The multifamily housing industry is undergoing a major shift toward smarter, more connected living environments. A 2025 report by Parks Associates found that 24% of multifamily owners and operators now use smart building technology, and more than 59% of renters prefer properties with mobile access control systems. This shift is driven by growing demand for convenience, tighter security, and centralized management.
Access control systems have evolved from simple keycard readers to advanced, AI-enabled platforms that integrate with surveillance cameras, property management tools, and cloud infrastructure. In this article, we’ll explore the five best access control systems for apartments and multifamily buildings in 2025, with Coram leading the list for its unmatched AI capabilities, open-platform integration, and focus on resident safety.
1. Coram
Coram stands at the forefront of modern access control technology. Built for today’s connected buildings, Coram offers a cloud-managed access control system that integrates seamlessly with existing IP cameras, video management systems, and emergency response platforms. It’s designed for property owners who need scalability, real-time insight, and complete control over every entry point.
Why Coram Leads the Industry:
Unified Platform: Coram combines video surveillance, access management, and emergency alerts in one dashboard. Property managers can view door events alongside live camera feeds, improving situational awareness.
AI Intelligence: Using machine learning, Coram automatically identifies anomalies like forced entry attempts or tailgating and sends instant alerts to managers.
Hardware Agnostic: It works with all major hardware brands and door controllers, meaning you don’t need to replace your existing locks or readers.
Cloud and On-Prem Flexibility: Coram’s hybrid model allows both cloud-based management and on-site control for properties with specific IT requirements.
Scalability: Whether managing one building or a nationwide network, Coram adapts seamlessly as you expand.
Why It’s Ideal for Apartments:
Coram’s mobile-first design allows residents to unlock doors using their smartphones, while property managers can grant or revoke access remotely. The system’s video integration also enhances safety by linking door activity to recorded footage, helping managers investigate incidents instantly.
Key Features:
Works with any access control system that provides an open API (e.g., Brivo, Openpath)
Real-time video verification of door events
Cloud dashboard for remote access control
Built-in audit logs and custom alert creation
AI-powered security automation
Coram is the ideal choice for luxury apartments, smart communities, and large multifamily portfolios seeking centralized control and predictive security analytics.
2. ButterflyMX
ButterflyMX specializes in cloud-based intercom and access systems designed for apartment buildings. Its video intercom units allow residents to see, speak with, and grant access to visitors directly from their smartphones.
Highlights:
Easy to install with minimal wiring.
Provides mobile credentials for residents and QR codes for guests.
Integrates with property management software for streamlined operations.
Why It’s Good for Multifamily:
For buildings that prioritize resident experience and guest management, ButterflyMX offers an elegant interface and cloud reliability. However, it’s more suited for small to medium-sized properties rather than large portfolios.
3. Brivo
Brivo is one of the pioneers of cloud-based access control. Its platform provides door, elevator, and gate management through a single online console, making it a strong choice for multifamily buildings.
Highlights:
Centralized access for multiple properties
Integration with video management systems
Mobile access credentials and analytics
Why It’s Good for Apartments:
Brivo’s enterprise-grade scalability suits property management groups overseeing several sites. However, its closed ecosystem can be less flexible compared to open platforms like Coram, which integrate with third-party software and hardware easily.
4. SALTO Systems
SALTO focuses on smart lock technology that offers card, mobile, and keypad-based access for individual apartment units and shared amenities.
Highlights:
Wireless locksets reduce installation time.
Mobile credential compatibility.
Offline mode ensures continuous operation during outages.
Why It’s Good for Multifamily Buildings:
SALTO works well for properties that want digital locks for interior units or amenity spaces but may not need a fully integrated platform across the property. It’s best used as a modular solution within a larger access ecosystem like Coram.
5. Kisi
Kisi provides a flexible, cloud-managed access control solution with mobile credentials and remote administration. It’s popular among coworking spaces, startups, and multifamily complexes with tech-savvy tenants.
Highlights:
Works with both smartphones and RFID cards.
Provides time-based access schedules for staff and vendors.
Integrates with HR and property management tools.
Why It’s Good for Multifamily Buildings:
Kisi offers a simple, modern experience ideal for small to mid-sized properties that want digital key access without extensive customization. However, it lacks the advanced AI and emergency integration features that Coram provides.
Choosing the Right System for Your Building
When selecting an apartment access control system, property managers should consider:
Integration: Can the system integrate with your existing security cameras and visitor management tools?
Scalability: Will it grow with your property portfolio?
User Experience: Is it easy for residents to use mobile or digital keys?
Security Analytics: Does it provide audit logs and AI-driven insights?
Compliance: Does it meet your local data and privacy standards?
Coram stands out because it addresses all of these requirements. It doesn’t just manage access, it unifies surveillance, visitor tracking, and incident response into a single interface, creating a safer and more efficient living environment.
The Future of Apartment Access Control
According to MarketsandMarkets, the global access control market is projected to reach USD 20.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.5%. Multifamily and commercial buildings will drive a large share of this growth as property owners embrace IoT integration, AI automation, and hybrid cloud deployment.
Smart apartment systems like Coram’s AI-powered platform will continue to lead this transformation, reducing human error, enhancing resident trust, and simplifying property management operations. The ability to pair real-time security data with access analytics will become a key differentiator in the next generation of smart living spaces.
FAQs
Q1. What is an apartment access control system?
It’s a digital security solution that manages how residents, guests, and staff enter specific parts of a multifamily building. Instead of traditional keys, these systems use mobile credentials, cards, or biometrics to grant entry.
Q2. Why is Coram considered the best access control system for apartments?
Coram leads because it combines AI-powered analytics, open-platform integration, and cloud scalability. It not only manages entry but also connects with video surveillance and emergency alerts, making it a unified solution for smart property security.
Q3. Can Coram integrate with my existing hardware?
Yes. Coram’s hardware-agnostic design supports all major access controllers, readers, and IP camera systems through open APIs. This saves significant upgrade costs for property owners.
Q4. What are the benefits of cloud-based access control systems?
They allow property managers to monitor and control access remotely, instantly revoke lost credentials, and manage multiple sites from one dashboard. Cloud systems also offer better uptime and automatic updates.
Q5. How much does it cost to install an apartment access control system?
Basic installations can start around $1,000 per door, while advanced AI-integrated solutions like Coram vary based on the number of doors, buildings, and features selected. Long-term, these systems save costs on rekeying, staffing, and incident response.
Conclusion
Apartment access control systems have become essential for multifamily properties striving to balance security, convenience, and operational efficiency. Among the many solutions available, Coram stands out as the most comprehensive and future-ready platform. Its AI-driven access control, cloud flexibility, and integration with video and emergency systems make it the perfect choice for modern residential buildings.
For property owners and managers looking to future-proof their communities, investing in a solution like Coram means safer residents, streamlined management, and smarter operations all managed from one unified platform.
