Aiphone Review (Complete Intercom Overview and Cost)

Established in 1970, Aiphone is one of the most respected brands of security communication systems. The Aiphone intercom system has various series designed to meet the needs of different users. Before integrating Aiphone into your building, read the 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 Aiphone intercom systems, including:

  • Comparison of Aiphone and Swiftlane Video Intercom, including a side-by-side feature comparison
  • Aiphone intercom series (IX, IXG, JO, and GT) overview
  • Cost of Aiphone
  • Advantages and disadvantages
Table of contents
Also, read

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

Cloud-Based Management

Aiphone, while reliable, is a cumbersome intercom system that builds its foundation on outdated technology and processes. To operate, Aiphone requires a Windows Client that can only be managed on compatible, local hardware devices. This means that software and system upgrades are manual, which requires ongoing overhead.

Swiftlane is a cloud-based intercom system with an intuitive admin dashboard that can be managed from anywhere. It does not require local hardware to operate software because the software runs in the cloud. The cloud-based operation also does not require manual updates. With automatic, over-the-air updates, the system is always installed with the current version of the software.

Installation

Installation of the Aiphone intercom system requires significant overhead as monitors need to be wired and configured to each receiving station.

Swiftlane is a wireless intercom system in that it does not require any invasive wiring throughout the facility to make intercom calls to tenants. Hardware installation is fast and simple so that buildings and tenants can start using the intercom system the same day.

Access Control

Aiphone does not offer a complete access control solution. Swiftlane, however, is a complete common area security solution that offers intercom and built-in access control for tenants and as a means of temporary visitor access such as deliveries, contractors, cleaning staff, maintenance, etc.

Side-By-Side Feature Comparison

Aiphone IX Series Intercom
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Made In
Japan
US
Incoming Intercom Calls
Receive video call via in-unit receiving station or mobile app
Receive video calls via mobile app or computer, with ability to configure multiple recipients to ensure call is received
Incoming Camera Resolution
Master only displays 720P
1080P
In-Unit Hardware
Yes, installation of wall-mounted monitors required at each receiving station
None, receive incoming intercom calls from mobile app or web browser without extra cost, wiring, or labor
Built-In Remote Unlock
Yes, with the purchase separate hardware and additional pricing
Yes
Temporary Visitor Access
Not available
Yes, single-use or unique user PINs can be issued for entry
Remote Configuration and Management
No, requires installation and download of Aiphone Windows Client. No ability to configure on mobile or Mac products.
Yes, cloud-based intercom configuration allows admins to manage system operations from a browser (such as setup, changing tenant lists, or access permissions, etc.) including from a mobile web browser
Night-Time Operability
Manual activation of white light brightness
Automatic white light brightness for convenient usage when dark
Unlimited Tenant Capacity
5,000+ master stations, with up to 8 mobile apps per unit
Unlimited tenant directory
Access Control
No
Yes; built-in, cloud-based access control with mobile and PIN access
Support and Onboarding
None
Comprehensive onboarding with a specialist, and continuous local support via email, chat, or phone
Automatic System Updates
No, requires manual software updates
Yes, over the air updates with cloud-based system for continuous access to latest software and features
Made In
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
Japan
Swiftlane Video Intercom
US
Incoming Intercom Calls
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
Receive video call via in-unit receiving station or mobile app
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Receive video calls via mobile app or computer, with ability to configure multiple recipients to ensure call is received
Incoming Camera Resolution
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
Master only displays 720P
Swiftlane Video Intercom
1080P
In-Unit Hardware
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
Yes, installation of wall-mounted monitors required at each receiving station
Swiftlane Video Intercom
None, receive incoming intercom calls from mobile app or web browser without extra cost, wiring, or labor
Built-In Remote Unlock
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
Yes, with the purchase separate hardware and additional pricing
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Yes
Temporary Visitor Access
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
Not available
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Yes, single-use or unique user PINs can be issued for entry
Remote Configuration and Management
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
No, requires installation and download of Aiphone Windows Client. No ability to configure on mobile or Mac products.
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Yes, cloud-based intercom configuration allows admins to manage system operations from a browser (such as setup, changing tenant lists, or access permissions, etc.) including from a mobile web browser
Night-Time Operability
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
Manual activation of white light brightness
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Automatic white light brightness for convenient usage when dark
Unlimited Tenant Capacity
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
5,000+ master stations, with up to 8 mobile apps per unit
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Unlimited tenant directory
Access Control
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
No
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Yes; built-in, cloud-based access control with mobile and PIN access
Support and Onboarding
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
None
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Comprehensive onboarding with a specialist, and continuous local support via email, chat, or phone
Automatic System Updates
Aiphone IX Series Intercom
No, requires manual software updates
Swiftlane Video Intercom
Yes, over the air updates with cloud-based system for continuous access to latest software and features

Aiphone Intercom System (IX, IXG, JO, and GT Series Reviews)

Aiphone IX Series (Peer to Peer Intercom)

Features 

  • Capacity: 5000+ door stations and 5000+ master stations
  • Software: The IX-MV master station is the system’s hub that connects with video door stations using VoIP protocols.
  • Hardware: The master station connects directly to your network using CAT-5e/6 cable and can communicate with any other IX Series station using its IP address. 
  • SIP Compatibility: The SIP-enabled models in the IX series can dial outside to a direct phone line.
  • Access Control and Emergencies: Master stations serve a dual role as a point of command for controlling physical access and making emergency announcements.
  • Compatibility: The IX Series can work with legacy systems such as key cards as well as with modern IP cameras, video management systems, NVRs, and Android and iOS mobile devices.
  • PC Programmability: IX-Soft PC Master Station Software installs on a Windows-based computer and turns it into a feature-rich video intercom master station. Video feed from door stations and CCTV cameras can be viewed and recorded.
  • Receptionist Mode: The system has a Receptionist Mode to assist visitors in the lobby when the front desk staff is not around.
  • Interactive Map: The interface allows administrators to easily select video stations by clicking or dragging on an interactive map.
  • Fault Detection: The IX-Soft features system-wide line supervision and device checks to ensure that all stations are online and that every button, station speaker, camera, and microphone is working properly.
  • CCTV Integration: The IX Series offers plug & play integration with popular third-party CCTV cameras.
  • IX Mobile: Available for both Android and iOS. It allows users to receive calls, with two-way audio and live video and also enables them to lock and unlock doors remotely.

Aiphone IX Series Pricing

  • Aiphone IX-MV Master Station (baseline model): $1636
  • Aiphone IX-DA IP Video Door Station (surface mount): $1098
  • The software has a one-time per PC license fee that Aiphone doesn’t reveal on its website

Advantages

  • No recurring annual licensing fees for video intercom features
  • No server required
  • Scalable from a single to 5000+ door stations

Disadvantages

  • You’ll need to combine multiple components to achieve the functionality that comes built-in with modern video intercom systems
  • Aiphone has discontinued IX Mobile from Jan 1, 2021, so mobile functionality is no longer available

Aiphone IXG Series (Multi-Tenant Video Intercom)

Features

  • Capacity: 9,999 devices and apps including physical stations, gateways, and lift control adaptors
  • Hardware: PoE stations. Touchscreen entrance with a digital keypad for station calling or search directory.
  • Remote Functionality: Cloud-based app. Updates can be made remotely.
  • Compatibility: IX series

Aiphone IXG Series Pricing

The price of Aiphone IXG Series Video intercom system is not available on Aiphone’s website. The following prices have been collected from the websites of Aiphone distributors and may vary from dealer to dealer.

  • IXG-DM7-HID Video Entrance Station with HID Reader: ~$2400
  • IXG-MK IP Video Guard Station: ~$1081 to $1780 
  • IXG-2C7 IP Video Tenant Station: ~$420 to $700
  • IXGW-GW Mobile App Gateway Adapter: ~$700 to $1200
  • IXGW-LC Aiphone IXG Series Elevator/Lift Control Adapter: ~$300 to $500

Advantages

  • Extensive storage and device capacity
  • Remote functionality, including updates and door unlock capability

Disadvantages

  • One-way video intercom restricts visitor engagement at the door
  • Hardwired in-unit stations are time-consuming and expensive to deploy, particularly with buildings that host many tenants

Aiphone JO Series (Video Intercom With Mobile App Capability)

Features

  • Capacity: Up to 2 doors, 2 monitors, and 8 mobile devices
  • IP Video Doorbell: Users can answer calls, see the person at the door, and unlock remotely from a hardwired internal master station or from a mobile app while they’re on the go.
  • Hardware: The master station installs on two wires and has a 7” touchscreen display for answering calls and unlocking the door. The on-site monitor can communicate with visitors even if the internet is down or slow. The door station sends a chime with an image to the interior master station, which can relay it automatically to configured iOS and Android mobile devices. 
  • Recording and Storage: Aiphone JO Series master station stores up to 10 recordings on built-in memory, which can be expanded by using a Micro SD card. You can watch all visitor recordings within the app even if you miss a call.

Aiphone JO Series Pricing

  • JO-1MDW master station with mobile app functionality: ~$704
  • Single JO-DV video door station: $389
  • There’s no storage or software cost

Advantages

  • Compact and reliable outdoor and master stations
  • Configured with mobile devices

Disadvantages

  • Restricted scalability with only 2 doors, monitors, and 8 mobile device connections
  • Limited visitor engagement at the door without two-way video

Aiphone GT Series (Multi-Tenant Security Intercom)

Features

  • Capacity: 5 entrance stations, 2 video guard stations, and 48 tenant stations
  • Hardware: Door stations have a digital directory or individual call buttons for different apartments. Built-in PTZ cameras that can be monitored from a guard station.
  • Security: The guard station can receive and forward calls to tenants and offer an additional layer of security and privacy. 
  • Programming: On-site, software-based programming. Directory revisions can be made on-site via NFC.
  • Scalability: Ability to connect multiple sites over the same network for centralized security

Aiphone GT Series Pricing

Aiphone GT video entry system kit price: From ~$,1011 for a single family 7” video intercom system set (GT-1V7) to ~$5,622 for a 16 apartment multi-tenant system set (GT-1C7). 

Advantages

  • NFC and VPN-based directory revisions 
  • Freakishly reliable hardware with high-quality audio and video
  • Can be scaled from a single unit to multiple buildings

Disadvantages

  • Needs wires running throughout the building and a dedicated power supply for installation
  • The GT mobile app needs improvement. You cannot answer the door when the phone is locked and the video and audio don’t work at times.

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