Doorking (or DKS) is one of the oldest American providers of residential access control and telephone entry systems. The company is best known for their telephone entry system which features several products and models. Before integrating Doorking 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 Doorking intercom systems, including:
- Comparison of Doorking and Swiftlane Video Intercom, including a side-by-side feature comparison
- Doorking intercom series overview
- Doorking Access Plus Telephone Entry System 1800 Series
- Doorking Telephone Entry System 1800 Series
- Doorking Telephone Entry and Access Control 1830 Series
- Cost of Doorking
- Advantages and disadvantages
Table of contents
- Doorking Access Plus Telephone Entry System 1800 Series
- Doorking Telephone Entry System 1800 Series
- Doorking Telephone Entry and Access Control 1830 Series
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Doorking Vs. Swiftlane Video Intercom – which is better for your building?
Telephone Entry System
Doorking operates over standard telephone lines only. Swiftlane, on the other hand, has the option to receive intercom calls from both a traditional telephone call or smart device via mobile app.
Video Intercom
Doorking requires separate hardware if a building wants to incorporate video into the intercom system. Swiftlane comes with a built-in video intercom system that does not require the purchase of additional hardware or installation. Visitors and tenants can communicate over two-way video and audio intercom calls. The person receiving the intercom call can also select one-way video calling so that they can see the visitor but the visitor cannot see them.
Hardware
Doorking’s hardware, while durable, is larger and cumbersome. This limits the locations that is can be installed on the building as well as increases the cost of installation. Swiftlane’s hardware is sleek, modern, and rated for vandal resistance and weatherproofing.
Side-By-Side Feature Comparison
Doorking Access Plus Telephone Entry System 1800 Series
Doorking Access Plus is a PC programmable telephone entry system that provides simple voice communication from the entry point. All DoorKing Access Plus models support LTE, VoIP, and POTL connectivity, and are easily customized.
Doorking Access Plus Key Features
- Highly customizable to schedules and time zones
- Wiegand device integration
- Email notifications
- Door unlock functionality from PC
- Supports up to 100 access tokens
- Event history storage
- Distributes temporary access codes
Model Comparison
Doorking 1802 Access Plus: Base-line features listed above.
Doorking 1808 Access Plus: Built-in directory for up to 12 names. Residents have unlock functionality of up to two doors or gates via touch-tone telephone. This model includes access control readers.
Doorking 1810 Access Plus: Built-in directory for 27 names. Residents have unlock functionality of up to two doors or gates via touch-tone telephone. This model includes access control readers.
Doorking 1812 Access Plus: Although this model does not have a built-in directory, it is IP addressable. It comes with 6 access control readers and 100 access tokens. Feature upgrades include call waiting and forwarding, plus a do-not-disturb function. This model is also camera-ready.
Doorking Access Plus Pricing
Model AP 1802: Available on Amazon for $1,317 per station
Model AP 1808: ~ $975
Model AP 1810: Starts at $1936
Model AP 1812: Starts at $1717
- The Access Plus Account Manager is free to download
- Mounting hardware, add-ons and accessories cost extra (around $1,000 to $2,000 depending upon what you choose)
Advantages
- Easy but basic PC programmability
- Integration with electronic door locks and Wiegand readers
- Can be used as “No phone line” intercom (DKS 1816 AP required)
- Slim design for limited space applications
Disadvantages
- Video intercom capability is limited to the 1812 AP model, which is only “camera ready” as opposed to coming with a built-in intercom.
- No directory, or limited paper directory, is inconvenient for infrequent or one-time visitors
- No programming display on the set
- Keypads are no longer a health-conscious solution for access control
- Key cards need to continue to be tracked, programmed and replaced
Doorking Telephone Entry System 1800 Series
The Doorking Telephone Entry System models are basic tele entry systems being widely used in traditional small and midsize establishments. Visitors are identified by two-way voice communication and access can be granted from a touch-tone telephone after programming with two special inputs.
Doorking Telephone Entry System Key Features
- Stores up to 600 telephone numbers
- Up to 1,000 4-digit entry codes and six 5-digit entry codes
- Door unlock functionality is available by programming two special inputs
- Programming display (with the exception of Model 1808, which does not have a display)
Model Comparison
Doorking 1802: The DoorKing 1802 EPD has an electronic directory that can store up to 100 names and numbers. The station has built-in A-Z scroll buttons and a calling button.
Doorking 1803: Base-line features listed above.
Doorking 1808: Smaller, more compact hardware style with the option for built-in directory. This model does not have a display screen.
Doorking 1810: Includes a built-in, printable lighted directory and an LCD display window.
Doorking Telephone Entry System Pricing
Model 1802 EPD: ~$763 per set
Model 1803: ~$893 per station
Model 1808: ~$834
Model 1810: ~$1480
Advantages
- Simple and sturdy intercom system
- Installs on existing phone lines
- Easy to program and maintain
- Various methods of directory display
Disadvantages
- No video intercom functionality
- Requires inputs for unlock functionality
- Keypads are no longer a health-conscious solution for access control
Doorking Telephone Entry and Access Control 1830 Series
Doorking Telephone Entry and Access Control 1830 Series are PC programmable turn-key access management models that can store up to 3,000 phone numbers, and 8,000 access tokens.
Doorking Telephone Entry and Access Control Key Features
- PC programmable
- Includes Remote Account Manager and Transaction Analysis software
- Display directory with one-touch “Call” button (with the exception of Model 1833)
- Customizable directory codes
- Ability to view and capture live streaming and transactions
- Interface with up to 48 wired and/or wireless card readers (with the exception of Model 1834)
- Database import and export capabilities
- Elevator control capability (with the exception of Model 1834)
Model Comparison
Doorking Model 1833: Base-line features listed above.
Doorking Model 1834: Access control capability for 2 entry points.
Doorking Model 1835: Base-line features listed above.
Doorking Model 1837: Hardware sports a large display screen with the capability to see multiple tenants at once.
Doorking Series 1830 Pricing
Model 1833: ~$1731 per station
Model 1834: ~$2694 per station
Model 1835: ~$3951 per station
Model 1837: ~$5803 per station
Advantages
- Extensive storage capacity
- Extensive features for audit and tracking capacity
- Interface with elevators
- Integration with wired and wireless access devices
Disadvantages
- The 1830 Series requires different add-ons, subscriptions and hardware for each cellular, VoIP, and POTS connection
- Audio-only communication
- Keypads are no longer a health-conscious solution for access control
- Model 1833 has no display screen or instruction, which is not intuitive for first-time or infrequent visitors
Start Improving Your Building Security
Contact a Swiftlane specialist about learn more about alternatives to Doorking intercom, and find the best access and intercom solution for your building.
