Choosing the best intercom system for your building doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you need a simple video door intercom or a complex multi-tenant solution for an apartment building, this comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about selecting the right intercom system. 

Why Choose Aiphone?  

For over 75 years, Aiphone has been the trusted choice for security communication, evolving from simple door intercoms to become the world’s largest security communication manufacturer. Our Japanese heritage of precision engineering and innovation is reflected in every product we create, ensuring highest quality and reliability when it matters most.  

Chosen by Those Who Rely on Security the Most 

Aiphone is trusted by organizations and institutions that require absolute reliability. Our systems are used by Fortune 500 companies, prestigious universities, over 10,000 public and private schools, innovative tech campuses, and high-rises across the world. In high-security environments where communication and access control are critical, Aiphone is the preferred choice. 

Types of Intercom Systems: How to Choose the Right Aiphone Solution 

We offer the best intercom systems across all categories, including residential video door intercoms, multi-tenant entry intercoms, and enterprise-level commercial intercom systems. Here is a breakdown of our most popular video intercom systems. 

Best residential video intercom: Aiphone JV Series 

The JV Series is one of the best systems for single family homes. This video door intercom system does one thing well: it lets you see and talk to people at your front door before letting them in.

System capacity: 

  • Supports 1 door station with up to 2 answering stations 
  • High build quality for weather and vandal resistant with home aesthetic 
  • No network dependency for maximum reliability

Best small office intercom system with mobile app: Aiphone JO Series 

The JO Series combines the reliability of a hardwired system with the convenience of mobile access. This makes it one of the best intercom systems for small businesses where owners and managers need to monitor entrances even when they’re not on-site. 

Unlike WiFi-dependent video doorbells, the JO Series is hardwired for reliable operation but includes a cloud-based mobile app. Business owners can answer calls, verify deliveries, and grant access to employees or vendors remotely through the mobile app. The JO Series also works well for homeowners who want professional-grade security with smartphone access. 

System capacity:

  • Supports up to 2 door stations, 2 answering stations, and 8 mobile app connections per system. 
  • Completely free mobile convenience 
  • High build quality for weather and vandal resistant 

For schools and larger properties: Aiphone JP series 

The JP Series is our proven analog solution among the best intercom systems for situations requiring reliable video communication without network complexity. This system works well for schools, larger homes, and most commercial real estate because it manages multiple doors and internal communication points without network setup. The system includes two-way audio and wide-angle cameras that automatically capture visitor images for security records. 

System capacity: 

  • Supports up to 4 door stations and 8 answering stations 
  • Stores up to 1,000 visitor images 
  • Custom call routing between stations 
  • Wide-angle cameras with automatic image capture

Multi-tenant residential intercom solution: Aiphone GT Series 

Popular in major metropolitan areas like New York City, the GT Series is specifically designed as a multi-tenant system for apartment buildings and multi-family properties. While it’s particularly valuable for retrofit installations because it can use existing building wiring, the GT Series also works well for new construction projects. 

The highly customizable solution allows you to tailor entrance stations with various components to enhance functionality, including options like displays, keypads, and up to 24 direct select buttons. The GT Series allows you to add entrance stations, guard stations, and tenant stations to accommodate your evolving security communication needs while upholding the integrity and aesthetic of the building’s architecture. 

System capacity: 

  • Up to 480 entrance stations 
  • Up to 96 guard stations 
  • Up to 5,000 tenant stations 
  • Works with existing wiring or new installations 

Mixed-use buildings and modern apartment complexes: Aiphone IX | IXG Series 

This is our flagship IP intercom solution built for properties that need both commercial and multi-tenant features in one system. The IX | IXG Series redefines IP video intercom technology by being a single, unified platform that enhances internal communication, emergency response, and access control. 

Property managers get a complete communication platform that handles everything from tenant calls to emergency response. Residents can answer calls and unlock doors through a local tenant station, their phone number, or a mobile app, letting them screen guests, deliveries, or even let themselves in if they forget their keys. 

System capacity: 

  • Up to 9,999 door stations 
  • Up to 9,999 answering stations 
  • Up to 9,999 mobile apps 
  • Complete security communication solution 
  • ADA-compliant emergency stations available

Aiphone IX | IXG Series: Enterprise-level IP intercom system for corporate & campus

Enterprises with multiple buildings and hundreds of employees need centralized control over who gets in and when. The IX | IXG Series provides real-time identity verification and access control across multiple entrances from one platform. 

When someone calls from any entrance, security can see them, talk to them, and pull up nearby camera feeds directly on the answering stations. Staff can answer intercom calls directly from their desk phones through SIP integration. The system handles not just door entry, but internal office communication and emergency response across your entire campus. 

Emergency stations in parking garages, stairwells, and remote areas connect people directly to security or emergency response teams when they need help. This creates a complete security communication strategy that protects entire buildings or campuses, not just entrances. 

Advanced Integration Features: 

Why Aiphone Has the Best Intercom Systems 

What sets us apart isn’t just our technology, it’s our dedication to craftsmanship, reliability, and ease of use. We offer the most comprehensive range of intercom systems available with cloud-based management, mobile apps, access control, and seamless enterprise security integration. We provide customizable solutions for any application, ensuring reliability, security, and long-term value. Unlike companies that offer a broad range of security products, security communication is all we do, and we do it exceptionally well. 

Pricing: Lifetime Value vs. Endless Monthly Fees 

Many security providers rely on subscription models, or pay-per-use pricing, that increases with every tenant, door, or feature. Essentials like mobile credentials, expanded user capacity, video storage, and integrations come at an extra cost. Avigilon requires a separate integration license starting at $879 per year, ButterflyMX builds integrations into annual per-unit software fees of $30–$42, and Swiftlane ties advanced features to higher-tier subscription plans starting at about $40 per month per unit. 

Aiphone takes a different approach. Our systems deliver full functionality without per-call or per-user charges, and our intercoms are designed for open integration. They work with cameras, VMS, and other security systems, giving you the freedom to choose the right components for your needs and budget while avoiding vendor lock-in and unnecessary ongoing costs. 

Setting the Standard for Video Intercom Systems 

There’s a reason Aiphone is the choice of leading businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. At Aiphone, we’re not just keeping up, we’re setting the standard. Whether you need a simple intercom or a fully integrated security solution, we’re here to provide reliability, security, and peace of mind.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q: Does Aiphone offer cloud-based configuration and management? 
A: Yes! Aiphone provides cloud-based remote system management for intercom and access control solutions. Our cloud-based platform ensures secure and convenient access from anywhere. 

Q: Can Aiphone products be used in enterprise-level security systems? 
A: Absolutely. Aiphone’s IX | IXG Series is designed for seamless integration with security ecosystems of any scale, from small businesses to multi-site enterprise deployments. 

Q: Does Aiphone only offer analog intercoms? 
A: No. While Aiphone continues to offer high-quality analog solutions for cost-effective installations and retrofit applications, our IP video intercoms and control solutions make us a leading provider of modern security communication and security. 

Q: How does Aiphone compare to other intercom and access control brands? 
A: Unlike companies that focus on a single type of intercom or access solution, Aiphone provides a complete security communication platform, including video intercoms, emergency stations, paging, internal communication and multi-tenant solutions all designed with the highest standards of reliability and quality.