer?
Among the many security devices available on the market, the intercom is the most widely used. It's a practical device that can satisfy users in several ways.
A practical and effective security device
- Indeed, it is a security device with a strong reputation. It is appreciated for its effectiveness.
- The fact that the control unit can be fixed or mobile, like a phone, is another advantage of the intercom. This increases its convenience. You can move it anywhere in the house. In other words, you can have it close at hand at all times.
- The indoor intercom is an effective tool for securing and controlling access to a detached house, an apartment and even a business premises.
- This security device can also be connected to a smartphone, transforming it into a smart intercom . Such a device allows for remote control of access to the property.
A device that provides safety and comfort
- The intercom offers better security to its user
- It can also improve your daily comfort. Thanks to its modern functionality, there's no longer any need to go to the door to see who's at the bell. It's even possible to activate the automatic opening of a gate or front door.
- The intercom can meet the security needs of individuals and businesses.
- Furthermore, it is a device suitable for any building. Better than a doorbell , it is especially suitable for residential buildings and apartments.
- The intercom allows the visitor to know the name of the occupant of the place to contact thanks to the fact that it is equipped with a name tag holder.
The biggest advantage of an intercom: remote door opening
The intercom is a modern security tool, easy to use and which allows effective control of access routes to a home or business.
If it is of high quality, it boasts numerous features that make it even more efficient. The most important is its ability to allow remote opening of the door.
For example, it is possible to connect the intercom to an automatic opening system. This will allow the homeowner to open the door simply by pressing a button displayed on the indoor monitor.
The street panel must be connected to an electric strike or an electric lock ; the device will then allow automatic opening and closing of the door, gate or wicket gate.
The video intercom
Thanks to advances in communication technology, an innovative version of the intercom has emerged: the video intercom . Its distinguishing feature is that its panel is equipped with a mini camera, capable of recording video of the visitor.
The device's monitor, however, is equipped with a screen. This allows the user to see the visitor. With a video intercom , therefore, identification is done visually. If the screen size is large enough, the image will be clearer.
Some video intercoms are even capable of saving the captured image if the owner is away. The owner can then view it later and identify the person who visited.
It should be noted that the video intercom retains its classic function. It allows the user to communicate verbally with the visitor.
A video intercom is far more appealing than a traditional intercom system due to its additional features. Furthermore, it offers greater convenience and security. That said, it is considerably more expensive.
