Best Access Control Software

What access control software does for apartment communities

Access control replaces keys and fobs with credentials managed in software: mobile keys, PIN codes, cards and visitor passes for building entries, amenity doors, gates, elevators and increasingly unit doors. The software side is what matters for operations: issuing and revoking credentials automatically on move-in and move-out, giving vendors and self-guided tours time-boxed access, logging events, and integrating with the property management system, the resident app and video.

The category on BoostNOI includes cloud access control platforms, gate and telephone-entry systems, key management hardware, video security vendors with access products, and smart-apartment platforms that bundle access with in-unit devices.

Who should buy one

New developments and major renovations should specify access control up front, because wiring and door hardware are far cheaper to get right during construction. Existing communities adopt it to eliminate rekeying, support self-guided tours, cut call-box and fob costs, and close the gap between the PMS and the front door. Garden-style communities with gates and amenity buildings often start with gate and common-area access before unit locks.

How to choose

1. Open integration. Credentials should be created and revoked from the PMS move-in and move-out events, and residents should open doors from the resident app you already use. Ask which PMS platforms and resident apps the vendor integrates with today, not on the roadmap.
2. Hardware flexibility. Prefer platforms that work with multiple reader and lock brands, so you are not locked into one hardware line for every retrofit.
3. Offline behavior. Doors must work when internet or power fails. Ask about local caching of credentials and battery backup.
4. Visitor and vendor access. Time-limited passes, delivery access, self-guided tour support and audit logs for every event.
5. Video and intercom. Whether video entry and cameras are native or integrated, and how footage links to access events.
6. Total cost. Hardware, installation, per-door or per-unit software fees, and cellular or network costs. Multi-year software commitments are common; read the renewal terms.

Vendors listed in this category

Brivo is a cloud access control platform for commercial and multifamily properties with mobile credentials and video integration. Kastle Systems and Keri Systems are long-established access and security providers; Avigilon (Motorola Solutions) and 3xLOGIC combine access with video security; Alarm.com delivers security, video and automation through a dealer network. Gatewise is built for multifamily gates and amenity doors with Yardi, ResMan, Entrata and RealPage integration; Geokey is a mobile access platform for apartment communities and the most-connected vendor in this category on BoostNOI; CellGate offers cloud telephone entry and gate access; Alocity pairs AI video with access and visitor management. Homebase and Cohesion are smart-building platforms that include access alongside automation and resident experience. Keycafe and RezApp handle key management and control; ZeroKey and Gloocel are newer keyless entry products. Eleven Software and DOOR appear in this category but are primarily WiFi and service-provider tools; check their profiles before shortlisting.

Implementation notes

Walk every door, gate and elevator with the integrator and classify it: resident, staff, vendor, visitor, amenity hours. Decide the credential strategy (mobile first, with fob or PIN fallback for residents without smartphones). Plan the PMS integration and the move-out revocation test before go-live. Budget for door hardware surprises on older buildings.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between access control and smart locks? Access control covers building and common-area entries, gates and elevators and manages credentials centrally. Smart locks are the unit-door devices; many platforms manage both, and BoostNOI lists unit locks under Smart Locks / IoT Devices.

Can residents use their phone as a key? Yes, mobile credentials are standard on cloud platforms, usually alongside fobs, cards or PINs for residents who prefer them.

Does access control integrate with Yardi, RealPage or Entrata? The multifamily-focused vendors integrate with the major PMS platforms for move-in and move-out automation; check the Integrations section on each profile for specifics.

What happens if the internet goes down? Properly designed systems cache credentials locally so doors keep working; confirm this and the battery backup design with your vendor.

How much does access control cost? Hardware and installation are the largest costs and depend on door count and building age; software is typically priced per door or per unit per month. Request quotes through the vendor profiles.