2025 Guide to Choosing Apartment Intercom Systems

In today’s digital world, we’re more connected than ever. Between text messages, video calls, and voice memos, it’s never been easier to communicate information at lightning-fast speed.

When it comes to the residents of your building, an innovative apartment building intercom system can provide the same streamlined communication (to say nothing of its ability to enhance security). From verifying visitor identities to tracking deliveries, the apartment building intercom keeps residents informed, safe, and in control of their home’s accessibility.

If you’re interested in upgrading your apartment building’s intercom system to boost resident satisfaction, increase building value, and attract new residents, it pays to understand the options available in today’s market. In this guide, we explore different types of intercom systems and their various benefits to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Evolution of Intercom Systems

Intercoms have their roots in telephone technology. During the 1970s, intercoms branched off from pure phones, becoming a popular choice for rapid back-and-forths between secretaries and their bosses, as well as members of film crews.

As cities grew more crowded, more people chose to live in apartment buildings where intercoms quickly became indispensable for regulating access in the face of constant flow.

Types of Apartment Intercom Systems

During the tech boom, video calling became far more widespread, and intercoms followed suit. While audio-only systems continued to thrive, many opted for the enhanced clarity of video.

You’ll encounter both varieties in modern apartments. Each offers unique benefits, depending on the scenario.

Audio Intercoms

Audio intercoms work by routing signals between a central hub (sometimes called a “base station”) and various receptors placed around the building. Wired intercoms transmit through cords woven within walls, while wireless systems broadcast through the air (just like WiFi). As buildings modernize, wireless transmission will likely become the norm.

Most buildings possess fairly basic communication requirements, such as:

Greeting visitors
Verifying identities
Reporting deliveries
Relaying messages between internal staff

Technically, none of these requires a live video feed, and audio-only systems serve admirably (and affordably).

In particular, settings that thrive with audio intercoms include:

Smaller buildings with relatively low foot traffic
Industrial facilities, such as warehouses
Gated communities with frequent visitors

Audio intercoms make excellent entry systems for apartments that lack communication tools or those in dire need of an upgrade (the 70s are done and gone, alas…)

Video Intercoms

As the name suggests, video intercoms transmit a live visual feed alongside audio. This allows for robust security verification, as cameras capture visitors’ faces even if they don’t speak.

Perhaps most notably, some video intercoms, such as the smart video intercom system from myQ, readily integrate with smartphones for simple, remote viewing and communication.

Video intercom systems are ideal for:

Buildings that bustle with a constant flow of visitors and residents
Apartments in areas where security poses special concern
Areas where package theft runs rampant
Sites with numerous entry and exit points

Key Features to Consider When Choosing an Intercom System

When weighing your intercom options, you’ll want to consider a few different factors. Since a dialed-in intercom system can deliver an immense sense of security, it pays to opt for one that suits your building to a T.

To that end, make sure to consider the following.

Integration With Mobile Devices

Flawless security stems from round-the-clock visibility. With smartphone integration, residents have an unparalleled ability to communicate instantly with visitors and neighbors—all from the convenience of their phones.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance

To save yourself valuable time and money, choose a system that features simple installation and easy maintenance.

Better yet, partner with the experts at LiftMaster to ensure your new system integrates seamlessly with your building's existing wiring.

Security Features

Since safety is a top priority, security features can’t be overlooked. Fortunately, ever-advancing technology continues to deliver handy and innovative features, such as:

Facial recognition – Many video intercoms come fortified with facial recognition tools, allowing for instant identity verification.
Temporary access codes – Top-notch intercoms should provide one-time access codes, much like your bank, for use by cleaners or contractors.
Remote door control – Sometimes, friends or children might need unplanned access. Instantly admit them with remote release capabilities.

Connectivity Solutions

When choosing an intercom, it’s critical to think about how the system will connect to your property. Will it require Wi-Fi, or does it need a wired ethernet connection? Do you already have reliable Wi-Fi or ethernet infrastructure in place? For systems that rely on telephone lines, keep in mind that POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines are being phased out and may no longer be supported in the near future. If you’d like to read more about this transition see the FCC update here.

Benefits of Modern Intercom Systems for Apartment Buildings

Intercoms have stood the test of time for a reason—apartments that feature quality intercom systems enjoy an array of benefits.

Enhanced Security

While security guards and front desk staff do their best to monitor visitor flow, bustling buildings make full surveillance a tall order. Intercoms vastly extend staff’s eyes and ears. Plus, they allow residents to take charge of their own safety through smartphone integration.

Specialized tech, like facial recognition, ensures stringent admission standards and reduces theft and vandalism risk.

Increased Property Value

With heightened security comes elevated property values. After all, you’d feel much better investing in real estate with 24/7 vigilance rather than one where safety is left up to chance, right?

The same is true for your tenants: The safer the environment feels, the easier it becomes to attract new residents.

Convenience for Residents

Most residents spend their days out and about, whether at work or enjoying their free time. The ability to grant access to their home with smartphone integration allows them to feel more at ease when at the office or on their commute—a surefire way of providing enhanced peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Intercom for Your Apartment Building

Whether it’s an initial installation or a facelift on an existing system, different buildings call for different intercom setups. To choose the correct one for your property, you’ll need to take a few preliminary steps.

Assess Your Building’s Needs

Consider your property’s scale, especially for multi-family residential security solutions. If we’re talking about a simple four-family flat, you can opt for a more streamlined setup than what may be required for a towering condo building.

Also, ask yourself: What do my residents need? Reflect on past complaints or feedback you’ve received surrounding security and convenience.

Finally, consider your security situation. Does your building stand in a part of town known for dicey streets, or does it exude breezy suburban safety? Let the surroundings dictate your security features.

Compare Different Models and Brands

You’ll face an array of intercom system options when it comes to models and brands, so make sure to consider every system’s value and available suite of features. Do you need video, or will audio only suffice? Do residents expect smartphone access, or will analog tech satisfy them?

Remember: An intercom represents an investment in building security, which increases real estate values. Factor this in when weighing prices, as future gains can easily dwarf present-day expenses.

If you’re shopping for an upgrade, you’ll also need to take careful note of its compatibility with any existing infrastructure you wish to preserve. Legacy tech often struggles to support new designs—sometimes a complete overhaul makes for the best bet.

Installation and Maintenance of Intercom Systems

Once you’ve chosen a system, it’s time to prepare for installation and set yourself up for successful maintenance.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before the big day, take the following prep steps to ensure optimal access control installation:

Update your network – Make sure your network is fast and dependable enough to handle your new apartment building intercom system, especially if it features video and remote access.
Make a plan for placement – Have a thorough understanding of where you’d like to mount screens and which areas qualify as “hot spots.” Additionally, plan for optimal connection between the two. You should also double-check the current wiring to confirm compatibility.
Read the manual – Many intercom systems, such as those from LiftMaster, feature simple DIY instructions, so take a moment to peruse them. Keep in mind, however, that working with a professional often yields the best results. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of an expert technician for seamless installation.

Maintenance Tips

Once you have your system up and running, you’re in for years of tight security and glowing tenant reviews. Keep things operating smoothly by:

Updating software – Keeping your system up to date ensures efficiency and prevents unauthorized access.
Keeping components clean – Weather takes a toll on electronics, so make sure to routinely inspect and dust off system consoles, especially those mounted outdoors.
Training users – Ensuring that all parties (tenants and building staff) understand how to use the equipment minimizes the risk of accidental damage.

Future Trends in Intercom Technology

You’ve undoubtedly heard of the rapid advances in technology like artificial intelligence, but there’s one term that may not have crossed your radar yet: “internet of things” (IoT).

The IoT refers to the network of physical objects and devices (e.g., cars, refrigerators, wearables, commercial smart locks) that feature embedded sensors or software. Utilizing the local network, they pool data and communicate with one another.

These objects form an extensive web of interconnected appliances. As tech blossoms further, intercoms will likely merge with other household objects, forming ever more resilient security ecosystems.

Choose myQ For Elite Intercom Solutions

Apartment building intercom systems streamline the hustle and bustle of modern apartment life, enhancing tenant satisfaction and security while boosting property values.

At myQ, we fully embrace cutting-edge tech while rendering it unobtrusive and simple to install. If you want to modernize your apartment building —or commercial access control system—and sync it with the ever-blossoming Internet of Things, opt for a myQ smart video intercom system.

Reach out today to learn more about how we can transform your building with our tech-forward solutions.

October 29, 2025