Prioritizing security is gaining currency in commercial and residential spaces. Thanks to the progresses in technology, now, we can choose from a vast array of equipment including CCTV cameras, intercom systems and alarm systems. Among these security systems, one of the widely used is an intercom system.

However, making the apt selection among an endless range of intercom systems requires a Herculean effort if you do not have the correct information on your side. For that purpose, we have brought this guide that will help you to choose the best intercom system for your space—commercial or residential—depending on your needs. 

Wireless intercoms

If your space does not have free wiring slots (and you do not want to spend money on getting new wiring slots), you should go for wireless door phones. A wireless system is easy to install and provides similar capabilities to wired equipment.

Wireless intercoms cover a wide range of two-way communication systems comprising outdoor wireless call boxes, traditional desktop intercoms and handheld radios. Selecting the best wireless intercom depends on one primary factor—the distance that your message needs to travel to reach its receiver.

Wired intercoms

If your building is still under construction, and you are not bothered by running wires, wired door phones are for you. These systems are less expensive when compared with their wired counterparts. Plus,some environments (especially basements) disable the use of wireless intercoms; in those places, a wired door phone can work well.

The decision to select the best wired door phone depends on the fact that whether you would want the message to be transmitted from point A to point B or you have any other advanced requirements. A basic two-wire intercom will enable transmission of messages from one point to one or more substations; however, such a door phone disables calls between substations.

Video intercoms

A video intercom, nowadays, has become one of the most popular intercom systems for home.The system is apt when the need is to both talk and view the visitor at the entryway. By and large, a video intercom is wired as it is difficult to send a video feed wirelessly. The choice of a video intercom will chiefly depend on your budget and the features that you seek.

A few video door phones will have a picture memory for storing snapshots of visitors. Likewise, if you have good budget (and the need, too), you can go for a high-end video door phone that comes with features such as zoom, pan and tilt.